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 Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 3:43 pm
| Viktor is caught stealing cookies from the dining hall, and Izzie, spotting him, assumes the worst- he must have never had homemade cookies as a child. Now, it's her mission to bake him something special. |
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Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 10:59 am
 
Today was… excruciatingly, painfully, disgustingly lame. Viktor slouched in his seat near the back of the lecture hall, arms crossed and jaw clenched, eyes boring holes into the blackboard while the professor droned on and on about something he already knew, or didn’t care to know. Honestly, it made no difference, he hated class. Every single one of them, they were a waste of time, energy, and perfectly good oxygen. The only reason he even bothered showing up was for the sake of appearances. Keep his head down, nod along and stay enrolled. That was all.
His stomach growled loud enough to make the girl two seats over glance at him. He didn’t return the look. He’d eaten earlier, or at least tried. The dining hall never had enough to actually satisfy him. Whatever portions they were giving the rest of the students weren’t built for someone like him. He needed more, a lot more. But no matter how many times he demanded, they wouldn’t serve him beyond their measly rules. His chair scraped loudly against the tile as he stood, unapologetically cutting off the professor mid-sentence. He didn’t wait for permission, eye contact was made and a silent challenge was issued. The professor called after him, asking where he was going. “I’m leaving,” He muttered over his shoulder, already halfway out the door before anyone had the nerve to stop him.
He didn’t bother closing the door quietly.
It was nearly five, which meant dinner would be served soon. His last class of the day was over, and he had one goal. Food. Real food this time. If he could make it to the dining hall before the herd, maybe he could snag a proper meal before the staff ran out or decided to ration him like a common beggar. He strode through the stone hallways with purpose, but he didn’t rush. That would show eagerness. But his steps were a little faster than usual.
When he arrived, the scent of food was already in the air, but tables were still empty. Just his luck, the servants were lagging. Viktor stood at the threshold and stared at them with an empty, emotionless look that made most people flinch, “Is it not your job to prepare food for me?” His voice was low, “What exactly is it you do all day? Stand around with those dumb looks on your faces until someone spells it out for you?” The nearest servant flinched but said nothing, another hurriedly emerged from the back with two trays, cheeks flushed with urgency and fear. Finally, someone with a shred of sense. Viktor gave him a nod, really more of a gesture rather than praise, “Be more like this one,” He added sharply, addressing the rest of the staff, “And maybe grow a brain while you're at it.” The servants exchanged glances. Yet none dared to speak.
Viktor reached for the tray with barely contained hunger and studied its contents. Meat, bread, and something roasted. It was enough. Not ideal, but enough. For once, someone had gotten the portion right. He didn’t thank them he just took it and sat. He ate quickly and alone, silently tearing through his meal with mechanical efficiency. The hall had started to fill by the time he stood again. Perfect timing. The others had only just arrived, which meant he didn’t have to talk to anyone, acknowledge anyone, or listen to their pitiful attempts at small talk. He pushed away from the table and left his tray exactly where it was, not bothering to clean up.
He was halfway to the door when it hit him…the smell. Sweet, warm, and buttery. It was something freshly baked. It curled through the air stopped him in his tracks. Viktor turned his head just slightly and spotted it. A table, separate from the dinner counter, lined with dessert trays. There were cookies. Dozens of them. And all different kinds. Some were golden and soft, some darker and crisp. For the first time all day, the corner of his lip twitched upward. A nearly invisible thing. If anyone saw it, they might not believe it happened at all. Viktor changed direction without hesitation. In seconds, he stood before the table. A lone servant was stationed beside it, clearly tasked with distribution, but the moment their eyes met, the man paled and took two steps back. Smart move for someone without a brain.
Viktor’s gaze drifted across the options. Then, his hand moved fast-one cookie, two…three. Then more. Each slipped into his coat pocket like contraband, he scanned the hall for witnesses, but no one was watching. Even if they were, who would stop him? Only someone with a death wish, “...Uh, sir,” The servant beside him began, voice trembling. Ah, so it seemed this guy wanted to die. Viktor’s eyes snapped toward him with a sharpness that cut the air and the man stopped mid-breath. Viktor didn’t say a word, he didn’t have to. His stare did all the work. The servant bowed hastily and backed away.
