[#] Today I posted my new original project "Dick the Builder: A Jerk of All Trades", you can check it out on my profile.
[#] As always, Ko-fi subscribers have access to 5 chapters ahead, plans start at 1 dollar.
[#] Join my discord server: discord.gg/QsjrzFDn2d
COMMENTS:
DragonBlaze10[archiveofourown]:
Ohhh this is too much fun. And I love how this poor girl keeps stumbling into our mc here with a new shame. I swere she borderline kobeni
Avip:
Ha! She's totally Kobeni now.
--------------Chapter Cover--------------
[Drika]
"Oh no…" I mutter, mortified.
I freeze, heart pounding like a kick drum.
'I'm the unluckiest bitch in the whole fucking world.' I think, astonished . 'Marcus Carvalho, the last person I ever wanted to see again, and that fatherfucker is right in front of me.'
His wide eyes bore into mine, recognition flickering in his green depths. And he's not alone, that rabbit I tried to mug and a nerd tigress I vaguely recognize flank him.
"Drika," Marcus mutters, shaking his head as if trying to clear it.
Marcus's gaze sweeps over me, from head to toe. He lets out a wolf whistle, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Who would've thought you clean up so well," he remarks with a grin. "You look good in a dress."
"Marcus, behave." Says the rabbit next to him while slapping his shoulder.
"Sorry, Edith." The human says chuckling.
Heat rushes to my cheeks, my face burning. I'm not accustomed to this kind of words… like compliments. I shift uncomfortably, avoiding Marcus's gaze. I never have a male look at me like this, not with genuine admiration.
'He's probably playing with me,' I think, struggling to reconcile this version of Marcus with the one I threatened to...
I cringe inwardly, remembering our first encounter, my crude words echoing in my mind.
"Yeah, well, thanks." I shrug, feigning nonchalance.
The tigress chuckles, at the interaction. The bunny tilts her head, ears twitching as she asks:
"So, is your name's Drika?"
I swallow hard, my mouth going suddenly dry.
"Yeah, that's me." I manage to rasp out.
I can't help but glance at Marcus, expecting him to interject, to expose me, but he stays silent, his expression a stupid smile on his stupid handsome face.
"Look, Edith... I'm..." I start sweating cold. "I'm sorry I tried to mug you and for how I behave at the femboy Hooters. I know talking is easy but I trully-."
"Water under the bridge." She says waving a dismissive paw. "If Marcus is okay with you, then I won't hold a grudge. Apology accepted."
A weight lifts from my shoulders, one I hadn't realized I'd been carrying. I'd expected condemnation, ridicule, not this quiet acceptance. I search Edith's face for any sign of insincerity, but find only warmth and understanding.
"Th-thank you," I stutter, taken aback. "I... I appreciate it."
A grin spreads across my face, unbidden. I'm not sure why but I feel so relieved.
My eyes meet Marcus's again, and he's staring at me with an intensity that makes me squirm. There's a knowing look in his eyes, like he can see right through me. I shift uncomfortably, breaking eye contact.
"Fell good, doesn't it?" Marcus asks, his voice laced with compassion.
I blink, taken aback.
"Uh?" I stammer, confusion setting in.
Marcus's lips curl into a small smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"I recognize that look," he says, tilting his head slightly. "It's the look of someone who's done something right and is happy about it."
My brows furrow, and I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around his words.
"I don't get what you mean," I say, rubbing the back of my neck.
He leans back on his seat, his voice low.
"It's pretty obvious, Drika. Especially on the faces of those who aren't used to doing the right thing. You did the right thing by apologizing to Edith. Feels good, doesn't it?"
I open my mouth to respond, but the words die on my lips… because he's right. It does feel good. I nod slowly, accepting the truth in his words.
"Yeah, it does," I concede, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marcus claps a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring.
"Cultivate that habit, Drika. Your life will turn around."
I look into his eyes, searching for any sign of deceit, but all I find is sincerity.
A comfortable silence settles over us, but a looming shadow darkens my mood, freezing my blood. A tall, imposing figure glides toward us, her voice a soft whisper, yet laced with an undercurrent of steel.
