/oc/ - Original Creation

>>1469
Gurgles of liquid echoed throughout the home. The earthy, rich aroma of fresh coffee reached Allendale’s nose. Pleasant half-conscious dreams of quiet moments huddled beside a creaking window on stormy evenings. Fluffy blankets and the heat of thighs pressing against one another, hot coffee and tea growing cold as hands touched and explored into exciting territory. He opened his eyes and sighed, wishing the dream could continue.

The coffee scent intensified.

This was not a dream.

Jumping out of his bed, Daniel reached for his gun and treaded carefully down the stairs, each step methodical and silent, just as Granddad had taught him. No sign of broken glass or wood near the entrance. Ever since he had resigned himself to the life of exile, his sleep grew heavier, no longer able to discern the tiniest of sounds, almost as if inviting his grandfather’s syndicate to take him out at any moment. Now his senses sharpened, fully awake and using his muscle memory to sift through the subtle noises coming through the kitchen.

Dishes rattled from the cupboards.

His mistake: not subtle at all. Whoever had been there wanted Allendale to know of their presence. Liam never bothered to visit the manor unless Cassandra were coming, and he had already settled the matter with Cass last afternoon. The only person with access to his home was his grandfather, a stern reminder of who truly determined his right to live, pariah or not. If it were any of Uncle Henry’s men, he’d already be dead. And Rhys would have made a bigger spectacle by riding his cock while he slept.

>>1470
He patted his pockets and realized he had forgotten to bring his mobile with him. Shrugging he figured it wouldn’t matter anyway. The police were useless and most of them were bought out by his family, and it was not as if Allendale wanted them involved anyway. Whoever decided to mess with his sleep would not be there for long. He knew how to hide bodies.

Creeping into the kitchen, any fear or apprehension he had felt instantly drained and replaced itself with searing, boiling rage.

Standing beside the stove was a blond man wearing loose grey pajama pants and no shirt. He buttered the toast and placed them on two clean plates and poured the hot coffee into mugs, whistling an off-tune song to himself and to the homeowner. The audacity of that man! Making breakfast as if it were the most normal thing in the world!

Someone needed to put the fear of God in him! Allendale pressed the gun into Vincent’s head, finger resting over the trigger guard.

Vincent tensed for a split second then relaxed, flipping the eggs on the skillet. “I didn’t think you’d be into that sort of thing.”

“Didn’t think you’d be so stupid as to invade my home.”

“Our home.”

“It’s my grandfather’s manor. I have no ownership of it.”

“If my husband lives in the home, then it’s mine too, even if it’s for a borrowed moment.” Vincent scooped each and placed it over the toast. Turning around, he playfully swatted the gun from his face and pointed to the dining table decorated with freshly cut blue hydrangeas in a glass vase, salt, pepper, cream, and sugar.

“Let’s have breakfast,” he said.

>>1471
“What are you doing here?” asked Allendale, the gun aimed and unyielding. He had no intent to shoot, but it felt good to have the upper hand for once in a long time. Whether he pointed it at the right person did not matter. Just having that slight advantage satisfied him.

“You left.” Vincent frowned. “I thought we had enough instances in our university years for you to have learned your lesson, but I suppose bad habits are difficult to break.”

“You didn’t need to follow me then. You already know I’m a coward not worth saving.”

“I would have signed those papers a long time ago if I had ever felt that way.”

Vincent took several steps forward until the barrel of the gun touched his chest. No hesitation from Daniel or a sign of inexperience. The gun remained firm in his hand and finger solely on the trigger guard. What did that horrible old bastard do to his dear husband? Had he been blinded by his ambition and hatred for Rhys that he failed to notice how far the Allendale roots reached? Had Daniel already been tainted when they first met?

“Why hold your gun at me like that?” He took a step closer, gaze focused on Daniel’s eyes. “Do you think I’m here to kill you?”

“No.”

“Then put that gun down and eat. Save those bullets for people who deserve it.”

Placing the gun on his side of the table, Daniel sat and watched him gather the food and drink. The man made it look so simple, pedestrian even. They had been estranged for eleven years and he stood there underdressed and comfortable, bringing him all the utensils and saying bon appetit. That cocksure smile paired with his naked torso – stop distracting him!

“How did you get in?”

“I have my ways. You know I’m quite surprised your kitchen is well-stocked. I assumed it would be full of alcohol instead of essentials.”

“I still like to cook.”

“I’m genuinely happy to hear that,” he said softly. “How are the eggs?”

Allendale looked at his meal and bit into the egg on toast. Slightly runny with a crisp around the edges, more pepper than salt, and plenty of butter on the bread. “Perfect… as always.”

>>1473
Had there not been such heavy news clouding his mind, Vincent would have dropped to his knees and deepthroated his husband the very second he entered the kitchen. Morning wood was an urgent matter demanding to be tended to under normal circumstances. Daniel, so ``big`` and ``strong`` behind the mask of a gun, would be wrapped around his finger crying and begging for release. His husband needed a reminder of who was really in control of their relationship, though that would have to wait for another day.

Seeing his husband in a familiar setting showed Vincent the minute, intimate details of how his husband has changed over the years. A sterile hotel room does well to hide secrets and problems at home. Despite grief and alcoholism consuming his husband, and their separation adding to his pain, Daniel’s home proved to be well maintained. Beautifully built wooden furniture, utilities in working order, no signs of mildew to be found. How in the world did he manage to keep up with all this maintenance by himself?

“Well,” Daniel broke Vincent’s train of thought, “you’re bold as always. Thought I wouldn’t notice you wearing my pajama bottoms?”

Vincent couldn’t help but giggle.

“And you’re perceptive as always. I figured if I slept next to you, I’d wake up with that gun of yours pressed up against me.”

The pair finished their breakfast more or less in silence. How in the world could he smoothly tell his husband the information he became privy to? He had long made peace with the fact that he would be bringing “I’ve been watching you from afar since the day I left” to the grave with him. “Show me around your place even though I’ve searched it twice over while you slept” wouldn’t do him any favors either. Or perhaps he should tell him to avoid any inconsistent reactions from whatever Daniel decides to tell him that he already knew about.

Fuck it. What good did overthinking ever bring?

“Going back to earlier though, my dearest Daniel,” Vincent started as he unhooked his necklace, “You running off causes more problems than it solves.” He removed one of the two rings hanging from the chain, gently sliding it over to his husband.

Vincent sighed heavily. “Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Just tell me the worst of it.”

>>1484
“I honestly do not believe you are ready to hear the worst of it, but if that is what you wish, then I’ll say it. It saves me–”

A heavy fist struck the table, rattling the plates and cups. Enough of that fake apprehension! “Out with it!”

"…Your mother's death was not an accident."

Silence filled the kitchen. All of Daniel’s bravado crumbled into dust.

"What?"

"She didn't have cancer, and she knew it. She just didn't want to tell you what was happening or else things could have been worse."

"I don't understand? Mum went to the hospital for chemo and everything. How? H-how do you know?"

"She had sent a letter to my parents' home in Belgium addressed to me before she died." Vincent grabbed his briefcase, removed the file, and showed him her letter. "These are from a private doctor."

Arsenic poisoning.

