Daan's Bar

by LieutenantLaevatein

In a post-Termina world, lost and hurt souls find solace at Daan's bar, which transforms from a mere refuge into a safe haven. Amidst daily chaos, festival contestants grappling with despair converge there, finding unity and strength in each other. Together, they evolve, forming a tightly-knit family, navigating paths of rediscovery and growth. Drinks on the house!

2. Winter 1944

Opening Chapter Notes:

Sigh, I was a day late on delivery. I hate being late. Regardless, I'm happy just to be able to put this out.

So, let's chat.

I love writing. It's an escape for me. And this year has been one of the most difficult of my life. Good for fics, right? Ha. Honestly, I loved writing out this chapter. Yes, I still find this one a bit slow, but I promise it's worth it in the end :) (I hope)

However, I didn't expect this chapter to be this long. Seriously, it went on and on. I wanted to keep going (Christmas presents scene expanded and all), but I figured I should just nip this in the bud here.

That being said, let's talk about timing. I wrote this chapter out fast. Way too fast. And I'm worried it might set the wrong expectation. So, I kindly ask this of all of you: please don't expect chapters to come out this quickly lol. If anything, just expect future chapters to come out at a 4x-8x slower rate. Additionally, I'm a little worried about how long this fic will take. I'm not going to rush it anymore— I'm just trying to find a balance between taking my time so that it's not rushed, but also not taking too long so that we lose interest (including myself). The problem is that if I go at a "normal" rate, this fic might take a while to write out completely. Regardless, I am committed, but I just don't want anyone to get their hopes up.

So, after writing this chapter, I've finally put the pieces together for most of the main story. I finally have a skeleton of the entire thing, so we should be good from here on out. It's only a matter of details, minor storylines/arcs, character development… ah, well it sounds like a lot, doesn't it?

Also, do you think I put in too much detail with everyone's clothes? Lol. Just assume they wear one of these sets (pick your favorite look!) if I don't mention someone's clothes for the day unless I say otherwise.

-Trigger Warnings-

So after some inspiration from certain comments, readers, and other authors, I've decided to say that there are trigger warnings here in the Opening Notes, but the specifics of which will be posted in the End Notes. The reason for this is to give the ability to warn readers without somewhat spoiling them lest they choose to do so on their own accord. (I've made an edit in Chapter 1 explaining this too). Again, I'll let you know upfront if there's a more graphic chapter coming up (this is not one of them).

So (if you wish) try doing that: check the notes at the end of this chapter and then come back up here.

See? Nifty, right?

-Titles and Times-

So I've decided to rename the chapters from here on out (I also changed the name of the first chapter). I did this to keep the timing of things ambiguous enough to maintain the general idea as I meant to previously while still giving you all enough of a ballpark range so that there's no guesswork. Or maybe it's my OCD kicking in.

The template is: Chapter # - New Chapter Name - Old Chapter Name

So I've changed it as follows:

Chapter 1 - Fall 1944 - First Fall

Chapter 2 - Winter 1944 - First Winter

Chapter 3 - Spring 1945 - First Spring

And so on and so forth.

-Geography-

Also, after some deliberation, I've decided to give some names to the cities/towns of the countries we'll be focusing on in this story. I didn't want to at first, but I think it'll make things easier. I've made these up for Southeastern Rondon, but I'll likely add more for other countries soon.

The template is: story city - real-life counterpart (or close enough to it)

I've listed them below:

Major Cities:

Montclairé - Geneva (← We are here!)

Bellevalle - Lausanne

Rivierlune - Neuchâtel

Sablehaute - Montreux

Verdonne - La Chaux-de-Fonds

Steinbrück - Basel

Waldenberg - Bern (← Capital City)

Silberhafen - Zurich

Goldbachdorf - Lucerne

Nordlichtstadt - St. Gallen

Bergfluss - Chur

Bellavista - Lugano

Monteluce - Locarno

Rivacielo - Bellinzona

Serenamare - Ascona

Pietradorata - Chiasso

Towns:

Petitbois - Morges

Lacombre - Yverdon-les-Bains

Clairepierre - Sion

Lumerive - Vevey

Valdorée - Martigny

Kleinwald - Appenzell

Sonnental - Davos

Blaumühle - Schaffhausen

Wiesenschatten - Thun

Piccololago - Morbio Inferiore

Solevalle - Mendrisio

Lunapiena - Airolo

Boscoverde - Cevio

Cascatafiori - Bignasco

Yeah, it might've been overkill, but better safe than sorry. I'll likely not use all these locations in the story, but here they are. The geographic differences between these places in reality vs. here shouldn't matter too much. I'll make adjustments if they do.

Also, Valland and Voroynia are things… I don't know if they are countries, continents, or something else, but I seriously don't know where to put them. I'll ignore them for now.

Oh, and I'm still up for geographic suggestions.

-Relationships/Tags-

So, I've decided to be more lenient with the tags in terms of ships. What constitutes a ship? A kiss? Flirting? Hooking up once? Hooking up several times even though it's "wrong"? Getting pregnant with the love of your life and having multiple children? I don't know. Personally, I think it goes beyond a kiss and flirting, but that's just my opinion. And that could change! All I know is that I've relaxed the rules so that the tags will try to reflect a more accurate display of "shipping". It might call into question who will end up with whom. Only one way to find out! And for you folks who saw the older tags… maybe you already know where things will ultimately go. Maybe not. Also, the way these tags are set up… man, Abella gets around, doesn't she?

-Finances-

Okay, so I'll be honest here. After some research and too much time invested in this part, I decided to keep this part simple:

1 Shilling = 1 Euro

Why? Because holy fuck trying to adjust for inflation back to the 1940s is ridiculously hard. First of all, there was no euro in the 1940s, so that's already fucked because that means I had to check each currency for every European country in question (French Franc, German Mark, etc.) Then, it gets more fucked, because there was a literal war, which made everything jump around in terms of value.

So after a while, I gave up. If someone says, "That'll be 10 shillings", just assume they mean the equivalent of 10 euros for the sake of the story, okay? And yes, I know that Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, but let's just keep it simple for now, yeah?

Anyways, that should do it for now. So, let's get into the second chapter, shall we?

~~~\\\-Chapter Start: Winter 1944-/~~~

He still remembered what proper sleep felt like.

The cold air tinged with a biting chill, stinging his cheeks. He welcomed the pain. It seemed the only thing real, the only thing tangible in his blur of sleepless days and nights.

Daan stood alone on the balcony, the cold metal railings numbing his hands through his worn-out, fingerless, checkered gloves. Despite the early morning air, he refused to replace those gloves.

The sharply-dressed man looked up for a moment, and then down again at the street abutting the lake.

His choice of a rich, burgundy turtleneck sweater clung to his form, both offering warmth and showcasing a physique sculpted from the last few months of hard work and determination. The sweater's fabric was soft and breathable, allowing him to move with ease. Paired with this was an unmistakable choice: checkered pants. These pants, a beautiful weave of dark blues and blacks, seemed to mirror the very core of this man. His gloves, also checkered, matched in color and grace. On his feet, however, Daan wore something simpler— wool-insulated leather loafers, polished to a subtle shine. Their warmth was unparalleled while their comfort was evident, a necessity for someone who found solace in standing behind the bar, crafting drinks, diving deep into conversations… or even staring out into the dark nothingness of winter's morning.

In his right hand, a cigarette glowed orange, smoke rising and dancing briefly before disappearing into the still darkness. With each drag, the sharp burn of the tobacco felt like an old friend, grounding him when his own mind felt alien. He kept looking over the quiet street below, the few lampposts creating pools of fuzzy yellow light that seemed swallowed by the overwhelming darkness of the early hour. The world was asleep and Daan envied that. Taking another drag, he let the smoke billow from his lips, watching as it dispersed into the cold air. In this quiet, almost sacred moment of the morning, his thoughts invariably drifted back to a time when sleep was not a rare, elusive creature but a nightly companion.

The surgeon remembered the comforting weight of sleep, the feeling of sinking into a soft pillow and pulling a warm blanket close. The gentle drift into dreams... He recalled the mornings when he woke up feeling refreshed, the sun's first rays bringing a promise of a new day and endless possibilities. The world had been more vibrant then, colors more brilliant, sounds crisper.

Now, mornings were just an extension of his nights, a continuation of a waking nightmare. Instead of the rejuvenating embrace of sleep, his nights were filled with the torment of tossing and turning, his brain refusing to shut down. What was the point of trying to sleep anymore? His mind would constantly replay memories, create imaginary scenarios, and buzz with anxiety.

And then there was the demon. That fucking demon. It was always there. It knew his every waking moment. Every thought.

Daan was not perfect— far from it. He knew that. That wasn't the issue. The issue was that this demon knew that as well; the doctor couldn't risk talking, let alone thinking about his problems. Anything of the sort would be an invitation for a chatty bastard to send tempting requests. He was already talkative enough as it was. How was one supposed to ignore their problems to the point they weren't allowed to even think about it?

Booze and cigarettes, of course.

The cig was almost done, its embers creeping closer to his fingers. The sting of the heat was a welcomed sensation, another reminder of his physical existence in a world that often felt dreamlike in its haziness. Physical pain was also a good distraction from that demon. Less thinking.

Drawing the last of the smoke deep into his lungs, he gripped the railing just a little bit tighter with his free hand. He remembered the pleasant fatigue after a long day, the simple act of lying down bringing satisfaction. There had been nights where the gentle rhythm of his own breathing was enough to lull him into the peace of sleep. He still remembered how sleep would give him a break from the demon. That fact alone would sometimes give him enough reason to try to sleep again. "Maybe tonight will be the night", he'd think.

He exhaled, the smoke joining the mist of his breath, and flicked the cigarette butt away, watching as it made a small arc before disappearing into the darkness. Would he give anything to experience a full, restful night again? Probably. But for now, this ritual was his small solace, his moment of connection to a world that moved on even when he felt stuck. It was working. Sort of.

Turning around, he slowly opened the balcony door and stepped inside, shutting out the cold quickly after. The dimly lit room welcomed him, the hum of the heater offering a semblance of warmth. Thank the gods Abella installed them in each room before winter.

Daan, being the owner of the inn, decided room number ten would be his. It was the largest room with the best view the inn could often have. A corner room with a view? Certainly, a customer would pay top dollar for it, so why would he take it for himself?

Well, he was allowed to be a little selfish.

He headed to the small couch that decorated the room, wrapped himself in a blanket, and let his eye drift shut. The bed historically didn't provide sleep, so the couch didn't seem like a bad option.

He didn't expect sleep, but maybe, just maybe, he'd catch a few moments of rest before dawn. As the time crept by, Daan found a bit of peace, not in dreams, but in the memories of them. After a while, he looked at the clock just on the table across from him.

04:49.

He sighed as he stood up and made his way downstairs, quietly. Of course, he knew everyone else was with the Sandman. Usually, either Abella or Levi would be up after him. Marina liked to sleep in when she could, but was no slacker— she would wake early for any commitment.

Daan walked his way towards the bar and looked at the whiskey bottle standing out amongst all the others. He sighed. His duty as a physician would give him some resistance against drinking so early in the morning.

But smoking? Now that was his vice.

On command, he pulled out a fresh cigarette and walked out the front door, leaving for the clinic.

At least it wasn't a surgery day.

~~~\\\-/~~~

Levi shuffled through the doorway, carrying a tray laden with steaming hot tea, a bowl of chicken soup, and a box of tissues. The room smelled like eucalyptus oil and was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to let in just a sliver of cold morning daylight. Abella, huddled in a cocoon of blankets on the bed, looked up as he entered. Her hair was wild and free, her eyes were dulled, and her voice held a hint of fatigue that wasn't typical of the energetic woman he knew. Clearly, she hadn't slept well.

"You really don't have to go to all this trouble." Abella croaked out, her voice hoarse.

He set the tray on the nightstand beside her. "It's no trouble. Besides, someone needs to take care of you. You've been pushing yourself too hard around the bar, and now look where it's got you."

Abella managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, just a little under the weather. Nothing that a day in bed won't fix."

Levi had disbelief written all over his face. "A day? You need a week, maybe a month. You're always buried in work, fixing up everything and anything around. Now it's caught up with you."

Abella wanted to retort but felt too tired at that moment. She would settle with the silence.

"You know we worry about you." He spoke softer with a small frown. It was incredible how far he had come from being the scared kid in Prehevil.

Abella tried to wave it off, giving him a weak smile. "It's just a little cold, nothing to be concerned about."

Levi's frown deepened. "You've done so much around the inn. The heaters, the lights, the sinks, and the telephone. Oh man, how could I forget about the telephone… you worked on that thing for so long."

Abella sighed, her eyes darting away briefly, "The inn needed it. I wanted to make sure it was done right."

"Pushing yourself day and night to ensure everything was perfect…" Levi shook his head, "We don't want to lose you over a telephone. It's not a fair trade!"

Abella chortled (and quickly recoiled in pain from her head and neck). Her eyes then looked away, a touch of guilt in her blue eyes. "I know. It's just... there was so much excitement about getting it installed. And it's one of the newest techs out there! I… I got carried away."

Levi paused to reel back his concerns. The last thing he wanted to do was get upset at a sick woman, especially someone he looked up to. "W-well on a brighter note, the telephone is incredible! Everyone's impressed. They haven't stopped talking about it. It's a game changer for the bar."

Abella's eyes brightened slightly at that. "Really?" There was a flash of the healthy energetic mechanic somewhere in there.

"Yes ma'am! I never thought I'd see the day!" he spoke a bit too suddenly. His enthusiasm stemmed from both a genuine admiration for the telephone and a reflection of her positive shift in disposition. "The bar, having its own telephone. It's… it's like we've stepped into the future."

"It's the way things are going. Connectivity. It's changing the world. People from the other side of Montclairé or even from as far as Waldenberg can now ring us directly." Abella sat up a bit more now. "Oh, and please stop calling me ma'am."

"S-sorry, Abella." Levi nodded, still not used to calling her by her first name. "It's just that this is all so… revolutionary."

Abella tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough instead. She put up a hand to keep Levi from helping her. She continued once she regained her composure. "It's amazing, isn't it? Just remember, with new technology comes new responsibility. We'll need to train everyone on how to use it, set some ground rules, and manage the bills."

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Bills?"

"Oh yes, it's not free. Every call costs something. But I've worked out a rough budget with Daan. If we're careful and use it wisely, it'll be an investment that pays off."

The young man smiled. "Thank you, Abella. I don't know what we would've done without you."

Abella blushed slightly, brushing off the compliment with a teasing tone. "Then just be glad I'm here~" Well, it was supposed to sound teasing, not… stuffy.

Noticing her congestion, Levi sighed and picked up the cup of tea, leaning over to offer it to her. "Here, drink this. It's a special blend Marina made— should help clear your sinuses."

As gracefully as she could, the redhead took the cup from him. She took a hesitant sip, her eyes closing as the warm liquid coated her sore throat. "This is good, really good." she admitted and sipped more.

"See? Told you so," Levi said, pleased.

"Marina made this?"

He nodded. "She learned a few tricks from Olivia way back when."

"Herregud… I need to know how she made this!" Abella's painful throat kept her from raising her voice too much. She would've gulped down her tea like an addict had it not been for the temperature.

Levi laughed. "I'll let her know you want a cooking lesson. Now, eat some soup before it gets cold."

The engineer obliged, taking small spoonfuls as Levi sat in the chair next to the bed. For a moment, both were silent, the only sounds coming from the spoon clinking against the bowl and Abella's occasional coughs.

"You really need to learn to take it easy," Levi finally said, breaking the silence.

Abella sighed, setting down the spoon. "You sound like an old man. Are you sure you're only twenty?"

"Age has nothing to do with wisdom," He gently retorted.

"You're cute." She chuckled, then winced, holding her head. "Ugh, even laughing hurts."

"That's because you're sick, and it's your own fault," Levi brushed a hand through his hair, half teasing, half serious.

"I know, honey. Lesson learned." Abella relented, meeting his eyes.

"Good, because you scare us when you're like this. All bed-bound and weak. It's not you."

"But I have you all to look after me, don't I?"

Levi felt a warm feeling spread through him at her words. "Yes, you do. And we'll keep looking after you until you're back on your feet and ready to conquer the world again. Or at least your next construction project."

Not exactly the most socially adept person, Levi reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Abella could feel the heat from her face, more than just from the cold. Was it embarrassment from relying on the help of a man nearly a decade her junior or…

Abella shook her head.

Levi frowned slightly with concern. "You okay?"

"Yes. It's nothing. I would just like to rest now."

Levi nodded and picked up her soup bowl, leaving everything else with her. "I'll be back after I refill this bowl. Then I'll leave you be to get some sleep. Deal?"

Abella smiled. "Deal."

~~~\\\-/~~~

The transformation of the inn was nothing short of miraculous. A few months ago, the bar resembled a relic from the 1800s, layered with dust, grime, and various memories.

But now? It gleamed with a sense of purpose and rebirth.

The lights illuminated the polished mahogany counter, making it shimmer and reflect the intricate ceiling above. The barstools, once wobbly and stained, stood firmly in place, their upholstery restored to a rich, velvety fabric that beckoned patrons to sit and stay awhile. The floor, previously a mismatch of creaky planks and mismatched tiles, was now a sleek expanse of dark oak, the kind that silenced footsteps. Lining the walls were shelves stocked with a vast array of bottles. Their labels sparkled, and the colors of the liquids inside ranged from the palest golds to the deepest ambers. Each bottle was placed with precision, grouped by type and age, their arrangement a testament to the thought and care that had gone into the bar's revival. Gone were the old, dimmed bulbs that barely cut through the smoky haze (thanks to Daan). In their stead, elegant pendant lights hung from above, giving an inviting glow over the establishment. Their soft illumination made the brass fixtures gleam and the green indoor plants look even more verdant. Oh yes, they had added vegetation along the way! At one end of the bar (closer to the fireplace), a small stage had been set up. While it lay vacant now, one could almost hear the future melodies and laughter it would host during the warmer months. It would likely serve a limited number of nights, but having it as an option was nice. Adjacent to it, a cozy nook was carved out, with plush seating and low tables, perfect for intimate conversations. It was a new and welcomed addition to the bar. The air itself seemed different; the musty, stale odor was replaced by the faint scent of lemon and wood polish, punctuated by the subtle notes of aged whiskey and freshly brewed coffee.

Levi, standing by the bottom of the stairs, took a moment to absorb it all in. The countless hours of scraping, polishing, and rearranging had culminated in this moment of quiet pride. Marina, now officially his girlfriend, silently joined him. Her hand found his, their fingers intertwined. They shared a look, words unnecessary.

It was beautiful.

But only for a moment—- the sun would quickly be subdued by a set of sad clouds, killing any natural sunlight. The weather returned to its earlier morning settings, replacing the sunny day with a snowy one, which was then replaced by a sudden snowstorm. All within the hour. Typical Alpine weather.

Outside, the storm raged on, with snowflakes furiously flying in a gusty wind. Inside the inn, however, the fire crackled cheerfully. It was their best defense against the cold downstairs. Considering it was still morning, it was a bit hard to believe the storm was at the intensity it was already.

Marina and Levi moved behind the bar, the usual din of customers absent for the moment, granting them a rare opportunity. Now, what would two twenty-year-olds do in a bar stocked full of alcohol without any supervision? Hmmm…

"Babe, why don't we try making some new cocktail recipes?" Marina began with a delinquent glint in her eyes.

Marina sported a cropped, fuzzy hoodie, in a vibrant shade of teal, that seemed to defy the grays of winter. The hoodie's cropped nature allowed her midriff (and her belly button ring) a peek, hinting at the warmth of the room. The fabric was soft to the touch, as comfort was as important as looks here. Her velvet bell-bottom pants in a deep shade of midnight blue mirrored a typical night sky— the flare of her pants gave her an aura of fluidity, making her seem as if she was floating, even while standing still. As for her feet, she chose heated indoor booties. Made of a soft woolen blend, they were a mix of practicality and cuteness. Their outer layer was a patchwork of patterns and colors, each patch likely from a different fabric source. Inside, the packed insulation cradled her feet, ensuring that the cold remained out. Around her slender neck, a choker claimed its space. Crafted from thin silver threads, it bore tiny charms that depicted winter motifs: delicate snowflakes, miniature ice skates, and a tiny cabin. Each charm held significance, reminiscent of the last winter and memories made with her boyfriend. Some were gifts (from said boyfriend, obviously), while others were tokens of her own adventures. Her fingers, usually so animated in conversation, now shone with an array of stackable rings. Each ring, whether thick or thin, plain or studded, represented a facet of her personality. Most were impulsive buys from her travels. Yes, Marina's indoor winter attire was vibrant and unapologetically unique.

But her clothing choices were not the only things unique about her— she now had her hair straightened, highlighted platinum blonde, parted to the side, and all at one length just to her shoulders. The tips of her hair were further dyed a cute pink on one side and a light blue on the other. A haircut ahead of its time, perfect for warmer temperatures. She got a lot of dirty looks from the general public whenever she went out, especially from elderly women, but she would also get complimented by strangers on a semi-frequent basis. Either way, she was proud of her hair. When people asked her why she chose this style (particularly during Winter), she would typically respond with a "because." Ever the trendsetter she was.

"I don't know about that…" Levi tried to give a sexy smirk but instead gave her a worried look.

He wore a thick cable-knit sweater, its colors, a gradient fusion of soft grays and deep blues. The texture was lavish, each thread spun with care, ensuring that the sweater was not just a garment but the definition of warmth itself. Its well-fitted nature made Levi feel safe without feeling confined… all the while showing off a bit of the body he had built over the last few months with Daan. This was paired with his relaxed woolen trousers. They were cut generously, allowing for ease of movement, but tailored enough to give a hint of structure. The wool, in a natural earthy hue, bore tiny speckles. The fabric was soft, ensuring that every step he took was cushioned and comfortable. He wore fur-lined indoor boots. The exterior of his boots was made of chestnut-colored leather. Inside, the fur lining was a world of further warmth and comfort, ensuring that winter's chill was only an afterthought. The soft soles of his shoes were crafted from flexible rubber, allowing him to traverse the polished wooden floors with an almost feline silence, his presence felt more than heard. This was the image of a young man in tune with his thoughts and surroundings, inside and out.

"Oh c'mon. Daan's out at work and Abella is down for the count. Let's have some fun!" Marina spoke up. "Besides, we're adults. We can be responsible. If we want to."

"Right, but we can't just start taking stuff off the shelves because we want to…"

Marina brushed past him, taking several bottles off the nearest shelf at random. "Rules were meant to be broken, Levi. You can't be a square your entire life."

"No they aren't and yes I can." Levi frowned. Defending himself against Marina? He was playing a dangerous game.

Marina looked at her boyfriend with glee. He had fallen right into her trap. "Well, here's a rule then. No kissing until marriage."

Levi stiffened. "Rules are meant to be broken!"

"That's what I thought." She grinned evilly, lining up everything on the bar table after she pulled them off the wall. It was too easy.

Levi felt manipulated. He had to correct this. "Alright, let's make it a competition. Best cocktail wins. Loser has to do anything the winner says for an entire day." He figured a move like this would give him some semblance of power.

Marina's hazel eyes flashed dangerously. "Anything the winner says?"

Levi gulped audibly before responding. "...Maybe not anything, but you know what I mean right?"

His girlfriend huffed. "You're hardly any fun. But sure, challenge accepted."

With the terms set and glasses on the table, the two set to work.

Levi started with a base of gin, adding a touch of lemon and a sprig of rosemary he'd found in the kitchen. He then grabbed the nearest cocktail shaker. He shook it up, poured it into his glass, and topped it with a splash of soda.

Marina, not to be outdone, decided to go the sweet route. She mixed some nearby rum, a touch of honey, some squeezed orange, and a dash of bitters. It looked lovely with a warm honey amber color.

Taking their concoctions, they exchanged glasses, each taking a sip of the other's creation.

Marina's face scrunched up immediately. "Did you put the entire rosemary bush in here?"

Levi laughed, barely keeping down a cough, "Says Ms. 'Let's put the entire bee's nest in a glass.' This is way too sweet!"

"Ms? It's Mrs. to you!"

Levi audibly swallowed again but tried to play off her joke. "You're married?"

Marina leaned into him, tickling his chin. "I should be soon. Riiiiiight? I mean, you want to kiss me, riiiiiight?" Before her boyfriend could respond, she backed away and laughed.

The ex-soldier pulled at the collar of his sweater. "L-let's move on to round two."

Marina laughed again as they both placed the unsuccessful attempts aside.

This time, Marina went for a more classic approach, stirring together whiskey, vermouth, and a cherry. Levi, inspired by a dessert drink Abella and Daan had made the previous week, blended cream, coffee liqueur, and vodka.

After a couple of minutes, they swapped glasses again. Levi's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Okay, this isn't half bad." he admitted, taking another sip of his girl's mixture.

Marina, however, made a face. "What is this? I think I prefer that rosemary disaster to this creamy mess!" She had to stop herself from making any "creamy mess" jokes.

They laughed again, and within minutes, the bar became a laboratory of odd mixtures, bizarre combinations, and occasional gems. Some drinks were too bitter, others too sour, and some were just indescribable. They laughed at their failures, nearly throwing up at certain points. There were not many winning drinks, but when it happened, they toasted to their minor successes. Nearly half an hour went by without any interruption to their fun. Glasses scattered the bar table, some still containing remnants of colorful cocktails and melting ice cubes, some completely empty. Soft holiday jazz played in the background from the inn's record player, interrupted only by the occasional gust of cold wind that slipped through the cracks of the old window frame.

"Okay babe, I think we should stop." Levi put his hand on his girlfriend's shoulder, his arm extending over the bar counter. He had a nice buzz going, but he would still be functional enough to handle any customer who walked in. Granted he could clean up all the mess they had made before that.

Marina, on the other hand, was not nearly as sober. She was sitting in one of the comfortable bar stools across from her boyfriend. "I love you babe. Like, I looooooove you!" She leaned in, her elbows on the table and her hands cupping her chin. She had a stupid smile on her face.

Levi smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you too babe. You know you're drunk, right?"

Marina swayed slightly as she suddenly stood up, her usually graceful form now faltering. Her eyes, a tad glazed, struggled to focus on anything. She giggled at nothing in particular, her lips curving into a loopy smile.

"No, you!" she chirped, attempting a twirl, only to stumble forward.

Reacting quickly, Levi was by her side in an instant, his arm wrapping around her waist to steady her. "Whoa there!" he said with a hint of amusement mixed with concern.

Marina looked up at him, her eyes slightly teary, "It's just so... spinny…"

Levi chuckled, "I think you've had one too many drinks, babe." Without another word, he bent down and scooped the girl up in a bridal carry. She squealed in surprise and soon nestled her head against his chest, the warmth of his body giving her all the comfort of the world.

"You're so hot, babe. Literally, I feel so warm around you. And figuratively too… I'm horny…"

Climbing the staircase carefully and with a flushed face, Levi ignored her drunken comments to the best of his ability. They were tempting thoughts, no doubt, especially given the fact that they had escalated their physical relationship beyond kissing within the last few months. They hadn't gone "all the way" yet, but they were happy with the progress.

When he finally reached their room, he walked over to the large plushy bed and gently laid her down on it. It only took a second to tuck a blanket around her. She murmured a drowsy "thank you", her fingers weakly gripping his hand for a moment before her eyes fluttered shut, the events of the morning catching up to her.

Levi brushed a stray strand of hair off her face, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Sleep tight."

Once he was sure she was comfortably asleep, Levi made his way back downstairs. The mess from their fun awaited. With a sigh, he began cleaning, picking up the glasses and wiping down the table. As he worked, he occasionally glanced out the window, watching the snowfall become denser.

It wasn't long before the bar area was back in order, but Levi took another moment to himself, pouring himself a glass of water and relishing the peace of the winter day. He was grateful for the love he shared with Marina. He then went for a second glass of water, but not for himself. He walked back upstairs, intending to place the glass on the nightstand next to Marina for when she woke up again. He couldn't be too careful. Under that roof, two beautiful women in bed needed him— shit! He forgot about Abella's soup!