"My oh my." she starts in an inquisitive tone, her eyes scanning our table. "Why is Drika-chan taking so long with this table?
My breath hitches, fear gripping my heart. It's the second person I dread most in this world. My boss, a woman who maintains an air of formality and servility toward customers, but can intimidate her employees with merely a glance.
For my luck Edith, pipes up.
"She's an acquaintance of our." The Bunny say in apologetic tone. "Sorry…. we lost track of time catching up."
The woman turns to me, her voice dropping to a low whisper,
"Is that so?" She says in a mocking tone. "Dri-ka-chan."
I'm rooted to the spot, trembling. She leans in, her breath hot on my ear.
"Remember, Drika," she whispers, her voice laced with venom, "You should know by now that if you don't work hard, I'll have to discipline you."
Tears well up in my eyes, my vision blurring. I'm on the verge of bolting when a familiar voice cuts through the tension.
"Clarabella," Marcus says, recognition dawning in his eyes.
The anthro cow turns to him, a genuine warm smile replacing her fake polite expression.
"O my gosh Dragon Warrior-sama," she acknowledges, her voice sweet as honey. "You really came."
"Just call me Marcus, Clarabella." Marcus waves a dismissive hand. "No need for formalities."
The towering anthro giggles, like a highschool girl talking to her crush.
"Oh, but it's too informal to call your master by their first name." She pauses, considering. "But I suppose I can compromise. I'll call you Marcus-sama."
Edith watches the exchange, confusion furrowing on her brow. She glances at tigress, and she's wearing a knowing smirk.
"Whats is so funny, Carlie" Ask Edith
"We met her at a convention," Carlie says, her voice barely above a whisper. "And this is one of those places, you know."
Edith's eyebrows shoot up, and she leans in, curious.
"What do you mean, 'one of those places'?"
Carlie grins, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Certain lady anthros of culture and refined taste prefer their males to be a bit more... dominant," the tigress begins. "So they open places like this, where they can fulfill their heart's desires and make a living from it."
Edith's face turns a shade of red so bright, it's almost comical. She turns to Marcus, her voice squeaking.
"Y-you... you like that kind of thing, Marcus?"
Marcus throws his head back and laughs, a deep, rumbling sound that draws the attention of nearby tables.
"I had no idea," he admits, shaking his head with a grin. "I met Clarabella at a Fan Expo. She handed me her card and said, 'Swing by sometime.' So I did. And hey…" He adds, eyeing me and my boss with a playful smirk. "I definitely see the charm."
Heat rushes to my cheeks, my face burning under the gaze of every patron in the restaurant. I shift uncomfortably, eyes darting from table to table, each pair staring back with a mix of amusement and disdain. I want to disappear, to sink into the floor and never resurface.
Clarabella, oblivious to my discomfort, just moans.
"Oh mooo, thanks daddy Marcus." She purrs, her voice dripping with submissive desire.
The restaurant slips into an awkward silence. I can feel their eyes on us. My boss's remark had come out louder than she intended, drawing the attention of every soul in the place.
Clarabella stiffens, realizing her slip-up. She clears her throat with a delicate cough into her palm, adopting a formal tone that sounds forced to my ears.
"Please accept my sincerest apologies," she addresses the room, her voice steady despite the slight quiver in her frame. "I assure you, such outbursts are not the standard here at Velvet Dusk Diner."
After apologizing to the entire establishment, Clarabella turns to the table once more.
"As a token of our regret for any discomfort caused, I would like to offer our esteemed guest, Marcus-sama, and his companions a complimentary upgrade to our VIP lounge."
A murmur ripples through the crowd, heads turning back to their meals, the spectacle forgotten. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
Clarabella turns to me, her voice low.
"Drika, please escort our honored guests."
I nod, eager to escape the lingering gazes.
"Of course, right this way." I gesture toward the private area, avoiding Marcus's eyes.
Clarabella bows deeply, her voice a hushed whisper.
"Again, my deepest apologies. I must attend to some business in my office."
She turns, taking a step before her foot slips on a wet patch.
"O my-!"
