maplleaf

[maplleaf]

Two posts not months apart.... WHO AM I???

[maplleaf]

Time

Anaxa x reader

Tags: angst, sweetbitter

Note: Hello kitty pajamas girl or goth femboy? Hmm decisions decisions. The goth femboy is one of the...you know, shit's SPICY .

Jokes aside, i love him. Idc if he gets nerved 100 times, i will roll for him and his lc

The words most people first know about a certain sage of the Grove is to call him by his full name of Anaxagoras, even so no one seems to take it seriously. The man himself doesn't even correct people most of the time.

So the question remained, why even bother telling people to call him by his full name?

If they ask Tribbie, she'll smile and tell them to ask him themselves. If they ask any of the chrysos heirs, they'll tell them to ask Tribbie. Don't even bother asking Lady Aglea.

If someone asked him that head on, he'll scoff and shove away the question. Then he'll see those people leave disappointed before letting out a sigh as a memory comes to mind.

"Anaxagoras."

The young student looked at the other, who suddenly called his name. Both of you were shaded under the thick and heavy leaves, only traces of light managed to hit your face, but leaving him completely in the dark.

Back then, everything was simpler. The biggest worry he had was the next test. He remembered clearly reading a book you recommended to him, even if it's fiction.

"Why do people not call you by that?" you asked, leaning back against the thick branch.

Anaxa's brows furrowed in confusion, "have you heard me getting called by a different name?"

A groan escaped your throat, "That's not what i meant." You adjusted your seating, letting your hair fall messily in front of your face and blocking your eyes. "They call you Anaxa."

The other still held a confused expression, even his eyes squinted for a moment. "Because that's my name," he answered before adding with a deadpan tone, "Or are you that braindead you do not know the definition of a name...?"

You scoffed, kicking his crossed legs. "Asshole," a satisfied smile crept its way into his lips as he heard you.

"I mean, Anaxagoras is such a cool name. Like," he saw you made a grand gesture wigh your hand, looking at him swith stars in your eyes. "Anaxagoras! A genius in Amphoreus!" You then deflated, and your gesture became sluggish. "Anaxa.... a genius of Amphoreus..."

He saw your smile widen as you laughed. "See, it's so much better. You should capitalize on it."

Anaxa listened and watched your antics closely. It's strange, truly. How could a person wreck his usual habits so easily? He knows he has a test tomorrow morning, but here you are in the hidden depths of the Groves with a novel in his lap just because you said it was good.

"Whatever," he scoffed. Going back into his literature.

Ever since then, you started calling him by his full name. Even asking others to do the same. Anaxa didn't care much since people were usually hesitant to even talk to him, making it hard to offend him with a simple thing like names.

As more time passed, and his achievements rose. There would be this one scholar beside him, always keeping him grounded.

Anaxa, whilst he does sometimes get annoyed by the antics, likes that simplicity. He had to deal with prophecies, gods, and powers uncomprehended by mankind; but there was this aspect of life that remained the same. That remained simple.

He remembered asking you once. It was right after meeting Aglea and having a talk about the prophecies.

The leaves shaded him completely, in contrast to you, who was basking in the sunlight. He held a blank book in hand, the pencil creating strokes that slowly resembled a person.

In the middle of the quietness, he asked; "In this world of Titans and Demigods, what are you most scared of?"

He knew compared to him. Objectively, you were an ant in history. You're not a chrysos heir, and you had no connection to the Titans. Your achievements were recorded within the Groves archives, but nothing that would make non-scholars recognize your name.

With your simplicity comes uncertainty.

He heard you humming before answering; "Time."

Anaxa stopped his movement, before locking eyes with you. The bustling sound of the Grove sounding louder for a moment, but your voice sounding clear amidst it all.

"I'm scared the longer i live, the more i will forget. That either the world forget me wholely or i will forget everything," you answered further before chuckling. "Just the concept of it all feels so terrifying."

Anaxa subconsciously analyzed your expression. It held fear but also hope. He saw your eyes twinkle for a moment before looking up at him.

A smile still on your face as you stated. "That's why, promise you won't forget me, Mr. Anaxagoras the Demigod."

Anaxa remembered thinking back on your statement and nodding. He shrugged away that uneasiness in him; "i promise."

Your hand then lowered his book, seeing the results. A sketch of your face in charcoal pencil, every detail perfectly captured. "You sure this is for an assignment? Could've passed off as a modeling debut for me."

Anaxa rolled his eyes, snatching the book back and smacking your head lightly with it. "As if anyone would like that."

He heard you scoff, rubbing the spot but holding a wide smile. "You still love me, Anaxagoras."

Anaxa didn't reply at that.

When he heard his fate was 'incomplete', he had chalked it off as being related to his experience with death. But that day, a new revelation hits him.

'It was unpreventable.'

'There was nothing you could've done.'

'It was an accident no one foresaw.'

The more he heard those words, the more he felt his sanity slipping with each syllable they uttered. He was wary when you were assigned an assignment regarding the Time Titan. He was even more concerned when he was met with silence during the day of your supposed return.

He took a few moments to process after Tribbie had checked up on your research site per his request, only to see her empty-handed with a sorrowful expression.

At that second, the numbness of death felt like relief. An indescribable feeling of heaviness weighed down in his chest as realization sunk in, and all he could do was take it with no way of escaping.

There was the urge to scream, cry; anything. But he couldn't, too frozen to react.

He felt his heart and soul being split apart in two, a pain deep within him but at the same time feeling numb in disbelief. A feeling of... regret?

There were so many things to do, but he didn't. All in favor of what? His ego, pride, in order to find the right time?

His mind went back to Aglea's words after his meeting with her that day. This path isn't meant for the faint-hearted, that every Chrysos Heir will go through hell and back.

There were ways this could've been prevented. He could've done something. Even if it was an accident, it's by all means not an excuse for death.

Tribbie could recall the distraught hidden behind his empty expression. "If you need something... we're here for you."

Anaxa, despite his mind being suddenly broken into pieces, replied. "Can you bring them back?"

Her silence was enough for him.

To say a part of him died that day was an understatement. For a moment, his beliefs shook as he thought on his prophecy.

The thought of you being in his prophecy as the reason for his 'incompleteness' brought him comfort for a moment. Maybe a part of him wanted to believe that this really was out of his hands. But he shoved that thought down deep, the same way he chose to shove any guilt he could.

Anaxa didn't want your legacy to be tainted with his name, so he chose to only speak of your achievements.

Even as hundreds of years passed. He couldn't bring himself to forget any part about you. Your mannerisms and likeness were slowly getting picked up by him like a ritual.

Maybe that way, it was like you were still here. Just not with him. He was like a desperate man adjusting his life just to feel a semblance of your presence. Whether it'll be your naming habits, the books you read, your favorite spots, anything just to make it bearable.

Even so, even if he still insists on others to do it, knowing you were the only person who willingly does it brought him... comfort.

"Don't call me Anaxa, call me by my full name. Anaxagoras."

The last habit he picked up is one he insisted on doing himself.

If you're looking for the professor, you might find him sitting under the leaves that shaded him. A blank notebook in hand as his pencil sketches out your portrait. Another habit he picked up is his way of remembering your features. Something he refused to let happen years or even decades after.

That's what he thought, at least. A horrifying realization entered his mind as his pencil stopped in place.

"What did their eyes look like?"

[maplleaf]

pt 2 coming soon, i alr got the ending ready just the midpoint and start.... i need motivation sm

Fool

Veritas Ratio x gn!reader

[ im back 🔥 this has been in my drafts for a year, and i work on it on and off. Finally finished it hwhwhw. Anw, i made a twt account so if u wanna be mutuals just follow me and I'll follow back. Its @/viktkt

lecturer x lecturer]

"When you hate something, it's a sign that one day; you'll love it. Just let it bloom first"

There has always been an understanding between scholars. Dr. Veritas Ratio is a man who works with logic and rationality.

Rationality is, by all means, literally in his name.

He never denied it. After following this path in life, it does require him to work with his head more. Even if he never denied it, it doesn't mean Veritas agree with it either.

Case in point, you.

"...with this concludes the philosophy of today's lecture regarding IX." The chalk hits the board one last time, specs of white dust falling to the floor.

"Any questions?"

The whole class looked at the large chalkboard in front of them, all filled with words that they struggled to understand. Veritas' grip on the chalk hardened, rolling his eyes behind the plastered mask.

