“I have an offer for you, Red.” Vivian said, sitting down at the table where Red was currently stuffing her face full of apple cheesecake. To be fair though, Willow was doing the same but with her key lime pie.

Red covered her mouth politely, even if Vivian couldn’t see her, and swallowed before she spoke. Vivian was waiting patiently, tapping her fingers gently on the table.

“Does it involve being a taste tester?” Red asked, watching as Vivian got a shit-eating grin. Willow rose a brow, and Red did the same.

“I would like to hire you. At the bakery.” Red’s eyes went wide with surprise, and she struggled to get an answer out.

“Vivian, I think that’s a yes.” Vivian clapped her hands together in joy, a wide grin spread across her face.

“Wonderful. You start Friday.” And with that, she got up, fingers in the air as if she were tracing something leading her into the kitchen. Her braid swung as she walked away, her hair appearing golden in the soft orange light the bakery was bathed in from the warm candles acting as lights.

“Holy shit!” Red exclaimed, quite loudly. Willow shushed her, waving sheepishly to a couple of angry stares. Red was practically vibrating with excitement.

“Okay, take a chill pill.” Willow murmured, gazing wistfully out the window. She would’ve missed the footsteps approaching them if she hadn’t been paying attention.

“Is this the table with the order of butter croissants?” She and Red both glanced up, startled by this new person. His eyes were a soothing deep brown, with tan skin and long light brown hair that ended around his shoulders. Speaking of his shoulders, they were broad and muscular. He towered over them, a gentle smile on his face.

Willow looked over at Red to see her completely broken. Like, actually broken. Red had always been able to hold a conversation with anyone, no matter their appearance. Unless they were maybe twice her size and had bright eyes paired with a gleaming smile. Willow glanced over again, Red’s face was probably rivaling her hair.

“Yea, that’s us.” Willow answered, saving Red from more embarrassment. He looked over at her, and placed a warm bag on the table. He glanced back at Red, who was nervously fiddling with her shadow cloak.

“See you Friday.” He rumbled out, and walked off. Red squeaked, watching him walk off. Willow looked over at her, a crooked grin stretched across her face.

“Someone’s got a boyfriend~” She cooed, laughing as Red gave her a glare, and a feeble attempt to kick her under the table.

“Shut up.” Now, their roles were reversed. Willow, giving the triumphant grin, and Red, pouting.

Willow was the first to get up, grabbing the warm bag of croissants, and Red grabbing their empty plates. They headed to the door, and Red placed the plates in the plate return area by the door. Willow held the door open for Red, and they exited the bakery with a quick shout of a goodbye to Vivian.

They barely made it three feet from the door when they stopped. Savvy stood in front of them, with her mom by her side. They were both tall, and thin, with platinum blonde hair and icy blue eyes. The one difference was Savvy’s mom had straight hair, cut into an angular bob, and Savvy had wavy hair that poofed up any chance it could.

Savvy’s mom had orange horns that curved back, somewhat like a goat’s. Savvy’s horns went more skyward.

“Willow, Red, what a nice surprise!” Savvy gave them a look that screamed ‘run’ as her mother clapped her hands together and smiled.

“It’s good to see you too, Ms. Carcus.” Willow greeted, giving a small wave. Savvy bit her lip, and turned to her mom, wringing her hands nervously.

“Can I talk to them for a bit about our second period? I need to know what notes they missed so I can send it to them.” She explained, watching her mom carefully. Her mom rose a thin brow, and pursed her lips.

“Okay. Glad to see you’re being useful.” Her mom turned on her heel and entered the bakery, her high pitched, fake cheery voice still leaving a ring in Willow’s ears. Savvy flinched at her mother’s harsh words, and looked back over to her two friends.

“Sorry about her. Her boyfriend called her on the ride over and I think they had a fight last night.” Red and Willow hummed in unison, exchanging a glance. Savvy’s parents split up soon after Savvy had quite literally combusted into flames and burned down a classroom. It would’ve been difficult for them to really stay together after that, considering the both of them were teleportation demons and no history of fire demons in their family.

“It’s cool, it’s nothing we aren’t already used to.” Red murmured, nudging Willow in the ribs. What was she saying? What was she doing? I’m confused. Red noticed the look on her face and sighed, rubbing at her temples.