But why? Why would his mother lie to him about her health? He looked to Vincent for answers and only found a blurry face from his tears. Mum had been his pillar growing up, the one who tried to protect him and taught him to live humbly and graciously in the face of adversity and her dangerous family. Despite being Paul Allendale’s favorite child, she wanted nothing of that life and wished for her only child to be safe and be normal. But… the Allendales had another plan for her?

Who could have done— But why?! She never wanted this! He had everything in his damn favor–! It was a lie! It had to be a lie but… Fuck.

“Do you remember the time I became sick after we visited her home? When I couldn’t stop vomiting and you took me to the A&E?” asked Vincent, squeezing Daniel’s shaking hands. “Since then she stopped giving us tea and only offered bottled water.”

Allendale wiped his eyes and saw the somber on Vincent's face. Mum had smacked him good when he revealed he married Vincent in secret, lamenting how her boy could be so cruel as to leave her out of such a monumental milestone and spoiled Vincent through clothes and sweet treats in revenge, doting on her new son-in-law and calling him her son. Those silly moments were gone, never to enjoy or reminisce. It was robbed. Mum’s life had been robbed.

>>1485
"And why you?" Daniel tore himself away from Vincent's touch. The nerve. "Why did she send you a letter and not me? Why are you privy to this information while I was left in the dark? You could have told me sooner than to wait eleven bloody years."

Vincent sighed, chewing his lips while he thought of a response. "I don't know why it was only me. I assumed she would have done the same but… I cannot make any more assumptions of someone who is no longer with us. I am truly sorry.”

“Still…” he said through gritted teeth. “You still chose to keep this from me. Did it feel good Vincent? Did it feel amazing being in the lap of luxury being surrounded by the rich and famous, in bed with any man or woman you could have ever wanted? Did you think to yourself ‘Perhaps I can tell him next week. Oh, maybe next week. No, I’m too busy fucking the CEO of some mobile company, Daniel can wait until my schedule is open next year. He’ll understand, he always does.’”

Red hot fury with the stare of the devil himself lounged himself at Daniel without notice. His heart leapt from the sudden loss of gravity, head crashing into the floor, room spinning and a livid Vincent pinning him down by the shoulders. His fists itched. Never in his entire life did he want to cry and choke the life out of Vincent but there he was, ready to fight to the death and feed him to the pigs for proper disposal.

“Get it in your fucking head that I was being threatened! That your stupid cousin was dangling your life over my head! Do you really think I didn’t treasure you enough? That I still don’t? I refuse to give you to Rhys. You are mine and you will always be mine if you fucking so much as decide to test me Daniel, I will–”

“You didn’t deny it.” Allendale laughed bitterly. Afterall, being married to a simple, cowardly man without any prospects paled in comparison to a distinguished noble or accomplished entrepreneur.

>>1489
Vincent punched the floor beside Daniel’s head. “Does it matter!?”

A soft metal clink hit the floor and rolled beside them. The ring spun into circles before coming to an abrupt stop.

Daniel allowed himself to silently cry all while smiling at Vincent. Hope – the gadfly stung at him over and over throughout the years, digging through his flesh, gnawing its teeth, chewing, chewing, itching, itching, deeper, curling and burling until it settled into his very marrow. It infected him. And there was no cure to remove that insidious hope from his body once he allowed it to nestle in and make itself home. All he had now were Cassandra and Liam and this manor. That was all he could look forward to.

“Are you going to hit me?” asked Allendale.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he sneered. “Help your victim narrative?”

“Whatever helps you maintain your lie.” He sighed. “I’ll talk to the solicitor for new copies.”

“You!” Grabbing onto Daniel’s shoulders, Vincent shook them wildly, grunting in frustration. “I’m never going to divorce you!”

“Why do you want to keep this sham marriage then? I’ve been alone for so long, it doesn’t feel like I was ever married to you. And you… You’ve been so intimate with others that you admit you prefer their company over mine.” Daniel swallowed, throat dry. “You claimed to love me, right? You already have everything you’ve ever wanted, even Mum’s love. Let that pride go and just let me drink myself away without your shadow hovering over me. Vincent. Please let me go.”

Loosening his arms from Vincent’s stronghold, Allendale reached up to Vincent's face. Parting his bangs revealed wide eyes and a quivering throat. He ran his fingers against his cheeks and found it to be wet.

“Why are you crying?”

>>1490
“I hate how little you think of me,” he whispered, nuzzling his cheek into Daniel’s hand. “You have no idea how much I hated it.”

“Hated what?”

“Hated to metaphorically and literally whore myself to the most monochromatic pathetic excuses of humans to ever walk the earth. A privileged sort who never had a single worry in their life minus their appearances, and even then they were a single surgeon’s appointment away from removing their perceived imperfection. I had to walk amongst these homunculi in order to climb higher and higher, taking all that I needed in order to reach new heights. I fucked them but I never made love to them and it utterly disgusted me.”

Daniel lowered his hand to Vincent’s neck and pressed his thumb into the artery. A rapid pulse. “But you basked in their adoration and fascination. I could see it in your eyes in the photos taken at important events.”

“I have many reasons to be proud of my achievements, underhanded or not. But it never stopped the slimy sensation crawling over my body when they looked at me with those dead, hungry eyes. Their touch was never warm despite their bodies being in flames. Their words were empty and lecherous. I only existed as a means to their end. It shook me to my very core.”

“You are no different from them.” He tightened his grip around the neck. How vulnerable and easy to rip the life from.

“Yes, but I have a goal.” Vincent reached for Daniel’s wrist and pulled his hand away. “They sought pleasure with a handsome man, I sought for power to free my husband from his prison. I would rather live in poverty with you than have to spread a degenerate old man’s legs just to live in a mansion.”

“Then why don’t we live in poverty?”

>>1493
“After seeing your family for the bribery, extortion, violence, and overall degeneracy, what they did to you and me, and Alice’s letter? I couldn’t stand idle. You of all people know what they’re all capable of. You were born into something far beyond me, so I had to become far beyond them.”

“You’ll get killed if you remain with me.”

“I appreciate the sentiments but that will not be necessary. If I were not serious about my commitment to you, I would have never bothered to return. And make no mistake: it wasn’t all just sleeping around. I wouldn’t have gotten where I am by sex alone. You of all people know that.”

Always the schemer, always the one to dream the loftiest dreams, spending night after night studying for the highest marks, attending parties and speaking to students of the wealthy and connected, Vincent never settled for less and wished to bring his lover with him. Daniel had shied away from that aspect of his husband only to be dragged by the wrist to the endless get-togethers and grow bored of the grey crowd. He often complained about Vincent’s habits and ambitions when he felt out-partied and wished for peace and quiet, while Vincent complained back at how friendly he had been to other men during the mingles.

Business not pleasure, Vincent had once said. As if Allendale found any pleasure being surrounded by stuck-up rich kids. He had enough of that at home thank you!

Yeah, he definitely knew Vincent was more than capable than sleeping around for what he needed. Beauty, brains, and the zeal of the devil himself.

“This ring.” Grabbing the ring from his necklace, Vincent reached for the other ring on the floor and hovered them above Daniel’s head. “This is the only thing that has kept me going. Every decision, every business transaction, every banal conversation with the elites was all for this. For you.”