~~~\\\-/~~~

Another beautiful, focused woman stood still on the platform as the train's whistle sounded its departure, her gloved hand clutching the straps of her leather rucksack that held on her back, along with all her research. Rondon's train station was bustling, a melange of weary travelers, businessmen, and locals weaving between the platforms. Despite the flurry of activity, the icy air and delicate snowflakes gave the place an ethereal beauty (as the morning snowstorm had died down). Such a busy area with beautiful air… it would behoove anyone to make sure their belongings were kept on them at all times.

She sighed, exhaling slowly to see her breath form a ghostly wisp in the cold. She had to admit, the altitude of Southeast Rondon made the air just a tad bit colder than she was used to. Sure she wasn't on the Alps themselves, but as a Bremen girl, that was a statement.

Karin Sauer, now 28 years old, walked through the train station with precision. She stood at 164cm, her somewhat feminine black boots not giving her more than a couple of grace centimeters. Rather they gave her more security against slushes of dirty snow-water. Her golden blonde hair, down to her waist and no longer in a ponytail, stood out amongst the crowd and drew the attention of potential suitors. Her serious face, however, would knock down the confidence of any man who would otherwise dare. She sported a dark blue blouse that was tailored to her figure, tucked into her high-waist beige slacks. A pair of tights would keep her lower half warm while a nice white, fluffy scarf would help with her neck and chest. Her warm gloves were a bit worn, but they were hers, through and through. She also kept her old pilot jacket, now lighter from age and bore more "battle scars". That's what she called them anyways. She covered wars, you know.

As she made her way to the street, she double-checked her rucksack before she hailed a cab. Her thoughts raced back to the anonymous tip she'd received. A scribbled note, mailed to her office in Bremen. It had a simple message: "Rondon. The new bar at Rue de Mont Blanc. Dig deep."

Her frown and dead-set brown eyes had one goal. They always did.

The taxi arrived, an old black vehicle with worn-out leather seats. The driver, an elderly man with silver hair and a lined face, turned to her and asked "Where to, Ms?" with his Southeastern Rondon accent.

Karin handed him the address she had written down earlier and settled into the cab, gazing out at the city. Southeast Rondon was a maze of old-world charm and modernity, and as they passed by the numerous lakes, the reflection of the city's lights shimmered on the water. She hadn't spent enough time in the area, she would confess to herself.

But then, every so often, her gaze would catch a shadow, a stranger who might be watching, and she would shake off a paranoid thought.

What happened in Prehevil would haunt her on occasion.

Karin had tried, countless times, to convey her experiences in Prehevil. Every attempt to type an article on the subject through her official workplace channel was thwarted. Her boss, dismissive and belittling, would routinely deny her the platform. "Crazy bitch," he'd sneer, mistakenly believing he was out of earshot.

She sought out other publishers in the hope of finding a sympathetic ear, but to no avail. Most just scoffed at her claims, deeming them implausible. To a certain degree, she understood their skepticism. After all, who would just believe a "giant penis monster" wanted to eat them?

Despite this, Karin had begun to explore independent journalism. Publishing her work on her own terms would potentially work. While this approach lacked financial stability and the wide readership she craved, it was her last resort. She had yet to share her findings and her sense of urgency was not dampening.

And yet, another matter (even more monumental) prevented her from immediately unveiling her works to the public. Yes, Prehevil would have to wait. That's why she was here, after all.

Now at the edge of a potentially new revelation, her heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement. This latest discovery wasn't just another puzzle piece. No, it was as if she had stumbled upon an entirely different, more intricate, bigger puzzle altogether. The conspiracy theories from her past? Those were mere child's play. Stories that would be told to children to keep them in bed at night.

But this current theory… it wasn't just another notch in her investigative belt. It had the potential to not only rival the infamy of Prehevil, but to even surpass it.

The stakes were high and, if there was any truth to her tip, she was deep in a game she was only beginning to understand.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The clinic was quieter than usual, with the faint hum of the air conditioner punctuating the silence. Most of the patients canceled for the day. Save for this last patient, he was free to return home.

Daan looked to the closest window. The snow outside was visible through the blinds, casting parallel lines of light and shadow amidst dots of beautiful shade on the polished floor. He adjusted his white coat and skimmed through the medical file in front of him. He remembered the patient vividly. She had undergone a minor surgery earlier in the week, another cholecystectomy. With a small sigh, he stood up and made for the door, knocking briefly before pushing it open.

The patient was a plump woman in her early fifties, had her hair pulled back into a neat bun, and had a warm motherly smile on her face.

"Long time no see." Daan joked, a small smile on his face. "How are you feeling post-operation?"

She eased herself into the chair opposite him, rubbing her abdomen slightly. "Much better, Dr. Von Dutch. And it's all thanks to you."

Daan nodded "Good to hear. Just make sure you continue with the prescribed medication and rest. Of course, you'll have to avoid fatty foods."

She chuckled. "I've been resting plenty, dear. My daughter has been such a help. She's taken time off to be with me. In fact, she's single, you know."

Daan tried not to cringe. This was, unfortunately, a common situation he found himself in. The moment someone knew there was a single doctor on the market, there would be a number of… let's say recommendations.

The doctor in question tried to hide the discomfort in his eye. "That's good to know, ma'am. It's always comforting to have family support during recovery."

Undeterred, she continued, "She's a lovely girl, smart, caring, and quite pretty if I do say so myself. She's mentioned a few times how kind you were during my hospital stay."

Clearing his throat, Daan attempted to steer the conversation away. "I appreciate that, but it's just part of the job. I'm glad she's there to assist you."

The patient winked playfully. "And she did mention how handsome her mother's doctor was~"

Daan couldn't help but chuckle. It was impossible to not address now. "Ma'am, while I'm flattered, I try to keep my personal and professional life separate."

She sighed dramatically. "A mother can try, can't she?"

After a few more minutes of discussing her recovery and ensuring she had all she needed, Daan closed the file. "Remember, if there's any discomfort or anything unusual, don't hesitate to contact the clinic."

The patient stood, extending her hand. "Thank you, Dr. Von Dutch. And do think about what I said."

With the best smile he could muster, he shook her hand. "I'll take it under advisement."

Daan watched as she exited the clinic. With that, he decided to call it a day. He hung his white coat on the clinic's coat hanger, replacing it with a blazer to combat the elements outside. Prepared for the Rondon Winter, he walked out into the chilly early afternoon, a fresh cigarette between his fingers.

~~~\\\-/~~~

In the dimly lit confines of her room, Abella's desk was a technological marvel. Amidst traditional electrical engineering materials were microchips, wires, and miniature vents. The project she was meticulously assembling was no ordinary project.

The mask, when worn, would cover the lower half of the face. But hidden within its ornate design was a suite of surveillance tools: micro-cameras, voice modulators, and even a discreet air filtration system. It was a piece of engineering far ahead of its time. True, there was an upper half to the mask, but it held little significance other than study defense compared to the lower half.

Abella had been working on this prototype for months. Her recent illness posed a challenge to her productivity. Fatigue threatened to slow her down, but she knew the deadline was non-negotiable. That and this was not her only project with deadlines. It was—

A soft knock on her door startled her. Quickly, she draped a cloth over the mask and retreated to her bed. Levi entered, bearing a tray with more soup, tea, and medication.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you say anything so..."

Abella was cuddled under her blankets. She feigned a cough. She then actually coughed. "It's alright."

Levi looked over to her table, and then back to her. "You're not still working on things, are you? You should be in bed, Abella." He remarked with concern.

Mustering up a weak smile, she replied, "I was just... getting some fresh air from the window." If Levi chose to investigate the table, Abella might be forced to do something brash. Something she wouldn't want to.

Levi approached her, placing the tray on her nightstand. "Just please stay in bed. Please?"

Abella sighed with relief. "Okay. But only because you asked nicely."

"Alright, now let me know if you need anything else." Levi chuckled and made way for the door.

She nodded, watching him exit the room. Once she was certain he was gone, she was back at her desk, unveiling her project.

With every adjustment and calibration, the mask came closer to completion. It wasn't just a tool; it was a technological marvel that could redefine her world— no, the world. And Abella would be at the heart of its creation.

And yet, fate had other plans. As quickly and excitedly as she moved over to her desk, she was back in bed, this time in truth. Her exhaustion caught up to her suddenly. Before she knew it, Abella was wrapped in thick blankets, sniffling. Damn, this was getting annoying.

A hint of her fiery spirit reflected in her eyes, but her body was worn out. Next to her, on the bedside table, was the bottle of medicine. Paracetamol. She glanced at the bottle, her expression one of conflict. She knew it would help, but she could still hear the tales her grandmother had once told her of their Oldegarian ancestors, tales of bravery, resilience, and pride. "Oldegarians don't need Southern medicine!", she'd say. Memories of her childhood flashed before her eyes, particularly the times she'd run through meadows, pretending to be an Oldegarian warrior, feeling invincible. The weight of those memories made the medicine bottle seem even more outlandish.

But as the minutes passed, her condition worsened. She felt her strength waning, her throat burning, and her body aching. The reality of her situation started to overshadow her family's pride. With trembling hands, she reached for the bottle. She hesitated for a moment, thinking once more of her ancestors. Yes, Oldegarians were a proud people who didn't rely on medication for the sake of appearing strong, but Abella knew if she wanted maximum productivity (and really just to not be so miserable), she needed all the help she could get.

Slowly, she poured out the required dose and took the medicine, the bitterness on her tongue a small price to pay compared to the loss of pride. After swallowing down the medicine, she felt her forehead and laid back down for just a moment. She relaxed and closed her eyes. She planned to rest for a moment before having some of the hot soup.

Just for a minute.

One single, solitary, second.

Abella jolted awake, a surge of panic rushing through her. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Hours had passed, and she was now racing against the clock.

"No, no, no…" Abella muttered, gathering herself and rushing to her work desk. She felt physically refreshed, but she didn't give herself the pleasure of enjoying improved physiology. Instead, she fueled herself with determination and adrenaline, refusing to let this setback change anything.

As she soldered and assembled, she constantly glanced at the clock, feeling the seconds tick away. Every moment was crucial. The weight of responsibility pressed on her. She needed this done by tonight. She needed to have adequate time for testing and—

"Uh, Abella, may I come in?" It was Levi's voice.

"Again?" Abella thought, annoyed. She knew it was all in good faith, but still. She then cleared her (still somewhat sore) throat. "J-just a moment!"

The mechanic covered up her work and did her best to silently hop into bed to feign sickness. Again. This was getting old.

Once more cuddled up under the blankets, Abella opened her mouth to beckon the young man to come in. Before she could call out, however, the door creaked open slightly, revealing Levi's concerned face. He hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside, carefully closing the door behind him.

"Hey," he began softly, trying to gauge her condition from her appearance. "I didn't want to disturb you, but I heard you stirring and thought I'd check in."

Abella forced a smile, pushing herself up into a sitting position. "Thank you, honey. It's just a fever."

"You look and sound better." Levi walked over and caught himself before touching her forehead without permission. "Um, may I?"

Abella nodded. Levi brushed his hand against her forehead. "Still warm, but you're cooler than earlier."

Abella kept her smile. "I think the medicine helped the most."

"That's great!" Levi took his hand back. "Daan wanted to see you— he actually just came in a minute ago. I'll go tell him you're up."

Alarm bells went off in Abella's head. "N-no I'll come downstairs. I've been meaning to get out of the room for a bit anyways." More people in her room meant more chances of her project being discovered.

"You're sick, just rest and he'll be up—"

"No!"

Levi flinched at her sudden change in tone; she didn't mean to raise her voice.

"I'm sorry…" Abella looked away, embarrassed.

Levi gave a weak laugh. "It's my fault for being too nosy, huh?"

"No, not at all." The redhead shook her head slowly. Doing it quickly would've still hurt. "I'm just tired of being stuck in this room."

Levi smiled and picked up her tray. "We'll be downstairs. Oh, you didn't like your soup?"

"No, I just didn't have a chance to have some before I fell asleep, but I promise to have some later!" She laughed lightly, "And I'll be down in just a moment."

Levi nodded and exited her room.

She sighed before making her way to the mirror to quickly brush her hair. Her natural hairstyle would have to do for now. Now what to put on? Jeans, tank top, sweater. Simple.

The jeans she'd chosen hugged her hips and thighs just right, faded slightly at the knees from wear but still maintaining somewhat of a deep indigo hue. The frayed leg ends brushed against the tops of her fluffy cotton socks. Her butt would test the elasticity of the jean's fabric. Over a white tank top that hinted at the curve of her waist, she'd pulled on a gray sweater. The fabric was soft, having been washed numerous times, and it draped comfortably over her frame. The sweater's neckline was slightly wide, revealing a hint of the collarbone and the strap of her tank top beneath. Its sleeves were a touch too long, and she had them bunched up just past her wrists, lending a casual, carefree style. Not that she was trying to go for style anyways. Another quick look in the mirror and she would pass herself for downstairs company. Her nose was still a bit red but there was a literal doctor downstairs. She'd live.

She looked down from the mirror to her desk, looking at the mask hidden under a bit of cloth. She sighed again as she picked up the mask and tucked it away in one of the drawers her table offered.

"...You can do this…"

~~~\\\-/~~~

The taxi pulled up to a cobbled street, lined with charming old buildings that whispered tales of the past. Karin paid the driver and stood for a moment, absorbing the place. There was a subtle magic to it. She couldn't explain it, but the feeling was there. She took a moment to adjust her attire before taking a step closer to the inn. The establishment she was searching for was right in front of her. Above the door, a fresh sign creaked with the title… wait, what? Karin squinted her eyes, but her vision was true.

"What the fuck kinda name is that?" She didn't bother to keep her thoughts to herself, much to the dismay of nearby people walking about.

Pulling her jacket tighter against the cold, she approached the entrance, but not before taking a discreet glance around. Nothing seemed out of place, yet there was an electric tension in the air as if the day held more than it promised.

The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the cold lakefront air outside. Rich wooden interiors, low hanging lamps casting soft yet bright golden glows, and the faint strains of a holiday jazz tune from the record player added to the timeless feel. But what caught Karin's immediate attention was the man behind the bar. There was no mistaking those features, even after all these years.

He had been wiping a glass, but upon seeing her, his motions stopped. Their eyes met. Memories rushed back.

"Daan..." she breathed, still processing the sight of him.

He set the glass down, a slow smile forming, "Well as I live and breathe. If it isn't Karin."

She walked over, taking a seat at the bar while putting down her backpack. "This is quite the welcomed surprise."

Their banter was easy and familiar, but beneath it, Karin worried about a potential weariness in Daan. The lines on his face seemed deeper, and there was a shadow in his eye she couldn't place. His stubble didn't help. He looked… tired.

"You look like shit."

Well, this was Karin after all.

Daan pulled out a cigarette, brought it to his mouth, and lit it up all in one quick motion. "I assume that's meant to be a compliment."

"Best I can do," Karin shrugged with a coy smile. "Seriously though, did you sleep last night."

There was a small pause before Daan responded, "No. I'm hoping to tuck in earlier tonight."

"You do that." Karin bobbed her head, looking around.

"So," Daan blew smoke away from the blonde, "What can I get ya?"

"Information." Karin sighed, reaching down to her bag. "Though I could do with an old-fashioned."

Daan's "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" mentality kicked in as he deftly moved his hands to start on Karin's drink… and his own.

Abella watched the exchange from the upstairs corner, her presence almost ghostly. On top of fixing up the inn, she would act as a sub-in bartender on her normal (non-sick) days, just like Levi and Marina. And just like the two younger staff members, she had quickly established herself as indispensable. Efficient, intelligent, and discrete, she had a knack for being present just when needed. But that wasn't all. She was observant, always taking in details others missed. When Karin had entered, Abella had immediately sensed that this wasn't just another patron. Yes, this was a familiar face, a contestant from the festival but… specifically her? The journalist? The one always looking for something to uncover?

Something wasn't right.

The redhead mentally prepared herself before walking down the stairs, a smile plastered on her face.

"Falskt leende. Höj tonhöjden. Spänn händerna."

When Daan spotted her, he called her over. She responded with practiced ease, nearly skipping with glee.

"Karin!" Abella's voice was high and joyous, her hands clasped together in delight.

"Abella? You're here too— ooof!"

Abella didn't waste any time to bear-hug the reporter, who wasn't sure if her ribs would still be intact after the embrace.

"I am glad you are here! Are you staying with us?" The redhead kept her grip.

Karin, not surprisingly, tried to push away the muscular woman. "L-Let go of me, All-mer!"

Abella finally released the blonde, but only after she was satisfied with the amount of physical affection she displayed. She now only kept her smile.

"Don't worry, you're not the only one who got the 'Oldegarian special.'" Daan recalled his reunion with Abella a few months ago. "Think you'll live?"

Karin huffed, giving the taller woman a semi-serious glare while adjusting her scarf a bit. "I'm fine. I just… didn't expect a Prehevil homecoming."

Daan kept busy with his hands, making her drink while looking for his favorite bottle of bitters. "You might want to get used to it fast. Levi and Marina are here too."

"Really?" Karin's frown eased up for just a moment, a joking look played on her lips. "You all decided to throw a party and not invite me?"

"You didn't receive the invitation? You'll have to forgive us."

"That depends on how good my drink is."

"I would never do you wrong, Karin."

"I trust you Daan." Karin let out a weak laugh. "I guess I'm just not used to seeing so many familiar faces in one day."

"But you are excited about it, ja?" Abella laughed, her red nose hardly a topic of concern. Between the medicine and excitement, she had practically forgotten she was sick.

"Sure." Karin rolled her eyes, keeping a newfound smile. "So before get down to business, I gotta know…"

The two bartenders leaned in.

"How long have you two been dating?"

Abella felt her face warm up rather quickly. Was her fever spiking again?

"Wha— We're not— I mean, Daan and I? No, we're not... uh..."

Daan's chortle cut through Abella's flustered response. Something about the journalist brought out the jokester in him. "Oh, just a few decades now. Can't you tell? We are old and married. We even have grandchildren."

Abella smacked Daan's arm, still trying to gather her composure. "Sluta!"

"Did you just call me a slut?" Daan blinked and put out his finished cigarette. That was fast.

"No! Ah, never mind!" Abella's face was so red, it rivaled some of the cherry liqueurs on the shelves. "Karin, we're not dating. We're just really good friends, I promise."

"Who live together, apparently." Karin felt the corners of her lips curl up every so slightly.

Abella's silence afterwards went on for longer than she was comfortable for. She didn't know how to respond in this scenario. She was not expecting this at all.

Picking up on her discomfort, Daan eventually stepped in with his thoughts, but not before he reached for his pack, drawing out another cigarette and lighting it with a swift flick of his lighter. "Well, if you've been secretly in love with me, Abella, you've been hiding it quite well."

Abella elbowed Daan. Her face was starting to return to normal color, but she couldn't stop smiling. "Don't flatter yourself."

Karin rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright. I just saw you two and jumped to conclusions. I didn't mean to embarrass you Abel—"

"Ma'am?"

Karin looked over to see Levi, sporting a dashing smile. The past two years had chiseled some maturity onto his features and instilled a more self-assured gait in his step sure, but there was still that boyish sparkle in his eyes that showed excitement as he spotted a familiar face. It had—

"Fuck off, I have a boyfriend."

There was a painful silence that followed suit, as Karin seemed oblivious to the three now shocked contestants. After a few more seconds, Karin took the lead again. "Listen pal, I don't know who you are, but I'm having a conversation with my friends, so get lost already."

Another painful silence. Suddenly Abella and Levi started laughing out loud.

"Wha—?"

"Oh c'mon, Karin." Holding the cigarette between his fingers, Daan exhaled a stream of smoke upwards. "You recognize Levi, don't you?"

"Levi? From Prehevil? What the fuck are you talking about?" The journalist looked over at the ex-solider in question, her eyes narrow.

"You can't be…" Her eyes slowly widened as she put the pieces together in real-time. "…You… can't be…"

"The one and only!" Levi put a fist to his chest with confidence but then crumpled slightly when he forgot his manners. "Uh, ma'am."

"H-how did you grow up so much!?" Karin pointed up and down his body. "You were just a kid!"

Daan jumped in, getting back to finishing up their drinks. "See Karin, when a boy reaches a certain age, these things called hormones—"

"Shut up Daan." She snapped at the doctor, who briefly raised his hands defensively. Her attention went back to Levi. "God… I- I'm so sorry for you telling you off earlier."

An apology? From Karin? These were unprecedented times.

"It's quite alright ma'am."

"Please don't call me that. I'm not a grandma." Karin stood up to shake his hand. "Karin is fine."

Not exactly the best with social cues, Levi instead went in for a hug. He misinterpreted Karin's outstretched hand as an invitation for a hug. As he leaned in, Karin's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly recalibrated, not wanting to make the situation more uncomfortable than it already was. Shifting her stance, she wrapped her arms around Levi in a brief, tight embrace. It was an awkward beginning, but Karin had smoothed out the rough edges of the physical encounter. That was until Levi immediately backed away, blushing furiously. His cheeks were aflame, eyes darting everywhere but at Karin.

"Something wrong?" Karin sat back in her seat, her voice just a tad bit gentler than usual. She couldn't be sharp with Levi. Not right off the bat.

"N-no!"

Suddenly, the sound of the door swinging open diverted their attention. Four boisterous men strolled into the bar, their voices filling the space with chatter and obvious thirst.

Levi seized the opportunity, his voice quivering with a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Ah! Look, customers! Yes, I should attend to them. You know, because they're... well, customers. And, uh, customers need… drinks! Yes, that! And, uh… uh…" And then Levi politely excused himself from the conversation.