“Sorry, Willow’s probably daydreaming about her new boyfriend.” Red deadpanned, giving a small grin as Savvy’s eyes widened.

“Whoa what?” Savvy looked between Red and Willow, trying to tell if Red was pulling her leg or not. Willow glared at Red, arms crossed.

“I told you-” Red cut her off by covering her mouth with her hand, a wicked smirk on her face. Savvy rose a curious brow, watching them.

“SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND AND YOU’LL NEVER GUESS WHO IT IS!!” Red yelled, wrapping her arms around Willow as she thrashed to get away. A group of vampires turned the corner and she made eye contact with one of them, and she wiggled violently even more.

“Me?” A particular vampire asked, crossing his arms and watching her with bright icy eyes. Red whirled around, a grin on her face and she grabbed Savvy by the arm and sprinted inside, cackling the entire way.

“No not you.” She grumbled, looking away as he leaned towards her. A few catcalls and whistles rose from his group of friends, and he turned, scowling.

“Go inside, you douchebags.” He snarled, fangs flashing. The group of vampires went into a stunned silence, and quietly (and awkwardly) shuffled inside the bakery.

“Now that we’re alone...” He leaned against the brick wall next to them, grinning down at her. She was pointedly not making eye contact, ignoring the blood thumping through her ears.

“What?” She flinched as his cold hand caressed her jaw. She made eye contact with his icy blue eyes, her breath catching in her throat as he slowly leaned towards her.

“Scared, doll?” He whispered lightly into her ear, his laugh tickling her skin. Goosebumps skittered down her arms and spine. She huffed an awkward breath, as she recovered from...whatever that was. He grinned a toothy grin, his fangs stark in the dusk of the coming night. She gulped, pressing her back against a brick wall. She wasn’t exactly sure when he had moved her against the wall, though she suspected it was when he had been encroaching into her space.

“No.” He rose a brow, smirking as he twirled a piece of her hair between his fingers. She frowned, angling her head so her hair would fall from his fingers.

“You’re a bad liar.” He mumbled, leaning against the wall again, though still fairly close to her. Rolling her eyes, she fully prepared to walk away, though, he had a...different stare on his face. He looked pensive, and calm. The enigmatic gaze he had on his face just...compelled her to stay. So she did.

“Shush.” She retorted, crossing her arms and staring at the ground. She could feel him looking at her, his observant eyes making her burn all over.

“I’d rather not, when I’m with you.” He muttered, letting out a shaky sigh. She peeked up at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She bit her lip, pondering for a second. Would it be so bad...if I just...didn’t care? Just went for it? She rocked on her heels awkwardly, considering her options.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked, deciding to glance behind her into the bakery. Red and Savvy were excitedly chattering away to Vivian and pointing outside- even though Vivian was blind and couldn't see anything.

“I like talking to you. You always...surprise me.” Whirling around in surprise, her mouth dropped open. He was blushing. A vampire. Blushing. Good job, Willow, you probably broke him. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, biting his lip nervously.

“I-I uh…” She trailed off, the bakery door opening. Vivian walked out, Red behind her. Vivian looked over to Willow, and slowly, her gaze moved to her left. When Vivian’s stare returned to Willow, she frowned.

“He’s not the one, Willow.” She said, and walked back inside with no other words. Willow just gave Red a look, who gave her a confused shrug in return.

“Did...Did I offend her somehow?” He asked quietly, leaning down slightly to whisper to Willow. She shrugged. If Red, -the person who understood Vivian the most- didn’t know, no one did.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” She responded, giving him a small smile. He hummed lowly, nodding slightly.

“I’ll text you later, yea?” He worded it like a question, but it felt more like a statement. She gave a curt nod, and gestured for Red to follow her to the car.

“Wait!” He called after her, and she turned, raising a confused brow. He waited for her to respond, but when she didn’t, he continued,

“Does this mean we’re dating now?” her eyes widened, and she laughed and shook her head. His face fell, and she smiled.

“You gotta swoon me first, big shot!” She yelled, and he brightened up immediately. His lips curled into a cocky smirk, and she knew she might regret that decision.

“See you tomorrow, doll!” She flipped him off, continuing her walk to the car, Red following.