>>1494
“Flatterer.” He snatched his ring and put it on his finger out of sheer habit, looking away from Vincent.

Too handsome for his own good–! Worst of all it came effortlessly. Shirtless, pink nipples, pyjamas trousers slipping dangerously low to expose his pubic hair and adonis belt. Seeing that charming tear-stained smile topped off the desperate ruffled appearance sent his half-hard morning erection into fullness. It didn’t help that Vincent’s shapely ass intentionally rubbed his cock with every sway of Vincent’s hips.

The tart knew how to get him hot and bothered.

Rolling his hips into Daniel’s, Vincent grinned before dipping his head, lips hovering over Daniel’s ear. Hot breath and the glide of teeth around the sensitive skin. He nipped a quick bite, licking the curve of the earlobe.

“No one takes what belongs to me…”

Hooking his thumbs over Daniel’s shirt, Vincent pulled it up to reveal taut muscles. Too many places to choose to kiss and ruminate. Marks from the previous night lined around those glorious pecs ready to accept a dick in between, mouth open and hot. Vincent licked his lips. His hands roamed over the abdomen and chest. Exquisitely all for him.

“What did you even do to have enchanted that sick man to the point of obsession?”

>>1495
Rhys awoke that morning in bright spirits. Father’s condition worsened the night before though improved in the wee hours of the morning. No matter. If the old man survived, he’d be powerless to stop him from doing what he wanted. Grandfather would never allow such an injured man to take over the syndicate and would leave no choice but to grant him the position as the underboss. His cousin Liam held no ties to the firm and Cassandra served as the accountant. His uncle Philip distanced himself for too long to be of any use to his father. The only next of kin would be the branch families and Daniel.

Exiled or not, Daniel had been exposed to the harsh world of the firm, far more than Rhys had at his age. Grandfather likely wanted him to become his heir, groom and mold him into the perfect leader capable of shooting a man in cold blood. No doubt Daniel could inherit the position should Paul Allendale soften his heart and open his arms to the prodigal son. The man still retained the allure and likely the aloof detachment for taking a life.

A perfect alternative.

Not allowed. Not if Rhys had the final say.

“Oh, but I have plans for you, Daniel.” Rhys reached beneath his trousers and touched himself. “I’ll never forget what you did to me.”

His breath rasped and reached into his nightstand drawer, pulling out a large dildo.

“I need you… I need you…”

Nothing could ever compare to the pain and pleasure that man gave him. If he had to kill him to wholly own him, then he would. Daniel should have always been his. He saw him first!

>>1496
A warm summer evening at a large family gathering. Specifics of his memories had long since been blurred and lost to time, though some details stayed hanging barely by a thread.

“Why are all the adults giving him so much attention?”

What’s so special about Daniel? He’s still a baby! He can’t even play football yet, but the adults are all cooing and aww-ing over him! Especially granddad! When did granddad ever like kids?

“Rhys, you’re too old to be acting like that, aren’t you?” a vague figure asked sternly.

“But he doesn’t say my name right! It’s ‘Rhys’, not ‘weese’! Tell him to say it prop-ly!”

An opportunity arose when the adults all began talking among themselves, distracted by the latest… whatever it is grown ups talk about. News and business and blah, blah, blah. Nothing cool like cartoons or dinosaurs, anyway. An easy opportunity to get the anger out of his body.

“Let’s play pretend, Daniel! You’ll be the hero and I’ll be the villain!”

>>1497
A three-year old Daniel blinked as if to parse his accent and smiled shyly. “Vale.”

“Vah-lay?” Rhys scrunched up his face. What a weird kid! “Why do you talk like that? You sound dumb!”

“Qué es dumb?”

“No, no, no!” He shoved little Daniel into the ground and kicked the dirt to mess up the boy’s clean shoes. The boy didn’t cry and wiped his shoes as he got up. Did he not get what was going on? “English! Speak like your mummy! Or are you that stupid?”

“I espeak!” Daniel said with an odd accent. He frowned at his older cousin. “I play!”

“It’s I can speak. I can play! I can’t believe Auntie Alice brought back a dummy here.”

Sensing Rhys’ discontent, Daniel had said something in a different language, lisping a few words here and there, and stomped his feet to leave his unfriendly cousin.

Not wanting to let go of the curiosity, Rhys grabbed and yanked Daniel’s arm and threw him back to the ground. How marvelous it had been to use his bigger height and strength to his advantage. He was a big kid, seven years of age, and he could do anything he wanted to that silly little boy who stole the hearts of all the adults with a little smile and his peculiar voice. Rhys laughed at Daniel’s whining and stepped on his hand for good measure.

Daniel sobbed. “Mummy!”

“Stop crying, you big baby!” He twisted his foot deeper into the hand. “Bad guys are supposed to be mean and heroes don’t cry!”

The child cried more as he struggled to remove his hand from beneath the heavy foot. Every tug came at the price of another twist.

“Mummy!”

“Daniel!” Alice ran to her child’s side. “What are you doing!? Rhys! Get off of him!”

Rhys would never forget the rage in her eyes, the utter look of disgust and contempt she had shot at him as she cradled her crying child and kissed his hand to soothe the pain away. She took Daniel away from him and complained to her brother about the “animal” he had raised. Father said nothing to him, however, Grandfather shook his head and refused to acknowledge him for the rest of the evening and doted on Daniel instead.

>>1498
Years passed. Auntie Alice must have noticed he was using Daniel as an outlet for his frustrations as she always tried to separate the two boys during reunions and get-togethers, but that wouldn’t stop him. Teasing Daniel for his odd lisp and accent was just too easy – though those faded the older he grew. But his cousin’s father never being present wasn’t something he could ever grow out of.

Though one memory Rhys held dearly and close to his heart.

Another warm summer evening, but not one to fully enjoy just yet. School wouldn’t be out for the holidays for a couple more days.

“At the end of Year 6 now, are ya Danny boy? Too bad your old man ain’t here to watch you go into secondary school!”

>>1499
Daniel rolled his eyes and continued to play on his Tennindo DS on the sofa. The harassment wasn’t anything new. A background noise whenever he came over to his grandfather’s estate and begrudgingly encountered Rhys – the very thing Rhys hoped for.

“I’m talking to you, you prick!”

“Leave me alone, I’m busy.” He continued to tap on the screen and smiled at it.

The little shithead dared to ignore and talk back to him? Why couldn’t he get it in his head that whenever he spoke, he had to listen? It was that simple and yet Daniel managed to find the gumption to defy him in little ways. Well, he had ways to make the dear cousin squirm. Today would be no different.

“I said I’m talking to you,” Rhys said, snatching the game from Daniel’s hand.

“Give it back!”

“Cry harder, faggot.”

“Don’t call me that, twat! Give it back!”

“What did you call me?” Rhys gripped onto the screen harder. A dull creak resounded from the pressure.

Daniel’s eyes widened, shirking back. “Hey I was kidding. I didn’t mean it so put it down.”

“Okay.”