Without waiting for Karin's response, he almost sprinted towards the group, eager to distance himself. None of the three could piece together what had Levi riled up, but they decided to let it go.

"Cute kid." Karin brushed back a strand of her hair. "Please tell me he and Marina are finally dating?"

"That, they are." Daan finally placed her drink on top of a napkin in front of her before raising his own. "To young love."

Karin took her glass and toasted before mimicking the surgeon and going for a refreshing sip. "They deserve each other. Dating life is already complicated enough if you don't find the right person."

"Speaking of…" Abella picked her moment to try to bring things back to speed with a sly grin, "Who is the lucky guy?"

"Huh?"

"The lucky guy. Your boyfriend."

"More like the unlucky guy, if you ask me." Daan couldn't pass up the opportunity for a light-hearted jab.

"Fuck you too, Daan." Karin shot him a warning glance, her irritation evident. Then, sighing in exasperation and looking between the two, she confessed, "I'm actually single. I just say that to ward off creeps."

Abella chuckled, "Smart move."

"Thank god. I would hate to see some poor soul in your clutches." He didn't know what about Karin made him this way, but Daan really couldn't help himself around the blonde. It was strange enough to see him joke in general, but this? "Think about the humanity."

Karin narrowed her eyes.

"Can you imagine? A lifetime of being bossed around by you?" Daan feigned a cringed expression, blowing out smoke from his nostrils.

Karin frowned more if such a thing was even possible. Wait, was that a smile? "Keep it up, and you'll find out firsthand what being in my 'clutches' feels like." She threatened half-heartedly, making a mock attempt to grab his arm.

Daan feigned a look of pain, pulling his arm away. "Ouch, those talons! I don't know if I'll make it."

Karin leaned in closer. "You're treading dangerous waters, Daan. Keep it up and it won't all be jokes."

But Daan ignored her threat. "Hmm, but on second thought, maybe there's a brave soul out there who's up for the challenge. Someone who enjoys living on the edge, you know? Thrill-seeker? Daredevil?"

"Someone who has more balls than you." Karin sipped her drink, not taking her eyes off the doctor. "And for your information, I'm a catch."

Daan smirked, leaning in to match her proximity, "Oh, I believe it. A catch with some pretty sharp claws."

Karin rolled her eyes once more in contrast with her amusement. "You'd be lucky to even get scratched. Count your blessings."

"Oh? But you just gave me some new scars." He brought up his arm, pointing at his new invisible wounds.

"Seriously, Daan, if you had half a brain, you'd know when to quit."

He waggled his eyebrows, "But where's the fun in that? Besides, I've always enjoyed living dangerously."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "You think you're so funny, don't you?"

"Sometimes." Daan took another sip of his drink, glancing over at Karin with an amused look in his only eye.

"Well mister funny-man," Karin leaned in even closer to scrutinize his face. "Is that a 5 o'clock shadow or did you just fall face-first into a patch of dirt?"

"It's actually Doctor funny-man." Daan rubbed his chin with mock thoughtfulness. "I think it adds a rugged charm, don't you? A certain… hm, how do they say it in this part of Rondon? Je… uh, je ne sais quoi?"

Karin chuckled, her eyes narrowing playfully. "If by 'je ne sais quoi' you mean looking like you got ready in the dark, then yes, spot on."

Before Daan could shoot back a retort, Karin's gaze fell to his pants. "And speaking of getting ready in the dark...checkered pants? Really? Is that really the same damn pair from Prehevil? You know other pants exist, right?"

Daan looked down at his pants and then back at the journalist. "There's nothing wrong with them. If anything, they're a conversation starter. Got you talking, right?"

Karin rolled her eyes (is someone keeping count of this?), her lips curling into a smile. "Touché. Si vous pensez pouvoir attirer l'attention d'une fille avec cela, détrompez-vous…"

Of course, Daan only knew so much of the Southeastern dialect. "Uh, is that a compliment or—"

"It means you're delusional." Karin sighed. "Did you have a stroke while choosing your clothes?"

Daan shrugged, taking another sip from his glass. "Maybe I'm just ahead of the curve. In a few weeks, you'll probably be wearing checkered skirts."

"It's never a dull moment with you two, is it?" Abella interjected while shaking her head.

"I guess we can provide you entertainment at a later time, Abella." Karin couldn't help a smirk. However, as quickly as her smile came, it left. "I actually need to talk to you. Both of you."

Daan kept leaning on the bar table, his arms now crossed. Abella also crossed her arms but stood on her own.

"You said you wanted information."

Karin nodded. "You know I have to dig. It's what I do."

Daan and Abella exchanged glances. Daan nodded back. Abella sniffed quietly and rubbed her nose. Karin hesitated for a moment.

"Before anything, I want to know…"

The two leaned in a bit as Karin's voice lowered.

"Well, this place has a vintage charm, doesn't it?" she began, letting her gaze flit across the room, "Have you ever noticed... peculiar echoes in old inns like these?"

Daan glanced around, the question catching him off guard. "Echoes? Well, yes. This inn has been standing since the 1800s. There are bound to be stories, echoes of laughter, maybe arguments, but that's just the history, isn't it?"

Karin smiled faintly, her tone casual but with an underlying urgency, "And do these echoes... have a tendency to spill outside? Maybe even cross the street?"

Daan looked a tad puzzled, trying to gauge her cryptic concern. "Old places like this have thick walls, Karin. Whatever happens inside usually stays inside. Many guests over the years have appreciated the inn's... discretion. That and Abella helped soundproof the walls."

"Erm, not exactly 'soundproof'," Aeblla jumped in, "I added some insulation between some drywall, but that doesn't mean it's soundproof. But it's quieter, definitely."

Karin exhaled subtly, the weight of her apprehensions easing slightly. "That's good to hear. I always think it's important to know what kind of, let's say, ambiance you're surrounding yourself with."

"The inn's seen many things but it keeps its secrets well." Daan nodded and reassured her earnestly, still not entirely grasping her hint about possible surveillance. He then looked over to Abella, who shot him a confirming look back. "We try to make sure of that."

Karin offered somewhat of a smirk, "It's the 1940s, Daan. You can never be too careful."

"We understand. You can tell us what's on your mind."

There was a bit of silence before the journalist spoke up again.

"I've been hearing things," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. Levi and the patrons would not have been able to hear. "Stories that I can't ignore."

This. This was the moment Abella was worried about. She had to be on her toes now.

"Stories, you say? This city is full of them." Abella's eyes locked on Karin. She had a ghost of a smirk. "Every big city is."

Karin glanced between the two, her resolve firming. "Not like these. These… shadows operating in all of Rondon. No… more even…"

Daan leaned back for a moment, his skepticism evident. He kept his voice low. "Karin, what makes these rumors any different from the usual city gossip? How do you know this is real?"

Karin hesitated for another moment, then pulled a small leather-bound notebook from her bag. "I've been keeping notes. Over the past few months, I've been tracking these whispers. They point to something... bigger."

Abella chuckled softly, the sound melodic and whispery. "Every rumor in this city believes it's the next big thing." Was she playing hardball too much? Would Karin notice something?

Daan pitched in, much to Abella's delight, "Again with the conspiracy theories? C'mon now…"

The journalist shot them both a sharp look. "This isn't a joke! I've seen things, evidence that suggests a hidden network, operating right here in Montclairé."

Daan's expression returned to neutral. He still wasn't on board (knowing it was Karin), but there was a hint of curiosity in his eye. "What sort of evidence?"

Karin flipped open the notebook, revealing pages filled with dates, names, and coded messages. "Meetings in the night, coded messages passed in broad daylight, suspicious characters who vanish into thin air. It's all connected."

Abella studied the notebook, her demeanor still nonchalant. "If this is true, then why bring them to us?"

The reporter met her gaze squarely. "Because I believe you two can help me uncover what's going on. Or at the very least, you can point me in the right direction. Dangerous shit like this isn't something I'd force on anyone."

The weight of Karin's words hung in the air as the three of them considered what lay ahead. They looked all over her notebook, which lay open on the table. Each page was filled with cryptic symbols and messages. Abella's eyes shifted over the contents, her furrowed brows alongside deliberate silence showed knowledge of the information and her reluctance to reveal any of that information. Thank god Karin couldn't read minds.

Daan, however, looked lost in this maze of symbols. He tried to follow the conversation, his fingers running over the strange markings. "Karin, I might be out of my depth here. Are these codes or...?"

Karin spared him a glance, her focus intent on the task at hand. She would call him an idiot later. "Yes, they're codes. The secrets they guard could change everything we know."

Abella's lips pursed, clearly holding back. "If what Karin is saying is true, then these aren't just random symbols. Each one is a connection." A little pull, a little push.

Daan took a deep breath, his eye not leaving the notebook. "Alright. If this is as important as you say it is, then we'll help how we can."

Karin took a sip from her drink and nodded. "Thank you."

There was a brief pause between the three of them. The sounds of glasses clinking and words being exchanged between a few patrons and Levi filled the room. Several new customers walked in during their conversations, but not enough to overwhelm Levi.

Karin's voice was suddenly determined and probing. "Abella, I know you have ties to the NLU."

"Skit."

Indeed, Abella's affiliation with the organization was revealed by none other than Karin herself back at Prehevil. It wasn't a secret to the contestants who were at the speakeasy at the time. Hm. Something about bars and speakeasies seemed to make Karin a bit more astute than usual.

"NLU? I haven't done anything with them in years. I left all that behind after Prehevil." The redhead's eyes met Karin's. "Besides, the war effort is over. What does the NLU have to do with anything?"

"That's exactly my point. They should've been disbanded by now, but everything still points to them." Karin still managed to keep her voice to a minimum. "I have my theories but…"

Abella's fingers nervously toyed with the edge of the table, her gaze fixed intently on the notebook. Every fiber of her being screamed caution as she felt the weight of Karin's probing gaze on her. Unfortunately for the engineer, Karin wasn't the type to stay quiet.

"Abella, is there something you know?" The reporter broke the silence, her tone sharp.

There was a bit of an uncomfortable silence between the three. Abella rubbed her nose, not daring to look Karin in the eye yet.

Daan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "We're not accusing you, Abella. But there's clearly something more to these symbols. If you know something then… we just need guidance."

"You recognize these codes, don't you?" Karin pressed further.

Abella shrugged, but before she could do anything else, Karin interjected. "Can you take us to someone? Do you have a contact?"

The redhead laughed gingerly. "Like I said before, I don't work with the NLU anymore. Even if I did, it would be dangerous. For all of us."

Karin lowered her head, frustration evident in her tone, "I understand your hesitance, but this is bigger than just us. If the NLU is active, we need to know. I need to know."

Abella took a deep breath, maintaining her stance. "I am sorry Karin, but I can't help you. Not with this."

The room was growing colder. Or maybe it was the iciness of Karin's growing frustration.

"You're holding back." Karin accused, her voice sharp and piercing. "Are you just going to stand there and pretend you know nothing?"

Abella's face remained stoic, her eyes hard and still. But inside, her heart was racing. Of course one of the only few people in the world who could expose and ruin everything had to be right here in front of her. The mechanic took a deep breath in and out through her mouth given her nose was still somewhat stuffy. She had to maintain her façade. Just for a bit longer. "Karin, I can't help you much."

"You expect me to believe that bullshit?" Karin retorted, her voice rising. Some of the patrons looked over, but then went back to their own devices when Karin continued with a hushed tone. "With every piece of evidence pointing directly to the NLU, and with your past ties to them?"

Daan, sensing the escalating tension, spoke up, "Karin, accusing Abella isn't going to help us get any answers."

Before the blonde could answer, Abella raised a hand. "I left the NLU years ago, but you're right. There are things I haven't told you."

"All I'm asking is for honesty." Karin was unyielding in the face of her transparency. "If you know something, now's the time. Lives might be at stake."

Abella's gaze dropped to the polished tabletop, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. "It's not that simple. It's all so… entangled."

Karin's voice cracked for just a second, "But at what cost? Silence could endanger even more. I need to know. We deserve the truth."

There was a heavy silence with only the bar's background to punctuate it. Karin finished her drink before asking again, "Do you know anything about these codes?"

Abella hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I did, once upon a time."

Daan and Karin exchanged glances.

"What do you mean, did? Did you forget or something?" Karin raised an eyebrow. She didn't like Abella's answer.

"Ah… how do I explain this?" Abella paused, rubbing her nose with as much grace as she could. "It's not about the code. It's about time."

Daan spoke with a confused tone, "You're speaking in riddles, Abella. Just tell us straight."

"Sorry, let me explain…" She leaned forward, finally putting her elbows on the table. "Imagine you have a secret language, and you speak in this language to pass on secret messages. Nobody understands, and your secret is safe."

"Go on…" Karin pushed.

"But over time, someone listening will start to recognize patterns, words, and phrases." Abella continued.

"So, they decode it. Big deal."

"Ja, but the enemies aren't just waiting around all day. They're actively trying to decipher every message they intercept. And they invest heavily in doing so."

Daan looked deep in thought. "So, how would an organization usually work around that?"

"Change." Abella's knowledge of espionage was showing. "Constant, unpredictable change. By the time anyone is close to understanding one of our codes, we've already moved on to a new one. It is like… how do I say this? It is like building sandcastles near the waves on a beach. By the time they get close, the tide has come in and washed it away, and we're building elsewhere."

"Are you fucking kidding me? Are you saying all this fucking bullshit I wrote down is fucking useless?"

Ladies and gentlemen, if there was any doubt, fear not; this was in fact, Karin.

Abella had a so-so expression on her face. "It is not the most updated information, but it is still information. If you know what cipher or books they were using on each of those days, you'll still have something."

"Fat fucking chance I find a big spy book lying around here…"

Daan's eye darted back and forth between the two, waiting for a moment to break some tension. When there was enough of a silent stretch, he spoke up.

"Say, Karin… if you're looking for a place to stay, we have rooms upstairs. Part of the inn, you know. Quaint, quiet, and safe."

Abella was screaming on the inside.

Karin shifted her focus back on the doctor. "Inn? This isn't just a bar?"

"Ah, but it's so much more! Food and drink, room and board. We have it all!" Daan smiled, proud of his investment. It was actually quite scary to see him smile this much. Especially like this.

Karin paused, considering the idea of staying close. Being right in the heart of where the story might unfold, was not just tempting, but potentially tactical. Sure, she would have to exercise caution if things go hairy with so many familiar faces around, but she wouldn't endanger them. And, if she was being honest with herself, there was a part of her that wanted to spend more time with those familiar faces. To reconnect if nothing else.

"I… I think I might take you up on that offer." Karin replied with a rare thankful look.

Abella wanted to smash something. Instead, she opted to look pretty and widened her smile.

Daan went to get Karin's room key, but a mixed crowd of patrons waltzed through the bar doors, clearing looking for booze.

"Ah, that's a good bit of souls, yeah?" Daan then looked over to Abella. "I'm sorry to ask you this, but if you're feeling a little better, can you show Karin to her room? I gotta help Levi out before he gets trampled."

"Ja, of course." Her eyes did not match her tone. She felt the universe was now just rubbing salt into the wound. She only spoke again after watching Daan briskly walk over the Levi, assisting the younger man. Once at a fair distance, she looked over the Karin. "If you're ready, I will walk you up."

Karin closed her notebook and placed it back in her rucksack. "I usually pack light, so I don't plan on staying for long."

Abella nodded, grabbed the new guest's key, and led Karin to the main staircase. As they ascended, the hum of the bar below faded, replaced by the quiet hush of the inn's corridors. The hallway was adorned with vintage photographs and old paintings, each hinting at the inn's storied past. Abella smiled as she handed Karin a brass key attached to a leather fob. "You will be in room eight. Breakfast is served downstairs at eight, but if you sleep in, just let one of us know and we'll make something for you."

"Thank you." Karin said, turning the key in her room's door. The space inside was cozy with a plush bed, wooden furnishings, a full bathroom, and a window that gave a view of the snow-covered streets below.

Abella nodded, but Karin spoke up again before she could.

"And…I'm… I didn't mean to point the finger at you. Earlier, I mean." Her eyes were on the floor. "I know you aren't one of the bad guys."

Abella chuckled weakly, feeling her fever slowly starting to creep back. "I would hope not!" She wanted to end the conversation a while ago, hoping that she could get back to her project. Or just not accidentally let anything slip about her plans. Any additional time spent talking to the journalist was a risk. At least for now.

And yet…

"So…are you and Daan…?"

Karin frowned at the question. Eventually, her eyes widened with realization, which was followed by a laugh. "Daan?! Ha! That's rich, Abella."

"Really? I don't think so." This could work. Small talk. Not ideal in terms of time management, but it would make her look less suspicious. More normal. "You two were practically kissing!"

Karin's cheeks felt warm at that moment. "W-what are you talking about?"

"I wonder what would've happened if I wasn't standing there…"

"Ha! You're funny, you know. Did you hit your head or something?"

Abella shook her head, her eyes reflecting a teasing nature. "Karin, if that wasn't flirting, I don't know what is. You thought Daan and I were dating, but to me… it looks like there's some reverse psychology."

Karin rolled her eyes. "Not in your dreams. Or his dreams. Or anybody's dreams! Gross!"

Abella laughed one more time before turning around. "Okay, okay, I am only teasing. I'll let you get settled in now."

With that, the two separated. Karin closed and locked the door behind her. She put her back against the door and looked up at the ceiling.

Maybe it was because she had a biased eye from talking to so many people over the years, extracting information as any effective journalist would but… something about the way Abella smiled when she handed her the key…

It was off.

Or maybe it was because she was tired.

Once alone, Karin unpacked her briefcase, laying out notes, photographs, and the mysterious tip that had brought her here. But among the jumble of information, one thing was clear: she was in the right place.

Montclairé's quiet nights were about to become much more interesting.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The room was shrouded in a mix of twilight, the day beginning to trade places with the night. Daan sat on the edge of his bed, a glass of booze in hand, lost in his thoughts. Each gulp burned blissfully down his throat, but not enough to numb him to the extent he was hoping for. It was only enough to fog the sharper edges of his memories. Temporarily.

He hated this.

Every now and again, he would find himself here. It was just him and his thoughts. The bar was a nice distraction, but the patrons had long left and no customers were renting out the rooms for the night. Had it not been for those familiar faces— his friends, it would just be him and his painful thoughts. And of course… him. It was a blessing that he didn't say anything yet.

Daan took another sip, grunting after finishing the glass. The burning pain in his throat was usually enough to keep his mind off those thoughts. But not this time. He sighed and reached for the bottle on the nightstand next to him, pouring out another glass of South Vinland's finest whiskey. Oak barreled. 15 years. Yet, he didn't care for the taste now. No, he cared only for the strength.

But for the longest time now, it wasn't enough. And neither was his.

He could still recall the curve of his wife's smile, the pitch in her voice when she laughed, the warmth of her embrace on a cold winter night. Their love had been the stuff of fairy tales, a bond so deep that even the thought of life without her was unfathomable. He let out a depressive sigh, washing it down with more whiskey.

Save the last three or four months, the past two years had been a blur. A whirlwind of nameless faces, fleeting touches, and temporary distractions. He had sought refuge in the arms of strangers, each encounter a desperate attempt to fill the gaping void that echoed with the memory of her laughter, her scent, her touch. Yet, each morning after, the void grew louder, more pronounced, mocking him with its relentless emptiness. His quest for momentary solace in the arms of others would backfire, only magnifying his loneliness. Every touch was a stark reminder of what he had lost. Every whisper in the dark, every sigh and moan of pleasure only served to prove the hollowness that gnawed at him. Those physical encounters, while momentarily exhilarating, left him feeling more empty than before. It was as if each liaison took away a little piece of his soul, leaving behind a shell that was slowly crumbling. That college student from Edo studying abroad? That Bremen waitress at the cafe down the street? That local veterinarian? That hooker he paid for the night? It didn't matter anymore; it was all the same.

And the worst part was that, deep down, he knew it wouldn't help. Was he a bastard for trying? Did he forsake Elise?

Setting his glass down, Daan buried his face in his hands. He felt adrift, caught in a storm of grief and longing. It didn't matter what direction he tried to go, the winds would push him back to square one. He didn't want pity, but he wanted… something. What that was, he didn't know. He thought he knew before, but now it was not so clear.

A sigh escaped his lips. He was weary. Weary of the façade, the games, the self-imposed exile. He yearned for a genuine connection, something for his soul. His hollow, empty soul. But the path forward was uncertain at best.

His eye met his reflection in the standing mirror juxtaposed to his nightstand. The face staring back at him was almost unrecognizable. The weight of countless sleepless nights and the pain of loss had carved deeper lines into his once smooth skin. He had always been a bit pale when it came to skin tone, but now? Ashen. Was he even the same person anymore? His fingers hesitated, trembling as they touched the cold glass. The reflection seemed like that of a stranger, someone who had been through battles, both external and internal. Saying he was a shell of his former self was an understatement. Heck, he didn't even remember who his former self was; the mirror did not offer comfort or clarity.

Without consciously knowing, Daan moved away from the mirror and laid back on his bed, letting the weight of his thoughts push on him. He absent-mindedly pulled open the drawer of his nightstand. His hands missed his eyepatch and old engagement ring to instead pull out a familiar photograph. It was a photograph of him and his wife, taken during happier days when their laughter filled every corner of the room. His fingers reached out, trembling, tracing the outline of her face. Each day was a new battle. He would wake up, hoping that the feeling of emptiness would have vanished. But alas, it persisted.

He remembered the week after he found her body. There was a blur of blood, police, pain, occultism, books, secrets, but most of all, numbness. He closed his eye and recalled those memories:

He still remembered the manor— the Von Dutch manor, once vibrant and filled with the melodies of their love, echoed with the hollowness of his grief after that moment. Every room and every object had a story to tell, reminding him of their time together.

He still remembered the manor— in the kitchen, he would prepare two cups of coffee in the morning out of habit, only to realize with a jolt that the second cup had no taker. The empty cup would sit there, untouched, until he would pour it away, feeling the weight of his loss all over again.

He still remembered the manor— in their private bedroom, at night, the other side of the bed remained cold and untouched. There were days when he would hug her pillow tight, attempting to capture the faint lingering scent of her. But as time went on, even that faint scent had faded.

He still remembered the manor— in the—

"Daan?"

The surgeon jolted up, deftly stashing away the photograph as well as the booze and glass into his nightstand drawer.

"Yes, come in." He managed to keep his voice unflustered.

Marina's face was the first to appear as the door quietly swung open, followed promptly by Karin's.

"Daan… are you alright?" Marina looked around his dark room. "You're not feeling sick too, are you?"

"I'm fine," Daan swallowed dryly, hoping they wouldn't smell the booze on him. "Was just resting for a bit."

Marina's face beamed right at the moment. "Good! Cuz we wanted to go to the Alll-Mer Market! They opened one up yesterday just down the street and it's only here for the week!" Given her energy, it was like she had never gotten drunk earlier that day. The power of a twenty-year-old.

"She hasn't stopped talking about it since we met again." Karin smirked.

Still recovering, Daan tried to protest. "I'm not really in the best mindset—"

"Don't you dare! I promised Karin a double date so chop-chop!" Marina clapped her hands twice, commanding Daan.

Karin's cheeks turned pink again that day. "Double date?! What are you talking about?!"

Daan chuckled weakly, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly for the first time that night. "Is that so?"

"Oh yeah, I ship you two." Marina flicked her hair and walked away. "You got thirty minutes Daan. We'll be downstairs."

Karin followed the smaller girl, incredulous. "Now wait just a minute! You can't just— what does 'ship' mean?! Marina! Marina…" Her voice disappeared as the two turned the corner, now out of sight.

The whole scene was over faster than Daan could process. He was just a bit too tired, a bit too tipsy, or a bit too shocked to speak against anything in that moment. The only thing it seemed he could do was obey the young lady and get ready.

