Chapter Text
The sound of low but excited chattering and giggles could be heard throughout the voice of manor,where many survivors and,oddly enough, hunters are gathered in.It was a rare occasion for hunters and survivors to mingle together in the same place,but it seemed that today is a special day,and the owner of the manor decided to host an event to celebrate.The voice of manor was remodified to represent the insides of a train cabin,completed with tables,chairs and compartments.Silky deep red coloured curtains hung heavily at the sides of the windows,which edges was filled with frost.It looked out into the dark,snowy landscape,and the moon could be seen shining brightly behind the black,moving clouds.The walls were painted deep brown,and the room was dimly lit in buttery yellow light,so most places of the room is dark,but enough to see the others.The tables were completed with smooth white linen clothes,decorated with lit candles and neat sets of cutlery and plates.Food such as cakes rich in cream and chocolate were served on the plates,accompanied by glasses of fine grape wine that ages well. It almost seemed like a place for romantic dates,but in truth it was suppose to be a murder scene.
A prisoner is sitting in one of the booked tables,two sets of plates and cutleries placed neatly on the polished oaken surface.Luca squirmed nervously in his plush,dark blue coloured seat as he scanned his surroundings.Once in a while he would look down and straighten his coat,making sure there's no wrinkles or creases on his uniform.For today,the prisoner donned a stunning looking red coloured coat decorated with fancy gold markings,under it he wore a simple but neat white uniform.The brunet found that outfit when he was surfing through his wardrobe for presentable clothes he could wear for his....'date' with Andrew.Luca never told the other it was a 'date',since he have't really...asked Andrew to be his boyfriend.Yet.So it seems appropriate to not treat the invitation as a date for now.The set of clothes seemed familiar to him,but he did not remember wearing it before,so he decided to choose that outfit since he can't just show up to a date with prisoner garments."He'll be here by six o'clock..,"Luca crossed his legs and slowly sipped wine from a glass as he patiently waited for his lover to come.The man fidgeted and looked at his watch to pass the time and to ease his nervousness,tensing up every time someone walked past his table and gave him odd looks."Does it look weird sitting by myself...?"Luca wondered and felt his fingers reach for his tool belt,just to realise that he didn't bring it with him."It doesn't go with your 'noble-ish' look,remember?"a voice whispered to him and the brunet sighed,slumping back into his seat and wondering why the gravedigger isn't here yet."Sit straight,don't slouch,stop fidgeting like an anxious man,you're suppose to be confident,so stop that peasantly act,"the prisoner heard a voice echoed in his mind,scolding him about his unnoble-ish behaviour.He didn't remember anyone telling him this before...but why did it felt like an advice from someone?Luca got extremely confused but did not argue with himself,he sat up properly and placed his hands on his lap,the right one over the left.His body seemed to know how to shift into a confident position without Luca even remembering how to,as if he's done this for a few thousand times."Hmpft..,"the brunet closed his eyes and sighed deeply,resting his chin on his chest as he tried to recall back the time where somebody actually taught him aristocratic behaviour and such.After a long while something actually resurfaced,a blurry image of a young face appeared hazily in his mind,he could see her kind and gentle eyes-the colour of stormy gray,just like his..."Or was it my father's?"his suddenly snapped open his eyes as he tried to grasp at the memory-just to realise that it's quickly fading away from him,and he can no longer make out the woman's facial appearance anymore.Was his mother's eyes gray or blue?He doesn't know.He squeezed his eyes tightly as he desperately tried to recall the image,he just needs one more glimspe of his mother,maybe he can actually find out something that leads back to his unusual muscle memory.
The elder man's curly white hair tied back in a rat-tail,just like his
his polished monocle shining under the light as it reflected in an odd angle
his usual stoic face with his hawk-like eyes staring at his back intensely as he worked,making Luca sweat and mess up frequently from the pressure.