Satisfied, Viktor tucked a final handful of cookies into his pocket and turned, boots thudding softly as he exited the hall again. He didn’t need to look back, no one would touch what remained. The corridor was quiet, dimly lit by the setting sun bleeding through the tall windows. Viktor reached into his coat and pulled out a single cookie then took a bite, letting the sugar sit on his tongue. Sweets were his one weakness. He would never admit that out loud. Never. But it was true, they were the only thing that could momentarily soften the edge he wore like armor. That, and maybe the thrill of watching someone beg for mercy.
Vik allowed himself another bite as he walked. He had enough to last him a day or two, maybe more if he rationed them. Not that he would, he’d just come back the next day. Or command the cooks to bake more. He was Viktor, after all. Who was going to stop him?
OOC: N/A Location: Class - Dinning Hall - CorridorCompany: Cookies Outfit: Wearing (without the sword)
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 7:20 pm
 
 Sitting in class, listening to her instructor, Isabelle was at peace and completely content with everything. There was no group project with handsome men that made her feel like a foolish girl, no simulated bombs ready to explode in her face and toss her out of her seat. No, this was a normal, run of the mill, classroom. The topic was one she knew and she smiled a bit as she took notes down. She made sure to take a few extra, just in case Gwen needed them, and did her best to remain as focused as she could.
The sound of someone’s stomach rattled her thoughts and had her eyes snapping towards the source. Had that been him? A quick, curious examination of him had her thinking he didn’t look the starved type. Perhaps he was just a soldier. Her brothers were constantly eating when they were at home. As if they had spent the last month in the desert with no food or water. Her father said it had to do with their metabolism’s and the workout they put their bodies through. It made sense, on a logical level. But hearing it from someone that wasn’t her sibling, it confused her a little.
’I wonder if he just isn’t used to having food around…Is he too scared to ask for more than what’s been offered?’ The thought worried her, pausing her in her note taking as she pondered over how she could help. Of course, her concern for him didn’t last long. Nor did his presence in the class with the rest of them. He was up in a minute, scraping the chair on the ground in a way that had her dropping her pencil to cover her ears. Had that really been necessary?! He could have just left without damaging her eardrums and those of the people around him.
The interaction between the man and the teacher had her wanting to roll her eyes. Honestly, what was with some of these noblemen? Why did they have to be such jerks over everything? She got it, they were broody and moody and had seen ‘things’. But did that really justify speaking to people like that? In Izzie’s opinion, no. There wasn’t a single good enough reason to mistreat people. Everyone had issues, after all. She did her best not to think about her own, brushing off the loud slamming of the door to return to her writing.
At the sound of the bell, she hurriedly put away her things and lifted her bag. She wanted to get to the dining hall before too many people did so she could set out a few of her treats. The head chef had given her permission to share her creations with her peers, knowing that she had made so many and figuring it a better use of them. And it kept them safe from Sverre’s greedy hands. The memory of catching the man in her closet, stuffing his face with her cakes, brought a smile to her lips as she moved through the masses as quickly as she could.
Once she had slipped inside, she bypassed the lines and headed towards where the servants were coming out. She dropped her bag near the door, pulled her scarlet curls back up from her face, and tied them high on her head to keep them out of the food that was being made around her. She greeted the familiar faces within the room, getting a few smiles and waves back in response. She’d spent more time around these people than her own peers, a realization she was constantly amused by. A Duchess by blood being more comfortable around the servants that had been unlucky enough to be forced to wait on her and her fellow students. Iz always did her best to show them her appreciation in whatever way she could, though never crossing the line between what was expected of her and them.
With quick movements, she set up the cookies she’d spent the last week getting ready for today. She hadn’t been able to choose just one kind, so she’d done as many as she could think of. There were the classics: white chocolate with nuts, oatmeal raisins, and the ever favorite chocolate chip. Then she’d gotten a bit more creative, starting with sugar cookies with colorful frostings and designs. Gingersnaps, snickerdoodles, and peanut butter followed to give a bit of diversity to the choices she had been allowed to offer. The final selection was a bit out of left field, but Izzie hoped her peers would enjoy them. Lemon crinkle cookies, gingerbread men, and the rather fancy macarons. She hadn’t the slightest idea what the students would like, so she figured she would just go with a bit of everything.