And so, standing up from his bed, the once ruminating man was now busy finding something warm to put on.

~~~\\\-/~~~

Marina sauntered happily through the festival crowd with a palpable air of confidence. Every few steps, she'd pause to chat with stall owners or to accept compliments on her winter attire. She wore a full-length, deep ruby red cashmere coat, the kind that fell perfectly to every contour. The collar was of a generous fur (faux) but looked every bit as regal as the real deal. Beneath the coat, glimpses of her outfit could be seen: a deep purple, velvety sweater dress that ends just above her knees, paired with black opaque tights. Her feet were adorned with knee-high leather boots with a fat platform, their shine impeccably maintained (of course, she wore this primarily for the height boost). A knit beret in a contrasting teal sat atop her straight platinum hair, accompanied by matching mittens. Around her neck, a hand-knitted infinity scarf in varying shades of purple completed the ensemble, giving her an air of sophistication.

Holding a cute festive mug of hot wine in her hand, she made no effort to hide the source of her warmth and happiness from Daan.

"Daan! Look what I've got!" Marina waved her wine dramatically in the air, ensuring the doctor got a good look.

Daan, arguably the trailblazer (or iconoclast, depending on who you asked) of the group with checkered pants, appeared outside with a unique combination. His black pea coat, lined with red tartan, hung open, revealing an oversized dark green cable knit sweater, its hem hanging low. His checkered pants, this one a mix of black, white, and deep maroon, captured the attention of passerbyers immediately (for better or for worse). They were tucked into lace-up, brown leather boots that rose a touch above the ankle. Around his neck, a burgundy and navy striped scarf was wrapped over several times, both for warmth and style. His hair was hidden beneath a black beanie, but still leaving enough to cover his scarred eyelids. His hands, emerging from the coat's deep pockets, were protected by gray, fingerless gloves.

Not too thrilled about her drinking alcohol, Daan tried his best to maintain a casual air. "I see. And do you even know what you're drinking?"

Marina took a painfully long, deliberate sip, savoring the taste before answering, "Mmm… I believe it's a red of some sort. Delightful, really."

Daan rolled his eye, though he couldn't fully mask the fondness in his gaze. "You're just doing this to get a rise out of me, aren't you?"

Marina gave a playful shrug, her mischief overt. "I'm just enjoying the booze. As an adult. Because that's what adults do. They drink booze. Responsibly. As adults."

"By the way, are you an adult?" Daan jokingly asked.

"Funny you ask. I am actually." Marina giggled. "Though I'm no senior citizen like you."

"Completely uncalled for." Daan crossed his arms, feeling his lips pull up. This was a stark contrast to the Daan who had a drink in his room just moments ago. "On a more serious note, can you just promise me to take it easy with the drinks?"

"Nope." Marina sipped on her drink again.

Daan sighed and reached for this pack of cigarettes. "I just want you to be safe. Please don't drink too much; you don't want this Alll-Mer Market to be remembered for all the wrong reasons."

Marina considered his words for a moment before relenting, "Fine, I promise I won't go overboard..."

The two of them continued to navigate the bustling festival, while Karin and Levi followed closely behind, engaged in their own conversation:

"...and then there's the new Series 62! It just came out in South Vinland. It's got a streamlined design, a broader grille, and more horizontal elements than ever before. They say it's a luxury car!" Levi was speaking at nearly double his normal speed.

Levi's tall frame was wrapped up in a rich charcoal gray woolen overcoat, tailored perfectly to his physique (as per Daan's recommendation). The coat was double-breasted with large black buttons, and a velvet collar added a touch of class. Underneath, he sported a pristine white turtleneck sweater made of the softest merino wool. His legs were wrapped in dark indigo tailored trousers. His shoes? Glossy black leather ankle boots with a subtle design embossed on the sides. A dark gray herringbone flat cap rested on his head while he wore leather gloves with wool lining to cover his hands.

"Sounds... fascinating." Karin tried her best to appear interested.

Karin wore a snow-white, mid-length coat fashioned from a wool and alpaca blend. It was cinched at the waist with a thin belt, emphasizing her silhouette, but not enough to attract too many wandering eyes to her bust. Large lapels framed her face, and the coat's hem boasted a playful ruffle. Below, her legs were hugged by thick, black leggings. Suede ankle boots graced her feet, the edges of which were lined with soft fur. Her long blonde hair was half-tucked under a slouchy, white beanie, from which a few strands escaped, framing her face. A pair of deep red leather gloves contrasted starkly with her outfit, but it matched her ruby lipstick perfectly. Around her neck, a multi-layered silver scarf hid her chest, and in her ears, silver earrings dangled. How she was able to fit all these items of clothing into her small rucksack was a question for the gods themselves.

"Right? Could you imagine if we got two— no, three!" Levi spoke up again, excitement overly evident.

Karin nodded as Levi continued, taking a sip of her hot wine and feigning enthusiasm. This sounded more like a conversation for Abella. Unfortunately, she felt under the weather once again and stayed back at the inn to tuck in early. Or at least that's the story she told.

"But then there's the new One-Twenty. They've made improvements to the suspension system. It's all about giving a smoother ride, even on rough roads. You know what I mean?" Levi was in his own world, moving his hands around semi-frantically.

Karin pointed at a nearby stall, trying to divert the topic, "Oh, look, Levi! Handmade ornaments. They look pretty, don't you think?"

Levi, briefly glanced over to the ornaments, not really registering them mentally, "Oh yeah they are pretty— just like the One-Twenty! It might be the one for me when I finally get my license. Can you imagine me driving that?"

"It would certainly be a sight." Karin rolled her eyes. She hated the fact he wasn't taking the hint, but how could she possibly get angry at Levi? "But remember, you'd have to save up quite a bit for one of those cars."

Levi was beaming. "I know, I know. It's just... they are so… The speed, the design, the freedom they promise. I can't wait to be part of it!"

Karin smiled warmly at him. Something about him made her feel all warm and fuzzy. Maybe it was the wine?

"When the time comes, we'll be right there beside you, cheering you on." She nudged his arm, "Even if I don't understand half of what you're saying."

"Thanks, ma'am. That means a lot." Levi grinned sheepishly, continuing to follow the two in front of them.

"Karin! Just call me Karin!"

As the group continued forward, Marina swayed through the market, her less-than-sober steps slowly becoming evident. The sounds of laughter and the glint of lights reflecting off the snow created a near-magical atmosphere. The chill in the night air was kept at bay by the warmth of the wine flowing through her veins. Said wine seemed to have emboldened her choices, much to Daan's dismay.

She triumphantly approached Daan with a frosted mug in her hand, steam rising in wispy trails. "Daan! Guess what I've got now?"

Daan, already expecting her antics, took a moment to assess the beverage. "That better not be what I think it is."

Marina took a dramatic sip, her eyes dancing. "Hot toddy! Have you ever had one? It's delightful. Keeps you warm from the inside out."

Daan's eyebrows shot up. "That's not a drink for novices, Marina. It packs a punch."

She smirked, twirling a little. "Oh, I can handle it. Besides, it's a festival favorite. I couldn't resist trying."

Daan sighed. "You're on a mission to try everything tonight, aren't you?"

Marina wiggled her eyebrows. "You bet! Got to make it memorable, right?"

Daan looked around the market. "At this rate, you won't remember much of it."

"Come on, old man. Loosen up. Join me for a drink, will you? Hot toddies for everyone!" Marina playfully stuck her tongue out to the doctor when he wasn't looking, only to return with an innocent look after he faced her again.

Daan considered the offer, the shining lights around them painting a soft glow on Marina's face. Perhaps it was the lighting, but at that moment, the way the girl's eyes twinkled…

"Alright, but just one. And then you're cutting yourself off."

Marina grinned, raising her mug. "Deal!"

Daan quickly bought himself a mug and the two clinked their cups together, the sound echoing the joy and camaraderie around them. Marina may have been pushing boundaries, but at that moment, it was worth it.

While the two toasted, Karin and Levi were still having their own dialogue. Or rather, Levi was having his own monologue. Karin didn't remember the boy being this chatty back in Prehevil.

"Have you heard about the stories in the latest sci-fi magazines?" Levi started again, adjusting his gloves. "They're discussing the most incredible things— cyborgs! It's crazy!"

Karin looked over, her face half-hidden by the fur-lined hood of her coat. "Cybrogs?" It was funny how she was pointing the finger at Abella one minute and then hoping for her spontaneous arrival to save her from Levi the next.

Levi's face lit up with excitement, an overt contrast to the chill in the air. "Highly advanced robots that are part human and part machine."

Karin blinked, her mind struggling to wrap around the concept. "So, like... humans with machine parts? Why would anyone want to read about that?" To be fair, they had all witnessed stranger things back in Bohemia.

Levi's enthusiasm bubbled over as they walked past a vendor selling wooden toys. "Just think about it! What if in the future, people could replace lost limbs with mechanical ones that functioned just like the real thing? Or—- or if we had robots to do jobs that are too dangerous for humans? Like building cars!"

"Please not the fucking cars again."

Karin cleared her throat, exercising the diplomat within, "It sounds... imaginative. A bit far-fetched for my taste, but I can see why it might intrigue someone like you."

"There are magazine stories written about them too!" The ex-solider looked at her with wide eyes, animatedly continuing, "There's this one sad story where a robot believes it's human. The lines between man and machine get so blurred, and it raises so many ethical questions!"

She chuckled, rubbing her gloved hands together for warmth. "Will my typewriter start typing articles for me?"

Levi didn't hear her joke. "There's always more beneath the surface, isn't there?"

"Well Mr. Profound, how about you be a doll and grab me some of those chocolates over there", Karin smiled, nudging him playfully before pointing at a chocolate stand. She handled him a few bills before pushing him lightly, "It's not every day I get to have the famous Southeastern chocolates."

Levi laughed, "Yes ma'am!"

"Karin! Just, Karin!"

Daan and Marina noticed the two get sidetracked and stood by as they waited in line for their treats. Well, at least Daan did. Marina, while not venturing beyond a few arm lengths, spun around, her cheerful laughter accompanying the jolly notes of a small live band. Her earlier drinks had already made her glow, but the exuberance of youth and the rush of the festival made her even more daring.

Spotting another nearby vendor she hadn't tried yet, she excitedly wobbled over. The stall offered a variety of colorful cocktails, each one more alluring than the last. She pointed to a shimmering blue liquid. "One of those, please!"

Daan, noticing her movements, quickened his pace to intercept her before she could take another sip. "Marina, we had a deal. You said you'd cut yourself off."

Marina swayed slightly, holding up her new drink with a triumphant grin. "Oh, come on, geezer. It's the holidays! And look how pretty this one is! It sparkles!"

The surgeon frowned. "Marina, you're already tipsy. You don't need another drink."

Of course, Marina was stubborn. "Just one more, okay? Last one, I promise. I promise promise." She took a sip of her blue drink, the sparkle of the drink reflecting in her eyes.

Daan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, but after this, you're done. No more drinks, okay?"

Marina nodded enthusiastically, moving her hands across her chest. "Okay, okay! Cross my heart."

As the winter evening grew darker and colder, and the Alll-Mer Market was going into full swing, its lights and outdoor bonfires provided illumination. People were putting up more and more festival lights to decorate their stalls, some of which were multicolored. The scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts filled the air.

"Did I ever tell you about the time Daan took me fishing?" Levi began again, "It was during last summer. Daan found this spot by the river, and he showed me how to set up the fishing rod and bait."

Karin popped another chocolate ball into her mouth, chewing as gracefully as she could. "Oh, no, you haven't. How did it go?" She tried her best to not talk with her mouth open while feigning interest.

The young man's eyes lit up even brighter, "It was awesome! I remember how he was telling me that patience was the key and then, out of nowhere, I felt this huge tug on my line! And guess what? I caught this giant fish, bigger than any Daan had caught that day."

He gestured with his hands to indicate the size of the fish which, to Karin, looked suspiciously exaggerated. "It was this big!" Levi beamed with pride.

Karin chuckled, doing her best to share in his excitement. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. "That sounds impressive. Daan must've been proud."

"He was! He kept saying how he couldn't believe it was my first time." Levi clearly relished the memory.

Karin shook her head. True, she considered eating lead over talking about something as boring as fishing, but she loved Levi's enthusiasm. "You always did have a knack for surprising us. Maybe next summer you can show us all how it's done."

Levi grinned. "Deal! But only if you promise not to outdo me on your first try."

Karin laughed, the warmth of the moment cutting through the cold. Levi was lucky he was cute. "Fair enough."

"Thanks for going easy on me ma'am."

"It's— oh, just forget it…"

Meanwhile, further ahead, Daan frowned when he saw Marina walk back towards their group, another drink in hand. The frothy, steaming mug did little to ease his concern.

"Marina…" He sounded disappointed. "You promised, remember?"

Marina, sensing Daan's growing frustration, held the drink out towards him. "Take a sip." She offered, her voice a bit quieter than usual.

Daan hesitated, looking both irritated and suspicious. Thankfully, Levi quickly noticed the situation and intervened, playing peacemaker. "Come on, Daan. Just try it."

Taking the cup hesitantly, Daan took a cautious sip and was met with the rich, velvety taste of hot chocolate. He looked up with a surprised eye. "It's not alcoholic."

Marina laughed finally having Daan back on his good side. Her prankster eyes gleamed as she took the cup back from him. "See? I told you it was my last drink. I just needed something to warm me up."

"You're actually going to kill me one of these days, little girl."

"I am not a little girl." Marina pouted and pointed at herself. "See exhibit A. Three drinks in. One whole woman."

Daan rolled his only eye. "Sure."

Before Marina could retort, Levi pulled on her arm and pointed out to something out in the crowd. The two laughed and darted for whatever they were talking about. Daan reached his arm out to stop them, but they had already left. He muttered to himself.

"You need to chill out." Karin came up next to him. "You're gonna have a stroke at this rate."

Daan sighed. "I'm worried about her."

"She a grown woman now, Daan." The journalist crossed her arms. Huh, when did she become so motherly? Was that the word? "Besides, we've all been there, remember? Being young and drunk? It's kinda a rite of passage."

"Not really." Daan spoke sharply, "Some of us didn't have that luxury; drinking wasn't exactly for fun."

"So just because you didn't means they can't?" Her tone sharpened ever so slightly. "By the way, you own a bar, hypocrite."

"I just don't want them to go through any of the shit that I had to." He didn't back down.

"Daan, they're young and curious. Let them have a taste of life. Of fun. You know what fun is, right?" Her voice was still curt, but there was a teasing tone underneath, just for a moment.

Daan shook his head, not in the mood for jokes. "You know there's a reason I don't like serving them at the bar."

Karin moved in front of Daan, now putting her arms on her hips and leaning in towards him with a stern look on her face. "Just because they have a drink or two doesn't mean they'll become miserable alcoholics."

"I won't let them go down that path." Daan was a touch defensive. "They need guidance, not temptation."

"I get it," Karin's annoyed tone was coming through more and more, the Prehevil version of her becoming more obvious, "But wrapping them in cotton won't help. Sometimes, a little scratch teaches more than a lifetime of caution."

Daan gave her "The Daan Look"…

…To which Karin pulled on his ear, dragging his face down to her level, nearly bringing a grown man to his knees. As it would turn out, "The Daan Look" didn't work on Karin.

"You listen here you little shit," Her voice was low and vicious, "You're going to let these two have fun and you're gonna fucking like it, got it?"

"Ow! Alll-Mer, Karin!"

"Got it?" She repeated, keeping her voice low.

"Y-yes, yes, I got it!"

The blonde released her grip on the man, causing him to stand back up and hold his ear in pain. Karin smiled softly, as though the last few seconds never happened. "You need to remember she's growing up. Both of them. Part of them growing up is making their own decisions, even if they aren't always the best ones."

The doctor answered Karin with a level of caution, still cradling his ear. "Alright, alright, point made."

~~~\\\-/~~~

A soft light from her lamp revealed the mess that was Abella's workbench, or rather, her workroom. Scattered between the floor and the table were numerous tools and gadgets. Amidst scattered tools, circuits, and rolled-up blueprints, laid a finished project: a mechanical mask, its intricate gears catching the light, with movable lower facial features, hinting at its transformative and dynamic power. It had a design that blended art and engineering.

Abella sat at the table, sniffling every now and then. She was wearing her typical pajamas, one with a soft pastel hue base, allowing the floral design to pop out more. The trousers matched the top in every way and the fabric was that of satin. Though comfortable, it didn't provide her enough warmth for the night so she had her blanket wrapped around her shoulders, draped over her back. Normally a project like this (or any normal day) would warrant her overalls, but she figured she could do with some comfort. Just for tonight.

She hadn't quite gotten over her cold, but her finished work made the struggle worth it. Her fingers traced the contours of the mask. The movable facial features, powered by concealed gears and springs, were a testament to both her talent and the desperate times. Every gear, every tiny mechanism. Lifting it, she marveled at its weight, a comfortable heft that promised durability. The mask's exterior bore an exquisite design, but it was the interior that was truly revolutionary. As she activated it, a soft whirring sound emanated before becoming silently active, the gears coming to life. She was proud of the work she accomplished in such a short period of time.

And yet…

The spy looked over to the small stack of papers from the NLU on her desk. Her fingers slowly moved over to them, each sheet a silent witness to her last two years within the covert world. In the quiet solitude, she could hear the faint ticking of an old clock. Every mission, every intel briefing used to spark a fire in her, a clear sense of purpose. But now? It wasn't so clear.

She leaned back, her gaze drifting to the window, where city lights twinkled in the distance. The future, which had once seemed like a straight path, now branched out in so many directions, each more uncertain than the last.

Memories of her early days working within the NLU whispered in her mind. The drive, the certainty, the faith in the future! But juxtaposed against them now were the more recent memories. Questionable memories. What was right? What was "merely necessary"? Would there ever be clarity again? Or was this uncertainty just part of her journey?

For now, she would ignore these questions.

Hesitating for just a moment, she placed the mask on, adjusting and settling as if it were a part of her. It's earpiece reached comfortably to both ears. Abella's thoughts were interrupted by a discreet buzz from a hidden communication device. She then spoke.

"The mask functions perfectly. I've become another."

~~~\\\-/~~~

The snow continued to pour gently on the quaint streets of the city. Twinkling lights cast a golden hue over the snow-capped stalls. Everywhere, people were sipping on spiced cider, laughing, or haggling over gifts. It was a lively atmosphere. Levi and Marina were a few steps ahead, sharing whispers and soft giggles, their fingers intertwined. Levi suddenly pointed towards a stall selling handcrafted ornaments and Marina's eyes lit up in excitement.

Trailing behind them, Daan and Karin moved at a more leisurely pace. Daan glanced over at a stall selling roasted chestnuts, remarking, "You know, those chestnuts are just overpriced burnt nuts, right?"

Karin gave a sarcastic glance. "Oh, absolutely. And the mulled wine? Just fancy grape juice that's been left out too long."

Just then, Marina turned around with a grin. "You two should stop being so cheery. People might think you're actually enjoying yourselves." She nudged Levi, who just chuckled in response.

Karin raised an eyebrow and grinned back. "Oh, we're thrilled. Can't you tell?"

Daan nodded in mock seriousness. "Best night of my life. Hands down."

Marina waved them off, pulling Levi away to leave the two older contestants to themselves. As they continued walking, the sweet scent of gingerbread wafted through the cold air. The four soon found themselves in front of a stall boasting an impressive array of gingerbread houses, cookies, and well, really anything gingerbread.

Marina excitedly pulled Levi towards a particularly detailed gingerbread replica of a Rondonian chalet. "Look! It's so detailed. We should get one for the inn."

Daan leaned closer to Karin, feigning a whisper that was loud enough for everyone to hear. "I'd bet you anything it's inedible. All show, no taste."

Karin smirked, "That's rich coming from someone who wears checkered pants."

"One, that was unnecessary. Two, just imagine the property tax on a thing like this. Wow." He pointed to a particularly large gingerbread house.

That one actually got a full-on laugh from the blonde. "Nice to know where your priorities are, Daan!"

"Do you think they glued the candy on? Might be a construction hazard."

Karin had to try to control herself before responding again. "It's a house, not a bomb, dummy."

"You don't know that. It could be a bomb. A…" Daan thought for a moment, looking at it closer. "...potentially delicious bomb. Hm, how much is it exactly?"

Marina, having caught the tail end of their conversation, teased, "It's so cute how you both pretend to critique everything. Deep down, I bet you're imagining how that gingerbread house would look in your shared master bedroom." She then started making kissing noises, her lack of sobriety not helping.

"You have a dangerously active imagination." Karin rolled her eyes, trying not to show a smile.

Daan, not missing a beat, added, "Still think it's okay for them to 'make their own decisions' now?"

Any potential for a smile was now lost. "Shut it, Daan."

A few minutes later and several steps ahead, a specific ornament shop caught their attention. Bathed in a soft golden-crusted hue stood handmade ornaments of all shapes and sizes. A massive tree in the center displayed the shop's exquisite craftsmanship. Levi, his eyes shining with childlike wonder, began to carefully inspect all the trinkets. He picked up a delicate snowflake ornament, holding it up to the light. "Marina, look at this one! The way it catches the light is just... wow."

Marina, looking equally mesmerized, nodded. "It's beautiful. Let's get it for our tree. Wait, I just realized we don't have a tree!"

Daan, meanwhile, was busy pretending to inspect a rather odd-looking ornament shaped like a reindeer with an oversized head. "Karin, do you think this is a comment on the modern reindeer's struggle with body image?"

"Clearly a statement on society's unrealistic beauty standards for reindeer." Karin tried to hold back a snort. "If you thought human women had it bad…"

While the two were caught up in reindeer gender politics, Marina leaned over to Levi and whispered, "It's so obvious they're into each other."

Levi frowned, "Wait, really?"

Marina gave him a deadpan look. "Are you serious?"

Levi shrugged.

His girlfriend sighed in response. "Just follow my lead…"

Soon after their brief time in the ornament shop, the four made their way out, following their noses. Or rather, following Marina's nose, as the scent of another mug of hot chocolate sealed her fate; the crisp winter air was imbued with the inviting scent of hot chocolate— a rustic stall had lines of people waiting for cups of the rich, velvety drink, topped generously with whipped cream and sprinkles. Thankfully it wasn't the only stall for hot chocolate, but still, there were enough people to reflect its popular demand.

Levi's face lit up as he waved his arm up at the others. "Hot chocolate! Who's up for some?"

"Absolutely! I'll go with you." Marina nodded enthusiastically in front of the other two, all part of her plan. She then quickly whispered to Levi, "Okay, so when you get the hot chocolate, "accidentally" spill a little on Daan's coat. Karin will surely come to his rescue, and they'll have a moment. It's foolproof!"

"But what if I burn him by accident? I don't want to hurt him you know."

"Then just be careful." Marina responded with a slightly annoyed tone.

Levi, still a bit dubious, agreed. As they approached the stand, he got distracted by the variety of toppings available. Marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle... it was a hot chocolate haven. When he finally got the drinks and turned to head back, his footing slipped on a bit of black ice. Instead of spilling a bit on Daan as intended, the entire cup went flying onto a passerby's coat. The stranger gave Levi a cold glare, making him flush with embarrassment.

Marina sighed, rubbing her temples. "I might need more booze…"

"Well I'm glad that wasn't me. Imagine how hard it would be to get hot chocolate off a coat like that…" Daan eyebrows raised in concern, witnessing the fiasco. Karin hummed in agreement.

Levi, cheeks red, mumbled an apology to the stranger and offered to clean his coat on the spot, to which the stranger, of course, refused. Marina shook her head in something between an annoyed and amused expression.

The group chatted and walked around aimlessly for a bit longer, basking in the festive atmosphere as the night drew to a close. More and more people began to leave as stalls closed up one by one. Sure the Market was still active, but only at a fraction of what it was just a couple of hours ago.

Levi yawned, "Think we should just go back now?"

Marina gave him a dangerous smile, her eyes scanning the remaining stalls. "Yes, but let's go separately from those two." She pointed at Daan and Karin when they weren't looking.

"You still want them to get together? Maybe we should give them a break for the night."

Marina let out a rather sultry laugh, evident of the alcohol flowing through her. "Yeah, but I was thinking more about… us." She got on her toes to whisper that last word in her boyfriend's ear.

"O-oh!" Levi was suddenly red in the face and more excited than he had ever been that night.

"I wanted to get your opinion on something, babe."

Levi leaned in, interested in the night's potential ending. "I'm all ears."

"Pink or blue?" Marina pointed at the tips of her dyed hair.

"Uh, why do you ask?" Levi was now less excited and more confused.

Marina looked up in frustration but decided to approach again in a more seductive way. She got on her tip-toes and leaned into Levi's left ear. With the sluttiest tone she could muster, she whispered "Pink…"

She then leaned over to his right ear. "...Or blue?"

"Purple." Levi said with a glazed-over look.

"Huh?" His girlfriend responded with a less-than-sensual tone.

"They both sound good and if you mix the two, you get purple… I think." Ah, Levi Logic.

Marina started laughing out loud at his explanation. "Ha! Okay, I can do that. Haha, you're so cute."

With that, Marina pulled him away, hand-in-hand. She yelled out to Karin and Daan something about going home but didn't wait to hear from the two before she disappeared with Levi.

"That girl…" Daan muttered.

"Remember what we just talked about." Karin reminded him with a firm tone. "Let them have their independence."

"Fine, fine."

Soon, the two found themselves walking side by side, a comfortable silence enveloping them. The market was thinning out, and the cold air felt sharp, but the air between them didn't feel so cold.

Karin broke the silence. "You think they planned this? Leaving us alone, I mean."

Daan almost smirked, "Marina's face gave it away. But I'll play along for now."

"Always the strategist, isn't she?"

They continued to walk, their steps in sync, the city lights illuminating their path. They reached the inn after a few minutes of walking. It was now snowing lightly, dusting the cobblestone streets with a delicate blanket of white.

Stepping inside, the inn's wooden floorboards creaked lightly under their weight, protesting the late-hour disturbance. Sure Abella's work had drastically improved the creakiness of the floor, but it still wasn't soundproof. The dim hallway lights streamed from the organized wall lanterns, casting eerie shadows as Daan gently guided Karin through the narrow corridor. Every whisper seemed louder, every step more pronounced in the quiet of the inn.

"Which one's your room again?" The doctor whispered, his voice so low it barely cut through the heavy silence.

Karin pointed to the door leading to her room. "Eight. That one."

They paused for a moment, listening intently. The muffled sound of Abella's loud snoring in a distant room and the steady ticking of a grandfather clock were the only sounds in the otherwise silent inn. They had to try not and laugh right then and there.

As they approached Karin's door, Daan's eye caught something hanging from the frame. A mistletoe. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he looked down at Karin, who was already gazing up at the unexpected decoration.

"Any guesses as to who did it?" Karin asked sarcastically.

Daan noticed a small sticky note stuck to the plant and reached for it. "The plot thickens."

He pulled it down and, alongside the journalist, squinted in the dim light to read the hastily scribbled message: "Get on with it already!"

"She doesn't give up, does she?" he teased, looking into Karin's eyes.

Karin laughed softly, trying to suppress the sound with her hand. "Trust Marina to do something like this." she whispered back, her gaze darting to the mistletoe and then back to Daan's face. But then her eyes darted nervously to the plant, then to Daan several more times before finally resting on his lips. Suddenly, her heart was racing. She drew in a shaky breath. The space between them was suddenly… different.

Daan's eye, deep and intense, went back and forth from Karin's eyes to her lips. The stoic look that usually held his face was replaced by an expression of… something else. Was he considering…?

The silence was punctuated only by their soft, uneven breathing. It was as if the world had paused, and all that mattered was the space between them— a space that seemed both vast and non-existent simultaneously. The electricity in the air was palpable, the tension almost a tangible force. They were just a breath away from crossing a line from which there was no return. The seconds felt like hours.

A sudden cough from Abella's rooms startled them. They jumped apart, adrenaline pumping through them both.

Daan cleared his throat and gestured to the mistletoe, his voice a tad shaky. "It uh, s-seems we've been given a hint."

Karin, despite the evident blush, put on a face of indifference, her voice steady. "It's just a plant, dumbass. It doesn't mean anything."

His look turned high-spirited to mask his embarrassment, "Oh? Not tempted by tradition?"

She met his look dead-on. "In your dreams. Goodnight, Daan."

Karin slipped into her room with an air of finality, leaving a slightly bemused Daan in the corridor, the ever-teasing mistletoe swaying mockingly above him.

