Dark Venus- Nick Scratch Fanfiction

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 2

𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑪𝑯𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑫𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑳𝑰𝑺𝑯 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑺𝑬𝑺

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The sound of clattering silverware filled the room as we entered the dining room. Our parents were working together to set the table, it was a strange sight. My parents were getting along with Nick's family. It was almost unsettling. I needed to know what they were up to. I needed to know if what they had planned for the mortal family had anything to do with putting Nick in danger. It wouldn't be the first time my parents hurt mortals, but it was the first time they ever befriended any. I worried about their safety, not because I cared about their mortal affairs, but because I cared about Nicks. He didn't mention his parents often, but if he was anything like me, I would assume he would do almost anything to keep them safe. I exchanged a look with Valentine. Neither of us had ever seen my parents smile while in the kitchen. They looked so human. Shivering at the idea of being anything less than a witch, I stepped forward to take the porcelain plates from Nick's mom's hands. She looked as fragile as the plates. Dropping them once would completely shatter them. She mumbled a shy 'thank you' with a smile. I had forgotten all about their manners. They were once detestable to me, but being with Nick made it easier to hear kind words. Valentine helped my father put the food on the table. We were having a big dinner, it seemed like. I just needed to know what we were celebrating and why today was so special because this was getting creepy.

"Oh, you have a lovely dog." The lady whose son I was shagging pressed her hands to her knees as she crouched down to pet Dagon. Mortals and their petting, it was ridiculous to think they got attached so easily.

"Careful mom." Nick warned her, placing a glass cup for each seat.

"Don't worry. I have a way with animals." Her eyes looked up at me. For a moment, I saw them glow before she looked back down to pet the dog. They didn't shine in the way that Nicholas' eyes did when he cried but glow in the way that Dagon's did when he was feeling hellish. I looked to my side, hoping someone else had just seen what I had.

Finally settled in, I reached for the casserole. All eyes landed on me, but mine landed on Nick's mom who sat across from me. She held my gaze before saying, "Valentine, why don't you lead us into prayer?" her eyes moved toward my brother, who sat beside me.

I pulled my hand back, sliding it under the table to keep it from reaching for anything else. Valentine looked at my father for approval. Whatever religion this mortal wanted us to practice, she was about to be shocked to hear the kind of prayers we made in this home. Valentine cleared his throat, closing his eyes and bowing his head he began to pray.

"Father, may this food restore our strength, giving new energy to tired limbs, new thoughts to weary minds. May this drink restore our power, giving new vision to dry spirits. And once refreshed, may we give new pleasure to you, who gives all." Valentine, sneaky bastard. He'd managed to lay low on mentioning the god we serve. His prayer had failed to invoke the name of our father, but his prayer had been captivating enough to have everyone smiling in the end. I glanced at Nick, who seemed genuinely pleased with our rituals. If only he knew what they truly were. Sometimes I didn't understand my infatuation with Nick. He was a mortal, weak flesh compared to me. But he was also a good listener, a good friend, and overall a good lover. You didn't find anything like that in the magic world. I continued to remind myself that my relationship with Nick had no strings attached. He and I could be nothing more than a fling.

"Beautiful prayer Valentine." Nick's mother complimented, leaving my parents with a satisfied look. Nick's father, on the other, held a blank expression. Much like I, he seemed more interested in the food.