"No..don't dig too deep,"a voice echoed in the back of the prisoner's mind,snapping him out of his disturbing thoughts."Maybe sometimes its better to...not venture too much into the dark unknown"he thought and proceeded to clear his mind by focusing his attention on something more....interesting than exploring through his old memories.He looked at his watch and to his surprise,it was already 6.30p.m.The prisoner could imagine a feminine voice nagging at him if he didn't arrive at a specific time sharp."I seriously need to stop getting too involved in my own thoughs ...,"he chuckled to himself before taking another sip of wine from his glass,hoping that it won't be too long until the albino arrives.
"Luca,"a voice called from behind him,jolting Luca awake."h-huh?"the electrician mumbled,confused but when he looked up he was greeted by a stunning sight,leaving his jaw hanging slightly from amazement.The albino's wearing a light blue coloured attire that almost reached to his ankles,with shiny gold threads and buttons woven into beautiful looking patterns at the edges and sides of it.Under it,he wore a white uniform just like Luca,but the gravedigger placed in a tie in a darker shade of blue instead of a plain white ascot like the electrician's.Over the second layer of clothing,he wore a dark blue caped with brown fur sewn around it for more insulation.Around Andrew's waist were secured with leather belts and a small pouch,it even have a golden watch tied to it,which Luca thinks is a nice touch."Luca...?"the train conductor said shyly as he nudged Luca out of his shock."O-oh,my apologies,i can't stop s-staring,haha.My bad,"the electrician blushed brightly which made the albino smile slightly."I'm sorry i'm late...,"Andrew started as soon as he sat down opposite side of the table,but the other just laughed it off and started pouring wine into Andrew's glass."You look extraordinary attractive in that suit of yours,"the electrician commented as he pushed the glass of translucent velvet liquid towards Andrew."Oh curses,i almost forgot,"a voice mumbled in his mind,he suddenly remembered Andrew doesn't really take alcohol."Guess this will have to work out somehow...,"Luca thought and tilted the bottle of wine backwards so that the liquid flows down the glass in smaller amounts.The electrician knew that Andrew disliked the effects if alcohol,so he measured the suitable amount of the alcoholic liquid beforehand to make sure that the gravedigger won't feel tipsy along their dinner ."T-thank you,you look very elegant too tonight,"the albino shyly replied back as he gingerly took the glass,looking at the contents."Don't worry,it's not enough to make you feel drunk,"Luca gave the other a reassuring grin and moved his glass in a circular motion,making the purple liquid splash around against the smooth sides of the glass."I only ordered these because it goes well with the food,"the prisoner placed his glass down.The gravedigger raised a brow at him.
"Or is it because it's the only beverage they serve here?"
Luca pretended to cough into his fist in embarrassment.
"Maybe"
"Heh...i don't really mind wine,"Andrew said and Luca sighed in relief."I don't really know what you like so i only ordered the drinks,"the electrician smiled sheepishly at the other,pushing the parchment coloured menu towards the gravedigger.The menu was written in neat cursive with black ink,which hardened evenly on the aged paper.
-->Prayer's Diner<--
~Herb-roasted salmon~
~Skillet Cod with Lemon and Capers~
~Skillet Garlic Butter Herb Steak and Potatoes~
~Pan Seared Strip Steak~
~Parmesan Risotto with Roasted Shrimp~
~Sausage Ragù over Creamy Polenta~
~Creamy Bone broth~
~Rabbit stew~
~Mushroom Soup with Garlic Bread~
There were many more gourmet dishes on the menu,most with names that the gravedigger does not recognized,but it sure sounded fancy.He trailed his fingers along the words of 'Skillet Garlic Butter Herb Steak and Potatoes',trying to imagine how it looks like.He managed to conjure up an image of medium-rare steak covered in a thin layer of butter topped with many colourful herbs and spices in his mind.His mouth watered slightly at the thought of the fine dish-but something seemed odd about the menu."There's no price...,"Andrew frowned and began flipping the menu around,checking for the price."Hopefully it's not too expensive...,"the gravedigger thought and continued to look carefully through the menu,trying to find something else that doesn't sound so costly."Pick whatever you want,Andrew,"a voice snapped the albino out of his thoughts."It's on me,"he could see the prisoner looking up from the menu,a small reassuring smile on his face.Dim light reflected off from a thin looking frame near the electrician's eyes when the brunet shifted his position,and the train conductor realised that Luca is wearing spectacles.The prisoner's black framed glasses were fitted with thin,polished lenses that made the lights bounce off in a stunning way,and it made the man look like the genius he used to be with those smart looking glasses of his."Eep,he's so hot like that.....,"Andrew thought as he felt a heavy blush spread across his cheeks.The prisoner smirked at Andrew,and for a moment both the survivors made eye contact and stared at each other deeply.Even in the dim lighting,Luca's gray eyes shined brighter than-