He despised doing introductory lessons. Too many fresh-faced idiots came for his reputation and test their knowledge with the lecture, not for the lesson on its own. There were only a few that really understood, yet they were too scared to ask.

As he was about to close the session, a hand raised up towering above the others.

He pointed at the source, "you."

You stood up, already catching the glance of the other students.

"The Aeon if Nihity doesn't see a worth in doing anything, as they don't interact with Aeons," you began. "Is this exclusive to Aeons, or are... lesser beings included?"

Snickers of students hearing the question filled the room. The answer itself is already in the question. 'IX doesn't care enough to see aeons, why would it see mortals?'

"The Aeon of Nihility's existence will always be a mystery, but to answer your question based on the current information," he placed the chalk on the table.

"IX wouldn't go out of its way to search for anything. It views the universe as a worthless space."

Then you did what everyone here wouldn't. Before he could finish the answer, you spoke. No fear nor overconfidence in the tone. "Then, if a person one day, with no affiliations to other Aeons, interact with IX, can there be a different result?"

Veritas tilts his head. It's not every day a student made him curious.

"Aeons have always acted by their own will and desires, due to IX's lack of either," he leaned on the lecture table. "I'm afraid it's hard to give a direct answer."

"...five points, stay behind the lecture after this."

...As all the students left, you were left in your seat alone. Murmurs from the other students fell deaf to either of your ears.

Before you could utter a word, Veritas shuts you down.

"Genius Society Member, [name]. Specialize in divination and Quantum energy."

Veritas cocked his head. If the unnerving plaster mask weren't on his head, then he would've been staring you down.

You... smiled, "i didn't even say hello, doctor."

"There's no need to, but why are you here?" Veritas remarked. You stared into the empty eyeless head. You wonder how he sees with that thing.

"Is there a true reason for anything, Doctor?" You shrugged, meeting his glare. "...but if it will satisfy you, I was here when I heard Doctor Veritas Ratio is teaching a class."

Veritas raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You never went to this school, nor do I know anything that might interest you here. I don't see a reason why you would be here."

Veritas stared at you, trying to catch any micro-expressions or signs. Only to find... nothing. As if, there was no motivation to begin with.

A chuckle escaped your mouth, "I'm not going to question how you know that, but..."

Veritas sees you shoving your hand in your pocket, pulling out an employee ID, with the word 'lecturer' on it. "We'll be working together now, Doctor."

It took a few seconds, Veritas had questions in his mind. Genius Society Members, they can be just as foolish or an enigma. Some are Geniuses who he respected, most are beings who has a God complex with a morality only an insane person can understand.

With being a Genius, also come with the reputation. That's how he knew you. As a researcher, of course.

An unknown long-living Genius, records of your research and creations aren't hard to find, making your fame inevitable among scholars. A Genius with smarts, morals, and the... unpredictability.

"Whilst it is an honor to be working with you," his emphasis on the word 'honor' brings out chills. "Aren't you missing?"

He could see your smile faltering, reverting back to the more neutral state.

'Genius Society Member No. 94, [name]. Specialize in Divinations and Quantum research. Works; The Matrix of Prescience, the Theory of the Quantum Sea, etc. Last seen; 30 years ago. Best assumption, Polka Kakamond.'

He knew you, and he knew why you shouldn't be here.

"Well," you couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, and shrugging. "Now I'm back from that hiatus, and working here. Nothing wrong with that."

Veritas couldn't help but have that gut feeling that something is wrong, his deductions are rarely wrong. But he couldn't think of anything.

Your existence, prescence, and the lack of personal goals now; it's all an enigma.

Veritas could only sigh, Genius Society members are always like this anyway. "... Please don't impersonate yourself as my student, unless you actually enroll or want to do the assignments I'll give you."

Seeing his 'interrogation' end, you gave him a smile. "Noted, Doctor."

...and that's how it began.

If someone asked him, who is the most foolish person in the campus. First, he would list the names of some of the students of the intelligentsia guild. Second, he would say you.

He came to the conclusion after a couple of months of having you as a co-worker.

The first sign, he remembered it was raining that day. He had finished class but stuck standing by the doorway. The path between some buildings wasn't connected by a corridor, and his umbrella was in his office.

"What are you doing?"

A voice called beside him. Veritas' eyes drifted to them, hidden behind the mask. "Standing here for absolutely no reason-- what else do you think I'm doing?"

He saw you shrugged, before taking off your coat. "Wanna use my umbrella?"

Veritas gave a confused expression, which unfortunately didn't show due to his cover. His eyes looked at you from head to toe. Not even spotting an umbrella anywhere. "Is your mind growing dull?" he asked rhetorically.

He then saw you making a gesture with your hand, "get down," you told him.

He was going to say no, but seeing as you're new and seem to be at least different from the other lecturers. Veritas wanted to see what you would do.

As he bent down, he felt something covering his head and shoulder, and your body pushing itself closer to him. Right then and there his wrist was grabbed, and Veritas felt his mood sullened in an instant.

Unfortunately, before his body could react, you pulled him with unexpected strength and went out the door.

He could feel water hitting his body that wasn't covered by the coat. Wetting his clothes in the process, but seeing as they were in the middle of a pouring rain in campus, Veritas couldn't just stop either.

It didn't take long for them to reach the office building, and yet his back was drenched. Veritas instantly glared at you, "you utter fool!"

A laugh escaped you, taking back the coat that was now drenched also before bundling it up and twisting it to release all the water. "What? It's a shortcut."

Before he could start going off the deep end, he saw you start to run off. Seemingly knowing that he was going to scold you, "well, gotta go. Bye!"

To save the details. He had spare clothes in his office, but ever since then he made a mental note to stay away from the deranged co-worker each time it rains. Or even any time at all.

The second sign, is how each time there was an overlap when you didn't have a class and he did. You always managed to sneak yourself in and attend his classroom. He couldn't even count the amount of times he kicked you out mid lecture with his fingers anymore.

It became well known that a certain divination lecturer from another department always had the time to attend one of another lecturer's classes when they were free.

What didn't help you to stay hidden is that 80% of Veritas' class had already dropped out. Making you stand out more.

His hand worked on the board with his chalk, as if on a trance. To the people who only like to watch, it almost seemed poetic; entrancing the viewers. For his students, it was like hell. Right as he hit the end with a dot, Veritas asked; "is there any question?"

As usual, when he turned his head, he saw your arms raised high whilst the others cowered low.

"Anyone else besides the braindead one?" He sighed, only to see you tense your muscles even more to raise it higher.

Finally, he points his chalk at you, instantly propping the other to stand up. "In the calculations for the problem 2BAC, if it were used in a situation for a planet victimized by, just a random example, Dr. Primitive's experiments. What would happen then?"

As Veritas listened to your words, he even had to look back on the board. Shocking the other students, which probably became campus gossip for a day. But he answered, "The result would be that some lucky planets may be able to evolve back to normalcy, but in a real situation; the probability needs to be extremely high," he answered professionally, "does that satisfy you?"

Veritas dislikes your attitude. He didn't like how you always crossed the boundary that he had to feel sane.

But at the same time, even if his words are bitter sometimes and even insulting; he respects you. An intelligent person who still held their own mystery. Perhaps the way you boldly and proudly annoy him may affect his respect. For the better or not, that's for time to tell.

"No," you answered, "...if you wanna satisfy me, we should get dinner after this."

Nevermind, he hates this co-worker of his.

There were more moments, but he spared himself the time to think back on it. It's the first time he's ever been on the fence between distaste and like. Maybe the closest person would be the gambler from the IPC.

Veritas's eyes then drift towards you, each pen stroke coming from you made him lose another minute in his life.

"Is it necessary to come by my office to grade your own class's works?" he sighed, no longer hiding his face behind the alabaster sculpture in front of you.

A low chuckle escaped your lips, "No, but it's easier for my legs."

The statement made Veritas let out another exasperated sigh. "For the last time, you wouldn't be having this much exercise if you just stay in your class instead of visiting mine," he pointed out, but as usual, you didn't bat an eye to his protests.

He glared at you for a few seconds before sighing. Hearing his exhasperation made you smile.

Veritas didn't even know why he's doing this, why he's putting up with you. Someone... who wasn't even a part of his life until a few months ago. He shook his head, finding it a waste of brain cells to think about it.

After a few minutes of silence, a slam of the book made him look at your direction with annoyance. 'So loud...'

"Let's go eat," you announced with a smile, standing up from the couch as it creaked from the loss of pressure.

Veritas brows furrowed for a moment, then he answered. "No."