”Alright, Ben, they are good to go. Try and set them up like they are arranged here, okay? It looks the best and will draw in the eye of everyone around, I’m sure of it.” Nerves threatened to have her calling the whole thing off, but she forced them away. No, this was a good thing. If she could get her peers to enjoy them, she could become more confident in sharing them with them on a more personal level. Maybe earn herself a few more friends. The idea had her nearly giddy, so she did her best to keep her cool before retrieving her bag and sliding back out into the dining hall to get her dinner for the evening.
Once she had her food, she settled at a table that could give her the best few of the dessert table. A few people stopped by, taking a cookie or two on their way out of the hall. It was all so exciting! She watched them all as she continued to eat, taking note of who took what and their expressions when they took their first bite. Iz logged it all, making little notes that she could use when she was able to get her hands back into dough.
What she hadn’t expected, though, was to be given a bit of a show between the man from her class and Ben. The fear on the servant’s face made complete sense in her mind, but she hated to see it. He was a kind man and didn’t deserve to be treated unfairly by someone who thought themselves to be better. Especially when the man in question began to fill his pockets with the cookies she’d made. Her first thought was why the men of Utopia couldn’t stop themselves from stuffing their faces, and pockets, with her sweets?! The next, though, had her worrying for a completely different reason.
’Maybe it’s because he was never given the chance to have sweets growing up….Is he a b*****d noble? Born in sin and raised in battle? It definitely makes sense, but why…’ The thought was interrupted at the sound of Ben’s voice, the shakiness of his tone a warning to Izzie’s ears. Oh no, was all she could think as the pair stared at one another. She really didn’t want to watch this man hit someone she liked. Thankfully, the matter was dropped and the nobleman took one final handful before leaving. A soft sigh left her lips before she finished her own meal, cleaning up the tray before hurrying out of the hall after the stranger.
’Maybe if I find him I can make him understand…I don’t mind making him more, or something else if he wants it….He just shouldn’t treat people like that…’ The thought didn’t help with the nerves she could feel creeping over her skin, but she did her best to ignore it. Dark eyes searched the hall around her, catching sight of the snowy hair as the man turned a corner and disappeared. Ah ha! With soft steps, she moved as quickly, and quietly, as she could to catch up. All the while trying to come up with the right way to offer up her treats without him needing to abuse the staff.
Location: Class - Dining hall - Hallway Company: Classmates - Random people in the hall - No one.
Thoughts: ‘I wonder if he has a favorite…’ OOC: Izzie's outfit
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Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:11 am
Despite his size, Viktor moved with the unsettling silence of someone who’d spent a long time learning how not to be noticed. His footfalls were quiet and calculated, each step placed deliberately. The corridor was dim and quiet, finally. The bastards have gone to their rooms- well for the most part. There was the occasional burst of noise or footsteps far off in the dorm wings felt distant and irrelevant. In his left hand, he held a cookie—still warm, faintly smelling of peanut butter and the kind of butter that was definitely cheap and overused. He bit into it, and the cookie bent against his teeth, soft and sticky. Not bad. Not good either. Passable. He figured some kitchen assistant had made it, some servant trying to appease teenage palettes. It worked. He ate it slowly, methodically, eyes pinned to the floor a few paces ahead. Expression unreadable. Focused.
The hallway stretched ahead, bathed in uneven patches of amber light from wall sconces that probably hadn’t been cleaned in weeks, servants clearly didn’t do s**t. Viktor moved like a shadow across the floor with a purpose, make it to his dorm so he could destroy the rest of these sweets in peace. Until something in his gut twisted, like an instinct kicked in. He stopped mid-chew and narrowed his eyes slightly, just a twitch at the brow, then slowly lifted. He scanned the corridor around him. No, this was wrong. His jaw tightened as he ground the cookie down into paste with the back of his molars. The school’s layout was bullshit. He was near the girls dorms and not the mens. Probably some magic crap someone pulled to flip the corridors. It wasn’t like he would’ve missed a turn.
He turned sharply on his heel, annoyed with himself anyway, and that’s when he saw her. Several paces down the hallway, walking toward him like she’d been on the same route all along. A woman, close enough to his age, maybe, she was taller than most, though still dwarfed by his own frame. But it was the hair that caught his attention, the first flag. Ginger and wild. She wasn’t looking at him directly, but her path was too straight. Her steps too quiet. Like she was trying to be careful. His jaw flexed as he turned into the correct hallway, toward the men’s dormitory, and this time he didn’t let himself glance back. That would be too obvious. Instead, he listened. Footsteps continued tip tapping behind him. That was it, she was following him. It was clear to him now.
