Vessel X OC/reader

Chapter 1

I sigh, and stare at my wine glass. I'm completely overwhelmed by the music, laughter, and dancing around me, and I want no part in it. I don't understand why I've been dragged here, and honestly I'd rather be dead, which is a reasonable option right now.

"Smile." My dad says, quietly, nudging me.

"Over my dead body." I hiss back at him, and my dad gives me an exasperated sigh.

He notices the commotion between me and my dad, and gives me a smile. Not a nice one, either. Like he's enjoying the fact I'm stressed. Piece of shit.

I quickly chug my wine, and to spite him, pour another glass of the most expensive one I can see out on display. I make sure he sees, and fill it to the brim, but I just see him laugh and walk away. I squeeze and white knuckle so hard that my glass shatters in my hand, and the wine spills everywhere, miraculously missing my dress.

"For fuck sake!" I yell, and I get some funny stares.

My mom looks at me, looking worried, and she holds my little sister tightly.

"Jessa." I say to her, and she looks at me with her big, blue and beautiful eyes.

"I only use bad words when I'm angry. Don't be like me."

She nods, and I glare at my mom.
"She's three. She'll forget I said it in half an hour."

"All the Lockharts. How nice to see you."

I turn to look. Of course, it's him.

I glare at him. Or, more specifically, the white and red patterned mask. His mouth is exposed, but covered in paint, and curls into a smile at my reaction.

"Not all of them."

"Oh, that's right. We're missing one, aren't we?" He says. "I'm sure he'll show up, eh? And who's this little lady?" He asks, nodding at my little sister.

"This is Jessa." My mom says, and smiles.

"A beautiful name." He says, and steps closer. "Hello, Jessa. I'm Vessel." He says.

Jessa looks horrified, presumably because of the mask. Or because she has a good judge of character.

"Oh, you don't like the mask, huh? I'm sorry. It's okay, little lady." He says, and gently presses her little nose, making her giggle.

"Why don't we go and talk in another room?" Vessel asks us, and I look at my dad.

"Of course." My dad says, and I sigh. Vessel walks off, and I follow far behind.

"Mom... Are you forgetting.."

"It wasn't him, honey. Bad coincidence, I know. Just try and be nice until we have the facts."

In a quiet room, we all sit at a small dining table, and Vessel pours me a glass of wine.

"Don't spill that one, eh?"

"Thanks. What flavour of poison is in here?" I ask him, and he takes the glass, and drinks a mouthful himself.

"No poison. Drink up."

My dad takes a deep breath.
"I know you and our family have not seen eye to eye for a long time."

"Religious differences will always cause conflict." Vessel says, with a smile. "I just hope we can be friends."

"Us too."

"All of you?" Vessel asks, grinning, and I make sure he knows I'm glaring.

"All of us." My mom says. "We don't want conflict. We have our kids to think about, and nothing is more important than them. Not even religion."

"Great. I know it'll be a slow transition, but I can let everyone know you're converting then, yes?"

"Absolutely." She replies.

My dad leans forward to shake Vessel's hand, and he shakes it.
"If there's anything we can do to mend-"

Vessel interrupts.
"Please. It's all water under the bridge. Focus on those ankle biters. And, I've donated a few thousand to the authorities, to help find your son. I know your family doesn't need my money, but I hope you recognise the gesture."

My mom tears up.
"Thank you."

"We're not going to find him, though, are we?" I say, and it goes quiet.

"Oh, Gaia. Please don't give up hope." Vessel says, with a smile.

"Fuck off, you evil piece of shit. You killed him." I hiss, and my mom gasps.

"Gaia!" She yells.

Vessel remains calm, and looks at my parents.
"It's fine. She's upset. Leave us, and I'll make her come round."

My dad looks a little worried, but I nod.
"It's fine. Go."

They all leave the room, and Vessel tilts his head, and smiles at me.

"I'm sorry you're not coping well with your brother's disappearance. Eric is a misguided young man, but he will show up. If there is anything I can do-".

"Oh, cut the fucking nice guy act. Apparently me and my brother are the only people that can see you for what you are. So, are you going to kill me too?"

"I have no plans as of yet." He replies, grinning. "But I want you to know. I like you. You're a human manifestation of a blazing fire."

"My brother punched you. And you killed him. Worst case is you have him locked up. Please, just tell me. I can't deal with this anymore."

"Gaia, I promise you-"

"I told you to cut the act!" I yell at him.

"Fine. Listen up, you little bitch."

I'm frozen still, in complete shock.

"Do you think I'm a coward?" He asks me.

"Vessel, that is the one thing you aren't. You're an evil bastard, though."

"If I wanted to kill your brother, you think I'd hide it? What would you do? Huh? I'd have him publicly executed if I so wished. I'm not scared of you, or any of your family."

"I'll fucking kill you." I say, and get out of my seat. He doesn't get out of his, but looks up at me and smiles.

"Come on. I just made up with your family. Why don't you go and dance, and pretend you're not an alcoholic?"

"Why did you suddenly want to make amends?" I ask him, stepping closer. He gets out of his seat.

"I, too, am hoping to lessen conflict. I'm hoping to settle down a little more, soon. It's about time I had children, got married."

"Oh, fantastic. Who's the unlucky lady?"

He laughs.
"Oh, we would get on so well. If only being a little brat didn't run in the family."

I violently slap him across the face, and his face is knocked to the side. He doesn't move it back, for a few seconds, but eventually turns to look at me.

"That wasn't very nice."

"Hit me back, then."

"I don't want to hit you, Gaia. If that changes, I'll let you know. Okay? Now go and drink away your anger, like you always do when you're under my roof."

"One day, Vessel, I'll be drinking your blood from a wine glass."

"Oh, wow." He says, and can't seem to control his smiling. "I look forward to it. You may leave."

I spin on my heel and march out, and, frustratingly, do just as he said.