Even if he said that, you managed to drag him to a noodle shop near the university. Veritas squints at the sight as you take your order with a smile, his eyes drifting to the molten red broth. It was even slightly bubbling from how hot it is.

The genius took a deep breath before shaking his head in pure exhasperation.

"So, how's your universe project?" you asked, taking a spoon with a handful of noodles on it.

"Still a work in progress, Screwllum and I are still sorting the algorithm," he answered, "but that doesn't concern you."

A laugh escaped your lips as you took a big bite of the food. Veritas squints for a moment, seeing as steam was coming out of your mouth, but you held no care. "C'mon, when are you going to warm up to me, Doc?"

Veritas rolled his eyes with the usual amount of sassiness that you grew accustomed to.

"Actually, if you don't mind," you started, turning your chair to the doctor. "I want to offer a collaboration with your project."

The offer wasn't out of nowhere, seeing as you've asked him to work with you multiple times. But he raised an eyebrow in inquiry, letting you continue.

"I've been getting interested in Emanators again. And, with my experience, i could add a new variable regarding Emanators in your project, if you don't mind. I would like a collaboration between us," you suggested.

Veritas noticed you cocking your head, your lips curved into a smile as you look at him. That genuine smile then falters, turning into a coy one as you shrugged. "Of course, if you don't want to. I can ask your buddy."

He scoffed before pointing out, "have you even met Screwllum?"

"Hey, don't doubt my connections!" you point at him, with noodles still in your mouth.

Veritas didn't bother wasting air to bicker again. But in his mind, he started to consider.

The genius sighed at his own answer.

"So this is the behind the scenes!"

Veritas's eyes drifted to your figure. Walking on nothing in the middle of space, as different stations are around the area. Floating holograms of texts accompanying you both.

He saw you glide your hand through all the blessings, recognizing a few of the frames. Then to the Aeons data, before squinting in confusion. "You don't have Finality?"

Veritas walked over to you, closing the window. "Focus on your work, we're here to do research not play around," he reminded. Veritas saw you rolled your eyes, and he had the patiebce of a saint not to throw a chalk at you.

You looked over the code of the Simulated Universe before a smirk crept its way to your lips, "let me guess, you want me to help finish up the interactions between paths?"

The other nodded, "With you 'experience', it should be easy," he glanced at your figure, seeing you already dissecting the code that Herta first proudly made. He placed down the guide that Herta made, still unopened and collecting dust. ".... if you have any questions, say it."

Within the next few weeks, you started working on the Simulated Universe project alongside Veritas. This meant he had to see you more and more, something that was already too much even on campus.

He had told the geniuses that he's having additional help, especially regarding Herta's request on themselves meeting an Aeon, and they didn't pry much.

"Is it okay if I launch the code now?" he heard you ask.

Veritas didn't look up from his work. He didn't say anything, but something about the body language made you think it was like a nod, and a pat on the head if you're that delusional.

The said code is for a new curio relating to Nous. You didn't think much of it before releasing it off for it to be tested by the Trailblazer. It wasn’t supposed to be significant, just some side work.

Right as you swiped the curio code to be released, suddenly the whole space started to shake. Confusion overwhelmed you two, and Veritas looked pissed than before.

"What did you just do--?!"

A glowing red blasted out of nowhere. Veritas felt an overwhelming sting in his head before looking up at THEM.

"YOU"

A floating mechanical head appeared in front of you both. Gazing down as if they were insignificant ants. Veritas felt his ear stinging as THEIR voice entered his ears. He knew this was a sinulation, but this is a glitch none of the geniuses have seen.

Before he could analyze the error further, you had shut down the code in an instant.

His golden irises moved onto your figure, a rare look of concern on his face. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of fear in your eyes before dissapearing. Veritas adjusted his glasses and walked to your side.

His presence made you escape from your thoughts. "Sorry, i didn't mean to stop it. That was valuable research."

"Fool, go home," he says simply. "You're not in the right mind," his tone is commanding, but you swore you could hear him purposely softening it.

There was a moment when you wanted to argue back, but after consideration, it seems futile. Veritas saw you nod, then leave the space.

There was always a disconnect between you and the other geniuses. Veritas never mentioned your name explicitly either, just saying how a friend would help with their Divergent Universe project.

....Both you and the scholar stared at the code in front of you, only waiting for it to be relaunched. Veritas glanced at your side profile and at your coat, seeing uncertainty in your eyes.

At least, until a breakthrough in Nous happened.

Herta was interested and wanted to come over in an instant, but Screwllum insisted on heading there first. Ruan Mei was interested, but she had her own business.

"Do you doubt our creation?" He asked out of nowhere.

"No," you answered with confidence, "Just thinking, how accurate would THEY be. Aside from your friend's testing as Akivili, I've never seen tests about the Aeons meeting people."

Even with the confident posture, he could feel something was off. But Veritas couldn't pry further as the sound of the entrance opening caught his attention.

He looked back at the code one last time before turning to greet the new person. "Don't cloud your judgment with foolish worries," he sighed before snatching the coat on your back. "And don't wear that. It clearly says my name embedded on it."

He didn't hear your retort that it's cold, only at the figure of a mechanical man who just entered.

"Dr. Veritas Ratio, it's a pleasure to see each other once more," Screwllum greeted before spotting you.

He took a few moments calibrating as if surprised. "When Dr. Ratio had said he invited a friend, you were not within my expectations, old friend," his tone seemed welcoming. If he had lips, then Screwllum would be smiling. "It's a great relief to know you're safe."

You raised an empty cup off coffee to greet him, "Screwllum! Let's see the old head together."

Veritas raised an eyebrow at the word Screwllum had used. Safe. But let it go as they have a more important topic to discuss. He walked over to your side at the launch button, his eyes glancing at yours. As your gaze connected, he saw your smirk and immediately got the temptation to throw chalk again.

"Let's just start this," he sighed before crossing his arms. Hearing the cue, you pressed the launch button.

The room began to shake again, but this time, everyone had anticipated it. It didn't come as a surprise when the red glow appeared once more.

The large head loomed over you both. Even if it's a simulation, an overwhelming feeling of being small enveloped all three of you. This time, it was like savoring the moment than panicking.

Veritas looked up at the God, as if making sure that this was fake. He analyzed the being's physical presence, realizing that Nous' eye seems to be staring at you only.

"LEAVE. YOU'RE NOT WELCOME."

A look of confusion came over Veritas and Screwllum. Even if yesterday had been instantly shut down, using simulated universe's laws; the beings here would see them as normal pathstriders.

Before any of you could react, a stinging pain hits all of your heads, even causing a mechanical error sound from Screwllum

...right before all three of you were kicked out of the simulated universe.

The galaxy like space that all of you were accustomed to returned. There was a silence before Screwllum broke it.

"I have two temporary conclusions, it seems either one of us is not welcomed by the simulated Aeon, or the Simulated Universe glitched due to having three users instead of the previous record of two," Screwllum's gaze dropped onto you, followed by Veritas not long after.

Feeling the eyes, you let out a cough. "Maybe when I went missing, THEY thought I had done something wrong. I'm not quite sure either," your answer left holes, but Screwllum didn't ask anymore.

Veritas on the other hand, was left unsatisfied.

"What happened between you and THEM?"

The boldness of the question even made you flinch. Veritas notied it, but saw you still focused on your work even with the looming question.

Screwllum left not long after the glitch since he had something else to do. Leaving both of you alone together as usual. Even so, the air felt thicker than usual, and the silence wasn't helping it.

"I don't know either. But like i said, when I went missing, something probably happened that made THEM mad," you answered, but Veritas could spot the unusual raise in your tone. After a few seconds of your silence, Veritas sighed before he turned back to his own work.

....but there was this unusual tug in as he knew you lied. Veritas tapped his foot on the floor repeatedly as the seconds passed, waiting for you to speak up again but finding a longer silence.

In the end, he stood up from the chair, walking towards you.

"Foolish accident comes from the lack of ability to ask for help, and fools ignore their past mistakes," he stated. Veritas turned your chair around, looking right at you. "What happened in that 40 years?"

He saw your eyes stare back at his sharp ones, yours a bit more widened than usual. The way it shifted from his face to away, then back to him. His body leaned over yours. It's supposed to be suffocating, accusing. Yet, it didn't feel that way.

He saw the way your throat shifted as you gulp, only to choke out an answer.

"I just... had problems with the wrong person," you answered before staring back at his eyes with the usual confidence, before patting his shoulder. "Don't worry so much, doc."

