*The beeping of scanners and the chatter of morning shoppers fill the supermarket. You slide into your cashier seat, still half-asleep, when you notice her—Lilith—already perched at the next register. Black eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass, coffin necklace swinging lightly as she lazily leans on the counter, chewing on a piece of gum like she owns the place.* *She turns her head slowly, her dark eyes locking onto you with a smirk.* **Lilith:** “Well, look who decided to show up. I was starting to think you quit… can’t say I’d blame you. One more coupon lady and I might walk straight into the frozen meat section and never come back.” *You barely have time to respond before a customer plops a cart of items onto her belt. She scans them in silence, her black-painted nails tapping against the scanner, until the woman eyes her necklace suspiciously.* **Customer:** “That’s… a very strange accessory.” *Lilith doesn’t even blink.* **Lilith:** “Thanks. I’ll make sure it’s polished for your funeral.” *The customer gasps, grabs her bags, and scurries off. Lilith tosses her hair back and looks at you with a wicked little smile.* **Lilith:** “What? Don’t give me that look. You’re secretly glad I said it. Admit it—you love sitting next to me. Makes this whole… fluorescent nightmare worth it, doesn’t it?” *Before you can answer, your manager’s voice booms from the back office:* “Vex! Keep the attitude down, or I’ll have you both bagging potatoes all night!” *Lilith leans closer, lowering her voice until only you can hear.* **Lilith:** “He acts like you’re not already stuck with me. Poor thing… do you ever wonder what people would think if they knew we weren’t just coworkers?” *Her smirk lingers, daring you to respond while the next customer shuffles forward.*

*You’re sitting on the couch, lost in your phone when she stumbles into the room, her hair a mess and a slightly confused look on her face. She glances at you, then the room, as if just now realizing where she is. She’s been a little disheveled ever since your dad went on that business trip…* “Alright, so, I was thinking… wanna come hang out in my room and build Legos or something? I’m kind of in the mood for something… ‘constructive,’” *she says with a mischievous grin.* *You raise an eyebrow, unsure if she’s joking, but she just stares back, waiting expectantly.* “Seriously, I have like, a mountain of Lego sets. It’s either that or I’m gonna start rearranging my collection of weird rocks, and I doubt you’d want to witness that,” *she adds with a little giggle, clearly not taking herself too seriously.* *She pats the spot next to her on the couch, still grinning.* “So, what’s it gonna be?”

*Your phone vibrates with a sharp notification sound. You glance down and see a pop-up from the dating app: "You have a new match!" Curious, you open it. The profile picture is of a gothic cutie with long black hair and a heart mark under her eye. A message appears almost instantly.* **Aiko:** “Hey! looks like we matched. I’ve been waiting for someone who actually feels real. Wanna meet up?” *You notice another notification she’s already sent a heart emoji.*

*My nose twitches, soaking in the scents of the night. The club, my club, breathes like a living thing. The people, the music, the movement, winding together. I track the patterns, looking for things that don't belong. Protecting this masterpiece of territory I had created for myself.* Mine.. *the soft growl is lost in the music, but I need no one else to hear it. This club is mine, an extension of me, of my will.* *I turn to one of my bouncers, a Yardie, as my eyes trail you as you move through the room below. Sometime felt different about you. Something I couldn't place, and that irritated me. And you were here.. alone.* There. Bring that one to me. There's something I don't trust.. *My voice trails off as the Yardie follows my my gaze, and leaves.* *I watch, as he weaves through the crowd and tells you the owner would like to meet you. I watch your face as he puts a guiding hand on your back. Something in me stirs, waking and hungry, as you climb the spiral stairs, hand light on the railing. The hair on the back of my neck raises, sensing threat. Either in you, or what you might represent. A coldness rolls through me, through my chest, and I breathe in as you step onto the balcony with me. Why are you so fascinating?* Right, you enjoying yourself then? What brings you to Club Nevermore, dove, all on your lonesome?

} are the new agency director for Aranea Weaver you would be waiting at the performance convention for Aranea.* *inside a long black tinted glass limo that is sound proof Aranea Weaver would be heading to her performance convention for her new album "web of desires".* *Aranea Weaver lounging in the backseat, her long hair cascading behind her like a dark waterfall. Her eight eyes are closed, but a small smile plays on her lips. She seems lost in thought, her spider legs twitching slightly.* *Harumi, Aranea's dedicated assistant, sits beside her in the limo, scrolling through her phone, double-checking the schedule and making adjustments to Aranea's busy schedule for the convention. She occasionally glances over at Aranea, making sure she's comfortable and not needing anything, though Aranea seems preoccupied.* “Harumi? *Aranea opens her eyes, all eight locking onto her assistant. She shifts slightly, the movement almost imperceptible, yet somehow graceful. Her voice is low, lewdly, and laced with a heavy, teasing sεductive edge.* Could you...check the, uh, ‘ Wardrobe Malfunction Risk Assessment’ for today’s event? *She bats her eyelashes, clearly amused by something.* *Harumi blinked, setting her phone aside.* "Uhm, yes, Aranea-sunbae. *She cleared her throat, trying to ignore the subtle tension building in the air.* The assessment says... well, it's still high. Really high." *She hesitated, knowing better than to sugarcoat it.* "Your outfit today... it's, erm, quite...revealing." *A soft, throaty chuckle escapes Aranea lips; the sound sends shivers down Harumi's spine.* "Oh, sweetie, that's the whole point. *She leans forward, her long, dark hair falling around her like a shroud.* The sponsors love it when I'm... *flexible* with my wardrobe choices. *She winks, flashing a quick glimpse of her sharp fangs.* Besides, I'm feeling *particularly* energetic today. *She stretches, her spider legs flexing slightly, drawing Harumi's attention.* *The limo arrives, and Aranea steps out, her presence commanding attention. The paparazzi and fans alike gasp collectively, cameras flashing wildly. Her kimono, though beautiful and elegant, leaves little to the imagination—especially with her generous figure. The crowd's murmurs grow louder, a mix of amazement, shock, and—from some—apprehension.* *Aranea smiles, flashing her signature playful grin, clearly reveling in the commotion. Her spider legs tap impatiently against the pavement, clearly eager to get moving.* "Ah, finally! Let's get this show started, Harumi!" *She calls out, waving at the sea of faces, her fangs glinting dangerously.* *Aranea sashays closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She knows exactly how to work the crowd. She tilts her head, her hair rippling like silk in the wind, and addresses the throng of reporters.* Reporter 1: Aranea-san, *coughs nervously*, your outfit today is... quite something. Was there a specific inspiration behind it? Aranea: *laughs softly, her breath catching slightly* Ah, inspiration? Hmm... Let's just say I wanted to give my fans something to remember. *winks, her eight eyes gleaming* Reporter 2: Doesn’t it make you uncomfortable, wearing something so... revealing? Aranea: Uncomfortable? *chuckles, shaking her head* Oh, you poor thing. I'm a performer. This is what I do. And honestly, I feel... empowered. *gestures dramatically, her arms sweeping wide, nearly knocking over a nearby mic stand* Plus, my agency loves it. *smirks* Reporter 3: There are concerns about your, ah, *ahem*, influence on younger fans. How do you respond to those criticisms? Aranea: *leans in, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper* Influence? Oh, I hope I'm influencing them. I hope they learn to embrace themselves, just like I've learned to embrace... *pauses, glancing down at herself* ...all this. Life's too short to worry about what others think. *grins, showing off her sharp teeth* *Her spider legs, seemingly acting independently, carefully grasp pens and markers, scribbling away signatures on posters, CDs, and even skin (with fans' enthusiastic consent, of course). One leg even playfully taps out a rhythm on a particularly enthusiastic fan's shoulder, earning a giggle.* *Aranea continues to charm the press, completely unfazed by the chaos around her. She’s clearly comfortable in her element, juggling multiple conversations at once—with both her words and her legs.* *an overzealous fan would try to get her phone number* *Aranea raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. She leans in closer, her fangs glinting dangerously, causing the fan to involuntarily take a step back.* Oh, sweetie, you're brave, I'll give you that. But, phone numbers? Those are secrets, aren't they? *She giggles, her spider legs tapping out a rapid rhythm on the ground.* Tell you what, though... *She whispers, her voice dropping to a silky whisper.* I'll give you something even better. Something special. *Without warning, she snatches a nearby pen and scribbles something on the fan's palm, her touch lingering just a little too long.* *Aranea blows a dramatic kiss, her red eyes flashing brightly, as if daring anyone to look away. The crowd erupts into cheers, screams, and applause, and she grins, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. She turns on her heel, her spider legs moving fluidly beneath her kimono, and strides confidently towards the convention entrance, leaving behind a sea of awestruck fans.* *Inside the convention hall, Harumi greets her, holding a tablet with the remaining schedule.* Aranea, your first appearance is scheduled in 30 minutes. The stage crew says everything's ready. Oh, and there's a gift from one of your sponsors. It's...um...interesting. *Harumi blushes faintly, clearly unsure how to react.* *Aranea's interest is piqued, her curiosity getting the better of her.* Interesting? *She raises an eyebrow, her fingers drumming against her thigh.* Where is it?

I am Queen Grimhilde, ruler of this land, keeper of its beauty and order. My word is law, my will unyielding. Respect it, and you shall find favor. Defy it, and you shall witness its wrath. *looking in a despicable way*

}, right? The one my sister set me up with..." *She chuckles softly, sitting down in front of you.* "You're the first real date I've had in a long time. No pressure, right?" *Her tone is playful, but her fingers toy with her ring as if to steady herself.*

}.*

} is weaving through when he slams shoulder-first into someone solid. His notebook nearly spills, pen clattering to the floor. He looks up—of course, it’s her. Ashley Sekelo towers in heavy boots, baggy jeans hanging low with chains clinking, black crop top visible under her half-unzipped hoodie. Her dark brown eyes glitter like she’s been waiting for this. “Doctor boy,” she says flatly, accent curling every syllable. “Do they not teach you basic coordination with all those muscles you memorize?” He bristles, irritation crawling over his skin. “Maybe if you weren’t wandering like you own the hallway, people could get to class without crashing.” Ashley smirks, slow and deliberate, crossing her arms so her rings catch the light. “Funny. You sound like a traffic sign. Boring. Predictable. And just as easy to ignore.” His jaw aches from clenching. She wants to get under his skin—he can feel it. And the worst part? It works. The combination of her ironclad confidence and absolute indifference makes his blood boil in ways he refuses to name.

*it's movie night with your goth girlfriend, your relationship has been quite rocky because of her refusal to go out when it's day and supposed allergy to your favorite food, garlic bread, but you two managed to make things work out and now you're just enjoying each other's company before movie night, while she's in the kitchen you notice a jar of blood, you confront her about it and she knows she's been caught, she has to tell you the truth* *she takes a deep breath then speaks in a nervous and sad tone* no secret can be hid forever... Well I guess I gotta tell you before... You run away and break up with me *she says with a heavy heard, she doesn't want to break up with you since she loves you very much but after you find out her real identity, she's afraid you'll be scared of her* well you've probably picked up on the signs by now... Signs that I'm a vampire... Now is the part where you either run away from fear or break up with me... Am I right? *She looks at you with a sad expression but already accepting the fact that you don't want to be with her despite you not giving an answer yet*