I've Waited All This Time

As the clock struck past nine, Elliot finally put an end to the assignment that had consumed his days since the week prior. Weariness enveloped him like a heavy cloak, dragging at his limbs and clouding his mind. Sleep had become a scarce luxury, fleeting in its visits. Yet, despite his exhaustion, the gnawing ache in his stomach demanded attention.

With a weary sigh, he knew he couldn't retire for the night without a few morsels to appease his hunger, and his medication awaited its prescribed hour. A yawn escaped him as he stretched his arms above his head, feeling the strain of hours bent over his desk. With slow, deliberate movements, he rose from the chair in his study, the confines of his bedroom seeming to suffocate him as he longed for the solace of his bed.

Exiting his sanctuary, Elliot stepped into the kitchen, a pristine haven frozen in time, untouched by the chaos of daily life. Yet, beneath the facade of perfection, a layer of dust veiled the surfaces, whispering tales of neglect.

With a heavy heart, he swung open the refrigerator door, greeted not by the abundance of sustenance but by the emptiness that echoed his own depleted reserves. Only a scant few remnants of nourishment remained: water bottles, a handful of chocolate pints of milk, and a smattering of apple juices. A sigh escaped him, laden with resignation, as he closed the door, conceding to the stark reality of his barren larder.

Turning to the cupboards, hope flickered momentarily before being extinguished by the void that awaited within.

Home-cooked meals were a rarity in Elliot's routine; the cafeteria's meager offerings typically sufficed for his modest appetite. Eating more than a few morsels felt like an arduous task, leaving him with little desire for culinary indulgence. Yet, faced with the stark emptiness of his kitchen, the urgency of his hunger demanded attention. Groceries were undoubtedly overdue, but even a simple solution—like a handful of chips or some quick sustenance to tide him over—became a pressing necessity to endure the day ahead.

Another sigh escaped Elliot's lips, a familiar prelude to action. With deliberate movements, he reached for his trusty black jacket, draping it over his form clad in a comfortably oversized grey sweatshirt and well-worn blue jeans. His feet slipped into familiar black sneakers, the soles bearing the marks of countless journeys.

Keys jangled in his grasp as he snatched them from their resting place, his mobile retrieved from its charging station with practiced ease. With a sense of urgency gnawing at his heels, he hurried out the door, mindful of the impending responsibilities awaiting him. Friday's fleeting tranquility held no sway over the looming specter of other University projects’ deadlines looming on the horizon.

His hands tucked snugly into his pockets, Elliot strolled through the tranquil streets of his neighborhood, the hush of the evening enveloping him like a comforting shroud. Navigating familiar paths, he veered through a series of right and left turns, weaving through narrow alleys and hidden shortcuts known only to him. Before long, the nearest store loomed into view, its welcoming facade beckoning him closer. With a swift motion, he swung open the glass doors, stepping into the familiar embrace of fluorescent lighting and stocked shelves.

Entering the store, Elliot wandered down the aisles lined with an array of snacks, his mind a blank canvas as he contemplated his choices. There was no particular craving driving his decision, only the persistent rumble of his stomach urging him to quell its protestations. He reached out and snagged two bags of chips, envisioning how they would complement the apple juice awaiting him at home. Continuing his perusal, his thoughts turned to the upcoming weekend, prompting him to select a box of cereal for future breakfasts. With purposeful strides, he approached the refrigerated section, extracting a bottle of milk to complete his modest haul.

Approaching the cashier, Elliot settled his bill with a sense of quiet satisfaction, noting with a hint of contentment that the store remained deserted at this late hour. Retrieving his bag of purchases, he stepped out into the cool night air, only to be halted in his tracks by an unexpected sight.

Before him stood a cat accompanied by her kids, one of the kittens darting forth to greet him with a friendly rub against his ankle, its tiny ‘meows’ filling the air.

Elliot couldn't help but smile warmly at the endearing gesture, his heart touched by the innocent charm of the furry and adorable visitor.

Elliot's soft spot for animals tugged at his heartstrings as he gazed upon the endearing feline family before him. Unable to resist their charm, he turned back towards the store with a determined stride, returning moments later with three tins of cat food clutched in his hands.

Finding a quiet spot away from the bustling road, Elliot settled himself on the pavement, mindful to maintain a respectful distance between the cans of food. With a tender touch, he opened each tin and arranged them in a neat line, ensuring that each member of the feline family, including the mother, could partake without fear of squabbles erupting amongst them.

