𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋, 𝙃.𝘽, 𝙃.𝙃

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡

After you had taken Stray Kids back to the hotel, you proceeded to shower, taking your time to indulge in the comfort of warm water cascading down your tired muscles. Once refreshed, you stepped out onto your private haven—your balcony—a feature that graced all the rooms in this luxurious dwelling.

Settling into a chair with ease, you snapped your fingers, and almost like magic, a book entitled "Fourth Wing" materialized before your eyes in a small puff of golden, glittering dust. With a contented sigh, you leaned back, the plush cushion of the chair cradling you, and you turned the first page of the book, eager to lose yourself in its tales.

The evening was tranquil, the only sounds accompanying you being the distant lull of the city and the gentle rustling of paper. In this serene moment, under the soft glow of the stars, you journeyed through epic adventures and grand exploits, savoring every word as though it was a fine delicacy, a rare treat to be cherished in the quiet hours of the night.

The sound of your door creaking open pulled you away from the fantasy world within the pages, drawing your attention to the unexpected visitor. To your sheer surprise, there stood Sir Pentious, looking a touch out of place in the soft ambiance of your quarters.

"Ah, Sir Pentious, what brings you here this evening?" you inquired, with a warm, inviting smile playing on your lips.

He fidgeted with an uncertain charm, fingers brushing against his arms as if trying to brush away his nervousness. "Umm, if—if you would, could we perhaps take a stroll together?" His request came hesitantly, and he averted his gaze, his cheeks blooming with a deeper shade of red.

Your curiosity was piqued, and you couldn't help but feel a twinge of affection at his bashfulness. Tilting your head slightly, the moonlight caught the twists of your black, curly horns, making them shimmer and sparkle against the night's canvas. "Well, of course," you replied, rising gracefully to your feet.

Slipping your night coat over your shoulders, its fabric rustling softly, you approached him with a playful air. "Do I need more than this?" you teased, revolving slowly, allowing him a full view of your attire.

Sir Pentious may have been a figure who often commanded airs of grandeur, but in that moment, his vulnerability was endearing. His eyes could not hide the admiration within—and neither could the moon which bore witness to the start of a whimsical promenade under its silver gaze.

He shook his head, a slight stutter in his voice revealing his eagerness, "N-no, that's fine, just—just some shoes perhaps," he mumbled and stepped aside for you to pass. Your laughter, light and good-natured, filled the space between you. I have enough evenings to myself. One night of adventure would do no harm, you thought to yourself.

Following him, you made your way down the corridor to where your shoes were kept. Slipping your feet into them, a ready anticipation bubbled in your chest. Husk, the bartender, caught sight of you descending the grand staircase, his eyes immediately drawn to the vibrant purple of your nightgown. A hint of color dusting his cheeks betrayed his thoughts.

"Umm, is there—ah, a reason why—you, uhh," the words tumbled out, faltering before they could fully form. But before Husk could stumble any further, Sir Pentious slid an arm around your shoulders with newfound confidence, prompting Husk to halt mid-sentence.

"Let's go," said Sir Pentious, his voice a firm whisper. Though his cheeks still held the warmth of a blush, his eyes shone with determination.

You cast a reassuring smile at Husk over Sir Pentious's shoulder, sensing his inquisitive gaze. Stepping out into the cool night air, the hotel and its curious bartender dissolved behind you. The world beyond the confines of polished floors and crystal chandeliers awaited, as you embarked side by side into the moon's quiet embrace, unsure of where the night would lead but certain that it was a journey worth taking.

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My eyes widened as we approached the alleyway, a faint whiff of booze and cigarette smoke hitting my nostrils. "Are you sure this isn't a bar?" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I spotted a couple of young folks entangled in a passionate embrace near a trash can. "Not exactly the scenic route I was hoping for."

Pentious gave me a sideways glance, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "My dear Jeh, I promised you fidelity, not sobriety," he quipped. "Besides, I said we would take a stroll, and a stroll we shall." Without awaiting my response, he took my hand firmly in his. Jeh fluttered his wings in what I could only assume was disapproval, but I said nothing. Pentious's hand was warm and reassuring, and I found myself oddly comforted by his presence.

We soon reached what appeared to be the outskirts of the city, and I raised an eyebrow in question. "Pentious, what are we doing here?" I asked, my gaze darting between him and the snake demon accompanying us.

Pentious flashed a grin, revealing his sharp teeth. "Well, my dear, I thought we could enjoy a pleasant evening on the beach. It's a secluded spot, and there won't be anyone here to bother us," he said, his words laced with a hint of intrigue.

I scoffed before sighing, realizing exactly what he was trying to do. "Damn it, Pentious, I know when a guy likes me, but this?" I chuckled. "You're being pretty obvious."

Pentious flushed a deep red, fidgeting with his collar in embarrassment. "Ah, I'm sorry about that. Is this too forward?" he asked sheepishly.

Shaking my head, I took his clawed hand in mine. "No, dear, it's not. Let's just enjoy ourselves on this beautiful beach," I said, gently leading him towards the water's edge. Settling down on a blanket I'd conjured up, I patted the spot beside me, inviting him to join me.

As we sat there, side by side, watching the red moon glinting over the equally crimson sea beneath us, I found myself smiling. This moment, this peace—it was something I could get used to.

Glancing over at Pentious, I couldn't help but think:

I could get used to him too.