Viktor slid his hand to his pocket to shove the half-eaten cookie down deep into the fabric before it crumbled, then he stopped just short of the next corner. What the hell was she doing going toward the men’s dorms at this hour? It was possible she was a whore. He wouldn’t be surprised, most of the men here looked like they had seen a naked woman in years, or ever for that matter.
Who was she? Funkazan? No. She didn’t really look it. But that was the point, wasn’t it? Send someone nobody would suspect. A quiet face, a messy-haired girl who knew how to keep her eyes down. His body tensed, but his steps didn’t falter as he moved past the last stretch of light and ducked into a recessed nook in the wall, a hollow spot near the janitor’s closet, just deep enough to hide in shadow, and then he waited, and didn’t move an inch. One second, five…ten. And there she was, Gingersnap walked by, slowly, and he could have sworn she turned her head slightly as she passed. His eyes sharpened into a predatory glare, then suddenly he stepped out and looped his arm around her midsection in one clean motion, yanking her backward. And before she could yell, his other hand clamped tightly over her mouth, cutting any sound she dared make. He held her close, chest to her back, posture upright but ready to shift into a fight if he had to.
His breath was steady against her ear, “You’re following me,” Viktor’s tone was low, yet unnervingly calm, “I would like to know why.” Then, before she could even try to respond, he shifted his weight and started guiding her backward, out of the light and into the dark end of the corridor, his movements were precise. “If you scream,” He said evenly, almost matter of fact, like he was commenting on the weather, “I will snap your neck.” He let that settle, then when he felt like she wouldn't do anything, he removed his hand from her mouth, but kept his other arm tight around her until he opened the janitor’s closet door. In one quick motion, he shoved the door open, pulled her inside, and shut it behind them.
Darkness swallowed the room, lit only by the thin strip of hallway light seeping in beneath the door. Viktor moved fast and spun her around slamming both his palms flat on the wall, caging her in. One on each side of her head, not touching her though, just making it very, very clear that escape wasn’t on the menu. He leaned in, close enough that she’d have to look him in the eye, “Tell me,” His tone turned dangerous, she could be an assassin, or a scout sent to spy on him to learn of plans Hyouden may have-which were none, unfortunately. “Why are you following me?”
OOC: N/A Location: Corridor - Closet Company: Gingersnap Outfit: Wearing (without the sword)
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Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 12:19 pm
The entire time she followed the unknown cookie fiend, Izzie couldn’t help but wonder if she should turn back. Was he going to think she was some weirdo for following him? Should she have called out instead? It was an option, definitely, but her mind kept rewinding to how he’d talked to Ben. How he’d been so causally cruel to someone he thought to be inferior to him. No, this was the best option. She could catch up to him and try and reason with him. Offer up her treats directly so he wouldn’t have to be so mean to the others. Yes, it was perfect!
What she hadn’t anticipated was for him to be strolling ahead of her one moment, then be gone the next. Confusion had her shaking her head, eyes searching the suddenly empty hallway in front of her. Had he turned somewhere that she’d missed during her inner musings? It was possible. Her teeth chewed on her bottom lip as nerves rushed through her, every step slowing as an odd sensation raced down her spine. Maybe she really should turn back now. Something didn’t feel right. Whether it was because she was closing in on the men’s dorms, or because she was now faced with a possibility of being the prey and not the predator, she wasn’t sure. All she knew was every alarm in her head was going off, screaming warnings at her that she usually heeded.
’Oh, that’s just silly…It’s not like he just disappeared…Right? That wasn’t something a person could do…Or is it…Damn it, woman up, Izzie! You’ve got to do this. For Ben’s sake.’ She did her best to bolster her confidence as she searched the hallway, dark blue eyes shifting to try and see if he might have slipped down a different path or something. A shift, a shadow, and before she could do more than swallow a breath her feet were off the ground and she was pulled back into the darkness.