“Soooo-” Red started, a wide grin on her face. Willow held up a hand, cutting her off. She glared at Red, knowing fully well it wouldn’t intimidate her at all.

“You’re not to say a word, got it?” Red nodded, a suspicious grin on her face. Willow narrowed her eyes, and held out her pinkie.

“You can’t be serious.” Red complained, dramatically stomping her feet on the ground like a toddler.

“I am.” She wasn’t even looking at Red, just holding her pinkie out and waiting until Red wrapped hers around Willow’s pinkie.

“You’re such a child.” Red groaned, and half-heartedly wrapped her pinkie around Willow’s. She huffed a laugh at Red cursing her out under her breath.

“You are too, don’t even deny it.” They walked up to the car, pinkies still linked together. They only let go when they needed to enter the car.

They pulled into their driveway right as the sun finished setting, the crystals above them a dark blue. Red grabbed Cleo’s bag of croissants and Willow snatched up their book bags from the backseat. Red walked into the house before her, rushing to get inside to her kitchen. Willow stood there, staring at the cul-de-sac and watching the trees around her rustle.

“Willow!!” She turned, bracing herself for impact as her youngest sister came barrelling out of the house, her dark brown hair fluttering behind her as she tackled Willow to the best of her ability.

“Hey, troublemaker, what’s up?” Vanessa gave a snaggletooth grin, her front top teeth now missing. Unless they were gone this morning and I forgot. She smiled, and rubbed at Vanessa’s head. Vanessa pulled at her hand, tugging her towards the front door.

“Daddy gave me candy for finally losing my teeth! Though Cleo says since I yanked them out when they weren’t ready they’ll grow big and look like a donkey’s.” Vanessa pouted, then continued chattering away. “I don’t wanna look like a donkey!” Willow shook her head, opening the door and letting Vanessa walk inside before her. A chill shot down her spine.

She paused, feeling eyes watching her. She turned, eyes scanning the cul-de-sac for someone. All she saw was one of her neighbors walking away from the cul-de-sac, her ponytail swaying in the wind. She eyed the treeline, seeing vague movement amongst the trees but shrugged it off. Probably some horny teenagers fooling around. There was nothing to be scared of, after all.

“Willow Beatrice Crescent, GET IN HERE!” A voice called from the warmth of her house, and as she entered, she locked the door behind her. Cleo came storming down the hallway, her brown eyes wide.

“You mean to tell me you got a boyfriend before I did?” Cleo cocked her hip, crossing her arms. Willow rolled her eyes, dropping her and Red’s book bags by the door. She ruffled Cleo’s hair, making sure she messed it up.

“You’re welcome for the croissants!” She called as she entered the living room, seeing her mom curled up on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her. Willow looked most like her mom, in her honest opinion. She got her brown hair from her, as well as her tan skin. The only differing trait they had was Willow inherited her father’s green eyes.

She was broken out of her musings when Cleo yelled out again, boisterous as ever,

“I am grateful but still angry!” She laughed, rolling her eyes and walked over to give her mom a hug, murmuring a greeting.

“You’ve got a boyfriend, huh?” Her mother asked, giving her a small squeeze. Willow groaned, and pulled away, dramatically looking away.

“No! AND RED, YOU PINKIE PROMISED!” Willow shouted, aiming a glare at the kitchen. Red had her back turned, but she knew that Red was aware of the unfiltered hatred aimed at her back. Red shrugged, turning around to hold her hands up in defense.

“Technically, I told them before I pinkie promised. So I haven’t broken any promises.” She opened her mouth to retort, but ultimately decided to close it. Fair play.

“Mommy? What’s a boyfriend?” Vanessa asked, while pulling out her pigtails and shaking her hair out.

“Something you’re too young for and so is Willow.” Her mother said, grabbing a brush and running it through her sister’s hair. Willow heard a small giggle from the doorway, and because her mother was also a werewolf, she heard it too.

“Don’t think you’re excluded, Cleo.” a small groan responded in kind, and Cleo trudged out of the doorway, a croissant in her hand.

“Why not?!” She whined, stomping her foot as she flopped onto the couch. Willow sat down next to Cleo, leaning against the armrest while staring at her sister’s face curiously.