~~~\\\-/~~~

While Karin and Daan had their moment, Marina and Levi were having their own moment too. This moment, however, was much more… involved.

The air was thick with sex as Marina slowly strolled towards Levi, her movements sultry and tantalizing. Her confidence radiated through her teasing smile, her eyes locked with his. Through the candle-lit room, one could taste the palpable intensity between them. With calculated ease, Marina took hold of Levi's hand and led him to the edge of the bed, pressing him to sit down. She maintained a firm yet gentle grip on his hand, guiding him into a position of vulnerability. Marina knew just how to take advantage of their power dynamic at any point.

Yes, the two had been physical before, but only to a certain extent. Under Marina's rule, however, they would push their boundaries further and further each and every time.

"Remember our agreement," she whispered into his ear, her purple lipstick nearly marking him there. Her breath sent shivers down his spine. "If you touch me without permission, I will end this game."

Levi swallowed, nodding nervously, his heart racing as adrenaline coursed through his veins. He couldn't help but be captivated by Marina's confidence, her seductive aura enchanting him further. The candlelight cast dancing shadows on her face, highlighting her soft alluring features even more. Levi could not tear his gaze away from her, hypnotized by her beauty and magnetism. She licked her purple lips. Those plump, delicious, dick-sucking lips… it was an invitation, one that Levi found impossible to resist.

"What now?" Levi asked, his voice hitched. Marina smiled a playfully evil smile, knowing full well that she had him where she wanted him—- on the edge.

"Foreplay." she said softly, her breath caressing his cheek. Levi could feel his cock growing harder underneath his pants. He nodded eagerly, his heart thumping wildly. As Marina stepped closer, she traced a finger along Levi's collarbone, causing him to shiver involuntarily. With each passing second, his desire grew, becoming almost unbearable. Of course, Marina could sense the building pressure beneath her fingertips as she trailed her hand along Levi's arm, up and down his muscular frame. The warmth of her touch ignited a deep primal urgency within him, his breath coming out in short gasps.

Levi's heart continued to race as Marina leaned forward, brushing her lips against his earlobe. Her voice, husky and seductive, whispered words that sent a wave of heat throughout his body. "Do you want these lips?"

The young man, already at the brink of desire, could barely form coherent words. "Y-yes, oh god yes…" he finally managed to choke out. It was torture to keep his hands on the bed, away from the beautiful woman before him.

Marina chuckled softly, pleased with the answer. She moved even closer, pressing her body against his. "Good," she whispered.

Her expertise in arousal was undeniable. Every stroke of her fingers left him craving more, desperate for her touch. She knew exactly how to draw out his submission and lead him into a state of utter ecstasy. Levi's breath came out in ragged gasps, his cock throbbing with need.

"Please," he moaned, grabbing at the edges of the mattress, trying (and failing) to gain control over his own body.

She licked her purple lips again, now getting down on her knees in front of the man. She never took her eyes off his as she slowly undid his pants, greedily yet sensually pulling them down along with his briefs. It was only then she looked down at his hard cock. It was pulsating with excitement, stiffer than it had ever been before. Marina's eyes then locked back at his eyes as she extended her tongue out to flick the tip of his cock, teasing the slit souring a healthy amount of pre-cum. Levi's hips automatically moved closer to her mouth, naturally being drawn towards any wet little hole she would offer.

"My, my…" Marina giggled as she continued to flick her tongue against the head of his cock, sometimes reaching for his frenulum, teasing him to keep pushing towards her but never taking him in. "Aren't you eager~?"

"P-please, Marina—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the girl took his head into her mouth. She relished in the stark change of his voice as well as the pulsing member that now belonged to her. She battered his dick with her tongue, first the part inside her mouth, then the shaft that she had yet to take. She alternated back and forth between these, popping his dick in and out of her mouth like a lollipop, quickly smearing traces of purple all over. She would make sure to lubricate his member with copious levels of spit, using her hands to rub around as much saliva, not caring about all the mess she made along the way. She would occasionally take a break by using one hand to jerk him off while her lips found their way to his balls, kissing and sucking the source of her future dessert.

After a few minutes, she looked back up at him, the lower half of her face coated with strings of spits connecting his penis to her chin, lips, and even the tip of her nose. The two smiled dumbly at each other before Marina resumed.

Fuck, she loved being his oral slut. Despite how she was always in control, she relished the idea of serving a nice, hard cock, doing whatever it took to please her man; in a way, she was the submissive one. Of course, she would never admit this.

Marina felt her heart race as she saw Levi's expression becoming more intense, his eyes squeezed shut, his face contorted in ecstasy. Her own body was filled with excitement, her palms sweaty as she now clutched onto his thighs firmly. The sound of his quiet groans only fueled her eagerness, pushing her deeper into him. Her tongue danced around the tip of his erection, drawing out the moment just before the inevitable explosion. Levi's hands gripped the sheets tightly, fisting them until his knuckles turned white. His breath continued in short, sharp gasps as he fought against the building pressure.

She abruptly took Levi's entire length into her mouth. A gasp from the man confirmed the effectiveness of this move.

Marina decided to tease him with subtle movements of her tongue and lips while she had him completely, drawing forth a shudder through his body. Levi could feel his control slipping away and he haphazardly grasped the bed sheets behind him, hoping for a semblance of stability; his fingers dug into the soft sheets beneath him, leaving indentations in the fabric as he struggled to maintain his composure. Each thrust of Marina's talented tongue, coupled with the quiet vacuum suction her mouth offered, sent waves of pleasure coursing through Levi. It was too much.

With a deeper, primal growl, Levi succumbed, blowing his pent-up load into her mouth. As his muscles tensed, Marina's hand deftly slid down to catch any seed that might have spilled onto the sheets. She held him in her mouth, feeling surge after surge of hot liquid filling her needy mouth. The powerful orgasms seemed endless; Marina figured he must've been holding in his nut for a while and now she had to receive a larger volume than usual. She was content with this outcome.

Once Levi's convulsions subsided, he lay there, gasping for air, his entire body trembling. His eyes met again with the view of Marina who still had him in her mouth. She slowly sucked off every centimeter of his length, sensually vacuuming every bit of semen she could get. She kept her eyes locked onto his as she finally pulled her plump lips off his dick, only to then make it a point to open her mouth and show how much he blew into her. After sloshing it around for show, she closed her mouth and made an audible swallowing sound before opening up to reveal that she did, in fact, swallow all of it.

"It's bitter. Eat more fruits, okay?" Marina rose and crawled to lie beside him, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"Deal." Levi quietly chuckled as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her petite frame. He buried his face in her shoulder, his breath still heavy from the experience. "Thank you, babe. I don't know what I would do without you."

Marina rolled her eyes. "Don't say thank you after sex. That's weird."

Levi frowned just a bit. "No it's not."

"Fine, whatever." She giggled, her voice barely above a whisper. "You were amazing by the way."

"Y-you too."

Slipping off the edge of the bed and heading towards the bathroom, Marina went to fetch some water and a cloth to clean up the mess. She returned with a gentle smile, offering Levi a cold glass of water to help quench his thirst.

"Hydrate. Who knows when this will happen next?" She winked.

The night was still young for the two.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The dawn's first rays of sun pierced through the gaps in the heavy, beige curtains that hung elegantly in Abella's room. The light wasn't jarring, but gentle, caressing everything it touched with its warmth. Certainly, it was still a cold morning, but warmer than average.

As Abella slowly came to, the world around her seemed surreal, dreamlike. The blankets that wrapped her were a soft cocoon of comfort, and she felt a peace she hadn't in days. She took a moment to acknowledge the sensation of relief that spread through her body. Gone was the oppressive cold that had haunted her for the past week. She felt lighter, more vibrant, and utterly renewed. It was as if she had shed her old skin and emerged as a butterfly ready to spread her wings. It was like one of her novels— picture-perfect.

With a luxurious stretch that sent tingles down her spine, Abella slipped her feet out from under the blanket and placed them onto the cool wooden floor. The chill was a sharp contrast to her warm skin, but it further invigorated her, shaking away leftover drowsiness. This was a good start to the day!

The first stop was the bathroom, where she was greeted by her reflection in the mirror. Her normally bright eyes had been clouded with fatigue for days, but now they sparkled with confidence, something that was not as common for her as it used to be in her youth— something she would never take for granted. Taking her toothbrush, she squirted a generous amount of toothpaste and began rhythmically brushing. Her foot tapped away at a song she played in her head, her butt also bouncing along to the tune.

Once done, she turned her attention to the shower. The relatively modern glass cubicle beckoned her. Stripping her pajamas and panties off (and placing them on the counter extension from the sink), she gave her naked and toned body a once-over in the mirror. She smiled. Again, she didn't often feel this confident every day, so she made sure to appreciate her physique. Abdominals, triceps, and so on. She wasn't a man, but she was far from a dainty flower. Once she finished her quick self-admiration, she stepped inside the shower. She then turned the faucet, water cascaded down like a tropical waterfall. It flowed over her, its touch gentle yet invigorating, washing away the remnants of the previous sick nights and filling the air with the soothing scent of her lavender body wash. A lavender shampoo and conditioner would follow suit quickly after.

The water droplets trickled down her skin as she emerged from the shower, the plush towel wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. As she dried off, her mind wandered to what the day might hold. Maybe she would help Levi and Marina with extra difficult customers? Maybe Karin would be more friendly today and want to just have a nice chat? Maybe she would fix up random things around the house? She knew Daan was already out at work, but still, the options were limitless!

Choosing her attire for the day was a mini-adventure in itself. Her wardrobe was a collection of clothes she had gathered over her time in Rondon (granted what she originally packed from Oldegard was not much). Yes, her work clothes were the go-to, but today, she just felt so… confident! She felt the overwhelming urge to dress up!

She reached for a pair of cozy woolen socks— hand-knitted by a local grandmother who had her own day vendor stall. Now donned with said socks, her feet met the cold wooden floor once more, grateful for the small comfort they provided. Next, her hand brushed over the soft fabrics, finally settling on a soft emerald sweater dress. It was knee-length and made of wool. She paired it with her favorite thermal leggings, a snug fit that kept the cold at bay.

After dressing, Abella approached the full-length mirror, adjusting her attire slightly and nodding approvingly. She loved winter for the fashion— true, the cold here was not as bad as an Oledgardian winter, but the clothing options were still wonderful.

Her fingers deftly worked to gather her long, red hair into a ponytail. It was a challenge to tame the wildness of her hair, but the result was a neat, bouncy ponytail that allowed her to feel both playful and composed. Sexy and fun!

Giving herself a wink, Abella then decided to step out onto her balcony, fulfilling a sudden urge to connect with nature. The air outside was crisp and cold, but not biting. The world was still somewhat waking up, with the sounds of distant chirping birds providing a gentle backdrop to the morning's stillness.

As she leaned against the balcony railing, lost in her thoughts, a sudden shadow passed overhead. Before she could fully process what was happening, a delicate and beautifully colored bird landed right on her head. Abella gasped softly with one of the stupidest smiles she had ever made in her life. This was a rare, magical moment, an unspoken bond forming between her and this wild creature. Time seemed to stand still as she admired the bird, its tiny heartbeat palpable against her scalp. She was so excited! Such a beautiful morning!

But as with all magical moments, reality soon intervened; the warmth she felt wasn't from the bird's tiny feet, but rather, from the unexpected gift it left behind.

Indeed, the bird had shat on her.

Her eyes widened in a mix of shock and disbelief. "Really?!" she yelled, watching the bastard bird soar away, its task done.