A hand clamped over her mouth as the instinctive urge to cry out shot up her throat, the sound muffled against her captor’s fingers. Her body struggled, but the arm around her body kept her pressed tightly against what she knew to be a man’s chest at her back. She was stuck, forced to do as the unknown person holding onto her wished. It was a horrifying thought, one that had her heart slamming uncomfortably into her ribs as all sorts of wild and terrifying probabilities raced through her head. Gods, her imagination was far too vivid for this!
The voice that whispered in her ear, however, cut off every thought and had her eyes widening in response. Wait, she knew that voice! It was the cookie thief! He had known she was after him all along! Cursing herself in her head, Iz did her best not to sigh and made a mental note to speak to Gwen later. If she’d been that easily found out, she was going to need a refresher in her stealth skills. She was useless to her princess if someone could figure out her intent in a matter of minutes.
At his threat, her mind emptied out again and her head nodded in response. No, she wasn’t going to scream. There was no need for it. She might not have him beat on strength and size, but she had her own skills. One she wasn’t going to use unless absolutely necessary. This was supposed to have been a friendly encounter and she’d dropped the ball. Now it was her responsibility to fix it and show him that she had come in peace. Even when he dragged her further back into the darkness and into a closet, Izzie made no sound and did her best not to flinch or flush at the sudden closeness he forced upon her. It was…hot, a thought she forced herself to ignore as she tipped her head up a bit to keep her eyes on his.
”Cookies.” As she spoke the word, her hand moved to motion towards the pocket she knew her treats to have been shoved into. ”I made them and was wanting to discuss your treatment of the staff when you took them. It was…uncessary. I would be happy to get you more, if you’d agree not to mistreat the servants while they are simply doing their jobs.” Okay, yeah, saying the words out loud was sure to make her sound like some soft headed fool. He was obviously a nobleman, which meant he thought himself above the lower class. And, here she was, asking him to go against his better nature. But, Izzie was determined to try. Ben was a kind soul and didn’t deserve to be treated as if he were gum stuck to the bottom of this man’s shoe.
Location: Hallway - Random closet Company: No one - Her captor.
Thoughts: ‘His eyes…Gods, it’s like he can see into my soul…Is it bad to like it?’ OOC:
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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 6:31 am
Viktor narrowed his eyes to study her. She hadn’t spoken yet, only stood there staring at him. That silence alone was irritating. His brow furrowed, the tiniest crack in his otherwise rigid mask. No fear, no hesitation, not even nerves, that he could see. There was nothing. She looked at him like he was just another man in the room and that, more than anything, pissed him off. Silence was a weapon, and he recognized it. She wasn’t stuttering or fumbling, wasn’t scrambling for excuses like most people did when caught. Nope, she just stood there.
He also didn’t speak yet, Vik wanted to see if she would break first. If she’d word vomit her plans, confess something, give away who she was or why she was here. If she was a spy, it would be simple enough to dispose of her. No one would know, well, no one until the next poor b*****d opened the closet door and tripped over her corpse. Then, sure, they’d know. But until then, she’d be just another shadow erased.
“Cookies.”
The word was so absurd that for a heartbeat his brow twitched, and his shoulders slackened before he even realized it. Cookies? His ghostly pale eyes tracked her hand as it moved slowly, it was careless, she had no business moving. That was mistake number one. Before she could finish whatever ridiculous excuse she was spinning, Viktor’s instincts snapped back into place and his hand shot out to catch her wrist. In one brutal motion he slammed her arm above her head against the wall. The sound echoed, it was satisfying to say the least. His grip tightened until he felt her pulse throb against his fingers.
The corner of his lip twitched upward, almost a grin, as a dry, humorless laugh rumbled from his chest, “My treatment. Of the staff?” His voice dropped low, laced with disdain. He leaned in, close enough that the air between them grew heavy with his presence, and then his laugh cut off abruptly. His expression darkened coldly, was she joking? Was this her play? Who the ******** did this b***h think she was? But then something in her rambling made him pause. A slip of words maybe? Mention of getting more for him.
