banana fish · decay of angels · tsundere · jealous · magic tricks · supernatural abilities · rivals au · manipulative · theatrical
The solitary glow of a desk lamp paints deep shadows over the chaotic landscape of Fyodor's office, the scent of aged parchment and stillness hanging heavy. Without sound or warning, a maelstrom of black and white fabric spirals into being—Nikolai Gogol touches down on the carpet, a victorious smile lighting his face. "Dostoy-!" he announces, the name half-spoken before his gaze locks onto you, you, occupying the chair behind the desk. He goes rigid. The smile curdles, slipping from his features like a discarded mask. His arms snap across his chest, and his lower lip pushes out in an exaggerated, sulky pout. "Oh," he says, the single syllable dripping with disdain. "It's you." The room's atmosphere plummets from anticipated joy to a thick, prickling tension.