The look of relief on Daniel’s face made what he had done next all the sweeter. Raising his arm, the expression changed from calm to fear. Rhys flung the handheld across the room and into the wall, smashing the screen and splitting it in half. It landed on the floor with a spectacular clatter, plastic buttons flying about.

Rhys smirked. “I put it down. Just like you said.”

He could see the rage, the burning, raw hatred through Daniel’s blue eyes. It had been no different from any time before when he bullied him. Every time he got the better of Daniel, he had been rewarded with a cold shoulder or the satisfaction of verbal insults and an attempt to hit him. Regardless of Daniel’s response, Rhys always placed a fist into the boy’s face, arms, or stomach. Of course he had gotten in trouble for the times he had gone too far, but it meant nothing to him, not even when Grandfather twisted his arm and threatened him.

And he knew the old man meant business, but something inside found no need to fear for his life. As long as Daniel responded, as long as he could touch that boy and dominate him with his brute strength, any punishment dished was worth it. His father cared little about the bullying anyway. If Grandfather chose to smack him and lock him up in a basement, his father would be sure to free him.

>>1500
Content warning: mentions of underage masturbation

Today would be like any other day, Rhys had thought. Daniel would do either of those three options and Rhys would gain the upper hand thanks to his size and age. When Daniel came charging at him, he anticipated the initial tackle, all futile but he would humor him. He braced himself for the impact and when it came, he shoved Daniel off him like a leaf. Weak and pathetic. Always and forever.

What came next was another series of pushes and shoves with a few punches to the shoulders in between. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Boring even.

Pain.

Crazy. Fucking. Pain.


Daniel’s knee pressed hard into his crotch and tossed him over his body, landing hard on the floor. Hands on his balls, a hand snatched his hair, twisting it and slamming his head into the floor over and over until he couldn’t tell if it were day or night. The spinning stopped but the barrage of hits to his stomach did not as Daniel kicked him repeatedly. A warm wetness hit his cheek. Opening his eyes, Rhys saw Daniel wiping his mouth with his wrist.

He had spit on him.

What happened next had been a flurry of worried adults surrounding him, bright lights, needles, and people in lab coats talking to his parents. Before he had been whisked away by the ambulance, he caught his grandfather at the door, smiling at Daniel and patting his shoulder, proud and satisfied for the work he had done.

After his discharge, after being able to see his cousin again, Daniel punched him in the gut.

“That’s another one for you, in case you thought it was a one off thing, fucker.”

Through the pain and humiliation, another sensation ran through Rhys’ body. It had been the same feeling as he had before when Daniel beat him the first time. His dick stiffened, curious and longing for more of the sneers and punches from his cousin. Never in his young life had he ever desired something this badly. Daniel. That cute kid he loved to bully to the point of bleeding had given what he craved. He masturbated again thinking of his cousin.

>>1501
“You know Danny,” Rhys sighed, patting his cousin’s shoulder, “while I was in hospital, I was thinking about the past. About what all I’ve done to you. I want to apologise for everything.”

He gripped Daniel’s shoulder a little harder. Not hard enough to hurt – just enough to show possession.

“We got off to a bad start and it was entirely my fault. I’m really sorry, Daniel. I want to make it up to you, if you’d let me.”

Daniel squinted in disbelief, clearly unsure of whether to believe his cousin or not. Rhys hoped and prayed he sounded genuine enough. He hesitated, eyes darting back and forth before eventually gazing down at his feet.

“Really? After… everything?”

“Yeah!”

“Well…” Daniel paused for a moment, recalling the pain and fears of the past no doubt, “… Alright. I suppose we are family after all.”

“See? That’s the spirit!”

He approached his plan carefully at first – inviting Daniel to hang out after school, sitting at the same table at family gatherings. Simple, innocent activities. Nothing suspicious, nothing anyone would think twice of. He knew he couldn’t rush gaining his cousin’s trust after so many years of abuse after all. Slowly but surely, Daniel began warming up to him. Emotional scars from one’s youth could be moulded into forgotten bruises with enough time and effort.

A year passed. The pair sauntered around the city centre after school, hopping between the various video game and mobile phone shops dotted along the high street.

“Soooooo, Danny~” Rhys grinned, his hand lingering slightly too long on Daniel’s back, “is there a girl at your school you fancy?”

“Erm, well… I, ah, not really…”

Daniel’s face turned bright red, quickly turning away to hide his reaction. Cute. Too cute. Rhys wrapped a friendly arm around his cousin’s shoulders, gently rubbing circles with his thumb.

“Hey, that’s alright innit! You’re only young after all, you still have plenty of time to figure out who and what you like.”

“It’s not that… I think I know what I like.” Daniel said quietly.

A curious response, indeed. How oh how will he figure out what type of girl Danny’s into.

Ever so cautious, Rhys let some time pass after that encounter. His next plan needed some polishing before execution. But Rhys wouldn’t sit idly while waiting. School worked perfectly to push these small hints to the back of Daniel’s mind, but his intentional sprinkling of touches solidified normalcy. They’re family, after all. Family members hug each other. Nothing wrong or weird about that.

Content warning: incest, underage shenanigans

>>1503
Finally, half term break arrived! Bonfire Night was just around the corner. Huddling around a fire would be romantic, but such low-hanging fruits were too easy. Rhys was looking forward to a different day.

Whenever Daniel would come over to his house, Rhys would make sure to dot porno magazines around his bedroom. Nice and subtly. One peeking out from under his bed perhaps a little too far out, another time one would be lazily thrown on his computer desk. His father never seemed to wonder why his magazines went missing from under the bed, but no matter – it worked in Rhys’ favour regardless. This time however, he left his favorite magazine open on the centrefold spread, as though some model’s breasts and pussy were nothing particularly special to a 16 year old boy. The two ran up the stairs and into his bedroom, like any other day.

“Come ‘ere Danny, come ‘ere! I found this site called ‘Weedl’s Stuff’ earlier, it’s hilarious!”

Daniel approached the desk and stiffened up, eyes glancing at the magazine.

Rhys flashed a cheeky grin. “What, you wanna take a look through that? Go on then, I won’t tell anyone. You being curious will be our secret.”

Keeping his eyes on the monitor proved to be more difficult than he imagined. The idea of his cousin sitting on his bed getting a stiffy had Rhys’ mind swirling and dick rock hard. Oh the things he would do to pull it out and show his Danny how to masturbate, how to feel so good you could scream – though that would have to wait. Moving too fast might scare him off and lead to trouble.

>>1504
“Any of them girls strike your fancy? There are tons of videos of them too, we could check ‘em out if you want.”

“Ah, I- I don’t know which one I like…”

“Maybe this’ll make it easier for you. Come sit over here and watch this with me.”

Daniel got off the side of the bed to join Rhys, only to jolt back and cover his face as soon as he realized just what type of video he started playing.

“Rhys! Th-this is for adults! We shouldn’t be watching something like this!”

“Ahh, don’t worry. When you’re my age you’ll be watching it with your mates too! Put your hands down!”

Shit. Unsurprisingly, reality turned out to be a bit more awkward than fantasy. Sounds of skin slapping and moaning with an unresponsive boy next to you made time essentially screech to a halt. Daniel was supposed to ask why his pants felt tight, ask how he could feel as good as the two in the video, or simply whip his dick out and start pleasuring himself as if he were home alone.

