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gogobootz1 · 2 years ago

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Act II: No. 14a, Pas de deux

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Since you're generally unlucky in love, it hardly comes as a surprise that your boyfriend cheats on you before Christmas. But if there's one thing Hangman loves, it's saving the day.

8k words

Christmas had rolled around once again. Every year you looked forward to it, and this year was no exception. Your expectations had been higher than ever before, considering this year had been one of your best.

As the lead engineer on the Darkstar project, you had been overjoyed to see your work come to fruition. When Maverick crashed your prototype a little over two years ago, you thought the project was done for. That all the time you spent on it had been flushed down the drain. Only you were proved wrong when the old bastard had somehow proved to the Navy higher-ups that piloted jets were still a necessity. The details of the mission he'd been pulled away on were never made clear to you, but you were happy to see the pilot make a safe return. You were even happier to see that he was returning to his position as your test pilot.

So over the past two years, the two of you had worked closely to rebuild. Every so often he would be called away again to offer expert advice on new missions, but he always found someone to take his place. Maverick was a good friend to you, and you became well acquainted with the younger pilots he mentored. The ones you didn't already know, at least.

In November you finished the project, with the help of Maverick and a considerable number of incredibly skilled individuals. The Darkstar pushed beyond Mach 10, and the Navy couldn't be prouder. Nor could the President, a former Naval officer, himself. As a celebration of your achievement, you received an invitation to the White House Christmas Party.

You could not wait to finally bask in the glory of all of your hard work. The sleepless nights and endless hours dedicated to the notion of creating the fastest plane in the skies. You'd done it, and now you got to celebrate.

Holding the open card in your hand, you could not wait to tell your boyfriend. You'd met him a few months ago when Admiral Caine came by to assess the progress that had been made on the Darkstar. As the man's personal assistant, he could only tell you how amazed he was by your work in a whisper as he left. But the two of you soon started dating. In the minimal time you chose to spend away from your project, he was a pretty good boyfriend, and you could not wait to reward him for sticking by your side with a ticket to the White House Christmas Party.

You entered his apartment with the spare key he'd given you. Having told him you had paperwork to finish this weekend, you knew this would make for an extra pleasant surprise.

"Artie, guess what?!" You called out, excitedly. You raced to tug your shoes off and find him in his apartment. When he wasn't in your line of sight you headed toward his bedroom, thinking he turned in early. You figured his lovely girlfriend waking him up with a prestigious invitation would make it worth it for him.

"Hey Art," you swung the door open, the letter held up high in your hand, only to be greeted with the sight of your boyfriend in his bed with a naked woman. The two of them scrambled apart when they saw you.

In an instant, you blinked and turned around. It would be a cold day in hell before you dealt with this bullshit. He called out after you.

"It's not what it looks like," he pleaded from behind you. You'd already made it to the doorway and were pulling your shoes back on.

"I'm not blind, nor am I a fool, Arthur. Don't treat me like one." You pulled open the door, but he caught it before you could slip out.

"It didn't mean anything," he assured you, and you glared. "No really! But you're working all the time and I... needed an outlet."

You scoffed at his words, "really, Arthur?"

"Yes! You're always gone and when you're here you're... boring."

Finally, your eyes started to fill with tears. "You're actually blaming your indiscretions on me? On the fact that after I've worked a fourteen-hour day I don't always want to have disappointing sex with you?!" You forced the door open wide enough so you could get yourself out of there.

"Baby," he cried after you.

You whirled around and looked him dead in the eye, "we're done." The words came out with more venom than you'd used your whole life. You'd had lackluster boyfriends, granted they were few and far between, but none of them had been so pompous as to think they could do better than you.

You should've known better than to set your expectations so high. Every year Christmas disappointed you. It could never live up to the Hallmark holiday fantasy you created in your head, no matter what you did. This one was no exception.

Three glasses of wine later, you were sitting on your couch. You stared at the invitation in your hand. It was on thick paper. It even had a wax seal. It made you sad. You weren't sure if you could accept it. Four hours ago you'd had a boyfriend as a plus one. Two hours ago you called Maverick to see if he would come with you, only for your hopes to be dashed. Penny's mother would be hosting a Christmas party the same evening. You couldn't blame him for prioritizing his fiancee over you.

But now you were alone. You were practically a fucking Wright brother, and you were alone.

After your third Christmas cookie (you started holiday baking the day after Halloween), your sadness started morphing into anger. Why the hell should you be moping? You were a bonafide genius- Arthur was the one who should be wallowing in his own misery.

And why were you considering rejecting your invitation? You didn't have to have a plus one to have fun. What was so wrong with being alone anyways? It's not like having Arthur around would've been better than being by yourself. If he thought you were boring, he really needed to stop and listen to himself.

So in your mildly tipsy state, you went online and booked a first-class seat on a flight to Washington D.C. You'd be damned if you let someone else ruin your experience. You earned this- and you were going to act like it.

To your luck, the next day was a Saturday, and you were determined to find a dress suitable for the event. But when you got in your car, it wouldn't start. Just your luck. So you called the one person in your contact list who you assumed would have jumper cables, or something to that extent.

Jake didn't look very happy as he pulled up in his pickup truck. The thing was sparkling, of course, a brand-new model he'd rewarded himself with after a particularly grueling mission. He rolled his window down and glared at you.

"Do you not know anyone else?" He asked. The bags below his eyes were heavy- he'd clearly been out the prior night.

"Not well enough to feel comfortable inconveniencing them." You told him innocently.

"Well thank you so much for that high honor." He said, sarcasm dripping off of every word.

You grinned at him, "you're very welcome, Jacob." You hopped up into the passenger seat of his truck.

"I thought you said you needed a jump?" He questioned you.

"We can do that later. First, you should take me dress shopping." You said assuredly. His tired eyes stared at you blankly. "I'll treat you to lunch?" You offered, hoping to sweeten the deal.

He rolled his eyes at you and started to pull away, too tired to argue. "To the mall?"

"Are you kidding?!"

He hesitated, "no?"

"Jacob I cannot find a black tie dress at JC Penny, we're going to a boutique."

"Jesus, fine. What do you need a black tie dress for, anyways? You hardly leave the house."

"Okay first of all, rude,"

"True," he interrupted.

"Second of all," you barreled on, "I was invited to the very prestigious White House Christmas Party," you flaunted.

"Oh, no way me too." He nodded casually.

"What?!" You turned completely in your seat to face him.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"For what?" You asked.

"You do recall I'm a highly skilled fighter pilot, yes?"

"Shut up, Jake," you snap at him.

"I've got a flight out on the 15th," he said, ignoring your attitude.

"So do I," you say suspiciously.

He let out a chuckle, "Wouldn't it be funny if we were on the same plane?"

"Oh, I'm sure we are." You rolled your eyes. Ever since the Academy the two of you had been constantly bumping into each other. From group projects to stopping in the same coffee shops on weekends, the universe threw you together so many times you gave up and became friends. It was easier that way.

"That is just our luck, huh?"

"Oh! Turn here," you told him, pointing to your right.

"Where?" He asked.

"Here! Turn!!" You shout, and he suddenly swerves down the correct street.

"You couldn't have warned me?!?! Christ!" He panted.

You let out a guilty sort of chuckle, "the dress shop is on the right."

He rolled his eyes as he pulled into the parking lot, "the things I do for you, Einstein."

"I appreciate them all, Seresin," you assured him as he pulled into a space. You hopped out and quickly made your way into the shop. Jake trailed behind you reluctantly.

"Welcome to Magnolia Dress Shop!" A woman greeted you both cheerfully from behind the counter, "how can we help you blossom?"

You could feel disdain radiate off of the man next to you. "I can't do this." He said under his breath. You gave him credit for the five seconds he tried.

"Why don't you sit at the Starbucks across the street? I'll text you when I'm done and then we can go to lunch."

He sighed in relief, "I'll get you a croissant." He told you, and you recognized it as a thank you. You gave him a fond smile and nodded him off.

The woman behind the counter let out a light chuckle as the bell jingled behind him. "Don't worry, I've seen some boyfriends never even make it in."

"Oh, he's... not my boyfriend," you corrected her.

Her eyebrows shot up, "have you looked at him lately? Maybe you should reconsider."

You let out a chuckle. You couldn't blame her, after years of knowing him sometimes you were still struck by Jake's Hollywood good looks. "Believe me, if that man wants something he gets it. If he was interested there'd already be a ring on my finger- that's how long I've known him."

She sighed, "if you say so." Suddenly she remembered her job, "Anyways, what are we shopping for today?" She asked you excitedly.

"Something to wear to the White House," you replied confidently.

Her eyes widened, "then let's get started."

Two hours later, you and Natalie, who gave you her name soon after you started shopping, were at a standstill. Nothing had stood out, at least not enough to make it "White House worthy" as she put it.

"Wait!" She shouted, startling you. "We just got a shipment in. I almost forgot."

You perk up at this. Natalie rushes through a door a few feet away to the shop's storage room. "You're gonna love it! I'm pretty sure it's Givenchy." You heard her call from a few feet away. Whatever she was grabbing was sure to be expensive, but you hardly ever splurged. Just once it would be worth it.

Natalie came back holding one of the most exquisite things you'd ever seen. The dress was a gorgeous champagne shade due to the extensive embroidery that covered nearly the entire thing.

"It's beautiful," you told her.

"It's going on you right this instant," she insisted. You weren't one to argue, and when she zipped you in you knew. You turned and looked in the mirror, awestruck. You thought the dress looked good by itself, but it positively sparkled when it was on. You looked radiant.

'Wow." Natalie breathed.

"I'll take it." You practically whispered. She simply nodded.

After you paid enough money to make a pit settle in your stomach, you sent Jake a text.

all done :)

thank god- it was lunchtime an hour ago

don't get your panties in a twist, I'm on my way

I hope this was worth my gas money

you'll see

You thanked Natalie and met Jake outside with your giant garment bag. He exchanged the dress for your croissant and hung it up in the backseat and you enjoyed your snack.

"As an added bonus I will let you choose where we eat."

"How very generous," Jake mocked you.

"Aren't I just?" You joked.

Ten minutes later he pulled into the parking lot of a Texas Roadhouse.

"Are you that homesick?" You asked, a teasing smile gracing your face.

"I like their bread," he said defensively.

"I thought you subsisted on raw eggs and protein shakes nowadays."

"What can I say? I'm generous around the holidays." His words made you chuckle, and you followed him into the restaurant.

The two of you had made it halfway through the bread basket when he asked what you had hoped he wouldn't, "are you okay?"

Your mouthful of bread gave you a moment to consider your reply, "as a matter of fact, I think we could use more cinnamon butter."

"That's not what I mean." He insisted.

"Well, staring at the garland against the wooden walls might give me a headache." You started, but he cut you off with a serious call of your name.

"What's wrong?" Jake asked, gentler this time. You cursed him for his keen observational sense. Then again, you had a similar radar for when something was bothering him. You just knew each other too well.

You sighed, "he cheated on me."

He grew tense, staring at you in disbelief, "you're joking."

"No joke," you confirmed, "apparently, I just wasn't entertaining enough for him."

"What are you, a circus animal? It's not your fucking job to entertain him." Jake said, anger painting his face. "I never liked him anyways."

"You always made that clear." You said, mildly annoyed at his comment. The last thing you needed was an I told you so.

"And you never listened," he pressed.

You let out a huff, "look, Seresin, when I settle it bites me in the ass, and when I don't I get no ass." He tried not to chuckle at your comment. "I. Can't. Win. But excuse me for trying." You leaned back against the seat of the booth and crossed your arms.

"...Is this a bad time?" Your waitress asked, holding two plates in her hands. And just like that, Hangman was back.

"Not at all," he reassured her with a winning smile. "If there's one thing that'll cheer my friend here up, it's her lunch." Just when you thought that Jake was yours, he reminded you all over again he wasn't. It happened every time, and each time it was painful. But each time it was necessary. Although, you weren't sure just how necessary it was to invite the waitress to sit down with you both. And to get her number right in front of you. At that point, you threw a fifty down on the table and told him to take you home because you weren't feeling well.

You didn't see him again until three weeks later. For someone who literally built planes, you didn't get to the airport much. But when you did, you actually enjoyed it. Except when; you had to wake up at four AM for your flight, you dropped your favorite mug in your rush to get ready, security randomly chose you for a pat down, and you ran into old friends who had newly pissed you off.

As you boarded your flight to Washington D.C., you caught a glimpse of golden hair. In an instant, you knew who it was. Of course, the gods had once again thrown your hand in with Jacob Seresin's. When did they not? It was, after all, this sort of luck that had led to your friendship in the first place.

Already settled into first class, naturally, Jake only pulled the sleeping mask from his eyes when he heard your voice. He didn't seem all that surprised.

"What can I do you for, Einstein?" He asked jauntily.

"You can fix your unseemly posture so that I can get to my seat." You snapped quietly at him.

"You? First class? Huh, I never thought I'd see the day," he said, pulling his feet in so you could get to your window seat.

"I figured I'd treat myself," you spoke, sourly.

"And a treat it will be," Jake smirked.

You hummed and nodded sarcastically. It took him a second to figure it out.

His face fell a bit, "what are you pissed at me for?"

"I don't know, Jake, perhaps some might consider it rude to blatantly flirt with a stranger in front of your friend who had just been cheated on." You spat.

His shoulders sagged, "okay-"

"You know what?" You asked, plucking the sleeping mask out of his hand, "save it."

"What are you-"

"Save it," you reiterated, slipping it over your eyes, "I don't want to hear another peep from you until we land." You leaned back in your seat and determined yourself to ignore him for the next five or so hours.

You heard him sigh, "whatever you want, darling." He said, quietly resigned. He made it extremely hard to be angry with him.

After takeoff, you actually did fall asleep. You weren't sure how long you'd been out when you heard voices.

"Is that the Mrs.?" A flight attendant asked Jake. You decided it would be less awkward to simply feign sleep.

You heard him take in a sharp breath, "we're in a bit of a tiff." He told the older woman instead of correcting her. Your chest tightened at his words.

"Well, I'm sure it's nothing a handsome couple like you can't resolve," you heard the woman say. A warm smile accompanied it, you were sure. The kind people always gave Jake, it was almost hard not to.

"Thank you," he said, keeping quiet. Clearly, he thought you were still asleep. "Can I get a pack of cookies and a bottle of water? She's bound to be hungry later." Internally you groaned, Jake knew exactly how to earn your forgiveness- always had.

You went back to sleep soon after that. True to his word, Jake didn't disturb you until the plane was safely on the ground.

"Hey, we're here," he gently shook your shoulder. You pulled the sleeping mask off your face and saw him try to hide an amused grin.

"What is it now?" You asked, annoyed.

"You've got..." he trailed off, but drew a line around his eyes, indicating the mask had left an impression on your face. You practically glowered at him.

"Thank you so very much, Seresin," your words dripped with sarcasm.

"Eh, don't worry about it," he said, "you can thank me after I grab your bag." The chivalry absolutely killed you. How were you supposed to stay mad at him?

"Okay I can take it now," you made to grab your duffel. The two of you had stopped after you got off the plain. He pulled back the shoulder that your bag rested on.

"No can do," he shook his head, "I won't have the guest of honor damage her beautiful shoulder before the party."

"I'm hardly the guest of honor," you insisted, still reaching for it, "besides, I have to go get my checked bag."

"How much luggage did you bring?" He asked, judgement clear on his face.

"You think I shoved a designer gown inside of a duffel?" You asked with disdain.

He put his hands up in surrender, "fine, luggage claim it is." He said, starting to walk in the direction the sign pointed. You huffed but ultimately gave up on trying to get your bag away from him.

"Which one is it?" He asked when you finally got to the luggage carousel.

"It's navy blue with a silver luggage tag," you told him, not expecting him to push throw the crowd and retrieve your bag for you once he spotted it. You shouldn't have been surprised, though, Jake hardly shied away from making a scene or performing a grand gesture.

"Your bag, M'lady," he offered it to you, dramatically, and you snatched it from his grasp. You moved to take the duffel back from him, but he still managed to keep it away. "How are you getting to the hotel?"

You rolled your eyes at him, "you've heard of Uber?"

"Nope, I rented a car," he shook his head and started walking off in the other direction with your bag. You stood there, momentarily stunned, then jogged to catch up with him.

"And how do you know it won't be out of your way?" You asked, suspiciously.

"Where are you staying?" He asked.

"The Jefferson," you said its name just as he did. You threw your head back and groaned, "how do we keep doing this?" You asked.

"It is genuinely beyond me," he supplied, walking you towards the Herz. When you arrive he insisted on grabbing the door for you. You rolled your eyes at him before walking in.

As Jake approached the man at the counter, you looked around. You were happy to see the small Christmas tree on the corner of the desk. A bulb was out, though, and soon you were fixated on it. You walked over and examined the thing. It was an easy fix, as all you had to do was screw the bulb back in.

"Come on, MacGyver," Jake said teasingly, jingling the car keys he'd just gotten. You released your grip on the tree and followed him to the sports car he rented.

"Really?" You asked after taking one look at the thing.

"Did you expect anything less?" He questioned you. You shook your head, choosing to just get into the car.

Jake was more than happy to throw the keys to the valet as he rounded the car to pop the trunk. In a flash, he'd gotten both yours and his luggage out of the car.

"See you soon, darling," he called over his shoulder as he wheeled his bag in towards the front desk. You rolled your eyes at him and heaved your duffel bag onto your shoulder as you followed him inside.

You made your way to one of the check-in counters, steering clear of Jake and his attempts at charming the desk attendant. Getting your room key proved to be quick and painless, and soon enough you were on your way to your suite on one of the top floors. Did you need to splurge on a suite? Probably not. But when you're too busy building a military-grade jet to go spend money and you find out your boyfriend's been cheating on you, fiscal responsibility isn't at the top of your list.

Scanning your room key, you push open the heavy door to be greeted by a luxurious room and a gorgeous view. The Washington Monument peaked through your window and looked striking against the clear blue sky.

"Damn! I guess you always did have expensive taste, even back at the academy." You jumped about four feet in the air at the voice over your shoulder. Turning around, you weren't surprised to look up into the smarmy face of your accidental travel companion. Of course, the two of you had ended up on the same floor.

"Oh don't pretend like you don't Mr. "my family isn't wealthy- we're comfortable"." You snapped once you recovered from your momentary fright.

"We are!" He defended.

"Yeah anyone with a backyard the size of Vermont would be." You sassed back, walking into your room and putting your bags down by the luxe-looking sofa in the middle of your suite.

"It's really closer to Rhode Island," Jake called from the doorway.

"Shut up, and besides, anyone who uses the word wealthy is wealthy." You asserted, flopping back over the arm of the couch onto the cushions below.

"Really?" He asked, skeptically.

"Yeah," you sass him, "the rest of us just say rich."

"Okay, I'm not Jeff Bezos. You don't have to group me in with the one percent."

You sat up, "what are you doing in my doorway again?"

"I'm on my way to the gym," he started, "but I saw you admiring the view and I figured I'd say hi."

"Well that's very kind of you," you told him, getting up so you could push him out of your doorway, "enjoy your workout!" You waved as you closed the door on him.

"See you later," came his muffled voice through the door.

A few hours later, you heard the knock on your door you'd been expecting. Thank God your dinner had finally come. After a long flight and the long day you were bound to have tomorrow, you didn't really feel like putting something nice on to go to dinner. So after having a nice long shower, you settled into your pajamas to eat a (hopefully delicious) hotel meal.

You swung the door open and an older hotel employee rolled a cart with your meal in. He placed your tray on the table and thanked him.

"A lot of orders, tonight?" You asked, trying to make conversation with the nice man.

"Actually no," he told you, "just you and another gentleman on this floor."

You sighed at that, "let me guess, Mr. Seresin?"

He looked shocked you got it right, "yes, room 717." You nodded fondly.

"Well, thanks again, Ralph. Have a nice night," you told him as he wheeled the cart out. You sat down on the couch to start eating your meal but stared at it for a minute before coming to a decision you might regret.

You let out a huff and grabbed your room key, walking down the hall to where the hotel employee told you Jake was staying. Knocking on the door, you waited impatiently for him to open it.

He had clearly already dug into his burger as he opened the door. "What's up?" Jake asked, mouth full. Judging by the sweatpants, he'd had the same feeling about staying in that you did.

"Want to eat in my room?" You asked as he swallowed his bite.

"Sure," he shrugged, "hold on a minute." The door closed in your face as he went to grab his tray.

"How'd you even know I was getting room service?" Jake asked as you led him down the hallway toward your room.

"Ralph told me," you replied, unlocking the door and holding it open for him.

He turned and looked at you like you were crazy, "Ralph?"

"Yeah! The room service guy," you defended.

Jake made a face as he set his tray down across from yours on the coffee table. He settled on the floor right in front of it and you did the same in front of your food.

"What'd you get?" He asked, picking up his burger again.

"The salmon," you said, cutting into your dinner. He nodded in acknowledgment. "You excited for tomorrow?" You asked, taking a bite of asparagus.

He hummed a yes, swallowing his bite of hamburger, "if there's one thing they know how to do at the White House- it's make eggnog."

"Wait- you've been to this before?" You asked, brows furrowed.

"Yeah, they love me there," Jake said, shrugging like it should be common knowledge. You supposed it probably was, there weren't many places where he didn't make friends.

"Of course they do." You shook your head.

"Oh, hey, you know what we should do?" He asked.

"What?" You replied, taking a sip of water.

"Put on a Christmas movie- I bet they have all the streaming services here," he waggled his eyebrows.

"You say that like you don't." You told him, raising a brow.

"Oh come on," he whined, "don't be a grinch."

"I'm not," you said defensively, "I'm just afraid of your poor taste."

"I have great taste in everything, and that's a fact," Jake said.

You rolled your eyes, "fine then, what would you have us watch?"

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." He said, proudly. You cursed, internally, that was one of your favorites.

"You just like that scene where that hot girl takes off her bathing suit."

"You don't?!" He asked.

"I never said that," you shrugged.

"That settles it, then. I'm putting it on." He said, swiping the remote and sitting down on the couch.

You rolled your eyes but got up anyways, grabbing your dessert off of the table. After grabbing a fork, you settled in next to him.

Jake side-eyed your dish. "What is that?"

"Fancy chocolate cake," you told him, offering your fork for him try it.

He took a bite, and his eyes widened, grabbing himself some more.

"Jesus! Save some for me," you snapped, snatching your fork back. He gave you an innocent-looking smile as he pressed play on the movie.

Somewhere over the course of high-speed sledding, non-functioning Christmas lights, and difficult Griswold family relatives, you must have fallen asleep. You awoke to the phone on your nightstand ringing. Thanking your lucky stars that you scheduled a wake-up call earlier in the evening, you answered the phone. As you did, you noticed a note left on the fancy hotel stationery.

You fell asleep, loser. I moved you so you wouldn't complain about your back hurting. Also, I ate the rest of your chocolate cake- it was delicious.

You rolled your eyes at the lovely message Jake had written you. However, you were thankful he hadn't let you just sleep on the couch, even if it came at the cost of the rest of your slice of cake.

You rolled out of bed and quickly got dressed. You had a hair appointment at noon followed by makeup at three. Being back at the hotel by 4:30 would give you enough time to grab a little something to eat and put on your gown.

After eating in the hotel lobby, you grabbed the elevator back up to the seventh floor to get your coat and your purse before leaving. The doors opened up only to reveal the man you couldn't seem to avoid.

"Are you really going to the gym again?" You asked after looking at what he was wearing.

"Hey, these abs don't build themselves, Einstein," he said. As you stepped out of the elevator he traded places with you, "what are you up to this morning?"

"Just about to head to my hair appointment," you told him. "See you tonight!" You said as the doors shut.

After a long day of beauty prep, you were finally ready to put on the dress. You had a surprisingly delicious salad from the restaurant in the lobby and were ready to finish the look for the evening.

Both you and Nicole had agreed a few weeks earlier that you should wear matching gloves with the dress. She'd ordered a pair for you from a shop in DC and had them delivered to your hotel this morning.

After donning the gown, you pulled on the black opera gloves to accompany it. You sat down at the vanity in your room to put in your pearl earrings, and just like that, you were done. You weren't sure you'd ever felt more beautiful.

"Hey, I don't know if you're still getting ready, but I'm leaving for the party soon, and I'm happy to drive you." Came Jake's voice through the door. Originally you were planning on hiring a car to take you, but you'd sort of forgotten about that. "I know we didn't talk about-"

You cut him off by swinging the door open. The words died in his mouth as soon as he saw you. After a moment he regained control of his smart mouth.

"I've never been so glad to have spent gas money," Jake murmured softly.

You shook your head, goodnaturedly, "I just have to grab my purse." You told him. He only nodded, still admiring the view.

As you walked back toward him you couldn't help but admire how he looked in his naval formal dress. "You clean up nice," you told him, adjusting his bow tie.

"So do you," he complimented, smiling.

You couldn't help but give him one back, "then let's go be the two hottest people at the White House."

"I thought you'd never ask," he teased, offering you his arm.

No one could say that Jake Seresin wasn't a gentleman. He could be an insufferable flirt, yes, but his Southern upbringing shined through when it counted. He opened the car door for you twice, both when entering and exiting, and insisted on offering you his arm. That- you weren't complaining about. Designing high-speed jets didn't give you that much practice walking in heels. You knew Jake wouldn't let you fall. On a normal day he probably actually would, but he knew how much this Christmas party meant to you. He would be damned if it wasn't the best night of your whole fucking life.

You couldn't say he was bad company, either. After knowing each other for so long, you were more than comfortable in his presence. In fact, there were times he made you laugh like no other. You were sure tonight would be one of those occasions. With all the politicians and stuffy old people you already saw milling around, Jake would definitely start making cracks at the expense of his fellow party-goers.

The two of you had barely stepped through the door when you heard someone calling your name. You turned to see a young man.

"Hi, the President asked me to come grab you," he told you kindly- like he'd said something casual. Your eyes widened and you didn't move for a minute until Jake nudged you.

"Right!" You said, finally, "yes of course." You looked to Jake for support and found him giving you an encouraging nod.

"I'll find you later," he promised, as the young man started leading you toward where you assumed the President was. You still couldn't believe this was happening.

Finally, you came to where the man was standing with the First Lady. In an instant, the man excused himself from his conversation and walked right up to you. He greeted you by your first name, immediately shaking your hand. He acted as if he'd known you for years.

"I've been told you've done amazing work for the Navy. It sounds to me like you've brought us into the 21st century. I can't thank you enough." He gave you a show-stopping smile. Meeting him in person, it was even clearer why more than half the country had voted for him.

"Thank you so much, sir. It's an honor to meet you." You replied, a little starstruck.

"Believe me," he said, "the honor's all mine. Let me introduce you to some people." He guided you toward the conversation his wife was still taking part in.

Your conversation with the President had left you decidedly starstruck. You'd had no idea just how charming the man was in person. Frankly, it made you think Jake could run for office. With all his charm and godly good looks, he could probably make it pretty far.

Unfortunately, the President had to cut the brief tour he decided to take you on short- apparently, he'd received an important phone call. You were sure whatever it definitely took priority over your walkabout. He wished you a lovely evening and assured you you'd be on the guest list for all of his White House Christmas parties to come. And now you were trying to find Jake. Only you couldn't seem to track him down.

Walking into the main room of the party, you did a scan around. Peering over the couples dancing to the live band, you couldn't seem to spot him. However, you spotted someone you had hoped not to see for a long time. Your ex.

How on Earth did that lying, cheating, son of a bitch get an invite to this? He was a glorified secretary. And you were practically a fucking genius. Despite how much Jake teased you for it, your brilliance was indisputable. Not only that, but you'd spent the last few years busting your balls on the Darkstar project. This was your victory celebration, and now he was taking this from you too.

Tears swelled in your eyes, not because you were sad, but because you were furious. You hated when that happened, and you hated it even more when you had your eye makeup done. Before your ex-boyfriend could see you, you turned away to grab a drink. Almost instantly, you bumped into the man you had been looking for. Two strong hands steadied you from your elbows.

"Hey," Jake started with a smile that soon disappeared, "what's wrong?" His brow furrowed with concern.

"He's here," you said simply. Your shoulders were tense, and you were still trying to keep tears from spilling.

Jake's head whipped around the room. Instantly he spotted the person who'd made you so upset. His jaw clenched in anger, but he dismissed it to ensure you were alright.

"Come on," he guided you away. As a waiter passed he grabbed a glass of champagne off the tray. "Drink this," he said once you were in relative private.

You started shaking your head. You'd been having such a good night, but one glimpse at the man who'd cheated on you and your self esteem practically washed down the drain.

"Jake, what am I even doing here?" You said, face hot with embarrassment. "I really don't know why I thought this was a good idea- I'm just gonna call a cab and go back to the hotel." Your words came out in a rush.

"Woah, Woah, Woah," he said, "slow down, okay?" You shook your head again, but he grabbed your face in his hands and gently forced you to look at him.

He said your name softly, "you deserve to be here." He assured you.

You lightly grabbed his wrists, "Jake."

"No," he said firmly, "you have been looking forward to this for weeks. You work harder than anyone I know. You have more than earned a beautiful fucking evening at a fancy-ass Christmas party." You let out a halfhearted chuckle at that. "You look beautiful, you deserve to be here, and you don't have to worry about him. Trust me." You closed your eyes, relaxing into his hands.

"Hell, the President himself spent half an hour talking to you." You giggled at that. "Speaking of which, what'd you think of Jed?"

That gave you pause, "you and the President are on a first-name basis?"

He smirked, and all of a sudden you felt normal again. You let out a loud laugh.

"You just can't help but show me up, huh, hot shot?" You asked him, grinning impossibly wide.

"It's how I roll, darlin'."

"Well, you can dance with me to make up for it," you said, grabbing his hand and leading him back to where the band was playing.

Jake stopped in his tracks, "you sure?" You heard his underlying question of will you be ok if your ex is watching?

"Positive," you assured him, "Why? Are you not a Tchaikovsky fan?"

"I never said that," he said, "who wouldn't want to waltz to Waltz of the Flowers?" You smiled at his small joke as he led you onto the floor.

"How'd you know I could dance?" He asked you after a few turns around the floor.

"Did you not parade some lucky southern belle around her cotillion?" You asked innocently.

He snorted, "you caught me." To your surprise, Jake was an even better dancer than you thought. Although you shouldn't have been shocked, you doubted there was anything he couldn't do if he really wanted to.

"Do you remember that other time we danced?" He asked softly in your ear.

You wracked your brain for a moment before it came to you, "do you mean when we were drunk and did the Dirty Dancing lift?"

"Yeah," he grinned, "you think that would impress these folks who were around to see the White House built in the 1700s?"

"Actually Jake, the White House was rebuilt after it was burned down during the War of 1812. The President just told me so."

He gave you an unamused look, "fine, then I'll just dip you when you least expect it."

True to his word, just as the song came to an end he enacted his plan. He extended his arm out, then pulled you back in by the hand, instantly dropping you into a low dip. He kept you there for a moment, before slowly pulling you back up by the waist. The band had moved on to the next song, but you didn't know if anyone was dancing to it. You couldn't tear your gaze from his eyes.

A throat cleared from behind him, "may I cut in?" Of course, Artie thought you owed him a dance. Why wouldn't he- the pompous ass? Even after cheating on you he felt entitled to your time.

The look on Jake's face told you he was about to cause a problem, and the last thing you needed was to cause a scene at a respectable event. Letting out a huff, you took yourself as physically far from your ex as you could go.

Despite being able to see the snow from inside, you underestimated just how cold it would be out on the terrace. The breath that escaped you was visible in the brisk night air.

"You'll freeze to death you know," came a familiar voice from behind you. You turned just as Jake shut the glass door behind him, muffling the sounds of the party. The music carried, though, and made the cold a bit more bearable.

"I'd take that over dancing with Arthur," you scoffed. He made his way to where you looked out over the frosty railing.

"You didn't have to rush off. I would've taken care of him." His words made you sigh.

"You can't always take care of everything for me, Jake." Your chest ached. Every time you spent a few days with him, you somehow re-convinced yourself that he'd always be around for you. That, eventually, his role in your life would be more permanent and more than that of a friend. This time had been no different.

"What are you talking about?" He asked, eyebrows furrowed. His expression changed when he saw how cold you were. "Come here, you're shivering," he said, shrugging his jacket off and draping it over your shoulders.

"This is what I'm talking about." You shook your head, backing away a little.

"Really, Einstein, what-?"

You cut him off, "I can't keep letting you take care of me like this."

"Why not?"

You screwed your eyes shut, "because I'm fooling myself into thinking it's not temporary."

He blinked a few times, "it's not-"

"No, Jake, it really is," you said, tears welling in your eyes for the second time that evening. "Because you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing this. You don't want to spend a thousand more nights eating on the floor with me and watching movies and taking me out."

"And what if I do? What if I want to spend the whole rest of my life taking care of you. God knows you don't take good enough care of yourself." Jake said firmly, looking at you in disbelief. Your fists curled in frustration at his words.

"How can you say things like that when you don't really mean them?"

"I do!" He practically shouted.

"You can't say things like that," you begged. "You can't do things like this," your voice grew louder, gesturing to the jacket he'd given you. "Because I can't help but think that you're in love with me."

"I am." Jake said simply.

"What?" Your face fell in surprise, not quite understanding.

"I'm in love with you," he said so earnestly you thought you'd melt. You blinked and he had bridged the gap between you. Wrapping an arm around your waist, he pulled you into a firm kiss that left no room to deny his feelings for you.

It took you a moment to recover from the shock, but soon enough, your arms snaked up to wrap around Jake's neck. He held you there for a long moment, and you reveled in the feeling. How his strong arms kept you close, and his soft lips met yours. You basked in the warmth that radiated from his chest. In that moment, you were sure there had never been a more perfect kiss.

He pulled away but rested his forehead against yours. "Took you long enough to figure it out. I thought you were supposed to be a genius." His eyes shined with mirth as he spoke softly, smiling down at you teasingly.

"Not when it comes to feelings," you whispered, suddenly bashful.

"I think I made it pretty obvious," he laughed.

"Jake," you groaned, burying your head in his chest.

You felt his body shake as he chuckled, "that's okay, in your defense it took me a while to tell you outright."

"Well then, I'll spare you that trouble," you said, lifting your head confidently. "It's always been you or bust for me, Seresin."

He snorted, "how romantic."

"Wait, wait, let me have a do-over."

Jake rolled his eyes at you, shaking his head amusedly. You grabbed his face between both hands, and practically touched your nose to his.

"I love you," you breathed out, staring deep into his eyes. The words fell out of your lips with ease like none had before. Saying them felt good and right.

"Apparently you loved the gourmet onion rings too," he joked.

You reeled back and smacked him on the arm. "Jacob Seresin," you scoffed.

"Kidding, kidding," he assured you. You rolled your eyes but were unable to keep a grin off of your face. "What do you say we head back to the hotel?"

"Already?"

"You got the tour, met the president, and confessed your undying love- what more were you looking to do?" He asked.