Veritas' eye twitched for a moment at your answer. Both of you stayed in that position for a little longer before Veritas eventually scoffs, straightening his posture again.

"I need a cleanse of mind. Don't sleep in here, and don't be late for the intelligentsia guild meeting tomorrow morning," he reminded, turning back to take care of his belongings. Veritas still felt unsatisfied with your answers, but it didn't feel right if he forced out the answer like an interrogation.

As Veritas' figure left the space, you find yourself looking where he usually works on his projects. A smile crept its way to your lips as you grabbed his coat.

Tomorrow morning, Veritas didn't find enjoyment from the usual meeting. But he did find a surprise in his office.

It wasn't uncommon that students or other staff would give him gifts, especially on that February date. But he never cared nor reciprocated any of it. After remembering that, Veritas then stared at his desk to see an arrangements of ducks from the size of an eraser to as big as his palm.

Along with that is a note written with a glitter pen. 'I'm keeping your coat'

"Fool," Veritas mumbled, a chuckle escaping his lips as he closed the note again. Before leaving all the ducks on his desk as he got ready for class.

[maplleaf]

Fool

Veritas Ratio x gn!reader

[ im back 🔥 this has been in my drafts for a year, and i work on it on and off. Finally finished it hwhwhw. Anw, i made a twt account so if u wanna be mutuals just follow me and I'll follow back. Its @/viktkt

lecturer x lecturer]

"When you hate something, it's a sign that one day; you'll love it. Just let it bloom first"

There has always been an understanding between scholars. Dr. Veritas Ratio is a man who works with logic and rationality.

Rationality is, by all means, literally in his name.

He never denied it. After following this path in life, it does require him to work with his head more. Even if he never denied it, it doesn't mean Veritas agree with it either.

Case in point, you.

"...with this concludes the philosophy of today's lecture regarding IX." The chalk hits the board one last time, specs of white dust falling to the floor.

"Any questions?"

The whole class looked at the large chalkboard in front of them, all filled with words that they struggled to understand. Veritas' grip on the chalk hardened, rolling his eyes behind the plastered mask.

He despised doing introductory lessons. Too many fresh-faced idiots came for his reputation and test their knowledge with the lecture, not for the lesson on its own. There were only a few that really understood, yet they were too scared to ask.

As he was about to close the session, a hand raised up towering above the others.

He pointed at the source, "you."

You stood up, already catching the glance of the other students.

"The Aeon if Nihity doesn't see a worth in doing anything, as they don't interact with Aeons," you began. "Is this exclusive to Aeons, or are... lesser beings included?"

Snickers of students hearing the question filled the room. The answer itself is already in the question. 'IX doesn't care enough to see aeons, why would it see mortals?'

"The Aeon of Nihility's existence will always be a mystery, but to answer your question based on the current information," he placed the chalk on the table.

"IX wouldn't go out of its way to search for anything. It views the universe as a worthless space."

Then you did what everyone here wouldn't. Before he could finish the answer, you spoke. No fear nor overconfidence in the tone. "Then, if a person one day, with no affiliations to other Aeons, interact with IX, can there be a different result?"

Veritas tilts his head. It's not every day a student made him curious.

"Aeons have always acted by their own will and desires, due to IX's lack of either," he leaned on the lecture table. "I'm afraid it's hard to give a direct answer."

"...five points, stay behind the lecture after this."

...As all the students left, you were left in your seat alone. Murmurs from the other students fell deaf to either of your ears.

Before you could utter a word, Veritas shuts you down.

"Genius Society Member, [name]. Specialize in divination and Quantum energy."

Veritas cocked his head. If the unnerving plaster mask weren't on his head, then he would've been staring you down.

You... smiled, "i didn't even say hello, doctor."

"There's no need to, but why are you here?" Veritas remarked. You stared into the empty eyeless head. You wonder how he sees with that thing.

"Is there a true reason for anything, Doctor?" You shrugged, meeting his glare. "...but if it will satisfy you, I was here when I heard Doctor Veritas Ratio is teaching a class."

Veritas raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You never went to this school, nor do I know anything that might interest you here. I don't see a reason why you would be here."

Veritas stared at you, trying to catch any micro-expressions or signs. Only to find... nothing. As if, there was no motivation to begin with.

A chuckle escaped your mouth, "I'm not going to question how you know that, but..."

Veritas sees you shoving your hand in your pocket, pulling out an employee ID, with the word 'lecturer' on it. "We'll be working together now, Doctor."

It took a few seconds, Veritas had questions in his mind. Genius Society Members, they can be just as foolish or an enigma. Some are Geniuses who he respected, most are beings who has a God complex with a morality only an insane person can understand.

With being a Genius, also come with the reputation. That's how he knew you. As a researcher, of course.

An unknown long-living Genius, records of your research and creations aren't hard to find, making your fame inevitable among scholars. A Genius with smarts, morals, and the... unpredictability.

"Whilst it is an honor to be working with you," his emphasis on the word 'honor' brings out chills. "Aren't you missing?"

He could see your smile faltering, reverting back to the more neutral state.

'Genius Society Member No. 94, [name]. Specialize in Divinations and Quantum research. Works; The Matrix of Prescience, the Theory of the Quantum Sea, etc. Last seen; 30 years ago. Best assumption, Polka Kakamond.'

He knew you, and he knew why you shouldn't be here.

"Well," you couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, and shrugging. "Now I'm back from that hiatus, and working here. Nothing wrong with that."

Veritas couldn't help but have that gut feeling that something is wrong, his deductions are rarely wrong. But he couldn't think of anything.

Your existence, prescence, and the lack of personal goals now; it's all an enigma.

Veritas could only sigh, Genius Society members are always like this anyway. "... Please don't impersonate yourself as my student, unless you actually enroll or want to do the assignments I'll give you."

Seeing his 'interrogation' end, you gave him a smile. "Noted, Doctor."

...and that's how it began.

If someone asked him, who is the most foolish person in the campus. First, he would list the names of some of the students of the intelligentsia guild. Second, he would say you.

He came to the conclusion after a couple of months of having you as a co-worker.

The first sign, he remembered it was raining that day. He had finished class but stuck standing by the doorway. The path between some buildings wasn't connected by a corridor, and his umbrella was in his office.

"What are you doing?"

A voice called beside him. Veritas' eyes drifted to them, hidden behind the mask. "Standing here for absolutely no reason-- what else do you think I'm doing?"

He saw you shrugged, before taking off your coat. "Wanna use my umbrella?"

Veritas gave a confused expression, which unfortunately didn't show due to his cover. His eyes looked at you from head to toe. Not even spotting an umbrella anywhere. "Is your mind growing dull?" he asked rhetorically.

He then saw you making a gesture with your hand, "get down," you told him.

He was going to say no, but seeing as you're new and seem to be at least different from the other lecturers. Veritas wanted to see what you would do.

As he bent down, he felt something covering his head and shoulder, and your body pushing itself closer to him. Right then and there his wrist was grabbed, and Veritas felt his mood sullened in an instant.

Unfortunately, before his body could react, you pulled him with unexpected strength and went out the door.

He could feel water hitting his body that wasn't covered by the coat. Wetting his clothes in the process, but seeing as they were in the middle of a pouring rain in campus, Veritas couldn't just stop either.

It didn't take long for them to reach the office building, and yet his back was drenched. Veritas instantly glared at you, "you utter fool!"

A laugh escaped you, taking back the coat that was now drenched also before bundling it up and twisting it to release all the water. "What? It's a shortcut."

Before he could start going off the deep end, he saw you start to run off. Seemingly knowing that he was going to scold you, "well, gotta go. Bye!"

To save the details. He had spare clothes in his office, but ever since then he made a mental note to stay away from the deranged co-worker each time it rains. Or even any time at all.

The second sign, is how each time there was an overlap when you didn't have a class and he did. You always managed to sneak yourself in and attend his classroom. He couldn't even count the amount of times he kicked you out mid lecture with his fingers anymore.

It became well known that a certain divination lecturer from another department always had the time to attend one of another lecturer's classes when they were free.

What didn't help you to stay hidden is that 80% of Veritas' class had already dropped out. Making you stand out more.

His hand worked on the board with his chalk, as if on a trance. To the people who only like to watch, it almost seemed poetic; entrancing the viewers. For his students, it was like hell. Right as he hit the end with a dot, Veritas asked; "is there any question?"

As usual, when he turned his head, he saw your arms raised high whilst the others cowered low.

"Anyone else besides the braindead one?" He sighed, only to see you tense your muscles even more to raise it higher.

Finally, he points his chalk at you, instantly propping the other to stand up. "In the calculations for the problem 2BAC, if it were used in a situation for a planet victimized by, just a random example, Dr. Primitive's experiments. What would happen then?"

As Veritas listened to your words, he even had to look back on the board. Shocking the other students, which probably became campus gossip for a day. But he answered, "The result would be that some lucky planets may be able to evolve back to normalcy, but in a real situation; the probability needs to be extremely high," he answered professionally, "does that satisfy you?"

Veritas dislikes your attitude. He didn't like how you always crossed the boundary that he had to feel sane.

But at the same time, even if his words are bitter sometimes and even insulting; he respects you. An intelligent person who still held their own mystery. Perhaps the way you boldly and proudly annoy him may affect his respect. For the better or not, that's for time to tell.

"No," you answered, "...if you wanna satisfy me, we should get dinner after this."

Nevermind, he hates this co-worker of his.

There were more moments, but he spared himself the time to think back on it. It's the first time he's ever been on the fence between distaste and like. Maybe the closest person would be the gambler from the IPC.

Veritas's eyes then drift towards you, each pen stroke coming from you made him lose another minute in his life.

"Is it necessary to come by my office to grade your own class's works?" he sighed, no longer hiding his face behind the alabaster sculpture in front of you.

A low chuckle escaped your lips, "No, but it's easier for my legs."

The statement made Veritas let out another exasperated sigh. "For the last time, you wouldn't be having this much exercise if you just stay in your class instead of visiting mine," he pointed out, but as usual, you didn't bat an eye to his protests.

He glared at you for a few seconds before sighing. Hearing his exhasperation made you smile.

Veritas didn't even know why he's doing this, why he's putting up with you. Someone... who wasn't even a part of his life until a few months ago. He shook his head, finding it a waste of brain cells to think about it.

After a few minutes of silence, a slam of the book made him look at your direction with annoyance. 'So loud...'

"Let's go eat," you announced with a smile, standing up from the couch as it creaked from the loss of pressure.

Veritas brows furrowed for a moment, then he answered. "No."

Even if he said that, you managed to drag him to a noodle shop near the university. Veritas squints at the sight as you take your order with a smile, his eyes drifting to the molten red broth. It was even slightly bubbling from how hot it is.

The genius took a deep breath before shaking his head in pure exhasperation.

"So, how's your universe project?" you asked, taking a spoon with a handful of noodles on it.

"Still a work in progress, Screwllum and I are still sorting the algorithm," he answered, "but that doesn't concern you."

A laugh escaped your lips as you took a big bite of the food. Veritas squints for a moment, seeing as steam was coming out of your mouth, but you held no care. "C'mon, when are you going to warm up to me, Doc?"

Veritas rolled his eyes with the usual amount of sassiness that you grew accustomed to.

"Actually, if you don't mind," you started, turning your chair to the doctor. "I want to offer a collaboration with your project."

The offer wasn't out of nowhere, seeing as you've asked him to work with you multiple times. But he raised an eyebrow in inquiry, letting you continue.

"I've been getting interested in Emanators again. And, with my experience, i could add a new variable regarding Emanators in your project, if you don't mind. I would like a collaboration between us," you suggested.

Veritas noticed you cocking your head, your lips curved into a smile as you look at him. That genuine smile then falters, turning into a coy one as you shrugged. "Of course, if you don't want to. I can ask your buddy."

He scoffed before pointing out, "have you even met Screwllum?"

"Hey, don't doubt my connections!" you point at him, with noodles still in your mouth.

Veritas didn't bother wasting air to bicker again. But in his mind, he started to consider.

The genius sighed at his own answer.

"So this is the behind the scenes!"

Veritas's eyes drifted to your figure. Walking on nothing in the middle of space, as different stations are around the area. Floating holograms of texts accompanying you both.

He saw you glide your hand through all the blessings, recognizing a few of the frames. Then to the Aeons data, before squinting in confusion. "You don't have Finality?"

Veritas walked over to you, closing the window. "Focus on your work, we're here to do research not play around," he reminded. Veritas saw you rolled your eyes, and he had the patiebce of a saint not to throw a chalk at you.

You looked over the code of the Simulated Universe before a smirk crept its way to your lips, "let me guess, you want me to help finish up the interactions between paths?"

The other nodded, "With you 'experience', it should be easy," he glanced at your figure, seeing you already dissecting the code that Herta first proudly made. He placed down the guide that Herta made, still unopened and collecting dust. ".... if you have any questions, say it."

Within the next few weeks, you started working on the Simulated Universe project alongside Veritas. This meant he had to see you more and more, something that was already too much even on campus.

He had told the geniuses that he's having additional help, especially regarding Herta's request on themselves meeting an Aeon, and they didn't pry much.

"Is it okay if I launch the code now?" he heard you ask.

Veritas didn't look up from his work. He didn't say anything, but something about the body language made you think it was like a nod, and a pat on the head if you're that delusional.

The said code is for a new curio relating to Nous. You didn't think much of it before releasing it off for it to be tested by the Trailblazer. It wasn’t supposed to be significant, just some side work.

Right as you swiped the curio code to be released, suddenly the whole space started to shake. Confusion overwhelmed you two, and Veritas looked pissed than before.

"What did you just do--?!"

A glowing red blasted out of nowhere. Veritas felt an overwhelming sting in his head before looking up at THEM.

"YOU"

A floating mechanical head appeared in front of you both. Gazing down as if they were insignificant ants. Veritas felt his ear stinging as THEIR voice entered his ears. He knew this was a sinulation, but this is a glitch none of the geniuses have seen.

Before he could analyze the error further, you had shut down the code in an instant.

His golden irises moved onto your figure, a rare look of concern on his face. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of fear in your eyes before dissapearing. Veritas adjusted his glasses and walked to your side.

His presence made you escape from your thoughts. "Sorry, i didn't mean to stop it. That was valuable research."

"Fool, go home," he says simply. "You're not in the right mind," his tone is commanding, but you swore you could hear him purposely softening it.

There was a moment when you wanted to argue back, but after consideration, it seems futile. Veritas saw you nod, then leave the space.

There was always a disconnect between you and the other geniuses. Veritas never mentioned your name explicitly either, just saying how a friend would help with their Divergent Universe project.

....Both you and the scholar stared at the code in front of you, only waiting for it to be relaunched. Veritas glanced at your side profile and at your coat, seeing uncertainty in your eyes.

At least, until a breakthrough in Nous happened.

Herta was interested and wanted to come over in an instant, but Screwllum insisted on heading there first. Ruan Mei was interested, but she had her own business.

"Do you doubt our creation?" He asked out of nowhere.

"No," you answered with confidence, "Just thinking, how accurate would THEY be. Aside from your friend's testing as Akivili, I've never seen tests about the Aeons meeting people."

Even with the confident posture, he could feel something was off. But Veritas couldn't pry further as the sound of the entrance opening caught his attention.

He looked back at the code one last time before turning to greet the new person. "Don't cloud your judgment with foolish worries," he sighed before snatching the coat on your back. "And don't wear that. It clearly says my name embedded on it."

He didn't hear your retort that it's cold, only at the figure of a mechanical man who just entered.

"Dr. Veritas Ratio, it's a pleasure to see each other once more," Screwllum greeted before spotting you.

He took a few moments calibrating as if surprised. "When Dr. Ratio had said he invited a friend, you were not within my expectations, old friend," his tone seemed welcoming. If he had lips, then Screwllum would be smiling. "It's a great relief to know you're safe."

You raised an empty cup off coffee to greet him, "Screwllum! Let's see the old head together."

Veritas raised an eyebrow at the word Screwllum had used. Safe. But let it go as they have a more important topic to discuss. He walked over to your side at the launch button, his eyes glancing at yours. As your gaze connected, he saw your smirk and immediately got the temptation to throw chalk again.

"Let's just start this," he sighed before crossing his arms. Hearing the cue, you pressed the launch button.

The room began to shake again, but this time, everyone had anticipated it. It didn't come as a surprise when the red glow appeared once more.

The large head loomed over you both. Even if it's a simulation, an overwhelming feeling of being small enveloped all three of you. This time, it was like savoring the moment than panicking.

Veritas looked up at the God, as if making sure that this was fake. He analyzed the being's physical presence, realizing that Nous' eye seems to be staring at you only.