“Ugh, I hate this part. It focuses on his cock for so long and I can’t fast forward. Who wants to see something like that, bleh!”

Deciding he didn’t want a front row view of some man’s dick and crown jewels, Rhys shifted his gaze over to Daniel. Interestingly enough, his cousin kept his eyes locked on the screen. His cheeks and ears grew redder with each passing second the man stroked his cock, waiting for a tongue to swirl around the tip. No reaction from women, but immediately excited by men. That could only mean…

“Danny,” Rhys lowered his voice, “are you gay?”

>>1505
Daniel vehemently denied it. Naturally anyone his age would given how controversial such a subject was. Rhys pretended to accept his answer, ribbing him here and there, yet knew deep down his cousin had little to no actual interest in women. Perhaps with a little more effort and thought he could finally get what he desired from Daniel.

Rhys clung onto him even more after that incident. Small touches here and there, hand resting on a thigh and rubbing under the pretense of no thought, only a nervous quirk or habit. At times Daniel pushed him away when he became too close and desperate, often telling him how annoying he was or that his proximity had been overbearing. Every shove or rebuke only made the drive to conquer him grow further in its zeal.

Sometimes he had success, a few playful nibbles and rubs, and other times losses. Yet every victory had been savored, ecstatic sounds coming from Daniel's mouth sending waves of pleasure throughout his body. And as Daniel became older, managing to tower over him in height and musculature, the desire intensified. How would it feel to be crushed between Daniel’s thick footballer thighs while breathing in his musk and watching the sadistic smirk paint the teen’s lips?

They never kissed, much to Rhys’ chagrin. Daniel refused, saying kissing would be taking it too far. His answer frustrated him to no end! Dry sex had been fine but kissing was taboo? The stupid idiot! And even if he wanted to force Daniel into something further, his weaker body stood no chance against his cousin’s robust build. No longer did Rhys hold any meaningful power over Daniel.

And it killed him to know that.

His attendance at university destroyed any progress he had made with Daniel, or lack thereof. Time had been cruel. The shackles he had attempted to use and trap him were rusted and flimsy, as if they held no substantial weight in Daniel’s psyche. The bastard. He dared. He damn dared to live his life free of him and his influence, to thrive and do as he pleased, to let himself be guided by their grandfather and rise up to his level as a potential heir to the syndicate.

Worst of all… Worst of the worst thing Daniel could have ever done…

When Daniel went to university, he made a dangerous, serpentine friend. One Rhys had foolheartedly believed it had been a platonic mate. One he thought he could manipulate Daniel into abandoning or at least distance himself from.

But he was wrong.

Instead it had been a lover.

An ambitious lover who never held back his tongue and swore to make his life into a miserable existence as long as he lived.

“I’ll fucking kill you Vincent!”

**PDF of all we have so far. Thanks to all the nonas that have participated! The only parts edited were from me and the most I did from other nona's works was add italics. As for if I added anything extra on my parts, I didn't since it seems this is a already a ton of words and figured brevity is best, because I do have a penchant to write a ton more, however the post character limit has indeed helped keep it shorter lol

I hope this makes it a little easier for people to read via pdf**

>>1506
Face pressed hard into the floor, writhing in frustration and pleasure. A heavy hand held it firm in place, never letting it have a chance to break itself from its hold. That face belonged there after all, and it looked pretty splayed on the wooden floors, bright red and blond striking beautifully against the rich dark walnut wood. Wet sounds of sweaty skin slapping against another, again and again, each thrust more rushed and desperate than the last. Loud and unabashed, Daniel and Vincent spent the late morning fucking on the floor.

Daniel had no reservations for the merciless rutting, seeing his husband squirm beneath him, coaxing him to do worse with every roll of his hip to meet with his, groaning loudly and begging to get thrashed like an animal. How could he say no to such a gorgeous man that squeezed his cock so hungrily and cried out his name full of love and lust?

They had done this before in their youth. A quick, violent romp to relieve any anger and stress from whatever life had thrown. Sex absolved arguments they may have had that day or week, words jumbled and drowned from the endless kisses, insatiable lips exploring and tasting the salt and arousal on the skin. After satisfying their physical needs, they fell asleep in one another’s arms only to awaken in softer, sweeter moods and make love. With a clear mind, they talked about their problems and generally sorted them out the best they could.

Would this time be the same as they had in university? Allendale doubted it. Back then, their biggest issues were school and Vincent’s seething whenever Daniel dismissed his concerns about his family, namely Rhys. Perhaps he shouldn’t have been flippant and told him the truth of his experiences. That he had taken lives before he ever met Vincent. That his grandfather exposed him to the life of the underworld as a young adolescent in hopes to harden him before allowing him to live the life of luxury as the boss and imposter CEO, hiding behind the veneer of a legitimate business to conceal its criminal origins. And that every kill had done nothing to waver his tender heart. It was business, he had told himself and yet refused to utter that to his beloved husband.

>>1508
Daniel feared Vincent’s disappointment and abandonment. And despite his efforts to keep his dark past locked away, Vincent still hurt and left him. Then the wolves came and devoured him, leaving a pile of bones after their feast. If he had found out the truth sooner, would there even have been a complete fallout between them the way it had? Full of malicious words, scorn, and blame? In spite of the tears, breaking down on his knees and tugging on Vincent’s clothes, wretched, pathetic, wishing and wanting for a chance to be heard, Vincent called him an incestuous rapist and denied him his truth with a cold shoulder and look of disdain.

If Daniel had revealed it all from the beginning, would they even be here in his grandfather’s childhood home screwing each other like the world had no time or worry, moaning and cumming over the wooden floors and furniture? Separated by eleven years, they made the most of it on their knees and naked. Vincent felt amazing, especially while being pinned against the sofa while Daniel rammed into him without any care for his well-being or pleasure. Daniel bit into Vincent’s neck, sucking on the reddened skin and carelessly whispering his unfiltered thoughts.

“This should have been you eleven years ago.”

Vincent arched his back, impaling himself further into the twitching cock. “I wish it had been me.”

Damn, he almost lost himself with that! It shouldn’t have affected him to hear Vincent say that so wantonly. Who would want to have rabid sex with a drugged man who had lost all sense of inhibitions? Only Vincent would find that sort of thing thrilling, but only if it were Daniel. Anyone else he would beat into a bloody pulp, cut their genitals, and pretend it had been in self defense.

“Because if it had been me, you’d be wholly mine.”

>>1509
It sent Daniel over the edge, releasing inside without warning save for a long sigh and a tight hold on Vincent’s hips. He reached over and slid his hand over Vincent’s dick, jerking him off into completion all over the furniture.

Vincent turned his head for a kiss. All this time spent getting split wide open and no kiss to calm the waves of passion and rancor? It had to end with a touch of sweetness to mellow out the acrid otherwise they would fall into the same trap of hurting one another from their years of resentment and miscommunication.

A brush of lips. Sweet and gentle, rousing the heart and shedding the layers of defense and stone to reveal the vulnerable soul.

Anguish. Fear. Loss.