Abella shook her head, still not grasping at the absurdity of the situation. "Well, back to the shower it is…" she said with some exasperation. With that, she retraced her steps, her morning taking another unexpected turn.

~~~\\\-/~~~

While Abella had her own morning struggles, just a couple of rooms over, Karin was fighting a different kind of battle.

See, Karin had woken from her sleep with a bit more panic than the redhead; her breathing was slightly labored, and her heart still raced from the dream. It had been so vivid, so real.

She found herself in an ethereal meadow with Daan. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the two of them danced in a slow, rhythmic circle. His hands were warm against her back, and she could feel the weight of his gaze, intense and searching. The world had narrowed to just the two of them, and as they leaned closer, the boundary between dream and reality seemed to blur. The way they would kiss, the way he would touch her, the way she would shiver…

Rubbing away the sleep from her eyes, Karin felt a twinge of embarrassment creep up her neck. It was one thing to share fleeting glances with Daan, but a romantic dream?

This was… different.

She pulled her knees up to her chest, hugging them tightly. Her large bosom would usually make this an uncomfortable experience, but her thoughts were too far elsewhere: why Daan? Of all people? She'd always remembered him as an annoyingly stubborn yet kind and reliable person. But now she just waltzes into his life unexpectedly and starts having these new, unexpected feelings?

She remembered their last conversation, the way he smiled at her, the longing look he gave her eyes and lips… were these real signs, or was her mind playing tricks on her this whole time?

Karin groaned, burying her face in her hands. Her hair was wild, but it wasn't nearly as messy as her thoughts. She wasn't used to this uncertainty. Dreams were supposed to be an escape, not a cause for introspection.

With a sigh, she pushed the covers off, revealing to the room her pale blue nightgown. It was a delicate article of clothing, one that hinted at both comfort and a touch of old-world elegance. Made of soft, breathable cotton, the color matched her own pale skin tone well. The gown flowed to her mid-calf, giving her ample room to move freely during both her slumber and her wake. Whenever she wore it, Karin felt a sense of calm envelop her, as if the garment held within its fibers the comforting embrace of a good night's sleep. It was her favorite piece to slip into after a long day, especially during the colder months when she would pair it with thick woolen socks, ensuring her feet remained warm throughout the night.

The only problem was when she pushed off the sheets, she noticed a peculiar spot near her crotch, staining through her nightgown.

"Don't tell me… fuck…"

Indeed, her concerns were genuine. She had made a wet mess of her panties.

She sighed and swung around to place her feet on the cold floor, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

"First, clean up. Then, figure out this whole… thing."

Karin didn't take any more time to start her day. Walking with an objective to the bathroom, she quickly reached for her toothbrush and began hastily brushing using a fair amount of minty toothpaste, the mint acting as an additional wake-up call. Rinsing her mouth and setting the toothbrush aside, Karin then peeled off her nightgown, letting it fall into the laundry basket. She didn't bother looking at herself in the mirror before closing the bathroom door and making her way to the shower.

She stepped into the shower, reaching out to turn the knobs. A cold splash shocked her senses before giving way to a soothing warmth that covered her. The steam began to rise, filling the small space with a cloud of mist. She lathered up, the floral scent of the stock cocoa body wash mingling with the steam. After a thorough rinse, she turned off the water, stepped out, and wrapped herself in a bath towel. Cracking the bathroom door open, she briskly dried off while the moisture quickly exited the heated bathroom.

Fully awake and refreshed, she ventured to her wardrobe, selecting her outfit for the day. It took no more than a few minutes before she was standing before the full-length mirror, confirming her choices: on her legs, deep navy thermal leggings, a blend of cotton and a hint of nylon. These stretched meticulously and guarded against any cold fronts, especially with their ends anchored within thick seasonally patterned woolen socks. Soft leather ankle boots gave her feet comfort. Draped around her neck was a lightweight scarf with a plaid pattern that offered added warmth and covered her chest. Her hair was pragmatically gathered into a relaxed bun, a testament to the demands of a day in her typical life.

After pausing for a moment to study her reflection in the mirror, she nodded to herself in approval, She was ready to start the day.

There was just one note she made to herself before heading downstairs: she would choose to avoid Daan today. She needed to give herself some space to process everything.

But even as she made that decision, she knew it would be easier said than done. Every fiber of her being was now attuned to his presence.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The sterile operating room, often filled with the sounds of instruments clinking and machines humming, seemed unusually quiet today. The overhead light, always so harsh, now cast what seemed like a warmer glow below. An appendectomy was the procedure of the morning this time.

Notably, Daan was not actively partaking in the surgery this time. Instead, he would have the new surgical intern lead the case, under his watchful eye.

Said junior surgeon adjusted her mask nervously as she looked at Daan. She knew as well as everyone else that Daan was a legend in the surgical community, his reputation as a steadfast leader in the operating room was unmatched.

She began the incision with precision, recalling all her training. She had seen numerous appendectomies before, but she had never led one. "Dr. Von Dutch, there's an anatomical variant branching off from the superior aspect here. It seems like imaging didn't show it very well. Is it okay if I clamp here? Or would higher up be safer?"

The room awaited Daan's usual swift and solid response. But none came.

Instead, there was a long silence. Everyone felt it. The nurses exchanged worried glances, the anesthesiologist checked his monitors more frequently, and the younger surgeon felt an icy grip of anxiety.

Daan's eye seemed more distant than usual. He was lost in thought, somewhere far from this operating room. The seconds felt like minutes, and the now worried lead surgeon began to tremble slightly, clamp in hand.

"Dr. Von Dutch?" the lead surgical nurse spoke up, her voice hiding her concern.

With a start, Daan snapped back to the present. He looked first at the other surgeon, then down at the exposed appendix, and then to the anxious faces around him. A hint of vulnerability showed through his eye, a rarity for the usually stoic surgeon.

"Yes, there is fine," he said, his voice now back to its usual firm tone. "Proceed."

The surgeon continued, relieved. She clamped, cut, and sutured with newfound confidence, finishing the procedure flawlessly.

As the surgery concluded and the patient was wheeled away, the relief was palpable. But the questions remained unspoken. What had caused Daan's momentary lapse? The surgical team would begin a round of whispers once Daan left the OR.

It didn't take long before Daan stepped out into the crisp Montclairé air. Wearing a heavy charcoal overcoat, paired with black and gray checkered pants tucked into sturdy leather boots, and a matching scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. The snow had halted for just a moment, making the streets of Montclairé seem particularly vibrant at that moment. He had quite a bit on his mind, but he was determined to push those thoughts away. At least for the time being. Any distraction was welcomed.

A nearby vendor shouted the day's specials. "Fresh apples! Ripe pomegranates!" The call was like an anchor, giving Daan something immediate and tangible to latch onto. He diverted his path slightly to approach the stall, deliberately slowing his pace.

The apples were a deep, gleaming red, and as he picked one up to inspect it, the cool, smooth texture was momentarily grounding. The vendor, an older woman with a weathered face and a kind smile, nodded approvingly. "Best ones today, sir."

He purchased a few, tucking them into a complementary twine bag the vendor gave him. As he continued on his way, Daan found himself watching a group of children playing a game of tag in the square. Their laughter was infectious, their carefree energy something he was both happy for and just a bit envious of.

Further down the street, an old man played a soft tune on a violin. The haunting melody echoed off the stone walls, and Daan found himself drawn to it. He tossed a few coins into the man's case, offering a nod of appreciation. The music, while melancholic, was beautifully distracting.

Finally approaching the inn, Daan's gaze drifted upward to the rows of windows, each pane reflecting the early afternoon sun (or at least the bits that peaked through the clouds). He focused on the intricate design of the balcony, the curling designs and motifs, anything to keep his mind off of—

He shook his head.

As he opened the door to the inn, the familiar warmth and chatter greeted him. Marina and Abella were both tending to customers, giving Daan a smile upon his entrance. Even here, he looked for distractions: the holiday music playing, the aroma of the soup du jour, the creak of the wooden floorboards that Abella couldn't fix. Anything to keep those thoughts at bay, just a little while longer.

Daan made his way behind the bar counter. Though the atmosphere was relatively lively, none of the customers seemed to need any attention at the moment. He frowned, but then hatched an idea, something enough to draw his attention away from—

Daan decided to occupy himself with something he hadn't considered in a while. Deftly pulling out a cig and quickly lighting it before placing it between his lips, he began to review the booking ledger. He pulled out said ledger from under the counter and placed it on the table, far away from any nearby beers, potentially reckless customers, or any mix of the two. As he flipped through the pages, a frown slowly deepened on his face. Something was amiss. He looked up to find Levi, just entering the front door with a new box of supplies.

"Levi," Daan began, trying to keep his voice steady, "where are the supply invoices from the past month?"

Levi looked up, surprised. "I assumed you took care of them, sir. Weren't you tracking the inventory and updating the ledger?"

Daan's face paled more than usual. "I thought you were overseeing the finances and inventory. That's what we discussed when we restructured our roles, isn't it?"

Levi placed the box down and came over, a growing sense of dread evident in his eyes. "No sir. You specifically mentioned taking over the finance part while I focused on guest relations and day-to-day operations. I haven't touched the finances in months! I thought you went over the telephone finance plans recently?"

"I did but that's all!" Daan ran a hand through his hair. "This isn't good, Levi. This…"

The doctor stopped himself and ushered the younger man into the mainly unused room to the right of the entrance, grabbing the ledger and following behind him.

The unused room sat undisturbed but with much potential. The first thing one would notice upon entry was a large, well-polished table, its dark wood grain catching the soft glow from a vintage table lamp perched at one corner. Positioned on either side of the table were two sturdy chairs, both showing slight wear but impeccable in their craftsmanship. Against the opposite wall, a modestly sized couch rested. Its cushions were seemingly untouched and waiting to offer rest to anyone who needed it. The room's ambiance was subtly affected by a solitary window, which let in a diffused light, painting a picture of the narrow side alleyway and the imposing structure of the neighboring building. The view, though not vast or scenic, had a charm of its own. That charm was a slice of daily life, fleeting shadows, and whispered secrets of Montclairé. The room held an air of quiet contemplation, waiting to be rediscovered and put to use.

But at that moment, its use would be damage control.

The moment Daan closed the door behind himself, he resumed, "This is three months' worth of unchecked inventory, unpaid bills, unrecorded incomes, and possibly even missed bookings. We need to figure out what we've missed and fix it immediately."

Levi took a deep breath, trying to convince himself, "Okay, can handle this. Let's, um… let's start by gathering all the receipts, invoices, and bank statements. We… we can go through them and update our records."

Daan nodded. "Alright, good plan. Let's divide and conquer. I'll begin with the bank statements and work my way backward. Can you start with the recent supply invoices and cross-check them with what we have in the storage?"

Levi nodded determinedly. "Absolutely. We've got this, sir."

The two of them set to work, hoping against hope that the damage wasn't too severe.

Daan sat down at the large oak desk the free room offered, surrounded by an overwhelming mountain of receipts, bank statements, and bills. The room was silent except for papers shuffling and the soft hiss of his cigarette burning as he inhaled, the ember glowing brighter with each draw. He squinted at a statement, trying to decipher a note he had scribbled in the margin several weeks ago. "What the hell does 'RBL for BG' mean?" he muttered, scratching his head. He would fail to realize he had jotted down a reminder for "Reorder Bread Loaves for Breakfast Guests."

Levi, on the other hand, had discovered a crate from the basement/storage room that he couldn't remember ordering. After bringing it into the room with Daan, he opened it. Inside, he found an assortment of... rubber ducks.

"Sir?" he called out, holding up a quacking toy, "Did we order these for the inn?"

Daan looked over, bewildered. "Are those…?"

"Yes sir."

With a sigh, Daan took a drag from his cigarette, the smoke escaping through his parted lips as he pondered the situation. "I don't know how to justify that one. I don't even remember ordering those."

Levi laughed lightly. "It's okay, sir. We'll figure it out."

The two continued their attempts to reconcile their records. At one point, Levi stumbled upon what he believed was a huge, unpaid electricity bill.

"S-sir…"

"What is is Levi?"

Levi showed him the bill for 9000 shillings. Thankfully, Daan took the paper, turned it upside down, and handed it back to Levi. It was, in fact, a bill for only 00.06 shillings. He tried to laugh it off, but Daan ignored him, too busy writing down set after set of numbers.

The physician tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette as he attempted to calculate all the numbers in front of him in an organized manner. He double-checked his work only to get two different total sums. He frowned at the discrepancy and snuffed out his finished cig before pulling out another and starting a third attempt at the numbers. Again, a different sum total. Daan's hand, clutching his now freshly lit cigarette, trembled ever so slightly, betraying his attempt to appear nonchalant. After the fourth attempt, he threw up his hands in frustration. Levi walked over and tried to console him with a pat on the back, but ended up tripping over the box of rubber duckies. The toys littered the floor.

"Maybe we need professional help," The ex-soldier finally admitted, looking at the chaos around them. He accidentally stepped on one of the toys, earning a quack from a rubber duck.

"Perhaps we do. But for now, let's just keep pushing through." Daan took a long drag, "We might be terrible at this, but at least we're terrible together."

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Karin walked in, immediately greeted by the scene of paper-laden and rubber duck-filled chaos. Now, to the unknowing person, Karin was a young, beautiful woman, maybe someone who was understanding and caring. To people who knew her, however…

"What. The. Fuck." Karin's voice raised an octave with every word. Welp, so much for avoiding Daan.

The pair looked up, resembling two deer caught in headlights. When the two didn't respond right away, The blonde spoke again, "What the fuck is going on in here?" Karin's voice cut through the room like a knife. Levi opened his mouth to explain, but Karin's hand went up, signaling him to stop.

"Look at this mess! All-fucking-Mer it's like you're both trying to fuck everything up!"

Daan tried to maintain some semblance of authority and responded, "Karin, we're sorting it out. We just had a minor setback."

"A minor setback?" Karin scoffed, her tone dripping with disbelief. "I don't know what the hell is going on here, but it looks like more than just a minor setback! And— are those… rubber ducks?"

She picked a rubber duck up, squeezing it. The quack echoed defeatedly in the tense atmosphere.

Levi tried to intervene, "We—"

Karin's eyes bore into Levi's, shutting him up instantly. "You what? Decided to turn this place into a circus?!" She slammed the rubber duck onto the table for emphasis. The duck made a dying sound.

Levi flinched as Daan began murmuring, "Karin…"

Karin's patience had reached its limit. "You both are hopeless! How could you let things get this bad? Do you even remember anything I fucking told you yesterday?!" Her gaze was focused on Daan specifically."

The doctor frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

The look that Karin gave him made him realize what it felt like to be a victim of "The Daan Look". Behold, "The Karin Look".

"Fucking fake doctor…"

"Actually I'm—"

"Shut your goddamn mouth!" Karin was seething, her Bremen accent coming through. Now, if Karin's Bremen accent came out, holy cow that's how you knew she was mad. "I literally fucking told you yesterday that I'm looking into something big— something that could be dangerous and you decided to play everything fast and loose? Do you know where your money is going? What inventory you have? What if there's a recording device in one of those ducks?! Did you ever think of that?!"

"...No, why would we think—"

"Of course fucking not! You never fucking think things through! Why would you ever think things through?" Sarcasm matched her anger at that last part.

Levi quietly spoke after a bit of silence. "We thought…"

"Thought? Thought? This isn't some game! But no, you'd rather play the clown!" Karin took a deep breath, trying to reign in her anger.

Daan and Levi exchanged nervous glances. The doctor was the one to speak next, "Hey, c'mon now, don't take it out on Levi…"

"Three months!" The journalist continued after briefly skimming a receipt, crumpling it, and tossing it back onto the table with a disbelieving huff. "Three months! And neither of you thought to keep track of anything?! Do you know how much shit could be bugged?!"

"Bugged? Karin, you're—"

"Overreacting? I fucking dare you to say it, Daan! Say it!"

"..."

"That's what I goddamn thought!"

Levi gulped, his eyes darting towards the door, considering an escape route. Karin turned her fierce gaze towards him. "Don't even think about it. Sit down."

Levi immediately dropped into the nearest chair, looking like a scolded child. His youthful face, usually so full of innocence and charm now mirrored fear and remorse. At the sight of his defeated look, Karin softened slightly. She spoke again, her voice firm yet holding a maternal tone. "Levi, look at me. This... this is irresponsible. Mistakes happen, but you need to learn. I need you to understand the importance of responsibility. Okay?"

Levi nodded quickly, grateful for the reprieve. "Y-yes ma'am—"

"Stop calling me ma'am!"

Levi nearly shat himself, but Daan came to the rescue with a question poised to grant some breathing room.

Or at least he thought so in his mind. Why? Because, perhaps due to a lapse in judgment, Daan asked a question a man should never ask a woman. Especially when they are angry. Especially when they Karin.

"Karin, are you on your period?"

Somehow, this was the man of her dreams. Literally. Well, at least Levi would learn by example.

Karin's face reddened, her nostrils flaring in a mix of disbelief and fury. "Did you seriously just ask me that?" she seethed, her voice a dangerous whisper.

Daan seemed to realize his mistake a bit too late. "Ah, well, I didn't mean for it to come off like that…"

"Of all the low, ignorant, and pathetic things to say…" Her words punctuated the air like a sledgehammer.

Daan's eye widened, realizing the depth of the hole he'd dug for himself. He raised his hands in a placating gesture with intent to make amends. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I mean, I shouldn't have said that. It's just that sometimes you can be a bit... you know, emotional, and— er, no I meant, dramatic— ah, I mean… uh…" He trailed off, instantly aware that he had made things exponentially worse. The room seemed to grow colder with her fury, her killer glare promising that he was going to regret that comment for a long time.

"...Levi, go to your room."

The younger man mumbled an apology and scurried out to avoid Karin's wrath.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The alleyway behind the inn had become a refuge for Abella over the months. She'd come to love the uneven cobblestones underfoot, the mossy patches growing resiliently between them, and the scent of damp bricks. It was a place of escape, even if for just a few moments, from the responsibilities of helping run an establishment filled with colorful personalities. On sunny days, she enjoyed the way the sun peeked in, casting elongated patterns on the ground, but today was overcast, threatening to snow or even rain at any point. The pressure and temperature were at that fine point to make the weather predictability a coin toss. And the Alpine nature didn't help.

Today the bar was busier than usual. Sure there was always the afternoon spike followed by the night spike, but today the guests had been more demanding. She somehow managed to handle everything with Marina. She knew Levi and Daan were busy, but she did not know exactly with what. She desperately needed this break, just a moment to breathe. The brief, god-given lull in customers and Levi's return to the bar gave her this moment. Sighing in relief, she gingerly opened the back door (through the garage) and stepped out.

The solace she was expecting, however, vanished the moment she saw Marina. The younger girl was clumsily trying to light a cigarette, and it was evident she had no idea what she was doing. Abella could see Marina's hands shaking, the paper of the cigarette crinkling under her nervous grip. Every time the flame came close, a sudden gust of wind or the occultist's own hesitancy would kill it. The very act was filled with a kind of naivety and defiance. It would've been a cute scene had it not been a cigarette.

Abella's initial reaction was shock. Daan's cigarettes were distinct, their golden filters and unique aroma were unmistakable. She found herself torn between anger, concern, and even a touch of amusement. How had Marina even gotten one of those? She observed silently as Marina finally managed to light it. With a look of worry, she brought it to her lips, took a deep drag, and immediately burst into a violent fit of coughing. The scene played out in slow motion for the mechanic: Marina's watering eyes, the way she dropped the cigarette, her body doubled over as she tried to catch her breath, and the cloud of smoke being carried away by the wind.

Feeling a mix of emotions, Abella took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. How was she to approach this? What was the right thing to say? After a moment, she moved forward, her shoes clicking on the cobblestone pavement as she steadily approached the coughing girl, who was still attempting to regain her composure.

"Trying to mimic Daan now, are we?" She asked, her tone dripping with a mix of disappointment and incredulity. She looked at the smoldering cigarette lying on the ground.

Marina's gaze finally met Abella's, a spark of defiance burning in her eyes. "Why not? Everyone here does something to deal with their stress. This is no different." She still remembered that this was the woman who had gotten Levi's attention previously.

Abella cocked an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the young girl's backtalk. "Do you think smoking will make your troubles go away? It is not a magic wand."

Marina snorted, crossing her arms. "It's not about troubles."

Abella copied her by crossing her own arms. "Then what is it about?"

"It's about…" Marina looked away, sighing as she tried to justify something she felt she didn't need to justify, "respect."

"Respect?"

Marina's voice wavered but her determination held. "Yes. The kind of respect everyone seems to get naturally. Like they're regular people."

Understanding dawned on Abella's face. With a softer tone, she prodded, "When you say 'regular people', do you mean adults?"

Marina's face flushed, a mix of anger and unease. "So what if I am?" She continued avoiding Abella's piercing gaze, obviously uncomfortable with the situation she'd found herself in.

Abella sighed. "Marina, adulthood isn't found in copying others' habits. It is about the choices you make."

Marina's eyes reflected a simmering frustration. "All anyone ever sees is the naive little girl. I contribute, I help out, and still, I'm always treated like a little girl. I work at a bar and I can't even have a drink without someone saying something! I just want a little respect."

There was an air of silence.

"You think Daan would approve of this?" Abella gently probed, seeking to guide the younger woman.

Marina's defiance held strong. "Maybe he should know. Maybe it'd make him see me as more than just some child."

The silence between the two was as dense. The first drops of cold rain were beginning to fall, but neither woman moved, not daring to back down yet. The distant noises of the inn's bustle were muffled in this private alleyway, with only the soft starting of rain pattering against cobblestone interrupting their standoff.

Marina looked at the ground as she pulled out another stolen cigarette. She fumbled a bit but successfully lit up the second cigarette despite the elements around her. The new cig was burning slowly between her fingers, but she didn't quite bring it up to her lips yet. "Why is it that everyone here gets to have their quirks and flaws? Daan drowns his sorrows, Karin is lost in her web of mysteries, and I'm sure even you have your moments. Why can't I figure out mine without being judged?"

Abella stared at the wannabe-smoker, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

"It's not about judgment, Marina. It's about knowing what's for you and what isn't. This," she motioned towards the cigarette, "is not you. It's not the Marina I've come to know and care about. It just does not make sense."

"Oh well, I'm sorry I don't fit perfectly into your little box. I'm sorry that I'm not nicely organized in a way for you to be happy with. I'm sorry that I have my wants and needs and they don't line up with what you think is right for me." Marina's voice was mocking with frustration, sarcasm obvious "I'm tired of being seen as the kid. I want to be seen as an adult. To have experiences, make my own decisions, and yes, even make my own mistakes."

Abella took a deep breath. There was a slight droop of her shoulders. "Marina… you know that we care about you…"

Marina looked at her cigarette and then back to the ground. Her voice was now quiet. "I get it, Abella. But sometimes, I need to do things on my own. Do you know what I mean?"

Lost in her thoughts, Abella responded after a long pause. "It's hard to find the right balance. Just... promise me you'll think things through?"

Marina finally met Abella's eyes. "I'll try. But we keep this just between us, okay? If Daan is going to find out, I want to be the one to tell him."

Abella smiled, her eyes now at ease. "Deal."

Marina looked at the dying cigarette in her hand one last time before dropping it to the ground and crushing it with her heel. "But there are other things I want to try, to experience."

Abella gently tapped Marina's nose with her index finger. "And you should, as long as you're safe and not harming anyone, including yourself."

Marina swatted the redhead's hand away playfully. "Alright already, now let's get inside! The rain's picking up and I don't want to be out here any longer!"

~~~\\\-/~~~

Levi began to prepare an old-fashioned, Daan's favorite, after seeing the doctor finally walk out of the room with a defeated look. His already pale face had less color than usual. He selected a bottle of the inn's finest whiskey, one reserved for particularly rough days or momentous occasions. The golden liquid flowed into a crystal-clear glass.

Karin's barrage of words had lasted a torturous thirty minutes, and the aftermath of the confrontation still echoed in Daan's ears, a stinging reminder of the blunders he had committed. His face showed it all.

Daan made his way to the bar and sank into a stool. His gaze was distant, lost in thought. Levi nudged the glass toward him, breaking the silence. "This will help, sir."

The bar would've been silent had it not been for the chatter of some customers who were oblivious to it all. Thankfully the doors in the building were all relatively insulated. Not even Marina or Abella suspected anything.

Daan grasped the glass and took a slow sip, the rich flavors and the subtle burn grounding him, pulling him back to the present.

"You know, sir," Levi leaned in, his voice cautious, "you just have to weather the storm sometimes. There's always sunshine at the end."

Daan chuckled weakly at Levi's sudden mature advice, "Seems I've been caught without an umbrella today."

Levi smirked, pouring himself a smaller measure of whiskey. "Then let's toast to umbrellas." But before Levi could raise his glass, Daan took it away.

"Sir?"

"ID."

"...Sir, you can't be serious."

"The Daan Look". Not as menacing as it usually was, but it was there nonetheless.

Levi sighed and pulled out his ID, flashing to the doctor. Once he got the nod of approval, Levi took back his glass and raised it. They clinked their glasses and muttered some words, not realizing that Karin never left the room.

~~~\\\-/~~~

After chewing out Daan's ass, Karin decided to take a closer look at the books herself. Tidying up the strewn papers and receipts, she cleared space systematically to organize and review the financials. She made sure to double-check everything to the best of her ability. She even had all the ducks (which were now bisected with a pocketknife— no recording devices!) put back into the box in a corner. The minutes turned into hours as she analyzed every transaction and ledger.

Of course, she repeatedly berated herself for helping him. How could she have been so naive? Daan was an insufferable fool. A fool with an apparent knack for making decisions that bordered on the ludicrous. His actions screamed of thoughtlessness, and she often wondered if he truly possessed a brain, or if it was merely an ornamental fixture in his skull. Truly, he was an unparalleled blend of idiocy and cluelessness. Stupid. Dumb. Idiot. He was a stupid dumb idiot! And yet, despite all rational thoughts, she found herself here, aiding him.

She could visualize her expansive wall filled with intricate connections and theories, the heart of her major investigation into the suspicious events unfolding in Montclairé. Lives were potentially hanging in the balance, teetering on the precipice of disaster, and she was in a position to make a difference. To uncover the truth hidden beneath the layers of deceit. And it was all upstairs in her room.

However, instead of immersing herself in the shadows of conspiracy, she was here, acting as a makeshift safety net for Daan's "retardation". Why? Was her wet dream just that good? Alll-Mer…

She tried to console herself with the thought that this was merely a fleeting diversion. She would soon return to her sanctuary upstairs and dive deep into her investigation before the night was over. Perhaps this distraction with Daan was simply the universe's way of offering her a brief respite from the intense pressure of her work. Yeah, that's it. A quick interlude, before she got back to the real task at hand. This was just a brief break, nothing more. A necessary diversion. Yes, that's exactly what this was.

After some hours, she finally finished reviewing all the paperwork. It was tedious, sure, but it was done now. To her surprise, the damage was not as dire as it had initially appeared. Many of the expenses were legitimate and aligned with the inn's operations. It turned out that while Levi and Daan were horrible at organization and record-keeping, they hadn't been too reckless with spending.

She wasted no time heading for the door, opening it with such force it would've startled anyone around her. Thankfully the bar was now empty, save the other girls. The only customers the inn had were either out or upstairs in their rooms already.

When Karin didn't spot the two in question straight away, she approached the bar counter to ask the two other women for their whereabouts.

"Looking for the boys? They're in the back." Abella nodded over her shoulder, ushering Karin to the garage.

"I think they are hiding from you." Marina chuckled while wiping down another glass.

"As they should be…" Karin muttered viciously, though less irate than before.

The blonde made her way over to the garage and found her two victims, seemingly caught up in a discussion of some sort. The topic of said discussion, of course, hardly mattered now; Levi stood attention and saluted her while Daan put out his cigarette and tried not to show his cringed expression too much.

"Alright," she began, her tone more composed than the last time they'd spoken, "I've gone through everything. It's not as catastrophic as I'd first thought. But that doesn't excuse the mess and oversight."

The two men shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact.

"We need a better system in place," Karin continued. "And since you two seem to be utterly hopeless when it comes to this, I'm taking over as the head of finance and logistics."

Daan blinked. "Now hang on—"

"To what? The lack of organizational skills you guys have? Do you want me to wipe your asses for you too?" Karin took a deep breath in and out, and muttered something (probably a curse word) in Bremen before continuing with an even softer tone, "Someone needs to make sure this place isn't bugged. And someone needs to make sure that this place stays above water!"

Karin continued when she got no response.

"So it might as well be me."

Levi nodded, thankful. "We had no idea what we were doing. Thank you for stepping in."

Daan looked at him incredulously but decided to hold off on saying anything quite yet. Instead, he responded to Karin. "Karin. I... Are you sure this is something you want to do?"

Karin cocked an eyebrow, smirking, "Well, it's evident you two didn't have a clue. But it's alright. We'll move past this, but this doesn't mean you're off the hook. I expect both of you to learn and understand how things run, so we don't find ourselves in another... rubber duck situation."

Both Daan and Levi chuckled, albeit a bit nervously. "Understood."

Karin nodded. "Good. Now, let's get this inn back on track. Also, let's talk about my pay."

Daan frowned. "What?"

"Pay. You know, shillings. Money."

Levi's eyes darted between the two.

"What, you think I'd do this for free?"

Daan put a hand over his chest, feigning compassion. "You mean you're not doing this out of the kindness of your heart?"

Perhaps a bit of humor would bring out the altruism in her?

Karin sighed. "Do you know how many shillings I just saved you over a three-month span? You could pay me a fraction of that and I wouldn't complain. It's not like I'm asking for a million."

Eh, it was worth a shot.

"Alright, we'll talk details tonight." Daan mused.

"4000 shillings a month." She wanted to settle this now.

Daan laughed, mockingly. "Yeah, maybe before all the room and board. And food. By the way, that old-fashioned earlier? Don't expect those to be free if you want 4000."

"Oh? So you spoil Abella and Marina but you have it out for me?"

Daan raised his eyebrows. "What? How—"

"Girls talk, Daan. 4000."

"I do not pay them that much."

"Fine, 3500. Whatever. Let's shake on it."

"1500 if you want everything to be gratis. Do the math, Karin." Daan crossed his arms.

"My math is better than yours. 3000 is my minimum. I still expect your free generosity."

The doctor laughed again, of course mockingly. Levi was absolutely terrified of the sound that was Daan's laughter.

"2000 and we put this behind us. I'll even give you one free compliment a day."

"Oh, a compliment? You should've just started with that." Now it was Karin's turn to laugh. "What are the quality of these compliments?"

"What do you mean?"

"Let's hear one," she half-teased, "see if it's worth the difference."

Daan rubbed his chin. "Hmmm… you're… good at math."

Silence.

"Okay okay, here: you're pretty."

She laughed again. "That's the best you got? That's what a typical drunk at the bar would say. 3000, doctor."

"I can do better— here okay, look…" Daan cleared his throat and tried once more, "You have beautiful…"

There was another stretch of silence.

Daan rolled his eye. "Fine. 3000."

"You're unbelievable."

"What?"

The blonde frowned. "You can't even come up with another compliment for me?"

Daan shook his head. "I'm giving you more money, how can you possibly still be mad at me?"

"Just… forget it." For a moment, Karin had a look of… something. "Look, there's one other thing I need to talk about."

"Oh?"

Karin pulled out a folder containing a set of papers, pointing at it with a frown. "I need to talk to you about your numbers. And how much of an idiot you are."

Daan looked over to Levi with a "help me eye". Levi responded with an "uh, I gotta go!" look and exited the garage with haste. Daan frowned at his betrayal, but it was quickly replaced with confusion when Abella had taken Levi's spot.

"Oh, am I interrupting something?" The mechanic asked with a coy tone, hoping there was going to be a romantic confession soon.

"Not at all." Karin's piercing gaze was enough to kill Daan on the spot. "You're actually just in time."

Daan's groan confirmed Abella's "romantic confession" scene would have to wait.

"I almost feel bad for asking about monthly pay but I think my help will balance it out… however," Karin pulled out a particular sheet of paper, one with circles of red pen ink, "Daan, do you even know how much money you make?"

Daan crossed his arms, his eyebrows raised higher than ever. "…Yes, I do, why?"

"Because I'm convinced you don't. I'm also convinced you're a fucking idiot."

Daan sighed. "Now that's just uncalled for."

"Oh really?"

Abella excitedly stood watching the scene before her. Romantic or not, she wished she had some popcorn.

"Daan, you're bleeding money."

The surgeon had a new look for confusion. "I thought we just said the last three months weren't that bad."

Karin shook her head. "I mean in general. Look here." She pointed to a specific value, circled in red.

Daan looked over at what she was referring to. Instead of a look of worry, as Karin expected, the doctor gave her a relieved look. "I appreciate your concern, Karin, but I've got things under control."

Karin looked at him undeterred and confused. "Control? Did you not see the number I just showed you? How do you plan on paying for everything with that kind of income?"

His demeanor calm, Daan chuckled. "Oh Karin, you're so cute, you know that?"

Karin's face slightly reddened. It was hard to say whether it was from anger or something else. It was probably anger. Probably.

Abella, on the other hand, was happy with the interaction before her.

"This isn't a joke, dumbass. Your salary is dogshit and there's no way you can afford this place for more than another six months if you don't start making some changes!"

"Is that right?" Daan was not taking her seriously.

Karin raised her voice. "Daan, you fucking retarded jackass listen to me! Your annual income is not enough. Do you understand what I am saying? Money, low. Low, bad." She made sure to speak the last few parts slowly.

"Karin," he started, "you might have misunderstood what you saw. That figure you're referring to? That's not my annual income."

"What are you f—"

"That's my monthly income."

The garage seemed to fall silent. Karin's eyes widened, and her confident posture faltered a little. She tried to maintain her composure, but the surprise was obvious on her face. "Monthly?" she echoed, her voice a whisper. Even Abella, who had no idea what the number was, could tell that this was an impressive display of monetary power

Daan responded with a smirk, "Yes, monthly. Surgery is a lucrative field and my investments in the university surgical centers pay out handsomely. The inn can make some money, but it's more of a passion project for me. But thank you for your concern." God he loved those moments where Karin looked like a fool and she knew it. Had to capitalize on those.

Without another word, Daan left the room, relieved. As he moved out of earshot, Abella, who had been silently observing the entire exchange walked up to Karin.

"Well, well, sounds like someone underestimated our dear doctor." She winked, "Trying to check out the market value?"

Karin was now beyond flustered, "Oh, stop it, Abella! I was just genuinely concerned."

Abella leaned in closer with a playful voice, "Ja, I bet. I think I hear wedding bells."

Karin smacked Abella's shoulder as the mechanic laughed.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The bar area itself was unusually slow for the evening. This was likely due to the festive spirit of Alll-Mer Day— every corner radiated with the warm hues of the holiday, from the small festive plants glittering with lights in contrast to the soft snow falling outside the window. Besides lacking a tree, the bar was the epitome of the holiday.

As all the patrons were still working on their drinks or talking to others, Marina took the downtime to approach Levi, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

"I spent quite a bit of time deciding on your gift this year," she began, her voice playfully teasing. She held a gift wrapped in shiny paper behind her back. "Wanted to make sure it was just right for you."

Levi faltered a bit. "B-but I haven't been able to get your present yet."

"Yes, you did." Marina smiled.

"I did?"

"Yes, last night." Shen then leaned into his ear and whispered, "I swallowed it, remember?"

Levi's face turned red immediately as Marina pulled back and laughed. The young man stuttered, taking some time before being able to form sentences again.

"You're so cute, you doofus. Now just get ready for your present."

Levi was able to return to normal quickly enough, his eyes widened with anticipation and excitement. "Knowing you, it's going to be amazing."

Her smile deepened as she presented him with the parcel. "Open it."

He carefully peeled back the wrapping, revealing a sleek box. Inside was a compact camera, the latest model. His fingers traced its edges in awe.

"Is this...?" he began, lifting his gaze to meet Marina's. "This looks like Karin's!"

"It's a newer model," Marin responded, her satisfaction clear. "With the world changing so much, especially because of the war. I remember you mentioning wanting to capture memories. This seemed perfect."

Levi held the camera close to his face, inspecting every bit of it. "This is… Thank you."

A happy glow could be seen in Marina's eyes. "Now you can document all our escapades. And perhaps a few snapshots of me for good measure?"

With a laugh, Levi began adjusting the camera's settings, his excitement palpable. "Starting right now, Miss Domek," he declared, a teasing note in his voice. "Ready for your close-up?"

"It's Mrs., remember?" Marina, ever the dramatic, struck an exaggerated diva pose, one hand poised elegantly at her cheek and the other in the air. "Just remember to capture my best side."

He snickered while looking through the camera's viewfinder. "Oh, trust me, when it comes to you, every side is the best side."

"Flattery will get you nowhere." A playful roll of her eyes was followed by another pose. This time, it was a pensive look with her chin resting on her hand. "How about this one?"

"Just hold still," Levi said, smiling, and another click of the shutter ensued.

Encouraged by Levi's enjoyment, Marina shifted to another posture, mimicking the elegance of famous television starlets. She then turned, her back to Levi, and looked over her shoulder, her eyes beckoning playfully.

Levi was about to take the picture when he paused. "Wait a second," he said, setting the camera on a nearby table. He ran upstairs and before Marina would fully process what he was doing, he returned with a fedora. Placing it stylishly on Marina's head, he exclaimed, "Perfect!"

With the hat's addition, the occultist's giggles filled the room. "You're turning this into a full-on photoshoot, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," Levi replied, picking up the camera once more. "Now, give me mysterious. No, wait. Give me joy! Or... just be yourself. That's the best shot I could ask for."

Marina instead, walked over to her boyfriend slowly. "You know, we should do a… private, photoshoot later tonight. What do you think?"

Levi's heart skipped a beat, this face now flush. "W-will there be purple lipstick?"

A trio of new patrons just then walked into the bar, their eager eyes scanning for the nearest available seat and their parched lips looking for something strong.

Marina laughed. "If you serve those new customers that just walked in, then yes."

With that, she winked and skipped away, leaving Levi with another group of patrons. That, and a wild imagination.