His grip loosened ever so slightly, enough that his fingers slid down her arm, though deliberately. His palm traced the line of her shoulder before finally finding the curve of her jaw. Viktor cupped her face firmly, forcing her chin upward. His thumb brushed over her cheek, not tender, never ******** tender, he was simply claiming his space. “I don’t negotiate.” He murmured, tilting his head. She thought she had leverage? Thought she had power here? That she could offer him something in exchange for leniency, like he was a man who could be bribed? The very idea was laughable. Still, he had to give her some credit. Either she was brave, or she was so stupid she didn’t know she was standing on the edge of a knife. Brave or dumb, he hadn’t decided yet. Vik released the wall with his other hand, and straightened his spine so he loomed properly over her. His frame boxed her in, close enough that even the smallest attempt to slip past him would end with her slammed back into place. He pinched her chin lightly, just so he could tilt her head back so she’d be forced to meet his eyes again. “What is your plan?” His voice dipped lower, accent slipping through unguarded. If she recognized it, good. Let her put two and two together. Let her know exactly what kind of man she was trapped in here with. A man who could turn her into an ice sculpture and leave her as a warning.
“Did you really think that if you asked-” He sneered, the words came out like venom, “-I would agree? For some cookies?” To his disgust, the word alone triggered a low growl in his stomach. Fuuuck. He ignored it, smoothed over the slip with practiced ease. His gaze sharpened. “How about this,” His tone hardened, “You bring me more, and I won’t make your life a living hell.” It was fair enough, more generous than he usually was. Finally, Viktor stepped back, and dropped his hand from her face like he was finished toying with her. He didn’t move far, though. Just enough that the air felt less suffocating, but not enough to give her real space.
His pale eyes dragged over her body once more, catching on to the flush in her cheeks, the way her chest rose and fell faster than before. Good. Maybe now she was feeling something. “Now,” Viktor clenched his teeth together, jaw tight, “Unless you were planning on pulling up that pretty dress of yours, I advise you to leave me the ******** alone.” His gaze was sharp enough to cut, then he turned on his heel and shoved the door open. The hinges groaned in protest as the wood gave way. He didn’t look back, didn’t wait to see if she would follow or speak again. Hopefully he’d be leaving gingersnap behind, buried with all her ******** nonsense.
OOC: N/A Location: Corridor - Closet Company: Gingersnap Outfit: Wearing (without the sword)
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Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:14 pm
    LOCATION: Random closet - Hallway xxx COMPANY: Her captor - Rude guy xxx CLOTHING: Izzie’s outfit xxxTHOUGHTS: “I am not allowed to like the fact that he can manhandle me like that….It’s wrong…Right?’
"Speaking #120A8F""Thinking #120A8F"
Damn, he was fast! She had barely shifted when he snatched her by the wrist, pinning her arm over her head in a way that had her wincing in response. Pain shot down the appendage, pinching her features as she watched him. She made no sound, though. No yelp, no hiss, no cry from the tightening of his grip on her. Izzie was so well trained that she knew better than to give in to such a careless urge. She simply took the attack, let the pain run its course, and watched him through wide eyes.
When he spoke, all she could do was nod. Had she stumbled? Maybe spoken in a different language? No, he had heard her. He was spitting her words back to her, after all. She was tempted to speak again, to open her mouth and confirm, but the words stumbled on their way to her tongue. His hand was moving, touching her in a way no one else ever had. It sent a chill racing through her body, cold at first then heating up the closer he got to her face. What was he doing? She should stop him! A spark popped at her fingertips, her body flattening against the wall even more to try and get away from him. It wasn’t until he gripped her face that she felt herself freeze, fear finally making a show in her eyes when he jerked her face up to meet his own.
”I wasn’t asking you to, sir.” It took all her willpower to keep her voice from shaking. He was a predator. Someone that was used to getting his way and winning. It was so much like her best friend that she was confident in her abilities to navigate around him. The only difference? Gwen didn’t make her knees feel weak and her heart stumble in her chest whenever they were in close quarters. This man did things to her that set off all the warning bells, while still reminding her of the innocence she carried within her. Gods, she was pitiful.
At his question, however, her expression shifted. Hadn’t she already told him what her plan was? His accent triggered something in the back of her mind, reminding her of something her brother’s had once told her, but it was gone before she could hold onto it. Izzie was tempted to repeat herself, to admit that she had hoped he would agree, but the growling of his stomach stopped her. She had to bite her bottom lip to keep from grinning, her eyes flashing with a knowing look. Her cookies were the one thing she was most proud of in her life. And she knew the effect they had on people. Especially those that had never had them before in their lifetime.