"touché," you nodded, taking his hand and letting him lead you out of the party.

The next morning you awoke a lot warmer than you'd been the night before. You let out a yawn and stretched a little, rolling over only to run into Jake. Oh. Oh. Your eyes widened. And of course, he was still shirtless. You couldn't help but admire how the light that peaked out from behind the curtain graced his features.

"Go back to bed," he grumbled, voice raspy from sleep. And how could you argue with that?

"Room service later?" You asked him in a whisper.

With eyes still closed, he hummed in agreement. He then wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you closer to him. A grin grew on your face- it was going to be a very merry Christmas.

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

here is the link to the dress I'm picturing btw

MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS I have been working on this bitch since literally the middle of October. Christmas is really fucking for me this year (in a great way)- hope you all enjoy. Also, I wrote- like- half of this while listening to a ten-hour loop of that jazz song from the Incredibles.

(and happy Top Gun Maverick rerelease :D)

#jake seresin x reader #hangman x reader #jake seresin x you #top gun maverick #top gun x reader #hangman x you

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pomegranate-pen · 2 years ago

Text

Stranded. Chapter 5. The job of a Vet

Tw: mentions of blood and injury!

Marigold didn't expect the homemade remedies to work so well.

Snickers has been feeling better than ever. The swollen eye has healed completely overnight and for the past few days, she couldn't take the human vet out of her mind.

How could she? The girl was everything her pet shop needed at the moment! She's been trying to hire a vet for months now, asking from the smallest to biggest villages around the Island for vets. A few days ago, she made the Mayor order needed items such as medicines, equipment and etc. but since the payment costs a lot, the Mayor made a deal with her. "I'll buy them, but if you don't have a vet until next year, I'm selling them back to its company."

She found her hands shaking from stress. Sighing, she turns on her TV for a distraction. Only to find the news talking about the restaurant again. "The battle has gotten out of hand! The evil doctor himself, who promised to bring Chez Amy to its fullest potential, has turned against the owner and has started attacking! They're certainly in a pickle now!" the eagle snickers and muttered 'nailed it.'

"Pretty sure he said that joke before, right Snickers?" Marigold looks over to her pet dog, who was sitting comfortably at the chair beside her. He woofed and wagged his tail, in which she took as an agreement. Petting his head, she felt relieved about his healing eye. "That lady was really helpful, wasn't she?" she smiled. Soon, her smile faltered and she found herself troubled. "It's too bad that she already seems to have a job..." she puts a finger under her chin. "But if I offer a higher pay check...she'll certainly accept it...but I didn't see her at all today." She recalled. "Maybe she quit? Ugh, how am I going to find her now?" you didn't give her a location to your home, but told her to just come to the restaurant if the remedies didn't work. 'Was she fired?' she thought. 'No...actually, all the staff seemed to leave on the same day. Maybe she did quit!'

'Well...at least the village's small...I'm sure I'll find her soon.' The TV shows Sonic smashing a robot to smithereens with a power kick, but Marigold was far too in her own thoughts to really notice it. "....I think." She muttered.

----

Job-hunting. Something you were well acquainted with.

It's been merely a few hours since your talk with Amy, and upon Chez Amy closing down, it meant that you could start finding a job now.

Walking down the village on your own, the hand-drawn map in hand, you found it quite easy to learn the dirt roads and shortcuts around the place. Living in a big city has made this a piece of cake.

Amy's drawings on the map were on point, and her hand writing was extremely elegant. It made things a little bit hard to read, but it wasn't that troubling. Once you read it more the easier it gets to identify the letters. You clicked your tongue in concentration, getting a closer look at the map then the area around you.

Yep, this seems to be the place. So if that's the case, where in the world is that pet shop?! Looking around once more, you felt relieved by seeing the familiar sign. It was like the one Amy drew, but more detailed and big of course. Amy drew it in a sort of cute chibi form, and only drew the animals' heads, while the sign had drawn them with full body and all. The sign consisted of five animals. A monkey and grey bunny together, a squirrel alone and two cats beside each other. 'Cute.' You huffed a laugh.

The display outside the shop had all sorts of vegetables, fruits and bird seeds. Walking a bit closer, you noticed the little fence right around the corner, looking in, you see a bunch of rabbits hopping around and eating lettuce calmly. One of them seemed to notice you and hopped to get a closer look, curious to see who you were. You gave a gentle smile and reached your hand down, successfully petting the little cuties head, which they enjoyed immensely.

You took your hand away and cleared your throat. Don't get distracted Y/n, you need to find a job. You'll be able to pet all these adorable little rascals later.

Finally taking a step inside, you didn't see the owner anywhere. The inside was much bigger than it looked. A few dogs were playing around with each other at one area created for them, while the cats were all either napping or playing with their own toys in the other.

Looking right on front, you saw the empty cashier place, behind it was a space filled with both canned foods and dry ones, equipment and things needed for cleaning and grooming a pet, while outside the cashier zone and a bit near to the cats, was a small place for cages and collars, leashes and even a few customs.

You wondered where the owner could be and looked around once more. Your ears heard a voice through the door on your left. They must be there then. With that in mind, you decided to just wait around until they're done with whatever they were doing. Looking back at the cute cats who were staring at you curiously, you smiled. Spending a few minutes playing with the animals wouldn't hurt now, would it?

Before you could initiate your plan, the door opened.

"Well," Marigold hummed in approval and closed the box. "Everything seems to be in order. Just a few more boxes in here and then all we'll need is a vet." She got up from her crouched position and earned a few barks of excitement from Snickers. "You're right Snickers, we should go see that human soon." Being around animals for so long in her life, talking to them has become a habit. She liked ranting to them, talking about her day and her plans for tomorrow or next month. Sure, they probably didn't understand a thing she was saying, but their adorable faces make all her negative thoughts go away. It keeps her distracted from all her stress.

She sighed, feeling all the future exhaustion she'd have searching every nook and cranny for you. Setting the boxes of supplies aside, she remembered the group of heroes who were working with you in the restaurant as well. Surely they'd know where you are now, right?

Next thing she knew, you were right next to the counter starring at her face to face. Unable to speak from the course of shock that went through her and you, silently hoping you haven't freaked her out, has become this amalgamation of awkward silence.

Only a few seconds have passed until the dog behind her barked and ran up to you. Sniffing you and excitedly wagging his tail. You coo at the adorable dog and scratch his head gently and pet it. Now completely ignoring the owner behind you just to give all the pats in the world to the jumble of joy beside you.

"Well I'll be damned." You heard the rabbit beside you mutter. "I was actually going to go look for you." that seemed to be a good reason to stop petting the Chow Chow and finally focus on her again. You tilt your head a bit in curiosity. "You were going to look for me?"

"yeah." She hummed, going behind the cashier section and filling up a bowl with dog food. "I was meaning to offer you a job." Snickers tail wagged again and he ran up to Marigold. Barking going all around the shops for his beloved food. You felt yourself getting thrilled, feeling lucky as ever. You stopped yourself from saying something too quick or out of pocket, took a deep breath and smiled. "And that job is?"

"Working as a vet he-"

"I'll take it!" fuck being patient! You wanted to hear that offer for months. This is pretty much your only shot now. Though, you did feel a part of you die after seeing her surprised reaction. You could've at least made your tone a little lower, you scolded yourself. "s-sorry." you gave an awkward laugh.

Marigold shrugged, giving a relaxed smile. "Alright then! You're hired." You nearly gasped. "You want some tea?" you stood there unmoving. Mind filled up with a pool of questions. She was just going to accept you so quickly? What's even her name? Does she know your name? No interviews? No nothing?

Marigold felt a little creeped out from your frozen figure. Giving an audible fake cough, she snapped you out of your haze and asked the question once more. "Y-yeah tea would be nice."

She hummed, with a flick of its switch, the kettle started heating up and she turned around. "So what's your name?" oh. So...is this the interview? Or was this just getting to know you since you'll be working together? Whatever it was, you decided to just answer casually. No professional tone needed.

"Y/n L/n. you?"

"Marigold." She smiled. "How did you even get here? I mean, this Island had no newcomers for...years." You remember Tails mentioning no one knowing humans existed until Eggman showed up. But you were still curious, were there any anthropomorphic people like them that showed up in this Island too?

"Who were the last newcomers?" Marigold thought for a bit. "It was a few years ago....it was first that team of heroes then Eggman."

You got a bit shocked by that information. You did expect Eggman, but you didn't really expect the gang at all. But...now that you think about it, it makes sense. Tails said they'd seen many more humans other than Eggman. And it explains why they were so kind to you as well. They must've sympathized with you.

Deciding to now just bite the bullet, you asked the main question of the day. "Why did you hire me so quickly?" Marigold heard a small 'click!' from the kettle and turned around to start making the tea. "It's like I said before, the last vet the village had died and so the village has been needing one for a long time now." Ohhhh right. After everything that has happened yesterday, that subject has been thrown away from your mind completely. You felt a little worried, wondering if all the pets are in a healthy condition after all these years.

Glancing around the place once more, you saw something you haven't noticed in your first glances of the place. A picture of an old fox right behind Marigold, next to the electric kettle. A candle right beside it. Noticing your stare, Marigold glanced back and hummed. "That was the old owner of the place." She brought up. "This whole thing was first a family business, but since I was the closest thing she had to a daughter, she just gave it to me in her will."

"For how long exactly was it a family business?" you asked. She gave a laugh. "Really long. Like- centuries long." Seriously? That long? You were quite impressed. "Your tea is getting cold." She pointed out.

Right. The tea. You looked down at your cup, still warm, but at the risk of getting colder by the second. Judging by the color, it seemed to be your normal black tea. Not too light shaded to say it wasn't on the stove enough and not too dark for it to become utterly bitter. Taking a sip, you felt yourself missing the drink. When you were a child, you would have some with your mother at times. It was one of the only moments you'd bond and sit in complete peaceful silence. Both minds occupied with their own thoughts, appreciating the presence of the other. The taste was not bitter, was not sweet and it wasn't water either. It was a taste unique to its own. A taste divine and warm. One that makes you sleepy, but also makes you focused.

Since it wasn't too hot, you finished it up rather quickly. Your mind was wondering on what to do in this comfortable silence, contemplating whether or not you should just leave for the day. A question popped up in your head. "Say, which room will I be working at?" Marigold pointed at the door she came out from before. "That one, but not all the equipment are out yet. I still need to place them." You perked up by that. "Can I help? I don't really have anything to do for today anyway."

Marigold smiled. "Sure."

---

Helping out Marigold definitely took longer than expected.

You first came here in the morning, close to ten a.m. if you remember well, but now, looking at the clock, you found yourself quite shocked to see it's already four p.m. Soon, you felt your stomach grumbling from the lack of food in hours and you found yourself craving your favorite food. Sighing, you took out another box full of medicines and put them on the small shelves now given to them. You were surprised to find out these medicine were up to date. Not old nor from a company you don't know about. It's your good old average medicine...weird. How do they have these if they have no contact at all to the other parts of the world? You could guess that they're food and equipment are all made by themselves...but this? This is exactly the medicines your city's pet shops and veterinary hospitals would have. Just what is going on here?

You shook the thought out of your head. Best to not dwell on it now. For the time being, you pushed yourself to focus on the task at hand. One little thought could lead to a sea of overthinking and phasing out and you'd be nowhere near done if that happened. "Thanks for helping." Marigold huffs a bit and sets another box down. "I'd be done by midnight if I was doing this all solo."

"It's nothing, really." you hummed. Better than doing nothing all day and sitting on the couch or taking a nap in your bedroom. You couldn't even hang out with the gang even if you wanted to. They were all busy doing some training. Although most and you included didn't really think it was needed. Fighting Eggman nearly five times a week was already training of itself. But Amy insisted. Why? You'll never know.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, you hear the bell ringing and loud pants along with it. Marigold rushed out of the door to see what the commotion was about. Only to find a Blue Jay with a cargo in her hand. The cat inside it seemed to be peacefully gazing at its surroundings, but the expression their owner had was the complete opposite. "M-Miss Marigold!"

The rabbit recognized that voice. "Stacy! What's wrong kiddo?" she looked at the state the teen girl was in, taking deep breaths and her clothes all seeming like she just wore whatever was closest within her reach. "Have you been running to get here?"

"You gotta help me!" Stacy ignored her question. "Joji wasn't around the house so I went to look for him at the balcony, but he wasn't there so I looked down and saw him limping and tried his best to open the door and-"

"Calm down Stacy, calm down." Marigold took the cargo from her tight grip and gently put it aside. She offered Stacy to sit and take deep breaths. "Don't worry Stacy, I have a vet working here now." She reassured, making Stacy get a gleam of hope in her eyes. "y-you do?! Oh thank god who is it?-"

"Marigold? Something wrong?" you came out from the door, making Stacy's eyes go wide and connect the dots in her head. for a few seconds, only the sound that was emitting from the animals around you could be heard. The barks, chirps and meows played as a background noise to the long silence. "The human's a vet?" she thought out loud. You gave a nod and a small wave. "Yep. I'm a vet." You pointed at the cargo and walked up to it. "Is your pet in there?" she gave a nod at that.

"What exactly happened?"

"He fell from the balcony and injured is leg."

Looking at the cat, you felt content to know that he was asleep. That means he's taking his time healing. You notice a bit of his leg was swelling. "Marigold, could you turn on the X-ray for me? I need to check for any broken bones." Marigold muttered a 'roger that' and went to the room. "We have to get the cat out gently. Did you bring any treats with you?" she shook her head no. getting a treat from the corner in the cashier section, you took the cargo into the room and started your work. In all honesty, you felt yourself getting a bit excited. After months of torture, you can finally do what you've been studying for years.

----

It was four years ago. Right at Brianna's café. You were sitting in you and Louis' favorite corner in the place. Your favorite breakfast neatly placed on the table and the smell of coffee took over your whole senses. It was a summer day, a month has passed since graduation and you were trying to find the best thing to set your whole life for on that very day.

"So what did your parents say?" Louis looked at the pamphlet before him. A veterinary school you've been meaning to go to. It was close to home, it had good teachers and great reviews, but there was one issue. Money.

Your family was on the wealthy side, but they stayed wealthy for a reason. Your mother never wanted to spend money on things she thought was useless. And now, even if it's not even your main dream, she believes that being a vet was useless, and that you should just be a general practitioner instead. Way cheaper and way safer.

"They're not going to pay for it." You mumbled. Louis' jaw went slack for a moment and a face of sympathy was visible on him. He stayed silent for a moment and looked up at you again."Seriously?! Why not?" you shrugged in response. Louis seemed in deoe thought, tapping his finger to the table. "I don't get it. They were always carefree with you." he mumbled, making you frown and avoid his gaze. Suddenly, he took a deep breath and looked right into your eyes.

"Let me pay for it."

"What?"

"Let me pay for it." He said, with a more serious tone. You immediately disagreed. "Nope, nope. Louis, there's no way I'm letting you pay for this." Louis pouted and rolled his eyes. "You never let me pay for anything!" He huffs.

"That's not true." You comment. "I do let you pay half the food bills." The amused smile he gave didn't go unnoticed. "You know that's now what I meant." he sighed.

"Y/n, let me pay for at least one thing. Let this be the only time I use my money for you." he suddenly took a hold of your hand. Something you took as platonic at the time, but looking back at it now, you couldn't believe how blind you were to not notice his reddened cheeks. You mistook it as a reaction to the blaring heat of summer.

"You never used me. You always stayed my true friend." You gulped. A heavy feeling in your chest. 'I did use you Louis' you wanted to say, but bit your tongue. Your family used him. Your family used your connection to him as a climb to the social status. As a way to get promotions at work. Who could not hire someone who is closely associated to a family like his? A family that saved the people generations ago and continued to have control, money, status, power and everything in between for years? You felt horrible. You felt ashamed. You felt your brain mock you for being so horrible, so fucking toxic. "Let me pay back all those years you helped me. All those years when you listened to me when no one else would." You cared for him. You truly did. Even if your friendship was forced, it was still real. The care you had for him was real. All those times you hung out was real. But, the guilt still remained. He thinks you've never taken advantage of him for anything. Oh Louis, how foolish can you be?

You knew that no matter what you say, he'll still pay. He's a Clement after all. Clement's get whatever they want whenever they want. Whether it's paying for it anonymously or giving enough money to your family so they'd consider paying for it, he'll do it.

"okay." You sigh out. You felt your heart get stabbed, your shoulders tense up and your mind felt foggy. "Okay Louis, but just this once."

---

The cat had a broken leg. Since both the owner, Marigold and you had time, you decided to start the surgery immediately. Your hunger was quickly forgotten and all you were focused about was fixing up this poor cat's broken leg. The surgery took well over two hours, with Marigold giving you assistance during the surgery as well. After it was all done, you sigh and take off your surgical gloves. Giving a small smile to the now healed up kitty, you get out of the room and talk to Stacy about what she needs to do during the cat's healing process.

Stacy seemed relieved. Happy even. She talked about the payment with Marigold and gave a few pats to Joji before setting him in the cargo again. Before leaving, she spoke to you.

"Thanks for everything Miss!" she opens the door, looks back and smiles. "I'll bring you a bunch of clients next time! They could really use your help." The door closed, and you saw a glimpse of the girl walking away.

"Well, mission accomplished! Good work Y/n." Marigold stretched a bit and went to take a seat. Looking back at the clock, you fell silent at the time. Eight p.m.

"Oh! You could go now if you want." Marigold noticed your stare at the clock. "I usually close up the shop this time anyway." With a nod, you asked her your schedule for the working day coming by. With a few more chit chats here and there about what you'll do and how your payment will be, you bid her goodbye.

You made sure to walk a few feet away from the shop before grinning madly and pumping your fist in the air. The cold breeze of the night helping you feel even happier and the darkness hiding you away ffrom any embarrassment. "Holy shit!" you mumbled to yourself. Jumping a bit on your walk and giggling. You did it. It finally happened. You got yourself a place to work as a vet. You didn't realize how much you wanted it until it was at last set and done. This feels great. This feels right. You couldn't wait for the days to come. After all, this was your second dream in life. The first one is probably long impossible at this point.

With a glance at the forest, you felt yourself getting pulled by it. As if you needed to go walk into it. Find its beauties and dangers. Its secrets and stories. But you didn't comply with that urge. You ignored it, you ignored it with all the might you could. You couldn't help but feel silent at that. the darkness no longer felt like a protection, more like a way. The night breeze kept whooshing to it, trying to make you reconsider. You fell silent.

It's...impossible to achieve that dream now....right?

---

After making a meal for yourself and cleaning up all the dishes, you felt an immense amount of exhaustion and went to bed early. Waking up and doing the same routine as always, you walk to the pet shop and nearly gasp at the sight before you.

A long, long line of people with pets beside them waiting to enter the shop. You heard Marigold call out to you from the door, a nervous look latched onto her face and frantically running around everywhere asking the people to make a line. Finally reaching her, you help her out on the line while asking about the whole situation.

"Stacy posted about you in her blog." She urgently spoke. "Everyone's here since you're the only vet in the village." Many question ran through your head, but you decided to keep quiet and nod. Quickly taking off your coat and welcoming the first client in the room.

Today was going to be a long one.

---

"Only her muscles strained, she just need time to heal up." The beaver nodded at that, thanked you and left to speak with Marigold. You turned your back around to put all the supplies back, hearing the door open, you absentmindedly figured it was another client. "I'll be with you in a minute."

"Oh you must help me!" an unfortunately familiar voice hollered out. Feeling your heart sink and turning around, you were met with the infamous villain himself, Eggman.

Noticing your horrified face, he gives an evil grin and continues. "My poor pets are acting so strange!" he cries out. With a move of his hand to the sky, you felt panic overwhelm you. " when I say Hamster-bots... they suddenly.." in a quick blink hamsters who were hiding in each nook and cranny of the shop got out and swarmed around you. "Attack!" he screamed.

Before you knew it, you saw one shoot a light out from its eyes and make a cut on your hand. Wincing in pain, you felt the burning laser get etched on your arm. You needed to get the fuck out of here. Eggman blocked your way to the exit, so with a sudden rush of determination, you grab the nearest metal object to you and throw it at him.

It successfully hits his head, making him scream in pain and move out of the way. "Why do you keep doing that?!" he grumbles, rubbing his head to soothe the ache. You ignored his angered comment and swiftly got out of the room. Marigold had the door open and was making everyone get out as soon as possible. Civilains that were inside the shop listening to Marigold's orders and taking their pets and the ones for adopt with them outside. Some couldn't seem to get a good grip on them, especially the cats, but due to fear they ran away anyway.

"Y/n! Come on we gotta go!" she screamed and you grabbed her hand and ran out. Soon, you realized that you were swarmed by bots outside as well. Although now not hamster-bots, but bots who were shaped like insects and another giant red one with menacing yellow eyes, you felt completely helpless.

The crowd around you running around in blind fear wasn't helping either. You felt yourself get a bit nervous, but you kept your cool. You looked around the area for any sort of weapon you could use against them, since you weren't the most physically fit to try beating them with your bare hands.

It all seemed for nothing though, because as soon as you went to reach for it, another goddamn bot hit you with its burning lasers. Now injuring your other arm as well. You yelp and tried to get away, but another laser was starting to come right at you.

In a millisecond, you saw a flash of blue. The air was pushed out of your lungs and you felt someone hold you. You gasped and looked around the place once more. Realizing that your spot has been changes, you finally looked at your savior, the one who was still holding you tightly and panting, as if he had actually rushed all the way from the other side to get here.

Sonic. Feeling relief from seeing him here, he looked back at you with a slightly concerned expression. "You okay there doc?" he puts you down gently. You silently nod, still processing the danger you were in and feeling your arms bleed from the new cuts. Sonic looks at them, sleeves of your clothes now ripped from the shoots and the bleeding obvious. "You're injured!" He pointed out with a frown. Looking back at the bots, he calls up the rest of the gang to come join him.

"Amy, Sticks and Knuckles take care of the bots around the area, Tails! I need you to-"

"Take care of y/n's injury while kicking some robot butt?" Tails grinned, already on the scene with some sort of gun in one hand and an aid kit on the other. "Already on it!"

Sonic gives you a pat on the shoulder. "You stay here." You nodded. Tails soon showed up by your side, taking your arm and cleaning up all the blood. The rest of the team came to the rescue quickly. Kicking the bots and making sure not much of the shop gets ruined.

Honestly, everything was a bit foggy in your head. The sudden shift from a working day to a full blown attack with bots left you in a quiet state. You couldn't believe how good these guys were at handling the situation. Destroying the bots and dodging their attacks while also giving snarky remarks.

Amy smashes a robot to bits with her hammer, giving a glance to the others and ginning. "See?! I told you that training would come to use!" Tails suddenly stopped his work on your arm and quickly grasped his gun, zapping a ladybug shaped bot in a specific spot that made it split into the smallest of bits and pieces. "I don't know," Tails continued the conversation. "I don't really think the training did anything." While bringing out a roll of bandage he also checks his watch, the screen showing his friends in small forms and charts about their different progress. "Nothing changed in you guys. It's all the same."

"But don't you feel more pumped up?! More in the zone of fighting?!" Amy tried to convince the fox, but he seemed to be not taking it. "I also calculated that in the program." He clicks a few buttons and the chart changes up. "In terms of our feeling towards it, it's also-"

He suddenly stops, feeling a cold chill run through him. He looks back at the pink hedgehog staring daggers at him. He gives a weak laugh and suddenly grabs your hand. "Or maybe....I'll uh...I'll just shut up and fix up y/n over here...hehe."

"Wise decision." You chuckled.

Soon Eggman got out of the shop, giving a whistle and his floating machine coming to his rescue. He rises up to the sky and fiddles with the buttons on it, making more bots come out from everywhere. He suddenly notices you on the ground. He laughs in mockery. "I told you I'd get revenge for your insane behavior towards me!" he clenches his fists and slams it on his vehicle. "NO ONE THROWS A ROCK AT ME! Not even a pesky little weak girl in the same species as m-"

a rock hits his machine and he screams. You and Tails look around the place for the perpetrator, finding Sonic confidently throwing a rock on his palm up and down, his foot tapping lightly at the ground below him and a cheeky grin bright on his face. "What's wrong Eggman?" he laughs. "Don't tell me you're scared of rocks now!"

"Why...you...!" he seemed at a loss for words, never expecting such a move from the blue speedy. "STOP THROWING THESE STUPID JUNKS OF EARTH ON ME OR I SWEAR I WILL THROW YOU TO THE SUN!" he screams in pure frustration, completely annoyed by this new combat move.

Sonic throws another one.

"ARE YOU DEAF?!" Eggman is completely raging now. A vein almost popping out from his forehead.

"I'll stop, but..." he points to the pet shop. "Only if you promise to never attack the pet shop again! There's animals there that can barely defend themselves!" he frowns. "Never even knew your morals can go that low Egg-head."

Eggman rolls his eyes and commands his bots to come back to him. "Fine. I didn't care about the pet shop anyway. I merely came here for an amazing and villainous revenge!" he dramatically points at you. "Which as you can see by the girl's injuries, I have been successful!" a loud laugh emits from him. His vehicle brings him up to the sky and his bots start going back to where they came from. "Farewell Sonic, but don't be so relieved. I'll be back next time! And by next time, I mean literally in a few days!"

----

The next few hours was spent cleaning up the mess Eggman made. Sonic quickly gathered up all the pets that ran away, which saved you a whole day worth of work. Amy and Knuckles tried to fix up the small damages that impacted the building while you and the other cleaned up all the bot parts. "Wouldn't it be useful to have some of these parts?" you asked Tails.

"I already do have some from the millions of attacks he did before this." He smiles. "His way of planning attacks and making the robots is quite formulaic. He always keeps doing the same thing." a little broken hamster bot gets his attention and he grabs it. "Although...sometime he makes new bots like this one."

Sonic zooms in, two bunnies in his hand. Marigold thanks him and gently takes the two balls of fur away, calming them down and setting them in the cage. "All done with the bunnies! Any other pets left?"

"Nope! That was all of them!" Marigold chirped up, giving a refill of food for the animals' dinner. The hedgehog mutters an 'alright then' and looks at you. "Need any help over there, doc?"

You chuckled. Doc. That's a cute nickname. It made you remember that one familiar cartoon bunny that used to say it. "No need Sonic! I'm sure I can do this whole area by myself."

With all the damage the guy caused in only an hour, you really hoped he'd stick to the deal and not bother you at work again.

----

Finally at home, you fell face first into your bed and gave an overdramatic loud groan. Earning a chuckle from Amy. Marigold let you leave early for today, so Amy suggested that you'd two walk together.

"Hey Y/n?" Amy knocked, and you said come in, but it came out more mumbled than you intended. You didn't really want to get your head out of the soft pillow. "Was wondering, you hungry?" you get up now, saying yes in an instant. Your body screamed in joy, after god forsaken hours with no food you couldn't wait to chow down on some well-made dinner.

Although you were injured and quite frankly, extremely exhausted by the millions of customers flooding it today and the sudden attack, you still decided to help Amy.

Cutting up some potatoes and cooking them up for the stakes, you noticed the pepper missing, asking Amy about it, she said she had it in her bag. She had a cooking class with Sticks in the morning. Going to her bag, you carefully looked around for the pepper shaker while trying your best to not intrude on the hedgehog's privacy. But after taking it out, you noticed a piece of paper slipping out.

'Great.' You sighed. Disappointed by your own lack of stealth. Picking it up, you noticed it was a photo. A closer look now, you realized it was a photo of Sonic, with cute pink and red hearts around it. You got confused, but in a few moments, everything seemed to click.

Amy...had a crush on Sonic?

You chuckled at that thought, finding it quite adorable. Amy called out to you, wondering if you were coming or not. With a short response, you put the photo back in the bag and go back to your tasks.

"Did something happen?"

"nah. Don't worry about it." You shook your head. A small smile ghosting your lips.

----A/N--------------

HELLLO EVERYONE IM ALIVE!!!!!!!WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ok ooook so sooooo- this chapter took a while- I just suck with writing strangers meeting LMAO so it had to go through a BUNCH of rewrites until I felt it was right. I really really hope I got it right- tell me what you think! Also about the end of the chapter, yes, Amy in the fanfic having a crush on sonic is a thing, and it's a big plot point but dw I won't make some weird rivalry happen. I won't say what I well do, but this is a slowburn sooo you can probably guess what will happen. Also also!! I know Sonic's more sarcastic and snarky side hasn't been shown yet but don't worry that part of his personality will be written about! I really REALLY missed writing and I'm so happy to get back to it!!! I missed you all so so much!!

Here's a question! Which Sonic is your favorite and why? For me it's Boom Sonic, but I'm pretty sure that is extremely obvious. After all, I am writing a fanfic about him lmao. He's very fun, he takes more of the sarcastic personality of sonic in the games and he shows more vulnerability and emotions than Sonic in games did. (idk about X tho...haven't watched it yet!) annyyways, which Sonic is your fav? :D

———TAGLIST———-

@ech0lenivy1

@rad10w4ves

@forlorn-tv

@caesarhamato22

(if you wanna be added to the taglist, just ask!)

#sonic #sonic the hedgehog #sonic x reader #sonic boom #x reader #reader insert #amy rose #fanfiction #Eggman #Ivo Robotnik #tails #miles tails prower #knuckles #knuckles the echidna #Sticks #Sticks the badger

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streetlight11 · 3 years ago

Text

Wolfgang

Summary: After your parents were murdered by werewolf hunters, you had to run away. You had to save yourself from going through the same tragic fate and that leaves you to being a lone wolf. Thankfully, moving to a new town led you to meeting new people and possibly a new family.

Theme: werewolf au, strangers to lovers

Genre: smidge of action, fluff, slightly suggestive

Warnings: mentions of slight nudity and violence, gets a little steamy near the end but nothing too detailed

WC: 6.6k

Pairing: Alpha!Minho x Omega!FemReader

a/n: Hi :) Obviously werewolf skz is just *chef's kiss* so of course I had to write about it. So here's a Minho one ;)

Due to your parent’s unfortunate death, you had to move away to avoid being caught by the same hunters who killed them. By moving cities, it means moving schools too. Before this, you were in your dad’s pack which only consists of your mom, your dad and you. Now that they’re gone, it leaves you to being a lone wolf.

Hence, why you managed to enrol yourself into this new school after finding yourself a cheap rundown apartment.

You were an Omega werewolf which means you weren’t a part of any pack. You were a lone wolf. After your parents died, you had no one to go to. No friends, no family, nothing. You might as well just die.

Except, you knew your parents wouldn’t want that so you had to persevere and try to at least survive for as long as you can on your own. Throughout your whole life, you weren’t really able to detect any werewolves near you despite your amazing supernatural sense of smell.

So you thought you were alone from now on. Little did you know, the previous town you lived in just didn’t have your kind.

The 8 of them were a pack. To be more specific, they were in Chan’s pack. Chan was their leader but also an Alpha along with Minho and Changbin. Meanwhile, Hyunjin, Jisung, Felix, Seungmin and Jeongin were Betas. They’ve been together for quite a while now where Chan was initially only with Minho, Changbin and Hyunjin before he took in the other young ones after a few unfortunate circumstances.

Chan has been teaching them how to hunt, enhance their skills and basically provide them food and shelter. They were more like brothers instead of friends or acquaintances. Their bond was stronger than anything else. If one was injured, the other would know even if they were miles apart.

It was a warm Tuesday afternoon, the boys were just having lunch at their usual table when Changbin’s nose began to tickle with a strong scent, only for the others to smell it too right after.

“Hey, do you guys smell that?” Changbin asked quietly, earning a few nods from the rest.

Since Chan, Minho and Changbin were Alphas, they have slightly stronger werewolf senses compared to the others and they could tell that this scent was new. They knew a few other packs that were present on campus and were even friends with some of them but this?

This was a very new scent that they weren’t familiar with.

“Whoever this is, they clearly just transferred here.” Jisung stated nonchalantly.

“No shit sherlock.” Minho said, earning a low snarl from the younger boy.

“But where is it coming from? I would know if they’re in the room with us… Looks like they’re in the grounds just not in this cafeteria…” Chan said as his eyes began to scan the entire radius of the cafeteria hall.

“But can you tell if it’s a male or female?” Jeongin asked curiously only for Chan to turn back to his brothers and nod.

“It’s a female.”

A few minutes later, they were all gathered for the talk session they had with a motivational speaker regarding the academics. The 8 of them were seated in the middle row of the lecture hall. It was already filled with students from all courses, leaving only a few seats empty. One of which was at the very end of the row below them, right by the aisle and just in front of Felix.

Soon enough, the man began talking and introducing himself to the audience. The boys were just seated there, barely focusing. Neither of them were properly listening to the speaker.

However, their attention was soon diverted intensely when the same scent from earlier only grew stronger by the minute. Before they could even ask each other about it, a new face came stumbling in the main doors.

That’s when they realized where that scent was coming from.

It was you.

You were running late for the motivational talk which is why you were now sprinting across the campus to reach the main building which held the auditorium. Upon arriving, you managed to find the right hall after what felt like forever. The minute you pushed the double doors open, you were immediately met with at least 400 pairs of eyes.

The man standing on stage simply smiles at you and asks you to take a seat wherever you could find. He was nice and you could tell. However, your mind was currently spinning from the overwhelming amount of scents you could clearly smell in this hall.

There were at least 5 different werewolf packs in this room right now but there is one pack scent that was so strong and bold to you.

It literally stands out from the rest.

Just as you were about to walk to the steps on the side nearest to you, the strong grip on your forearm made you halt.

It was a lecturer you weren’t familiar with but you felt uneasy with him. The way he was staring at you from head to toe, his tightening grip on your arm made you wince.

“Are you a new student?” He asked lowly.

“Y-Yes.”

“Which class are you with?”

“I-I’m not sure. B-But I’ll just sit anywhere that’s available.” You frowned deeply before you yanked your arm out of his grip with a bit of struggle.

With that being said, you rushed up the steps towards the empty seat right next to the aisle. The moment you sat down, your fiery glare travelled back to the lecturer who was standing at the same spot he previously was in but his eyes were on you.

Damn him.

However, your mind seemed to grow fuzzy with the sudden strong scent that was intoxicating your senses now. It was so strong, as though whoever or whatever they are were extremely close to you.

Just then, the soft touch on your forearm made you flinch as you turned to come face to face with a pretty girl. She didn’t have any particular werewolf scent on her so you knew she was an ordinary human.

“Do you know which class you’re in?” She asked.

“Umm… I… I haven’t checked my timetable.”

She giggled softly before she continued, “Don’t forget to check it later so you know where to go after this. I’m Yeri by the way. You are?”

With that being said, you gave her a small smile before telling her your name.

“Y/N.”

“Nice to meet you Y/N. If you need help with anything, just ask okay?”

You nodded a little to acknowledge her but then your trail of vision got diverted to the male sitting a few seats diagonally above yours. What made you focus on him was the fact that his eyes were boring into yours. It wasn’t creepy or uncomfortable though. It was more like curiosity. You hold your stares for a bit and that’s when it hits you.

The scent.

It was from him.

A few nights had passed, there was going to be a full moon tonight so you decided to go hunting. Your aim was to practice your survival skills, one that your father taught you when he was still alive. You didn’t bother bringing any change of clothes, telling yourself you would most probably just go to your parent’s secret hideout in the woods.

So here you are, in the middle of the woods alone, finding yourself standing in an empty spot that had the full moon just directly above you. This spot wasn’t new to you.

This is where your parents violently got killed by the werewolf hunters.

During that horrible incident, you were hiding behind one of the huge trees after your parents told you to run. The last thing you saw was your father’s head being decapitated mercilessly before you took off running on all four paws.

Running as fast as you can, praying that the hunters didn’t catch you.

Lucky for you, they didn’t. And yet, you knew they would do everything in their will to continue finding you which is why you moved.

You were taking in the beautiful moon, deciding to change into your furry self so that you could move freely through the woods. After about an hour of just running and strolling through the woods, playing in the lake, chasing bunnies, you figured you wanted to take a quick rest.

It wasn’t until you stepped onto a pile of dead leaves that the sharp click followed by a loud snap echoed through the woods. A shrilling howl left your lips as the pain began to crawl up your broken hind legs where your human ankle would be.

You whimpered in pain, your entire body collapsing to the ground when you realized you were trapped.

Just then, a soft click of a shotgun’s hammer sounded as they locked the bullet in place and were left with pulling the trigger. Your vision was getting blurred from the tears welling up in your eyes.

Your bright gold eyes were flooded with tears, a weak whine leaving your lips as you looked up at the man who killed your parents a month ago.

“Say goodnight. Your parents are dying to see you in the afterlife.” He said while he pointed the gun to your forehead.

However, before he could pull the trigger, a low growl came from somewhere behind you.

The last thing you saw was a larger silver coloured wolf lunging itself onto the hunter and soon began to wrestle with him, only to receive help from another wolf equally the same size but a light brown colour.

And a few seconds later, you passed out cold.

The boys were in their wolf forms, strolling through the woods like they usually do except tonight with the full moon shining down at them. Everyone was having their own fun. Chan and Minho were lingering behind their younger brothers, watching over them and their safety.

Changbin was walking with Jeongin in the centre, once in a while playfully nudging Jeongin’s side with the tip of his snout.

Jisung, Felix and Hyunjin were playing catch but making sure to stick close by while Seungmin was just breaking out into small jogs and twirls excitedly whenever he comes across a field of dandelions on the grass patches.

They were all roaming freely together when all of a sudden, a shrilling scream echoed in their sensitive ears making them all halt to a stop.

“What was that?!” Jisung asked through telepathy, only for Chan to transfer his message to the rest of the boys through his mind.

“I don’t know but it sounds close by.”

“I don’t feel good about this. I think someone’s injured.” Hyunjin said worriedly. However, before anyone could continue, a certain scent intoxicated Minho’s nostrils and he knew exactly what it was or who it was.

“It’s that new girl from school. She’s caught in a metal trap. We have to help her. Now!” Minho said firmly as he began running through the woods, using his sense of smell to try and detect your location. The minute he saw the man standing over your limp body with one of your hind legs horribly clamped between the metal bars, Minho raced over to you.

Right before the man could pull the trigger, Minho leaped out from the shadows, sending the man flying backwards along with himself. Minho tackles the man easily as he growls in the man’s face.

Chan soon joins in to give Minho a hand. Chan bit the shotgun and tosses it far from reach.

Right when the man began to plead for them to spare his life, Minho lets out one last growl followed by a hiss before he bites the man’s head off without a single ounce of mercy.

Normally, Chan does not condone violence to his pack. He only allows it during a life and death situation and if it involves werewolf hunters.

After the hunter’s body was laying there limp, like a headless chicken, Minho licks his canine teeth tasting the disgusting blood coating them. His glowing red eyes bore deep into the limp body, feeling anger taking over him until he heard Seungmin’s soft voice through the telepathy.

“Hyung, she fell unconscious.”

With that, Minho turned around as he and Chan quickly went over to where your body laid.

Your chest was barely moving, your leg was bleeding and probably broken, there was no sign of other injuries except for your leg.

Meanwhile, Changbin, Felix, Hyunjin, Jisung and Jeongin were guarding the perimeter, senses heightened so as to be able to detect any danger coming their way just like how Chan had trained them to perfection.

Chan sniffed the metal trap to try and see if he could break you free from it.

“Minho, bite the other clasp. I’ll bite this side then we’ll try and pull it apart.” Chan said as the younger one walked around Seungmin and soon bit down one side of the clasp like Chan says.

The two of them managed to free your broken leg from the metal trap but now, your leg was bleeding quite a lot.

“What should we do now?” Seungmin asked.

“Take her back to our place. We’ll treat her injuries and wait till she wakes up.” Chan said firmly, earning a nod from the two boys.

Chan called the others over, asking Changbin to help him carry your limp body together.

Chan slides his head under your shoulders while Changbin does the same beside the leader. Once they were both standing on all fours, your body was splayed over their backs horizontally with your head hanging over the side of Changbin’s furry body.

They brought you back to their home, only for Felix to attend to your injury. After they had transformed back to their human self, they wore back their clothes before they went to make sure you were okay.

Felix had just finished cleaning your bloodied wound, washing it with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any bacteria when you slowly began to transform back into your human self.

Of course, you were still unconscious but you were now laying on their couch butt naked with your private parts shielded by your arms and the cross of your thighs.

Nevertheless, the boys quickly diverted their gazes away from you even though you weren’t awake.

They respected you being the only female in the house, which is why Hyunjin ran to the nearest room to get a cosy blanket and soon came back, covering your naked body with it. Felix managed to wrap your leg with the bandage but that was it. They wouldn’t want to help you wear any clothes simply because that would mean they would have to handle your nude self.

Since you were practically strangers, they weren’t gonna do it simply out of respect for you. “Now we wait…” Chan announced as the rest of them nodded.

You didn’t know how long you were out but the sudden warmth and soft material hugging your body made you stir awake. You struggled to focus your vision, finding the bright light a little too overwhelming for you.

Where are you?

Your mind was racing with thoughts. A whole list of possible scenarios were going through your mind, making a guess of which one it was.

Just then, a very familiar scent entered your nose and you recognized it immediately.

That’s when you managed to focus your blurry vision towards the figures that were gathered around the room you were currently in, finally recognizing the faces that were staring back at you in utter concern.

However, it was still a little surprising for you since you were not only in a room filled with guys who were practically strangers to you, you were also butt naked save for the blanket to shield you from their eyes. With that being said, this made you squeak as a soft gasp left your lips.

You hastily sat up, desperately pulling the blanket tighter against your body. The light brown haired male carefully approached you with his hands out in front of them to tell you he was harmless.

“Woah, hey… hey… relax, we’re not gonna hurt you. I promise. Okay?” The leader said with a warm smile as your eyes went to scan him.

You could immediately sense that what he said was true and that they all meant no harm to you. When he noticed your shoulders relax a bit, he smiled before he carefully sat down beside you, making sure to avoid your broken leg.

“How are you feeling?” He asked as you noticed the others were intently staring between you and their leader.

“I… It hurts…” You whispered, eyes finding its own way to the one leaning against the shelves with his arms crossed over his chest. He had ash blue hair, his eye shape was similar to a feline cat and you vividly remember he was the same guy you had a mini staring contest on that first day in the auditorium hall.

“I know it does. So we will try our best to take care of you until it heals… But, only if you agree to stay and let us help. Of course we understand if you want to leave since you don’t know us. It’s up to you. We won’t force you.” The leader said, making you turn to him as your grip on the blanket only loosened slightly.

It didn’t take long for you to decide on staying after you practically could sense sincerity and safety from them. So upon agreeing to their kind offer, the leader went ahead and introduced them to you.

“Since we don’t have any female clothes for you, are you okay if we lend you some of ours for the time being?” Chan asked, to which you nodded gently.

You carefully got up, making sure to wrap the blanket around your body securely. However, the minute you put a small amount of pressure on your injured leg, your knee buckled from the excruciating pain. A soft whimper left your lips as you were about to collapse to the ground. Instead, you never made it to the ground thanks to the strong pair of arms that reached out just in time to catch your waist.

Your free hand flew out to grab onto his shirt, not really seeing who saved you from the fall until you looked up to see who it was.

It’s Minho.

“Woah, be careful. Are you okay?” He asked as you nodded. Except, he didn’t miss the tear that was threatening to roll down your cheeks. You were visibly trying to hold in the pain but he knew it was difficult.

“Let me help.” He offered softly as you could only nod.

With that being said, Minho bends down to carry you bridal style before telling his brothers that he was going to bring you to his room for you to change and rest in. Chan agreed saying it was a good idea since it was already nearing 1 in the morning.

Once Minho made it to his bedroom, he brought you in only to close the door behind him using his foot. He gently placed you down on his king sized bed, making sure to not hurt your leg.

After he laid you down on the bed, he went over to his closet and took out a clean oversized shirt and sweatpants.

“Here, change into this then go and rest. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything. The others will be right down the hall in their bedrooms, okay?” His voice was so gentle, you almost forgot you didn't know this guy personally.

When he saw you nod subtly, he flashed you a smile and was about to leave when you grabbed his wrist softly to stop him.

“Thank you… all of you…” You whispered, earning a smile from him before he told you to rest.

The small jolt of electricity running through your veins at the skin contact didn’t go unnoticed between you two but you decided to ignore it until he left. The minute he closed the door, you gently caressed your hand that reached out for his wrist.

Little did you know, he did the same to his hand where you left a tingling sensation to his skin.

What was that feeling?

From the first day they met you at the auditorium, Chan could already sense you were an Omega. That night when they saved you from being killed, Chan already knew he would take you into the pack. It was just a matter of whether or not you want to accept his offer. It has been three months since they saved you that night.

Ever since then, it was pretty obvious that you’ve grown slightly closer to them and they were already treating you like a part of their pack. Despite not giving a firm answer yet on whether you want to officially be in their pack or not, Chan still treated you with respect and like you were a part of their little family.

And for that, you were grateful.

However, during the past three months, you’ve also developed a little crush on Minho.

Not only was he always sweet and caring towards you, he was also the one who offered to lend you his bedroom and his clothes when you stayed over for the few days after you got injured.

Although you tried your best to hide your feelings for him, it looks like the other boys could sense it considering how Jisung and Felix would sometimes tease you whenever Minho was around. You would normally just brush them off or just plainly ignore them. Yet, sometimes Minho would catch you blushing when the boys tease you about him and he couldn’t help but find you adorable.

It was a Thursday afternoon, you had just finished your first class and were just keeping some of your books in your locker when a figure appeared beside you with an arm resting against the lockers. You glanced up to find Minho smiling down at you adorably, his eyes disappearing into two crescent moons.

“Hey, joining us for lunch?” He asked.

“Yeah, just keeping some books I don’t need for later.” You said, only to feel him tuck the stray hairs behind your ear.

This small gesture was enough to make your heart skip a beat in your chest. You tried to ignore the feeling but he was making it so difficult as he soon began to gently play with your hair, telling you it's pretty and soft.

You couldn’t help but giggle as he slid his hand down only to rest on your waist. After you closed your locker, you turned to face him, letting him slide his arm around your waist and pulled you closer to him. However, before any of you could say anything, Changbin’s teasing voice broke out from behind you.

“Aye, finally the two lovebirds acknowledge each other’s feelings huh?” This made Jisung and Chan, who were with Changbin, to chuckle in amusement.

You pulled away from Minho only for the boy to speak up.

“Seo Changbin, if you don’t keep that stupid mouth of yours shut, I’ll make sure you sleep on the porch tonight.” Minho threatened, earning a silly face from Changbin who clearly gives no shit.

A few more weeks went by, you only grew closer and closer to the boys and yet you still weren’t in their pack. You had been so dependent on your parents that when they left you, it almost rendered you insane. It took you a while to accept that you were a lone wolf but after that incident, it only made you stronger and much more independent.

That’s why until now, you still haven’t accepted Chan’s offer on being in his pack despite knowing they were good people. It wasn’t because you still didn’t trust these boys. It was just in your nature for being an Omega, to feel independent.

It was a Friday evening, you haven’t been to the boys’ place for almost a week now but you still saw them and spent time with them in school.

Just then, you distinctly heard a familiar howl which sounded like they were in pain.

It was far but you knew where it came from and who the howl belonged to. You didn’t bother changing out of your pyjamas, running out of your apartment and straight to the direction of the howl through the woods that were right behind your run down apartment complex.

You ran as fast as your two feet could take you, already memorizing the woods in the back of your head. You followed the scent as it got stronger with every corner you took which means you were getting close.

That’s when you recognized Chan and Changbin’s furry self attacking the three hunters while Minho’s wolf form was laying there on the ground against the tree with his mouth in a nuzzle.

“No, no, no!” You hissed as you ran to him, cupping his large wolf face in your small hands.

“Minho! Minho, can you hear me? Please tell me you can hear me! Please…” You whispered desperately as his eyes were closed. You reached behind his head to unclasp the nuzzle, freeing his snout from it.

You looked around to see there was a shotgun laying just a few feet from you so you crawled over to it and locked the bullets in place before you aimed it at the hunter that was struggling under Chan’s grip. One of the 3 hunters was lying dead on the ground headless. So with one deep breath, you pulled the trigger, shooting the hunter straight through the side of his head.

Chan jumped back a little only to turn to the side and locked eyes with you who had the gun pointed to them. You quickly shifted your aim to Changbin and the last hunter, but it was slightly difficult due to them rolling and throwing each other around.

Before you could pull the trigger, Changbin growled and soon tore the hunter’s limbs apart one by one before settling for the head.

You threw the shotgun as far away as possible, turning back to Minho who was going in and out of consciousness. However, feeling as though you needed to make sure he was still alive, you gently stroked his furry chest to try and feel for his heartbeat.

Chan and Changbin came back to you and Minho, only for them to talk to you through telepathy.

“He’s badly wounded. We need to aid him fast.” Chan said.

“Let’s quickly get him home. Are you gonna stay with us tonight?” Changbin asked, making you nod at them.

With that being said, all four of you quickly made it back to their home with Minho on top of the two, just like they did with you on the night they found you trapped.

Once you all arrived at their house, you quickly ran to their door, knocking it frantically and it took them less than 2 seconds to open the door.

“Oh shit, quickly, get in.” Hyunjin said as the 3 wolves entered only for the two to gently place Minho on the couch.

“His leg got shot twice, one more on his left rib and a plunge to his shoulder.” Changbin told Felix as the younger one began to get to work with Seungmin’s assistance. In the meantime, the two boys went upstairs to go change while you stayed behind with the others in the kitchen.

“How come you were with them?” Jisung asked as you leaned against the counter with Hyunjin standing beside you while Jisung and Jeongin stood opposite from you.

“I was at home when I heard a howl. I knew immediately they were in pain and it sounded very familiar. So I went to check.” You explained as the boys exchanged knowing glances to one another.

“Noona? Can I ask you something?” Jisung asked.

“Sure.”

“Did you get any particular feeling when you heard the howl?”

“I just… I felt like it was someone close to me. Someone I cared for… Someone I-”

“-love?” Jeongin finished your sentence for you, making you look up at him with wide eyes.

“We know… We can always tell when one of us is in love… And we’ve known that from the start about Minho towards you. We just… couldn’t tell exactly for you since you’re not part of the pack.” Hyunjin explained, only for you to understand better.

Minho loves you?

You frowned as you stared at your feet for a while before you looked past Jisung’s shoulder to find Seungmin placing a blanket over Minho’s wolf form.

You were worried. You were terrified. The last thing you wanted was to never get to say goodbye to him. Never get to say the three words you hoped to tell him one day. Lucky for you, it wasn’t going to be a worry for you anytime soon.

Felix and Seungmin carefully left Minho there to rest as they approached the four of you in the kitchen.

“How is he?” Jeongin asked.

“He just needs plenty of rest. We managed to take out the bullets so I’m sure he’ll be fine by tomorrow.” Felix explained.

Since Minho was an Alpha, it means that he heals faster than the younger ones did. Same goes for Chan and Changbin if they ever got injured by something that wasn’t deadly to them. So with that being said, you excused yourself to go check on Minho, earning nods from the rest of them.

They watched as you made your way to Minho’s peaceful form on the couch.

“Why can’t they just confess already? They’re practically the perfect soulmates for each other.” Seungmin sighed with a smile.

“I know right?” Felix giggled.

“Come on, let’s give them some space.” Hyunjin said as he began to pull his brothers upstairs to let you and Minho have some privacy.

You sat on the floor in front of Minho’s adorable snout, gently caressing his soft fur on his neck. You gave him a small kiss on the tip of his nose before whispering to him.

“Please be okay… I don’t want to lose you.”

His soft breaths filled your sensitive ears as you stroked his chest like a lullaby for him.

A few minutes of silence accompanied you, allowing yourself to drift off to sleep with the top of your head leaning against his neck and right underneath his chin. You didn’t know how long you were asleep but you woke up to the feeling of someone gently caressing your hair.

Successfully stirring awake, you brought your head up only to find Minho back in his human form and still in all his naked glory but with the blanket covering his waist down.

You immediately got to your knees and wrapped your arms around his neck, earning a soft giggle from him as he snaked his arms around your waist.

“Hi princess.” His sultry voice echoes in your ear, making you blush.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” You whispered, hearing him chuckle softly.

“Of course I have to be okay, I won’t leave you hanging.” His words made you pull back from him, staring into his adorable round eyes. Minho could sense your confusion in which he laughed.

With that, he reached up to cup your cheeks and gently caressed it with his thumbs before he whispered.

“I won’t ever leave you.”

You didn’t know what came over you but you suddenly felt brave. It has been screaming at you to do this for quite a while now, you just chose to ignore it. But this time, you felt like it was the right time to do it.

So with one small breath, you leaned in to kiss him, feeling him instantly smile against your lips. Both of you felt sparks shooting out of the kiss as he pulled you on top of him. His hands flew down to your waist while your small hands cupped his face softly.

Minho’s tongue teased you as he licked your bottom lip before tugging it in between his teeth.

His grip on your waist tightened, making you sit firmly on his thighs. You completely forgot he was butt naked until you felt something poking your inner thigh. It wasn’t until he pulled away from your lips to smile cheekily up at you.

“Should we go to my bedroom?” He asked, making you giggle.

“Are you sure you’re healed? I wouldn’t want to hurt you.” You asked.

Minho kissed you again only to pull back and smirk, “Trust me sweetheart, I’m already good to go. I’m an Alpha, remember?” You rolled your eyes at his cockiness but nevertheless found it so attractive.

Minho laughed as he captured you in a kiss yet again before he stood up with you on his waist, your legs wrapped around his hips. A small yelp escaped your lips as he carried you up to his bedroom. Once you made it to his room, he kicked his door close and locked it before gently tossing you onto his bed.

He crawled over to you until he was situated in between your legs, making you nervous.

“You know you can always tell me to stop if you’re uncomfortable, right baby? I will never force you to do something you’re not okay with.” Minho reassured you as he caressed your cheek lovingly.

You were nervous, yes because it would be your first time mating. However, you didn’t feel uncomfortable because you trusted him. So you weren’t going to stop him.

Not now. Not ever.

“I want you… Minho. Please… I… I love you.” You whispered with your eyes closed, too afraid to look at him. What you missed was how his eyes grew even softer the minute you said those last three words. Minho never felt this way before. Sure he has mated before and none of it works out. But this time, it all felt so foreign to him.

You weren’t just another one of his playmates. You weren’t a random stranger whom he would have sex with and leave. You were someone he cared for, someone he grew fond of, someone he trusts, and most importantly, someone he loves.

With that being said, Minho smiles as he leans down to close the gap before he whispers against your lips.

“I love you too, Y/N.”

Right after, he kisses you like his life depends on it. Pouring out his love for you through the kiss, hoping you could feel his sincerity. He felt your hands sliding down his chest, only to trace your fingertips along the outlines of his abs.

He helped you discard your pyjamas, tossing them onto the ground as he then realized you only had your panties and no bra.

“Did you really just leave your apartment like this?” He chuckled, pecking your lips a few times.

“I got worried okay... I wanted to make sure no one’s hurt…” You blushed as he teased you.

“Aww, so you rushed out without thinking to change just because you were worried about me?” Minho smirked down at you.

“Shut up, Min. I didn’t know who it was when I ran out okay…” You pushed his face away with your hands only for him to bury his face in the crook of your neck.

“Yeah, sure.”

“I’m serious!” You pouted as he pulled away to look at your disappointed face, making him chuckle and kiss you repeatedly, saying you looked too cute.

“Okay okay, I believe you baby.” Minho chuckled, cupping your cheeks to kiss you again, this time letting his lips linger there for a bit. Both of you took your own sweet time with each other. He promised to be gentle with you and that was exactly what he did. Only going rough once in a while so that you could both reach your highs.

Minho marked you as his partner and you were happy he did. But there was only one thing left that you haven’t done.

After he cleaned you, you were both lying in bed under his soft duvet. He was just gently playing with your hair while you laid your head on his chest. His mind was filled with nothing but you. All until you spoke up.

“I want to be in Chan’s pack.”

Minho’s fingers stopped whatever it was doing, only for him to stare down at you.

“What did you say?”

“I’ve thought about it… And I want to be in Chan’s pack.” You repeated again, causing him to smile.

“Wait… are you serious?”

You nodded with a small smile, making him huff. After almost 4 months of spending time with them, getting to know each of them better, you realized that they were nothing but a family to one another. And with your tragic past, maybe being in Chan’s pack wouldn’t be so bad. Not only will you have a family of your own, but you also have someone who you loved dearly.

So why not right?

With that being said, Minho kissed you again and again on your cheeks, your nose, your forehead and your lips. All you did was giggle.

“Let’s go tell Chan!” Minho said excitedly as he leaped out of bed butt naked, going around to collect both your clothes that were scattered on the floor. Once you were both changed, he grabs your hands and laces his fingers with yours only to run down the hall, accidentally bumping into Jisung and Changbin as you did so.

“Bang Chan!” Minho called out as he burst open the elder’s bedroom door, only to find Chan just reading something from his book shelves.

“Oh, hey guys. What’s up?” Chan smiled as he placed his book down on the desk but Minho was quick to tell him the news.

“Y/N wants to be part of the pack.”

With that, Chan’s eyes grew wide as he stared at you with a happy glint in his eyes.

“Really?”

You gave him a firm nod in which Chan couldn’t help but grin.

“Well then, welcome to the family Y/N.” Chan announced, only for the rest of them to rush in.

“Noona’s finally part of us?!” Felix and Jisung asked in unison, earning a solid yes from Chan. The younger ones immediately ran to you to give you a hug. You couldn’t help but giggle as they welcomed you warmly. After you were done exchanging hugs, Chan spoke up to get everyone’s attention.

“Also, I think it’s pretty clear that Y/N is now out of bound to the rest of us except Minho.” Chan smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at the male who had his fingers laced with yours.

“Yeah so don’t even think about it.” Minho warned, pretending to threaten his brothers but of course he didn’t actually plan to hurt them if they got close to you since they already loved you like a sister.

“Don’t worry brother, she’s all yours.” Changbin smiled cheekily, only for you to blush.

You were glad that you found them. You were glad they saved you that night and not any other pack. You were glad they came into your life. Because they taught you how to be strong again. They taught you how to survive. And most importantly, Minho taught you how to love again.

~~~

#stray kids scenarios #stray kids #stray kids imagines #stray kids lee know #stray kids lee minho #skz scenarios #skz imagines #skz lee minho #skz minho scenarios #skz minho x reader #skz minho #skz minho fluff

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thursday-writes-fanfics · 3 years ago

Text

Choose, part 4. (Reader x Jack Sparrow or Will Turner. )

Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean, Will Turner, Jack Sparrow.

Warnings: None lmao

Words: 2.3 K

First - Former - Next

It's been a while since my last update, so here you go!

One year had passed since the faithed night in Tortuga, where Y/N left everything she once knew behind, to seek the truth she needed to find within. One eventful year where she had gone alone through more than most would in their lifetime. Travelling along with different crews, battling across the seas and polishing her hastily growing reputation as one of the most fearsome pirates the world has ever seen. None dared voice their annoyance with her being a woman, for she had allies all across the seven seas. She had seen so much of the world, her confidence grown and her heart set aflame with adventure. Y/N was an even finer pirate and woman than she had been ever before.

Other pirates either wished to be her or be with her, the secrets of many slipped into her ears. It amused the young woman, and the many who worked in the brothels along the coasts. When Y/N needed information, it was not other pirates or navy officials she sought out. No, it was the brothels’ gossip she tuned her ears to. For the women there knew far more of the world than any other. All news came to their homes and it was all available for the famous pirate.

She had earned an even better reputation with them as well, as she sought out the women there the first thing she did each time she came ashore. She treated them kindly, paid for their food and brought along gifts, treating them like friends. Her actions earned her a handsome reputation with the women, and in each town she could always find a loyal embrace to keep her safe. After all, the women of the brothels ruled the cities from the shadows. To anger one of them was to anger an underground nation.

Y/N’s locks had grown long since the night one year ago, her clothing expensive and proud on her frame. A treat she gave herself due to her wide success in both informal and formal businesses. She was a true pirate, yet could strike a bargain with the British navy without a problem. After all, they too were afraid of her.

The feather on her black hat curled down to her shoulder, its size another show of her wealth and power. The weaponry which clad her shape were the most efficient, on all the ships of the sea, not even the British army able to supply her better. Only the finest for herself, the woman had decided. Dual pistols she had strapped to each side of her chest, and upon both hips she held blades, one magnificent sabre and one deadly cutlass, all adorned with the most elaborate details. These were all weapons to show, the rest she had hidden in pockets and secret departments on her curves. Small explosives and hidden blades were better kept in subtle crevices than to be seen by the naked eye when one made deals. All about the fearsome pirate screamed confidence and to show respect, and that respect she had earned many times over.

“We’ll be docked in an hour, lass,” came the captain’s voice, the merry band she was travelling with now not as roughhousing as most of her fellow pirates. Mercenaries of the law they were during the day after all, and they weren’t too keen on going out during the night when there was ale to be drunk with stories to be told in old taverns. It was a life-altering change from how they had once been, when the captain and his crew had been young and adventurous. A smirk clad Y/N’s lips when she faced the man, her fingers fiddling with the sabre’s handle. “Aye, thought it was about time to dock, Captain Henry. And still I’m not sure if I will take my leave of you when we get there, or if I will meet the navy together with you in the morrow,” her deceptive nature made the captain laugh, for he knew just how little control anyone had over the young pirate. He joined her side with a few strides to the railing, gazing at the sea from the quarterdeck.

“Aye, ye do as ye wish, lassie,” mused the older man, finding his gaze once more sought out her face. “Yer not notorious for knowing every pirate for no reason. Can’t keep ye in place forever” he snickered, his mind on the many rumours he had heard over the past year of the pirate. He had seen it himself a few times too, how the famous Y/N had stepped off one ship only to board another in the same port. Her name was known by all, whether they liked her or not. Her presence on a ship could deter a dispute between two crews, for no one wanted her gone. And those who did were quick to find themselves cornered and silenced for good after voicing such atrocious thoughts aloud.

“Oh shut your gob, “ sneered the woman in reply, earning more laughter from the captain as his head fell back to let the thunderous noise wash over the ship. A simple “Never,” Henry retaliated, winning their argument as he strode to attend his crew and ensure the docking process would flow smoothly. Y/N watched the sea for a moment longer, trained on the horizon in an attempt to find a peculiar ship. One which carried black sails. Fingers carded through her hair as she thought about her old companions, but discarded the thoughts just as quickly. A turn of her heels and the woman came to face the incoming port, nothing she wished to see there either. A defeated smile curled her lips when she ventured to help her current crew, missing the hint of black that rounded a nearby island with a course for their port.

“ Alright, lads!” with easy leaps and muscles bunched for one last jump, Y/N climbed halfway up the crow's nest and gazed down at the many faces who all gave her their full attention.

“ I’m saying this just once because Henry doesn’t seem to be able to get it through your thick skulls. If we don’t get this cargo to the bay within the first few hours of us getting to port, the taverns will be full and the brothels closed,” the crew stared at the woman, most having just woken up from their midday nap. Too many faces were disinterested, the woman sneering maliciously as she knew exactly what would get them on their feet.

“Which means, no ale and no lovers!” Y/N roared, drawing enjoyment from the panic growing in the men’s eyes. They had been at sea for a month now, and the lot needed more than the icy waters could ever offer.

“So unless you wish to mope around the ship for the entire night, alone, get to it!” the crew leapt to their feet, their rushing steps and loud cries satisfying to Y/N’s ears. The pirate’s piercing eyes found the captain who let his chest heave with a sigh, not one to question the woman’s authority. She had gotten the crew off their asses with a single threat, when he had shouted at them all day to get ready. The ship groaned when they threw down the anchor, straining against it as it still wished to traverse further. A gangplank found its hold against the port, the cargo soon to cross over it. Both the captain and Alexandra oversaw the process, to ensure their goods would be gone by the hour.

“Ye know,” Captain Henry spoke after a long while, arms crossed over his broad chest. “Ye should consider becoming a captain one day,” Y/N snapped her head to face the man, eyes threatening to fall out. “Me? A captain?” she ridiculed, shocked by his words. The captain let a snicker pass his lips at her surprise, for being able to shock the immovable Y/N was quite amusing. Work roughened hand, tainted by the deep sea came to rest on his back, clasped together.

“Just sayin’. Ye’ve got the guts and respect for it,” with a smirk the captain passed his current crewmate, stepping onto the railing. “I will leave the rest to ye, for I am in need of a drink,” a wink was sent the woman’s way before Captain Henry made his way down the docks, disappearing without a trace. His back was followed by Y/N’s incredulous gaze.

“You fucking bastard,” Y/N shouted after him, her spiteful words only a show of affection to them both. With a shake of her head and a smirk on her lips growing when she heard the captain’s faraway laughter, the pirate got back to work. With an easy step, she leapt atop the railing, gazing at the crew working by her side.

“We’re making good time, lads! If you keep this up you’re probably going to be one of the first crews of the night to get to the pubs!” Y/N encouraged them. The merry men laughed and cheered whilst their work pace increased tenfold at the praise and promises of entertainment. Even the stand-in captain dared to laugh herself, unaware of how many eyes watched her joy from far out at sea.

It started with Ragetti looking through the captain’s spyglass, minding his own business as they had yet to start preparing to get docked. When turning his eye to the port city, he could tear his wandering gaze when it laid eyes on an extremely familiar figure. Too far away to make out entirely, yet the pirate was certain of who he saw. None he had ever encountered before looked and stood like their old acquaintance.

“Oh, would you look at that!” the pirate laughed, Pintel looking over at him with a raised brow. The spyglass fell from his eye, Ragetti free hand pointing to one of the largest ships docked in the nearing port.

“Y/N is aboard Henry the Savage’s boat!” the words he spoke carried over the deck, the silence that followed deafening, the group trying to comprehend what had just been said. A moment later and the crew rushed like a stampede for the two pirates who shrieked in fright at the threatening approach. The spyglass was taken from Ragetti’s hand and passed to them all to get a look for themselves.

“I can’t see ‘er!”

“Is it really Y/N the Courageous you saw?”

“Courageous? No! Her title is the Unbeatable!

“No, she’s Y/N the Ace of the Sea! The greatest pirate yet!”

The commotion on deck drew Will and Jack from the captain’s cabin, the crew’s loud and incoherent discussions about titles and names soon finding their ears. The former blacksmith was with the crew temporarily, as he had a job to be done with them before they ventured to Port Royal. Both captain and his companion froze in their steps when a well-known name echoed across the crew over and over. A shocked gaze was shared, but the two strode forth together for they could not believe in illusions just because a name was mentioned a few times.

“Right. What’s all this then?” came from the captain’s chest, the crew jumping at the sound of his voice. Jack Sparrow regarded them all with his hands propped on his hips, the loyal blacksmith at his side. Gibbs was the first to speak and took matters into hand, roughly pulling the spyglass from the nearest pirate’s. “It’s Y/N, Jack,” his words piqued further interest in the two newcomers, the two striding through the parting crew to the first mate.

“Y/N?” Will asked, unable to hide the hope that bubbled up in his voice at the mention of her name. The blue eyes grew clearer, not the wistful one’s the crew had come to be familiar with. Jack snatched the spyglass from Gibbs’ offered hand and turned to face the port. With his gaze, he followed the finger pointing at the supposedly familiar pirate. Jack froze upon seeing who they meant, eye narrowing when he stared her down. “No, it can’t be her,” the captain muttered, more to himself than anybody else.

“Far too curvy and longer hair. She didn’t look so cheerful to everyone all the time,” the jealousy and denial dripped from the captain’s tongue, the disbelief he held in his heart fading with each second.

“Can’t be her. No way, you’re all dreaming,” Jack continued before yelping as Will tore the spyglass from his hands, the force of it almost making the captain fall overboard. The blacksmith’s own gaze sought the port for the one they spoke of, his heart beating so quickly it drowned out all sound.

He too came to stand still once he found her form. She stood proud and tall upon Henry the Savage’s railing, her hand thrown out as she barked orders to the crewmates. And there on her lips was a grin, a grin that only the closest of her friends had seen before. Now as she shared it with the rest of the world, the former blacksmith’s blood boiled with jealousy.

“It’s her. There’s no way it’s not her,” Will snarled in reply to Jack’s incessant mumbling, handing the spyglass to Cotton. Will turned to the Black Pearl’s crew, and just like the woman on the other ship, began to bark orders. Where hers had been kind and joyous, he’s were angry and determined orders, none on the ship daring to stand in his way. The desperation in his anger was evident, and the fact that their own Captain Jack did nothing but mumble was a telltale sign that this was a serious matter. Otherwise, Will would have had a sword at his neck for even attempting to command the crew. Their efforts to hurry were doubled, when Jack regained his mind only to shout orders alongside his friend.

Oh, how oblivious the woman they had sought for was, for she heard none of the shouting on the nearing ship. For her well-beloved face was already being shown in one of her favourite taverns.

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lumelii · 3 years ago

Text

PANDA ~|~ NANAMI x FEM!READER

Summary: Nanami and Yuuji stop into the local bakery. Nanami finds something he wants that’s off the menu.

Content warning: fluff, little bit of pining, child-parent relations, singledad!Nanami

Note: thanks again to Moni for beta-reading 🥰

word count: 1.6k

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“Daddy! Look!”

It was a bakery they had passed multiple times on the way home, living just next door to it. It was small, tucked into one half of the ground floor of the low building it occupied, sharing a wall with a pharmacy. It served reasonably priced pastries and sandwiches, as well as some of the best coffee in Tokyo. Nanami usually took Yuuji there once or twice a month and let him pick what he wanted for breakfast.

The window display was almost always the same, Nanami would have missed the slight change as he tried to juggle the various bags they had accumulated from their early Saturday morning errands if his young son hadn’t pointed it out. He looked over to see the small bag of fruit he had asked Yuuji to carry on the sidewalk, a lone apple rolling away while his son stood on his tiptoes, his nose practically pressed to the glass.

Instead of the standard fare on the very top shelf, there was a row of buns in the shapes of various animals, with different fillings for each shape written neatly on cards next to each. Nanami had to admire the work, they were incredibly detailed.

“It’s a panda!” Yuuji looked back at Nanami and pointed at the aforementioned bun in the middle. “Can we get one?”

Nanami caught himself before denying Yuuji outright. He had been especially good today when they were running their errands, not complaining once as his father dragged him through town and entertaining himself in the various shops without getting into trouble. And they could go to the park later so Yuuji could run off his energy. A little sugar wouldn’t kill him.

“Sure. Go pick up your bag, though.” He pointed to the forgotten paper bag.

Yuuji quickly ran to pick up the bag (as well as the apple, adding it back to the bag before Nanami could tell him no), and grabbed his father’s hand to all but pull him into the bakery. It wasn’t as crowded as Nanami would have thought for a Saturday morning, something for which he was grateful. When there was a crowd, Yuuji liked to use people as obstacles and run around and through them as fast as he could. Only the obstacles moved, and he usually ended up on his butt more times than he would have liked.

They were able to go straight to an empty table to drop off their shopping before moving to the counter, and after a few seconds, one of the workers packaging cookies turned around, and Nanami’s breath caught in his throat.

It wasn’t like the bakery didn’t have pretty women working there-there were several, ones who would shamelessly flirt and try to butter up Yuuji as a means to get closer to his father, but Nanami didn’t indulge or even notice them. He was polite, got what he needed, then left. He never played into whatever fantasies the cashier of the month decided to dream up.

However, this time, it was hard to remind himself of that conviction when easily the prettiest worker he had ever seen there walked up to the register and smiled at him. Was she new? She had to be new, he’d never seen her before. He would have remembered seeing someone like you.

“Hi, welcome in.” You greeted and leaned against the counter. “What can I get for you?”

“Panda!” Yuuji yelled, his nose peeking over the top of the counter as he looked at you.

“Yuuji.” Nanami scolded and picked him up so he could actually see you. “Ask politely, son.”

Yuuji smiled at him then turned to smile at you. “Can I please have a panda bun please?”

You smiled and nodded. “Of course, sir.” You replied, making him giggle. Your smile widened and you finally looked at Nanami. “And for you?”

“I’ll just have a black coffee.” Nanami didn’t think he could focus on eating without choking if you were going to be walking around the bakery.

“Me too!”

“He’ll have a hot chocolate.”

“I want what you’re having.” Yuuji pouted. Nanami sighed and turned back to the counter.

“Make mine a hot chocolate too.”

You took his money and handed him a number for the table. “Give me just a second, I’ll bring everything to your table. Make yourself at home.”

Nanami nodded and lead Yuuji away from the big display case by the register back to their table, helping him out of his heavy winter coat when he was seated safely. He tried his best to listen to his son as he talked about a dog they had seen earlier today during their shopping trip, but he was finding it very hard to focus.

His eyes kept wandering back behind the counter, watching as you made their drinks and talked with the other workers, laughing along with them at a joke someone had said. He’d never felt this kind of attraction toward another person. It was irrational. He didn’t know you. Yet he still felt that draw.

There had been other women before Yuuji had come into his life, even a few dalliances on nights when Gojou would take him out and Toji would stay home to watch the kids, just to satisfy that primal need. There was even a girlfriend at one point. But Yuuji had declared he didn’t like her after several months, and that was enough for Nanami to end the relationship. There was no point in pursuing a woman who couldn’t to get along with his son.

So why was it now, after finding contentment in being alone for so long, that all he wanted to do was go up and ask you, a complete stranger, on a date?

“You boys are lucky.” Nanami looked up and saw you were now standing next to their table, placing their to-go cups in front of them as well as Yuuji’s panda bun. “This was the second to last one.”

“Do you normally sell out quickly on the animals?” He heard himself asking, like the back of his neck wasn’t on fire right now.

“We only just started making them this week, but for the most part, yes.” You straightened from setting the food down and hugged the tray to your chest. “The red bean panda usually sells first. I suppose people are more used to the flavor.”

“What’s your name?” Yuuji asked suddenly, taking a big bite out of the head of his panda.

“I’m Y/N.” You smiled at the young boy. “What’s yours?”

Thankfully, Yuuji took the time to actually swallow his food before speaking, which was uncharacteristic of him. “My name is Yuuji.” His son said proudly. “I’m five.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Yuuji.” Your eyes turned to Nanami expectantly. “And your name?”

“His name is Dad.” Yuuji told her before Nanami could reply. She laughed, and he thought he hadn’t heard anything quite so wonderful today.

“And is that your first or last name?”

“Our last name is Nanami.” Yuuji answered again, cutting off his father as he opened his mouth to speak. “We live in the building next door.”

“Really? So I do. I just moved in. We’re neighbors.”

“Can I come visit you?” Yuuji asked excitedly.

“Yuuji, let’s not take up any more of the lady’s time.” Nanami interjected, noticing another customer had walked in, but also slightly embarrassed at his son’s oversharing.

“You’re fine, don’t worry. We already had our big morning rush.” You leaned in closer so the young boy wouldn’t hear what you were saying. “I put a shot of espresso in your cup. It should help if you need the caffeine.”

Nanami merely stared back when you pulled back and smiled again. He didn’t know how to respond to this kindness from a total stranger. You didn’t even know him, yet you spoke and cared as if you had been acquainted for a lifetime.

“Y/N!” A voice from the kitchen yelled before Nanami could open his mouth to thank you properly. “We’re almost out of spritz cookies!”

“Coming!” You yelled back and bowed slightly to Nanami. “It was nice to meet you, Dad-san.”

You were gone before he could reply. “It’s Kento.” He murmured to himself. However, Yuuji heard him and fixed him with a frown.

“Your name is Dad.” Yuuji said resolutely.

“I had a name before you came along.”

“And now it’s Dad.”

They sat quietly finishing their drinks, Yuuji swinging his legs happily as he finished his bun and watched the people coming and going in the bakery with wide, curious eyes. Nanami tried hard not to stare at you behind the counter as you worked, but his eyes kept drifting your direction of their own volition. He’d never felt this kind of pull before. He had to be imagining it. He was being irrational.

His line of vision as he watched the door to the kitchen, waiting for you to come out again after disappearing several minutes ago, was blocked when another server came up and set a brown bag with the bakery’s logo on the table. Nanami immediately picked it up and tried to hand it back.

“We didn’t order this.” He told the teenage boy.

“They’re on the house,” was all the boy said before going back behind the counter.

Nanami looked behind the counter and saw you had appeared again, now watching them. When he caught your eye, you smiled widely and gave him a small thumbs up. Looking inside the bag, there was a pair of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, along with the last panda bun. When he turned the bag to put it in with one of the larger shopping bags from their trip, the black ink of a marker caught his eye. Pulling the bag back out, he noticed the same neat handwriting from the display case.

‘Thanks for coming in, neighbor ^_^’

He was truly fucked.

tags: @oikawaandkuroostan (let me know if you want to get added to my tag list-either for this story or any of my writing!)

#growing pains #single dad!nanami #nanami x y/n #nanami kento #itadori yuuji #fanfiction #jujutsu kaisen #jjk fanfic #dadami

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thatonegaytheaterkid · 4 years ago

Text

Confession Under the Stars

Pairing- Zhongli x male reader

⚠️Warnings⚠️- none

Requests are: OPEN

Proofread: nope

A/n: ok, so just to make sure that ya’ll don’t think I’m dead I wrote this for ya’ll to know i’m still alive ✊😌 also this was written at 1am so it probably has some mistakes 😪

You were on your way to complete a commission from the Adventurers guild to take out a guard near Lingju Pass, while on your way there, you stopped for a minute just to take in the tranquility in the air surrounding you, not like you were any rush. It’s not like you were in Liyue every day, usually you’d be doing commissions for the guild in Mondstadt, so whenever you were in Liyue you’d make sure to take in most of the scenery that it had to offer.

While exhaling some of the fresh air, all of a sudden you see a meteorite falling from the sky at an alarmingly fast rate. It wasn’t just everyday you saw a whole meteor just casually falling from the sky, right? So what’s the harm in taking a closer look, you thought.

After following where you saw it fall to, you ended up into what looked like it used to be a hilichurl camp. However, instead of finding a meteorite like you had expected, you ended up seeing a tall man with long hair and crossed-arms standing in the middle of all the decay, no meteor in sight.

You were trying to figure out where the over-sized rock could have possibly gone, it’s not like it could be anywhere else, you knew for a fact that it had to be somewhere around the camp.

Your best chance of finding out where it could have fallen was by asking the man who most likely knew exactly where it would be since it basically fell directly where he was standing. So that’s exactly what you did, tapping lightly on one of his shoulders you asked him where it had fallen.

And that’s when he turned around.

Wow, just wow, he had looks of a god. His long black-to-gold fading hair flowing in the wind along with the black and gold suit that he seemed to be dressed head to toe in, and his facial features were just- damn, he looked as if he were chiseled from the finest stone in all of Teyvat. After seeing him for more than two seconds you ended up just spacing out while admiring his tantalizing facial features, and if that wasn’t enough, his voice, his voice, it was just so deep and soothing it was all you could think about, completely disregarding everything he said to you in that moment, all you ended up processing in that moment was something to do with geo and something else about his elemental burst but you couldn’t really make it out.

“So what might your name be?” he asked

“Huh, o-oh!, my name’s (Y/n)!” you sputtered out while breaking out of your little trance. “And, um, yours?” you tilted your head in a questioning manner.

“Zhongli, a pleasure to meet you, (Y/n) was it?”

“Y-yep, that’s it!” you answered.

“Well, it was a pleasure to meet your acquaintance (Y/n), however, I must be on my way now, I do hope we meet again in the future” Zhongli said in a polite tone while walking away with an elegant wave and a small smile plastered on his face.

All you could do was just wave back at him as you saw him walking away, nearly forgetting about completing your commission then heading on your way to the ruins.

It had only been a few days since your little encounter with Zhongli, he was all you could think about for the past few days afterwards meeting him, you could have sworn you’ve hear his name be thrown around here and there, it usually always involved the Wangshen Funeral Parlor. “Maybe that’s where he works?” you thought. You had a few friends in Liyue, maybe you could ask them about him?

“Mr Zhongli? I know him” Childe stated “What about him?”, “I met him a few days ago and I wanna know more about him. So, what’s he like?” you asked. “Curious as always I see, hmn, well, he works at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, he’s really calm and patient with people, Ooo and he’s really smart too, you can ask him about literally anything and he could go on and on about it for hours until you stop him, but no matter how smart he may seem, he’s always forgetting to bring his Mora anywhere he goes, it’s always a hassle going anywhere with him” “And that’s pretty much all you need to know about him”

“Yeah that sounds like about enough, thanks Tartag!” “No problem comrade! I still owe you for when you paid for my lunch last week so guess now we’re even” Childe grinned as you both said your goodbyes and headed in opposite directions.

“Hm, so he’s level-headed and forgetful when it comes to Mora, noted” you mumbled to yourself while in deep thought. Walking around Liyue Harbour you accidentally bumped into someone while concentrating and forgetting to pay attention to your surroundings.

“Gah, I’m sorry! I wasn’t paying attention to where I was go...ing, it- it’s you again!”

“Ah, (Y/n), good bumping into you again, I do hope you’re alright?”

“You remembered my name, I’m kind of surprised” you chuckled. “Yeah I’m alright, no need to worry” you went on.

“That’s good to hear, say, I was just on my way to a nearby tea house, would you care to come along with me?”

“I- are you sure? Wouldn’t I just be disrupting you?”

“No, on the contrary, you would be doing quite the opposite, I’d like to chat with you over a cup of tea if you’re not already busy.”

“I-uh, sure, why not?”

“Wonderful, now follow me, we must be on our way” He said with a smile.

The walk the two of you had while heading to the tea house was silent but it was a comfortable silence, like the two of you were already quite fond of each other, which you were.

“It seems as though we have arrived at our destination, after you” He said as he opened the door for you. “Thank you” you said as you entered.

The smell of freshly brewed tea was now hitting your senses making you feel more at ease. “The scent in here is wonderful” you said while taking a seat facing Zhongli’s. “Indeed, now, how about we order some tea, I’ve been told that the ingredients that they use here are gathered fresh everyday.” He stated in a ‘matter-of-fact’ tone.

It didn’t take long for both of you to start up a conversation. Of course, Zhongli was the first to start talking and it didn’t take long for you to follow in suit. You both had ended up talking to one another for hours on end and had already become good friends in such a short time. It was only when you both realised that the sun was no longer up was when you both decided that it was now time to leave.

“Ah, it seems that the sun has set, I think it may be time we be on our way.” He said in a slightly disappointed tone. ”I didn’t even realise that the sun went down” you chuckled. “You’re right, it does seem like it’s time to leave” you said also trying to hide your slight disappointment.

“Now time to pay for th-” he paused reaching into his pocket. “Ahem” clearing his voice. “It seems as though I may have forgotten to bring my Mora.” He said trying to hide his embarrassment.

“It’s fine, I’ll pay” you said with a slight chuckle remembering that this is exactly what Childe had described. “Thank you (Y/n), I must apologise about forgetting to remember to bring my Mora with me, it always seems to slip past my memory” he said with a hand covering his face.

“No, no, don’t worry about it, it happens every once in a while” you brushed it off. “Yes, ‘every once in a while’” He said in an almost inaudible mumble to himself.

“Well, as it has already gotten late I suppose this is where we part ways, I hope to see you next time then” He indicated as he shook your hand as a farewell. “Yeah, until next time” you said with a smile then parted ways.

Wait.

Did he just say next time?

‘So, then that means that there’s gonna be a next time’ you thought, as a smile silently ushered its way onto your lips.

It had been a few months after both you and Zhongli had this small interaction. It didn’t take long after you both had started to meet up every once in a while.

It started off with just walking into each other more often in certain parts of Liyue and having small conversations with one another while walking to whatever place either of you were headed, then eventually you both started to meet up at the docks and would just spend the rest of both your evenings in each others presence while striking up conversations about Rex Lapis and the other archons. Safe to say you ended up staying in Liyue for longer than you had originally anticipated.

It didn’t take long before you both turned into close friends, you were both fascinated by each other and kept wanting to be around one another any chance you got.

You liked listening to him talk, and not just because of his soothing voice, you thoroughly enjoyed hearing him go on and on about every and anything, both his and your knowledge was quite vast so you never had a dull conversation.

Conversations would range from topics like where the name from a specific flower originated from, to both of your opinions on the Liyue Quixing. Talking with him never got boring, there was always something that either one of you would say that would strike up a whole new topic to uncover. The more you both spoke the more intrigued you would become in one another, it was always interesting hearing about what both your opinions were on certain things, even if you both would sometimes see things in an entirely different light, but that was the fun in it, uncovering more and more small hidden details about each other.

Being in his presence always made you feel more relaxed, he gave off this aura in which you felt safe and at peace in, it reminded you of a piece of silk flowing in the breeze. It was calming.

Now cut to the present time you’re both in.

Both you and Zhongli are watching over Liyue Harbour in the moonlight enjoying the sight of the lantern light illuminating the docks off the top of Mount Tienhung while dangling your feet off the edge of the mountain.

For once, neither of you were talking. You were both just sitting in a peaceful silence basking in the breathtaking view of the harbor. However, it wasn’t the harbor that Zhongli seemed to be looking at, no, he was far more interested in you.

All he could be focused on in that moment was how all your features seemed to light up under the moonlit sky, the luminescent lighting made you look almost as if you were glowing. You looked divine. All he could think about was how handsome it made you look. For the first time, Zhongli was at loss for words. Looking at you in this moment made it seem like time was no longer existent, as if everything just...stopped. All that was on his mind was just you. There was nothing else that wanted to enter his mind other than you. Your laugh, your smile, your thoughts, just everything.

This wasn’t the first time he’s caught himself thinking of you at such an extent. It had been happening for the past couple of weeks and he hadn’t a clue on why. All that happened was that he’d see you and suddenly everything around him just seemed to stop, like you were the only being in the universe. The only thing moving.

He started to question himself when he wasn’t with you. Why did he have such strong emotions when it came to you? Why didn’t he feel this way towards anyone else? Why did his stomach do backflips when he was with you? Why did he now feel the need to impress you more?

Just...why?

He had so many questions and yet he didn’t have a single answer. It was only when he was walking through the streets of Liyue when he accidentally overheard a couple telling each other “I love you” to one another when the answer had hit him like a dendro slime on the back of the head.

That. That was the answer he was looking for. Was he...in love?

At first he was in denial, “No, no, that couldn’t possibly be it” he thought. But the more he thought about it, the more and more it finally made sense. The backflips you would cause his stomach to make every time he was around you, the way the world would just stop, it was all because of this simple reason.

Zhongli was in love with you.

He knew he had to come clean about his feelings towards you eventually, so what was a better time than now?

Breaking out from his trance, he cleared his throat and began speaking.

“(Y/n), there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about lately” he said with a bit of nervousness creeping up on him.

“Of course, what is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?” you told him with a reassuring smile.

Just you giving him a small smile was enough to give him the confidence he greatly needed.

With a deep breath in and out he then began to speak once more, “As of late, I’ve been having these.. feelings towards you... feelings that I can’t really explain” “They are like an extremely strong, admiration? No, that’s not it, that’s not it at all” he gulped swallowing all of his pride.

“(Y/n), I’m in love with you”

“I know that you may not feel the same towards me, howeve-” he said as he got cut off by you, as you used all the courage you could muster in that moment, and grabbed his chin and began to kiss him.

It had seemed like the world had stopped right then and there, All he could feel was just pure bliss, it felt amazing, his heart was beating so fast it felt as if it was going to pop out from his chest. He was a blushing mess. This was the first time you had ever seen him so vulnerable before.

As he eased in to the kiss he began to feel more at peace, Everything was perfect.

After a bit you both stopped to finally grasp some air. Breathing in and out you looked at him and said, “Y’know what’s funny? I’ve felt the same about you ever since we first met” giving out a small chuckle.

Eyes wide with surprise Zhongli felt like he had just been slapped in the face. How did he not know?! It was only that since you told him that it had now been obvious from the start.

The way your gaze would linger on him and all your expressions would just soften a bit or how you’d always blush when he would compliment you, it made so much sense now. How in Rex Lapis’ name could he not have realised sooner?

It made him wish he could get striked by his meteor because of his utter obliviousness, while groaning to himself he heard a laugh from you right next to him.

“Hahaha! Sorry, sorry, I think it’s funny how you’re just now realising” you said trying to control your laughter. “You look cute when your oblivious” saying while rubbing a small tear from your eye.

Seeing you laugh was was like euphoria to him, it made him feel so warm inside.

And then that was until he reminded himself why you were laughing and went back to his frowning, which made you laugh even more...great.

“Hey, hey, there’s no need to feel like that” you told him in a sing-song voice while still trying to keep your composure. “It doesn’t matter anymore so best not think about it right?” you said while resting your head on his shoulder to try and calm him down.

The rest of the night was absolutely perfect. The two of you ended up just snuggling up next to each other for the rest of the night, staying in each others arms until you fell asleep and he had to take you home bridal style.

Taglist- @aizawaslovebot @mizunetzu @anormalguyreader If you wanna be added just ask or dm me and I’ll be sure to add you!~

#genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #zhongli x reader #zhongli x male reader #zhongli #geo daddy #rex lapis #geo archon #genshin zhongli #genshin #gaming #genshin impact x male reader #x reader #x male reader

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crystalessenceswrites · 3 years ago

Note

would you do 9. with commander fox for kinktober? any of the prompts would be amazing! (or all three if you’re feeling particularly adventurous haha)

(and could you tag me for the month?)

Thank your for the request and apologies for the delay lovely. It seems I'm just destined to running behind this month.

[Masterlist] [Kinktober Masterlist]

#9- Lingerie Commander Fox x fem!reader Rating: Explicit (18+) Warnings: explicit sexual material, clothed male/ mostly naked female, slight brat taming vibes, singular mention of alcohol

Despite the fact the Galactic Senate was supposed to be for the people, it was more often than not a place of opulence. The reality of it was often bemoaned by your boss, Senator Organa, but he understood the need to match the rest of the senate in order to play the game of politics. The senate ball was one of these necessary evils. While you agreed with Bail on the matter of luxury, it was fun to have a reason to dress up every once in a while. Your boss had been kind enough to invite you, his most senior aide, as his plus one to this year’s ball, giving you just the excuse you needed to dress up and be a bit of tease. Fox had told you weeks ago about the Chancellors plan to have the Corrie Guard run security for the event, and complained about it being a waste of time, for which he was not wrong. You may have failed to mention during the conversation that you would be in attendance and kept your most recent purchase a secret from him.

With Fox’s nature it should not have come as a surprise to you that he loved seeing you in his colors, but the thought had not crossed your mind before you innocently wore a red dress into work one day. The Commander had promptly dragged you into a supply closet and made you cum all over his fingers before sending you back to work on wobbly legs. While you could not wear such an obvious dress to the ball, you would be wearing a grey number to subtly match your boss’s grey and white dress suit, what was underneath would be all for Fox. The lacy red set you had found had been worth every credit. Not only would Fox love the meaning, but it fit in a way that hugged you curves just right. Even if it hadn’t been in Fox’s color, you’re sure he would have appreciated the look.

You feel stunning walking into the senate hall the night of the ball. You may not have Senator Amidala’s impressive wardrobe, but you still feel a million credits because there was really only one person whose opinion mattered. A few of the guard give you discreet nods in greeting as you arrive and you are sure Fox will know you’re here long before you see him. His brothers were the nosey type, that could be counted as a fact.

You finally spot him and Thire standing on either of the entrance to the ballroom. As subtle as possible you work your way to the edge of the crowd. Keen eyed as usual he spots you nearly instantly. He stiffens under all that armor as you make eye contact, or what you assume is eye contact through his visor. You are as casual as possible when you approach. It was not uncommon for the aides to be familiar with the unit providing security detail to the senate building. Even before you had known Fox, you had often coordinated the senator’s schedule and security with the clone guard. So, it was not too out of order for you to stop and address Fox, as co-workers, of course.

“Commander,” you shoot him your best demure smile.

“Ma’am.” He nods back, voice curt. You can safely assume you managed to surprise him.

“I hope you’re not working too hard tonight.” An unassuming enough conversation to have between acquaintances. Yet while you calmly hold his gaze you let one hand drift down to your thigh, fiddling with the slit in the side of your dress. It comes up to about mid-thigh, nothing too risqué for a gathering your technically on the clock for, but high enough that you can have some fun with. The slight tilt of Fox’s helmet is enough to know his eyes are following your wandering hand. Perfect. Hooking one finger into the hem you drag the fabric up the rest of your thigh, giving Fox an eyeful of your soft skin and the slightest hint of red lace before you let go, the silky fabric falling back into place.

His helmet snaps back up and you can feel his burning gaze without seeing his eyes. “Of course not, Ma’am.”

A lie, but a polite one. “That’s good to hear. Have a good evening, Commander.”

“You as well, Ma’am.”

You can feel his eyes on you as you retreat into the ballroom. Bail greets you with a warm smile, offering you his arm like a true gentleman as you begin your rounds to all the senators in his coalition. Despite all the greetings and small talk, the only thing on your mind is how you poked the bear and how long it would take for him to strike.

Fox is surprisingly patient. You feel his gaze follow you for most of the night but he doesn’t make any move to draw you away, even when you sneak off to the restrooms for a breather. He just waits and watches as the ball begins to wind down. Some senators break away for discussions, others for drinks in their offices, some simply call it a night. Senator Organa eventually bids you a goodnight as well before breaking off for a meeting with Senator Amidala and a handful of others. You linger as he leaves, sipping on a barely touched glass of bubbly was you scan the room for Fox. You meet his gaze from across the room as he stands around the perimeter, monitoring the dwindling crowd of politicians. You decide you have waited long enough, tilting your head towards the south exit before slipping away. The south wing was the fastest way to get to his office so you’re sure Fox would understand. You pass Thire on your way out.

“Have a good night, Ma’am.” His smug tone leads you to believe he too has caught onto the game you are playing with Fox.

Nosey indeed.

You’re waiting for the lift when he appears out of nowhere. Just a blink goes by and he’s there, hovering at your side. He doesn’t speak a word as you enter the lift or as he keys in the security code needed to reach the floor he and the rest of the guard worked out of. It is not till you reach the privacy of his office that he turns to you. With one swift movement he pulls his bucket off, setting it blindly on the desk behind him.

“Strip.”

“Excuse me?” you gape at the sudden command.

“You heard me.”

Rolling your eyes you do as he ordered, stepping out of your heels before undoing the zipper of the dress. “Such a romantic,” you grumble.

“And you’re a little tease, cyare.” He eyes your scantily clad form as you stand before him, his gaze tracing the lines of red lace across your skin. “Prefect.”

Heat rises to your cheeks at the almost reverent tone in his voice. It would seem your little surprise had been a success. “All for you.”

He draws you closer, one arm wrapped around your waist, the other cupping the back of your head as he leans in, lips ghosting across yours. “It better be, pretty girl.”

“Only ever you.”

He hums in acknowledgment before closing the distance between you. His greedy tongue swiping along your bottom lip, probing for entrance, which you gladly give. You moan into his mouth as he grabs and kneads at the round of your ass covered in lace. It does not take long to feel the dampness of your arousal spreading across the red fabric. You had been waiting for him with rapt anticipation all night. His face is plastered with a smug look as you pull away to catch your breath. One finger runs over your clothed slit, “already this worked up, meshla?”

“You made me wait, Commander.”

Before you can blink he spins you around in his grasp, bending you forward so you’re leaning over the edge of his desk. You hear him discard his codpiece with hurried movements before he frees himself. His length hot and heavy against your ass, he pushes your panties aside before running himself along your cunt, coating himself in your arousal.

“Now be a good girl meshla, or else I’ll have to get you back for that stunt earlier.”

Kinktober taglist: @chewychewyque

#commander fox x reader #commander fox x f!reader #fox x reader #commander fox imagine #kinktober #tppkinktober2021 #clone x reader #x reader #nsft

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robinofgothamcity · 3 years ago

Text

♡ prompt: “i thought you were dead? for years, i thought you were dead! and i hate that i still love you and never moved on!”

♡ pairing: tim drake (red robin) x fem! reader

♡ lyric inspiration: “you’re riding high in April, shot down in May but I know I’m going to change that tune when I’m back on top in June. I said that’s life and as funny as that may seem, some people get their kicks stomping on a dream.”

♡ note: not checked for grammar or spelling mistakes / please check the pinned tweet please! since i’m very low on inspiration.

Tim Drake stared at you, mouth wide open, not knowing what to say or do. he felt like he saw a ghost. you were standing across the room, talking amongst others as they instantly crowded around you. everyone had thought the same thing Tim did and only a selective few knew about your whereabouts.

you were giving Dick a hug, whispering in his ear about how much you missed him as Damian stood there dumbfounded. Jason was not in the room or else you knew that he would be giving you an earful about the entire situation. Jason always did think of you as a sister when you first started dating Tim.

“what the fuck happened to you?” Damian screamed, finally coming into the realization of the situation, “you were dead! we saw you die! all of us did!” he continued. you bent down, giving him a hug as he didn’t bother to try and deny it.

“it’s a long story. i was under secrecy for a long time and couldn’t tell or say anything without me getting caught,” you told him. you looked to Dick who still couldn’t believe what was going on, “it must’ve been a monumental mission if you were technically dead for three years and I couldn’t know about it,” he replied.

you nodded, whispering to him that you’d tell them the details later, “is...he around?” you asked, referencing Tim. Dick moved a bit to the left, revealing the man you were still madly in love with. you felt yourself gulp, scared on his reaction, “oh god, I never realized how bad this is,” Dick whispered to himself, sensing the tension immediately.

you swinging around the Batcave, Batman clearly annoyed with your antics as you finally plopped down next to him, “aww c’mon Bruce! live a little! this Batcave is so depressing and need I say, dark?” you said, hearing the door jingle open.

“great, the boys are here,” he murmured, realizing that introductions had to happen between you and his sons. Bruce had taken you in a few months ago, under the guise that you needed a better mentor, “you haven’t met them, right?” he asked.

you shook your head no, “course I haven’t! it’s my first week in Gotham!” you exclaimed happily. you did hero work out of the west coast and happened to finally land in Gotham for the first time ever, “although I did run into Damian earlier in the week so I think he’ll recognize me!”

Tim and Dick were the ones who walked in, conversing about some Gotham football game. you smiled at the two boys as they stopped dead in their tracks, “uh....Bruce, who is this?” Dick asked, pointing at you. you stood up, shaking their hands, “I’m ( your name )! Bruce’s new apprentice!” you explained.

the two sighed, Dick’s first thought being if Alfred knew about you. Tim on the other hand didn’t exactly respond as quick. you were oddly excitable, not exactly the personality that ran rampant across the ‘family’, “apprentice or daughter?” Dick asked, a bit playfully.

“she’s an apprentice. no need to adopt someone who’s already an adult,” he replied as he stood up himself, “she came from the west coast so she doesn’t exactly know her way around here. it’d be helpful if one of you showed her around. I don’t trust Jason or Damian enough,” he said, walking to another one of the computers.

“Stephanie isn’t around?” Damian asked, walking inside of the cave, “she’s already acquainted with her and she isn’t available to do it right now so it’s up to Dick or you Tim,” Bruce repeated. Dick looked to his brother with his eyebrow lifted up, “well?” he asked Tim.

the two of them went to look at you who was already not paying attention to what was going on. you were nose deep into a computer with music blaring inside of your headphones, “I swear that girl has ADHD or something,” Damian murmured to his brothers, “but I think Drake should do it! you just love getting to know people, don’t you?” Damian pressured.

Bruce nodded in agreement, “it’s settled, you’re showing her around!” Tim stared at Damian, ready to attack the gremlin with his bare hands, “appreciate it Tim!” you yelled from your seat, surprising the three who thought you couldn’t hear what they were saying.

it was already a few months into your internship with the Batfamily. you had gotten closer with Jason, Stephanie, and because of your relationship with Dick, you befriended Starfire as well. even though your work was constantly surrounding you around Tim, you weren’t around him much unless it had to do with work.

“where you heading off too?” Jason asked, seeing you all dressed up, “Star, Barbara, and Steph wanted to go out for the night since we aren’t on duty so we’re going to get drinks up the street,” you told him. he nodded, looking to Tim and seeing the way he was checking you out, “why do you go with them, Tim?” he asked.

Tim looked at Jason with a bewildered expression, “why would I be the only guy in the group?” he asked sarcastically. you on the other hand jumped up in joy, “you should!” you exclaimed, “come on! it would be amazing! you know you want too!” you poked Tim’s side in anticipation.

he sighed, slipping a bit on the couch, “fine,” he muttered, making you excited all over again. you gave him a few minutes to get himself together, “you know he likes you, right?” Jason told you. you laughed out of genuine shock, “who? Tim? yeah right!” you let out another laugh, not believing he was lying to your face, “fine, don’t believe me but it’s pretty obvious.”

you couldn’t say much else as Tim walked out, hair restyled and threw on a different jacket, “ready?” he asked, hands deep in his pockets. you nodded, throwing Jason a scrap piece of paper before heading out the door as Dick walked inside, “meeting the girls?” he asked.

“yeah and I’m taking your brother as a hostage,” Dick was surprised, “did you finally?” he started to ask before Tim screamed at him to shut up, “how about we leave,” Tim told you, discreetly hitting Dick on the back of his leg as retaliation.

the two of you walked out as you told Tim that the place you usually went out with the girls was in walking distance, “I think they’re going to be surprised you even decided to leave your apartment,” you joked as he rolled his eyes playfully, “I don’t think they’ll mind. at least Stephanie can stop saying that I never go out,” he said.

you laughed softly, “yeah you might be going out with a bunch of girls but it sure beats being stuck inside playing video games or doing work,” you replied, “yeah, guess your right,” you two walked inside of the restaurant, already seeing Steph, Starfire, and Barbara sitting at the usual table.

the three girls had their mouth hanging as they saw you walking in with Tim, “he actually came out?” Barbara screamed, not believing Tim was actually out, “yeah, figured it was better than staying in for the night!” you said excitedly.

“I couldn’t even get him to come out with me at times and I dated him,” Steph murmured under her breath to Star. she laughed as you pulled chairs for you and Tim, “I’m getting first round of shots!” you told the group excitedly. Star and Barbara had followed you to the bar, leaving Steph and Tim in a small awkward silence

“you like her don’t you?” she asked. Tim nodded, figuring it was better to just tell the truth than to lie, “that’s cute! she’s a great girl. I’m happy you finally found someone else but I will say one thing, I think you better get a move on with your feels with her because I know a few others who have an interest in her and one might be on your team,” she said, not so subtly hinting at Connor.

Tim was taken back by what Stephanie was telling her but remained silent, “and I think she’d say yes on Connor so you better be quick,” she laughed, seeing Tim’s slightly jealous eyes. you returned to the table, giving everyone their glass as you raised yours in the air, “to Tim! for actually leaving his house for once!” you screamed as they all raised their glass and took the shot down.

throughout the night, Tim saw the way you were singing and dancing with Steph and Star, your terrible drunk singing voice getting louder as they played ‘poker face’ by lady gaga towards the end of the night.

you stared at Riddler, seeing that he was ready to attack Tim with full intentions to kill him. you debated for a moment, saving a few civilians from getting mildly hurt or seeing your boyfriend get killed? you chose the latter and ran to Tim who was not paying attention in the slightest at what Riddler was doing.

“Red!” you screamed, your feet moving as fast as they could and pushing him out of the way. you felt the slice of the knife into your stomach as you had successfully pushed Tim to safety, “fuck,” you whispered, seeing the blood already pooling underneath you.

although you getting hurt was already pre-planned, you had no intentions of getting hurt this badly, “fuck, fuck, fuck,” you continued, trying to grab your cape to stop the bleeding, Tim stared down at you, seeing the blood gushing at a rate too dangerous for his liking, “hold on, please hold on!” he screamed, moving you out of harms way.

Bruce had saw you giving him the signal, weakly but you still gave it to him. it was your only chance for your pre-planned mission to actually succeed and the start of that plan was to make you die in front of everyone. Bruce had swung down from the stairs, seeing the way your eyes closed.

“she needs to go to the hospital,” he told Tim, making him rush you to the hospital himself. he knew this was the only time he would be able to say his goodbyes to you and he need to make it count, “go now!” he yelled.

Tim dragged your almost lifeless body to the nearest hospital, screaming at the staff that you needed help immediately. the nurses grabbed your body, hauling it to the OR as Tim sat there, blood all over his uniform as he watched you get wheeled into the hallway.

it felt like hours by the time they gave an update to all of them. Bruce, Tim, Dick, Jason, Steph, Barbara, and Damian, were sitting in the waiting area, munching on food nervously as the nurse came out of the hallway, eyes bleary with tears.

“she didn’t make it out of surgery. she passed.”

all of them (for the exception of Bruce), immediately bursted into tears. Tim more than anyone had fell to the ground, having no control of his body as he screamed that it couldn’t be true and that you weren’t actually gone. a part of Bruce’s heart broke seeing his son having a mental breakdown but he knew for their safety and yours, he couldn’t say a word.

the following days were left to plan your funeral as the nurses who relied your wishes stated that you wanted a closed casket for no one, not even Tim, to see your dead body. Tim hadn’t spoken a word to anyone as he only spoke up when it came for him to plan your arrangements.

they buried your casket with your uniform laying on top of it as they all saw your casket get lower and lower to the ground. Tim was by this point sobbing as he couldn’t have cared who saw and who didn’t.

Dick grabbed Damian, moving themselves to another part of the room as you walked slowly to Tim. he had yet to say anything but as soon as you locked eyes with him, you both let out sobs to each other. Tim grabbed you by the arms, bringing you into a hug as he sobbed into your shoulders.

“what the fuck is going on?” he yelled, not knowing what to say, “I’m alive Timmy. I didn’t die that night,” you practically sobbed back to him. he released you, now anger and sadness crossing over him, “what the fuck do you mean you didn’t die?” he screamed, scaring Dick and Damian in the process.

you sat on the ground, trying to compose yourself, “I went on an undercover mission for league. I had to die in order to protect not only myself but all of you and the entire league. which explains why I look different,” you murmured the last part.

“I thought you were dead. for years, I thought you were dead! and I hate that I still love you and never moved on!” he exclaimed, seeing the way you stared at him heartbrokenly, “you think I wanted this to happen? it was for the betterment of the league if I took on this mission. I never wanted to leave you or Steph, hell I didn’t want to leave any of you but I had too! it broke my heart knowing what I had to do!” you yelled back.

Tim bent down, taking you into his arms, “what the hell are we going to do?” he whispered in your ear, not knowing how to respond to any of this rationally. you shrugged as the two of you tried to calm yourselves down from the hysterics you both were throwing, “I just need you here with me,” you whispered back.

Tim nodded, not releasing you from the hug you were giving him. “I won’t. I won’t let you go! not anymore!” he replied. you laughed through your tears as you heard someone else walk into the room.

“what the fuck.....” you heard Steph and Jason’s voice scream through the Batcave, “what the FUCK is going on?” they screamed in panic.

hehehe a cliffhanger

#DC comics #DC imagines #dc x reader #dc imagine #dc #Tim Drake #tim drake imagine #tim drake x reader #Tim Drake x Y/n #Red Robin #red robin x reader #comics #red robin imagine #red robin x y/n

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robininthelabyrinth · 4 years ago

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Unfettered (aka NHS goes feral) - part 4 - previous parts: on ao3 or tumblr pt 1, pt 2, pt 3

Wei Wuxian wasn’t going to lie: it was weird seeing Nie Huaisang smiling again.

It wasn’t that he didn’t remember how Nie Huaisang used to behave when they were all back at the Cloud Recesses, and even before, but that seemed so long ago these days that it might as well have occurred in a past life. The expression just didn’t fit him anymore, like a grown man trying to return to the clothing of his childhood, and yet at the same time it was wretchedly familiar, even welcome – it was as if time had reversed course all at once, plucking them all out of the stream of their lives and returning them to how it used to be long before. Back to simpler, happier times.

It was kind of funny, actually.

Those that had not known Nie Huaisang as anything other than the Pallbearer seemed to be in a state of utter shock, gossiping madly – Did you see? He was smiling! He laughed at someone’s joke! He told a joke! He patted that child on the head and said ‘good job’ and the child didn’t cry even once!

Those that had known him from before only by reputation were, if anything, even more aghast – Do you think he’s going to start pouting and crying at things again? Surely not, I can’t even imagine! The last time he pouted was when one of his fans got stained, remember, after he stuck it straight through that man’s throat –

Those that had known him from before in person…

Well, the reaction was mixed. There was some relief, some distress, and a great deal of pain as they remembered once again how much their friend had changed in the wake of his brother’s near-death – the reminder of his former self was both nostalgic and bittersweet.

Personally, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were working through their feelings on the subject with the help of a lot of roleplaying involving their time at the Cloud Recesses. It was very healthy of them, emotionally, although maybe not so healthy for the state of Wei Wuxian’s waist. Or throat. Or hands…

(No, they weren’t officially married yet, since they were still hoping that they could have a proper ceremony when the war ended, but they were both of age and engaged. And that meant they could go to bed together, no matter what some of the more conservative Lan sect members thought – with Lan Qiren backing them up, which he did with no small amount of eye-rolling and deep sighs and long-suffering resignation, they were free to do as they pleased.)

That, too, was something they owed to Nie Huaisang.

Without Nie Huaisang’s timely intervention, both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng would’ve fallen for the Jin sect’s instigation and turned against each other in an act of mutual destruction that harmed both of them, and everyone else besides. Jiang Cheng would have cut off his own right arm, voluntarily weakening his sect just at the moment when they needed strength the most, and rendered himself without any other choice but to be dependent on Lanling Jin, while Wei Wuxian would have remained trapped in the Burial Mounds in Yiling, getting called the Yiling Patriarch as some people still today did, growing ever more resentful at his isolation and poverty.

(That one uncomfortable month he’d spent arguing with Wen Qing and Wen Ning about whether they should try to grow radishes or potatoes had been very educational, especially since they were both not-so-secretly convinced that the argument was futile and that nothing would ever grow on the Burial Mounds, such that they were just whiling away time until they all starved to death.)

They would be scattered, weakened, unhappy and vulnerable. Wei Wuxian would be sitting there like a giant target until the Jin sect decided, in their leisure, to deal with him the way, in hindsight, they had so obviously always intended to.

Wei Wuxian would have missed his sister’s wedding, probably. He might even have missed Jiang Yanli’s widowing, and the consequences of that were unthinkable.

If Wei Wuxian hadn’t brought the Wen sect back with him to the Lotus Pier as a result of Jiang Cheng’s defiance of the cultivation world’s criticism, Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli would never had the chance to hit it off the way they had, becoming fast friends. If they hadn’t been friends, Wen Qing wouldn’t have been visiting Jinlin Tower to check up on her good friend when the news of Jin Zixuan’s death had first spread.

His murder, rather – Wei Wuxian wasn’t terribly clear on the details, but it wasn’t really necessary. Jin Guangshan had pressed his legitimate son’s filial piety to the breaking point in his pursuit of power, and finally he must have done something to go too far, to cause there to be a real break between them. Jin Zixuan must have made clear that he would not play along, no matter what, and by that point Jin Guangshan already knew there was Jin Guangyao waiting in the sidelines to step up and take his place. There was no other way it could have gone, simply because there was no other reason for both Jin Zixuan and his mother to so conveniently die on the very same day.

If it hadn’t been for Nie Huaisang convincing Jiang Cheng, Wen Qing wouldn’t have been there. Wen Qing wouldn’t have been available to be bold and decisive, the way she was with her medicine; she wouldn’t have been able to persuade Jiang Yanli of the possibility of danger and then to smuggler out of Jinlin Tower and take her on the run in disguise, long before it occurred to anyone else that there might be some threat to her – that the Jin sect might decide to hold her hostage, or worse.

Definitely worse. If Jin Guangyao had had the chance to figure out what only Wen Qing had known back then – that Jiang Yanli, barely more than a newlywed, already carried the next heir to Lanling Jin within her belly…

Jin Guangyao’s ambitions would never have let Jin Zixuan live, a fact they’d all only realized in horrible helpless hindsight, but if Wen Qing had been trapped in Yiling with Wei Wuxian at the time, instead of visiting Lanling, then Jiang Yanli…

Wei Wuxian didn’t even want to think of it.

So, really, it was only fair that Nie Huaisang, who had whether intentionally or incidentally saved so many of them these past few years, finally, finally get what he’d been dreaming of all these years: his brother’s return.

It was only fair that he be allowed to return to being happy.

And yet, at the same time –

“You need to go talk to him,” Jiang Cheng said. His arms would be crossed in front of his chest if he wasn’t currently holding a sleeping Jin Ling, who’d had something of a fright upon meeting the new and improved Nie Huaisang. The poor kid had been convinced that his habitually bitter and vicious Second Uncle Nie was possessed by some sort of fierce but bizarrely friendly ghost. “There’s a war on, for fuck’s sake. He can’t spend all his time haunting the Unclean Realm trying to pretend that he’s something he’s not in order to keep his brother from finding out that he’s changed!”

“It’s not as bad as all that,” Wei Wuxian objected. “I mean, Nie Huaisang’s always run most of the war through correspondence, anyway, and it’s not like we’re totally helpless without him to boss us around.”

“His absence hasn’t been noted by our enemies just yet,” Wen Ning murmured. His arms were similarly full with Wen Yuan – a little older than his friends, steadier and more mature, but a sympathetic crier, and spending a month of his childhood in the Burial Mounds made him more susceptible to fears of possession, not less, so he’d been set off by Jin Ling. And seeing them both in tears had, of course, made poor level-headed Jin Rusong, who didn’t cry easily at all, panic and try to help in a way that only made it worse; Xiao Xingchen had swept him away to the kitchen, and the two of them were currently making snacks for the other two when they woke up. “But it will be, soon. They are already puzzled by the change in tactics.”

Wen Ning’s voice was as soft as ever, his stutter subdued only by the fact that he was with company he liked, but his tone brooked no argument – he’d changed a lot since their youth, too, and knew more intimately than most how some things could not be undone.

The Jin sect, not content with merely killing him, had dubbed his resurrected self ‘the Ghost General’ in an attempt to incite the cultivation world into hating and fearing him. It had been a lie back then, when he’d been doing nothing more than planting radish seeds and babysitting, but now Wen Ning was a general in truth, the leader of their archers and one of Nie Huaisang’s right hands. He was still shy, still didn’t speak fluently and probably never would, but Nie Huaisang had assigned him several capable deputies who understood him even when he had to resort to the type of hand-signs used by the deaf or in covert situations. He was surprisingly popular with the cultivators on their side of the war, although Wei Wuxian acknowledged that perhaps his popularity shouldn’t be that much of a surprise: there was a certain morale-boosting effect in seeing your general continuing to fight even after being struck with enough arrows to create a porcupine.

“Being puzzled by a change in tactics is fairly run of the mill for any enemy facing Nie Huaisang,” Wei Wuxian pointed out.

“Which is why they haven’t noticed it yet, Wei-gongzi. But eventually…”

Wei Wuxian grimaced. “Is it really that dire?”

“Not yet,” Lan Wangji said ominously, and – fine. If even Lan Wangji thought that someone should talk to Nie Huaisang, Wei Wuxian would go and talk to him.

After all, they were old friends of long acquaintance.

Very long, even.

“I come bearing terms of peace,” Wei Wuxian announced, walking into Nie Huaisang’s study and waving a few jars of wine at him. “Come negotiate with me, Nie-xiong!”

“I don’t recall giving you permission to barge into my room,” Nie Huaisang said without looking up from his correspondence, a little flash of the vicious Pallbearer they’d all grown painfully accustomed to – he had his family’s temper but a cooler head, with rage that burned low and long rather than flaring up hot and burning out.

Wei Wuxian reflected once more on how apt Nie Huaisang’s personal title was. The foolish thought that it referred to the filial piety he showed in mourning the brother that raised him since childhood, the somewhat wiser to the way the attack on Nie Mingjue had forced Nie Huaisang to find the virtue he had previously lacked, but the really smart ones knew that the most accurate interpretation was that those that Nie Huaisang chose to accompany to their end would ultimately find themselves without any path forward but death.

Nie Huaisang’s cultivation was still nothing special, his ability to fight virtually non-existent beyond the most basic of saber forms – a saber he now carried with him often enough, but still almost never used – and he’d rejected Wei Wuxian’s very innovative idea (if he did say so himself) that he try to train with a war fan, both on the basis of it being both too much effort and furthermore thoroughly lacking in aesthetic. As a result, he had no particularly notable talents, and none that could allow him to triumph in a night-hunt or a duel.

It didn’t make him any less terrifying.

“You’ll forgive me,” Wei Wuxian said flippantly, and sat down next to him, looking at the words that filled the page with Nie Huaisang’s lovely, artistic calligraphy. “More spy stuff?”

Nie Huaisang’s lips curled up into a small smirk. “Naturally. The network never sleeps, as you well know. I assume you’ve been sent to scold me about the war?”

“Amazing,” Wei Wuxian said, and nudged him in the side with his elbow. “It’s almost like you have a brain in your head or something. Since you’ve guessed it, I don’t even know what more I need to say…how’s Chifeng-zun doing?”

That got Nie Huaisang’s face to soften, as he’d hoped it would. “Much better. He’s been sleeping and waking consistently, and the mobility exercises are working well, though of course he’s insisting on trying more than he can manage. He only just managed to walk across the room without stumbling yesterday, had to sit down right away after, and he’s already asking about saber training.”

That was very in character for Nie Mingjue.

“I’m glad,” Wei Wuxian said, meaning it with all his heart. “I missed da-ge.”

He owed him so much, after all.

So much more than most people knew.

It had been Nie Mingjue who had found him all those years ago, in the dark days when his parents had died in a night-hunt gone wrong and the money they’d left with the innkeeper turning out to be insufficient to keep him housed or fed for more than a fortnight. Wei Wuxian had been a spoiled, beloved child – even if his parents were rogue cultivators, his father originally a servant, they were famous; there wasn’t a town that didn’t welcome them with open arms. They had never lacked for money, for warmth and comfort.

Wei Wuxian might have had a chance if they’d died in the spring or summer. He might have been able to learn to sleep on the streets during warm nights and used those rich fat months to learn from all the other beggars how to eat refuse, but his parents had died in the winter. Even the beggars chased him away, unwilling to spare the smallest scrap of food or lose any bit of warmth by sharing the spots they had found to shelter from the cold; and when he went to the richer districts that had once greeted his parents with such enthusiasm, wild dogs were sent to chase him away, vicious and merciless…within a week, he had been very nearly dead.

Luckily, when hiring rogue cultivators turned out to be insufficient to deal with the problem, the miserly local landlord that had sent out the notice in the first place had finally given in and written to a Great Sect, begging for aid – as a rich man, he was obligated to contribute to the costs of a requested night-hunt, and the Great Sects, while generally more successful, were typically far more mercenary in that regard than rogue cultivators – and Nie Mingjue had come with his Nie sect, the most willing by far to do the work of defeating evil without charging too much for the privilege.

He’d found the bodies of Wei Wuxian’s parents.

Soon after, he’d found Wei Wuxian himself.

Wei Wuxian had been about seven, then. It had been a full two years before Jiang Fengmian had found him on the very same streets, hiding in the trash with a dirty face and a sad and miserable expression, ready to be picked up and taken home by his father’s old friend, the Sect Leader of Yunmeng Jiang.

Just as anyone might’ve predicted.

After all, Nie Mingjue had never stinted on sending out spies, even if he never used them.

(He’d released Wei Wuxian of all those old obligations long ago – but Nie Huaisang never had.)

“Da-ge passes along his thanks, by the way,” Nie Huaisang said. “He thinks the array you created to help preserve his life is brilliant.”

“It is brilliant,” Wei Wuxian said, shameless as always. Getting a truly vicious scolding from his little master Nie Huaisang about exactly how close to the line his arrogance had brought him and the Wen sect had humbled him a bit, and the disaster of the Stygian Tiger Seal nearly going out of his control at the Nightless City not long thereafter had humbled him still more, but in the end he was still Wei Wuxian. He was awesome. “Could anyone else have done what I did?”

Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes.

“He’s not angry at me for misusing Baxia?” Wei Wuxian asked, fishing for confirmation. If there was one thing that his two years in the Nie sect had taught him, it was a near-pathological revulsion at the thought of touching another person’s spiritual weapon – he’d been very nearly more excited to be allowed to put his hand on an unsheathed Bichen than Lan Wangji’s dick, although not quite – and Nie Mingjue was quite justifiably more paranoid than most on the subject.

Even that treacherous dog Jin Guangyao hadn’t dared touch Baxia. The spiritual poison he’d used on Nie Mingjue had been limited to the man himself, and that had been what gave Wei Wuxian the idea for the array he’d invented. Nie Mingjue cultivated with Baxia as his primary, if not only, spiritual weapon, and the disciples of the Nie sect were closer to their sabers than most – and by the end of the Sunshot Campaign, Baxia was a fearsome entity in her own right, possessed of her own spiritual energy.

And as he’d always said, energy was meant to be used.

There was something about the Nie sect’s cultivation style that reminded Wei Wuxian of his innovations in demonic cultivation, although it wasn’t quite the same. They didn’t manipulate resentful energy directly the way he did, but they still made use of it, refining their blades with it until the sabers were very nearly guai, cultivating saber spirits filled with a lust for blood – although the strict disciplines of the Nie sect cultivation path meant that every saber spirit that Wei Wuxian had ever had the fortune (or misfortune) to personally encounter just as absolutist in their disdain for evil as their masters.

Even Nie Huaisang’s saber Aituan was like that, and maybe that should have been Wei Wuxian’s first hint that Nie Huaisang wasn’t as simple as he appeared on the surface.

“It’s fine,” Nie Huaisang assured him. “Really. Da-ge said it was – how’d he put it – a charming contradiction, that his saber get used to cultivating energy for him rather than him for the saber. Though maybe he was just relieved that she was intact, given everything.”

Wei Wuxian grinned and toasted Nie Huaisang, drinking a little of the wine while Nie Huaisang continued with his correspondence.

They sat in comfortable silence for a little while.

“I’m not pretending,” Nie Huaisang said abruptly, and Wei Wuxian, who’d drifted off into daydreams involving him, Lan Wangji, and a very sturdy bathtub, turned to look at him. “I know what Jiang Cheng thinks –”

“Of course you do. I tell you what Jiang Cheng thinks.”

“Shut up, you – you calamity. I don’t need you to tell me what Jiang Cheng thinks, he tells me himself more often than not. He thinks that I’m pretending to be useless because I don’t want da-ge to know about everything I’ve done, but that’s not the case at all. He knows. I wouldn’t keep it from him.”

“I know,” Wei Wuxian said, because he did. Even at his most lazy and self-indulgent, Nie Huaisang abhorred the thought of lying to his brother. “But you are spending too much of your time in the Unclean Realm. We need you back in the field.”

Nie Huaisang scowled. “The cream of the cultivation world,” he said disdainfully. “Can’t they do anything by themselves, just for a few short months? You’d think my brother fought the entirety of the Sunshot Campaign by himself with how little they seem to contribute.”

“Personally, I think that everyone has just taken the Nie sect as lucky cats, and are afraid to do without you,” Wei Wuxian said, batting his eyelashes at him in his most provoking show of earnestness. “Nie-xiong, if I rub your head, does that mean I’ll win my next battle…?”

“Don’t you dare,” Nie Huaisang said, but the scowl receded and he looked amused again. “I can’t wait to send da-ge out on the battlefield again.”

“The Jin sect will trample each other in their eagerness to get off the battlefield rather than face Chifeng-zun,” Wei Wuxian agreed, and couldn’t help his own smile at the thought. “The rumors that he’s returned have already started spreading like wildfire, but you’ve done well to hide him away so thoroughly. It means no one knows if the rumors are right or if you’re just pulling some kind of trick on the world.”

“Who, me? A trick?” Nie Huaisang said, and smiled thinly. “I only wish I could’ve seen the look on that treacherous dog’s face when his spies reported on my unusual behavior. I hope he’s afraid.”

Wei Wuxian agreed.

He had tried many times to imagine doing what Jin Guangyao had done. To turn your hand against the man to whom you had sworn to love as a brother –

He couldn’t even imagine hurting Jiang Cheng like that, and Jiang Yanli even less.

Wei Wuxian owed Nie Mingjue his life. He had sworn fealty to him with all the passion and singlemindedness of childhood, and had never once regretted it. Nie Mingjue had taken him off the streets and brought him back to his sect, he’d taken back his parents’ bodies and buried them with full (if private) honors, he’d given Wei Wuxian training to make him strong and smart and capable. He’d sent him to do work in a place where he would prosper and thrive and be happy, and all the while promised that he would never be trapped – that he would have a way out if the Jiang sect became too suffocating or he was treated too viciously, on one hand, and on the other told him that he could one day petition to be released from his obligations to the Nie sect if he ever found them too demanding.

Wei Wuxian had asked to be released from those obligations after the fall of the Lotus Pier, unable to stomach the idea of reporting on Jiang Cheng now that he was all alone in the world in the way that he had so effortlessly reported on Jiang Fengmian and Madame Yu. Nie Mingjue had granted the reprieve without a second’s hesitation, even though it meant wasting the years and years of investment they’d put into him, even though it would have been a critical moment to have an ear within the Jiang sect’s camp.

Wei Wuxian owed Nie Mingjue everything.

And yet – if the man had asked him to kill Jiang Cheng, he would have said no.

Twin heroes, he’d promised Jiang Cheng, and if for a while he’d thought he would have to give up that promise because of the secret of the golden core that he still kept hidden away, he refused to think it any longer. Jiang Cheng was his brother in all but blood, in all the ways that mattered. Wei Wuxian would stand aside from him if he thought he had to, as he had with the Wen sect remnants; he would keep secrets from him, he would even deceive him, but he would never willingly seek to hurt him.

Jin Guangyao, though? He had attacked Nie Mingjue without even being asked.

He was like some rabid beast, a white-eyed wolf, Wei Wuxian thought. Utterly beyond his understanding.

He deserved to be afraid.

“Speaking of which,” he said, suddenly remembering. “I think I’ve figured out why Jin Guangyao was willing to kill his own heir to further his and his father’s ambitions.”

“About time,” Nie Huaisang said, and while his tone was stern Wei Wuxian was mostly sure that he was teasing. “I put you on that job months ago. What do you think I keep you around for? Your brilliant inventions? Your armies of corpses? Your amazing ability to stun irritating sect leaders into silence with your overwhelming shamelessness regarding Lan Wangji –”

“Let’s not talk about that,” Wei Wuxian said hastily, although the giant grin he couldn’t keep off his face said everything about his shame – or lack thereof – relating to that last one. You get caught doing one little roleplay about the fearsome demonic cultivator Yiling Patriarch being arrested by the righteous cultivator Hanguang-jun and suddenly no one wanted to look you in the eye anymore… “Anyway, according to all the rumors, you keep me around because you want me to raise your brother the way I raised Wen Ning.”

Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes. “I’ve heard that one, and I still can’t believe anyone believes it. Da-ge’s a sect leader! Even if you wanted to bring him back, think about the amount of resentment he would have had to feel at his death to rise up again despite all the soul-calming rituals he’s gone through! If he ever became that resentful, he wouldn’t rise up as a ghost general, he’d be a ghost king, and then we’d all be screwed.”

Nie Huaisang wasn’t wrong. Nie Mingjue was one of the most powerful cultivators living – if he rose as a fierce corpse, he’d be able to slaughter an entire village of common people overnight with just the energy in one hand. And if he were then allowed access to Baxia, her power added to his…he’d become a scourge on the world, a true calamity, and they’d need to find a way to appease his anger and somehow lock him away forever just to survive.

Assuming Nie Huaisang allowed something like that, anyway. Wei Wuxian was very happy they had never been forced to face the question of whether Nie Huaisang preferred his brother or his morality, as he suspected no one would like the answer to that. Not even Nie Huaisang.

“Enough speculation,” Nie Huaisang said, and Wei Wuxian twitched guiltily even though he knew Nie Huaisang was not, in fact, a mind-reader. “What’s the story with A-Song?”

“You want the long version with all the proof I found to support it or the conclusion?”

“Start with the conclusion.”

“Jin Guangyao couldn’t risk A-Song growing up into a half-wit on account of being a child of incest.”

That actually surprised Nie Huaisang, Wei Wuxian was pleased to see.

“Incest?” Nie Huaisang said wonderingly. “But how – oh, of course. Jin Guangshan and Madame Qin? An affair or rape?”

“Rape while he was drunk, supposedly, though of course we only have the relevant people’s words for that, and they’re not exactly impartial sources. Could’ve been an affair that had unexpected results, not that anyone would ever admit it.”

Nie Huaisang started laughing.

Wei Wuxian really wished he wouldn’t. It wasn’t the sort of happy giggle that he sometimes let out nowadays when he was thinking of Nie Mingjue’s recovery – it was the jagged vicious bitterness of the Pallbearer, through and through.

“Oh, Qin Su, Qin Su,” Nie Huaisang said, wiping tears from his eyes. “I gave you all the chances in the world, you stupid woman. I hope you’re happy with what you chose.”

“Can I ask?” Wei Wuxian said cautiously. “You never said – you just showed up with A-Song, no Qin Su and no explanation…”

“Says the person who adopted A-Yuan all but sight unseen?”

“I lived with him for a month, it’s different,” Wei Wuxian said. “What happened with Qin Su?”

Nie Huaisang shrugged. “Nothing dramatic. She wouldn’t believe me when I told her that her husband was planning on killing her son to frame his enemies, which is reasonable enough given that everyone knows I’m at odds with him. Even when I offered her proof, she said it was just a forgery – that he wasn’t like that, that she knew him, the real him, that she was the only one who really understood him, even though I’d say the whole cultivation world knows the ‘real’ him by now.”

“Irritating, but understandable, I think – he is her husband, the dashing hero that rescued her so valiantly in the Sunshot Campaign and which she defied custom and her parents to marry. So why all the disdain?”

Nie Huaisang’s lips pressed together tightly with disapproval. “I asked her if she was willing to risk losing A-Song just to show her husband that she trusted him, and she said that she was, because it wasn’t a risk at all. Because she knew he loved her too much to do such a terrible thing without a good reason.”

“Without a good reason?” Wei Wuxian demanded. “That’s her son!”

“Don’t you know that they can always have others?” Nie Huaisang said with a sneer, clearly paraphrasing words he’d heard. “They’re young, in love – it’s all my fault that he stopped touching her, apparently. I took Lan Xichen away from him and he’s so upset about it that he can’t come to her bed, but once the world is rid of me, it’ll all go back to the way it should be…”

“I’ll give her that much: she really loves him,” Wei Wuxian said, shaking his head. The delusions of a person in love, he supposed. He hoped that he and Lan Wangji weren’t quite that bad. “She’ll be in for a disappointment. Given what I found out…he’ll never return to her bed or give her children, not in this lifetime.”

“No, he won’t.” Nie Huaisang reached for his fan. “Thank you for this. I’ll think about how to use it.”

“And?” Wei Wuxian prodded.

“And I’ll come back to the battlefield,” Nie Huaisang conceded, looking discontented, and Wei Wuxian smiled smugly. “You can supervise the Unclean Realm in my place.”

“What? No!” Wei Wuxian protested, his smile disappearing at once. “You have Xiao Xingchen –”

“He’s newly blinded, and out of all the cultivators we have available, you’re the most effective at fighting on a stand-alone basis. Think of it as having some time to bond with your mother’s shidi.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t want time to bond with his martial uncle – or, well, he did, he’d been dying for an opportunity to talk with Xiao Xingchen more or less since the man first made his name known in the cultivation world, but Nie Huaisang’s rules were such that no one outside the most trusted inner circles of the Nie sect was allowed in the familial quarters of the Unclean Realm, or even in the Unclean Realm at all. And that meant…

“But – Lan Wangji –”

“Will not die if he’s forced to be abstinent for a little while,” Nie Huaisang said, and oh, it was on.

“Did Qin Su specify the method by which you took Lan Xichen from her husband?” Wei Wuxian asked, crossing his arms. “I was under the impression that you still referred to him as Zewu-jun –”

Nie Huaisang glared.

Too bad – if the Pallbearer didn’t want to get mocked over his crush on the First Jade of Lan, he shouldn’t have let Wei Wuxian find out about the fact that the torch he held for him was still burning hot as ever.

“Perhaps my information is out of date. Tell me, little master, what means of seduction did you employ to convince Zewu-jun to betray his poor sad little A-Yao? Did you work your wicked wiles on him?”

“Wei Wuxian –”

“Did you play his xiao?”

Nie Huaisang let out an ungentlemanly snort and had to cover his face. “Oh no,” he said. “Oh no. Why did you have to give me that mental image? Fuck you, Wei Wuxian.”

“Yeah, well, fuck you too. Abstinent my ass.”

“I think you’ll find that the problem with abstinence is that it’s not your ass,” Nie Huaisang said, shoulders shaking. “That’s kind of the point. Now go tell everyone that I’ll be rejoining them tomorrow.”

“I will relish their groans of despair,” Wei Wuxian said, standing up. He was clearly going to have to take as much advantage that he could of the little time he had with Lan Wangji before being cruelly locked away. “Oh, is there any news on Song Lan?”

“None,” Nie Huaisang said. “He may as well have ascended into the heavens. Don’t tell Xiao Xingchen, he’ll only worry.”

“I won’t, I won’t. As for you – could you try to lighten up on Zewu-jun? Now that da-ge’s awake again?”

Nie Huaisang frowned.

“I’m not saying forgive him,” Wei Wuxian clarified. “Just – you know that da-ge wouldn’t want you to be so mad at him, especially since you still like him and all.”

“I’ll let da-ge decide that, I think,” Nie Huaisang said, and the humor had fled his face entirely. “It was his assassin that Zewu-jun decided to trust and protect, after all.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, accepting the verdict – he disagreed, but he understood – and turning to leave.

He paused at the door.

“Just so you know,” he said, not looking at Nie Huaisang. “Having trusted Meng Yao doesn’t mean you have to be so mad at yourself, either.”

He left before Nie Huaisnag could respond, but he heard something shatter in the room behind him.

#mdzs #wei wuxian #lan wangji #nie huaisang #jiang cheng #wen ning #my fic #my fics #unfettered

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ibijau · 3 years ago

Note

Here's a prompt: Lan Xichen somehow dies while in seclusion—or at least that's what the rumors say—and Nie Huaisang deals with the consequences. And heartbreak. As the saying goes, you don't realize how much you love someone until they're gone.

Okay, if that sort of plot interests you, do yourself a favour and check Between the Shadow and the Soul which is exactly that. It's an amazing xisang fic, I cannot recommend it warmly enough!

And now:

Warning in this fic for a lot of references to suicide and depression

It struck Nie Huaisang as interesting that he felt so little about the whole thing. His reaction upon learning the news had been first to dismiss it as a joke in poor taste. Once it had been confirmed, and his presence had been required, he'd been too busy planning his trip to give it much thought. Then he'd arrived in the Cloud Recesses, just in time for the funeral, and gone through the motions of what was expected of him. At most he'd felt mildly when asked to keep vigil, as if there was still any connection between them. He'd only agreed for the sake of appearances, refused to look at the body, and gave his seat to the next mourner as soon as was polite.

The ceremony itself was conducted to perfection, as could be expected of the Lans. Every word was said the right way, every gesture graceful. It was almost a beautiful thing to behold, Nie Huaisang distantly thought. Lan Qiren's monotone voice was better suited for such events than for teaching, certainly. And Lan Wangji had always looked his best when in the throes of loss and despair. Sadness just became those Lans a little too well, as if they'd been born for tragedy.

Perhaps they were.

Nie Huaisang did not dwell on the subject, and allowed time to pass him by until at last the ceremony was entirely over. He would have gone home right then if he could have, his duty accomplished, but it would have been noticed and discussed. Nie Huaisang did not want to get mixed up in the gossip that was sure to spread around after this.

“Did they tell anyone what he died of?” Sect Leader Yao asked in a too loud whisper while waiting for the refreshment promised to the guests.

“I've only heard that because of his seclusion, it took them several days to even notice he had passed,” Sect Leader Ouyang replied. Then, noticing Nie Huaisang standing alone nearby, he gestured at him to join them. Nie Huaisang tried to pretend he hadn't seen them, but it was in vain as Sect Leader Ouyang called him by name until he couldn't be ignored anymore. “Join us please! You were his friend, weren't you? Surely you must know more than us.”

It was a sign of the hollowness that had seized Nie Huaisang since learning of the news that he did not laugh. What friends they had been indeed. Once, perhaps... but no, the word would never have been right to describe them. They were acquaintances at best, brought together out of love for Mingjue, torn apart after his death even if Lan Xichen hadn't known it then.

He'd learned it, in time.

Two years earlier, when Nie Huaisang had finally given a proper funeral to his brother, Lan Xichen had tried to talk to him about everything that had happened. Lan Xichen had wanted the truth, and he'd certainly gotten it. Nie Huaisang, bitter and angry and broken after going through the pain of burying his brother again, had not spared the other man a single detail of everything he'd done, everything he'd learned, everything he'd felt.

Two weeks after that, Lan Xichen had entered seclusion and they'd never met again, unless one counted what little time Nie Huaisang had spent with the other man's coffin.

Nie Huaisang did not think it counted.

“I have not been told anything more than anyone else,” Nie Huaisang said, more careful than the other two to keep his voice down.

“It is just too odd,” Sect Leader Yao said. “A man his age doesn't die without reason, and his cultivation was far too great to allow for sickness!”

“Surely I don't know what Yao-zongzhu might be suggesting.”

“I am just saying it is very odd,” Sect Leader Yao insisted, glancing toward Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji with what he had to consider a knowing expression.

“Ah,” Nie Huaisang said.

They were thinking Lan Xichen had been murdered, then.

It was amazing, he thought, that anyone could misunderstand Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji this much. Perhaps the second's reputation was no longer as pristine as it had once been, due to his open association with the Yiling Patriarch, but he could hardly have been accused of killing his brother when he profited so little from his death. It was to Lan Qiren that the title of Sect Leader went, something which had been decided long ago, and which Lan Wangji would have known. Not that Lan Wangji would ever have wanted such a title. And as to accusing Lan Qiren of murdering his nephew, it was ridiculous. There were few men in the world whose honour Nie Huaisang believed in, but Lan Qiren was definitely of the number.

If it was not an ordinary sickness that had killed Lan Xichen, and it was not another person either, then it left only one option.

The Lans tended to easily fall prey to melancholy, Lan Xichen had once told Nie Huaisang, during one of those rare true and sincere conversations between them, when they had both bared more of their soul to the other than they'd intended. And that melancholy was a powerful sort, Lan Xichen had explained, more dangerous than any disease, any war, any demon. The way he had spoken of it had made it clear that Lan Xichen himself particularly struggled with it ever since becoming Sect Leader during the war, a struggle he hid under a mask no less carefully crafted than Nie Huaisang’s. Lan Xichen had told him he thought that melancholy would overcome him someday as it had done others in his family, an affliction no less powerful than that the Nie suffered.

So it was clear to Nie Huaisang that the manner of Lan Xichen's death was...

His whole body shook as he hurriedly fought to contain a sob.

“Nie-zongzhu?” Sect Leader Ouyang said with concern. “Are you unwell?”

Nie Huaisang shook his head. He was fine. He was unaffected. They'd never even been close.

Another sob had to be contained.

Nie Huaisang took a deep breath, and smiled weakly.

“Nothing dramatic,” he said with a voice he scarcely recognised as his own. “A moment of... I have known him for so long.”

“Of course. This must be hard on you. He must have been like a brother to you.”

Nie Huaisang made a noise. A sob, or a laugh, he could not have said, but it was too loud and attracted more attention than he cared to deal with. Having spent the last couple of years carefully working to undo the damage he had done to his own reputation, Nie Huaisang could not have born to be seen crying in public, something he now felt the danger of. He muttered some vague apology to the two men standing near him, and excused himself from the assembly. He managed to keep himself in check until he had left everyone behind, and only broke into tears when he was sure to be alone.

Gone was the numbness that had so puzzled him since hearing that Lan Xichen had been found dead, because the full horror of that loss finally hit him.

Lan Xichen was gone.

Lan Xichen was dead.

He would never again come by the Unclean Realm in answer to a desperate plea for help that never really needed his input. There would be no more praises of Nie Huaisang's birds, his fans, his paintings. No more gentle comforting and undeserved patience.

Lan Xichen was dead.

And if Nie Huaisang had acted with less cruelty, Lan Xichen might not have killed himself.

Nie Huaisang, a month after returning home, wondered whether melancholy was a contagious ailment, and whether one might catch it from sitting near the corpse of a man who had died from it.

He made the mistake of asking Nie Liyan, his favourite cousin and heir, expecting her to laugh or tease him. Instead she gave him a most pitiful look, and told him that melancholy was most often caught in such a manner, especially if the corpse was that of a person held dear.

It had never occurred to Nie Huaisang to think that Lan Xichen might be dear to him. The man was merely there, full of good intentions and blind to the nature of those around him. They had shared pleasant moments together perhaps, but no more than Nie Huaisang had done with others. In fact, Nie Huaisang was quite sure he had laughed more with Jin Guangyao than with Lan Xichen. If asked, he might have admitted that he'd held warmer feelings than he ought to have toward the man who had so cruelly murdered his brother. But Lan Xichen?

Nie Huaisang would have been hard pressed to decide what he felt for the man while he was alive. Only in death was he forced to realise that Lan Xichen too had been an important figure in his life and, yes, perhaps dearer than he would have liked. But it was hard to hate a man such as Lan Xichen, he told Nie Liyan when the realisation became too bothersome to bear it alone. Nie Huaisang simply could not imagine that anyone in the world might have met Lan Xichen and not liked him.

“I've never understood what people saw in him,” Nie Liyan had just replied. “And I've told you as much many times, even before your brother's death. His looks were good but not to the degree everyone claimed, he smiled too much, and he spoke too much like a book.”

“That says more about your tastes than about his qualities,” Nie Huaisang retorted hotly.

“Perhaps. Or it says something about your tastes.”

That insolent answer had not pleasant Nie Huaisang, who had promptly changed the topic, and never breached it again with her.

The melancholy did not ease with time, but instead invited some friends to live with it in Nie Huaisang's heart.

Such as a sharp terror over the concept of his own mortality.

Nie Huaisang had always known he would die early. It ran in the family, and he'd seen it happen twice already to his own relative. Considering his own temper, his weak and unstable cultivation, Nie Huaisang had long feared that he would not even live long enough to see his brother avenged. This had made him frustrated with the slow pace he'd been forced to endure, which in turn had only had a worse effect on his general state. Things had improved after the death of Jin Guangyao, making Nie Huaisang hope he might perhaps make it to the venerable age of forty, something neither his brother nor his father had managed.

The death of Lan Xichen robbed him of that hope.

It was only, Nie Huaisang told himself, that the loss had reminded him people died of reasons other than familial curses or to pay the price of their hubris. Death, even for cultivators, was not an uncommon occurrence, so no man could leave his bed in the morning and be certain he would return to it at night. And if he were to die now, what would he have to show for it except a sect that still wouldn’t be treated seriously, and the blood on his hands?

That consideration was also an important one in making a decision. No matter how hard he tried, Nie Huaisang couldn’t seem to correct the reputation he had given his sect. When people talked about the changes happening in Qinghe Nie, the way it might has started to become reliable once more, they always felt the need to point out that it could be nothing more than a stroke of luck, something that was sure to return to normal very soon under Nie Huaisang’s poor guidance. It was a source of great annoyance to him that people now considered it normal for Qinghe Nie to be weak and useless, when not twenty years earlier it had been greater than Lanling Jin.

It would take a dramatic change for people to accept that Qinghe Nie was returning to its roots.

So Nie Huaisang told Nie Liyan that he would abdicate in her favour.

She was more than ready for this, he told her. They had been working in tandem since long before the death of Jin Guangyao, and she had proven multiple times that she would handle the position of Sect Leader better than he ever would. She was a good administrator, with great martial art skill, a cultivation level that was among the best in their generation. She was also an excellent teacher, and well liked by all the disciples, from young juniors who had never known their sect’s glorious days to elders who’d known Nie Huaisang’s father as a young child. Nie Huaisang and Nie Liyan had always agreed that she would succeed him if he died the way his family so often did, or whenever he would decide to give up on a position he had never wanted.

“Are you sure now is the right time?” Nie Liyan only asked him.

“There is no right time for these things. But Lanling Jin is still not quite stable yet, Gusu Lan is in the hands of an old friend, and Yunmeng Jiang is caught up in the Jins’ business. That means the three great sects won’t give you a hard time as you settle in, and I know you can handle the others.”

“And what will you do?”

“Travel, perhaps,” Nie Huaisang replied without conviction.

He had never planned for what he would do after handing her his title, and realised suddenly that he’d never expected to be alive for that. No matter how often they discussed the possibility of a quiet succession, Nie Huaisang had never really considered he would be luckier than his father and brother. Yet there he was, suddenly forced to accept that tomorrow was something that existed for him while also dreading the uncertainty of his own mortality.

Nie Liyan accepted his answer, and they set out to plan the succession, calculate the best possible date for it, and choose how to announce the news to other sects. They did not talk about Nie Huaisang’s future any further, for which he was grateful. He had a vague suspicion that Nie Liyan thought he intended to kill himself, which would explain why she kept suggesting he took a companion with him when he left.

Nie Huaisang promised to consider it. He even did wonder who in the world might be a travelling companion worth putting up with. Nobody from his own sect would do, as he thought they would quickly grow bored of any destination that might appeal to him. And there was no one left outside of Qinghe Nie who he felt close enough to. It was only a pity, he thought one night, that Lan Xichen had passed away, as he would have been a very interesting person to have on a journey. Someone who shared his sense of beauty and his love of great landscape, who would not complain if Nie Huaisang asked to stop and paint but might instead join him. And perhaps travelling in that manner might have lifted some of Lan Xichen’s melancholy in a way that locking himself up away from the world could never have done.

Perhaps it could have saved Lan Xichen.

Nie Huaisang slept little that night, half drowning on sorrows and what-if that could never come true.

Come morning, he told Nie Liyan that he would travel alone, and she did not insist.

Nie Huaisang left the Unclean Realm as soon as the succession ceremony was over so he wouldn’t have a chance to change his mind. He recently bought an excellent horse, and the animal was packed with whatever belongings could not be put inside a qiankun pouch. Nie Huaisang had money, he had clothes, everything needed to paint and write. He even had a destination in mind at last, one suggested to him by Lan Qiren, of all people. The old teacher, upon learning of his intention to step down, had written him a thoughtful letter wishing him the best of luck in his new life, inviting him to come and stay in the Cloud Recesses if he ever went that way so they might play weiqi together, and suggesting he should go visit Baidi in his exile, where he too might become inspired to write some poetry. Perhaps, Lan Qiren added, a place so rich in history would help him find new meaning to his life.

The idea had something romantic to it. More than that, though, Nie Huaisang remembered that several times over the course of their acquaintance, Lan Xichen had expressed a wish to visit the city, while always failing to find an excuse to do so. It seemed appropriate that Nie Huaisang’s first destination should be inspired by the man whose death had forced him to reconsider his own life.

So Nie Huaisang set out toward Baidi, and promised himself to enjoy his time there, for Lan Xichen’s sake as well as his own.

#nie huaisang #lan xichen #xisang #I guess? I mean it was the original intention but then things didn't go as planned #mo dao zu shi #mdzs #jau writes

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mimiwrites2000 · 3 years ago

Text

What Does White Mean?

Chapter one / TWO

AO3 ~~

Pairings: Armin x Annie

(side pairings: Pieck Finger x Jean Kirstein, Reiner Braun x Hitch Dreyse, Mikasa Ackreman x someone new)

Words count: 7645

* spoilers for chapter 131 and up

Summary:

The ocean lulled them to sleep, and the sun woke them up with mild kisses. Tangled with each other, in their cabin by the beach. After the war ended, they moved together, ever since, they faced obstacles, issues, and misunderstandings. One of them was Armin’s seashells. Stubbornness got in the way, but no matter how much they tried, they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.

They usually walked to Mr. Leonhart’s house and, well, this time was no different, however, not a single word was said since the morning.

After Armin finished his piece, and was finally satisfied with the results, a piece he could look at and say perfect— he slithered in bed beside Annie, expecting she might turn around and face him, but he was welcomed with her soft, slow breathing.

Armin convinced himself that it was so late when he went to bed, of course he wouldn’t have expected her to be wide eyed waiting for him.

He turned on his side of the bed, ignoring the bang of pain in his chest.

He would’ve talked to her, really, but she didn’t give him a chance. He woke up, only to find her side of the bed empty and cold. He looked for her around the house, but she was nowhere to be seen, she must’ve gone out for a walk or something.

He thought of having breakfast, but the thought of food made him queasy. The thought of going out and looking for her, calling her name, giving her the piece he made, and kissing her until his lungs burst— flipped in his mind, again and again. However, if she wanted some time alone, then he should leave her be.

But he couldn’t ignore how their steps fell unsynced as they walked side by side, their rhythm off.

Annie didn’t look at him, not even a glance.

It was hard enough to not look at her when she was in a red dress. A dress that started from her knee up, flowing until it reached her waist, fitting around it like petals of a rose, while the fabric hugged her chest and went up until it ended in a short, draped sleeve.

He wanted to stomp his feet, scream and shout, do anything, but please Annie look at me!

He shoved it down, the feeling clogging in his stomach, as he forced himself to keep walking.

Soon enough, they were knocking on Mr. Leonhart’s door.

A moment right before the door clicked open, Annie hooked her arm in Armin’s, he didn’t have time to react or question it.

Instead of being greeted by Mr. Leonhart, Pieck poked her head out the door.

“Oh hey you guys! We’ve been waiting for you!” Pieck said, stepping aside, making way for the couple to enter.

Usually, Armin is the one to speak, but he was too stunned to utter a word.

“Pieck,” Annie said, and the usual talk, as if nothing happened, made Armin fight against his widening eyes. “I’m glad to see you here.”

“Likewise,” Pieck replied, her smile wider than usual. Armin stepped in the house, Annie by his side.

Annie had told Armin the day prior, before their fight, that her father was holding a dinner, but he didn’t expect that many people to be there.

He couldn’t see the wall from across the room because of the numerous guests, some were his friends, some he acquainted, and some people he never saw before.

Her father’s house was a nice place. A one-story house with a garden. Humble furniture. Simple. But it was small to occupy that number of guests.

He spotted Reiner leaning against a wall, talking to a lady, in a flowery dress, and shiny hair, when he got a closer look, he gaped; it was Hitch.

She looked at him, and he didn’t realize that he called her name out loud.

She basically ran to them, flinging one arm over Armin, the other over Annie, squealing and perhaps saying something.

When her squeals calmed down, Armin finally understood what she was saying, “It’s been so long oh my God I missed you so much when was the last I even saw you Armin why are you no longer writing for me Annie you finally used that hair clip it looks gorgeous on you!”

“Yeah”, Armin answered.

Annie touched the hair clip in her hair, shaped like a red rose that went along with her dress. She seemed to get over what Hitch just vomited, or maybe she was too used to her former roommate, “Hitch I’m so glad we could meet, to be honest I didn’t expect to see you here, how are you?”

“I’m good! You two moved in together, right?” Hitch asked, too enthusiastic.

Annie looked at Armin, a small smile on her lips, giving him his turn to answer.

“Uh yeah, a few months ago, a cabin not too far from here,” he answered, half of his mind in his words, the other half thinking of Annie’s change in demeanor, “we’d like to have you there someday, it’s a nice place.”

“I’d love that! And-”

Before she could vomit another bucket of words, Mr. Leonhart appeared from behind Armin, clasping his hand on his shoulder.

“Oh there you are! I’ve been waiting for you! What took you so long?”

In a second, Annie was in her father’s arms, kissing him on both cheeks, engulfing him with a second hug, “The walk to here took a bit longer than usual,” she said, “right, Armin?”

He understood.

She didn’t want her father to know they had a fight.

“Oh yeah, I guess we were a bit slower than usual,” Armin answered, shaking hands with Mr. Leonhart. The man’s grip was as tight as ever, shaking Armin’s hand as if he’s giving him his will, or trusting him with something.

“You know, you both can always move here with me, I have an extra room, besides, it’s closer to town-”

“Father,” Annie interrupted him softly, with a smile, “we know, thank you.”

He smiled back, before he motioned around the room, telling them to enjoy themselves as dinner would be served soon.

Each time they met him, he offered the extra room he had, and asked them if they would like to move in. Armin understood, it must’ve been hard to let go of his daughter.

Armin wondered if he would experience the feeling one day, the protection over your daughter…

He shivered, glancing at Annie, their hands still linked.

At that moment, Armin spotted Connie and Jean, he tugged his arm to get Annie’s attention, but before she even did, Hitch had already snatched her from him, putting an arm over Annie’s shoulder, and walking away.

Armin couldn’t help the smile growing on his face, Annie’s friendship with Hitch was something else.

“Armin!” Connie called.

The smile on Armin’s face grew even wider.

Connie and Jean looked like they always did, Connie flashing goofy smiles, and Jean slicking back his hair that he so obviously spent hours on, putting every single hair in its desirable place. But Jean looked… different, something about his fidgety feet, and his hands that he couldn’t keep in one place for more than three seconds.

Armin wanted to ask him if everything was alright, but Connie had already swept him in a talk about an idea of a business he’s trying to establish.

As Connie rambled on and on about far too many details, Armin’s eyes wandered around.

He saw Pieck’s family, Gabi and Falco with their families as well. Reiner and Connie’s mothers. Levi on his wheelchair. And other people whom he had no idea who they were.

There were too many guests for a simple dinner.

His eyes wandered farther, until he finally saw her.

Mikasa, sitting on a chair by herself, sipping from a cup, looking around, before her gaze focused on the cup.

Armin patted Connie on his shoulder, apologizing and telling him he would be back in a second to hear all about his business, before he made his way to her.

He sat down on the couch beside her, she didn’t recognize his presence until he called out her name.

“Armin,” she said, her voice tendering like it always did when she called his name. “I was waiting for you, how are you?”

“I’m fine, what about you?”

“I’m ok,” she replied.

She wasn’t.

Her eyelids drooped low on her eyes, the black bags underneath her eyes stark against her pale skin. Her shoulders slumped in, caged on herself.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

She looked at him, and pivoted, “No, you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Huh?” he raised his eyebrows, baffled.

“What happened between you and Annie?”

Of course she’d notice.

"Nothing, really," he answered, avoiding her eyes.

"Tell me."

He knew Mikasa so well that she wouldn't back off easily. When Armin was hurt, she was ready to strike. But the fatigue covering her features worried him as well.

"How about you tell me first?" He said, crossing his legs.

"No," was her immediate, concise answer.

"Come on, Mikasa, I know something is wrong."

Hesitance, he sensed the hesitance prior to a confession.

He uncrossed his legs, leaning with his elbows on his knees, his voice dropping to a little bit higher than a whisper.

"You can tell me, what's wrong?"

Mikasa pressed her lips, her eyes darting around the room, settling on her hands resting on her lap, before she shifted closer to Armin.

She whispered so low that Armin had to strain his neck forward to hear her right.

"There's… someone... a guy that I've met, and..." She looked up, meeting his eyes. A smile appeared on her face as fast as it faded, before tilting her head down again, "And I just, you know, I don't know, I just, I don't think I should get myself into anything right now, but… I also-"

"Mikasa," Armin called, she looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. He reached for her, resting his hand on her knee, giving it a squeeze, "I'm happy for you," he said, a smile seeping into his voice, "I'm really happy for you."

Mikasa blinked, "You are?"

"Of course!" He said, leaning back in his chair, "of course I am! That's great Mikasa! When can I meet him?"

Mikasa's lips parted, mouthing the question Armin asked, once, twice, before she said, “I think it's still a bit early for that… but maybe… soon?"

“I can't wait," he answered, smiling, genuinely��smiling, his smile contagious, making its way to Mikasa's lips, her face lit up with relief.

He wanted to let her know that it was alright to find someone, it was alright to think of yourself, it was alright to just move on.

"Alright," she said, her shoulders visibly relaxing, the contours between her eyebrows unwrinkling, "now, what's up?" she nudged her head to where Annie stood.

"Just a dumbass fight, you know?" He answered, shrugging.

"Is it something serious?" She asked, concern evident in her voice.

"No, I promise," he said, looking at Annie from across the room, Hitch beside her, just talking and talking, Annie listening with a small smile on her lips.

"Besides," he said, "I will make everything right tonight." He didn't think of it before, but he knew it, and was adamant to fix everything. He touched his pocket, feeling a circle of metal.

Mikasa knew Armin long enough to decipher each glance, look, or touch, and when she watched his scrutinizing eyes on Annie, she knew that everything between them would be fine.

But, his eyes.

Those eyes

When they looked at Annie, Mikasa could swear they would shine, almost twinkling.

The way he looked at her differentiated from any other way he looked at anyone else.

She wondered what went inside his head, besides the countless questions she itched to ask, when did he fall for Annie? And what did he do when he realized his emotions for her?

She smiled.

Their story should be engraved in stone, Mikasa thought, a story for generations to come, a story of patience, understanding, and pain.

A story of tears, betrayal, hurt, but also trust, and love.

A story everyone should learn from.

As well as Mikasa herself.

Across the room, Annie could feel his eyes on her, and she wanted to stride across the room, hold his face in her hands, and kiss him, in front of everyone, she couldn't care less.

But stubbornness came in the way.

She knew this rift would be over as fast as it started, they would laugh about it, and they would get stronger than before.

For now, she gave Hitch half of her attention, nodding at almost everything she said, her mind whirling in her skull. That was until Hitch said something that couldn't get past Annie's ears.

"Hmmm?" Annie asked.

"That dude, the bulky huge one," Hitch said, nudging her head. Annie followed her motion and-

"Oh, yeah the one you were talking to when we arrived, that's Reiner." She answered, looking back at Hitch.

Hitch gasped, “The same dude who wrote to you when we were roommates?”

Annie nodded.

"And?" Hitch inquired, her neck craning forward in anticipation.

"And what?" Annie asked, genuinely confused.

Hitch groaned, throwing back her head. She loudly whispered, "And what what? Him, I'm asking about him, do you not get it?"

"Hitch, I don't speak codes."

Hitch facepalmed, she memorized Annie's helplessness when it came to guys since their Military Police days, but this? Nah, this was far out of Hitch's league.

"I shouldn't be surprised, it took you long enough to even recognize Armin's feelings for you."

Annie swallowed. She needed to change the topic.

"The food is good here," she said, except that, well, they didn't have any food yet.

Hitch raised a confused eyebrow.

"Is your dad the cook?" Hitch inquired.

"Uh, no, of course not, unless you guys wanna have military food."

Hitch laughed, and Annie was grateful that her slip up went unnoticed.

"Uh, may I get your attention please."

Annie, with everyone else, looked at the center of the room, Jean stood there, fidgeting, alternating his weight from one feet to the other.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have, uh, an announcement," he continued.

Annie looked around the room, and by the look on everyone's faces, no one knew about this. Even Armin, when she glanced at him, he looked just as surprised as everyone else.

Until her eyes landed on her father, who smiled knowingly at Jean.

"I… uh, I'm sorry, we're sorry, we didn't… tell you about this before… but, uh, this is... Alright so this is not actually a dinner, I mean, no wait, technically it is a dinner," he stopped, his words not making sense to his own ears, he pinched the edge of his nose, breathing deeply.

"Basically," another voice joined, everyone swiveled their heads— Pieck.

With floating steps, she started towards Jean, and even though her words spoken to everyone, her eyes only held his.

"Basically," she repeated, "this is an engagement party."

A few what's and huh's erupted from the group, which only made Pieck chuckle.

She made her way beside Jean, intertwining their hands together, before she leaned on his shoulder, and said, "This is Jean and I's engagement party!"

For a few seconds, the room turned dead-silent, a few people, including Armin, involuntarily stood up, gaping at the newly engaged couple. Then a few oh my God's and a couple of louder what's echoed in the room, before someone started clapping, someone else shouted yes!!

Then everyone attacked them with hugs and kisses. Pieck's father cried, and Jean's mother comforted him as she dabbed at her own tears

Annie blinked a few times, before she looked at Hitch, a big toothy grin on her face, and Annie couldn’t help but return that smile.

Soon enough, they made their way to Pieck. Annie hugged her, taken aback by Pieck’s tight embrace, which Annie tried to turn back. Annie never saw Pieck smiling as wide as she did, the tips of her mouth stretched up, her cheeks pink, and her eyes wide and shining.

Jean’s happiness was more subtle. His excitement equaled Pieck’s, but he was more fidgety, shy and blushy.

Annie stepped out of the bundle of hugs. She walked to an empty corner, looking for Hitch, but then she saw her by Reiner’s side, playing with her hair, swaying her hips. Annie sighed, now she knew what Hitch meant.

Annie scrutinized Reiner’s expression… he didn’t seem bothered by Hitch, in fact, he listened intently. Annie made a note in her mind to tease him about it later.

She looked around the room, saw her father talking to Jean's mom and Pieck’s father, she wondered how it came that he is the one holding this party for them. She shook her head, wondering how he kept it from her as well.

Then her eyes met his.

Armin.

He was already watching her, a small smile on his face.

She looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and why does my face feel hot all of a sudden?

Of course she wasn’t marrying anytime soon.

Of course not.

Annie swallowed, walked around the room, trying to find anyone to talk to.

She bumped into Mikasa.

“Annie,” Mikasa said, “can you believe this?” she asked, pointing a finger over her shoulder, where Jean and Pieck were still receiving congratulations and hugs.

“It was a surprise, I didn’t see it coming,” Annie said honestly, before she leaned forward and whispered, “they’ve been dating for… what? Two years?”

“A year and a half,” Mikasa corrected, “but, it’s not about dating for a year or ten, if you find them, you’ll know, deep down you’ll know.”

Annie didn’t know how to respond, so she awkwardly swiped her feet on the carpeted floor.

“Besides,” Mikasa continued, a small smile pulling at her lips, “you never know who's next,” then she winked and turned.

A layer of cold sweat suddenly coated Annie’s hands, she wiped them on her dress, before she blew air, fanning her hands in front of her face, feeling suddenly hot.

A few feet away, Mikasa’s smile only grew wider.

~~~~

The party stretched into the late evening hours. The newly engaged couple in the spotlight, talking about marriage, and answering a few awkward questions about kids.

Annie held her grounds and didn't talk to Armin yet, she tried to not glance at him, only stealing glimpses of him every now and then, whipping her head away if she accidentally met his eyes.

He would look away and bite off a smile.

If they were in their cabin, she would've probably hugged him from behind, kissed the spot between his shoulder blades, then rubbed her forehead against his back, until he turned around and kissed her lips.

She would show him the words she wished she could speak.

But at that moment, they were surrounded by dozens of people, and that tied their hands behind their backs.

It didn't help that Annie looked spectacularly beautiful. And that hair clip that Hitch gave her… it suited her too well, as if it was made specifically for her.

His eyes followed her when she turned her back, watching every move of her hands, fingers.

Suddenly, at the center of the room, Jean was pushed by Connie, whistles erupting from the crowd, as Jean knelt on one knee, pulling a red velvety box.

Pieck threw her head back and laughed. He already proposed before, but he wanted to make it official with everyone as a witness.

Connie shushed the guests, and everyone held their breaths.

“Uh,” Jean started, and Pieck giggled. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and started again, “Pieck-”

“Yes!” Pieck squealed, crouching down to him, pulling him from his collar into a kiss.

He was taken aback, almost falling. Laughter emitted from around the room with a couple of awww’s and aah’s.

Soon enough, Pieck and Jean were on their feet, sliding rings around each other’s fingers.

Armin watched and smiled, his hand dabbed on his pocket, tracing the ridges of a small circular metal.

He sighed, closed his eyes for a second.

When he reopened his eyes, Annie vanished from his sight.

As if earth split and swallowed her whole.

At first, his eyebrows frowned, searching for her, but then, he stood up, walked around the living room where the small party was held.

He ignored his worries for a minute, but then they could no longer be ignored.

He spotted Mikasa on a couch, he leaned closer to her and asked her if she saw Annie.

She pointed with her thumb at a door.

Armin had been to Mr. Leonhart's house many times before, and he knew where that door led, to a small corridor with multiple doors on each side of it.

And there he stood, after he closed the corridor's door behind him, trying to choose which door to open.

The door right in front was Mr. Leonhart's bedroom, of that he was sure, and the door to the left was the guests' bathroom, but there were two doors to the right.

Maybe one room was the storage room, the other… the guests' bedroom? He couldn't remember.

So, he walked to it, then stilled.

He raised his fist to knock on the door, when it was suddenly opened-

He was dragged inside by his shirt, inciting a loud yelp from him. He almost tripped on his feet, but in a second, the door behind him was slammed shut, and he was pushed against the wall.

"What-"

But his words were swallowed as lips fell upon his, moving against him frantically.

He didn't have to open his eyes to know who that was, he memorized her lips as if they were his own.

So, without holding back, pushing questions to the back of his mind, his hands landed on her hips, caressing her back up and down, as he kissed her with equal passion.

He wanted to pull back, take a breather, and know what the hell was going on, this sudden change, but he was too lost in her taste. Her scent intoxicated his senses, as she pressed her frame into his, until there was not a hair-thin space between them.

"Annie," he moaned against her lips, his hands around her body firm, decided. The heat in his body inched closer to a risky line, a line that if he crossed, there won't be going back.

She panted, her breath coming in short huffs, she murmured against his lips, "Took you," a gasp, "long enough to notice that," a pause, "I was gone."

He squeezed her back, earning a sigh from her, "I can't guess, with your game."

"You're in trouble."

"Am I?"

She dipped her head under his chin, and kissed his neck, sucked and licked.

He arched his body into her, holding her tighter. Her nips were getting harsher, certainly a mark to leave for later.

She did this for him many times, stroked his weak spots, made him crumble on his spot. And she knew it, she just knew the effects she had on him.

He gave all of himself to her.

She made a humming sound from her throat that was far from quiet, and that was the last trigger for him.

In one swift motion, he switched their positions, locking her between himself and the wall, but she didn't mind, perhaps she didn't even notice, for she lurched forward, searching for his lips again.

He gently separated them, pushing her shoulders into the wall, her eyes forced open in question.

Her eyelid hooded over her eyes, lips glistened, and her cheeks dusted with rose pink, and he was this close to capture her lips again. Let everyone outside listen, let them hear, he didn't give a damn.

But the logical apprehensive person he was, he stopped himself.

"You're too loud," he whispered, panting.

"I'm not," she retorted.

To prove his point, he pressed his knee against her. She moaned, loud.

He raised an eyebrow at her, she turned her head, her face glowing red. But she wasn't to be stopped there, she wasn't done with him.

She knew him too well, learnt his weaknesses by heart.

She gently pushed him away, sighing in a way that meant ok whatever you win.

And so he turned away, headed to the door, but then he heard a zipper, followed by the quiet, unimpressive thud of clothes falling to the ground.

He closed his eyes, and sighed.

He was too scared to turn around, he knew exactly the sight he'd find if he turned around.

If only she didn't know him that well.

She watched his back, the crisp white shirt snug around his shoulders, his trousers fitting him perfectly, she could almost feel his short hair on her fingers.

He clenched his fists, unclenched it, clenched it again.

One

Two

Three-

He turned around. Her smirk grew wider.

He found exactly what he imagined in his mind, his eyes falling to the red dress crumpled on the floor, up her legs, her thighs, her stomach-

And he didn't hold back, he marched the few steps separating them as he flung his arms around her, sparks going up his spine when his hands made contact with her bare skin, his lips moving against hers.

His hands went over the skin he was so familiar with, already knowing every ridge of her. Her skin turned a bright red in his fingers' trace, igniting a path of heat and desire.

She gave it back to him, running her fingers through his hair, sighing against his lips, massaging his shoulders.

He wondered how far they could go. The party was still going on, and the king-sized bed in the room tempted him enough.

His hands went down, squeezing her hips, caressing her thighs-

Annie's breath hitched in her throat, Armin pulled back.

They heard footsteps.

"You locked the door," Annie whispered, hopeful.

He shook his head.

Her eyes widened.

The footsteps grew louder, and louder, until the door was flung open and-

"Oh, Annie."

"Hi Mikasa."

A beat of silence.

Mikasa scrutinized Annie, sitting on the bed, bare foot, her legs crossed.

"Um, is everything ok?" Mikasa asked, taking a step inside the room.

Annie nodded, "Perfectly fine, just needed to take a rest," Annie fanned her face with an open palm.

"Oh… um, we're having the cake, so, uh, I thought… have you seen Armin?"

"Hmmm?" Annie asked, her eyes briefly glanced at the spot concealed by the opened door. "Nope."

"Oh, ok," Mikasa took a step backwards, "well, um, if you wanna join-"

"Sure I'll be there in a minute," Annie answered.

"Ok," Mikasa turned away, closing the door, but before it was completely shut, she reopened it again, "oh and Annie?"

"Yes?"

"Um, just make sure to, uh, your dress, ok?" Mikasa tugged at her collar, before she went out, and closed the door.

Annie looked down at her dress-

Inside out.

She wore it inside-out.

She heard his muffled laughs, and when she looked at him, he had his hand on his mouth, as he crumbled to the ground.

She took the pillow from the bed and threw it at him, to which he captured easily.

He walked to her, still in a fit of giggles, as he helped her out of her dress, leaving faint kisses on her skin.

She put it on again, making sure it was right, then Armin closed up the zipper, placed one single kiss at her neck.

~~~~

They made sure to leave the room separately, embarrassed enough that Mikasa almost caught them red handed. They didn't interact much nor did they get close to each other throughout the rest of the party, they knew that proximity would make them misbehave again.

Two hours went as slow as a snail.

They didn't want to be the first to leave, so they waited, and finally, Gabi and Falco's families called it a night.

They followed suit.

At the door, when Mr. Leonhart saw them out, he shook Armin's hand exceptionally firm, looked into his eyes as if he wanted to nonverbally communicate words to Armin.

Armin imagined tears in Mr. Leonhart's eyes. He probably got emotional after Pieck and Jean's engagement announcement, and perhaps, he imagined Annie in Pieck's shoes…

Armin swallowed.

It wasn't like he didn't think of the idea before, his hand briefly touching his pocket...

They left together, hand in hand, feet falling in sync as they made their way to their home.

Their steps got faster, in a hurry, as they remembered why they wanted to leave in the first place.

Once the door closed behind them, they didn't wait to get to the bedroom. Hands frantically taking off each other's clothes, gripping at the fabric. Soon enough, their living room was adorned with a red dress and a white shirt.

But they made it to the bedroom, the springs of the mattress bouncing as they landed on it, gripping on each other, touching each other frantically.

Skin on skin. Armin ran his mouth all over her body, kissing, nipping, and sucking, tasting her, savoring the delightful taste of her. She moaned and squirmed, but his hands fixed her in her place.

Her hands failed to touch him, each time she tried to reach for him he would push her hands away, focusing on his work, and soon enough she gave up, letting him take her to places and show her sights she couldn't imagine seeing without his touch, without his tongue.

Pleasure took over her senses, her tongue knotted, only moans and groans leaving her mouth as she tried to not bounce on him and fix him in his place.

But he had his own pleasure while pleasuring her, like an honor. To touch Annie Leonhart, to be this intimate and close to her. He'd never waste a chance. His hand taking care of himself, trying to relieve some of the tension in his abdomen, while focusing on her.

The hand between his legs didn't go unnoticed by Annie. Watching him trying to pleasure himself while he took care of her…

She flailed her hands at him, and squirmed against his touches, and he gave up, letting her touch him like she wished.

And they were lost in a bundle of pleasure, moans, and gasps, setting their bodies to the rhythm of their hearts.

They gasped each other's names as they moved together, their movements getting sloppier and messier as they tiptoed towards the edge, which wasn't far off.

Tipping each other over the edge was like a challenge that both were determined to win. They tossed and turned, grinding, working themselves on each other.

Annie didn't hold back, her moans loud and almost embarrassing, but the louder she got the more enthusiasm Armin put in his act. It was a give and take of an intimate moment they only shared with each other.

When their motion got even more hectic, they knew they were close. And not long after, they were gripping on each other, groaning and whimpering, as they reached the end line. Pleasure inundated their senses as they rode down their high, lost in an ecstasy of bursting spasms all over their bodies and minds.

When their heartbeats calmed down, Armin was about to roll off her, but in one swift motion, she turned him around, clasping him between her thighs, not giving him a break, their night only starting.

She told him the things she wanted to do to him, loud and clear, as she tied her hair up in a bun, her hips dipping low enough to tease him but not enough to satisfy him. He listened, tried to contain himself, but then he broke.

He arched his back and tried to touch her, but her fast reflexes caught his hands and pinned them above his head.

And so he couldn't do anything but curl his toes as she bewitched him with her touches, stroking him and skimming over his velvety skin. She made him shudder, and he crumbled underneath her and shivered when her touches became intense and ready to bring them to their second wave of ecstasy.

They were vulgar when it came to this, not shy in the slightest to express what they wanted and how they wanted it, and when Armin told her exactly what he desired, where he wished to be, she stilled, watching him apprehensively.

His blue eyes mended with the dark room around them, a dark ocean wave fueled with lust and desire, a look she didn't discover until she had him.

She wasn't aware that her eyes matched his, dark and deep, with an addition to her chest turning pink.

She wanted what he wanted.

So she sat it in motion, intense and rough, fiery, and vigorous. She fixed him down when he tried to switch them, only to get more intense and wilder, and he submitted to her will, reaching his peak with increasing speed.

She bounced on his lap, and he laid there, bewitched with her body, skin, and the power she had on him. One touch and he would be on his knees, one command and he would beg for more.

The best part of it was that her bouncing only got more intense as she noticed his eyes scaling her body up and down. Usually he would kiss every part of her as praises fell off his tongue. She looked down at him, the only sounds leaving his mouth were lustful moans and groans. She had him beneath her, and they had plenty of time to go slow and be romantic, but the fire between her legs needed to be extinguished, and the solution was him.

She gasped, tumbling on Armin, dragging themselves into another explosion of pleasure, muscles contracting as their moans lingered, too sensitive.

She rested her head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their breathing calmed down to match a harmony of chests rising and falling, as they listened to each other's heartbeats.

Annie left a soft kiss on his chest before she rolled off him, landing beside him, resting her hand on his chest where she kissed him.

He closed his eyes, and Annie watched his face. She thought he was falling asleep and that they were done for the night. Well, her body was sore and eyelids heavy, and it was already past midnight.

Her eyelids started closing, when he suddenly opened his eyes. He looked at her, sleep drooping over her eyes, he smiled. He kissed her to wake her up a little.

"Annie," he called her name.

"I want to sleep," she said, nuzzling her head in his chest.

He chuckled, kissing her forehead, "I need to ask you something."

At that, Annie woke up.

Sleep departed her eyes in a second, and she swallowed.

Could he ask…

No, no way, stop imagining stuff, there's no way he would-

"Are you sure this is the right time?" The question left her mouth before she pondered over it. After all, if he really wanted to ask that question, being in bed, naked, wouldn't be how she imagined it.

Maybe on a picnic by the beach, or under a tree, to get on one knee and-

"Are we… fine?" He asked.

Annie blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… you know, are we fine?"

Annie understood his question from the very first time, it was just that… she expected something else.

"I… you don't think so?" She answered his question with a question, a part from her cursing herself for these far off imaginations.

"I just… want to make sure..."

"Armin, I'm here."

"I know-"

"Naked, literally, right beside you, and you think we're not?" She said, then she huffed, tugging the blanket closer to her chin.

"I know, I just..." He sighed.

"I'm… it was all so stupid," she said, "I shouldn't have… I don't think…" Annie tried to explain, but she couldn't finish one single sentence.

Armin knew Annie enough to know that expressing herself wasn't her best skill, so he said, "I understand, but I want to show you something."

With that, he swung his legs off the bed and started looking for his trousers.

He cursed when he remembered that they were in a hurry and in fact, his trousers were in the living room. And so he left the bedroom, when he came back, with the trousers in his hand, he found Annie laughing.

"What is it?" He asked, a smile on his face as he heard Annie's contagious laugh.

"It's just funny that you're running around the cabin like that," she said, laughing again, as she pointed at him.

He didn't have to look down to know what she meant, he had nothing to cover his lack of modesty, and he couldn't help but laugh at Annie's childish joke.

The mattress dipped where he sat next to Annie, who propped herself on one elbow, watching him searching in one of his trousers' pockets. His eyes lit up when he touched something.

He turned to Annie and smiled, "Close your eyes."

She raised an eyebrow.

He chuckled, "Close your eyes, come on."

Annie sighed and closed her eyes, trying to ignore the rapid beating of her heart.

She felt him get closer, his scent all around her. Warm fingers circled around her neck, and she found herself pressed against his chest. His fingers worked on something behind her neck, and after a moment, he leaned back, leaving something cold dangling on her skin.

She waited for him to tell her to open her eyes, but he was way too lost in her, mesmerized by her. She laid on her side, propped on her elbow, blanket covering up to her waist. The blue moonlight soothing her face, caressing the blonde strands, framing her face like a painting in a museum, delicate and careful. Her eyes closed, pink lips and cheeks dusted with a lighter shade of pink.

His eyes traveled down to her neck, where it glistened with dried sweat, and he could almost taste her, the softness of her neck's velvety skin conserved on his tongue.

The draping of the thin blanket on her body emphasized her curves, the dip in her hip, the curves of her thighs, adding a layer of soft edges to her, like a fluffy cloud in the sky.

He could gaze at her for the rest of his life.

With an addition to the necklace around her neck.

Armin held his breath and whispered, “Open your eyes.”

Her eyelids fluttered open, blinking, before she touched around her neck.

Her fingers trailed upon a hair-thin chain, delicate, she looked down and-

A white, not bigger than a thumb nail seashell, dangled from the necklace. A simple seashell, really, white, shiny, but it took Annie’s breath away.

Her lips parted, she flipped the seashell in her hand, only to notice a writing inside it.

She glanced at Armin, who inspected her with an expecting look.

Her eyes squinted as she read the small writing.

"AA," she murmured, she repeated it a few times, then looked up at Armin, only to see a red blush on his cheeks, as he fumbled with the rim of the blanket.

"You know," he said, "our initials, AA."

"Annie and Armin," she said, and she didn't know what else to say.

Annie's scrutinizing eyes worried Armin, maybe she thought of it as stupid, or she thought that he's just trying so hard for forgiveness.

"What does white mean?" She asked, looking into his eyes.

"Hmm?"

"The seashell is white, why did you choose a white one?" She elaborated, the tips of her fingers still around the seashell.

"Oh..." He was taken aback by her question, but then he smiled, inching closer to her. He placed one hand on her waist as he laid beside her, his face an inch away from hers.

He leaned closer, his lips beside her ear and whispered, "Safe." He kissed the tip of her ear, "Annie," he kissed her cheek, "safe," he kissed her nose, "you're my safe place, Annie."

The ocean rummaged in Annie's eyes, the waves mighty and mercilessly destructive, but when they met his, the vast ocean calmed.

She tilted her head up, capturing his lips.

She tasted his smile as their jaws rolled together, lips connecting over and over again.

If she could, she would never leave his side, stay under the blanket with him, for he spread life into her veins, made her human again.

Her hands caressed over every inch of his skin she could reach, and she got closer, pressing her frame into his.

They fit perfectly together, pieces falling into place. They made each other whole, filling into the hollows of each other, soothing and healing.

His fingers traced her figure, caring, and he found it amusing, really, the capacity to have these emotions trapped in his heart, for he felt like exploding, and he wanted to let Annie know about these feelings, but he also knew Annie wasn't a woman of words.

His hands kneaded her back gently in question, and the heat that ignited in her body was the answer.

Their heat joined together, skin on skin, the blanket pushed to the edge of the bed, as their frantic moves started again, hands touching and caressing.

But that wasn't how she wanted it to go.

So she switched them, sitting on top, earning a gasp from him, then she gently pushed herself off him,

"Are you ok?" He asked, his cheeks red, and his heaving chest marked with her red fingers prints.

She hummed, before she leaned over him again, gently nipping at his neck, her hands on him light like a feather.

And he understood what she wanted, he smiled.

His hands mildly caressed her back, up and down, as she kissed his neck.

Their breathing calmed down, their thoughts easier to connect and comprehend, lust not interfering.

Not long after, Annie pulled away, rolling off him, onto her back. On his turn, he hovered over her.

When they went slow, he knew that she liked him over her, he knew that she liked it when his warmth inundated her, his body pressed into her.

He knew her.

He started with kissing her forehead, cheeks, nose, then ending with her lips, gentle, slow. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, sighed as his fingers trailed down her body.

Their touches soft and mild.

Just like their first time, on the boat, three years prior. When misery pushed tears out of their eyes, when they held each other for the first time, thinking it would be their last.

Their first time was soft, clumsy, but all the same, intense. They pleasured themselves through pain, confessed with regret lacing their voices.

They never talk about their first time, for it brings tragic memories with it, but at those moments, when he was above her, surrounding her with warmth, they both remembered, but they never spoke of it.

They gasped as they moved, setting a rhythm to the harmony of the dark night, an unbreakable symphony of serenity.

He locked eyes with her, the necklace shiny as it shifted against the velvety skin of her neck. He moved and watched her face, contouring with bless. She tried to avert her eyes from him. The way he watched her made her abdomen clench and her face hot.

But he wanted to look into her eyes.

And so he placed his elbows on each side of her head, trapping her beneath him. She sighed and looked into his eyes, the blush on her face only increasing.

But soon enough, she was too lost in his eyes to care about anything else. Giving him all of herself made her vulnerable, but with him, it was safe.

She trusted him with her life, and she trusted him with her heart.

He tiptoed them towards their pleasure, but it was different than earlier that night, slow and gentle. They took their time, their bodies too sensitive, eyes locked through it all.

They reached the edge together, Annie moaned, throwing her head against the pillow, but Armin captured her lips, swallowing down her delighted sounds.

It wasn't an explosion, something that went off inside of them within frantic hands and touches, it was more like a knot that was leisurely untied, threads loosening between soft fingers.

He bonelessly rested his weight on her, sweaty chests pressed against each other, and Annie was too tired to tell him to move.

"Another?" He joked and chuckled.

"I wish," she answered, her legs sprawled underneath him, then she nudged his shoulder.

"But I'm comfortable," He answered her nudge.

She rolled her eyes.

"I am, really," He continued, a smile in his voice, "it's warm and soft and-"

He accidentally moved, they both winced.

"Alright alright," he murmured, before he kissed her, slowly pulling out. She winced in his mouth, her thighs twitching, and he kissed her again reassuringly.

He rolled to the side, scooping her in his arms. She nuzzled her head in his chest.

A moment of silence passed while they listened to their heart beats.

"Thank you," she murmured, and when Armin looked at her, her eyes were barely open. He answered with a kiss on her eyebrow.

He watched her fall asleep in his arms, her breathing slowing. He rubbed a circle with his thumb on her skin, wondering how in the world he got to have Annie Leonhart.

His mind wandered to the trouser on the ground, inside it’s pocket sat a circular metal— a ring, adorned with one single shiny pearl. Tonight, he was supposed to get on one knee and ask her the question, but hesitance crawled in the last second and he maneuvered his way to his workshop, choosing to give her that white seashell necklace instead.

Tomorrow

He thought, as he hugged her closer, and drifted to sleep.

I’m so sorry for taking this long to post here, on tumblr

I just feel like the fandom is pretty much dead here....? I’m really not sure anymore

anyway, here’s the second chapter, I hope you enjoyed! feedback is much appreciated!!

#aruani #armin arlert #Annie Leonhardt #jeanpiku #Reihitch #reiner braun #hitch dreyse #jean kirschtien #pieck finger #aot #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #snk #fanfiction

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saphirered · 3 years ago

Note

Heyyy! Long time to talk. I hope you’re enjoying your summer. I have a question about how you take requests: how specific do you like them? I saw you’re writing for EXU and I already live Orym. I would just like something soft yet funny, but I can request something specific if you’d like? Lmk 💜 thanks

-🐋

Heya! Summer's great. Hope you're enjoying yours. Requests can be as specific or nonspecific as you want them to be. As long as I know which character(s) I'm writing for and have an outline of what you want like you've done here I'm all good! Thank you for requesting and I hope this one's to your liking! 😘

Word had reached you a group of strangers had made it to the settlement of the Fire Ashari outside of Emon, among them the Air Ashari you’d been waiting for. He may have never been to Emon before but you’d met the halfling many times before in Zephrah. You’d spent plenty of time with the Air Ashari in your years but now finally, Orym got the pleasure of experiencing your humble outpost life out here himself. Well, that was the plan anyway. Sometimes plans go down the drain.

When Orym finds out several firetamers were absolutely obliterated leaving only two survivors; clearly not counting you among those two he feared for your wellbeing but much like the Ashari training provided and interactions, one must be in control of their emotions especially in these dire times. Someone would have informed him if you’d suffered an ill fate, right? He hopes so. You had been called back to the Flamereach Outpost months ago because things were spiking up and that did mean you’d be in the thick of it. All hands on deck, hence your premature separation back in Zephrah.

Orym feels wrong to say but he couldn’t be more thankful for that earthquake. Seeing you running head first into unknown danger might not do good on his stress levels but knowing you’re alive, that’s all he needs for now. Not like he and his friends don’t run into danger straight after you. On to the Oh No Plateau.

In the aftermath you were the one to escort this little group of strangers plus Orym back to the outpost. They were already a little worse for wear not used to, deal with or resistant to the ash, dust and poisonous gases, the firetamers unanimously decided it’s best to help these folks down instead of letting them find their own way. You of course volunteered to take on this task and no one was going to object as they got enough from this group to know they’re trouble. Rather you than them.

Taking the lead you answered some of their questions. You have to admit the mentions of the ‘ash-hole’ broke you enough to send you into a laughing fit. The dwarf, Dariax felt quite accomplished as these folks, your folks seem a bit more rigid and reserved, much like Orym in his opinion so it’s good to see not all of them are stuck ups.

Fearne nudged Orym on with a little push in your direction causing him to stumble. You’re dextrous enough to prevent the halfling from bumping into you possibly causing you to fall with him. Instead you catch him before he falls flat on his face. The look the two of you share does not go unnoticed by the faun and is very much revealing in the closer-than-friends kind of way.

Once conferred with Lorkathar they’re left to their own devices and the shitstorm of questions thrown at Orym to figure out who you are; or to some of them more importantly; who you are to him specifically. Orym tries to answer without giving too much of your own personal life away. It’s your life, not his and he doesn’t feel like he that’s his to share with others.

You met him in Zephrah on your journey to learn more, better your druidic skills. Part of this training was physical combat and weapons training. That’s where you grew closer. You weren’t exactly the greatest with a sword and Orym helped you go through training to where you could settle on a spear. Cue the questions about what other physical training you shared with him. Orym did not dignify that with a response. Really any question answered that lead to yet another innuendo made he did not dignify with a response.

There’s a knock on the door the group had been given to recover from the day’s events. The conversation falls silent as another knock raps lightly on the door. Dariax and Opal make eye contact before both rushing towards the door, the pleasure of answering going to whomever gets there first. They’re not sure but they hope its you. They have so little insight in the details of Orym’s life and they’re not going to let the chance fly to get some leverage on the halfling should they need to bring it up in the future if they want to commit another definitely-not-a-crime.

A white haired human dressed in pinks opens the door with a wide smile radiating mischief. You smile back although a little forced, to cover the confusion trying to peak through.

“Hi! You must be the firetamer Orym has told us all about. It’s so nice to meet you. I am Opal.” She grabs your hand and shakes it and you just let it happen. How the hell did Orym get sucked up in this group? They’re worse than you’d thought over your initial encounter. Not in a bad way just a… different one.

“Likewise. It seems like you have me at a disadvantage. You appear to know about me yet I do not know much about you. I don’t mean to be rude but I am looking for Orym, of the Air Ashari…” You exchange pleasantries but are cut off as the woman looks over her shoulder.

“Orym! Orym! Your lover is here to see you!” She screeches for the halfling who was already a few feet behind her, embarrassed this is how you’re properly reunited without the pressure of your respective lives.

“Hey.” Orym smiles through the embarrassment caused by his friends watching the two of you like some sort of play waiting what the characters will do next.

“Hey.” You smile back trying to not put too much mind to the curious company Orym had found himself in. You feel like the more attention you give them, the slimmer your chances at a calm and quiet moment with Orym will become.

“Well, don’t be rude, Orym. Invite your friend in.” Dorian perks up trying to keep the obvious ulterior motives of Opal and Dariax at bay but you weren’t born yesterday.

“I was thinking maybe we could step outside instead? I wouldn’t want to disturb your friends’ evening.” Orym catches on to your intent.

“Yeah. Yeah of course.” He brushes past Opal outside and grabs your hand practically begging you to lead the way before the others decide to keep you here.

“Enjoy your evening.” Fearne, saves your asses before the others can protests. Orym is glad to have the faun on his side and he’s pretty sure this favour granted puts him in her debt but it’ll have been worth it.

“It was nice seeing you all. I’m sure we’ll have more time to grow better acquainted in the future.”

“Have fun on your evening stroll, Orym!” Dariax wiggles his eyebrows and the halfling sends him a look to shut him up as you begin leading him away.

The sun is not yet set casting the outpost and mesa in an orange glow with the view of the city west of you. It’s a beautiful evening. Orym understands why you like sunsets so much. You bask in the rays of ember, a sight Orym hadn’t seen in too long. He hadn’t realised how much he missed this, how much he missed you. You stop at the side of a stone ruined building. You let go of Orym’s hand as you grab onto any footing you can and scale the building onto the roof. It’s only two floors tall so you lean over the edge and look down at Orym.

Getting the memo Orym climbs up following a similar path you had to reach the top. You lay down on the rooftop with a familiar comfort, as if the world’s concerns were left below. Orym had always admired this about you. It’s something he could never do himself. You turn over on your stomach, lean your elbows on the rooftop, head on your hands with a grin as you cross your legs behind you. He knows that look.

“So how does it feel being the most responsible individual among the chaos?” Orym pulls himself onto the rooftop and gives you a look. As he walks over to you he hooks his leg around your elbow and yanks making you lose your balance. You gasp and roll back over to your back supporting yourself on your elbows.

“Rude!” You laugh as Orym sits down next to you. Shoulders leaning against each other you watch the sunset. It’s a habit you had fallen into in Zephrah and it’s a habit picked back up again even after many months apart.

“I missed you.” Orym presses a kiss to the top of your shoulder.

“Missed you too.” You sigh content you’re back together once more, no matter how brief that might be as Orym and his little group of adventurers has been sent on another task to find Gilmore. You’d join if you could but you have your responsibilities here and Orym knows that like no other. Once this is all behind you things can finally go back to normal and you actually get to spend more time together without the world burning down whenever you turn your back.

“So how is it you of all people end up with this bunch of chaos bringers?” You laugh. You may not know his friends personally nor did you have much to go off in your brief interactions with them but you know well enough they’re trouble and chaos magnets. Orym, having an air of peace and calm around him shifts quickly to panic in stressful situations he doesn’t know how to navigate based on instinct and here he is navigating Emon of all places with them, getting involved in all sorts of conflict.

“Me of all people?” Orym feigns offence but he’s well aware you’re right. He’s not even sure himself how this weird little dynamic they have going works. He gives it a thought.

“Maybe I just naturally gravitate towards chaos. You are a testament of that.” Your jaw drops. Your halfling’s found himself with a new kind of boldness to him previously hidden beneath layers of Ashari customs. He may not realise it just yet himself but these people have a good effect on him.

“Are you calling me chaotic, Orym of the Air Ashari?”

“I’m sorry, but you really expect me to answer that question? You are chaos incarnate.” He laughs and you let yourself drop back, the halfling previously leaning his weight against you loses his balance and falls onto your stomach. You put your hands beneath your head watching the orange glow reflected off the clouds with a smile.

“You know what, I will take that as a compliment. Someone needs to bring a little chaos into your life. I’m glad I’m not the only one able to fulfil that task. They seem like good people.”

“They stole a vestige, broke into places and killed the henchmen of some criminal organisation all within the past twenty four hours.” Orym deadpans. He’s still a tad unsure how to feel about it.

“And you went along with it. Maybe one day you’ll be as much as a chaos incarnate as the rest of us.” Orym’s fingers lace with yours as he holds onto your hand.

“It’ll be the day the elemental chaos seeps through into this world.”

“Who says it doesn’t already. Embrace the chaos, Orym.” You wave your free hand making a cloud of embers appear above you like fireflies and make them dance in the wind. He’s already embraced the chaos and he knows it. It started with you but has extended to his new friends as well. Though, he’ll have to admit, he’ll take your chaos over theirs any day if presented with the choice. No matter. He’ll take any moment with you he can get now and be patient until you’re reunited in the future. There’s still adventures to be had, just for now your paths diverge. They’ll reconnect in the nearby future. He’s sure of it. You’re sure of it.

#exu x reader #exandria unlimited x reader #exu #exandria unlimited #orym x reader #critical role x reader #critrole x reader

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p1nkwitch · 3 years ago

Text

@lonelyeyesweek

Day 1 - First Meeting

Peter was very reluctant to go to the Magnus institute funding party; uncle Nathaniel informed him that one of his new duties would be to make business with James Wright and he really didn't want to do that. A beholder… What a nightmare.

I would've stayed at home

'Cause I was doin' better alone

The party was unfortunately the most informal way to meet the man, otherwise he would be forced to enter a small room with the watcher to make sure he didn't dry up his family money for an indefinite amount of time.

So he was really dreading the moment he would be meeting this man, Simon kept telling him that James was an old friend and that it would be fine, that he was actually funny beneath all the politeness, however he wasn't so sure about that.

Due to Simon’s and his uncle’s influence he has a very loose idea of some boring old man, a type of academic with a nondescript look that he will forget as soon as he leaves.

With any luck he would just make his acquaintance today and then he may go from the party, Peter preferred to be at home instead of dilly dallying with the masses. As much as he likes to observe people, he likes it better when it's on his own terms and when he is not forced to be part of an event.

So he goes with very little hope for the night, the only positive is that he may get some free food and some alcohol, albeit champagne will not do much for him.

The moment Simon sees him, he zeroes on him and stays nearby talking about his trips to Europe. He also tells him about a few sacrifices he made that actually seemed rather interesting. Still Peter preferred the ones he committed at the ocean, but he knew the man was always more partial to the sky so its not surprising they are all on that vein.

“What about you Captain? You have a few voyages under your belt now lad, how did those go? Were they to your liking?” And the answer to that is a bit complicated, Peter is still getting used to handling a ship, his crew hasn't been properly trained yet to keep themselves in check so he has to… ugh make a few rules.

The other problem is that most of his crew is formed of older, more experienced sailors. Peter is 26 and unfortunately has a rather… soft looking face, he has been trying to grow a beard to at least make himself look a bit more rugged or older looking, but that will take time and he just has a five o’clock shadow for now. It will take him months to have anything resembling what he wants. The graying hair does work a bit better, that he can count for at least.

He is considering hiring someone to relay his messages to, so that way he can stay away most of the time and he can practice his solitude in peace. He really would love to not be perceived until he looks like he wants.

“Its ok, I still need to figure out a few things to be honest, I would love it if the crew was a bit less…”

“Talkative?”

“Friendly” Simon nods at him and pats his shoulder before going back to another story of a trip he made like 250 years ago. It is quite interesting, albeit Peter gets struck with how old the man is. Most of the time he can forget it, easy to do when Simon is so lively, but when he tells him these stories…. hard to ignore in all honesty.

Picking up an offered champagne glass he listens distractedly wondering when he will meet the man organizing this whole charade.

The older man talks to him but at some point his sentence drifts off and he looks behind him with a grin. A bit lost and now concerned, those grins never end up well for him, Peter turns back to check what exactly was his companion watching.

The answer comes to him like a hit to the face.

An older man talking and entertaining several people at the same time, Peter doesn't realize that he was gripping his glass very tightly until Simon waves and calls for the man over.

He wasn't boring looking like his uncle or very, very old like Simon. He must be in his fifties, he was dressed up impeccably with a black shirt that had his sleeves rolled out to his elbows, a deep green vest with golden details and dark green pants.

The man also has a pencil moustache and a few moles near his jaw, which made him stand out. He was also a bit shorter than him, but most people are so that doesn't surprise him.

The air of surety, of knowing he had made him feel bigger than he was however.

Peter swallows and feels his face warm up for reasons he can't comprehend.

When the man turns around towards Simon, he can see his eyes-

Grey.

Peter never looks anyone to their eyes and yet, and yet-

For a second it feels as if the man also froze looking at him, he had a look of….surprise almost?

But it was only for a second, the next thing Peter knows is that the man starts to approach them while he is struggling to not disappear in a puff of smoke. Oh, Forsaken protect him.

“Hello Simon” His voice is very low and amused, oh fuck.

“Hello James!! It's been a while hasn't it?” Ja-

James?

“You are James Wright?” Peter cuts off the man before he answers back to Simon and he realizes that he is an idiot, shit-

No wonder he was so eye-catching then.

…

For some reason James' lips twitch upwards as if he was trying not to smile at something. Peter has no way to know what is so funny.

“You must be Peter Lukas then? Nathaniel… told me about you, its a pleasure to meet you” Peter smiles his usual vapid smile to keep him from prying, he already feels exposed and kind of confused about the man. Better to make this quick and go.

“Yes, uncle mentioned you too, albeit he did not do you justice” ???? What the fuck is he doing, what is wrong with him??? Why did he say that??

Peter feels his hands sweat and his face warm up, he is praying he is not red in the face.

James looks perplexed and he feels Simon staring at him with the biggest grin ever as if he was having the time of his life which knowing him, he probably did, he loves drama after all.

“Is that so?” The man crosses his arms and Peter has to keep himself from staring at the flex of it he has to.

What the hell is wrong with him?

“Yes! He made you sound like a boring old man to be honest, but you are quite the opposite, you look very-” Peter spends a lot of time alone, meaning he doesn't properly talk with people. His usual mechanism of defense is to talk so much that everyone just lets him be.

That translates into him not having a filter, because of that he just says what is on his mind, even if he knows he shouldn't. In this case it is a shot in the foot and he has no idea why, why is he reacting like this? The man is-

Is just a bit good looking thats all!! No need to be so nervous.

“...Good” His face is burning, Peter knows he must be red all over.

He is an embarrassment to the family name, he has to go, he has to go now. How is he going to face him to do business oh shit-

James for his part seems to look at him with something akin to wonder an a bit of curiosity, while Simon-

Simon for his part is sighing mentally about his nephew’s taste in man. Very on brand for a Lukas, albeit Jonah seems to be quite taken aback.

Peter might look like Mordechai but they are not alike at all.

“Well thank you Mister Lukas”

“Peter is alright” Why won't he shut uppppp, what is wrong with him? This has never happened before, a little bit more and he will spontaneously combust.

James smiles at him and something in his chest squeezes. Is he dying? Is his heart giving out on him so soon?

“Well Peter, it was lovely meeting you. I can't wait to make business with you. I'm sure we will get along… very well”

“I can't wait” !!!!!! He wants to die.

Peter is going out to sea for the next 4 months just to get rid of whatever this is.

James grins at him and is about to leave, making him let out a breath of relief when he turns slightly.

“Say… I was going to ask Simon to drink with me after the party, in my office. Would you like to join us?” No!

“Sure” The man gives him a smug look and goes.

Simon pats his back.

“You need to get better at flirting, albeit i do believe you impressed him quite a bit, he usually ignores all the Lukas that come to make business with him”

“Im going to kill myself” He hates his life so much.

“Ah lad don't be like that, its just a few drinks, it doesn't have to go anywhere else”

Several years and flings with the man later. Peter is left with only grief at James sudden passing. They had something of a thing going on, not really labeled, since neither liked that. But the man suddenly broke things up and Peter in his anger left for months on end.

By the time he came back he found out James died and he had a new replacement.

Elias Bouchard.

He hates him on principle.

Peter is cold with him at every little meeting, speaks just as necessary and goes before the man even attempts to chat him up. At least he has his own loneliness, the only thing that truly lasts for him.

It sings out to him, like a siren song, it's easier to get lost on it, to just… become colder and harsher. What else should he do? It's not like Peter could ever love someone like that again.

Or want to.

“-ter, Peter!!”

“What do you want Mr Bouchard?” The younger man was glaring at him and it feels unfair, he should be the one glaring.

“I was asking you if you intend to stop being difficult and listen to me for once! I swear i get you lonely ones love playing at the grief stricken partner, but its been months already im getting tired of trying to talk to you like pulling teeth. Listen- i know i was kind of an ass, but really i needed to do the switch and i was worried a bit about people talking about some favouritism-” What the hell is he on about now??? Also how dare he!

“What- are you talking about? I'm not faking- what are you-!? Listen, I'm not up for games, let alone your games. I have better things to do than be your little entertainment, give me the papers to sign and I will be on my way, off of your life-” Elias gets up and slams his hands on the desk making him flinch.

“That attitude!! I don't want you out of my way!!! I said what I said as James because I was going to change bodies and people were talking about our relationship too much, it would look odd when I became Elias and we hooked up again!!”

Peter freezes.

“What- what do you mean became Elias?” The man who is not Elias??? Narrows his eyes and then suddenly looks surprised and confused.

“You don't know-”

“What do you-”

“How can you not know I told you- i-” Elias? Drifts off and looks to the empty room with a blank expression.

“I forgot to tell you”

“Um-”

“I thought i told you after- oh, oh fuck we ended up sleeping together after sacrificing that woman at the restaurant, i got distracted and-”

Peter starts to piece together a few things.

“James…?” Elias flops on his chair covering his face and doing a muffled scream into his hands.

“I can believe i forgot i got so excited that you let me tie you up that i completely forgot” Peter’s face burns.

“I-”

“Yes, yes it's me, I thought you were being difficult not that you- oh my god you actually were grieving me weren't you? You sap” His face turns smug, and it's so familiar-

The eyes-!

“Yes, those are really mine”

“You-!” Peter wants to punch him.

“Me?” Elias already closes his eyes expecting a punch. Yet he side steps the desk, comes closer and pulls him up to his feet by his tie.

“If you- you want to choke me-” He shuts him with a kiss. It takes a bit to register on the other’s mind because once he does he grips his hair and pulls them closer practically melting against him. Peter doesn't stop kissing him, cnat.

“You twat-” In between kisses he curses him out, he was making the rounds across his neck, decided that he was going to leave pretty little marks for everyone to see. Elias? James? Doesn't seem to mind much.

“Sorry-”

“You- fucking- bloody- ass!!” A bite close to the jugular has him moan a bit, Peter’s hands go to grip his thighs and the other catches his meaning because he lets him lift him up. He carries him to the small couch and drops him there with an ompf-

“Hey-” That he interrupts when he climbs on top of him and starts to kiss him again with a very clear intention in mind.

“Oh…” Yes, Peter is glad he can use forsaken to soundproof the room, he had no intentions to let the other be quiet.

Now that he is not upset, angry or… turned on, Peter lays his head on top of Elias' chest, while he explains the whole being Jonah Magnus, and thinks that he is very handsome.

Not in the same way as James was, no, but he was still very handsome.

“I was leaning more into pretty but unassuming, but thank you for the vote of confidence for the new body” What a smug prick.

“He is not…?”

“God no, only fragments or echos, the real Elias is very dead, its just me”

“Jonah?” Elias nods at his question.

“Basically”

“Huh” The shorter man’s hands play with his hair making him nuzzle his neck. He thinks about it for a bit, but decides to go for it, after all he has gotten this far anyways “Pleasure to meet you Jonah”

The other stays quiet for a bit.

“Pleasure to meet you Peter”

Their relationship is not conventional or normal by anyone's standards, but…

It works.

Somewhat.

“So… I got you so distracted you forgot to tell me huh?” Elias sighs.

“I can show you exactly how enticing you looked to me to make me forget, do not tempt me” Feeling his face heat up he tries to play it off.

“Maybe when we are in an actual bed and want to experiment a bit” Elias chuckles and then turns into a full blown laugh that makes him feel the rumble of it against his ear.

“I can't believe this, but i missed you” He hears Elias heart speed up while admitting that to him, it makes his face warm up.

Peter knows he missed him too, but he wont admit that, too out of character. So instead...

“Will take that with me, feels delicious”

“Oh hush, you already cannibalized yourself, don't be a prick”

Yes, he definetly missed this bastard and he will have so much fun re-aquitaining to him properly. They are closer in age now, Peter’s body is a bit older than Elias now, just 6 years, but it feels good.

This time people will give Elias looks instead of him, Peter’s gray hair and beard made him look older.

“You are impossible Peter”

“Stop reading my mind then” Elias sighs and kisses the top of his head hesitantly.

“Don't make it so easy then” Peter lets out a breath.

Prick.

"Never"

"Rude, what a rude person you are" Peter nuzzles him and that shuts him up.

Better.

#lonelyeyesweek #lonelyeyesweek2021 #james wright #simon fairchild #elias bouchard #lonelyeyes #peterelias #peter lukas

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krystal-sylph · 4 years ago

Text

Marble Hornets - Hoody x Reader

So yes, I saw another author do something similar to this in their book on Quotev, and I liked the idea so I thought I'd try it out. This isn't canon whatsoever, it barely has anything to do with the actual story considering it takes place after Entry #87, and everyone is either already dead or gone. It's basically a 'what if' scenario that makes almost zero sense if you look at it from the eye of a critic. Don't judge too harshly! I made it when I was bored and in need of inspiration considering it's been weeks since I last updated this book. I'll give you more details about what I was thinking during this one-shot down at the bottom of the page.

Warnings: Mentions of death

You were walking steadily through the dead trees of what you assumed to be Rosswood Park, completely lost but also not really trying to find your way out. Why would you? You had nothing to go back to. All of your friends were either dead or missing, and your family... well, let's just say your family didn't exactly want you with them, which is why you stuck so closely to Jay, and Tim, and the others. But now you had nobody to stick close to. They were all gone.

The last thing you remembered was helping Tim fight off Alex in the old high school, then when Alex had been killed, you passed out and somehow woke up in Rosswood. More whacky teleportation, probably. Either that or you were sleep-walking, which wouldn't really surprise you considering everything you've done the past few years.

You also managed to unmask that hooded figure and were more than astonished when you saw Brian, your boyfriend that had gone missing all the way back in 2009 and was the whole reason you got involved with Jay and this mystery in the first place. You weren't sure how to react, you felt a rush of relief, shock, and anger all at the same time. He wouldn't wake up, of course he wouldn't. He had just fallen from a fifteen-foot window and landed on concrete. He was dead, and you knew that, but a part of you didn't want to accept it.

You hadn't got a lot of time to try and get him medical attention, for the Operator once again showed up and ran you and Tim off, then Alex got in the way, and well, here you were. Thankfully, you had woken up with your phone, but it was quickly losing battery so you tried calling Tim one, two, three, four times. He never answered, which lead you to believe that he, too, was gone. That left you all alone, stranded in the woods, with no one to turn to. Nobody to live for.

It felt bad enough not knowing where Brian had been all of this time, and you started believing that he was actually dead, no matter how much you denied it. But then finding out that he had been alive through the whole thing, and was watching you, well aware of how frantic you were over his disappearance, and had plenty of chances to reveal himself to you but never did? It hurt. And it made you mad. How could he do such a thing? It felt like the ultimate betrayal, and it really was in a way. If he was trying to protect you he was doing a poor job of it.

But now he was gone, and for good. You saw proof. You saw his motionless body more than once, and it made you want to rip your heart out of your chest and throw it to the floor. And you would have, had he not already done it for you. Losing him not once, but twice? You were already experiencing the pain from Jay's death, but discovering that your boyfriend had also died? Indescribable grief is what you felt. Your heart ached, your mind throbbed, the tears wouldn't even come to your eyes anymore. You had cried them all out.

You truly had nobody. Your feet scraped across the dirt and pebbles beneath as you continued wandering aimlessly through the forest. Where were you going? You couldn't even bring yourself to care. Your stomach rumbled, your throat was dry from dehydration. How long had you even been out here? At least two days. It was cool out, but not dreadfully so, being only June. The oversized hoodie Brian had let you have prior to all of this chaos was keeping you plenty warm, however, it only made you even more depressed. This was the last thing that was left of him. You would die in it for all you cared because you sure wouldn't be taking it off.

If you got close enough, you could still smell his scent, if only faintly. It brought you a sense of dread, but hopeless joy as well. You couldn't quite explain it. The Operator, or whatever that thing was, hadn't messed with you at all. Why? Who knew. Maybe it moved on to someone weaker to pursue, seeing as how its original victims were long gone. Or maybe it just slunk back into its weird underworld, its Own Zone, or whatever. Just as long as it left you the heck alone. You were not in the mood to be played with. After all, it was the cause of all of this. It's the reason your boyfriend was dead, the reason Alex went crazy, the reason everyone was so unstable. The reason that everyone you ever loved, who ever loved you, was gone.

It was extremely difficult to process. How could any of this have happened? You were just a normal girl with a normal life, with normal friends, with a normal boyfriend. At least, most of your friends were normal. Turns out Tim was the one that it attached itself to first. He was patient zero, in a way, but you stopped blaming him long ago. It wasn't his fault. Yes, he should have told you and Jay sooner, but what would be the point in being angry at him now? He was inevitably deceased, too.

You missed Jay, Tim, even Alex, as much of a jerk as he had been. You missed your other friends, but most of all you missed Brian. He was the one that had been with you when personal problems wouldn't stop messing up your life, he was the one that stuck by your side the whole time. He had been the epitome of a loyal and perfect boyfriend, and to find out he had kept the fact that he was stalking you and Jay for who-knows how long a total secret? It was disappointing. But what were you going to do, now? He was gone, it didn't even matter, anymore.

You kept your gaze trailed on the ground as you took weak steps through the trees, stuffing your hands into the pocket of the hoodie and not thinking about anything in particular. There was no doubt in your mind that Brian had been trying to do what he thought was best for you, as he likely thought that revealing himself after so long would put you in danger. But you were already in danger. Maybe he was afraid of what your reaction would be. Good, he should've been, because you would have been furious. You still were furious. You trusted him. You spent five years looking for him, worried sick about him, and he was watching you the whole time? Watching you suffer? Not doing anything about it?

Sure, Totheark was one thing, as he made it abundantly clear that he was trying to point you and Jay in the right direction several times, along with the masked figure, who was Tim, and another unknown person who had never been revealed, but it had also seemed like he was taunting you sometimes. Had he really changed that much? Did he just not care? You know that you had changed in major ways since the investigation started, but you had never stopped caring about your friends. About Brian. In fact, your love for them is what spurred you on. It was the only reason you got involved, to start with. Because you wanted them to be safe. You wanted him to be safe.

And he practically just spat all of your hard work back in your face. Understandably, you were vexed, but the sorrow topped the anger. It didn't matter if you kicked a tree. It didn't matter if you screamed. It didn't matter if you cursed your screwed-up life, cried about your losses, or just downright died because of it all. Everyone you loved had been taken from you. Why were you the one survivor? Why couldn't it have been someone stronger, someone who deserved it? Someone like Jay? You had been briefly acquainted with him thanks to him knowing Alex, but when all of this chaos took place, the two of you got exceedingly closer.

You had been there for each other, through all of it. He was probably the one person you trusted most in this world because even though he was stressed, likely more than you were, he never lost that aspect that made him, well, him. He never let the Operator get into his head to the point of it changing who he was. Sure, the past few months he had been easily irritable, but you were, too. And the both of you had become pretty paranoid, but who wouldn't in that situation? The point is, you two stuck together. That's what got you through everything, your friendship. He was the only one you could truly count on.

And what happened to him? He was brutally ripped from your life, all thanks to Alex. All thanks to the Operator. And you didn't even get to say goodbye. He was just gone, and right behind him was Brian, then Alex, and now Tim. Every single person whom you ever cared for, now dead. Never to be seen, again. You had nobody else to try and protect, nothing else to do. You didn't have another reason to continue fighting. You didn't even want to find the way out of this park. You had nowhere to go that wouldn't bring back loads of painful memories.

So you figured, you would wander around until you eventually just dropped dead. Is it possible to die from mental agony alone? If so, that would surely be what took you out, if lack of water and food didn't do it first. A gust of cool breeze swept through your tangled hair and, for a moment, you felt more human. It merely lasted a moment, but it still felt nice. What drew your attention was a sudden snap of a twig, and you jerked your head to the side, a bit startled by the noise. You saw nothing hiding behind the trees, then again it wouldn't be the first time you failed to see when somebody was watching you. But all of those people are gone, at least the ones you knew about.

So what if you were being recorded right now? It wouldn't surprise you. You didn't even care. You just wanted the pain to stop. Besides, it was probably only a squirrel or some other harmless woodland creature minding its own business. No need to worry about it. A disconsolate sigh escaped from between your lips and your gaze once again averted down, eyelids beginning to feel heavy. When was the last time you actually had a solid night's sleep? How long had it been since you weren't plagued with terrible nightmares, or an ever-present fear of being killed, or endless worrying about your missing friends?

It had to have been in 2010, right? That was when everything began getting more complicated than you could have ever imagined. If you had a second chance, would you have just brushed Brian's disappearance aside and gone on with your life as if nothing had ever happened? Would you have been able to ignore it all and avoid the inevitable trouble you'd get into? The answer you came to is no, probably not. Brian meant too much to you. There would be no way to simply move on without digging at least a little in an effort to get to the bottom of what happened.

Your head snapped up again when you heard yet another sound, this time it seemed as if a small rock had been crushed farther into the dirt, and right in front of you. What you saw made you gasp and stumble back from surprise alone, your foot catching on a root and making you fall on your back. You gaped up at the figure standing only three feet away from you, trying to comprehend how exactly this could have been possible. It isn't possible. Right? No. No, it isn't. So how was it happening?

He tilted his head to the side slightly, as if confused why you were reacting the way you were. Oh, gee, I wonder. It isn't exactly normal to see somebody who died standing directly in front of a person. You didn't speak, not for a few minutes, anyway, and neither did he. The nerve. You'd think he'd at least have the decency to say, "hi, I've risen from the grave, wanna go get a coffee?".

But nope. Not a word. Your eyebrows furrowed as you finally came to a reasonable and most likely conclusion. It was a hallucination. He was a hallucination. A mere image your mind created to deal with your grief. What else would it be? Real? Absolutely not. There was no way, it was only your imagination playing cruel tricks on you. "Go away," you muttered, voice scratchy due to not speaking nor having anything to drink. He didn't listen, he only continued to stare down at you, though you couldn't sense any type of malice, irritation, or even sympathy emanate from off of him. In fact, he seemed almost... curious.

You sent him a glare, trying to keep your composure and act as if seeing him didn't make you want to break down into tears for the hundredth time and wish that he was still here with you. But he wasn't, this was only your mind playing games with you. And you were sick of it already.

"I said, go away." Slowly, you pushed yourself to your feet, not taking your eyes off of the hooded man in front of you, and when he still wouldn't listen, you hardened your voice. "I don't need you here." He waited a moment before taking a step forward, indicating he still refused to get out of your head. What could you have done in this situation? It isn't easy escaping your memories, even though the only thing you wanted to do was escape them. This one, in particular.

His hands were dangling by his sides casually and his ski mask did everything to conceal his face and any emotion that may have been in it, which was the point of it, you supposed. And you were inwardly thanking your mind for coming up with an image of what Jay's followers on Twitter dubbed 'Hoody', instead of what you absolutely did not want to see, which was Brian. Not the hooded figure, just Brian. Your boyfriend. Or late boyfriend, now.

You let out a resentful growl, scooped up a small rock from the ground, and lobbed it at the hallucination, hoping that once it went through him that he would disappear and leave you alone. This was too much to take for your vulnerable, broken state right now, and you just wanted it to stop. However, something happened that you most certainly did not expect. The rock, instead of flying right through him as it should have, hit him below the shoulder with a soft thud before bouncing off and landing on the dirt, once again.

Not only did it hit him as if he were an actual, physical being, but he flinched back at the sharp impact and craned his neck down to look at the rock that had just been thrown at him, then focused his vision back on you, the girl standing with wide eyes and a confused expression clear on her features as her body went rigid. What was that? Plainly, you were losing your marbles in more ways than one. Hallucinations aren't real things, they're in the mind and in the mind only. So how did he, a hallucination, block the path of a rock, a very real, very concrete item, to the point it couldn't only be heard when it hit him, but it bounced off of him?

Still, he didn't say anything, and the silence around you, save for the tweets of birds and rustling of leaves, nearly made you crazy. Why were you doing this to yourself? Surely you had suffered enough, already. Why couldn't he just go away? You clenched your fists, in anger or as a way to gather your bearings, you weren't sure, and bit the inside of your cheek. What were you supposed to say? This couldn't be real; Brian was dead. It would be impossible for him to be here with you. Unless there was somebody pranking you to get some kind of reaction out of you. That would be the only logical explanation.

"This isn't funny," you snapped, shooting daggers at the person still ahead of you. "Get out of here before I make you." With that, you stomped around him, making sure to keep your distance as you continued on your way, trying to forget about him. You shook your head in disbelief. How dare somebody play with your emotions like that. But how would anybody know where you were? How would somebody get an outfit exactly like Br... like him? Unless they stole it off of his dead corpse, which is a thought you really didn't want to consider too much.

Who would ever prank you in such a way? Who would find you all the way out here? You couldn't be tracked—your phone had died after the first couple of hours you had been out here, and even so, you had ended up throwing it into the brush of the woods miles back. You figured that you'd never need to use it, again, since you planned on just dying deep in the forest soon. And they couldn't have followed you, not for so long without you noticing. The more you thought about it, the more it just didn't make sense. Everyone that had been keeping tabs on your and Jay's story likely thought you were already dead, so it couldn't have been one of them.

Your train of thoughts was derailed when you heard, what sounded like a leaf crunching behind you, and hesitantly looked back, seeing just what you expected to find; the same hooded figure, tailing you, though not to the point of it invading personal space. You didn't care though. It was disconcerting, especially since you had just disproved your theory about it being a prankster. This wasn't a prank, everyone who knew about you was dead. That should have included Brian, and you thought it did. Could you have been wrong...?

No. No, he was dead. So maybe it was just an extremely vivid hallucination after all? Then how did a rock bounce off of him? Could you have imagined the rock? No, the rock was real. He was not. It was beginning to get darker, you could tell by the way the sun fell past the trees and the sky faded into a deeper shade of blue. The cicadas began to chirp persistently, and in only a few minutes your eyes would once again have to get adjusted to the change in lighting.

Exasperation grew within your chest, as well as a flaming desire to get rid of him, and you spun fully around until you were looking directly below the red eyes that were painted onto his mask, where you assumed his actual eyes to be. An indignant huff left your mouth and you took a step forward, fixating on him with a threatening scowl and talking between your teeth.

"Go away." Your tone left no room for argument as the sentence slowly came out, but still, he stood there. Not a word came from behind the mask, he just stayed still. Staring at you. A move that finally made all of your anger rise to the surface, and you didn't even try to contain it. You just wanted him gone. "Leave. Me. Alone!"

In one quick movement, you took another step forward, stretched your arms out, and with all the force you could muster up, pushed him backward. It must have taken him off-guard because he did nothing to stop you, nor could he catch his balance before he tumbled to the ground with a thump. You sucked in a sharp breath, trying to calm your racing heart. You didn't expect to touch him. You didn't think there was anything to touch. But you could feel him, and clearly, he felt you, too. You blinked down at him with puzzlement, unable to fight the tears any longer.

You couldn't handle this. It was too much, it was just too much. You only managed to take two steps back before your legs became jelly and collapsed beneath you, sending you falling to the ground on your knees. You didn't mind it, not right now. You just had to compose yourself enough to get away. But something in your mind told you that wouldn't be very easy.

You allowed your hair to fall in front of your face as you tilted your head toward the ground below your trembling frame, screwing your eyes shut in an effort to stop the constant flow of tears from cascading down your cheeks. That's odd, you were sure that there were no more tears left to cry. Perhaps your body was saving them for this moment because it knew that it was going to torment you even moreso than it had, already. When would it all end? Until you died, probably. Quiet whimpers exited your mouth, you didn't bother trying to stop them. There wouldn't be a point. You were alone, anyway, no matter how much your mind wanted to convince you otherwise.

"Please go away..." The sentence came out as no more than a pained whisper as you hugged yourself, trying to come to terms with everything. It was bad enough that he died right in front of your very eyes, but now your mind was taunting you by making you think he was actually here? You could hear the faint sound of pebbles being displaced as if someone was drawing closer, and sniffed. "I love you too much. I miss you too much. Please, just... just leave me alone." Your voice cracked, though it wasn't extremely noticeable thanks to how low it became.

After a minute, you thought that your ears picked up muffled, gentle breathing, and you knew for a fact it wasn't you. Finally opening your eyes, you slowly leaned your head up, a bit surprised to see him not only in front of you but on his knees looking at you through his black and red mask. He was mere inches away from you now, and you weren't sure what to do. He obviously wasn't going to leave. Your mind wouldn't give you a break. Or was this really just your mind? Of course, there was no other reason. Brian wasn't here. Brian was dead. Even if it was him, he would have said something to you. Well, at least your Brian would have.

You weren't really sure what the new Brian would have done. After all, he went years without letting you know that he was so much as alive rather than dead like you presumed but didn't want to believe, and instead stalked you and your best friend, threatened you, taunted you, and lead you on wild goose chase after wild goose chase. It was unknown if the 'new' Brian would have even alerted you of his presence like this one. Probably not. He would have just recorded you from behind a tree, stay far out of your sight, and then used the footage to send some type of cryptic message in binary through Youtube that would take you and Jay hours on end to solve.

But this one, he wasn't acting nice enough to be your Brian, nor was he being mysterious enough to be Totheark Brian. He seemed almost... vague. Confused, curious. And it greatly addled you. If it somehow was Brian... why would he be acting so strangely? Who knew. Being pushed from a window would have its effects on a person, you supposed. But how would he have been here with you? He died. He wasn't breathing, his heart wasn't beating. You saw it. So what were you seeing now?

Reaching up slightly, you put your hand on the top of his knee, your breaths turning shaky. You could still feel him. You could touch him. You can't touch hallucinations, right? Leisurely, your fingers moved up to his hands that were placed on his thighs in a relaxed manner and grabbed one cautiously. You squeezed it, and it took a moment, but he squeezed back. As if following your lead. It was warm, and you could feel skin and bone beneath the glove he wore over it. Hallucinations aren't warm.

You scooted just a little closer and put both hands on his chest, giving it a light, effortless push to see if he reacted. He tipped back briefly before stiffening, posture becoming more solid. Your touch traveled up to his shoulders as you scooted even closer, tears glistening in your eyes as your intent gaze went up to his masked face. Would he let you remove his mask? It was the only way to tell for sure if he was actually Brian, or if he was just an imposter. You were afraid of either possibility.

There was hardly any doubt that this was an actual, physical person in front of you. The question was, is it the person you thought it may have been? Did you even want it to be him? You didn't even know what you wanted. You paused your movements before feeling faintly around his throat for the hem of the mask, thankful when you found it without much trouble and began sliding it upward.

Only then did his hand come up and wrap around your wrist, firmly but softly, and you flinched a little from the sudden action. You knew what he was saying. 'Don't'. "Please," you started in a tone so quiet that nobody could hear it unless they were right beside you. "I...I need to know." It took around thirty seconds until he finally let go, albeit slowly, and brought his hand to rest in his lap, once more, giving you complete access.

You gulped and pulled the mask off, eyes widening when you saw the sight that awaited you. It was him. It was Brian. His hair was quite a bit longer than it was the last time you had seen it, and now messy, too, his eyes were still that deep shade of brown that you fell in love with, and his lips were set in a mellow frown. He looked almost exactly like you remembered him. But something was... different. Maybe it was the paleness of his skin or the confused, unfamiliar look in his eyes, but something wasn't right.

He stared back at you, eyebrows slightly furrowed in what you recognized as perplexity. You ran your finger along his cheek, his lips, through his hair, as if to make sure he was real. This shouldn't have been possible. He died. How would he have been reincarnated? Without you knowing about it, especially? All of these questions and more flew by in your mind, but each one was only there for a couple of seconds before the next one appeared. You couldn't process any of them right now. You were too focused on the man sitting here, right in front of you, in arms' reach.

You dropped his mask to the side, eyes collecting even more tears as you parted your lips in utter disbelief. "Brian..." Saying his name seemed to spark some sort of recognition within him because he tilted his head and brought his own hand up, wiping away a droplet that was slipping down your cheek and almost studying you with curiosity present in his brown orbs. This made your heart clench. What on earth was happening? All of your friends were dead. What was this one doing coming back?

You couldn't stop the weak, pathetic whimper that left your mouth as your heart rate increased, unable to fully comprehend the unspoken information that had delivered itself to you. The only thing you could think about doing was bringing him close and refusing to let go, which you did. Your arms wrapped so tightly around his neck that it's a wonder you didn't break bones, and your head leaned against the side of his own, letting out heartbroken sobs that you didn't even know existed, anymore.

It didn't take long before you felt his arms snake around your torso, pulling you closer to him as well and enveloping you in a hug that was an odd mix of comfort and confusion. You didn't care, though. All you wanted was to stay in your boyfriend's, who was presumed dead, embrace, and never let go. You didn't need to know the answers, not right then. You had gone five whole years without his touch, his voice, his presence, and you weren't going to waste this chance on searching for an explanation. You just wanted him. You needed him. You got the faint feeling that he needed you, too, whether he realized it, or not.

__________

So... yes. I liked the idea and wanted to write it, mainly because I think the whole 'Hoody tilting his head in confusion' thing is really cute xD Don’t say anything, you know you do, too.

Anyway, what I was thinking is that basically... Brian did die but he somehow came back to life after the events in Entry #87 but nobody knew it. It's Brian that came back to life, but he's kinda different? He had his memory almost completely wiped and can't really talk because he's dead. He's a physical being, but he's like a ghost? It doesn't make a whole lotta sense, lol. He remembers very significant people that were in his life, in a way that he feels connected to them and has an instinct to protect them, but he doesn't remember them as we would think.

Is that like, way too confusing? I'm sorry, it's not a thoroughly-planned idea, in fact it's very vague. I just love Brian so much and it absolutely killed me when he died in Entry #83, so I wanted to bring him back! Even if it's for unexplained reasons. Heck, I don't even know how he came back. Vengeful spirit? Pure magic? Extreme love for his girlfriend that refused to let him rest in peace without knowing she's safe? I think I like that the best.

Also, I was sneaky and put a little reference from Joseph DeLage's live stream on Marble Hornets in the one-shot so let me know if you found it!

I’m well aware that my first real post on this account is about Hoody, and I could give less of a shit if I’m being honest. Brian is baby and I have an obsession with him that may or may not make me dream strange things about him. But don’t we all? I mean, who couldn’t absolutely fall in love with his smile? Or his laugh? Or his voice, or his eyes, or his face, or just every-freaking-thing about him?

Also this one-shot is crap but I am currently running off of about four hours of sleep and have been for the past two days so my writing isn’t exactly polished and reward-worthy content.

But yes! Hoody x Reader, there it is. Hope it wasn’t too cringy.

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bangtae-sohotddaeng · 4 years ago

Text

we’ll be counting stars | k.th. | 2

(^ gif cred: ON THE VOYAGE | pinterest)

pairing: idol!Taehyung x publisher!Reader

rating: nc-17 (for language and themes)

summary: You’d sworn off love and relationships forever. You were here to do your job - work with the biggest boyband of the world. Not forge friendships and...and whatever it was that you and Taehyung were building up with these sneaky glances. It was, to be very fair, your Chief Editor’s fault that you’d landed in this mess. Maybe you should quit your job? Maybe you should quit life -

Oh, he was staring again, and did he freaking lick his lips?

warnings: swearing (reader’s got a potty mouth) + this is set like 5 years in the future + reader has emotional issues, she's a relationship phobe + mentions of weed

genre: so much ANGST ugh + fluff + comedy + some crack

words: 3.3 k

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gimme feedback, much much appreciated!

“We’re all clear on the schedule, but I’ll repeat it for your sake,” you announced.

Your team was huddled around you, right outside the airport, with their luggage in their hands. You’d landed in Seoul less than an hour ago.

“So, right now, we’re going to take a cab to the hotel our company has booked us. We’ll rest, let our bodies recharge and adjust—because we left on Friday morning and reached Saturday morning in thirteen hours.” You grimaced. “Dunno about you, but my mind needs to adjust.”

You received collective groans of agreement in response.

“Great, you feel me. So we all do that first. And then we’ll collect in the lobby after lunch, at around 4 pm? I’ll have a word with BTS’ manager, and he’ll arrange for our commute. I’ll update you of the exact time, then. For now, let’s just go grab naps.”

You all hailed three taxis to the hotel, with Sana grabbing you by the elbow to make you sit with her. You did so, with a frown. She looked nervous.

“Y/N!” she almost wailed as soon as you’d shut the door.

The driver looked at her in alarm. You winced in embarrassment, and apologized in Korean. He started the car without a word.

“Sana, compose yourself. What is the matter with you?” you scolded the girl.

“Y/N, how am I gonna face him? I might freeze up at sight! And—and what if my brain starts to think up scenarios from… oh God, you won’t believe the kind of fanfiction-stuff I’ve read about him!”

Your ears started to warm up. You had some idea. It had been a while, sure, but you could still vividly remember the kind of fanfictions you yourself had indulged in—

Wait a second. This girl was gonna make you nervous, too!

“Okay, Sana, enough. It doesn’t matter how cute you find Yoongi, he’s our client. We’re gonna have to be formal with him. At all costs. We mess it up, we lose our jobs. You get that? So, think about your husband, try to be the professional woman he married, and for God's sake, stop making me overthink shit!”

Sana shut up, then, but her eyes still looked worried. "How do you do it, Y/N?"

You frowned. "How do I do what? I don't have a fucking crush on Yoongi!"

She gave a small laugh, looking slightly more at ease. "Exactly! How?"

You blinked, confused.

"I mean," she elaborated, "not just him. In general. How do you manage to not get dragged down by feelings and stuff?"

"I kinda had to." You snorted. "People are like leeches, Sana. You only stand a chance for a good, peaceful life if you avoid getting too close to them. Get caught up in feelings, get your soul sucked out of you. Get crushed under expectations, live the rest of your life trying to fulfil them. Die on the inside before your body perishes.” You shrugged. “A pretty horrid way to die, if you ask me.”

Sana gave a huff of laughter. “Who hurt you, Y/N?”

You froze. Sana probably said that rhetorically, but it still hit you hard enough.

It wasn’t the question of who hurt you, but actually, who you had hurt.

You shut your eyes for a few extended seconds, willing yourself to not think of the past. You succeeded for the most parts, too. But then Sana nudged your shoulder.

“Hey, I didn’t—I didn’t mean to upset…you…” She trailed off with a worried look on her face when you shot her a glare. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not upset,” you grumbled, turning to look out of the window. “I’m just done with my quota of personal-unnecessary-unneeded-interactions with people, for the day.”

You heard Sana sigh. Mentally, you sighed, too.

You all found the two vans a bit excessive. There were eight seats in one—there were seven of you. But Manager Woo insisted that the boys actually used three of these to commute, so even this was a bit miserly of the management.

Rich people problems.

You shook your head with a small smile. “It’s all okay,” you said to the Manager in Korean, following his lead into the BigHit offices where you were to meet your clients for the first time, ever.

You chanced a discreet glance at Sana. Maybe your frustrated, shitty pep-talk in the taxi had actually worked, because she looked a lot more held together than she had ever since you dragged her onboards with this project.

“This way,” Manager Woo instructed you, gesturing towards a lift. “The security personnel will lead you to the second floor, and into the meeting room. I will join you in a while.”

You bowed and your team followed, and then you all stepped into the elevator that looked big enough to hold the meeting within itself. Two security guards, all suited up with a tie and fitted with earpieces in a stereotypical bodyguard look, followed you in.

You exhaled, rubbing your hands together. “Guys,” you addressed your team in English. “You all have the detailed itinerary on your tabs, right?” At their nods, you pulled your own iPad out. “Good. Keep it on you when I talk about it with them.”

“Y/N,” Simon called out to you.

You looked at the fidgety guy with raised eyebrows.

“Are we gonna stick with the choices…” He trailed off when your eyes narrowed.

“We’ve spent more than seventy-two hours researching, Simon. Please stop with this.”

Simon gulped, but shut up.

The elevators opened up, just then. One of the guards stepped out, and gestured towards the glass doors on the right. “That is the meeting room,” he said in Korean.

You all stepped out, elegantly, and you turned to bow to the two guards. “Thank you,” you said in Korean

They bowed in return, looking slightly flustered, and stepped back into the lift. You turned to face the meeting room, inhaled deeply, and then exhaled.

“Come on, guys. Showtime.”

You led your team as they walked behind you in pairs. Once you got to the doors, a guard stepped up from inside the room, and opened the doors for you.

A long meeting table sat in the centre of the room, with seven occupants on one of its sides. BigHit’s Founder and CEO sat at the head of the table, and the foot lay vacant—reserved for, you assumed, the Manager. Seven chairs also lay vacant for your team, opposite the BTS members.

As the door gave way, the CEO met your eyes. You gulped your nerves, and plastered a smile on your face. As you all crossed the threshold, the eight people seated on the table stood.

Dragging in a deep breath, you placed your tablet on the table before you faced them all. “Hello everyone,” you enunciated in Korean, and then bowed.

Your team followed your lead, and the people in the room bowed back. You kept your professional smile in place, discreetly wiping your sweating hand on the thigh of your cotton pants. Then you nodded at the CEO and he asked everyone to settle down.

“Welcome to Korea,” the CEO started. “Did you get here okay?”

“Besides the jet-lag, we’re actually very good,” you told the CEO to receive chuckles in response.

“Manager Woo will join us in a few seconds,” he then continued, looking between your team and the boys—that you were yet to properly look at—and gestured towards them. “Meanwhile, let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Bang Si-Hyuk, BigHit’s founder and CEO. Nice to meet you.”

You bowed, telling him your own name, and then shook hands with CEO Bang. Standing from your place, you finally willed your gaze to focus on the faces of the members instead of nervously looking into space.

Oh, wow. Cameras didn’t do these guys any justice, apparently. Not even the 8K ones, because they were really freaking beautiful human beings.

Dressed in lounge wear consisting mainly of extremely baggy hoodies as far as you could gauge, they still managed to look jaw-droppingly gorgeous. And their skin was glowing so bright, it looked unreal. But it was very much real because you were sitting across a three foot wide table from them, you could tell. It looked so soft.

You’d tightly held your lips up in a smile to save your mouth from dropping open.

While you were trying to get a grip on yourself, your eyes landed on a pair of brown ones framed by gorgeous lashes, right opposite to you. They were looking down. But then, they were looking up, as if sensing your gaze on them. Your professional grin involuntarily melted into a genuine one as Taehyung gave you a bashful nod of acknowledgement. You nodded back.

“Hello,” you mumbled, watching as his eyes grew wider. You blinked, releasing how private that sounded. You cleared your throat and ducked your head before looking at all of the seven guys in turn and nodding at each one of them. “Hello to you all,” you addressed them in Korean this time and told them your name. “And this is my team.” You gestured with both hands to your sides. “We’ll be your interviewers and companions for the next six months.”

A flurry of bows, nods and hellos passed over the table, followed by your teammates announcing their names. You doubted any of these would be retained, including your own. Which is why you handed over the seven identical copies of all your resumes to the CEO. “Here, Mister CEO. My boss had mailed them over to you, but these are to help the boys get acquainted with us better,” you told the man, and he gave you an appreciative seeming smile.

“That’s thoughtful of you,” Namjoon suddenly said, smiling with dimples up at you from his place on Taehyung’s right. His black hair was ruffled and a circular framed pair of glasses rested on his eyes. “I’m RM,” he said in English, “but please call me Namjoon. It’s a pleasure meeting you and your team.”

You smiled wide, shaking his hand when he forwarded it. His skin felt super soft, just as you’d expected it to be by looking at it.

The rest of the boys followed suit, minus the handshaking. They all insisted you all call them by their real names, which felt almost funny to you, because you were gonna be unwinding their whole life. This felt so unnecessary.

Just then, the door opened and Manager Woo reappeared. He bowed his head in the CEO’s direction before taking a seat to your extreme left, at the foot of the table. “Hello, everyone,” he said, “did I miss anything?”

“Just the introductions,” Namjoon filled him in with a smile.

Manager Woo nodded and then looked at you. “The next thing to talk about is the schedule your team has planned for us, so that we can sort out any doubts or disagreements that might be there.”

Nodding, you pulled up the itinerary on your iPad, and cleared your throat. “I have planned out a strategy of working on interviews, and then sitting back to compile everything in an orderly fashion,” you announced. “We’ll divide each one of the six months we have on our hands into two groups—three weeks of discussions, and one week of compilation. All seven of us would be working with one member each, one on one, continuously for a time span of three weeks. After that my team will sit together, compare notes and move forth with the actual writing part. Then we’ll check if something has been missed by someone and arrange for its cover up, before we move forward into the next set of three weeks.”

You turned to look at your team to see if any of them wished to add anything, but they nodded at you with discrete thumbs ups. You exhaled in relief.

CEO Bang nodded at Manager Woo, who hummed in response. “Sounds workable to me. Boys?” He gestured towards the band members.

You looked up to find seven pairs of round eyes and gawking mouths.

Murmurs ran across the seven angels seated opposite you. While they were distracted, you took your sweet time looking at each one of their faces. They really did look unreal.

Next to CEO Bang, Jin and Yoongi were engrossed in some discussion. With their heads bent, their hair shined blindingly bright—Yoongi’s like liquid silver, and Jin’s like molten lead. Next to Jin, Namjoon was adjusting his glasses over his shut eyes as he listened to Taehyung whisper something in his ear, and kept shaking his head in response every few seconds. Taehyung was almost drowning in his oversized hoodie with the hood up, as he used his hands with those elegant ass fingers of his to cover his mouth while speaking into Namjoon’s ear. Next to him, Jimin was nodding along to Hoseok as the latter spoke in whispers, gesticulating widely.

Your eyes fell onto the far end of the table, then. Jungkook, who was already looking at you, shot his hand up when your gazes met. His eyes were literally sparkling with curiosity.

“Yes?” you asked with a big smile.

Jungkook flashed his teeth at you, looking not a day over five years of age. “Is one week enough time to write?”

You frowned. “In theory, yes. But if things go south and we need more time, we can always extend the contract. Mr. CEO?”

“According to the clauses in the contracts, definitely.” CEO Bang nodded with a small smile. “The book has to be good. We can compromise with everything, except for the quality.”

You nodded in understanding. There was an extendable clause in your contract, but you had every intention to not have to employ it. Not only did your boss have huge expectations from you, but you yourself were determined to give this project your best. Better than your best. You’d wanted to manage a complete project by yourself for so long, this was your chance of a lifetime to shine.

Taehyung’s hand shot up, breaking you out of your thoughts. He looked beyond adorable with his eyes rounded and lips nervously folded in.

“Ye—yes?” you stuttered very unprofessionally and then covered up with a cough.

“Who works with who?” he said in a breath, confusing you for a moment. “Will you take chits out? Or ask us to choose?”

“Oh, no no.” You chuckled when you caught his drift. “We’ve already decided among ourselves and also done some homework. You’ll find your personal interviewers in your contract copies.”

“Did you decide by picking out chits?” Namjoon grinned at you, and you laughed.

It had been chits, but you weren't about to tell them that. “Something like that.” You shrugged, playfully, and giggles rolled over the table.

Manager Woo, then, launched into a set of instructions for the band members. CEO Bang kept adding details in the middle, and the band members just kept nodding along in a bored fashion. Maybe they’d been over this multiple times.

You sat back to relax, observing everyone as you listened to the set of rules and procedures you were already familiar with. You looked from the corner of your eye as Jimin elbowed Taehyung.

“Did you want to work with someone in particular?” Jimin’s whisper into Taehyung’s ear floated over to you.

Taehyung’s eyes briefly met yours, nearly burning a hole through your head by the deep curiosity emanating from them. And then he ducked his head again, shrugging Jimin off of him.

You swallowed, roughly. Oh, God.

Manager Woo wound up his instructions with a repetition of be as honest as you can be, and then called out to you. “Do you wish to add something, Miss?”

You looked at your team. They shrugged. You shrugged, too. “You’ve covered it really well, Mister Manager. I’d actually like to emphasize one of your points—this is not an interview.” You looked across the table, at each of their faces, turn-wise. “There would be no cameras, no recorders, and no one monitoring your actions. Relax and be at ease. You should, in fact, think of the sessions as making new friends. You tell them about yourself, and they tell you about themselves. Only difference being, what you tell them will get compiled in a book so there must be a bit more of that.”

Your eyes met Taehyung’s and he nodded with a small laugh. The others gave you similar reactions, with Hoseok giving a two-fingered salute.

“That’s good. Also, Miss, we would like to request your team to work around the boys’ bodyguards.” Manager Woo looked at you earnestly.

“We’re really very grateful that you’ve agreed to our request for privacy and not enforced the sessions to be with the boys’ managers.” You shrugged a shoulder, and exchanged glances with Sana and Nathan. “And so, we would be okay working in the presence of the bodyguards, no issues.”

Your team hummed and nodded their own agreements. Manager Woo nodded back with a huge smile, looking relieved.

“We have the first interview scheduled for the day after tomorrow,” he then said as he distributed the individual contract copies among the BTS members and then your team. “Have a look at the details, one last time.”

You could, by this point, recite the clauses of the contract in your sleep. Yet, to be respectful, you accepted the file and placed it before yourself. You looked to your right and then left at your team. “Any questions, guys?”

Meryl raised her hand. Your eyebrows rose in intrigue. You gestured for her to speak up. “Yeah, um. About the secrecy clause—can we get a rough estimate as to when the news of the biography will be released?”

You nodded along. That was kind of a good question.

Manager Woo looked at CEO Bang, and all seven boys’ eyes adorably followed. CEO Bang readjusted his glasses. “We are planning a press conference at the end of six months.” Whoa. “I believe you’re going to have to keep this secret for the entirety of the project.”

You exhaled. It was gonna be kinda hard, but you’d manage.

“I got you!”

Your head snapped up at Jungkook’s shout of joy. He held the file in one hand and the other was raised up, mid-cheer. When all eyes fell on him, he froze for a moment before folding onto himself, bashfully. The boys all broke out laughing. You too had to stifle yours, by looking down in your lap, to maintain your professionality.

When you looked up after a moment, your eyes met Taheyung’s again. He seemed to be slightly confused and kept looking between the file in his hand, you and Jungkook.

“Si… Simon?” he whispered with a heavy accent, but it was all you could hear despite the chaotic discussions happening all around you.

You pointed at the guy sitting next to you. “Him,” you responded in English.

Taehyung’s eyes reverted back to you. “You?” he asked in English, very quietly.

You paused. “Jungkook,” you responded, gesturing to the still blushing boy with your eyes. And then, realizing how intimate your exchange was, you flashed him a professional smile. “Simon is great at conversation! You’ll have a good time with him,” you old him loudly, in Korean, earning smiles from the Manager and CEO.

Taehyung had still looked a bit lost when you tore your gaze away from him and picked up your tablet, but you willed yourself to unlock the gadget and not let your eyes stray.

This was just your first meeting, and Taehyung’s person’s intensity was already too much to handle. You thanked God you weren't gonna work with him one on one, or you won’t survive.

But, little did you know.

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