“When’d you get the lines, Cleo?” She asked, studying the black triangles that peeked under Cleos’ mouth, two on each side, as well as the ones that peeked out under her eyes. Cleo stared at her with a look of disbelief on her face. Red’s clattering in the kitchen went quiet, and her mother stopped brushing Vanessa’s hair.

“You seriously don’t remember?” Cleo snapped, crossing her arms and averting her brown eyes. Willow looked around the room, trying to realize what she did wrong. Red had that look on her face, the one where everytime Willow forgot something she’d look guilty. She frowned, glancing at her mother.

“I’m sorry.” She murmured, curling into herself, staring at the black lines that curled down from her sister’s chin and curled behind her neck. She needed to remember. Cleo sighed, shaking her head.

“I’ve had them for two years, Willow.” Cleo whispered, before taking a bite of the croissant angrily. She looked down, picking at her fingernail.

“Sorry.” She muttered, avoiding her sister’s stare. Red came over, soft steps as she tapped Willow on the shoulder.

“Maybe you should go shower and you can sleep, yea? You’re probably tired.” Red suggested, gesturing for Willow to get up and follow her. She did, ignoring Cleo’s stare and her mother’s concerned frown. Vanessa vaguely knew what was going on, but not as much as Cleo or her mother.

“I don’t understand why she can’t just...remember!” She heard Cleo’s harsh whisper as she walked upstairs, and she bit her lip to muffle her sigh.

Red opened Willow’s bedroom door, ushering her inside. She flopped down onto her bed, staring at the ceiling as Red walked over to her mirror and added a new sticky note. She glanced over, frowning at the growing list of neon sticky note reminders. I should be getting better.

“It’s not your fault, you know.” Red mumbled, turning around and facing Willow. She had taken her long red hair out of its bun, and it now tumbled down to her waist in subtle waves.

“I don’t even remember why I’m like this.” She whispered, now sitting up as she stared at her carpet like it would give her answers. She knew it wouldn’t, but hey, maybe an omniscient being could come out of the ground and explain all of her mistakes to her.

“You’ll remember tomorrow morning. You get worse when you’re tired.” Red explained, walking forward and giving her a small hug. She paused, thinking for a moment and looked back over to Willow.

“Do you remember why I live with you guys?” She asked, watching Willow carefully. She bit her lip, racking her brain.

Why is she here? She shook her head, and Red sighed, almost disappointedly. Red bumped her shoulder against Willow’s, and stared out the window across from them, staring at the trees and the crystals above them.

“I’m not surprised that it’s hard for you to remember, but it was a short while after your accident.” Red started, and let out a small chuckle. Willow scrunched her brows together, waiting for her to continue.

“I had come home, from school or whatever, and found my parents talking with this...man.” Red took a breath, taking Willow’s hand and squeezing slightly. Oh. This is a sad story. She nodded, letting Red know she was listening.

“He was...terrifying. He saw me, and then announced he was leaving. Then he did.” Red swallowed, blinking her eyes and staring at the ceiling.

“But then he came back. Broke into the house, killed my parents while I had been sitting up on the roof, unaware of what was happening until I heard my mom scream. I found him, cutting up his own face to hide his identity.” She held back a sob, biting her lip. Willow felt a pang of familiarity, knowing she’s heard this before but not remembering the details.

“He saw me, grinned, and told me his name was ‘No-Face’. He then left the house, and I was left there, with my parents mutilated bodies around me.” Red whispered, so quietly even Willow had trouble hearing her.

“Your father found me, decided to take me in. That's how I’m here.” Red rubbed at her eyes, wiping away any tears that might have run down her face.

“I-I’m sorry...That’s horrible.” Willow muttered, opening her arms to offer Red a hug. Red smiled and leaned into her arms, sniffling slightly.

“You say that everytime I tell you this story.” Red chuckled, hugging her back gently. Willow hummed slightly, processing.

“How often do you tell me this?” Willow murmured, peering at Red. She tilted her head, pulling away as she thought it over.

“Maybe every two weeks? Not really sure.” She explained, glancing back out the window. Jesus. She laid back down, staring at the ceiling again.

“I’m sorry.” She said, wistfully wondering if she’d be able to remember anything in the future. Red gave her a sympathetic smile, and flicked her knee.