She stumbles, arms flailing, but manages to catch herself before hitting the ground. A nervous laugh escapes her lips, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Drika," she hisses, straightening up. "Get someone to clean up the puddle I made."
With that, she hurries away, leaving me to face the amused stares of Marcus and his companions.
I gesture again toward the VIP lounge, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.
"This way, please."
[Madame Hún]
The bobcat Anthro finishes her report, the papers rustling as she sets them down. Her voice is steady, but her ears flick back and forth, betraying her nervousness.
"As you can see, Madame Hún, the costs are substantial. Not only for the renovations but also to hire the Anthros needed to restore your empire's former glory. The damages from the Maestra's attack were..."
I wave a hand, silencing her.
"Yes, yes, don't repeat yourself."
I scan the documents, my eyes narrowing as they flick over the numbers. A growl rumbles in my throat, frustration bubbling within me.
"This is unacceptable."
The bobcat dips her head, avoiding my gaze.
"I apologize, Madame Hún. But the Maestra's forces were quite... thorough."
I slam a fist on the table, making her jump.
"Then do what needs to be done! Hire who you must. Spare no expense."
She bows deeply, her voice barely a whisper.
"As you wish, Madame Hún." She straightens, her eyes meeting mine. "That is all, Madame."
I dismiss her with a flick of my wrist.
She bows again before backing away, leaving me alone in the sprawling study. The room, once a symbol of my power and influence, now lies in disarray. Scorch marks stain the walls, shattered porcelain litters the floor, and the stench of smoke lingers in the air.
Alone, I allow myself a bitter laugh, echoing through the emptiness. How naive I was, thinking the last challenge I'd face would be finding a suitable mate for Shì HǔPò.
I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes as memories flood my mind.
My mind drifts back to that fateful day. The clash of steel, the roar of battle, and Marcus standing before me, his flaming black fist ready to kill me. I was seconds away from death, from the eternal darkness that would end my existence.
But then... Shì HǔPò, my own flesh and blood, the daughter that I disowned, intervened.
She, who had always been a disappointment, stepped forward and saved my life. The shock of her actions still resonates within me, a bitter taste on my tongue.
Marcus had donned a black flaming armor, yet it could not hide the impact of Shì HǔPò's actions. I saw it in Marcus' body language, the hesitation, the conflict. He wanted to kill me, but he couldn't, not after Shì HǔPò's display of loyalty.
A soft murmur escapes my lips, a smile playing at the corners of my mouth.
"Strong women love loyal men, maybe the reverse is true as well."
I saw the change in Marcus, the shift in his stance, the lowering of his fist. I saw the potential, the spark that could ignite a wildfire.
That's why I didn't take Shì HǔPò back, why I pushed her away again, back into Marcus's arms.
A bitter laugh escapes my lips, echoing through the empty study. The irony of it all is not lost on me.
"To help my child I must keep her exiled." I murmur thoughtfully. "I wonder if my grandchildren will have emerald green eyes."
[Marcus]
We follow Drika into a dimly lit hallway, the air thick with anticipation.
As we round a corner, a massive wooden door looms before us, its dark surface adorned with intricate carvings of gargoyles and creeping vines. Drika pushes it open, revealing a room that steals my breath away.
The VIP lounge is a cavernous chamber cloaked in velvet shadows and flickering candlelight. Stone-patterned wallpaper covers the walls, while massive tapestries stretch from ceiling to floor, depicting scenes of medieval battles and royal courts. A grand chandelier hangs from the vaulted ceiling, its wrought-iron frame cradling hundreds of melting candles, their wax pooling on the floor below.
Stained glass windows line the upper half of the walls, casting kaleidoscopic patterns of color across the room. The furniture is all dark woods and plush velvets, with ornate carvings etched into every surface. A massive fireplace dominates one wall, a roaring fire casting a warm glow over the space.
The room has a gothic cathedral feel. It's like something straight out of a vampire novel, a secret sanctum where ancient creatures hold court, hidden away from the mortal world.
"This place..." I murmur, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. "It's like something out of Vampire: The Masquerade."
Edith shivers, rubbing her arms as she looks around with wide eyes.