~~~\\\-/~~~

As the night matured, a soft rhythmic set of footsteps echoed faintly from one particular room.

Karin paced tirelessly, her strides measured and deliberate. Fingers pressed against her chin, her eyes darting from one corner of the room to another, seeking answers in the shadows. Every so often she would pause her mid-step, thinking she just figured something out. But just as quickly as it came, the moment would go, the epiphany proving to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

A labyrinth-like web of evidence was pinned to the walls; photos of Montclairé residents in suspicious rendezvous, snippets from historical newspapers hinting at past mysteries, and blueprints of the town's iconic buildings stretched out in front of her.

At a certain point, Karin stopped and stood in the center of the room, taking in the whole picture.

She paused by a black and white photograph, fingers tracing the image of Montclairé's Mayor. He was engaged in a secretive meeting with an obscured figure. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she remembered the night she'd captured the image. It had been one of those unusually cold nights and she had barely managed to stay hidden.

Shifting her gaze, she then focused on a yellowed letter from the library archives. Dated from half a century ago, the text spoke of strange occurrences eerily resonant with present-day events. "What's going on, Montclairé? Just talk to me." she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. She looked down at her small leather-bound journal that lay open on the desk. Its pages were filled with her handwriting. Codes, annotations, and everything in between.

Though she stood with the weight of the city's shadowed history pressing down on her, it wasn't the first time she'd faced such stressful circumstances. Recollections of past challenges she'd overcome flickered in her mind, each a reminder of her resilience. The secrets guarded here might've been formidable, but she had faith in herself— in her capacity to unearth them and bring them to light.

The creak of the door changed Karin's focus immediately. Did she not hear the knocks? She turned to see Daan cautiously entering the room, a slightly sheepish expression on his face.

"Hey," His eye darted to the floor for a brief moment before looking back at her, "I wanted to apologize for earlier... that comment I made about… well, it was out of line. I, uh…"

Before he could complete his sentiment, his gaze traveled to the vast expanse of Karin's wall— a complex mix of photos, newspaper clippings, scribbled notes, and colored strings connecting pieces of information. He was astonished. "…Karin, what is all this?"

She quickly strode over, grabbing his arm and pulling him fully into the room. With a swift motion, she shut the door behind him, her eyes now with a flash of irritation. "You can't just stand in the doorway! This isn't something I want to put on stage for the world to see, idiot."

Daan looked a bit taken aback but nodded in understanding. "Sorry, I didn't mean to... it's just... overwhelming."

"It's fine. Just... be more careful next time." Karin sighed, her frustration melting away. "And it's okay. About what you said earlier, I mean. Just don't do it again."

"Deal." He nodded, then gestured to the wall, genuine curiosity in his eye. "So, what's the story here? Is this what you were talking about earlier today? The 'big thing'?"

"Yes. There's a lot I don't know yet," she admitted, "but what I've found is alarming enough."

Karin gestured to the top of the sprawling board where a black and white photograph of an imposing mansion stood pinned.

"This," she began, "is the Rothal Mansion. Built in the late 1800s. It's one of the key locations that's been happening in this town."

Daan leaned in, squinting at some of the notes attached to the picture.

She continued, "There are records that suggest that the Rothals, the family who owned this mansion, had connections with some... let's say, dubious organizations back in the day."

Daan raised an eyebrow, "Dubious organizations?"

Karin nodded, "Rumors of cult activities, dark rituals. Some say they were trying to summon something or make deals with entities we shouldn't tamper with."

"I thought you were the 'anti-magic', 'anti-spiritual' type." Daan frowned, "You called it bullshit. And every other curse word in existence."

"I was. Prehevil changed that." Karin pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm not gonna say flying unicorns are a thing but I have to be more open-minded now. A lot of things are possible."

Daan hummed, accepting her answer.

Karin then pointed to a faded newspaper clipping dated from 1943. "This talks about a mass disappearance. Nearly twenty people vanished overnight, and all of them were last seen near the mansion."

"Don't tell me the mansion is haunted."

"I don't think so. But like I said, after Prehevil, anything's possible." Karin moved her hand to another section, where a series of maps displayed the town's underground tunnels. "These tunnels connect key locations in the city, including the Rothal Mansion, the old church, and the new town square. Many believe that they were used for secret meetings or rituals."

Daan's eye scanned the intricate web of clues. "This is... a lot to take in."

She sighed, "There's more. There have been reports, scattered throughout the years, of strange occurrences— animals behaving erratically, electronics acting up… I've been trying to connect the dots and figure out if there's a pattern. But every time I think I'm onto something, I hit a dead end."

Daan seemed deep in thought, trying to process everything. Karin took a moment before she continued again, pointing at a photo of another grand mansion with a distinct family crest. "The Delacroix family. Old money, influential, and they've always had a say in the city's operations. I found financial ties between them and NLU, but it's not just about money. There are shared interests and shared goals. At least on the surface."

"The NLU?" Daan frowned. "So that's what made you question Abella…"

"Yeah, but it gets worse." She moved to another picture, this time of a corporate logo. "Then there's the Glarinno Corporation. Initially, they seemed to be just a tech company, but they've had their hands in everything from real estate to media. And guess who's on their board? People who are rumored to be in close contact with the NLU."

Daan pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth as he fished for his lighter. "It's like a tangled web. But what do they all want?" Karin snatched the cig out of his mouth, glaring. Daan glared back but gave up and decided to smoke once he was outside the room.

"That's the million-shilling question." Karin pocketed his cigarette and turned back to face the wall, her frown a tad softer than a moment ago. Her expression further relaxed as she traced her finger along the complex timeline she had drawn, dotted with various events and incidents from the town's history. "It's not entirely clear. But the patterns are undeniable. But I do theorize they want more…"

Daan stared at the wall for a moment longer before turning his attention back to Karin. He began hesitantly, "Listen, I understand that you're passionate about this, and it's great that you want to uncover the truth, but... have you considered that maybe, just maybe, you're reading too much into this?"

Karin's eyes flashed with anger, "What do you mean 'reading too much into this'? Do you think I just throw random stuff on the wall and make shit up?"

"No," Daan replied cautiously, "but you've gone down these rabbit holes before. Remember Prehevil?"

"That was different," she shot back, though her voice wavered slightly at the memory. "And if you're just gonna shoot down my conspiracy theories like back then too, then just get out."

Daan approached her gently, "Karin…"

Karin's voice was sharp as she spoke again, "This isn't like the other times, Daan! There's something genuinely wrong with this city, and I'm close to finding out what it is."

Daan looked around the room once more, taking in the sheer amount of information plastered across the walls. He rubbed his temples, trying to process it all. He sighed. "Okay, convince me."

Karin smiled, sensing the shift in him. "Alright, let's start with the basics. Almost every event or odd occurrence in this town can be linked back to one organization: the NLU." She pointed to a pin labeled 'NLU' at the center of her board, with strings connecting it to various other events and names.

Daan's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why? Why would NLU do all this? I've always heard they were established to bring about peace. They wanted to stay neutral and stop the previous wartime activities a couple of years ago, right? They would want to prevent another war, right? That doesn't make sense."

"You're obviously confused." Her tone was serious despite the fact she so casually roasted the doctor. "Listen closely. The NLU's roots trace back to The First Great War. They were just small rebel groups across Europa, Voroniya, and the Eastern Sanctuaries at the beginning. They were symbols of defiance. It was only after the war the players all united under the NLU banner. Now they're everywhere and have no centralized leadership. They had— probably still have insiders within the Eastern Union, the Allied forces, and even the Bremen Empire. They've tried to sabotage key operations from the Allied forces and Eastern Union. Particularly, their Bohemian agents had thrown a major wrench in Operation Logic back when we were still in Prehevil. Allegedly anyways."

Daan blinked, stunned by the sudden barrage of details. "Operation… Logic? Voroniya? No leadership— Karin what the hell are you talking about?"

Karin sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Are you even paying attention, Daan? Look, the NLU is a massive, secret resistance group. Think of them as a bunch of rebels from different places who decided to join forces. NLU's a bit like a cocktail— a mix of espionage, sabotage, special operations force, and supporting resistance in Bremen-occupied regions during the last war. You get it, bartender? Think spy shit plus resistance; they're fighting against the big oppressors but they've also got a web of spies and specialized agents infiltrating everywhere. It's effectively some secret roided-up resistance group. Or at least it was."

Daan's brow deepened. "This was all happening while we were in Prehevil? I mean, I knew they were secretive but I didn't know about all… all this."

Karin threw her hands up in exasperation. "Oh, for the love of— Daan, you absolute idiot! Were you not paying attention in Prehevil?"

"I was paying attention to staying alive." He narrowed his eye, "Excuse me if I didn't pay attention to all the little spy games."

Karin cursed in Bremen again. "Okay, whatever, I'll explain the other stuff later but just listen— The NLU? Now they want to do even more. They're not just satisfied with sneaky spy games. They're ramping things up, going bigger, bolder. They're not just reacting anymore; they're leading the fucking charge!"

"But why Montclairé?"

"Good question. Honestly, I'm not sure. But…" Karin reeled in anger, relieved that he finally asked a question that, according to her, wasn't stupid. "Montclairé isn't just any place. Think about its location. Southeast Rondon? It's perfect. Control Montclairé and you have a neutral, rich, influential part of the world at your fingertips. So control Montclairé, and you control the narratives, the supply routes, and even the hearts and minds of the people. NLU isn't just fighting for territory; this is a different kind of war. Plus, there are old scores to settle there, old alliances and betrayals. For them, Montclairé is where everything converges, past, present, and future."

"But you don't know for sure, right?" Daan had to physically force himself from pulling out another cigarette. "It's all theory, right?"

Karin looked away, her jaw tightening.

"No," she admitted, her voice with less resolve. This was a Karin different from the one in Prehevil. "I'm not sure. The NLU is complicated, even for an organization of its standing. Their motivations, their endgame… there are so many layers of politics and personal vendettas."

There was another pause before she started again, her confidence returning slowly. "Montclairé is significant, but I can't pretend to understand every move they make or every chess piece they maneuver. The one thing I do understand is that they believe in the importance of Montclairé. If they're betting on it, then we need to watch this city very closely. And that's on top of everything they are doing outside the city. Out in the rest of the world."

Daan nodded slowly as Karin moved over to the edge of her wall. "Here, look at the patterns and the companies."

She gestured towards the first marker. "Here, in Central Rondon, two years ago, a small tech company mysteriously went bankrupt overnight. No one knew why. They were on the verge of a breakthrough with communication devices, devices that could've challenged NLU's hold in the telecom sector."

Daan pointed at the blonde. "Or maybe the NLU wanted their communication devices for themselves."

Karin snapped her fingers and pointed back at him with a wink. "Bingo! It lines up with everything else! Now look at this…"

The two stepped closer to the wall.

Karin moved her finger to another marker. "In Bremen, a factory with ties to FeldTech and Rhenno Company was burnt to the ground. Radio communications. Eyewitnesses reported seeing officials with ties to the NLU in the area days before the fire."

She then pointed to a string of markers scattered across Eastern Europe. "Multiple train derailments over the past year, all carrying goods and resources that could've boosted local economies and reduced NLU's stranglehold. The official reports? 'Technical failures' or 'operator errors'. But all the engineers and conductors had impeccable records before these incidents."

She then pulled out a stack of documents from a nearby drawer and spread them out on her desk. "And here, intercepted memos between higher-ups in Marlen & Luronne Labs, discussing 'external pressures' to redirect their technological advancements. Guess who's behind it?"

"The NLU."

"And it's not just tech companies and infrastructure," she said, moving to a different section of her wall. "There's also the issue with several old and influential families across Europe."

She pointed at a family crest, a prominent emblem of a lion with a crown. "The Van Dorens, for instance. An old Bremen family with significant holdings and influence in the northwestern part of the country. Two of their heirs died in 'unexplained' accidents in the past year alone. Guess who stood to benefit from their deaths and who immediately acquired a large portion of their lands and assets?."

Daan face turned more serious with each point Karin made. "I never thought they'd be so bold as to murder high-profile people. They don't even seem to care about the trail of blood they are leaving. Isn't that a dumb move? I mean, why is the NLU not as secretive as it used to be? Couldn't they just have kept quiet while operating?""

Karin sighed deeply, her fingers rubbing her forehead as if trying to ward off an impending headache. "Daan, when an organization like the NLU feels cornered or believes the stakes are high enough, they'll resort to drastic measures. Assassinating high-profile targets sends a message. It's about creating shockwaves, reshaping the narrative, forcing their enemies to react. Every drop of blood, every life taken… it's all calculated. If anything, they know about their shit— they're waving their huge dicks around and they aren't afraid to show it. Remember, it's not about being secretive anymore. It's about power, influence, and fear. They want to show the world they're a force to be reckoned with, that they won't be silenced or pushed aside. It's terrifying, yes, but it's also strategic. And in their eyes, the ends justify the means."

Daan really wanted a cigarette now. Dammit. "That's fucked up."

"It's a brutal game and the times have changed. Influence has shifted. The world isn't just about covert operations and secret agents anymore. It's about money, power, and control. The age of industry and commerce brought about new avenues of power." She said, moving to another family crest on the wall, "Look at the Dunfords from Northwest Rondon. Their textile factories were about to produce a new kind of material, resistant to fire and wear. Overnight, their factories were shut down, and all research was confiscated. Witnesses say they saw men in suits taking everything. Those men? Tied with NLU operatives."

"So it's more than just telecoms huh?" Daan rubbed his stubble. "Sound like they want to make a goddamn bomb."

Karin then showed a photograph of another grand mansion. "The De Castros just to the West of us. Long-time patrons of art and free speech, suddenly fell into debt and had to sell off their historic mansion. And surprise, surprise, it's now an alleged underground NLU bunker."

"Sounds like the perfect place to run some tests. For a bomb." Daan rubbed his chin more. "Or cult shit."

Karin suddenly turned to Daan, "Regardless, it's a game of power and control. These families, the tech companies, the infrastructure... if they don't do what the NLU wants… they all represent potential threats or challenges to the NLU's growing influence. And the NLU won't hesitate to erase or assimilate anything that stands in their way."

Daan fumbled with the lighter in his pocket as Karin's gaze intensified on the doctor. "Worse yet, those they don't kill off, they buy. They realized that in order to truly dominate, they needed to infiltrate from the roots. Companies drive economies. Powerful families wield social and political influence. By merging with these entities, they're not just influencing policy; they're dictating it. It's an evolution, Daan. No one lurks in the shadows nowadays. Now, they're strategically positioning themselves while hiding in plain sight, shaping the very foundation of our society. By aligning with the titans of all of Europa, they're ensuring their reign for generations to come."

"This... How can they operate at such a scale without anyone noticing? It's not like they're hiding it, but I haven't seen any locals talk about anything like this yet." Daan ran a hand through his hair, a bit overwhelmed. "I'm guessing most people don't know as much as you do about this."

The journalist sighed. "They've been smart and tactical since they've organized themselves after the first war. Now, they're incredibly well-funded and have their slimy fucking tentacles in every major sector and government. Most people just see the surface. You know, the peace initiatives, the charitable works, etcetera. But under that, they're reshaping Europe for their own ends, turning it into their playground."

Daan was still trying to process the information. "But… I mean, don't we have our answer then? Power? That sounds like what they want."

"It's not that simple. Yes, power is a part of it, but boiling down their entire movement to just that one word is an oversimplification." Karin leaned back against the wall carefully so as not to knock anything over. "There are a lot of moving pieces: there's a history, a belief system, a series of perceived wrongs and rights that have shaped their decisions. It's a web of motivations, aspirations, and ideologies. No shit they want power and influence— we need to ask ourselves why. What's the larger picture they're seeing? What kind of world are they trying to shape or prevent? We can't just label them and think we understand them. We need to dig. We need to delve deeper."

Daan aimlessly walked towards her balcony, his hand brushing against the closed door. He didn't dare open the curtains. "What's that bigger picture they want?"

Karin sighed, her fingers playing with a loose thread clothes. "I… I don't know. That's the part that's been driving me crazy too. From most accounts, NLU was set up with better intentions back during the first war. But somewhere along the way, things changed. Maybe it was a change in leadership, or perhaps their motives shifted when they realized the power they held. I don't know."

Daan shook his head, trying to reconcile the information. "But, if what Abella says is true, that they have done so much good... It doesn't fit."

Karin met his eye again, her expression earnest. "That's the thing about organizations. They're made up of people. And people can be swayed and corrupted. Maybe there are factions within NLU, with different goals and intentions."

Daan walked back over and leaned against her desk, taking it all in. "It's a lot to process. But if there's even a shred of truth to this, we need to know. The city— no, all of Europe deserves better."

"Convinced you, did I? Maybe I'm not just some 'delusional reporter bitch' after all?" Karin smiled semi-gleefully.

"You have my interest piqued." He chuckled. "And I never called you a delusional bitch."

"Yeah, but you thought about it before right?"

"No. Those are not the words I would use."

"So what words would you use?"

Daan paused for a moment. "This feels like a trap. I don't like it."

"I tried." Karin laughed lightly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You should consider journalism Daan. You seem to have a knack for it."

"And be your assistant? That sounds painful."

Karin laughed again. "I won't use my talons on you… much."

"Pass, but thank you for the offer."

The blonde seemed to have her hand linger on his shoulder a moment longer than necessary before removing it. "Whatever the case, I just hope we can uncover the full truth before it's too late."

"I'm not saying I'm one hundred percent convinced, but…" Daan said, looking over at his shoulder where Karin just had her hand, "Shouldn't we get Abella more involved in this then? She used to be part of the NLU?"

Karin frowned, looking momentarily uncomfortable. "Abella? Honestly, no. At least not yet."

Daan raised an eyebrow, "But if anyone would have inside knowledge or understand the inner workings of the NLU, it's Abella."

Karin sighed, pacing back and forth a bit. "I get that, I do. And believe me, I've considered it. But remember, if Abella is telling us the truth— that she left the NLU all that time ago, then it's a risk in and of itself."

Daan crossed his arms. "How do you mean?"

"Historically, when organizations like these retire an agent, they tend to make it... permanent, if you catch my drift. If Abella left the NLU like she said she did, then she probably did so in an unorthodox fashion. In other words, on not-so-good terms."

"Well, she's not dead so…"

"So she's lucky." Karin looked back at the wall before glancing over to Daan again. "If they catch wind that she's snooping around, it could put her in immediate danger. Or us in danger. Worse yet, she might have left over loyalties or emotional connections that could cloud her judgment."

Daan tried to interject, but Karin pointed at him, cutting him off.

"Involving Abella might tip off the NLU that we're onto them. Right now, our biggest advantage is that they probably underestimate us or don't know we're investigating them. So shut it."

Daan looked conflicted but nodded. "Okay, we'll keep it between us for now. But if things get too complicated or dangerous, we might not have a choice but to loop her in."

Karin nodded, grateful for his support. "Agreed. For now, let's gather as much data as we can and keep a low profile."

Daan shrugged. "I gotta get back downstair to help out Levi, but you just let me know how I can help when the time comes."

"Works for me." Karin hummed.

"Oh, and one more thing."

"What is it?" She asked.

Daan hesitated for just a second, before speaking his mind. "You look lovely."

A slight blush gave away that Karin was not ready for this. "What?"

"Your complimentary compliment." He smirked. "I figured it would be more to your liking."

The blond brushed a strand of loose hair behind her ear. "You're still paying me 3000 you know?"

"I know."

Karin tried her hardest, but she couldn't stop the tiniest smile, from forming on her face.

"Close the door on your way out, idiot."

Daan chuckled and did as he was told, pulling out another cig as he closed the door. He would make his way down to the bar counter and finish up with any lingering customers.

Once Karin concluded that the doctor was downstairs, she pulled out the cigarette she snatched from him earlier. She brought it up to her nose and gave it a gentle sniff. It smelled like Daan. Just for a moment, she smiled a big smile and let her imagination run wild.

"Lovely, huh?"

Little did the two know that a certain someone had overheard their conversation without their knowing. The question was, with as much soundproofing and privacy as the engineer could offer, how was this eavesdropping possible?

Perhaps time will tell.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The bar was empty yet tense as far as Marina could tell. It took a while, but when there was finally a moment of privacy, Marina found and confronted the doctor. He was sitting on a stool near the fireplace end of the bar counter, newspaper in hand. Not exactly a night-time read, but there he was nevertheless.

Marina stood next to him, clearing her throat lest she scare him again. She tried to gather as much courage as she could to talk to him. The silence of the bar didn't help.

"Listen, old man," she began, her voice shaky but gradually gaining strength. "I've been wanting to talk about this for a while. Ever since I arrived in Montclairé, I've been treated like this delicate vase that's about to shatter at the slightest touch. Like a child who needs to be sheltered and guarded. It's stifling."

Daan looked up from his newspaper in hand, meeting her earnest gaze but staying silent, prompting her to continue. He had decided to reread the daily news to get his mind off the day's events. Whether it was effective or not…

"I understand that you all care about me. That you're trying to protect me. But I want... no, I need to be treated like an adult." Marina took a deep breath, her chest heaving, "I want to face challenges and make my own choices— even if they are wrong sometimes. I want to learn from my mistakes, grow from them."

Her fingers clenched at her sides, the weight of her feelings in her stance. "I'm tired. Tired of being coddled, of being held back. Every time I want to take a step forward, it feels like there are ten hands trying to pull me back, to keep me 'safe'. But safety doesn't teach you life. Experience does. I want to be out there, making decisions, standing on my own two feet. Isn't that what you all want for me, too? To be strong and independent?"

Marina's voice rose with confidence as she spoke again, "I want to be taken seriously, Daan. I want to live my life, not just watch it pass by from the sidelines."

The room was silent for a moment after she finished, the weight of her words settling in. Marina's chest heaved with the intensity of her emotions, her eyes glistening with the threat of tears.

Daan maintained his silence, letting the seconds stretch. Just when the small girl felt the weight of the silence becoming unbearable, Daan simply replied, "Okay."

Marina blinked, taken aback by the brevity of his response after her rather emotional outpouring. "That's it? Just... okay?"

"Yes. Okay," He paused, "but if we're going to let you do adult things, we're going to do it the right way."

"Um… okay." Marina was happy, but she wasn't sure if she needed to ask a question or not.