"LEAVE. YOU'RE NOT WELCOME."

A look of confusion came over Veritas and Screwllum. Even if yesterday had been instantly shut down, using simulated universe's laws; the beings here would see them as normal pathstriders.

Before any of you could react, a stinging pain hits all of your heads, even causing a mechanical error sound from Screwllum

...right before all three of you were kicked out of the simulated universe.

The galaxy like space that all of you were accustomed to returned. There was a silence before Screwllum broke it.

"I have two temporary conclusions, it seems either one of us is not welcomed by the simulated Aeon, or the Simulated Universe glitched due to having three users instead of the previous record of two," Screwllum's gaze dropped onto you, followed by Veritas not long after.

Feeling the eyes, you let out a cough. "Maybe when I went missing, THEY thought I had done something wrong. I'm not quite sure either," your answer left holes, but Screwllum didn't ask anymore.

Veritas on the other hand, was left unsatisfied.

"What happened between you and THEM?"

The boldness of the question even made you flinch. Veritas notied it, but saw you still focused on your work even with the looming question.

Screwllum left not long after the glitch since he had something else to do. Leaving both of you alone together as usual. Even so, the air felt thicker than usual, and the silence wasn't helping it.

"I don't know either. But like i said, when I went missing, something probably happened that made THEM mad," you answered, but Veritas could spot the unusual raise in your tone. After a few seconds of your silence, Veritas sighed before he turned back to his own work.

....but there was this unusual tug in as he knew you lied. Veritas tapped his foot on the floor repeatedly as the seconds passed, waiting for you to speak up again but finding a longer silence.

In the end, he stood up from the chair, walking towards you.

"Foolish accident comes from the lack of ability to ask for help, and fools ignore their past mistakes," he stated. Veritas turned your chair around, looking right at you. "What happened in that 40 years?"

He saw your eyes stare back at his sharp ones, yours a bit more widened than usual. The way it shifted from his face to away, then back to him. His body leaned over yours. It's supposed to be suffocating, accusing. Yet, it didn't feel that way.

He saw the way your throat shifted as you gulp, only to choke out an answer.

"I just... had problems with the wrong person," you answered before staring back at his eyes with the usual confidence, before patting his shoulder. "Don't worry so much, doc."

Veritas' eye twitched for a moment at your answer. Both of you stayed in that position for a little longer before Veritas eventually scoffs, straightening his posture again.

"I need a cleanse of mind. Don't sleep in here, and don't be late for the intelligentsia guild meeting tomorrow morning," he reminded, turning back to take care of his belongings. Veritas still felt unsatisfied with your answers, but it didn't feel right if he forced out the answer like an interrogation.

As Veritas' figure left the space, you find yourself looking where he usually works on his projects. A smile crept its way to your lips as you grabbed his coat.

Tomorrow morning, Veritas didn't find enjoyment from the usual meeting. But he did find a surprise in his office.

It wasn't uncommon that students or other staff would give him gifts, especially on that February date. But he never cared nor reciprocated any of it. After remembering that, Veritas then stared at his desk to see an arrangements of ducks from the size of an eraser to as big as his palm.

Along with that is a note written with a glitter pen. 'I'm keeping your coat'

"Fool," Veritas mumbled, a chuckle escaping his lips as he closed the note again. Before leaving all the ducks on his desk as he got ready for class.

[maplleaf]

Sorry, cant work on anything for the next two weeks, final tests. I couldnt work on anythin the last 2 weeks either since I had projects piled up 😓😓

Had to make a game, a comic, a short story with illustrations and prep for a scouts competition in the same week holy shittttttttt

[maplleaf]

Sorry, cant work on anything for the next two weeks, final tests. I couldnt work on anythin the last 2 weeks either since I had projects piled up 😓😓

Had to make a game, a comic, a short story with illustrations and prep for a scouts competition in the same week holy shittttttttt

[maplleaf]

So i was supposed to work on a req, but i ended up getting distracted for a week to grind on a new account, since i haven't touched twst for years atp, for Silver's bday.

Pics utc :)

The ritual

The result (grinding for his birthday boy card now)

The aftermath

[maplleaf]

Clank clank

guess who's so down bad he commissioned a self insert boothill art?

commissioned from @/n.tique01 on insta. Check them out!!

Plus a sneak peak for next fic. Dunno when I'll finish it bc I'm drowning in school assignments

[maplleaf]

Its funny seeing the sudden notes notif on the boothill fic i wrote in 30 min right after his voice was revealed in the story 😭

BUT YEAH, FUCK HIS VOICE IS SO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!cute. It's not a heavy southern accent, but i can still hear it. And DAMN, I'm slightly thinking of him to be a southern crazy whore man who's also a gentleman. LIKE, HE SHIFTED TO BE MORE FRIENDLY AFTER KNOWING HE'S TALKING TO BLACK SWAN, NOT ACHERON

I have an idea for a boothil, but i kinda wanna settle for short fics like last time for now since i want to know his personality better b4 jumping straight into a long ass fic like gepard's

Anw, wifey came home twice hehehehehehe

[maplleaf]

You have no idea how madly in love i am for me to post on main

HES SO??????

I heard hes MOT A RED FLAG AND IM SO HAPPY BECAUSE IVE SEEN TOO MANY TOXIC COWBOYS AND DAMN... I JUST NEED A GENTLEMAN

So holy shit, there's a slim chance I'll be posting more boothill

[maplleaf]

《 Spark 》

[Boothill (HSR) x GN! Reader]

Boothill is a leaked char, but no story spoilers. Just his general vibes from the leaked pics I saw.

Very short too lol, I'm trying to get my motivation back for the dr ratio fic

"Ouch, can't ya' be a bit gentle, Spark?"

Your brows furrowed at the remark and nickname. The sound of mechanical parts malfunctioning is heard clearly, all due to the work of your hands.

"For the last time, I'm not a fucking mechanic. You just keep on insisting I fix you up," you scoffed, but still trying your best to somehow fix his arm. "And what does Spark even mean?! I told you I don't know any of your slang."

Boothill laughed, "why don't you ask your family fellas?"

The half cyborg could see the shudder that went down your spine as you attempted to fix his robotic arm. "They'd kill me. Even touching you would make me lose my upcoming projects."

"Ya' wound me, Spark..." Boothill remarked, feigning a wound on his heart, despite him placing his hand on his right chest.

The sentiment made your roll your eyes, going back to the task at hand.

Both of you remained in a blissful silence after, your whole focus on Boothill's arm, not even realizing the pair of grey eyes staring at you under the shadow of his hat.

A small chuckle escaped his lips, 'a sight better than any dreams,' he thought. Shamelessly staring at you, leaning back against the chair and enjoying his view.

Your focused face brought him glee. The way your lips pout as another error came up in your attempt to fix his arm, the brief moment where he could see stars in your eyes, only to be shrouded in dissapointment once more as another failure struck.

He relished in your... everything. The way you agreed to help him despite knowing barely anything about his robotic parts made his heart melt, knowing that you just want to help him.

Just looking at you made him giddy inside, the thought that you're touching his arm can motivate him to fight the entire Bloodhound Family on his own.

He didn't care if he got roughed up in the fight, any losses he might've gotten in any fight is a win if it means he'll be seeing this.

Before he knew it, you noticed his gaze fixed on you. "Your sharp-ass teeth isn't making the staring comforting..."

Hearing that made the latter laugh again, taking off his hat and using it to cover his mouth, but his vision still locked onto you. "This' better, Darlin'?"

The sudden nickname made you stop in your track, Boothill's frustrating smirk hidden behind the hat. With a scoff, you grabbed his hat, throwing it right at his face before standing up from the chair.

"Fix this arm by yourself. I'm heading back to the Golden Hour," you spat out, dropping the tools on the table, walking over to the glowing blue 'pond' that became the entrance to the dreamscape.

"What? A nickname ruffled ya' up?" Boothill teased, seeing you lay down and close your eyes. His words were met with a middle finger coming from you, right before you drifted off to the dreamscape. The furrowed and irritated face turned into a peaceful slumber.

Seeing you asleep, Boothill sighed, wearing the hat back on his head. Mechanical sounds could be heard from his arm, and a few moments later; he stretched the robotic arm, as if nothing was wrong in the first place.

He walked over to you, making sure you were truly sleep.

The cold mettalic hand went to your face, moving away the strands of hair on your face.

He smiled, his sharp teeth showing faintly beneath the smile. "Good dreams, Spark," he murmured softly.

"... one day I'll tell you what it means."

--------------------------------------------

Spark – A lover, a beau.

[maplleaf]

Newest struggle to write:

Do you write dr ratio as veritas or ratio or straight up use his fkin title 😭😭 (dr ratio)

Veritas sounds hot asf but it doesnt feel like im writing dr ratio with that name ngl--

I'll keep trying

[maplleaf]

Clear Skies

(Neuvilette x gn!reader)

A series of unfortunate events that ended happily

The entire day, clouds above Fontaine are as dark as the abyss. Every second, it threatens to rain, but no waterdrops would fall. The water level is always on everyone's mind, if it keeps raining then the water would soon engulf the world.

Even after all those risks; Neuvilette couldn't help himself.

Just this morning, his first trial for the day imprisoned an innocent person, caused by the defendant's lack of evidence. The Oratrice didn't spare any mercy, seeing the defendant as a guilty party. Of course, the audience clapped as they spouted insults at the defendant.

Neuvilette held in the sadness he felt, since he had to deal with another trial after.

The sheer guilt he felt crept up his spine the whole day. Eating him alive when he tried to get some work done. It's something he couldn't do much other than investigate, but he felt an undescribable uncomfortableness in his heart. All of that, with an added weight of his past trials; past sins; past atrocities.

When his worm was finally over, he was comforted at the reminder of a picnic date you two have been planning for weeks. His busy schedule made it close to impossible to have any in-the-moment dates, usually disturbed by a sudden trial that Furina held or the abundance of paperwork.

You could see the stars in his eyes as you two talked on the waterbus, an excited tone and a happier smile making it a wonderful moment. Neuvilette was happy! Seeing you and going on a date, what could be better?

.... only for hilichurls to wreck your picnic date location.

In the end, he held onto the basket filled with treats you both prepared beforehand. In the aftermath of the fight, it caused some of your food to be thrown into the ground, some of the equipment broken, and the spot now ruined.

You can already see the disappointment on his face as you both walk down the hill. The sky darkened with each steps, and any attempts in making him cheer up didn't work.

The mood soured as you felt raindrops hitting your skin. In a frantic moment, you looked for an umbrella that the two of you packed. The water kept dampening your clothes until you finally found it. Though when you do, realization hits

...you brought the wrong umbrella, this one can only fit one person. Neuvilette looks at you and the umbrella, already connecting your concerned face and the object in your hand.

Neuvilette felt guilty for causing the rain, and for the added stress for you. Even so, the guilt worsened the rain.

...that is until he felt you giving him the open umbrella. Confused, he took it anyway. Then a pair of strong hands under his thigh, lifting him up to the air and carrying him down the hill as if it's the easiest thing. His long legs were still wet from the rain, but his body and head were protected.

'??????????'

He felt so loved, protected, all the warmth feeling you can imagine hitting him at once. The grasp on the basket he's holding tightened as he could feel his face getting warm. A part of him wanted to struggle since he thought that he would be too heavy and you would accidentally hurt yourself carrying him. Though, when Neuvilette sees you looking fine, he can't bring himself to say it.

"Sorry, I'll put you down when we get to a safe spot." No, don't put him down. He felt like an otter being ecstatic after it was freed from a cage, given a shell to play with.

Slowly, light began to shine through the dark clouds. You looked up the sky, and somehow, the rain had stopped. Fontaine's weather really is strange these days...

Seeing as there's no more need of an umbrella, you stopped walking as you wanted to let Neuvilette back on the ground. But you didn't; as you saw his pretty face, all red and flustered.

Safe to say, there were a lot of gossip regarding whether or not they just saw Monsieur Neuvilette being held in his lover's arms like a princess.

[maplleaf]

Ngl neuvilette might reawaken my passion for genshin writing LMAO

[maplleaf]

Tbh, ive been struggling to write sm JSHDJDJDJ

(Small irl rant utc)

I have WIPs and ideas written down, but finding words... hard lmao. Whenever i write things and review it the next day, it looked like if a toddler saw one of those cards with words on them and lined them up to form sentences shdhhsdh

day 1 of school start tomorrow, and I'll have to focus on adapting to the environment; I'm planning to take extra classes to lessen the struggle of uni prep after seeing my brother, so life is gonna be very stressful. Big L

On the W side, I've been cigarettes free for abt 4 months now. My tongue is blessed with tasting spiciness once more

[maplleaf]

MASTERLIST ~☆

《 G E N S H I N I M P A C T 》

~ { Alhaitham: prettiest of them all /

~ { Kaveh: Solace, Bridal style? But I'm not a bride! }

~ { Kazuha: Dear Wanderer, please forget me }

~ { Scaramouche: Napkin / Bridal style? But I'm not a bride!

~ { Tighnari: Bridal style? But I'm not a bride!

~ { Cyno: Bridal style? But I'm not a bride! }

~ { Dainsleif: prettiest of them all / Snow and Stars }

~ { Shenhe: prettiest of them all

~ { Neuvilette: Clear skies

《 H O N K A I S T A R R A I L 》

~ { Gepard : two tries, one success / Vocal Patrol / Starrail-crossed lovers.

~ { Dan Heng : Distance }

~ { Jing Yuan : Starrail-crossed lovers

~ { Boothill : Spark

《T W I S T E D W O N D E R L A N D》

~ { Silver: say no to the bride}

~ { Deuce Spade : delinquent and pretty boy-- simp? }

《H O N K A I I M P A C T 3 R D》

~ Nothing yet ☆

《 P A T H T O N O W H E R E 》

~ Nothing yet ☆

《 U P C O M I N G 》

~ {Path to Nowhere} M! MBCC Chief x male reader : Home Where It Should Be

~ {Honkai Impact 3rd/Honkai Starrail} Welt Yang x gn reader : Past, Future, and Alternate

~ { Honkai Starrail } Screwllum x M! Reader : A Coding Error

[maplleaf]

a/n: I can't reply bc this is a side blog. tumblr L 👎also srry for being late been busy with irl things ajeihdjd.

GEPARD LANDAU

Meeting new people and creating bonds is like second nature for the crew of the Astral Express. As a part of that family, it's hereby natural for you to do the same. Friends, or even enemies, are common to make; lovers are rare though. When Himeko suggested the youngsters of the Express should go out and bond, she didn't think it'll end up in romance.

Neither you and Gepard fell at first sight, it was closer to falling at first fight, or second to be even more specific. You definitely caught his eye when taking a small tour of Belobog. March 7th is the walking ball of energy; Dan Heng is smart and composed, the grey-haired trailblazer is... trash loving; and to him, you were like the older sibling who keeps everyone in check.

In addition, you seemed interested in his explanation of Belobog's history, the sentence being supported by your volunteer work for Belobog's museum a couple weeks after.

The next time you two met, you threw hands with him. He fought and believed in Cocolia's words, even fought against his sister for it. Yet in the end, he was knocked some sense into and was defeated.

When he saw you fight, something seemed to click like a lightswitch in him. Even if he was blocking you to your goals, you didn't want to hurt him. It end up hurting like hell, yeah, but it didn't leave any marks or cause even worse injuries.

He could see that you held back, and something about that weighed in maybe he was in the wrong. How could someone as gentle as this, be inclined to destroy the last city that exist?

After that, it was like a snowball falling from the top of a mountain until he's hit with the realization that yes; Gepard Laundau is falling for you. The Express didn't leave for awhile, and he finds himself struggling to leave your side in that time. It took some time, but he was eventually invited aboard the Astral Express.

_____

"Pretty, isn't it?"

Gepard smiled in agreement at your words. He gazed into the planet he's been living on, or commonly called Jarilo-IV. Even with the eternal winter decimating the land, it was still a magnificent view.

"Since the root of the eternal winter is solved, Belobog's temperature should be rising," you tried to comfort him, afraid he may be disappointed in the view.

Gepard's blue eyes laid on you. If he were to tell himself from the past that he would fall in love with an alien who helped solve the eternal winter's crisis, his past self wouldn't even believe it for a second.

"...the view is the planet y'know, not me," you teased him, letting out a few light laughter. Gepard's face flushed as he was caught staring, "sorry. You just looked very pretty," he blurted out, now making both of your faces red.

After bracing yourself not to stutter, you broke the silence. "...In any case, even if the Express leave we can still talk to eachother," you told the blonde whilst showing your smartphone. Belobog's phones aren't as advanced as the ones sold by the IPC, but it can still connect and chat with the messenger app of the newer designs. "Here, I'll give you my number."