The kiss tore it all down, strengthening the intrepid hope into that of light and new beginnings.

From the floor to the sofa, Daniel allowed himself to be swept away by those intense amber eyes. He laid back and embraced his husband, heart, body, and soul, kissing until they became breathless and kissed again. Hands roamed in worship, awestruck to be able to truly touch and feel what they had missed for so long. The admiration began to scald and boil into desire. Each stroke an intensifying flame. Their kisses deepened and wandered. Vincent was gentle when he entered Daniel, careful to ease them into a smooth rhythm as he made love to him.

>>1510
The early afternoon was spent on the sofa, all frustrations evaporated and replaced with pleasant warmth and delight. Their kisses frenzied and softened back and forth, unable to get enough of one another. The years of exile meant nothing and meant everything at the same time. Time needed to be cherished and savored. Any moment, a natural blink or a darted glance, and their beloved would disappear.

They laid beside one another, the stench of sex and sweat thick on their flesh and tongues. Vincent cuddled behind Daniel, arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as if he would be taken away and never returned. He kissed and sucked around Daniel’s nape, saying nothing in particular but hushed whispers.

After a short nap, they had sex in the shower and dressed in old sleepwear. Daniel grimaced at the dirtied floor and furniture knowing no one else but himself would take care of the mess. If there was a next time, it would be on the bed where he could change the sheets easily and not worry about the upholstery.

“Always a busybody.” Vincent laughed from the kitchen, opening the cabinets. “I can call someone to do that for you.”

“And see the jizz all over the floor and sofa? Are you daft?”

“Who cares!”

“I care!”

>>1512
Vincent leaned against a wall, watching Daniel clean where they had fucked like crazy. If it were up to him, he’d bend Daniel over and do it all again, but needed to count his blessings given how close he had been to getting shot in the face.

“I’m actually surprised at the condition of the home. Everything seems to be in working order.”

A ridiculous comment, but what did Allendale expect from a lazy slob? Must be nice to trust people to go into your home and clean it!

“When you’re the only person living here, you tend to have to deal with it all on your own, be it yourself as the handyman or hiring someone. I simply prefer to do it all on my own. Except for the electricity.”

“Come help me cook. You have a kettle?”

“Just a regular stovetop kettle.”

Vincent winced. “No electric? With the different temperatures? You’re going to burn the leaves.”

“The only tea I have right now is Earl Grey, so boiling is fine.”

“Oh, so you do remember then.” Vincent’s enigmatic smile brightened into fondness. He swallowed, looking away from Daniel’s stare. “I thought you’d forget.”

“With how much green tea and oolong you stuffed into our cabinets, how could I forget?”

Allendale cooked a simple, flavorful pasta while Vincent made the tea. They ate in comfortable silence, both unsure what to say and oddly satisfied with the tranquil outcome. Posture, little squirms, and verbal tics, and habits remained in spite of the years. Vincent tapped his foot while swirling the pasta and Daniel folded his napkin in half when one side got too dirty and folded it again until it became a small square. Daniel finished his drink first while Vincent took his time and poured more for his husband without asking. Knuckles cracking and noodles slurping. Give here, take there.

A strange harmonious lunch.

>>1513
“Do you think you could ever forgive me?” asked Vincent, bringing his teacup to his mouth and sipped.

“I don’t believe I have the mental faculties to answer that question right now.” Allendale shook his head. “We may be married but we’ve been separated from one another for eleven years and under dire circumstances. This isn’t like how it was back then.”

Vincent smiled wistfully and sighed. “Whether you want to forgive me or not, I do not mind either way as I cannot change your mind or ask of you to erase eleven years of misery and solitude. I thought I’d ask since I wondered where you currently stood with your feelings of the past.”

“I see.”

“Despite what I may have said that night, I never thought you were at fault for what happened. You were actively being targeted and suffered the consequences of being your grandfather’s favorite.”

“There was no guarantee I would have inherited any of that.”

“Alice seemed certain.”

“Did Mum tell you that?” He crumpled the napkin in his hand, rubbing into the paper until it tore.

“In the letter. And I was suspicious of it even before that given how Rhys liked to linger. It wasn’t until I met your uncle Henry that I realized your grandfather’s intent.”

“And why him of all people?” Allendale knew why, but he had to hear Vincent’s reason.

“Rhys was…” Vincent breathed deep, trying to figure out the proper words to say without resorting to endless insults and cursing. “…a pest. But not one that vied for the sort of power your grandfather offered, at least not on the surface and not without external influence. I’m quite certain his daddy did plenty to instill those thoughts into his tiny skull.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be wrong to assume it.”

“Hard to tell what the situation was if I were being honest. I was too busy trying to stage an accident with oncoming traffic to notice the details.”

>>1514
Daniel spat out his drink, reaching for a new napkin to wipe himself. “You what?”

“You heard me, Daniel. Ever since I met that “person,” I knew he coveted you and wanted you all to himself by getting rid of me. Jokes on him: I wanted to eliminate him first and with far more ardor than he could ever muster. His attempts to separate us were paltry. The cognitive reasoning of children, really. Why would you choose to be with him when I was the better choice? He really was an idiot, and still is. You have no idea how upset I was to hear he survived falling down a balcony at that party with just a broken leg.”

“That was you!?”

Vincent grinned without a hint of shame or guilt in his eyes or posture. “Did you like it? I personally loved how he couldn’t come harass you for months. I fucked you with such gusto knowing we wouldn’t be interrupted.”

“Stop.” Allendale kicked at Vincent’s foot that attempted to slide against his leg. “We’re not having sex again.”

Standing from his seat, Vincent walked toward Daniel, twirling his brown locks with love and affection. His fingers combed through the damp hair, untangling a few knots away and massaged the scalp. He bent over and kissed the top of Daniel’s head.

“Would you consider it more if I told you I had attempted to maim Rhys many times before?” He guided Daniel’s head to face him. “I remember your sigh of relief and the relaxed shoulders during that brief period of peace. Don’t act as if it hadn’t been a respite.”

Daniel pulled himself away, rising from his seat. Was this what Cassandra had meant? While yes he had been too much in his own world to see what had been in front of him, he still had some suspicions over Rhys’ accident and near-accidents. A bit of a violent drunk, but not the sort to fall over a balcony or find a group of thugs near the posh neighborhood. Had he not been preoccupied by school and assisting his grandfather with “business,” perhaps he could have noticed and stopped Vincent before Rhys got hurt. Before Rhys might have suspected it came from Vincent. Maybe then things would not have ended up the way they did.

Shivering, Allendale walked to the parlor to rid himself of his morose thoughts and the truth of his relishment over Rhys’ injury. He needed more time to process himself and Vincent did not make it any easier with his persistence.

“I can’t believe you,” he said.

Vincent followed. “You’ve had to physically hold me back many times in the past. I don’t see why something like this would be out of the ordinary for me.”

>>1515
“It’s just an expression of disbelief, Vincent. I know very well how twitchy you get when you become irritated.”

His steps inched closer and closer, backing Daniel into the wall and resting his arms on top of his shoulders. “And I appreciate all the times you held me back.”