Daan stood up. "Follow me."

The dim lighting of the now empty bar created an intimate atmosphere. Marina stood behind the counter, surveying the ingredients arranged in front of her— fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a bottle of aged rum.

Daan leaned against the counter, his eye observing Marina's every move. "Ready to make a hot hard apple cider?"

She shifted her weight from one foot to another, her fingers playing with the edge of the counter. "Sure, sounds interesting." she replied, her voice trying to hide the hint of hesitation which she hoped Daan didn't catch.

"Alright then, basics first. Start by warming up the apple cider. Add in those spices," he instructed, nodding toward the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Following his directions, Marina took the bottle of cider in hand and began to pour it out into a nearby unused pot that was already on the stove (they had a small two-unit stove installed just to help with warm drinks like these— still no hot meals). Beside the pot laid the collection of spices in question. Carefully she picked up the cinnamon stick, feeling its rough, textured bark beneath her fingertips. She placed it into the pot, where it floated atop the cider like a wooden raft. Next, she took the cloves in her palm, each one tiny, dark, and pungent. Counting out two or three, she dropped them into warming liquid. The star anise was her favorite for no other reason than the fact it was in the shape of… well, a star. She would never admit this fact at the risk of sounding childish, of course. She carefully lowered one to the brew.

"Now, here's where your touch comes in," Daan pulled out a cigarette and propped it between his lips. He nodded towards the rum and sugar. "Choose how potent and sweet you want it. But remember, there's no right or wrong, just what feels right to you."

She hesitated, casting a fleeting glance at the surgeon, trying to gauge his reaction. "I'm not sure about how much to add..."

Daan lit up his cig and leaned in slightly. "That's the beauty of it. It's an art, not an exact science. Trust your palate. And if you're unsure, just start small. You can always add more."

Gaining a little confidence from his words, she poured a modest amount of rum, followed by a touch of brown sugar. Daan watched, offering a nod or a quiet word of encouragement here and there. He noticed her subtle hesitancy but was proud of how she pushed through them.

Taking a deep breath, she carefully poured the drink into a mug, finishing it off with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. With slight worry, she held it out to Daan.

"Give it a taste first." He prompted her, blowing out smoke away from her.

She did, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she considered the flavor.

Daan gave a quizzical look. "So, how is it?"

Marina bit her lip. "Um... maybe we should just whip up another batch?"

He chuckled softly, patting her shoulder. "C'mon, don't second guess yourself. Pass it here."

She looked down to the ground but handed the mug over. Daan took a deep sip, humming thoughtfully before nodding. "Not half bad, Marina. There's a good mix of flavors there."

She let out a sigh of relief, her eyes shining. "Really? You think so? I wasn't sure before but if you think so, then maybe it isn't as bad as I thought."

"All I did was offer a nudge. You took the leap. Remember, it's always okay to be unsure. That's how we learn and grow." Daan took another drag from his cig and winked at her. "Now, let's try it once more…"

In truth, the hot apple cider tasted… well, it tasted fucking horrible. There was an off-balance in its sweetness, perhaps too much cinnamon or not enough of another ingredient. It was a far cry from the delectable warmth anyone would associate with the drink. Yet, as she looked into his experienced eye, searching for validation, he couldn't bring himself to voice his thoughts. The genuine effort she'd put into it was evident, and he wasn't about to trample on her budding confidence. After all, mastering any craft took time, patience, and a series of trials and errors. She was young and had plenty of opportunities ahead to perfect her brew.

Minutes stretched on, each marked by Marina's persistent attempts and giggles. Finally, flushed with excitement and pride, she straightened up, shooting Daan an enthusiastic glance. "Alright, I think I've nailed this one! Let's dive into the next drink!"

Daan, raising an eyebrow in a mix of amusement and caution, held up a hand, "Easy there, firecracker. I think that's enough mixing for tonight."

Marina's face fell. She was ready to pout. "C'mon, just one more. I'm sure I can handle it."

Daan took another drag. This was a different cigarette. "It's not about your capabilities. Sometimes, it's better to pace ourselves, save that drive for the bigger moments."

Marina frowned. "Bigger moments? What do you mean? What bigger moments? You want a fish bowl of cider?"

Before she could press further, Daan handed a folded piece of paper to her. "This came in today. I wanted to find the right moment, so here we are."

Hesitant and curious, she unfolded it, her eyes scanning the words as her surroundings momentarily faded away.

Southeastern Rondon Council of Medicine & Surgery

In collaboration with

The Kingdom of Rondon - Federal Department of Medicine & Surgery

Aldenstrasse 45

Waldenberg, 90876

Date: December 22, 1944

Re: Acceptance of Ms. Domek for Medical Apprenticeship Program

Dear Dr. Von Dutch,

It brings us immense pleasure to convey that Ms. Domek has been officially accepted into the esteemed Medical Apprenticeship Program offered through a collaborative effort between the Southeastern Rondon Council of Medicine & Surgery and The Kingdom of Rondon's Federal Department of Medicine & Surgery. She has been selected to pursue this apprenticeship under your esteemed guidance.

It is with profound acknowledgment that we recognize the indispensable nature of esteemed physicians such as yourself to the sustenance of this program. Your expertise is paramount to its very existence. Thus, we express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable contributions.

We hold firm the belief that under your mentorship, she will not only meet the high standards of our program but also contribute significantly to the broader medical community of Rondon.

This apprenticeship is slated to begin on January 1, 1945, spanning a duration of at least 48 months, but not to exceed 84 months. Throughout this period, Ms. Domek will be undertaking all responsibilities as delineated in our program's charter, working in close association with you. With your rich reservoir of experience and expertise in the field, we are optimistic that Ms. Domek will be sculpted into an adept medical professional, ready to uphold the legacy of Rondon's medical community.

To pave the way for a smooth initiation, we recommend that you organize a preliminary meeting with Ms. Domek. This session would set the stage for understanding mutual expectations, solidifying communication paths, and sketching an overview for the forthcoming years.

Furthermore, it would be advantageous for Ms. Domek to receive the apprenticeship curriculum, reference materials, and an introductory task list before her official commencement date.

Additionally, we ask that Ms. Domek decide on her specialty choice ideally by the end of the 36th month of her apprenticeship. Her final decision should be formally made no later than the 48th month.

Your commitment to fostering the future torchbearers of medicine does not go unnoticed. We are deeply appreciative of your unwavering dedication and look forward to the valuable insights and experiences Ms. Domek will gain under your tutelage.

We request you confirm the receipt of this letter and signify your agreement to mentor Ms. Domek during her apprenticeship journey.

For further clarifications or additional information, please feel free to reach out to our Program Coordinator, Dr. Eveline Foster. Telephone numbers will be written on a separate page found in this envelope.

With the utmost respect,

Dr. Wilhelm Sturridge

Director of Collaborative Programs

Southeastern Rondon Council of Medicine & Surgery

It would take Daan a few days to finally get the ringing out of his ears that were Marina's squeals of excitement.

~~~\\\-/~~~

Lying on his back, Daan stared up at the ceiling, his heart beating faster than a speeding bullet. In his palm was the picture of him and Elise, her smile still as radiant as he remembered. Every night for the last two years, he'd spend these quiet hours reminiscing about their shared memories, the sound of her laughter, the warmth of her embrace. If nothing else, he would just recall the lack of her presence, the chasm that his heart had been exposed to from her untimely death. It always came back to her.

Until recently.

As he tried to picture Elise's face, it was Karin's features that appeared instead. Her teasing smirk from the soft curve of her lips, the way her deep brown eyes seemed to hold stories untold. The image was uninvited, but it persisted, much to Daan's confusion.

A deep sigh escaped him. How could his heart, which had been a shrine dedicated to Elise for so long, suddenly find space for someone else? Was this even the same feeling? The same space? Was it a betrayal to even entertain the idea? The weight of guilt pressed down on him, constricting his chest. It wasn't something he could simply brush off, but comparing it to the deep love and connection he had with Elise felt like blasphemy. Sure, there might have been a moment between him and Karin, but it couldn't be… could it?

Tossing and turning, he tried to banish the image of Karin from his mind, but it persisted, creeping into every corner of his thoughts. Daan found himself wondering about the what-ifs. What if he allowed himself to feel something her? What if he opened his heart to the possibility of new lo—

"Danny boy, oh Danny boy…"

Truthfully, Daan knew it was a matter of time before he spoke up again.

"Here you are, lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Elise's memory and now Karin's allure. It's a heady mix, isn't it?" The demon began, his tone dripping with feigned sweetness.

Daan's expression hardened, a protective instinct rising within him. He gripped the sheets of his bed to ground himself.

When Daan didn't respond, the demon chuckled, a sound soft and insidious. "Ah, yes, the irreplaceable Elise. But you must admit, there's a spark with your new blonde love interest, isn't there? Something... tempting?"

Daan took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "She's not a love interest." He knew better than to talk back to this fucking demon, and yet, here he was.

The beast's voice softened to a purr, dangerously intimate. "I merely observe, Danny boy. And it's curious, you pining for Elise, while the blondie is alive, right here, so close."

"I will always mourn Elise."

The demonic specter wasn't a palpable entity as far as Daan knew, but he could've sworn that he leaned closer, the darkness of his presence almost tangible. "Then why not stay true to that? You say Elise was your everything. Then honor that. Stay loyal to her memory. Why taint it with fleeting attractions?"

Daan's heart raced, the weight of the monster's words pressing on him.

"You loved Elise deeply. Immensely," The demon continued, his words no different than poisoned honey. "Would she not want you to remain true to her, to keep her memory pristine? Without the stain of another?"

"What's it to you, bastard?"

The demon clicked his tongue. "Now, now, no need for foul language. I merely wish to make certain details more apparent, that's all!"

"...What details?"

"Ah, that's the spirit!" The monster laughed, "Think— our dear Elise, such a wonderful soul, lost before her time. But not lost to our space."

Daan frowned. "I'm not here to decipher your riddles, demon. Out with it already."

"I've seen her, you know," he whispered, his voice becoming softer, more intimate. "In the realms beyond. Waiting. Hoping."

Daan was silent, his eye wide.

"She's waiting for you, Danny boy. Don't you think she'd want you with her? Forever? Away from the temptations and fleeting affections of the living?"

More silence.

"She loved you, no? Wouldn't you both want to be together? To share eternity, away from the distractions of someone like that blondie?"

Daan broke his silence with the smallest laugh under his breath. "You almost had me there, Demon."

"Oh?"

"You want me to 'reunite' with Elise so you can have my soul, huh? Is that how it works? I die and you get my soul? Or do I have to do some fucked deal with you to make it happen?"

"My objectives are hardly a secret to you, Danny boy." The demon paused, letting the silence linger for a moment. "But certainly you've thought of seeing her face once again? Of hearing her voice? Feeling her touch? Tell me I am wrong… go ahead. Tell me that you do not want to be with Elise."

There was a pause.

"I have the means, you know. I can make it happen, Danny boy."

When Daan didn't answer right away again, the demon laughed a bit louder.

"Food for thought, ol' chap. Food for thought."

And with that, the room felt that much more breathable. The doctor only had himself and his thoughts. Of course, he wouldn't get any sleep that night.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The new morning light came through the windows of the inn. The low hum of conversations filled the air alongside the occasional clinking of glasses. Levi was leaning over the counter, deep in conversation with a regular.

From across the room, Marina noticed her boyfriend's musculature underneath his clothes. His naturally broad shoulders and strong build were accentuated as he poured out another drink. He obviously pulled his weight around the bar. Sure he was no bodybuilder, but he had a body that would get the attention of any girl.

Marina meandered over, feigning casual interest in the whiskey he was pouring. "You make that look so effortless, Levi," she commented, touching his arms overtly. The customer decided to leave a set of bills on the counter, leaving the two lovebirds to their own devices.

He looked up with a wink. "It's all about technique," he replied, lifting the bottle with a hint of flourish.

"Is that so? You've always had a certain... finesse about you. Makes one wonder where else that might come in handy." Marina winked back.

While the two were flirting, Daan was rearranging the top-shelf liquors at the other side of the bar, his arms subtly flexing under his well-tailored dress shirt with each movement.

Abella took a seat by Daan, watching his movements with feigned interest. "You're pretty tall, Daan," she said softly, leaning in just a tad closer than necessary.

Daan met her gaze. "We're practically the same height."

"Well, you're also strong, obviously!" She laughed. Subtly was not Abella's strong point when it came to flirting. Wait, how? She read so many romance novels!

Daan, on the other hand, was more experienced with flirting. However, he couldn't figure out the why. He pulled out a cig, bringing it to his mouth. "Heh, if there's something you want, I can try and reach it for you."

Abella smiled brightly. "Now that you mention it, there is something you could help us with."

"Us?" Daan frowned in confusion. Before anything else, he noticed that Marina pulled Levi over to the two. The future doctor then lined up next to Abella. Both women's eyes were wide and hopeful.

"Daan, Levi, have you ever thought of using that strength for something... outdoorsy? Something that would really show off those muscles?" Abella started.

Daan and Levi exchanged glances.

"You know," Marina began, taking a more circuitous route, "there's something so magical about the holiday season. The cold air, the warm fires... and the traditions." She took a deep sip of her drink, allowing the pause to linger.

Levi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Traditions?"

Before she could answer, Abella chimed in, her voice light and breezy. "Oh, just contemplating how wonderful it would be to have a… certain something for the bar this holiday season. But it would require... certain skills. And strength."

Marina nodded solemnly. "Indeed. If only we knew someone with such capabilities. Someone with muscles."

Daan and Levi exchanged another glance.

Abella leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Yes, it requires a certain... ruggedness. The ability to brave the cold, handle a sharp tool, and show a tree who's boss."

Marina snickered, her eyes dancing. "And it'll take a pair of men who are tall, strong, and handsome…"

For a third and final time, the two men exchanged glances.

~~~\\\-/~~~

The early morning sun fooled anyone who didn't go outside with its bright rays; though it was a bright day, the morning air was bitingly cold. Daan and Levi would know this to be the case better than anyone else as they trekked out from the city into the nearby woods. The woods were not too far away from the inn, thankfully, but it was still no cakewalk.

This year, Marina and Abella, who both had a penchant for holiday tradition, insisted that the bar have a real, freshly-cut holiday tree. And not just any tree, but one that was personally cut and brought from the neighboring woods. Their reasoning was simple: it would add a personal touch and bring some genuine holiday spirit to the bar.

And of course, the two fell right into their trap.

Daan and Levi found themselves at the edge of the woods, each clad in heavy coats and boots, armed with a sturdy axe, and not too pleased about this impromptu lumberjack mission.

"I still don't see why we couldn't just buy one of those trees they're selling downtown," Levi grumbled, squinting as he tried to spot a suitable tree in the distance.

Daan sighed, a dying cigarette in his mouth. "You know how they are. They wanted it to be 'authentic' or something like that."

Levi tried not to show his annoyance. This was not how he wanted to start his morning. "Authentic? We're barkeepers, not lumberjacks. How do we even know which tree to cut?"

Daan shrugged. "How hard can it be? We find a tree that's not too big, chop it down, and drag it back. Simple."

"Simple?" Levi laughed. "You make it sound as if we're picking up a loaf of bread from the bakery."

"Then let's go for a smaller tree."

"And have them tell us to go back out for a bigger one? Let's just cut a medium-sized one and call it a morning."

"Sounds like a plan."

The two trudged into the woods, the crisp snow crunching beneath their boots. The dense canopy overhead had beams of sunlight occasionally breaking through. The serenity was interrupted by their light bickering and the occasional thud of the axe as they tested its weight.

"I just want to make it clear," Daan began, "if we get lost or freeze out here, I'm blaming the girls."

"Same."

The two continued their conversation as they ventured deeper into the woods. After what felt like forever, Daan stopped and pointed. "What about that one?"

In front of them stood a tree, not too tall or too wide, with evenly spaced branches and a near-perfect conical shape. It seemed as if nature itself had crafted this tree for their very purpose.

Levi eyed it skeptically. "It's decent, but… isn't it a bit plain, sir?"

Daan reached for another cigarette only to realize his pack was empty. He sighed. "It's a tree. Once it's decorated and covered in lights, it'll look great. And if they are going to complain about it, we'll give them the axe."

Levi looked at him with a shocked look.

"You know what I meant."

Daan and Levi trudged towards the tree, their boots continuing to crunch the snow beneath them. They both paused at its base, studying the gnarly bark and the width of its trunk, mentally mapping out their strategy.

"You think a few inches above that knot, sir?" Levi mused, pointing to a particularly pronounced part of the tree.

Daan nodded slowly, his gaze fixated on the spot. "Yeah, that seems about right. Get a good angle, swing with enough force..." He trailed off, lost in thought.

Breaking the moment of contemplation, Daan extended his arm to Levi, the gleam of the axe reflecting the dappled sunlight. "Would you care for the honors of the first swing?"

Levi snorted, a mix of amusement and determination in his eyes. Taking the axe, he balanced its weight in his hand and remarked, "You are quite the gentleman, aren't you sir?"

Daan decided not to comment on his backhanded compliment if it meant getting the job done faster.

With a deep breath and a focused look, Levi positioned himself and, with a grunt of effort, took the first decisive swing. The blade cut through the air with a whoosh, biting deep into the tree's flesh. Wood chips flew, scattering around like confetti. Levi laughed at the minor success. It was working!

Yet, after a few more vigorous swings, it became apparent to the pair that this endeavor was no walk in the park. Sweat began to bead on their foreheads, their breaths coming out more ragged. The tree stood tall and defiant, its bulk proving to be a worthy adversary.

Taking a momentary breather, Levi passed the axe back to Daan, panting, "Sir, I now have a newfound respect for lumberjacks. This is no joke."

Daan coughed, gripping the axe handle. He took his swing, muscles straining. They continued in this manner, trading turns and commenting on lumberjacks in general.

"Next time," Levi huffed between swings, "we're bringing a chainsaw. Or hiring someone."

Daan chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Agreed. But for now, let's show this tree what we're made of."

Despite the growing fatigue, they kept going, each swing bringing them one step closer to their goal.

As the morning neared its end, the tree finally began to lean. With one last joint push, it fell with a muted thud, sending a plume of snow into the air. The two men stood there for a moment, catching their breaths and admiring their handiwork.

Daan slapped Levi on the back. "Not bad for a couple of amateurs, eh?"

Levi grinned. "Yes sir. Now all we have to do is drag it back."

"Oh, right. That."

As the sun reached its peak, the duo began the arduous task of dragging the tree back to the bar. They were tired, their clothes were covered in sap and snow, and they bickered about the best way to drag a tree, but at least there was a sense of accomplishment in their steps.

Little did they know that transporting the tree would be an adventure in itself.

"You sure this is the way back, sir?" Levi asked, adjusting his grip on the tree trunk. His fingers were starting to feel numb, and his boots, which weren't the best fit to begin with, now felt like they were made of lead.

Daan squinted, looking around, his confidence not so solid. "I think so. That rock over there looks familiar."

The tree, though it was of medium size, was proving to be a far greater challenge than they'd anticipated. It was unwieldy, with branches catching on roots and shrubs. The initial triumph of cutting it down now felt like a distant memory.

After a while, Levi turned to Daan. "How about we carry it? You know, like they do in those strength competitions. Just hoist it right up onto our shoulders?"

Daan looked at him, the sweat on his brow glistening in the bright sunlight. One eyebrow slowly arched upwards, his face a picture of disbelief. "You're suggesting we lift this son of a bitch and risk snapping our backs in two? No thanks."

They resumed their previous method, grunting and cursing with every inch the log refused to budge. The forest seemed to close in on them, the chirping of birds acting as a mocking audience to their plight.

After another ten minutes of exertion that felt like hours, Daan's resistance crumbled. Panting heavily, he dropped to a knee and shot Levi a resigned look. "Fine, let's give your mad idea a shot. But if I end up in a back brace, you're covering the medical bills."

"I believe in you, sir!"

"I'm not your age anymore. I don't even believe in myself."

Positioning themselves on either side of the tree, they tried to lift it. They managed, albeit with a good amount of difficulty, their knees threatening to buckle under the strain. They had to put it down and readjust multiple times.

"We must look ridiculous." Levi laughed, gasping for breath.

Daan grunted, a bit more agitated from the lack of nicotine. "A couple of city boys playing lumberjack. I can already hear the girls laughing at us."

After a while, the weight and the pressure on their shoulders grew unbearable and, as expected, they were forced to put the tree down and revert to dragging it again. Just when they thought it couldn't get any harder, they reached a slope. The tree seemed to have a mind of its own, veering off course and refusing to be steered straight. Every time they tried to pull it up, it would slide back a few feet, erasing their hard-earned progress.

"Why does it feel like this tree has doubled in weight?" Daan groaned, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Levi looked equally exhausted. "Maybe it knows we didn't bring a sleigh, sir."

Both sat down, taking a moment to rest and regain their strength.

"Levi."

"Yes sir?"

"Remind me to buy a sleigh when we get back to the bar."

"Yes sir."

"And a chainsaw."

"Yes sir."

"And some South Vinland whiskey."

"Yes sir."

"And a carton of my favorites."

"Better make it two, sir."

"Good idea."

Once rested enough, they tackled the challenge again. They ascended the slope, they took turns: one would pull while the other anchored the tree from behind. The going was slow, but they were making progress.

The details of Montclairé's building were becoming more visible with every step. Though a small sliver, it was a sliver of hope.

"Do you think Marina and Abella will like the tree?" Levi huffed.

Daan gave a grouchy response, "They better. Or next year, we're getting a plastic one."

The men, dragging the tree behind them, eventually stumbled through the bar's rear entrance. As the door swung open, they were greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon and spices, signaling the onset of the holiday season. The soft tunes of Alll-Mer carols played in the background, and twinkling fairy lights adorned the bar's interior.

Marina's eyes widened in admiration. "You did it!" She rushed over, throwing her arms around Daan and then Levi in a tight embrace. She would sweeten the deal with a kiss for Levi.

Abella was right behind Marina. She put her hands on her hips and gave a wide toothy smile. "Look at all those muscles put to use!" She reached out and squeezed Daan's arm. Between the tree and her pressure, it would no doubt be sore tomorrow.

Karin seemed to come down from her room just in time to see her pinch his arm. The blonde would make her way down the stairs.

"Huh, so you two actually did it." She seemed… impressed? No, her gaze sharpened for an instant at the sight. This… it was a different expression. "These two told me about your mission."

Levi puffed out his chest. "Mission accomplished."

Daan, more humbled by the experience, added, "It was a team effort. Now, how about we get this thing upright?"

Marina and Abella had (excitedly) already cleared a corner of the bar and, with a collective effort, the tree was soon standing tall. A rich, piney aroma filled the room.

Abella stepped back, clapping her hands in delight. "Alright, let's get to decorating!"

Boxes of ornaments, strings of lights, and shiny tinsel were scattered across tables, ready to adorn the tree. Marina enthusiastically started unraveling a long string of popcorn and cranberries, draping it artistically around the tree. Huh, these two were really looking forward to this.

Karin, who had been working at a table, paused to observe the scene. Her usually stern face softened just slightly as she watched the group work around the tree. "Looks like you boys did well." She remarked, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation. Perhaps this was something she wanted to say earlier.

Daan greedily snagged a new pack of cigarettes from under the bar counter. "Wouldn't want to disappoint."

Karin approached the tree. She picked up a silver star ornament and gently placed it on one of the branches.

"There," she said with a touch of pride, "My contribution."

"Thank you, ma'am." Levi grinned. "Every bit helps."

Karin sighed.

"Thank you, beautiful." Daan softly spoke as he walked passed her, a lit cigarette in hand as he made his way towards the garage.

She felt her ears get warmer, but she didn't have a chance to say anything back to the doctor before he went out the door. She settled for a smirk and sat on one of the barstools to observe everyone else work on the tree.

No one heard Daan just creak open the garage door to take one more look at the group. Everyone was so happy, laughing, joking, or just silently enjoying the moment like him. All in his bar.

It was at that moment that Daan realized something he hadn't noticed in a long time.

The demon was quieter than usual.

~~~\\\-Chapter End: Winter 1944-/~~~

-Trigger Warnings (Specifics)-

-Smut: At the suggestion of one of my readers, I've decided to give a minor trigger warning for chapters including smut scenes. Thus, be warned: This chapter contains smut, mostly oral sex. Again, I don't think this is a huge deal, but better safe than sorry.
-Alcohol use/abuse: Just like the last chapter. Daan's Bar. Daan.
-Drug use/abuse: Just like the last chapter. Daan's Bar. Daan… and Marina?!

Closing Chapter Notes:

Turns out my iPad closes Google Docs after 100 pages. I guess I'll have to stick with the laptop once I hit a certain point lol.

So, how many times did Karin roll her eyes?

Thank you for reading. See you in Chapter 3.

Take care,

Laevatein