”I don’t think that’s…” She tried to argue, to try and appeal to a different side of him that she hoped existed, but he continued. His eyes, however, moved over her in a way that had her wanting to cover herself. It was almost…dirty. Far too intimate for someone she had just met. Granted, they were alone in a closet so there was really no one to see, but still. Her conscience wouldn’t allow her to ignore it, especially when parts of her began to respond to it in a way that was not only unfamiliar but unwanted in the moment.
His final words were like a slap in the face, shoving her back into reality and reminding her of what she was there for. Annoyance, irritation, and downright insult raced through her as she watched him leave. Oh no, this wasn’t going to fly. Pushing off the wall, she gave herself a few moments to pull herself together then took a deep breath. Her eyes closed and the air around her began to snap and spark. One moment she was standing in the closet, the next she was in the hallway before him. Granted, she was facing away from him, but she remedied that by spinning around to point a finger at him in accusation.
”First of all, how dare you speak to me like that. I am a lady, a Duchess, and I demand you show me the respect my position deserves.” The air around her continued to sizzle and pop, her emotions fueling her powers to electrify the space nearest her body. ”Second, I am not some servant girl that you can threaten and order around. If you want any more of those cookies, or the cakes that I plan to make for dinner tonight, you will apologize to me and at the very least listen to what I have to offer. If you want to continue abusing your powers and treating others as if they are nothing more than bugs beneath the soles of those hideous boots you're wearing afterwards, then I can’t stop you.” Yes, it was a cheap shot. She really had nothing else against him, since the man probably knew just how…intriguing he must appear to those of her gender.
”And finally, if you ever touch me like that again without my permission, I will make sure that your life is a living hell for as long as you walk these halls. Are we clear, sir?” Okay, that last one was a bit of an empty threat, but Izzie wasn’t going to back down. Her powers were on the verge of exploding out of her, the snaps and sparks around her a sure sign of it. But he needed to be shown that he couldn’t talk to people as he had. Starting with her, or so she hoped as she straightened her back and held her head up high in the face of his presence.
OOC: Izzie post layout number two!! Thank you, Robin!!
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:13 pm
A ghost of a smile tugged at his lips as he stepped out of the room, the heat in her gaze still burning at the back of his mind. That raw fear was exactly what he’d wanted. Finally, she understood. But there had been a flicker of something under the surface. That subtle flush rising in her cheeks. The unguarded way her body shifted under his hand. His smile lingered, then thinned as the image sharpened in his thoughts. Her back to the wall, chin tilted up because he’d made her look at him. Scared, which he liked, but there was something else…
“First of all—”
Her voice cut into his head and split his thoughts, every muscle tightened. He slowly raised his head to look at her, letting her see the weight of his attention settle. Viktor expected to see the same pale, shaken thing he’d left in the closet. Instead, there were sparks. Literally bolts crackling through the air around her. That made him pause not out of fear, but curiosity, she wasn’t trembling now. Maybe that look earlier hadn’t been fear at all. Maybe she really did want to lift her dress for him.
He tilted his head, studying her with a long, unblinking stare he knew made people squirm. Her words kept spilling out, and he barely listened, “Hideous…?” His eyes flicked down to his boots, before sliding back to her face. The faintest crack in his stone-hard stare, that was her insult? A short snort escaped him and when she tacked on something about touching her without permission, it broke loose, his laughter rolled out of him until it filled the space between them. Who exactly did she think she was?
It stopped as abruptly as it began, his expression cooled, sharpening dangerously, “Oh, in that case… please accept my sincerest apologies, my lady.” His voice was filled with sarcasm. He started to bow, eyes never leaving hers, but halfway down, he shifted, closing the distance with three slow steps instead. “Do you think I’m scared of you?” The question was pitched low, almost a whisper, meant for her and her alone, though he wouldn’t have cared if the whole damned school heard.
Another step until his shadow fell over her, and then…his stomach betrayed him yet again. The sound was loud, and impossible to ignore. His jaw locked hard, he didn’t bother trying to hide it. She’d just bought herself a moment, whether she knew it or not. He crossed his arms, his stance broad. “I noticed, you know.” Another step took him so close he was barely a foot away, then his hand rose as if to touch her again, but he hesitated as the sparks flared brighter and slowly lowered it to his side, fingers flexing once before going still. “That feeling you had?” His mouth curved into what could be a smile, but it wasn’t, it was like a mask fell over his face, “Don’t bother lying to me. You felt it when I touched you.”
For a long beat, he just looked at her, let her sit in it. Then he stepped back, he chuckled quietly now, yet darker at the edges. “You can try to make my life a living hell, but I don’t ask. I take.” He slowly shook his head, almost amused. “There’s nothing wrong with a little pain getting you wet, Duchess.” Straightening, he tried to ignore the constant gnaw in his stomach, a low ache that refused to fade. How to play this? He wasn’t about to crawl to the ginger b***h with an apology. But she was holding something over him that he couldn’t easily walk away from. Those cookies. Gods, those cookies, they were the only edible thing in this miserable excuse for a school.
He glanced up the hall, then down the hall, as if weighing his odds, before pinning her with his gaze again. “Fine. Let’s hear it.” Vik’s voice was quiet, then his mouth formed a hard, unbroken line. “What do you have to offer?”
OOC: N/A Location: Corridor - Closet Company: Gingersnap Thoughts: If I can just get her to bend over... Outfit: Wearing (without the sword)
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Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2025 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Random closet - Hallway xxx COMPANY: Her captor - Rude guy xxx CLOTHING: Izzie’s outfit xxxTHOUGHTS: ‘Gods, he is nothing like the other men in court…I’ve got a serious problem…’
"Speaking #120A8F""Thinking #120A8F"
Of all the things she had expected him to say to her, laughter was definitely not on the list. It shook her confidence and had her rewinding her own words in her head. Had she said something wrong? No, she’d been firm and had voiced her boundaries with him. There had been no reason for him to find what she’d said amusing. She had insulted him, for crying out loud! Anger, disgust, even disdain should have been his go to. Not laughter. Doubts began to whisper in her head as she watched him, activating warning bells when the sound cut off and he finally spoke.
It took everything in her power not to stumble back away from him when he moved in closer. Years of being Gwen’s friend had taught her that people who looked at her like he was preferred the hunt. If you didn’t give in, you had a higher chance of keeping your skin the color it was meant to be. Instead, Izzie kept her eyes on his and tipped her head back to make sure she didn’t lose sight of them. She said nothing to his question, simply watched and waited for the next move she had a feeling was coming.
The growl of his stomach had the corner of her mouth twitching a bit. Oooh, big bad man was showing his weakness. Feeling her confidence slowly returning, she arched a brow at his next words. He’d noticed something? Had there been something else she’d missed? It was a possibility, but they had been very close. It would have shown on his face, right? What in the hell…
Her features paled instantly when he brought them back to the moment she’d had in the closet. Oh gods, had she been that obvious?! Panic threatened to shake her once more, her fingers fidgeting at her sides to toy with the ends hem of her dress. There was no way she could deny it, especially with the look he was currently giving her. So, she didn’t. Iz straightened her spine a bit and did her best to look down her nose at him. Which was rather difficult, considering the differences in their heights.
”You haven’t the faintest idea what I felt, sir. And could we cease with the vulgarities, please? If I wanted to listen to someone speak to me in such a disgusting manner I would spend my time in the pub in town.” Gods, he was going to kill her if he kept speaking to her like that. Her body was responding in the most horrifying of ways, as if it was determined to prove him correct. Why did she want him to take from her? To give her the pain he was talking about? Was there something wrong with her? Betting on it, Izzie shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t going to let him win this.
”As for what I have to offer, you already have it. Cookies, for one thing, are something I can make in all shapes and sizes.” Had he played this a different way, she might have just given the confectionaries to him without strings. It had been her original intention, after all. Before he’d gone all dark brute and shoved her into a closet.
”My talents don’t stop there, though. I can make cupcakes, pies, multi-tiered cakes, muffins, and just about any other baked good you could probably think of. If there is something specific that I don’t know, I’m sure I can figure it out with the right recipe. You could have all of this, and possibly more, if you leave the staff alone. Does that sound fair to you?” It was a rather one sided offer, in her opinion. He was getting something for doing nothing, but Izzie didn’t care. If it could save the poor servants from his wrath, she’d do it. No one deserved to be a victim, especially those that couldn’t protect themselves.
OOC:
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