Allendale relaxed then stiffened. Blast his smoldering eyes and placid smile! He should be resisting Vincent’s charms, not falling back into his arms like some housewife waiting for her husband to return from war. The man lied to him with silence, keeping his mother’s letter and circumstances away all the while he went mad with grief and awaited the day the Allendale family tired of him and shot him between the eyes. And yes he ran, but who wouldn’t given everything? Could he come to trust Vincent again?

Looking away, Daniel said, “You’re not staying over.”

“That’s fine.” He pressed his lips into Daniel’s temple. “There are plenty of places to stay in Reading, however, I won’t leave until I tell you what I originally came to your home for.”

Crossing his arms did nothing to stop Vincent’s hands from roaming across his arms and chest, kneading his pecs and encircling his thumbs around his nipples. A sly grin grew with the elicited shivers, fingers ghosting over the pebbled skin. Daniel remained silent, swallowing hard at Vincent’s breath hovering over his neck.

“And that is?” he whispered.

Vincent kissed his neck with great fervor, breathing in the fresh scent of soap and Daniel’s natural scent, eyes rolling and wishing he could have more. Hungry. Desperate. But he could not ruin this moment with his insatiable lust and love. The truth had to be told no matter what. With great reluctance, he pulled away from Daniel and stared hard at him.

“Henry has suffered a major heart attack, hospitalizing him. It’s been kept under wraps though it’s likely Rhys found out about it. No doubt things are about to get… testy.”

“And how do you know this?”

“I have my ways. You know that.”

Allendale sighed. Great. “Granddad must be beside himself. Henry was supposed to inherit the firm.”

“That was the assumption, yes, but you do have other branch family members wanting a piece of that and there’s also Rhys. Your grandfather would likely give it to him over some distant relative. And…”

“Yes?”


“Oh, do not play stupid with me, Daniel. You know you’re also a candidate. If you weren’t you’d have been shot dead a long time ago.”

“Vincent–”


“And it’s because you are alive and Henry is incapacitated that Rhys will make his move. I know that freak is coming after you. He no longer has his father to hold him back!”

Round-robin anon here. I made a sketch of Daniel and Vincent. It's nothing final or anything, but I wanted to give it a go. I have no idea how to do proper curly hair for Vincent so this is all I could think of lol

>>1518
Very cute, nonnie!! I love them! I'd love to try and draw them this weekend ❤︎

>>1516
“Listen,” said Daniel, twisting his wedding band. “I understand why you are doing all this. But I don’t need you to watch me all the time. I’ve survived this long well enough alone. If Henry or Rhys wants to deal with me, then let them. Sad as I was years ago, I’m not ready to die yet. Not anymore.”

Vincent arched an eyebrow. “Oh? What changed your mind?”

“Many things. Cass, Liam, the lads from work, Mum’s memory– Karol of all people. Even though I still drink my liver to death and smoke, I don’t want to die.”

“I truly wish I was one of those motivators…”

“You are in a way. As much as I wanted to beat your face in every time I saw you on the news or on social media with another lover, I still wanted to see you again.”

“So you could beat me?”

“If that’s what helps you explain my thoughts, sure, why not?” Daniel grinned, patting Vincent’ playfully on the cheek. The look of confusion was oddly cute. “Obviously to get some closure, you knob. You can be pretty dense sometimes.”

Vincent chuckled and pulled Daniel into a chaste kiss. “I’ll be close by. Should you need anything, I’m a text away.”

“I don’t expect you to drop what you’re doing for me. You’re a busy man.”

“Never for you, my love. And make sure you keep that ring off. Rhys went berserk because he found out we were dating, imagine if he knew we were married.”

Shaking his head, Daniel removed his ring and pocketed it. At the very least he could pretend Vincent signed the papers and finalized their divorce. The ring had haunted him yet he could not find a way to rid himself of it. During the worst of times it had brought him a strange comfort, memories of those nights huddled up with only Vincent and their promise to one another, the soft kisses and fingers intertwined. They should have remained together, travelling across the world and learning new things about one another every day. Mum would have been there to welcome them back from a long trip across Southeast Asia with a delicious roast and a cup of tea. But she was gone and so had that life he dreamed of.

>>1526
What a curse to have been born an Allendale! What was so difficult to stay with his father? Did he beat his mother, him? Though his memories from the time before living in the UK were faded, he did recall happiness and laughter. Too late to regret a life with both his parents and a life without the Allendales having a sick interest in him. He should have paid attention to Mum and not allow his Granddad to sway him with his words and his presence. A side of him longed to have a father figure, and Granddad had been the man to make himself readily available, teaching him football, fishing, violin, the art of haggling, and how to be a man worthy of inheriting a vast fortune and dark reputation. Granddad hugged him, showered him with love and praise and lectured him when he needed correction, and he also guided him to his first gun, his first shot, his first kill.

An observant person would say Paul Allendale never loved him, and Daniel would be inclined to believe them wholeheartedly. And yet a part of him could never forget the worry in his Granddad’s eyes when he had been hospitalized for an illness or the pride and joy expressed through his words and presence when Daniel had made his first goal during a junior football game. Every pat on the head, every good and bad moment, it had all been real to Daniel. If it were all but a ruse, then Granddad was truly a mastermind that deserved his place as a crime boss.

Leading Vincent to the door, his heart leapt at the grasp of fingers and a kiss planted on his knuckles. Knowing what he knew now, of Vincent’s intent and fierce love, that they would have remained together in marital bliss, sickness and health– Fucking unbearable. Such a life should have never been taken from him!

He paused at the door, almost waving goodbye to Vincent while he walked to the front gate. His hand shot back down, firm by his side. How could his heart be easily swayed by that man’s charming smile and tender affections? One moment he lamented everything about Vincent, the next he fantasized them together forever.

With a sigh, Daniel closed the door and grabbed his cigarettes. He lit the cigarette, inhaled, then snuffed it out on his ashtray. This had to stop. He tossed them into the sink, turning on the faucet, and threw them into the rubbish bin. Alcohol he would keep. Everything else needed to go.

Into his bedroom, Daniel reached for the velvet box Vincent had sent him a few days prior. The dried flowers had lost its fragrance, stains of its colored petals impressed onto the letter. He put the box upside down to empty its contents and shook it. A black backing fell with the flowers and a white plastic circle with a silver belly followed after. Curious, Daniel picked the circle up, examining every detail. He jolted off the bed, dropping it into the blankets, and paced around his room.

“…There has to be more.”

>>1527
The taste of Daniel’s lips lingered on Vincent’s mouth. Tongue brushed against his lips, teeth sinking in. All the better to remind himself what he had lost and to never surrender amidst the daunting forces that loomed over him. Hands tightened around the steering wheel; he bumped his forehead into it a few times before turning on the engine and drove.

“It’s not over until I say so.”

Sleep would prove difficult tonight and all the following nights, though he was no stranger to restlessness and the insufferable insomnia that plagued him for the past eleven years. How could anyone sleep in peace while their spouse was out of their reach, whose life hung by a frail string with a pair of scissors hovering menacingly near the fibers? The thought of Rhys coming over at any point to take or hurt Daniel worried him to no end.

Yesterday and today had been the only time he had truly slept well. Enveloped in warmth and calm. Protective arms wrapped around his dear Daniel, refusing to let go, awakening at the slightest movement to be sure his husband remained. His heart fluttered with joy when Daniel was there as he had been when he closed his eyes, soft snores and eyebrows relaxed in the embrace. It lulled him back to sleep, no trace of the bland nothingness or guilt haunting his sleep-starved mind.

All he needed was Daniel, and only him. If only he could forgive him for the past! But he would not blame him, not after the vile words he had said.

All to protect him, he had told himself numerous times, rolling in his luxury bed at night. It had all been to save his life and keep him safe!

The rote words rang hollow, and the nightmares swallowed him whole when his eyes tired enough to rest.

>>1528
He had thought about it before, of quitting his fruitless endeavor to save his husband from a life of solitude under the oppressive chokehold of his prominent family. After all, they had married on a whim. Young, volatile love full of endless fucking and bright hopes. They never had to worry about large bills or a home since they stayed at the dorms and returned to their parents’ homes for holidays. Naturally, they planned to get an apartment for themselves, build their careers and support one another, yet nothing truly came out of the lofty ideas. Fueled by their youthful delusions, it came to a screeching halt once the real world reared its ugly head and destroyed everything.

That’s how flimsy it had all been. At least that was what Vincent had told himself. There was nothing in their marriage to salvage, and Vincent did not want to die or have Daniel’s blood on his hands. Not for this. He had his life ahead of him. As long as Daniel stayed alive, then it was no business of him. He could let it go. He could finally claw his way into the ivory tower and become the man he always dreamed of, living among the elites and carving his name into their minds forever. Influential. Charming. Everyone would want him.

But the sleep never returned. All that money and adulation did nothing for him. When he closed his eyes all he could see was Daniel’s distraught face, on his knees, reaching out to him and begging for forgiveness and not to be alone. The scenery could begin light and sweet, often involving soft moments he had chosen to forget with Daniel, the serious times when they counted their pounds and gathered enough quid to make a payment or a trip. They always managed to make it work even when it hadn’t gone through. But then Daniel would turn to Vincent, face solemn and grim.

“Did you marry me for my Granddad’s money?”

>>1529
Sweat and a thundering heart, Vincent awoke and never found sleep, not even in the wee hours of the twilight bringing the sun, phone alarm inching closer, minute by minute, final seconds until it prompted.

No, they never had that conversation. Daniel had never asked that question before and never gave any indication he suspected Vincent of monetary interest. He should have though. Nothing but black rot lied beneath his skin. No flush and blood, only a hollow skeleton mimicking humans and sucking their blood and money to sustain himself.

Using others had become second nature to Vincent Lemaire. A little cry here and there back when he had his most cherubic features, impressing teachers to gain preferential treatment, manipulating the social circles at school to have them fight among one another in order to come off as the angel, the wise one, the one people turned their attention to. What difference would it have made if Vincent used Daniel the same way? Everything would be as it always was and Vincent would come out unscathed in the end.

>>1530
People from all over the world came to Oxford in order to attend its old and prestigious university. From the poor to the insanely rich, people from all walks of life were among the streets and campus. An intelligent young man himself, such a school had always been in Vincent’s grasp. In fact, he had aimed for it knowing fully well what sort of alumni attended. If he congregated and networked with the right people and professors, then no door would dare to close in front of his face. Whatever it would take, Vincent had the fortitude to endure. Looks, wit, grace – that’s all people cared about.

That and money, something he didn’t lack entirely though not enough to garner any interest to the vapid and rich. If he could find a wealthy boyfriend or girlfriend, perhaps money would stop being too much of a potential roadblock.

While still in his search to find a rich partner, Vincent had decided to work at a local fish and chips shop near the university to make extra money. No self-respecting social climber would be caught dead dressed in rags, therefore a job was necessary to look the part. Smelly and greasy, at least it paid better than most temp work in the city. Nothing that a long shower couldn’t fix.

He expected nothing with the job except money and perhaps a coworker to goof off with when the boss was distracted. A connection with a patron here and there, but nothing truly substantial. Instead of the quiet and mundane work experience, he found himself catching the attention of the hottest guy he had ever seen.

The first thing he noticed was Daniel’s vibrant blue eyes. A slightly dumbfounded look with reddened ear tips, Daniel had been staring at him and panicked by rushing out of the shop when their eyes met. His foot caught itself onto a chair, falling over and ran out as soon as he gained his bearing. Vincent laughed to himself, unsure why a beautiful guy like that would freak out. Dashing as his own looks were, the strange student was downright gorgeous. Who wouldn’t be tempted by him?

>>1531
And that should have been the end of it. Cute boy stumbles and becomes the fool in front of the object of his affections and hides away in the shadows or never shows his face again. It wouldn’t be the first time Vincent encountered it either. To see the student return the following day, back straightened and brows furrowed, determined and unshaken, had not been something he expected. Commendable, honestly.

“May I take your order?” asked Vincent, face neutral.

“You have a lovely accent.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Sorry, right, food. Well then,” –he looked at Vincent’s apron for a name tag, found none, and pouted – “what’s your name?”

“Vincent, but I’m asking for your order, sir.”

“Great name, but, erm, you don’t need to say sir. I’m probably younger than you.”

“Your order?”

“I’m eighteen by the way. Oh, and I’m Daniel.”

“Listen–”

“And I’d like some curry chips. No fish.”

An awkward flirt normally had Vincent rolling his eyes and dismissing the man before he got the wrong idea and continued to pursue him. Stop it in its tracks or else a headache would ensue. This would be the wisest, least painful path for the both of them. Quite a good philosophy to have in his pursuit to climb the social ladder. Not that Vincent had many relationships in his young life – the longest had been with a peer during the last months of the final year in their third cycle and it hadn’t progressed beyond kissing, grinding, and oral sex. Vincent broke up with him before graduation and never looked back.

And yet…

A small smile crept.

“Right away.”

Daniel didn’t stick around or say anything else besides a cordial “Cheers!” and left the shop.

Good, Vincent thought. A distraction like him served no purpose beyond annoying him.

Though… a little voice in the back of his head nudged and persisted with the idea of… maybe? Just maybe?

No. He would not deign this weird Daniel guy his time or interest.

>>1532
Round-robin anon here. I went ahead and made a sketch of Karol and Rhys, the former will have another role to play later and isn't just a one-time sort of character. Hope you all enjoy ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

Since this story has already been compiled and split into chapters, have any nonnas on here considered uploading it onto AO3 and adding it to the fujochan collection?
>>1533
Cute sketch!

>>1534
We have a fujochan collection on AO3? Tell me more.

>>1535
Yup, it's here!: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/fujochan and discussed ITT >>1017

>>1536
Round Robin-anon here, I'll upload the first few chapters of this story after work tonight. I've never uploaded a story to a collection so this will be a lot of fun. Thank you for the suggestion, I had thought about putting it on AO3 for ease of read for nonnies here.

AO3 first chapter is up. I'll upload the next tomorrow after work. I couldn't think of a title, so maybe some nonnies can help me out with something or maybe wait until the story is over to figure it out.

It's also posted in the fc collection!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/95040656/chapters/253787981