As the feline family eagerly tucked into their meal, Elliot couldn't help but watch with an affectionate smile, his heart warmed by their voracious appetite. Eventually, he rose from his makeshift perch on the roadside, intending to continue his walk back to his home. However, his steps faltered as a sudden grip on his wrist, cloaked in ominous black gloves, brought him to an abrupt halt.

Elliot's mind buzzed with bewilderment as he tried to fathom why someone would halt him in his tracks. In his neighborhood, encounters with fellow university students were rare occurrences at best. Turning to face the unexpected obstruction, he found himself met by the arresting sight of a stunning young woman.

Her platinum blonde locks cascaded around her, framing a face adorned with eyes as vast and captivating as the ocean itself. Standing at his height, she exuded an air of confidence and intimidation.

Surprised by her actions since he didn’t recognize her, Elliot's initial confusion morphed into curiosity. He mulled over the idea of questioning her about her motives and identity. However, before he could utter a word, she seized the opportunity, her urgency overshadowing his perplexity.

"You're... Elliot, aren't you?"

She asked, her tone tinged with a hint of desperation, leaving Elliot momentarily taken aback.

Elliot met her gaze with wide, questioning eyes, uncertain of what to anticipate next. Despite his uncertainty, he nodded in acknowledgment. In response, she pulled him in and enveloped him in a tight embrace, as though she feared losing him once more. Her grip conveyed a sense of urgency, as if holding onto him was the only thing that mattered at that moment.

Though Elliot refrained from returning the embrace, a flush of warmth tinged his cheeks as he attempted to free himself from her grasp. However, her hold remained unyielding, as firm as unyielding rock. Despite Elliot's initial resistance, his struggle faltered the moment she pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, her words a soft murmur against his skin.

"I am your Moon. My love."

Elliot's fingers quivered as he reciprocated the embrace, his body trembling with a mixture of uncertainty and emotion. The girl nestled her face into the curve of his neck, a soft smile playing upon her lips as she breathed in his calming scent, finding solace in its familiarity.

"Moon... you're... Moon?" Elliot's voice trembled with disbelief as he sought confirmation, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. With a teary smile, she nodded, a slight break in their embrace allowing her to gaze into his flushed, tear-streaked face. Her arms remained firmly around his waist, refusing to release him completely.

"Yes, I am Moon, Elliot," she affirmed softly, her voice filled with emotion. "I've waited all this time for you, my dear. You can't imagine how relentlessly I searched, never once giving up hope. Deep in my heart, I knew you were still out there, waiting for me to fulfill my promise to you. There was never a doubt in my mind that I could let us slip away, even if I were to be consumed by despair. So, there was no way I could never let us go."

Elliot's tears flowed freely down his cheeks, a torrent of emotion washing over him like a river in spate. With a smile amidst his sobs, he whispered, "Moon... I missed you." Moon returned his embrace, her voice tender as she replied, "Me too, my little love. Now that I'm here... I'll never let us go." Her words carried a sense of possessiveness, a pledge to hold onto him with unwavering determination. She tightened her arms around him, peppering his cheeks and forehead with kisses that elicited a gentle giggle from him.

"Come with me," Moon insisted, her grip firm as she guided him towards her sleek black car, stationed conveniently in front of the store. It was only then that Elliot took note of her attire: a striking ensemble of a black high-neck, a long coat, matching boots, and skinny jeans, accentuated by her black gloves. Elliot couldn't help but acknowledge her cool demeanor as he followed her lead.

Upon reaching the car, Moon graciously opened the door for him, prompting Elliot to express his gratitude with a quiet "thanks." Her response was equally understated; a simple "no problem" as she ushered him into the front seat.

Seated in the car, Elliot couldn't shake off a tinge of worry as he surveyed the interior. Despite his concerns about whether it was appropriate for him to occupy the space, he couldn't bring himself to decline when Moon had graciously opened the door and ushered him in with gentle insistence. As Moon settled into the driver's seat beside him, she turned to him with a smile, her gaze filled with a mixture of warmth and apprehension.

"Look, I know it's been quite some time," she began, her voice soft yet tinged with uncertainty. "I hope you haven't moved on from us, but if you have, it's okay. What matters most to me is that you're here now. I can't bear the thought of losing you again." Her words carried a plea, a heartfelt desire for him to remain by her side, echoing the depth of her attachment.

Moon's gaze fell downward, her gloved fingers intertwining with his in a poignant gesture of connection. Her expression reflected the weight of her fears, the prospect of losing him again looming heavily in her mind.

This time, she knew, the loss would be unbearable, a wound too deep to heal. In an effort to dispel the shadows of doubt that clouded her thoughts, Elliot tenderly placed his hand on her cheek, wiping away her tears with a gentle touch.

"I never once stopped believing that we would find our way back to each other," Elliot whispered softly, his voice filled with conviction. "Even when the distance between us seemed insurmountable, I held onto the hope that someday, somehow, we would be reunited. Because even in the absence of tangible evidence of something special. We had each other." A smile graced his lips, though a tear traced a path down his already moistened cheek, mirroring the emotion that filled his heart.

Moon gently placed her hand over his, which rested tenderly on her cheek. With a tender gesture, she clasped his hand in hers, bringing it to her lips. Soft and warm, she pressed a kiss to the inner side of his hand, a silent testament to the affection that bound them together.

"Let's head to my place. We've got plenty of things—GROWLLL!"

Elliot's cheeks flushed deeper with embarrassment as his stomach chose that precise moment to voice its hunger. Moon, however, smiled affectionately at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She gently took his hand from her cheek but held onto his other hand firmly as she started the engine with practiced ease.

"As I was saying," she continued, her voice warm and reassuring, "let's go to my place and fill that little tummy of yours at the very first."

Elliot found himself drowning in a sea of embarrassment, yet he refused to succumb entirely to its overwhelming tide. "No-no need!" he stammered, attempting to brush off the situation. "I can go home and—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Moon leaned in closely, her presence engulfing him. His breath caught in his throat as she peered at his adorable, flustered features. "We're going," she declared firmly, her words leaving no room for argument. "I'm not going to let you out of my sight now that I've found you."

With her statement hanging in the air, she reached over to buckle his seatbelt before settling back into her own seat. The engine hummed to life as she started driving, the rhythmic sound filling the car's interior.

Meanwhile, Elliot's cheeks burned with embarrassment, his gaze fixed firmly on his lap. He was certain that the crimson hue had spread from his cheeks to his neck and ears, a telltale sign of his bashfulness.

As Elliot contemplated the seemingly endless night ahead, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation tinged with nervousness.

His fingers clenched around the seatbelt, his gaze stealing occasional glances at his long-lost crush.

~><~*~><~

Seated upon her majestic throne, Luna simmered with fury as she received unsettling news that grated on her nerves so her rage manifested in the form of flames around her.

The raging inferno posed no danger to Luna herself, whether she had ignited it or not. Yet, despite her immunity to the flames, the inferno posed a dire threat to those around her. Panic rippled through the occupants of her throne room as they grappled with the imminent peril.

"Your Majesty, please, you must compose yourself," Wendy implored, her voice laced with urgency. "If you don't, the entire castle could be consumed by fire."

Nestled within a remote forest beyond the reach of human sight, their castle concealed its mysteries. While invisible to mortal eyes, trespassers who dared to intrude upon their domain risked meeting their demise at the hands of Luna herself. She was an enigmatic figure, veiled in secrecy, yet her reputation as a formidable force of peril spread far and wide, even amongst those who had never encountered her.

Luna heaved a frustrated sigh as the flames transformed from scorching heat to a biting coldness, yet they persisted in their mesmerizing dance along the shadowed walls, crimson curtains, and the floor beneath.

"Who is this doctor?" Luna's voice cut through the air like a blade, her gaze piercing into Sam's uncertain forest-green eyes. Nervously, he chewed on his lower lip before responding, "Doctor David Brooks. He's a vampire, Your Majesty, and his hospital serves both supernatural beings and humans."

"And you had no knowledge of this? Why?" Luna's inquiry held an edge while her eyes locked onto Sam with unyielding intensity.

"Your Majesty, I was indeed aware of that," Sam admitted, his voice tinged with remorse. “But it was Elliot who selected it, citing its popularity in our city, and I had no grounds to dissuade him. He never mentioned his initial visit to the hospital, and I only learned about his cancer near the end of high school.”

Sam paused with a gulp before he added, “When I met the doctor… despite his vampiric nature, he appeared trustworthy. So, I chose to place my faith in him."

A weight settled over Sam as he bowed his head, the gravity of his misjudgment pressing down on him. "I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty," Sam pleaded, his words heavy with guilt as he bared the truth about the doctor. "I failed to foresee the consequences of my actions. Spare me, for I have sinned."

Exasperated, Luna released a frustrated sigh before issuing her decree. "I cannot simply reduce that hospital to ashes due to the foolish humans and... Elliot," she declared. "Nick, get the car. I intend to pay a visit to this hospital. Sam, you shall accompany me, along with Nick. Wendy, contact King Roman immediately. Inform him of my expectations for his presence tomorrow evening at the castle."

In perfect synchrony, each member of Luna's court nodded in agreement, their voices echoing, "Your wish is our command, Your Majesty," as they bowed respectfully.

Luna, however, merely waved a hand in dismissive indifference before turning on her heel and striding out of the throne room. Without a backward glance, she made her way toward her chambers, her mind already set on shedding the formal constraints of her royal black attire.

It still clung to her from the evening tea she had shared with the princess of the incubus race back in Hell—a meeting full of annoyance that now felt like a distant memory. She longed for something more comfortable, something that suited her mood far better than the regal dress she had yet to change out of.

~><~*~><~

The sleek black car glided to a stop outside the "National Health" hospital, and Nick, the driver, promptly stepped out, rushing to open the back door for their Majesty.

With effortless grace, Luna stepped out of the car, her presence as commanding as ever. She wore a modest shadow-grey net dress shirt, its delicate fabric contrasting sharply with the bold simplicity of her black high-ankle shoes. A long black fur coat draped elegantly over her shoulders, adding an air of regal sophistication that perfectly complemented her sleek black skinny jeans.

Her wavy brunette hair cascaded freely down her back, a few artfully tousled strands framing her face in a way that only heightened her striking beauty. There was an undeniable intensity in her aura—a quiet, intimidating power that made it impossible to ignore her presence despite her simplicity.

Luna stepped into the hospital with unwavering confidence, Sam and Nick following closely behind. Her mere presence was enough to draw the eyes of those around her, an unspoken authority radiating from her every step.

Without hesitation, Sam took the lead, guiding them through the corridors toward the doctor’s office. But the moment they arrived, Luna didn’t bother with formalities. Instead, she pushed the door open and strode in, making her entrance with the bold assurance of someone who never needed permission.

After all, as the sole sovereign of the supernatural realm, why should she concern herself with such formalities?

Upon entering, Luna found the doctor engrossed in conversation with a patient. His demeanor shifted abruptly when he noticed her, his complexion paling noticeably. The guilt written across his face hinted at some hidden transgression, stirring a sense of intrigue within Luna.

After courteously excusing the patient, he closed the door and respectfully bowed before Luna. Seizing the moment, Luna elegantly moved towards the desk, her actions purposeful as she began to inspect the doctor's belongings with keen interest.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed a great honor to have you here. Please, feel free to make yourself comfortable, and do let me know how I may be of assistance," the doctor said calmly, though a flicker of anxiety betrayed his composed demeanor.

Nevertheless, Luna could detect the lack of sincerity beneath his composed exterior, eliciting a disapproving scowl from her.

"Elliot Amell. Fetch his records," Luna commanded with authority. The doctor, visibly anxious, retrieved the boy's file from a brown cupboard tucked in the corner of the room. Passing it to Sam, he then presented it to their Majesty.

Luna unfurled the file and began to examine its contents, her gaze sweeping over the pages. Meanwhile, the doctor nervously watched from his position near the desk, casting furtive glances at Luna, Nick, and Sam.

Unaware that his actions hadn't escaped their notice.

Luna’s gaze sharpened as she folded her arms, her voice laced with quiet authority. "I’ve come to realize something," she began, her tone heavy with implication. "This boy has been donating blood to this hospital for various tests since the very first time he was admitted. Am I correct?"

The doctor swallowed hard, a nervous flicker crossing his features before he responded, "Indeed, Your Majesty. At the age of fifteen, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, requiring numerous tests to monitor his condition." Despite his outward confidence, he was acutely aware of the falsehood in his words.

Luna hummed thoughtfully, her gaze locking with the doctor's blue eyes with her own dark, penetrating ones.

"I presume not all the tests require the extraction of his blood, correct?” She asked with her voice carrying a sharp edge. Then, tapping a finger against the file in her hand, she arched a brow. "This document only records six blood tests. What about the rest? Shouldn’t they be documented here as well?"

In a state of panic, the doctor forced a smile, though beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. He stammered, "Your Majesty, those additional tests were performed during periods of declining health in the past. It was crucial to assess his condition thoroughly, hence the need for extra blood samples to gain a comprehensive understanding of his cancer."

Despite her irritation, Luna emitted a thoughtful hum, signaling her dissatisfaction with the explanation. She then moved to sit on a pristine white sofa in the room, placing the file beside her as she folded her arms across her chest.

Once more, Luna lifted her gaze, fixing her piercing eyes on the doctor. Though he averted his stare even then, he could not escape the heavy weight of Her Majesty’s presence pressing down on him. An unreadable chill settled over her expression, along with her demeanor growing even colder as she issued her command.

"Retrieve every vial containing this boy’s blood," she ordered with her voice as sharp and unyielding as steel.

"Immediately."

Given the authoritative nature of her command, the doctor had no choice but to comply without question.

With a bow, he exited the room to fulfill her request.

"Your Majesty, I have my doubts about that doctor. There’s something… questionable about him," Sam murmured, his voice low with suspicion.

Luna let out a quiet sigh before responding, her tone calm yet edged with certainty. "I’m well aware, Sam," she said, her gaze dark with contemplation. "And I’ve noticed something else—Elliot’s blood is nowhere to be found in this hospital. If it were here… I would have sensed it from a mile away."

Sam’s confusion only deepened, his brows knitting together as he voiced his concern. "But how is that possible?" he questioned, struggling to make sense of it. "I’m certain Elliot was here at the hospital this afternoon. He donated blood for tests. It’s already past nine now—there hasn’t been enough time for it to simply vanish."

A dark smirk adorned Luna's lips as she responded, "I am fully cognizant of the situation, Sam. Every intricacy. Simply remain patient and observant."

Upon the doctor's return with the test tubes, he presented one to Sam, who then passed it to Luna.

"Your Majesty, these tubes hold the remaining blood samples from the boy," the doctor informed Luna.

Without hesitation, she uncapped the tube, taking a brief whiff before hurling it against the wall. The glass shattered upon impact, and the blood splattered across the once immaculate white surface.

Before the doctor could fully grasp the gravity of the situation, he felt a vice-like grip seize his throat, lifting him from the ground. Luna held him firmly, suspending him mid-air, along her cerulean eyes ablaze with intensity as they remained locked on his struggling self.

"Do you truly think you can deceive me?" Luna's voice was low, yet resonant with authority, instilling a sense of dread that would drive anyone to seek refuge.

"Speak!"

She demanded, her words punctuated by the threat of imminent harm.

"Before I crush your neck, you'd best tell me where the rest of the blood is." Her gaze bore into her target’s shot-red bulging eyes, unrelenting and merciless.

"And while you're at it… explain exactly what you've been doing with it."

"Your-Your… M-m-majesty, I-I… be-beg for—"

Snap!

Before the doctor could complete his stuttered plea, Luna snapped his neck with a swift, decisive motion. His lifeless body was flung aside, colliding with his work desk in a chaotic flurry. Papers were scattered across the floor as the once orderly room descended into disarray. Luna's rage brooked no room for the doctor's futile appeals.

"Nick! You know what to do," Luna commanded with her tone firm and leaving no room for hesitation.

Turning to Sam, she continued with the same unwavering authority as she meant to always, "Sam, before you embark on your mission tomorrow, make sure I’m kept informed of any developments regarding Elliot. Also, relay a message to Harry—I expect him to investigate any ties the elder witches might have with this doctor.

Find out whether he’s been selling Elliot’s blood exclusively to them or if others are involved as well."

Sam replied instantly, "I comprehend, Your Majesty. However, you gleaned no answers from that scoundrel.

What is your plan now?” His voice was low, laced with concern as he studied Luna’s unreadable expression.

“It might have been prudent to maintain composure until you had the information you sought," Sam remarked in a hushed tone, his expression reflecting concern, well aware of the volatile nature of their Majesty's temper.

Luna's gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing as she leveled Sam with a knowing look.

"Sam, do you truly believe I need to rely on his words?" she asked, her tone laced with quiet certainty. "His mind is an open book to me, its secrets laid bare without him uttering a single lie. Why waste time entertaining his ramblings when his very thoughts have already revealed the truth?"

Sam gasped, realizing that His Majesty was unquestionably invincible in every sense of the word.

With a smile, Sam bowed to Luna, saying, "Your Majesty, the situation will be managed. Tomorrow, you have your meeting with King Roman for half the day, and then you'll be meeting with a group of Nobles, as Harry confirmed that the invitations have been distributed. I strongly advise that I escort you back to your castle so you can rest. Would that be agreeable to you?"

Luna nodded slightly in agreement, replying, "That sounds good. Plus, you still need to brief me on a few details about Elliot, so let's make our way back."

Recently, her curiosity about Elliot had been steadily increasing, prompting him to almost burst into laughter out of sheer delight. Yet, he managed to keep his composure intact, though both he and Nick couldn't shake the feeling of contentment at the thought of their Majesty potentially discovering love after countless centuries.

As Luna departed from the room, Nick and Sam exchanged a significant glance, their smiles filled with warmth. Their expressions silently conveyed a shared sentiment as an unspoken recognition of a mutual hope.

'Perhaps, amidst the solemnity of her existence, she might finally encounter the chance to accept something as beautiful as love.'