Gepard gave you his device gladly, with red still dusting over his cheeks.

... away from both of your sight, a wild March 7th watches, taking a picture of you two with her camera. "Stalker Marxh 7th strikes again," the grey haired trailblazer told her and lightheartedly rolling their eyes.

"C'mon, it's cute!" she exclaimed, taking another picture.

The whole crew watched as Gepard chased after your affection similar to a puppy; a comparison Himeko had made. As long as you're happy, the Express Family is happy. By looking at your reactions to his attempts at courting, it seems you were interested in him as well.

"Young love, adorable isn't it, Welt?" Himeko said whilst drinking her cup of coffee. You just left for Belobog to see the blonde captain once more.

Welt nodded to Himeko as he sat on the couch beside her, his eyes focused on the IPC's news broadcasted on their site. "They should make it official quick, we're leaving for another planet in a few more days," he advised, receiving a chuckle from Himeko.

"Has time really passed that quickly?" the redhead smiled.

When the Express visited the Xianzhou Luofu after receiving a tip from Kafka, for some of them it was their first time; Not you though. Whilst you weren't born in the Xianzhou Luofu, you visited the large ship a couple times before.

That day, the Express Family groupchat is blessed with the picture sent by you. Your hands intertwined with Gepard's. The group chat, mainly March 7th, exploded.

In your first visit, you were fortunate enough to meet the dozing general. At the time, you didn't even know he was the general of the cloud knights. For you, he was the attractive man who somehow has birds in his hair.

By that, you meant literally. First time you saw him, you saw a bird crawl into his hair like a nest and you blurt out in front of him; "Are you a bird collector?"

Jing Yuan saw you with a surprised yet pleased smile, after hundreds of years of living; he had never been greeted like that before. "It likes to stay there," Jing Yuan chuckled, curious about your behaviour.

"Are you perhaps a visitor?"

You nodded as a response to him. "My friend was supposed to show me around, but I sorta got lost," you laughed sheepishly. "But fuck it! An adventure is an adventure."

Frankly, your carefree nature felt like fresh air compared to the stiff nature that he's always sorrounded by due to his work. To talk freely with someone who doesn't care about status, when your conversation was over; he simply thought it was a pleasant time.

You exchanged numbers right after, and he never saw you again. At least, in person.

When Jing Yuan isn't busy with work or resting, he wouldn't mind having an interesting conversation with you in his pass time. Over time, he starts to develop a small interest in you beyond friendship. What's fascinating is that you never found out what his title is; something that could be a miracle, or your lack of knowledge of the Xianzhou Luofu.... either way, he doesn't mind it.

While you two doesn't talk everyday, he gets a general idea of how you're doing, and your adventures as a Nameless. He doesn't have any strong opinions regarding the Astral Express and its passengers, but the stories that you told brought a smile to his face each time he reads it.

So when he heard about the Express' sudden visit to Xianzhou Luofu, the smile he usually has increased tenfold. The face he saw you had when his hologram appeared was absolutely priceless!

He sees you trying to balance professionalism in front of Yukong whilst clearly wanting to speak freely to him. Your face clearly holding yourself from being angry at the general but still wanting to be polite in front of Yukong.

"General?"

You crossed your arm followed by an exasperated sigh. "I should've guessed it... your outfit screams 'i am a military person'..." Jing Yuan laughed at your reaction.

"You never asked if I'm a general or not," he retorted, causing you to swing your hand through his hologram.

"How was i supposed to know?!"

Your reaction brought a smile to his face, an expression that your companions at the Express (and Yukong) noted. Welt watched as his fellow passenger of the Astral Express talked with the highly esteemed general like an old friend. He glanced to the person beside him before sighing;

"March, put your camera down."

The starskiff haven stopped at the dock as Jing Yuan emerged from the transportation. The crisis that the Xianzhou Luofu experienced is finally over as life continued on as usual. For Jing Yuan, he's forced to go through much more paperwork than before, but as long as the Xianzhou Luofu is safe, he can make a few sacrifices.

As walked to the central area, he spots a familiar figure looking over to the clouds. The laziness tiredness that's caused by his recent workload seems to dissappear as he approached the person.

"A spectacular view, isn't it?" Jing Yuan chuckled, talking loud enough for you to hear. Your gaze didn't move from the clouds, as his voice is far too recognizable.

"It is... I might come here again if I can get a vacation day from Trailblazing," you could feel Jing Yuan walking closer to you. Your eyes finally moved to him, "let me guess, your 'secret' job gave you mountains of work to do."

Jing Yuan lets out a few light laughs, leaning against the railing as well. "If you know about it, then it's not a secret anymore," he answered. "But yes, they did."

You sighed, stretching your back before leaning forward to view the majestic view once more. "Too bad~ I guess we can't talk to eachother as often anymore, then."

The white haired general took it as a challenge, raising his eyebrow with a smirk. "How are you so confident? I may end up disturbing you at every hour of the day to prove it wrong."

You faked yourself shuddering at the thought, "no thanks... I'd rather join the anti-matter legion if that's the case."

A curiosity then begin to pollute your mind, begging for an answer. "Why did you hide it from me, the general thing?"

Jing Yuan had to thought of an answer before properly saying it. He didn't want misunderstandings after all. "The people I meet will always be unique and different due to this job, and yet their attitude towards me would be similair; with the exception of a few."

"...you were simply different, a breath of fresh air." He chuckled, "My name is well-known around the Xianzhou Luofu and even beyond; to meet and be close with someone who would strive away from the formalities that I've grown accustomed to, I didn't want it to change."

"All living beings with basic thoughts would change their behavior after knowing something new about someone, if you knew about my occupation and title; I feared there might be a change in behavior," he confessed, knowing you won't react negatively. Jing Yuan felt safe enough to confide in you with his occasional day-to-day life frustrations; this seems like the same to him.

You listened closely to his words, feeling your heart ache in glee. Even if he weren't a general, you would feel the same appreciation for him for opening up to you.

"And do I have any changed behaviors now?" you asked, raising an eyebrow wanting to tease him.

Jing Yuan chuckled, "perhaps... you've became slightly more bold," he teased, receiving a smack to his back from you for payback.

The reaction caused you two to laugh. A comforting silence overcame the general and the Nameless. Quietness began to fill your ears.

Your hand slowly went to Jing Yuan's, trailing until your hand is on top of his. Despite you taking the first initiatives, he was the one who interlocked your fingers first; you following not long after.

Words doesn't need to be spoken, as silence seems so be stronger than any words could've been.

"I meant it! Dan Heng, you've lived here before right. It's clear there's some kind of spark in the general's expression!"

"And I've never seen them interact before, I don't have any references to make an assumption."

As the two bickered, the grey haired trailblazer held up the foto Tingyun gave them. "It's on a discount~ since you're a friend of the two," she winked, giving them a QR code for the payment.

The picture is of Jing Yuan holding hands with a fellow Nameless and Astral Express crew. Both of them looking at the clouds of the Xianzhou Luofu. It didn't show their faces, only their backs; and yet from where the photo was taken; it's clear as day that they're holding hands.

Tha Trailblazer sighed, "...this feels exploitative," they sighed but still scanning the QR code, paying for the single picture.

"It's fine, since you're a friend it wouldn't be a problem" Tingyun reassured the trailblazer, seeing the payment confirmation on her device. "Thank you for purchasing, loyal customer!"

March 7th heard Tingyun talking to the Trailblazer, her focus drifted towards them. She gave a hand gesture beckoning them to come closer to her, "did you buy Jing Yuan photos? He would probably be fine if you started taking pictures for free after we saved the Luofu!"

"Techniqally...yes?" The Trailblazer answered, showing their two friends the picture. Dan Heng raised his eyebrow, rarely being physically surprised, whilst March 7th excitedly took a picture of the picture.

"No way?! Is this real?" March 7th exclaimed, tapping on the Trailblazer's shoulder excitedly, "quick quick, text (y/n) about it."

Hearing that, the Trailblazer opened up their chat with the person in question. They sent the picture with the question; "whats this??"

You seemed to reply in an instant, ":)"

March 7th looked over to the Trailblazer's shoulder, "let me see..." she's caught dumbfounded at the weird and cryptic answer. "Hey, what's this kind of answer?! Send another one."

The Trailblazer nodded at her request, sending the most clear cut, gramatically correct, tear-bringing sentence;

"Answer plz."

They got left on read.