“Don’t be. You’re getting better. You should sleep.” Red got up, waving and left, closing the door behind her.

She huffed, rolling over onto her side. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she was going to ignore it...except. It might be important. She begrudgingly pulled her phone out, hissing quietly at the sudden bright light.

Unknown Number >

I rly hope u gave me the right number.

She furrowed her brows, trying to remember who she gave her number to. Another text arrived, answering her question.

Unknown Number >

It’s vladimir btw

Oh. Yea. Right. She frowned, debating whether to respond. Vladimir decided to beat her to it, though. Her phone rang, and she jumped, dropping her phone onto her bed in surprise. She picked it up, realized Vladimir was calling her. Oh SHIT he was calling her! She answered, and hoped her voice didn’t give away how nervous she was.

“Hello?” She greeted, albeit sounding very hesitant and shy. He laughed, bright and clear on the other side of the phone.

“Hey you. Did you forget read receipts were a thing?” he drawled, some rustling coming from his side of the call. She froze, cursing herself inwardly.

“Nope.” She totally did, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. He hummed, almost like he was debating whether or not she was lying.

“Hm. okay, whatever you say, doll.” He sighed, and continued talking. “Admittedly, I wasn’t gonna text you until tomorrow, but I was also worried about coming off...flippant, I guess?” She barely stifled her bark of a laugh, and sat up.

“You clearly don’t know the definition of the word flippant.” He groaned in such a way she could practically hear the eye roll.

“And you clearly don’t realize the amount of dedication I have for you, considering I just ate.” She frowned, wondering why that was so important.

“What?” She asked, putting him on speaker. She pulled her hair out of its ponytail, letting her hair fall as she brushed it out.

“Don’t you know how bad it is for vampires to talk to their...crushes, I guess, after feeding?” He rumbled, rustling once again coming from the phone speaker. She turned, looking at the phone as though he could see her.

“No?” She changed her clothes, pulling on sweatpants and an old T-shirt. He laughed again, and she plopped back down onto her bed, carrying her phone with her as she plugged it onto the charger.

“Blood gets us...excited, Willow. Do you get it?” She was silent, trying to think through his words. He groaned again, this time exasperatedly.

“We get horny.” Her eyes widened at his blunt explanation, and she was trying to process his words.

“Wait so you’re…?” She murmured, feeling her cheeks warm. He laughed, probably hearing the tone in her voice.

“Yea. You want proof?” He chuckled out, and she wheezed. Not from laughter, from him embarrassing her to the point where her lungs quit working. She pressed the hang up button.

Unknown Number >

Awww so mean!

Unknown number has sent an attachment.

She flipped her phone over, not wanting to see what he probably sent. When she took a deep breath, and had thought up a few small dick jokes to retaliate with, she saw an image of...is that the troll face meme?

User >

God. How old are you, twelve?

Unknown Number >

Nah, last i checked im the same age as u.

She rolled her eyes, and turned off her phone, rolling over to go to bed. She ignored the three buzzes that followed, as she slipped into the comfortable embrace of sleep.

She woke up to the sound of tapping at her window. She sat up, blinking blearily. The tapping continued, little rhythmic taps against the window. She slid out of bed, padding over to her window a peering out.

What the fuck? She stared outside, seeing the man standing in the tree line, watching her. Chills flooded down her spine, alarm bells ringing in her brain but not recognizing why she should be worried.

Remember. Remember. Who is he? Why is he scary? She flinched as he rose a hand, and waved at her. He had red...no. Blood. Blood was covering his hands and forearms, shimmering in the light as he waved at her slowly. She took in his appearance, trying to remember.

Who are you? Her instincts screamed for her to move, but she was trying to commit every detail to memory. Curly black hair, pale skin, a smooth white mask that covered the top half of his face. His jaw was lined with vertical scars, like he had run a knife up and down his face.

Oh. I know him. Who is he? Adrenaline was coursing through her veins as she stared at him, taking in the scars that lined his skin as well. He angled his neck slightly in the light, and she didn’t miss the thick scar that ran across his neck horizontally, over his pulse point.

Remember. Remember. Killer. Who is he?

She froze, realization pouring over her.

No-Face.

She screamed, loud and clear, watching him run off into the woods.