"Ack-hem"
The sweet moment was interrupted when they heard an awkward cough from behind them.The couple snapped their attention away from each other and looked at the newcomer.A man wearing a black and red suit with graceful-striped uniform under it stood beside their table,his flame coloured demonic eyes staring creepily at them.The demon's suit was decorated with charming golden roses,accompanied by red and gold patterns and lining on the edges."Visitor from Hell,Keyboard..,"the prisoner thought as he admired the other's suit.Compared to his own outfit,Luca thought that he himself looks like a peasant.Luca noticed that the way Keyboard looked beside the train conductor looked so fitting,even though they are complete opposites.A flaming demon from hell,standing so close to the train conductor in a winter outfit."Fire and Snow...,"the prisoner thought with dread at how unsuitable he is for the albino.He didn't even have an A tier skin,he's also not chosen to participate in any essence,unlike the gravedigger and postman.. suddenly he felt so small,did he even have the right to date such a pure soul like Andrew?If the demonic postman wants to take Andrew for himself,he might actually win...he's so charming looking and handsome,Luca is nothing compared to the postman.
The demon politely bowed his head in greeting,his top hat almost tipping off but the man's large horns stopped it from falling forward.Immediately Keyboard straightened his back and smiled with the trademark forced grin of his."Greetings,gentlemen,"Luca could hear a deep voice and strong vibrations shaking in the air.Victor did not even open his stitched mouth to speak,yet they could hear the postman clearly."I apologize for the interruption,but this is urgent matter,".The man's unsettling grin made the electrician feel insecure,increasing the urge to not let Andrew go anywhere near the demon.It's not like he hated Victor,but he has the desire to protect the albino from a literal creature of hell.
"The team has requested another rescuer in place of Mr.Subedar,and i hope you don't mind if we borrow Mr.Kreiss for a match,"the demon spoke and nodded towards Andrew's direction.Luca felt disappointed that he couldn't spend more time with his lover."Isn't there...anyone else who can take Mr.Subedar's place?"the electrician gnashed his teeth and asked slowly,staring at the embers swirling calmly in keyboard's soulless eyes.The way the flames flickered gently and spiralling strucked Luca as...hypnotizing,making him feel confused and...angry?He suddenly felt a small spark of annoyance inside him.Why can't people just leave him alone with his lover?The world's so unfair-why must there be someone to interrupt their sweet moments?The electrician furiously tapped his fingers on the table to contain his frustration,and noticed a hint of amusement glittering in the demon's eyes.
"In the meantime,none,"Keyboard replied in a neutral tone despite noticing the hint of anger in the electrician's voice."Keyboard's doing it again..,"the train conductor thought as he watched the prisoner's mood to shift quickly in the span of seconds.The albino may not know much about the demon,but he do know that the postman enjoys looking at other people's emotions,which is what he's doing right now to the prisoner.The gravedigger also felt the aura radiating off the demon,but most of it is directed towards the prisoner,not him."L-luca,it's alright,I'll be back soon,"the albino tugged at the other's sleeves,which caught his attention."But Andrew....,"the brunet protested and took Andrew's hands in his own."Please don't go...."he felt the aura in the air fading away,and he doesn't feel so...pressured or stressful anymore,instead a wave of worriness washed over him and the man enveloped the other in a hug."Stay safe for me...okay?".The intense gaze was inverted towards Andrew's direction as they hugged each other,the albino reassuring Luca that he would be alright.Before long,the prisoner watched the train conductor and keyboard walking down the tight train corridors,until they stepped into the darker cabins and slowly disappeared from his view.
"Now...I just need to wait for Andrew to come back,"the electrician thought to himself as he leaned backwards into his comfy plush seat.He removed his glasses and examined them under the subdued light,slowly rotating it with his nimble fingers until it's in a certain angle so that light glints off the metal frames.He usually does that when he's bored,plus he gets to sit there tinkering with something in his hands,which doesn't make him look...too out of place for a lonely criminal in a fine dining area.The man sighed after a long while and carelessly slapped the pair of glasses back onto his face.The lenses are filled with smudges and fingerprints but he did not care anymore,it's not like Andrew's coming back anytime soon.The prisoner's back ached slightly from the long period of sitting straight,to which he responded by laying his head on the table and slouching,hoping that time would pass faster.
A few heavy footsteps echoed from afar,coming from the entrance of the long and dark corridors.This alerted the prisoner,who quickly snapped out from his daydream and sat straight.He didn't even notice his glasses falling off when he laid there,and the brunet hastily snatched it from the surface of the table and wore them.The electrician was about to reached up and adjust his glasses when whoever is coming appeared walking beside his table."Curses,can't even check if i look messy,"Luca thought to himself as a fine lady escorted by a buff guard took notice of him and stopped in their tracks.
The lady wore a graceful light blue themed outift,decorated with fine quality fur and jewels.The embroidery on her coat is stunning,created purely from the best silk and cloth from around the area.She wore a silky veil over her crown-like headpiece,which was studded with many ice-blue coloured crystals.The thin veil is very thin,but it's enough to obscure her face from other's.At the side of the veil hung some expensive earrings,almost dangling to her shoulders.The fine maiden was so close to Luca that he could see the pristine white pearls on her necklace around her neck shimmer brightly.In her gloved hand,was a metal rod-with a hoop and net attached to it.Some parts of the metal was hammered into unique looking shapes,once again,with more expensive jewels carefully setted in them.It was by far,the best looking net Luca had ever seen."She looks like a queen..,"the prisoner thought as he examined the newcomer,with each second of her stare on him,his nerves seemed to burn up from the anxiety of being judged by this beautiful maiden.
"My,my,who's this young gentleman over here?"the lady asked.Her soft and sweet voice surprised Luca,and he hurrily stood up to pay his respect."L-luca Balsa,mi'lady,"a stutter escaped from his mouth as he tried to remember the polite way to formally greet aristocrats,especially a queen like her.She raised her gloved hand up towards him,and after a short pause,Luca remembered what he was suppose to do and took her hand,gently brushing his lips on the fine,sliky glove."A pleasure to meet you,Mr.Balsa,"the women smiled and introduce herself."I'm the entomologist,and you may call me Miss Sophia for today".Before Luca got a chance to continue their conversation,the strong muscular bodyguard standing by Miss Sophia whispered something to his mistress.
"My queen,you shouldn't mingle around with lowly rats like him.He's a murderer,traitor and criminal.I highly advice you to stop associating with him,"Luca could hear the faint whispering,which made him glare at the taller man.The bodyguard wore an unbuttoned blue vest decorated with dull gold colours which opened up to a white uniform.His collar isn't buttoned up properly and his dark blue tie dangled around his neck .The large man's wig is brown in colour and he wore a train driver hat on the curls,the pale golden plating shining dully.That wide maniacal grin with crooked teeth and the curly wig-Luca realised who it was,it's the clown from the hunters faction...the prisoner can't remember his name,but that doesn't stop him from silently cursing the unfamiliar hunter.The maiden returned her attention on the noble,her expression remained neutral and did not change.Luca isn't sure,since nobody saw beyond that veil of hers,but he's pretty sure that the lady is starting to judge him.Anxiety weighted heavily in his chest every passing second as he returned the stare.After a long while of observing the small male,she finally sighed heavily and made her final decision."We shall talk about this matter later,"she said to her bodyguard.Then she turned to the prisoner and bid her farewell."We shall meet again,Mr Balsa.Then I'll know if you're a person worthy of my time or not.For now,have a pleasant day."Luca could hear a hint of distaste in her voice,but he had to return the farewell or he'll be deemed as an impolite person.
"F-farewell,Miss Sophia,"his voice trembled from his nervousness,and Miss Sophia must have ignored him,because she made no effort in replying.The lonely man watched the two silhouette faded into the darkness of the corridors,just like how Keyboard and Train Conductor did."Great,she's going to hate me,just like everyone else,"the electrician thought bitterly and slumped back into his seat.The ascot tied smartly around his neck now felt as if it's tightening,suffocating him all of a sudden from anxiety and hopelessness.The electrician buried his head into his hands as the thought about his ruined reputation.The electrician always knew that everyone hated and despise him after the rumours spread,and he tried to pretend that it ever happened,but the painful memories always came back to haunt him,no matter what.After arriving at the manor,he tried to convince himself that he's becoming a new man with a bright reputation,but as he met more of the other survivors,he finally realised he was wrong the whole time.Everyone still viewed him as a prisoner,a traitor,a murderer,and...a peasant masquerading as an aristocrat he used to be."No wonder i'm such a failure,"The brunet took a long glance around the pleasant cabin he's waiting in right now,noting how fine and classy it is."This is no place for a plebeian ...,"he thought and lifted up his wine glass,taking a swig of the purple liquid.He could imagine people with a higher-rank than him-Keyboard treating the Train Conductor to a dinner date,the both of them sitting opposite to each other in the same table where the prisoner is seated alone currently. "Andrew doesn't deserve a sinner like me,he's better off if he never met me at all...,"the prisoner pictured the postman and gravedigger smiling warmly at each other.Would Andrew be happier if it's Victor dating him instead of the prisoner?The prisoner highly think so.Luca stared dully at his empty wine glass,and realised that he downed the whole bottle of wine when he reached for more ."......shouldn't have drank so much,"the man muttered, deciding that he should immediately leave and get some fresh air to clear his mind.
Of course the garden is packed with people.To his dismay,he couldn't enjoy the solitude the garden usually provide for him,since the other residents are hosting a barbeque in it.The electrician walked past other survivors setting up equipments for the event,and looking at the survivors chatting and giggling with each other,he felt ....lonely.Jose and Demi are holding bottles of beer,handing them out to the older survivors.Naib,Eli and William are preparing the meat and seafood for the barbeque.The other survivors are either helping to set up the event or are gathered in groups,chattering away.Even the embalmer is sitting on a nearby bench,speaking to Monsieur Joseph.The cold snow crunch under his feet at every step,and he can't help but feel like he don't have anyone by his side,he's just a lonely prisoner in a world of solitude.Maybe he should go meet and know more about the other survivors,he was abut to approach the barmaid and something stopped him."Go away,"a small voice in his head urged the brunet and he froze in his tracks,anxiety crawling inside him."Can't you see?They're happy together,they don't want people to bother them,especially you."the voice mocked and the prisoner quickly retreated,hoping that nobody saw him acting weirdly."Luca darling?Are you alright?"Demi called worriedly,but Luca already turned around and left.As soon as he walked out of everyone's sight,the brunet made a sharp turn down the garden's rocky path and reached a tall hedge."Hopefully nobody's here right now..,"the electrician mumbled and rubbed his cold hands together looking up at the boundaries.The leaves were spiky and sharp from a thin layer of frost,it would be painful if he didn't make a smooth jump,but he needs to get over to the other side to get to his favourite hiding cove.After a short moment of estimation,the prisoner backed up and in a swift move,launched himself over the bushy hedge.
"clank!"
"clink!"
What the electrician did not consider about is his formal wear,which isn't as flexible as his usual prison garments.His tight pants somehow disabled his ability to leap far,causing him to tumble from the top of the hedge to the ground,a few icicles landing on the ground along with him."Ow...,"he muttered and surveyed the damage.His suit is scratched slightly and there's some tiny cuts on his palms,but otherwise he's fine."This wouldn't happen if i'm wearing my gloves and not this...,"the prisoner grumbled but he continued sneaking to his destination.The hunter's side of the manor,including the garden is pretty much empty,since most of them are participating in the events held in the survivors side.Just to be sure,the brunet ducked around the tall unkept grass of the garden along his route so that absolutely no one saw him.Emily told the survivors that it is prohibited to enter the hunter's side of the manor without permission,but Luca doubts its a real rule anyway,since Aesop and Eli often snuck into the other side to visit their hunter companions.A few lamps flickered back to life as he walked along the path,as if its welcoming him.Luca enjoyed how wild and ...free the garden looked like,since nobody tended to them regularly,unlike the survivor's side.The other reason he likes this garden was because there's some unique structures and plants in it,one of them is a cove in a tree which he took a liking to it .He even brought some books and pillows in there for more comfort,and nobody chased him out of his hiding hole yet,so he concluded that nobody came to investigate before.
Instead of the usual green leaves and radiant flowers that blooms from its branches,the tree was now completed covered in a thick layer of snow from the winter weather.It's also a very large tree too,it's trunk still strong and wide even after there's a cove carved into it.Luca crawled into the moderate space,throwing himself into the fluffy pillows he placed in it a few weeks ago.Most of the time it serves as a small pillow fort where he likes to read books in,but this time he decided to lay on it.The winds started to blow fiercer outside the cove,clumps of snow flying past the cove.The temperature dropped by a few degrees,and Luca hoped that there won't be a snowstorm brewing tonight or else he will be stuck here in the cove.Not like it's a bad thing,but he would dislike spending the night in the cold cove.The prisoner cursed himself for forgetting to bring a blanket the last time he visited his hiding spot."Mhmm..,"Luca mumbled into his pillow before drowsiness overcame him and he drifted off into a long nap,the winds howling crazily outside.
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A few rustles resonated as the albino landed on the soft grass,but Andrew isn't that worried about the sound since he's pretty sure that the only person lingering in the hunter's garden is his beloved prisoner.The train conductor successfully sprang across the tall hedge without any damage,but he did notice tiny scraps of brown fabric stuck to the frosted leaves,so he suspected Luca came here before him.The train conductor ran down the stony yellow bricked path as the cold wind howled and blew strongly,his cape flying wildly in all directions but he continued his pursuit."C'mon,where are you...,"Andrew brushed some strands of white hair from his face,trying to figure out where the electrician went.After a long while he finally stumbled upon the cove,he knew someone was inside from the trails imprinted on the ground leading into it.He was immediately greeted by the sight of a prisoner snoring softly as he slept on the pile of pillows and he carefully stepped towards the sleeping figure,careful not to make any noise to awaken him.Upon a closer look,Luca seemed to be shivering from the cold,his legs rubbing together to keep himself warm but it's not effective.The albino managed to tenderly lift the prisoner into a sitting postion and cuddled him,taking off his own heavy furred coat and draping it across the prisoner's shoulders.A relieved sigh escaped from Luca and he buried himself deeper into the Train Conductor's embrace,nuzzling against his broad chest like a touch starved cat.Luca missed his boyfriend very much during those hours,and he appreciated how the albino came for him.Andrew felt his heart fluttering from how adorable his boyfriend is being and wrapped his arms around the brunet's neck,spreading more warmth."Thank you..,"Luca whispered and reached up to kiss Andrew.The prisoner could taste the thick and heavenly taste of marshmellows as he brushed his lips against the Train Conductors."E-eh?!"Andrew stuttered and blushed brightly,hiding his red face in Luca's shoulder."Watching you flustered like this is enough to make up for the failed date,"the electrician chuckled quietly but to his surprise,the albino kissed him full on the lips after recovering from his shock.Now it was the prisoner's turn to become flustered and he buried his face into Andrew's chest,mumbling from embarrassment.Both the survivors stayed in the alcove for the whole snowy night,enjoying each other's comfort and softness until they drifted to sleep.
"I love you,Andrew,"Luca yawned sleepily in the albino's embrace,exposing his little tooth fang and wrapping his hands around Andrew's calloused ones.
The albino rested his chin on Luca's soft silky brown hair,smiling as he hugged the electrician tighter.
"Sleep well Luca,I love you too"
Luca smiled up warmly at his lover before drifting into the comfortable darkness.