"It's... impressive," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Larp nerds must love this place." Adds Carlie smiling.
"The ambience is great and all," I say, clapping my hands together, "but we're here to celebrate Edith's success."
Carlie nods, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Edith's a genius, no doubt about it. Her invention is going to save the world."
Edith's face turns tomato-red, and she hides behind her hands, embarrassed.
Drika tilts her head, curiosity piqued.
"So, Edith, are you some kind of inventor?"
"She invented a new type of battery for vehicles," I explain, pride evident in my voice.
Drika raises an eyebrow, leaning back to scrutinize Edith.
"From your clothes and backpack the day I... almost mugged you, I'd never have guessed."
Edith peeks through her fingers, her voice small.
"I've never been good with money. I got into debt buying my dream house."
Drika chuckles, shaking her head.
"Well, I guess we all have our surprises." She say notepad. "So tell me what you're going to drink."
"I'll have a Coke with ice." Carlie pipes up.
"I'd like some grape juice, please." Edith chimes in, her voice soft.
Drika's ears droop, and she lowers her notepad, disappointment etched on her face.
"Come on guys." Complains the hyena. "Drinks are a big part of my tips, you know."
I lean back in my chair, a playful smirk on my lips.
"So, if I order a beer, would that help you out?"
Drika snorts and crosses her arms.
"Only if you drink like an old V8 muscle car, buddy."
A wicked grin spreads across my face, a glint in my eye. The Anthros around the table shift uncomfortably, sensing the reckless spirit stirring within me.
Edith's ears twitch nervously.
"Marcus, what are you planning?"
I chuckle, leaning forward.
"I'm going to make sure Drika gets a damn good tip tonight."
Carlie waves a hand dismissively.
"You don't have to drink for that, Marcus. You could just give her a generous tip without all the extra..."
I cut her off, my grin never fading.
"Nah, where's the fun in that?"
Drika raises an eyebrow, a hint of challenge in her voice.
"You may be strong, Marcus," she begins in a challenging tone. "But you're still just a humie."
"Challenge accepted."
Carlie leans forward, her eyes wide with concern.
"Marcus, please don't do this. You don't have to prove anything."
I wave her off, already scanning the menu.
"Two tankards, your best beer, Drika."
Edith tilts her head, her ears twitching.
"Why two, Marcus?"
I grin, leaning back in my chair.
"Gonna down the first one in a single gulp to warm up."
Drika's lips curl back in a wild smile, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"You got it, hotshot. I'll be right back with your drinks." She turns on her heel, disappearing through the heavy wooden door.
Carlie leans in close to Edith, her voice a low whisper.
"Have you ever seen Marcus drunk?"
Edith shakes her head, her voice barely audible.
"I think he got drunk on the first day I met him… but he drinks constantly, and I've never seen him actually drunk since that day."
I chuckle, running a hand through my hair.
"I heard that, you know. Guess I'll have to turn off my blessings if I want to catch a buzz."
Edith's eyes widen, and she reaches out, her hand grasping my arm.
"Just please don't get yourself too drunk."
I shrug, patting her hand.
"Relax, Edith. I know my limits, and I am going to have fun."
----------------------------
E ai gurizada…
[#] IAs I mentioned above, today I posted my new original project, "Dick the Builder: A Jerk of All Trades".
Here is the cover art: [image]
Summoned by a child's sacrifice, construction worker Dick rejects the standard hero classes for a "Iconic Path": The Builder.
Armed with a robust System and the power of instant tool creation, Dick is out to prove that the laws of physics hit harder than any "elite" knight in enchanted armor. Literally dropping enemies from 500-foot ladders.
Now, leading a band of outcast warriors against a tyrannical Empire, Dick must craft, fortify, and level up to survive. In this world, creativity is the ultimate stat, and Dick is ready to build a revolution.
[#] I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you are interested, my Ko-Fi[avipbr] subscriber has access up to 5 chapters ahead:
Chapter 23 - To drunk for magic
Chapter 24 - First!
Chapter 25 - I'm a gentleman
Chapter 26 - We broke the bed
Chapter 27 - Challenge Accepted
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr