#It's alright though I just want him to join the story in the next chapter I don't care about the rest

[kei-ann8]

DAZZLING STARLET (Stanley Snyder x Reader)

CHAPTER 1: IN HINDSIGHT

''It's not part of the job description.''

She wasn't supposed to be part of the crew, more like Ryusui just happened to cross paths with her statue back at the Ishigami Village. 

The stone were covered with moss, has a few cracks here and there which is not a problem since there wasn't any missing limbs that won't be able to be glued back together. After they had arrived back to the village from their treasure island travel, they set their eyes on reviving [name] along with Tsukasa. 

Though hers and Ryusui's reunion were quite expected, she didn't imagined that her revival was marked with a travel to North America. 

''You're serious about this?'' [name] asked them, her eyes darting around the room as she was filled in with all the details that she had missed prior to her revival, ''I-I mean... you managed to do all of these...but reviving the world?'' 

It wasn't an ideal situation, to play a role of a savior in a stone world along with the petrification device in their disposal, [name] knew that this won't end well. 

And now, they're telling her about their plans which involves travelling all the way to America for a chance to see if the potential Ground Zero, the source, and all the possible solutions would be found there. Although the group is quite diverse in terms of knowledge and specialty, [name] could see that they lack a lot of things, especially when it comes to weapons. 

''No guns?''

''Nope. Limited ammo.'' Senku responded nonchalantly. 

''Alright.'' [name] said dejectedly, letting out a sigh as she began to assess over everyone else on the deck. 

The rest of the crew are taking their time to rest and unwind from today's work, some of them are drinking, others are simply eating their food, and some are training. To her, they looked like a bunch of young adults who had so much free time in the world and decided to spin the globe and it landed on America which they concluded as their next destination. 

As she took a sip of her drink, [name]'s eyes landed on her star shaped marks on her arm. From what Senku had explained, the marks are from the petrification and was likely weathered down over the years. 

[name] doesn't like it. Not one bit. 

There are various marks all over her body, some small while others are visible from afar. From her right arm, the back of her neck, her legs, and even underneath her eyes, it meant that she would be an easy target due to how distinct their patterns are. 

Ever since she woke up, those around her openly expressed how rare it was to acquire those marks, as they barely have any on their body. [name] sees it as flaws even though it added to her looks, but not like she could do anything about it. 

''I'll join...'' [name] said to Senku, who looked genuinely glad that she finally made a decision halfway through the trip, ''However, you do realize that I'm from America right?'' 

The scientist let out a chuckle at her words, ''Don't worry. Ryusui had told us about it.'' Senku said, his eyes glancing on the blonde man as he opened up the casino for the night, ''He won't stop yapping about -'' 

''That's not what I'm concerned about.'' She said to him, ''I want you to know that I will be taking this as a job, not just me voluntarily joining your group.'' 

Senku could only hum in response, not fully grasping her words. There were no records of her existence back in the modern world and in Japan, Ryusui and Francois are the only ones who seemed to know her very well. As the scientist looked at her more closely, if he had crossed paths with her back in the modern world, he would surely remember her face. 

With stories that Ryusui had told them, it reflected that [name] has a very curated life ever since she could remember. A very close confidant of the Nanami Conglomerate, but not well known enough to be recognized as one of their daughters. Still, she let the main family be on the spotlight while she simply lived her life away from it, and fleeing to America is a way for her to break free from everything else. But that wasn't enough. 

The family have various connections all over the world and [name] would still be on their radar unless she do something about it. If there's one thing the family hated the most, is involving themselves in politics and the government. Not because they didn't like how things are being run but rather it affects their business as a whole. Therefore, she joined the military once she turned eighteen and had been part of it ever since. 

''I may or may not encounter some folks once we arrive.'' [name] said, her voice soft as the scientist listened to every word she said. She was calm, as usual, eerily calm for someone who seemed to know what awaits them in the foreign lands, ''But I won't betray you if that's what you're worried about.'' 

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.

.

Weeks had passed and [name] had fallen into a routine along with the rest of the warrior group. They immediately began their training as a form of preparation of what may happen once they arrived in America, and also to teach them new skills that may be useful later on. The voyage wasn't easy as it require a lot of manpower due to limited time frame and rushing to arrive just in time for the harvesting of corn that Senku is after. 

In the training room on the 2nd floor below the deck, Ginro couldn't help but hide away in a secluded place as Tsukasa and the others began sparring with each other. [name] had been watching him for a while but she didn't say anything since he wouldn't listen to anyone but Matsukaze and his brother, Kinro. Instead, her focus are on Kirisame and Kohaku, who she admit is far more advance in terms of fighting skills, especially in their generation. 

Their entire schedule consists of training sessions and those who came from the modern world had taught them how to read and write Japanese, which won't be easy for those who never learned formal language throughout their life. Although the villagers speaks Japanese, the likelihood that they know how to write in that language is slim to none. Since their main mode of passing knowledge from one generation to another is through word of mouth, there are no written records or any kind of basis on what they know. 

Still, they tried to learn the terminologies used in the modern society as well as pick up a few English words here and there which could be useful somehow, [name] hopes so. 

As she hangs out with Homura at the upper deck, they were looking for signs that land may be near when she looked up and saw the pink haired girl signaled that she had seen something through the scopes. And just like she suspected, they are now nearing America. 

"It's been so long...too long." Ginro said while tearing up then cheered along with others.

"Land for our feet! And our bellies want meat!"

"Ha ha.... Of course." Ukyo said watching them from afar, chuckling as he sees them prancing around and celebrating, "We couldn't consume much meat on our long sea voyage."

"Hm. And with all our training, the battle team has been really craving animal based protein." Tsukasa continued while Kirisame visibly drooled on the idea of eating meat since all they had been eating is either seafood or desserts.

"Oh duh. We can probably hunt wild animal on dry land!" Taiju said, more like yelled, "What sorta beasts live in this continent?!"

'I got one in mind..... And he certainly live up to the name.' [name] thought to herself as everyone seemed unaware on what kind of danger awaits them.

"I wouldn't know since this is my first overseas vacay. Wa ha ha! Never thought my first time outta Japan would be like this."

"Vacay? Really?" Minami asks.

"Heh heh heh. Jokes like that are part of this peabrain's charm." The white and green haired scientist said.

"Look, past the fog." Homura said gaining their attention.

There are mountains of statues and some had already become one with nature. [name] noticed the silence that soon followed afterwards upon seeing the reality of the circumstances that they live in. Among all the petrified statues residing here on Earth, only a few had managed to be freed from that state.

But not everyone else was fortunate enough for that. Nature is neither an enemy or an ally and being turned into stone, being eroded away is a slow and sure way to die without having the consciousness of being alive.

"Come on people... We knew as much already." The mentalist said. "But I suppose, this is the first time we've ventured outside of Japan we have no way of really knowing what had become of the world. There was still a chance that our impostor Lillian's story could have been somehow rue-tay.'' Gen knew that the little white lie he had once told to everyone could have a chance of becoming true. But reality was quick to diminish that idea, ''That Japan was still petrified while the rest of the world had already been revived or even some countries had somehow beaten the petri-beam to begin with! Somewhere in our hearts... We we're holding on to hope! However faint it might have been."

Sensing the sudden change of mood from everyone, [name] quickly pinched Gen's side who shrieked from the pain. He looked at her silently asking what was she thinking but only gotten a glare from her.

"Read the atmosphere you dimwit. I appreciate the fact that you're trying to keep things within the boundary of reality but they just got depressed! You're a mentalist for god's sake! Next time this happen I'll-" [name]'s ranting was cut off by Kohaku, who spotted something.

"That cape jutting out.. I see a bunch of statues clumped together."

Gen mentally thank the blonde warrior for saving his ass and also for changing the topic of the conversation.

"You're right. But why?"

The question was answered by Senku easily, "Must've been a series of car crashes. A huge pileup. Then the cars eroded over time... leaving only the petrified drivers."

"But why were the cars under the water?" Yo asked.

"There must have been loads of cars around here. I passed by my own boat a few thousand years back." Ryusui said, remembering the time he had traveled here.

It's once marked the gateway to the Pacific. Cutting through San Francisco's fog with it's red brilliance. The Golden Gate Bridge.

"Right..." Yuzuriha muttered, "It's all gone now, though. Everything humanity have ever made."

"Deep down, we kinda thought that...this was our last chance for finding help."

"Don't look at it that way, guys!" Taiju yelled. "Once we find some corn and starting growing it...we can totally revive everyone in the world with the power of science!"

"Yeah." Senku said with hands on his hips. "We're gonna save 'em all. All 7.8 billion members of humanity."

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.

"We're gonna scour the land till our feet hurt real baaad... To find that corn!" Chrome said inside the lab.

"It'll be ifficult-day. The U.S. is absurdly vast." Gen said worriedly.

"We were always taking a gamble on finding any corn at all." Senku said while staring at the map. "But one spot near here could be the corn belt we're looking for. Since we arrived on the west coast, it had to be Northern California, enter San Francisco Bay and follow the sacramento river to where it used to be sacramento....."

"Slow down please, we don't all have encyclopedic knowledge of american geography." Gen said as he didn't understood one single thing that Senku had just explained.

"You mean we gotta follow this river to find corn? Why didn't ya say so?!" Chrome yelled.

"You're always ready to dive in and adapt, dear Chrome. The ideal search team leader...."

"It's nearly the time of the year where the corn will wither. I wonder if we make it on time." Ukyo said out loud.

"Yeah. That's the issue. But the earth experience called precession. Kinda like how a toy top starts titling as it spins. And the planet's rotational axis has tilted a little over three thousand and seven hundred years... It affected the Earth's climate in a way that will help us since the season is changing nine days later now."

"Oohhh."

"And extended deadline! Nice!"

"The downside is that climate change is gonna affect the ecosystem in weird ways. Let's just hope that no beasts decides to attack us."

"Actually, we would welcome a beast attack." Tsukasa said bluntly.

"Yeah." Kohaku said in agreement.

"Mhm..wait-what?"

Gen was looking at the window and saw a very familiar looking animal in the waters.

"Speak of the devil..as always, dear Senku. I should have ealized-ray. " The mentalist took a deep breath and continued. "It's not merely you have bad luck, you have none to speak of! You use your scientific mind to concoct the worst-case scenario and as soon as you utter it..."

The battle team appeared out of nowhere with serious expression on their faces, until they saw the alligators.

"Meat! Meat! Meat!" Kohaku and Yo chanted.

"So that's what they meant...about welcoming an attack." Ginro said finally understanding what they had stated earlier.

"Yes, I'm grateful for the circle of life." Tsukasa said with a blank expression on his face.

"How.... antastic-fay."

[name] stayed behind and let them handle the alligators by themselves. Her senses are telling her that she should, and she did just that. So far, nothing is wrong. It was calm before a storm, she mused. Everything seemed to be going according to plan. Senku has now found the corn he had been searching for and the land they've covered barely have enough evidence that there's a group of people residing in this continent.

"Now that we've stepped foot on the American soil... there's one thing we definitely need to eat!" Ryusui said, snapping his fingers.

Francois cooked the alligator meat while [name] serves them the burgers. Everyone had gathered around the campfire as they took a quick break. Things had been going well

"Senku." Tsukasa suddenly called, showing him what looks like the gut of the animal. "The alligator swallowed this whole."

The scientist caught it in his hands, "An ear of the corn? And just the special American variety we're after."

[name] saw what he was holding and muttered, "Corn City is where we're going?"

He nodded before handing her what Tsukasa had thrown at him, "Yes. We need these for the production of alcohol. The key ingredient for revival fluid."

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.

.

"We've only made camp dear Senku. And you're putting white cloth over a light?" Gen questions as the scientist continued his work.

"Wouldn't shining a bright light at night just attracts bugs?" Taiju asks.

"That's the point. And if my guess are right..." Senku trailed off as he saw what kind of moths he caught. "The European corn border moth subsists mostly on corn. Which means there's a ton of corns nearby!"

"A butterfly? How pretty." Kohaku muttered, staring at it. Insects isn't something she really paid attention to but she can't deny that what she's seeing right now is really pretty.

"A moth, actually." Senku answered nonchalantly, but then realized that Kohaku had mistook moths as butterflies. "Kohaku...and the rest of you villagers. Have you guys ever seen this type of moth before?"

"Hah! Come to think of it, no. Never. But I don't really pay attention to different types of moths." Kohaku replied with her arms crossed on her chest.

"These things love to snack on grains so...when humanity went extinct you'd expect this moth's population to take a serious hit." He looked at the moths dancing around the light, which is the opposite of what he expected this to be, "But look how many have gathered in less than no time. Seems way too many right? Enough to make one wonder if someone out there is growing a cornfield."

Taiju looked at the two scientists who have this troubled expression on their faces, "Wa! Ha! Ha! What's got you looking so gloomy!? I mean, we've got a whole heap of people to revive so finding out cornfield sounds like good news to me!"

[name] could only wish she have Taiju's carefree attitude and being optimistic about dire situations like this. Francois is busy tending to everyone else and Ryusui is also busy doing something else.

Standing right beside Tsukasa who is near the river, looking outwards to the forest filled with large and tall trees. The terrain isn't any different than what it was like back in Japan yet the two of them couldn't deny that they have a disadvantage here. They've just arrive and if there's indeed an enemy after them, their sole advantage would be the environment. Tsukasa noticed [name] clutching her sword and gazing at the distance. He couldn't see anything in the darkness nor hear anything beyond like Ukyo or her, but he could tell that they're not alone in this place. And the presence on the woods is more than enough reason for him to be on high alert. 

"I sense, bloodlust." Tsukasa said as he stare deep into the woods, trying to see if someone's is lurking nearby but to no avail due to the darkness of the night.

"Is it some sort of wild beast?" Kohaku asked as she held her sword tightly.

"But with the ultimate battle squad here, there's nothing to fear!" Ginro stated, smugness laced in his voice as his elder brother is having none of it.

"Says the one hiding behind me."

"Yes I am very familiar with that sort of ki." Matsukaze added on.

"Ki? There's no such thing." Tsukasa stated. "I believe this odor comes from the breakdown of the adrenaline but I'm not sure of it."

The brown haired man need to protect the people he is with right now. 'What's that faint scent on the wind?' Tsukasa thought. 'Smoke? From the gun that had been fired?'

[name] turned to see where Ryusui is and quickly ran to his side. There wasn't any malice directed at any of them, but rather, it is focused on the whole team. ''He's targeting us.'' She said, staying close to where he is, ''Let's leave.''

Hyoga heard what [name] had said and then soon realize that everything was way too suspicious. They found corn floating down the river and it ended here, near the forest. "The enemy had done well." Hyoga said. "Seems like we were the one who got lured in."

With that Tsukasa yelled to alert everyone, "To the boat now! Take cover!"

Right then and there, they are being rained by bullets and at the same time, they tried to avoid it. [name] reflected them easily with her sword and ensured Ryusui and the rest are alright. Senku barely got in the lab and protect himself with the carbon shield, while the woman was grabbed by Hyoga into the lab.

As they made their escape down the river, [name] was certain that she saw the lower half of the person's face, and they were smoking a cigarette and smirking. They are waiting, she thought to herself as they fled the forest and went back to the Perseus. 

Once they arrived back at the ship, [name] was still trying to rack her mind on where she swore she saw that face before. Even though she only caught a glimpse of half of their face, she was certain that she saw is somewhere. 

The entire night was eerily familiar. This very place. She doesn't know if she should run or flee or stay. For a moment, the group saw [name] froze for a split second before we went and protected them.

''Do you know them?'' Hyoga asked curiously, as they made their back to the ship to come up with another plan.

''No.'' Was all [name] said as she thank Hyoga for what she did earlier and stayed silent throughout the trip.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Link for the first chapter in wattpad: Dazzling Starlet (Stanley Snyder x Reader) - CHAPTER 01 (on Wattpad)

https://www.wattpad.com/1511609067-dazzling-starlet-stanley-snyder-x-reader-chapterutm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=_snowpiercer_ - Dr Stone Fanfiction - Follows the main storyline

https://www.wattpad.com/1511609067-dazzling-starlet-stanley-snyder-x-reader-chapter

[a-blue-mask]

HE'S HERE

HE

HE'S JOINING THE STORY

FUCKING FINALLY

THEY INTRODUCED NINE SECONDARY CHARACTERS BEFORE HIM

I'VE BEEN WAITING SINCE HE WAS FIRST MENTIONED FOR HIM

[kiame-sama]

Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x Fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 25

(Art of Harpy Neige done by the very talented @ironicallyenraptured )

Warnings; yandere, multiple yanderes, different levels of yandere, mostly story driven chapter, hurt/comfort, snuggles, semi-aftermath, mention of attempted assault, wisdom from past Humans, explaining things, shock is one hell of a drug, cuddle puddle, tears, Hellcat, Ghost, Harpies, Dragon, mention of various species,

~~~~~~~~

Things were quiet far away from the crowd of the arena. The world felt a little smaller and a little more bearable as you lay in the nest, your nest, in Ramshackle. There was something familiar about the old building that soothed your heart, feeling much more relaxed in the familiar bastion.

Idia confirmed no one had managed to get into Ramshackle while you were away. He also mentioned something about adding a lock down mode to the building.

Now you were given something you have not managed to have in a while; solitude.

Of course, that didn't include little Grim who slept next to you in the large nest, not too far from you but curled up in arm's reach. He had suffered the brunt of Erikír's magic and was feeling after effects from the paralytic force that overwhelmed him. Crowley assured you Grim would recover, he was just recovering at a slower rate due to his age and size compared to the others.

Though you knew something terrible had happened and you were still reeling from it, you felt oddly numb. It felt like the world was rushing around you but a strange calm had overtaken everything and you were simply sitting in they eye of the hurricane that raged around you. Perhaps it was the adrenaline, the lack of physical injury, or both that kept you in such a state.

You figured you should check in on Che'nya and Neige given what happened. Most of the Housewardens waited down in the common area of the dorm, letting you decompress from the events that took place. Everyone that had fought or joined the fight before it ended was resting in Ramshackle but you were allowed a blissful moment of quiet to yourself.

Luckily you weren't physically harmed by any of the events, but it still made your skin crawl to think of the Merman prince. It meant more to you than you could describe to have those blessed moments to yourself to just think. Lilia had managed to convince Malleus to let you breathe and have some room but you knew the moment you left the room the Dragon would be by your side.

You stared at the ceiling on your back wondering about where you should go next in this madness filled world. Showing affection seemed a decent enough way to get these monster men to calm themselves. Perhaps you would even have to hold a quick meeting to talk with the various professors and Housewardens about what exactly took place. As far as you were aware, they were all in your dorm anyway and were simply waiting for you to show yourself.

A faint sound of whispers drew your attention and you glanced over to the mirror. You could just barely see the faint glow of the reflective glass and next to it was the thin Human ghost.

Moving as carefully as you could, you got up from the nest, letting Grim sleep off the effects of the signature spell Erikír had used on all of you. The Ghost seemed wary of the door to the room, so you silently ushered them into the adjacent bathroom connected to your room. Hopefully the beasts would all be none the wiser.

"Hello again, my friend. I am glad to see you live another day unbound."

The Ghost greeted quietly, his reedy voice still very faint to keep from being heard by listening ears. He smiled gently at you and you were honestly thrilled to see him again. Though you knew not what the many Ghosts were named, you were happy to know their one visit was not the last.

"Likewise. Though, I wish it was on better terms..."

"We saw what happened. Are you alright?"

"I guess..."

"No, I want to hear a 'yes' or a 'no' for certain. That was an awful thing that prince planned to do to you. I saw the prince talking with those Fae, promising them something that was not his to promise. We tried to warn you before the Tournament, but you weren't here when we arrived."

"I've been in another dorm because of the increased visitors on the island due to today's events. ... What exactly did Erikír promise them?"

"Do you truly wish to know?"

You felt a kind of bile in your throat as you considered your options, feeling more than you had in the last hour. Truly, you didn't want to think about that monster or what he meant by 'our eggs' when he spoke earlier. At the time, you had just wanted to escape and didn't focus too much on what the insane fish was ranting about.

"No, but I should know about it anyway."

"He promised to have you bear several egg clutches for him. The warm water Merfolk tend to have larger clutches, so he promised each one an egg of their own to keep and raise in exchange for their help today."

A shudder ran down your spine when you heard this, knowing the awful monster wouldn't take your feelings into account. If he was so willing to kidnap you, you had little doubt he would be willing to force you into having his young. He was awful, and you vaguely hoped you had the chance to weigh in on what punishment he deserved.

"I'm not okay. To think they would be so willing to see that happen to me... Even for their own benefit. How could they be okay with any child being brought into this world only to be traded away for the imprisonment of their mother? Why would any of them agree to that?"

"Because of our aura."

"What? What does that have to do with any of this?"

"We were interrupted before we could tell you, this aura of ours protects us... To an extent. But it is only as helpful as the species you surround yourself with. It is like a soothing lullaby to the minds and instincts of the other species. Their instincts are like shards of glass spinning around in their heads, always present and always at the forefront of their decisions. Our aura calms that whirlwind of glass and smooths the edges."

"How?"

"Many ways. Magic reacts in interesting ways with the aura of a Human. For some, it makes them more agreeable and calm. For others, it strengthened and enhanced their magic. There were some cases where a Human's aura attracted powerful magic users. Humans were once called Beast-Tamers or Peace-Keepers. Our aura alone was enough to soothe instincts, cool tempers, even end generational conflict."

"So, why were Humans hunted then?"

"That aura is a double edged sword. Though it impacts magic and can soothe instincts, the lack of that aura can have the opposite effect. Those used to the calming presence of a Human's aura can become reliant on it. To many, it didn't matter how they got this aura, from being around Humans to consuming their flesh, it all had the same effect. What was meant as an evolutionary trait of survival, became an addiction for the others that drove our species to extinction. I don't know how you have that same aura or how some of us must have managed to escape to wherever your world is, but you are here now, and your aura draws the others in."

The words of the Ghost weighed heavily on your shoulders, to the point it felt like it was too much. If he was right, then that meant you were both what kept your life safe and what endangered it. These beasts were driven to be in your presence and- thankfully- you had mainly encountered those who could either mostly control themselves or had strong enough allies to keep the other kind at bay.

"How do I stop it?"

"You can't. None of us could figure it out. Only in death could we see what we never could in life."

"So, what? I'm making them addicted to me?"

"Yes. That is why it is crucial we find a way out for you, sooner rather than later. The Dragon already yearns deeply, but that is the way of a Dragon's instincts, they posses and they yearn for those possessions. He is a strong ally, but understand he will only become more determined to entangle himself in your life as time progresses. They all will."

"And Grim?"

"Your feline companion is not the same kind as the species of beasts around you. Our aura is not as strong on those like him. It can impact him, but nowhere near the same level as the others."

"So, Papa Hades..."

The skinny Ghost looked truly sad when you mentioned the old Shinigami, a kind of wistful look in his eyes. He was silent for a moment before he rest a hand over his chest where his heart would have been. It took a moment for the Ghost to speak again, and you refused to rush him as it clearly hurt him to think of the kindly Shinigami.

"He... He is impacted by our aura as well. But even still, he is one to trust more than the others. He was always very kind to us all, perhaps too kind. I was one of his Humans, he let me leave when I wanted but alas... I was too foolish to recognize leaving was only one part of the journey and fell to those that lay in wait just beyond the isle. I couldn't bring myself to face him again after I failed so long ago... If you asked him to help you escape, I would like to think he would help you, but even I don't know for certain. He loved us Humans. Cherished us, even. But I fear the isolation has hardened his heart and the pain he felt at our loss may keep him from letting you become lost as well."

You nodded and glanced back to the door, knowing if you took too long in isolation, the others would surely seek you out. They were smothering and suffocating, but they were your only chance to survive long enough to escape this place. It had been such a short amount of time, but it was no less important for you to understand how desperately these beasts yearned for your presence.

~•§•~

"-should have never been left up to chance! I know you trust your students above my own, but even you should know to trust me when I sense foul play on the horizon."

Crowley was fully fluffed up, his feathers standing on end and his voice sharp as he cawed angrily at the fellow Headmage. Ambrose refused to meet the heated stare of the angered Crow, keeping his gaze downcast as the Crow continued to screech. It was true, Ambrose should trust Crowley's instincts on such things, he had been Headmage of Night Raven College for centuries and knew when to be wary.

"To think, you let him assault my chick, assault your students, and Overblot all at once. All of this, for what? To try and have faith in the goodness of your students? Ambrose, it is not often I am the one to chastise anything you do, but even you must admit it was stupid to think Mr. Helmsman would not try his luck given his prior actions. He showed who he was and you wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt!"

Crowley hissed and squawked angrily as he stomped around and paced in front of the Owl. This was the inverse of the typical interaction between the two as it was often Ambrose reprimanding Crowley. Though it was vindicating for the Crow, it was not worth the potential emotional and physical harm that almost befell his chick.

"What prior actions?"

The Dragon growled lowly, his voice impacted by the fire he had breathed out earlier and scratchy from the smoke. Naturally, no one wanted to actually tell Malleus what happened during the Photoshoot, especially considering the fact he was already furious. He had been pacing back and forth between the common area and the stairs that led up to his Human's room, ears perked keenly for any sign his Human or their beloved kit stirred. Vil was the one to break the news.

"Erikír got handsy with (Y/n) during the Photoshoot, he even placed his hands on her stomach."

"So that is why she asked Lilia about it last night. She assures me stomachs are not inherently linked to mating for Humans, but it would explain her discomfort on the subject. Still, this 'prince' assumed such falsehoods were truth and thought to try such brazen disrespect towards (Y/n). He should have been banished from her presence the moment he dared take such action."

The Dragon was agitated and it was obvious in the way he frowned and the subtle twitching of his tail. His wings were tensed on his back as if prepared to fly at any moment should he be called. So much was on his mind that he barely even remembered the unfinished Spelldrive match that declared no clear winner. He really didn't care much for the game or the outcome, only dragging it out for the sake of his dear Human's entertainment.

"I am of a mind with Mr. Draconia, that prince should have never been allowed near her after his clear lack of discretion. Next time I get a feeling about any of the students- yours or mine- you would do well to heed my words, Ambrose!"

During the angry huffing and cawing of the Crow, a soft figure slowly descended the stairs with a groggy Hellcat kit in hand. The kit was yawning and the presence of the Human did not go unnoticed by those in the dorm. Naturally, Malleus was first to head towards the oddly calm looking Human.

It had been one hell of a day thus far for her.

"(Y/n)," Malleus was quick to greet the Human that looked at him with almost distant and shell-shocked eyes, seemingly wanting to hold or otherwise pick her up but barely restraining himself from acting, "are you... Well? Do you need-?"

He cut off as the soft Human he adored walked into his waiting arms, letting the Dragon wrap his tail and wings around her. The hold of the Dragon was secure yet gentle as it seemed even the beast needed that moment simply to calm himself. Despite the beseeching words of his mentor and caretaker, Malleus found himself far more soothed with his Human in hand than he did without her.

Grim also seemed rather keen to lean into the affectionate grasp of the Dragon, his tired eyes struggling to stay open. Erikír's signature spell had mostly worn off of the students it impacted but Grim was clearly struggling to overcome the effects. Neige and Che'nya were both present among the many other students as it seemed more than Housewardens decided to camp out at the Ramshackle dorm. From what you could see, most Vice-Housewardens were present as well and you figured now was as good a time as any to speak with them as a group.

"I need to talk to everyone before what happened truly hits me."

Malleus let you pull away from his hold but kept close behind you like a perpetual shadow that loomed nearby. It was clear the others were keen to hear what you had to say, Che'nya and Neige moving so you could sit between them. Though your Dragon guard seemed less than pleased at the location between those that failed you, he was not going to force you to sit among the Hoard despite his wishes. Your needs were greater and he understood it in that moment.

Grim slowly lifted his head to sniff towards the Harpy that gently cooed to him, almost seeming worried as the kit struggled to stand. You were similarly concerned but the insistence that Grim would recover in time somewhat soothed your worry. At least the kit seemed alright despite his clumsy attempt to nuzzle the hand of the Harpy that sat next to you.

"We will continue this later, Ambrose. (Y/n), my dear sweet innocent chick, we are ready to hear what you have to say."

"Thank you, Headmage."

Crowley seemed somewhat bothered by the formal title, but he allowed you to continue without complaint as it was clear to him something was wrong. From what you gathered, all of the beast men would at least be unwilling to abandon or betray you if you kept an eye on them and divided your attention among them. Your aura should see to the rest when reality decided to hit you full force.

"I assume you all are already aware of the basics as to what happened today, so I won't rehash what we know, but there is something I need to share. Those Fae didn't see an opportunity and just choose to show up, it was planned and orchestrated. Erikír- after he used his signature spell and pulled me from the room- let slip how he gained the favor of those Fae, and what his plan was going forward."

A shiver ran through you as you thought about what had happened and the disgusting feeling it had given you. The faint feel of feathers over your shoulders told you Neige had rest one of his wings over your back, likely as a comforting gesture. You were thankful for the gentle touch of the Harpy that had earned a certain level of trust from you. He did not see the betrayal coming, but you trusted in Grim's judgement more than you could say.

"He said the Fae joined him for the promise of an egg. A half-Human egg. I doubt all of them joined for only one shared among them, so he must have promised them each one of their own. I'm sure I don't need to say where he planned to acquire these eggs. I honestly don't think he really cared if I wanted such things or not, he had made a deal and intended to make good on his word no matter what. This was before he Overblotted. He wasn't Feral when he planned to take me, he turned Feral when I got away from him. I don't feel safe with him nearby, even down the coast at Royal Sword Academy, not after what he has done."

Thunder suddenly boomed and shook the entire building. The air itself seeming filled with electricity as the Dragon among them hissed deeply, his body shaking with rage. Malleus was unaware of these finer details, but learning Fae from his own Kingdom had been so willing to trade what was not theirs to claim had white hot fury filling his veins. This was all in addition to the brazen and frankly disrespectful acts committed by the prince.

Most of the time, Lilia would be the first to make an attempt to calm down the Dragon. He was not keen to stop Malleus from ripping these poachers to pieces for even thinking they could get any young from you, especially when you so clearly belonged in the Hoard. Most of those present were of the same mind as Malleus; riddled with rage.

Ramshackle itself groaned and creaked from the force of the storm outside and you worried for those who may still be in or near the arena. The Tournament was either recently ended or just paused and that meant many could be out in the storm. You were quick to stand, immediately approaching Malleus and resting a hand on his head between his horns. He had almost seemed confused by your actions before you began to gently pet the upset Dragon, almost all tension leaving his body. In a way, he seemed to be fighting the immense calm that your presence brought him.

"He must pay for daring to take what is not his."

"I know, Tsuno, but there are still innocent people on school grounds, you can't drown them in a storm for the crime of being nearby. Save your anger for those that deserve it."

"He deserves death. The Rat is first and his crime was less. I see no reason he can't be next."

"Yeah, but something tells me because he's a prince they will try very hard for a lesser punishment."

"I want him dead."

"I know. You can't kill him. Not yet. We can do nothing about him right now, so I need you to calm down and hold onto that rage. I have no doubt he will lie and try to discredit or back-track on what he said to me. What I need from you is one of the Fae he coerced or several if you can, and they need to be alive. Their attestation is more damning. Evidence is what we need, not a storm."

Malleus made a sound then, like a mix between a whine and a growl. The Dragon was frustrated and didn't want to listen to reason, but he knew what the logical next step was. You were right.

"All Fae in the arena were caught and are going to be questioned. They have all agreed to answer any question and answer honestly, so long as they get to be questioned by you."

Ambrose spoke, his voice resigned and laced with guilt. He refused to meet your gaze and simply continued to look down at his hands, which were balled into fists. You figured he was wrestling with the idea of one of his own students going so wrong so quickly.

"I don't want to talk to any of them. I don't want to talk to anyone who would agree to leave me with a man that intends to use me for his own gratification. I don't care what they've lost or how they are hurt. Pain doesn't excuse their willingness to let horrible things be done to me just so they can sleep easier at night with a bought and sold child born as a result of their inability to control themselves or have a modicum of morals regarding others wellbeing."

"They won't speak to anyone but you."

"Fine. I will break their hearts and their fragile sanity. I want Tsuno, Lilia, and Headmage Crowley present for the questions. They can stare down their own prince and try to beg for the mercy they would have never given me."

There was lasting silence and you could see the fear in the eyes of the beasts around you. It was as if they were trying to decide if you were being serious or not. You could feel the tears forming in your eyes and felt the slow pull of emotions, drawing back to soon drown you in a tidal wave.

There was only moments of clarity left and you could feel the headache forming from the tears that had yet to be shed.

"I can't do it right now. Any of it, really. Right now, I need someone- anyone of you, I don't care- to hold me. I need to be held for several hours and someone needs to make me drink and eat because I won't want to. Honestly, I-"

Your voice faltered and your tears began to fall. Despite your desire to speak and give these clueless monsters the information you needed them to know, there was no more time.

"I-"

You figured Malleus would be first. He was closest after all, but you really didn't care who it was this time. Those in the dorm were those who have proven themselves trust worthy. You just needed to collapse and cry.

Emotions were strange like that, so terribly absent in the height of stressful situations yet so vicious in their return they knocked your knees out from under you. You vaguely registered the feeling of scales, feathers, fur, and flesh as your world seemed to implode. Every breath was difficult and your body shook with more than just the force of your tears.

Horrible things seemed to happen around you and now you knew you were the unfortunate cause and cure. At least you could face it later, but for the time being you had built quite the defensive group of guards. That same group who now let you sob and cry with no judgement, just gentle affection.

Everything could be dealt with at a time you could calm down and assess it properly, so you simply let the many beasts try to comfort you however they could. Warmth and softness all around was a tempting lullaby to your frazzled brain. One you embraced wholeheartedly as your world faded from the madness and into tranquility.

~•§•~

"Ambrose?"

The Crow Harpy watched the mixed group of students from both schools and various species all gather together. Some were species that hated each other by instinct alone. Some were naturally solitary. All of them valued comforting the Human more than their own instinctual dislikes and desires.

"Yes, Crowley?"

"He sought to trade away her eggs, Ambrose."

"I know."

"... This cannot happen again."

[luxerians]

The Last Mask (05)

Hwang In-ho/Oh Young-il/Player 001 x Reader

Chapter 05 - Seven Legs

Story Masterlist

NEXT : Chapter 06

PREV : Chapter 04

The evening came quickly, marked by the familiar robotic female voice announcing, “Bedtime will begin in ten minutes.”

The mechanical tone echoed through the dormitory, prompting players to stir and shuffle about. Many began moving toward their beds, some climbing up to the top bunks, others sticking close to the lower levels. Conversations buzzed quietly in this massive space.

You watched the activity for a moment before glancing at Gi-hun. “Can we just move to any bed we want?”

Gi-hun nodded. “Yeah, you can. Looks like most people are sticking to their X and O zones, though.”

Jung-bae, sitting nearby, perked up. “Hey, can I take the bed beside you?”

“Yeah, sure,” Gi-hun replied.

Jung-bae didn’t waste a second, tossing his unfinished water bottle onto the bed and sprawling out as if it had been his all along. You watched the exchange, a small smile tugging at your lips.

Looking around, you found yourself contemplating the same question. Would it be okay to ask for a bed near them? The thought lingered as you considered your relationship with them. You viewed them as friends already, but how about them? Do they see you as some random female acquaintance?

And then there was the question of propriety. Sharing a close space with men in a setting like this felt… complicated. Would they think it was strange? Too forward? Especially since you were a woman?

As you debated, your gaze caught player 001 watching quietly from his spot in the corner where you had all hung out earlier. He remained seated, his expression calm and unreadable.

You turned back to Gi-hun. The thought looped back to whether or not to ask. Would he welcome you, or would it feel intrusive? Your hesitation hung heavy, the clock ticking closer to bedtime as players began settling in.

“Sir…” you began, your voice hesitant. But when Gi-hun turned to look at you with a serious mien, you faltered. Instead, you faked a chuckle and shook your head. “It’s nothing.”

Without waiting for a reply, you turned and left the corner, heading back toward your bed. As you walked, the sound of footsteps following you caught your attention. Glancing back, you saw player 001 approaching. You slowed your pace until the two of you were walking side by side.

“You should just ask them,” he said calmly. “They will be glad to have you near.”

You glanced away, sheepishly rubbing the back of your neck. “Oh, was I that obvious?”

Player 001 smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. “Too obvious. But 456 didn’t seem to notice. I’m sure he would be okay with you taking the bed on the other side of him.”

The two of you came to a stop amidst the quiet bustle of players settling in.

“But wouldn’t they be surprised?” you asked, your voice lower. “A lady suddenly asking to sleep near them?”

“What kind of gentlemen would they be if they refuse?” player 001 countered gently. “Go. Just ask them.”

You hesitated, considering his words. His friendly tone made you feel a little braver, but the awkwardness still lingered. Before you could respond, player 001 added with a chuckle, “Besides, it’s better to stick with people you trust.”

Nodding slowly, you glanced back toward Gi-hun and Jung-bae, who were now chatting quietly by their beds. Dae-ho had joined them, gesturing animatedly about something you couldn’t quite hear.

“Alright,” you said finally. “I’ll ask.”

Taking a deep breath, you turned and walked back toward the group. You stopped a few steps away, hesitating briefly before speaking. “Do you mind if I take the bed near you guys?”

Gi-hun looked up, his expression softening. “I don’t mind. Take whichever one you want.”

Jung-bae clapped his hands together. “The more, the merrier! Right, Dae-ho?”

Dae-ho nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir! I think these beds around are unoccupied.”

Their casual acceptance made you smile, the earlier tension melting away. With a quiet thank you, you set your water bottle on the bed beside Gi-hun, feeling a sense of relief as the group welcomed you without hesitation.

As you sat down, you glanced around the dormitory, scanning the rows of bunks. Your eyes sought out player 001, wondering why he hadn’t claimed a bed near you and the others. You saw him as one of you at that point.

Finally, you spotted him quietly settling on a bed in the O zone. The thought crossed your mind that it might have been because of the voting zones – or perhaps his earlier disagreements with Gi-hun.

Just then, player 001 glanced up and caught your eye. His calm gaze met yours, and for a moment, you felt a flicker of awkwardness. Nevertheless, you smiled, albeit nervously. He responded with a faint smile of his own before lying down on his bed, his demeanor as composed as ever.

You turned back to your own space, the sound of murmured conversations and the rustling of blankets filling the air as players settled in for the night. Jung-bae was already sprawled out while Dae-ho was untying his hair. Gi-hun sat on his bed, his posture relaxed but his eyes occasionally scanning the room.

“Everyone seems restless,” you remarked quietly to Jung-bae.

“Can you blame them?” he replied, his voice low. “After today, who knows what’s coming tomorrow?”

Dae-ho leaned over, his voice carrying a bit more energy. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it. We’ve got a solid group here, right?”

Jung-bae chuckled. “Of course. There are two ex-Marines here.”

The dormitory lights dimmed, the robotic voice announcing, “Lights out in five minutes.”

The chatter began to die down, replaced by the sound of shuffling feet as players adjusted their bedding.

You glanced one more time toward player 001. Though his eyes were closed, he didn’t seem fully at ease, his posture still somewhat guarded even in rest. You turned back to your group, feeling a small sense of comfort in their presence as you prepared for another uncertain day.

You woke up to the sound of the same classical music from yesterday. The familiar melody filled the dormitory, stirring players from their uneasy sleep. Sitting up, you stretched, your muscles aching slightly from the stiff mattress.

Glancing to your side, you saw Jung-bae slowly waking up. As he rubbed his eyes, he formed a triangle with his hands, muttering something under his breath. You realized he was reminding himself to choose the triangle shape if the next game turned out to be Dalgona. The sight made you smile faintly before you laid back on your bed, trying to savor a few more moments of rest. You knew what awaited you next would decide whether you lived to see another day.

Minutes later, a sharp beeping sound cut through the air, followed by the metallic groan of the main double doors sliding open. Pink-clad guards filed in with their usual precision as the robotic female voice announced, “Attention, please. The second game will begin momentarily. Please follow the instructions from our staff.”

Players began to stir in earnest, grabbing their shoes and moving to line up. You joined the queue alongside Jung-bae, Dae-ho, and Gi-hun. Player 001 joined your group silently, taking his place behind you. The mood was heavy as everyone shuffled into place, the sound of nervous whispers filling the room.

Under the guards’ guidance, you all filed out of the dormitory and into the colorful hall of staircases. The vibrant hues and twisting paths were as disorienting as they had been the first time, but now the weight of what lay ahead made the setting feel more ominous.

Gi-hun led your small group. Jung-bae followed closely behind him, muttering “triangle” over and over under his breath like a mantra. You walked behind them, followed by Player 001. Dae-ho brought up the rear, his usual energy muted as he scanned the hall nervously.

The guards directed everyone upward, the ascent feeling longer and more deliberate than before.

You soon arrived at a massive room. The design mimicked the outside of a schoolyard, with a clear field at the center. Dominating the space were two enormous rainbow-colored circles, each made up of six vibrant bands.

You scanned the area, trying to make sense of the setup. Was this the Dalgona game? It didn’t match what you had imagined, but the uncertainty gnawed at you.

“Welcome to your second game,” announced the familiar female robotic voice. “This game will be played in teams. Please divide into teams of six within the next ten minutes.”

Jung-bae immediately turned to Gi-hun. “Is Dalgona a team game?”

Before Gi-hun could answer, player 100 and his entourage approached, their presence heavy and oppressing. He asked bluntly, “Aren’t we playing the Dalgona game?”

Gi-hun’s tone was subdued. “No, it doesn’t look like it.”

You frowned, noticing the disappointment etched on his face. He had wanted to help, but it was becoming clear that the games weren’t the same as the ones he had experienced before.

“Then what’s the game?” player 100 pressed.

Gi-hun shook his head as he admitted, “I’m not sure.”

Player 100’s expression darkened, frustration bubbling over. He snapped, “What? You said you’d done this before! That triangle was supposed to be the easiest. Was that all bullshit?”

Gi-hun lowered his head. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry won’t cut it!” player 100 barked, his voice rising. “You acted like you knew everything.”

Unable to hold back, you spoke up, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. “Uncle, didn’t I tell you the games wouldn’t be the same? You’re the one who refused to listen.”

Player 100 narrowed his eyes at you, his tone mocking. “Now you think you're a smart one, huh? Why don’t you tell us what game this is, since you seem to know everything? Or maybe you should shut up and stop pretending like you’re smarter than everyone else here!”

Player 001 suddenly stepped forward, positioning himself between you and the rude player 100. His eyes locked onto player 100 with a warning glint, his tone dark and firm. “That’s enough.”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise, feeling an unexpected warmth rise to your cheeks. You hadn’t anticipated such a direct defense, and the way player 001 stepped in with unwavering confidence left you momentarily stunned. You couldn’t deny it. His action moved you, stirring a mix of gratitude and quiet admiration that you couldn’t quite hide.

Player 100 flinched, taking an instinctive step back. His fear was evident; he knew what player 001 was capable of. Everyone did.

The tense moment was interrupted by the robotic voice announcing, “Please divide into teams now.”

All eyes turned to the timer displayed on the wall above. Ten minutes remained.

“Yeah, just drop it,” player 226 said with a smirk, breaking the silence. “Don’t waste your time on that nutjob and this know-it-all woman. We shouldn’t have fallen for that supposed ‘winner.’”

Player 100 shifted his wary gaze between player 001, you, and Gi-hun. His lips tightened, but he didn’t speak. Player 226 clapped once, drawing his attention. “Come on, let’s form a team first.”

With a subtle nod, player 100 walked past your group. As he passed, he muttered just loud enough for you to hear, “Previous winner? Damn lunatic.”

Player 226 followed close behind, sneering as he went. “Dalgona? Triangle? Screw you.”

You glared after them until they disappeared into the crowd of players. The tension lingered as Gi-hun, his head still hung low, avoided looking at any of you.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

“I still trust you, so don’t worry about it,” player 001 replied, his voice calm. “I’d like to play the game with you, if that’s okay?”

Gi-hun looked up, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. He seemed genuinely stunned that none of you had criticized him. More than that, he was visibly moved by the unwavering trust and support from player 001.

“That’s right. Let’s be real men and give it a shot,” Jung-bae said with confidence. He paused, glancing at you, and quickly added, “And also be a brave lady. It’s a children’s game, right? We used to play games all the time.”

You turned to Gi-hun with a reassuring smile. “I hope you don’t mind me staying with you. Dalgona or not, I did plan to follow you.”

Gi-hun stared at you this time, his expression a mix of astonishment and something softer – gratefulness. It was clear he hadn’t expected your unwavering trust, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words.

Dae-ho nodded enthusiastically. “That’s right, sirs. I’ll join you. I feel like I can do anything with you all.”

Jung-bae clapped him on the back, grinning. “That’s the Marine spirit. It’d be embarrassing for brave Marines to be carving Dalgona anyway. If we’re playing a game, it should be worth risking our lives for. Like Buck Buck or the Squid Game, right?”

“Yes, sir!” Dae-ho replied with fervor. “I will certainly risk my life to win, sir.”

Player 001, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. “We only need one more person then.”

“Leave it to me, sir. I’ll go find someone,” Dae-ho volunteered immediately.

“Alright then. Get someone who’d risk their life to win,” Jung-bae instructed.

Dae-ho turned to face him fully, standing straighter. “Yes, sir! Victory at all costs!”

The two of them saluted each other. You couldn’t help but smile at their antics. After Jung-bae’s dismissive nod, Dae-ho jogged away with purpose, ready to find the final member of your team.

You turned to player 001, seizing the moment to express your gratitude. Looking up at him, your eyes softened, glinting with admiration, and a small, sincere smile spread across your face. You said, “By the way, thank you for the back-up.”

Player 001 shifted his attention to you, his expression warm as he returned the smile. “It’s no problem. If he or his friends say anything rude or try to push you around, just tell me. I’ll protect you.”

You stared at him, momentarily speechless. His words left you feeling both flattered and a little bewildered. Why was he so attentive? You’d only met him yesterday, yet he already made you feel cared for in a way that stirred something unfamiliar. Your heart fluttered slightly, completely unprepared for the quiet confidence in his tone and the way he verbally showed he would protect you.

Standing this close, you couldn’t help but notice just how striking he was. His features, though marked by age, carried a timeless attractiveness that was hard to ignore. It’s like he’d only improved with time. He looked fit, confident, and effortlessly composed. How had you not noticed this before?

You pursed your lips and nodded. “Okay.”

You then looked away, trying to will your heart to calm down. Don’t go and fall for married man, you whore. He might have a wife waiting for him already, stupid.

With only two minutes left on the timer, Dae-ho returned to your group with a man in tow, player 096. Dae-ho gestured confidently toward him. “He’ll definitely risk his life to win.”

“Victory at all costs!” player 096 suddenly shouted, snapping into a sharp salute.

Dae-ho grinned proudly as Jung-bae saluted back. “Oh, you were in the Marines too?”

“Class 946, sir!” player 096 replied, his voice booming.

“Wah, with three ex-Marines, we’ll be invincible,” he turned to you, Gi-hun, and player 001 with a wide grin. “What do you think? I like him.”

Before any of you could respond, a soft voice interrupted. “Excuse me.”

Everyone turned to see a petite girl approaching your circle. Player 222 looked to be in her early twenties, her timid demeanor making her seem even younger. She glanced around the group before settling her gaze on you.

“Please let me join your team,” she said.

You frowned, feeling a pang of pity for her. She seemed so out of place, fragile in an environment like this. She didn’t deserve to be here, fighting for her life. Not only that, she also looked like a delicate rabbit.

She’s so cute like a rabbit, you thought.

“Sorry,” Jung-bae said, his tone apologetic but firm. “We’ve already got six people.”

“Please help me,” player 222 pleaded. She placed a hand on her stomach, drawing attention to the slight curve beneath her jacket. “I’m pregnant.”

Shock rippled through you as your eyes instinctively dropped to her belly. The rabbit is pregnant?!

The rounded shape was subtle but unmistakable. The weight of her words hit hard, stirring an even deeper sense of pity. But then your thoughts turned to player 096, who had just been brought in by Dae-ho. What would he feel, being dragged over here only to be rejected?

Determined, you spoke up. “You know what? Take her and Mr. 096. I’ll go find another team.”

Your gaze wandered toward player 120, who was still moving around, clearly searching for teammates. You were about to step away when you felt hands on both of your shoulders. One belonged to Jung-bae, the other to player 001.

“No, no, no,” Jung-bae, player 001, and Gi-hun said in unison, their voices overlapping in a hurried, jumbled mess.

“Time for team selection is up. The game you will be playing is Seven-Legged Hexathlon.”

The announcement reverberated through the room as all the players sat in lines according to their teams. Your team had finally settled after some deliberation. Starting from the right, Gi-hun sat at the end, followed by Jung-bae, then player 001, then you, player 222, and finally Dae-ho. The decision to include player 222 was easy due to her condition, and you as a whole group had apologized profusely to player 096. Thankfully, he had taken it graciously, insisting it was the right thing to do – prioritizing the ladies, especially one who was pregnant. His response prompted Jung-bae and Dae-ho to enthusiastically dive into their Marine antics, saluting and shouting phrases of camaraderie with him.

The robotic voice continued, “You will start with your legs tied together. Each member will take turns playing a mini-game at every ten-meter mark. If your team wins, you may proceed to the next stage. Here are the mini-games:

“Number one, Ddakji.

“Number two, Flying Stone.

“Number three, Gonggi.

“Number four, Tuho.

“Number five, Spinning Top.

“Number six, Jegi.

“Your goal is to win all the mini-games and cross the finish line within six minutes. Please decide the players for each mini-game.”

You pondered. The variety of mini-games seemed deceptively simple, yet the added pressure of the time limit and the tied legs turned it into something far more daunting.

“It’s good that we got two women,” Jung-bae said, turning to player 222. “You can play Gonggi, right?”

Player 222 shook her head silently, her expression filled with disappointment. She looked genuinely upset, as if she hated letting the group down.

Jung-bae’s hopeful gaze shifted to you. “Oh, maybe you can.”

“I don’t know how,” you admitted, feeling a bit sheepish.

Jung-bae sighed and turned to Gi-hun, his tone almost exasperated. “Don’t girls play Gonggi anymore?”

“I’ve never played it,” player 222 confessed apologetically, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jung-bae nodded in acceptance, but before he could suggest something else, Dae-ho leaned forward, his voice breaking the pause. “Actually, I can play Gonggi.”

Jung-bae blinked at him, surprised. “You? An ex-Marine?”

Dae-ho nodded. “I grew up with four older sisters. I used to play it with them from time to time.”

Jung-bae’s face lit up, and he clapped Dae-ho proudly on the back. “That’s right. There’s nothing a Marine can’t do.”

Gi-hun leaned toward the center of the group, bringing the conversation back on track. “Everyone else, what game are you confident playing?”

“Ddakji for me,” player 222 said, drawing everyone’s attention. “At the subway station, I won more times than the guy.”

“Okay, then. Miss 222, you play Ddakji,” Jung-bae said with a decisive nod. “I’ll play Flying Stone. I was a pitcher for my baseball team. I’m good at throwing.”

Dae-ho began warming his fingers, breathing on them and flexing them, as Gi-hun addressed the group. “That leaves Tuho, Jegi, and Spinning Top.”

“I can do Tuho,” you offered, drawing everyone’s attention. You glanced around the group as you informed, “I often played it at school.”

The others nodded, accepting your choice without question. Gi-hun then turned to player 001. “Jegi and Spinning Top. Which one are you good at?”

Player 001 gave a small smile. “Well, I’ll play whatever you pick for me, Gi-hun.”

Gi-hun’s expression faltered, his brows knitting together as a wary glint appeared in his eyes. “You know my name?”

Player 001’s eyes widened slightly, his mouth parting as if he’d just realized a mistake. He gestured casually toward Jung-bae. “Oh, your friend was calling you by your name, so I thought I’d try it.”

Gi-hun stared at him, saying nothing. Player 001 tilted his head slightly, his tone gentle as he asked, “Does it bother you?”

Blinking a few times, Gi-hun finally shook his head. “No, it’s fine.”

“So, Gi-hun,” player 001 continued smoothly, “which one are you good at?”

“I guess I’m better at Jegi,” Gi-hun replied after a moment.

“Then I’ll take Spinning Top,” player 001 said with a nod.

“Alright,” Gi-hun confirmed.

“Alright, guys, bring your hands together here,” Jung-bae instructed, extending his hand to the center of the group.

Gi-hun and Dae-ho, sitting at the far ends of the line, shuffled closer as everyone placed their hands atop one another. Jung-bae took charge again. “Okay, one, two, three, we say ‘Victory at all costs.’ Got it? One, two, three—”

“Victory at all costs!”

The game began, and two teams, Team 1 and Team 2, stepped onto their respective rainbow circles. All eyes were on them as they moved with their legs tied together, each team struggling to maintain balance and coordination.

The first event in the hexathlon was Ddakji. The rules were straightforward, and Team 1 managed to pass on their first try, earning cheers from their teammates. Team 2 followed closely, but the pressure was already building as both teams advanced to the next stage.

The second event was Flying Stone. Precision was crucial, and the thrower had to ensure they didn’t step over the line while aiming perfectly. You watched with growing concern as Team 1 failed their first attempt. They had to retrieve their stone themselves, an awkward and time-consuming task given their tied legs.

Leaning slightly toward Jung-bae, player 001 commented, “A miss in Flying Stone will eat up a lot of time.”

Jung-bae gulped nervously as he stared at player 001, who turned back to watch the teams without a hint of concern, leaving Jung-bae momentarily speechless.

After a few attempts, Team 2 managed to pass Flying Stone and moved on to the third event: Gonggi. Meanwhile, Team 1 remained stuck, struggling with the precision needed for Flying Stone.

As Team 2 began their Gonggi attempts, you noticed Dae-ho kneeling on the sandy floor near your group. He had picked up a few stones and was practicing intently.

Team 2 finally passed Flying Stone on their third attempt, moving on to the fourth event: Tuho. You stood up from the floor, hoping to get a better view of their attempt.

A circle-masked guard handed their player five arrows as the robotic female voice announced, “To pass, at least three arrows must be thrown into the vase. Do not step over the line.”

The guard then placed a vase with four holders on its sides. A white line marked the throwing position, approximately 1.5 meters away from the vase.

You watched intently as Team 2’s player began the challenge. Each throw missed, the arrows clattering to the floor instead of landing in the vase. Anxiety prickled at you as their attempts failed one by one.

Team 1 was still struggling with Flying Stone, their frustration evident. Meanwhile, Team 2, tied together at the legs, hobbled forward to retrieve their arrows for another attempt. As they moved, you noticed player 001 standing up beside you.

You expected him to say something nerve-wracking, like his earlier comment to Jung-bae about time loss, but instead, his words surprised you. “Don’t be nervous. I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

Turning to face him, you met his reassuring gaze. His smile was calm and confident as he added, “You said you did it often. I’m certain you got skills.”

Your gaze dropped, and you hesitated before replying, your voice quiet. “That was years ago. Now…”

You paused, the memory slicing through your thoughts like a cold blade – the nightmarish image of your battered parents, their lifeless eyes, and the menacing presence of the loan sharks hovering like shadows in the corner of your mind.

You shook your head and continued, “My arms sometimes tremble uncontrollably. What if it messes up my aim?”

Player 001 didn’t hesitate. “Then I’ll hold your hands.”

You stared at him, astonished by his immediate response. His words sent a warm flutter through your chest, catching you completely off guard. Why does he say things like that? Was it genuine kindness, or was there something more?

Your mind raced with questions. Does he really have a wife waiting for him? Is he just this impossibly considerate to everyone, or is it different with you?

You nodded slowly. “It’s okay. I think I’ll be okay.”

Without waiting for his response, you turned sharply to focus on the playing teams. Team 2 had managed to throw only two arrows into the vase, with the remaining arrows tumbling onto the floor. Hobbling awkwardly, they moved forward to retrieve the arrows and prepared to try again.

Team 1, meanwhile, was still stuck at the Flying Stone event. Their repeated failures left them visibly shaken. Two players were openly crying, while the player tasked with the throws stood frozen, his face pale with terror. You noticed the growing wet stain on his pants, a clear sign of his unraveling nerves.

A sudden cheer erupted from Team 2, drawing your attention. They had just landed three arrows in the vase. The circle-masked guard gestured by forming a circle with his arms, and the robotic announcer said, “Pass.”

The team screamed in triumph as the guard quickly removed the vase, clearing the way for them to advance. They hobbled forward, legs still tied, toward the next event: Spinning Top.

Their first attempt at spinning the top ended in failure. The top wobbled and fell before completing a single rotation. In their rush to retrieve it, they lost balance and tumbled onto the ground, eliciting a few gasps from the onlookers.

Beside you, Jung-bae leaned toward player 001. “With Spinning Top, it’ll take even longer if you mess up.”

You glanced at player 001, curious about his reaction. His eyes narrowed sharply as he turned to Jung-bae, fixing him with a pointed stare. Jung-bae quickly averted his gaze, feigning innocence. Player 001’s glare lingered for a few more seconds.

On their second attempt, Team 2 successfully passed the Spinning Top event and moved on. At the same time, Team 1 finally managed to complete the Flying Stone event, their relief palpable. Both teams advanced toward their next challenges, but before either could proceed, triangle-masked guards appeared, blocking their path.

The pleading and begging grew louder as the timer reached zero. You tensed, every muscle in your body bracing for the inevitable.

“Your time is up,” the robotic female voice declared.

The guards wasted no time. They raised their guns, and the air erupted with the deafening sound of gunfire. The failed teams fell instantly, their cries silenced. The noise was overwhelming, cracking through the room like thunder. Around you, players screamed, gasped, and sobbed. Some collapsed to the ground, shaking uncontrollably. Even you flinched with every shot, feeling the vibrations reverberate through your body and the floor beneath you.

When the gunfire stopped, an eerie silence fell over the room. Almost every player was crouched low, trembling and cowering in fear. The reality of the game hit everyone again with brutal clarity: this wasn’t just a simple hexathlon. Elimination meant death. A dark, suffocating weight settled over the room, pressing down on your chest. You couldn’t help but think, I should’ve gone home.

Sitting on the floor, your head hung low. Tears threatened to spill, but they wouldn’t come. Instead, your body betrayed you in another way, shaking uncontrollably as if trying to release the overwhelming terror.

The robotic female voice announced the numbers of the eliminated players, but the words blurred into the background. Suddenly, a player shot up from the floor, his voice slicing through the tense quiet. “We should have left! We’re all going to die now! We’re all going to die because of those who voted to continue!”

His words caused murmurs and hushed sobs to ripple through the remaining players, but you tuned it all out. You wrapped your arms around your chest, trying desperately to steady your trembling. Unbeknownst to you, player 001, who was crouching behind you, fixed his gaze on you. He said nothing, simply watching as you fought to regain control.

NEXT : Chapter 06

PREV : Chapter 04

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[delicatebarness]

cry baby | chapter fourteen

Summary: “Do we know this person?”

Warning: Not a Cry Baby episode. Mentions of John Walker.

Word Count: 850

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A/N: Cry Baby is taking the day off, have Bucky. Please feel free to leave feedback or let me know where and how you want the story to continue, this is just as much yours as it is mine. - B

Tags: @buckys0whore | @thezombieprostitute | @lanabuckybarnes | @mishkatelwarriorgoddess | @softieekayy | @noonespecial90 | @hello-therree | @randomawesomeperson102 | @whoreforbarnes | @thejutvtsupport | @somnorvos | @cjand10 | @plasticbottleholder

It had been days since the awkward encounter at his apartment, it deepened the strain between yourself and Bucky. He knew avoiding you wouldn’t work, but he couldn’t help it. Last night’s incident hadn’t helped, he couldn’t shake the image of you and Thor laughing together out of his head. Even though Thor was a great friend to both you and him, he hated the way seeing you together made him feel. 

He found himself back at the bar that next morning. Only a few of the regulars were around there, nursing their morning coffee. He was lost in his thoughts as he sipped his own. 

The door swung open, and Natasha walked in. Her eyes immediately narrowed on him while he sat at the bar. She strode over, her demeanor indicating that she wasn’t in the best of moods. 

“Bucky,” she called sharply, taking a seat next to him at the bar, without waiting for an invitation. 

“Nat,” he mumbled, already sensing where this conversation was headed.

“We need to talk about last night,” she said, her tone icy as she leaned closer to him. Her eyes were hard as they bore into the side of his head. He refused to look at her. 

He sighed, setting his mug down on the bar. “What about it?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Barnes,” Natasha snapped. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You let Leah sit in her seat.” 

“It wasn’t a big deal, Romanoff,” he muttered, still avoiding her gaze. “She can sit wherever she wants.” 

Her eyes flashed with anger. “It’s not about the seat, dipshit. It’s about what it represents. She felt replaced, sidelined.” 

“That’s her problem, not mine,” he retorted, his tone dismissive. “It doesn’t matter where anyone sits.” 

Natasha leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “This isn’t something you’re going to brush off, Bucky. And, if I ever see someone else sitting in her seat again, you’ll regret it. Understood?” 

For the first time that morning, Bucky looked at her, her eyes were serious. She didn’t make idle threats, and he knew it. “Whatever,” he said curtly, taking another sip of his coffee. 

She stood abruptly. Without a word, she reached out and delivered a harsh slap to the back of Bucky’s head, causing him to choke slightly on his coffee.

Bucky recoiled slightly, surprised by her action. He watched as she turned on her heel and walked out. His hand instinctively rose to rub the spot where she had slapped. He knew she was right, but he wasn’t ready to admit it. 

He pushed away his coffee mug, leaning against the bar, running a hand over his face. The bar owner, who had been observing the exchange approached Bucky. “Everything alright, Barnes?” he asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.

Bucky nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile. “Yeah, just another day in paradise with the family,” he replied sarcastically. “You know how we are, Howlett.” The bar owner gave him a sympathetic nod before returning to his duties. 

Taking a deep breath, Bucky glance over to your regular booth, his gaze landing on the empty seat where you sat. 

~

Later that day Natasha and Wanda’s apartment became lively: they were joined by the boys– Steve, Sam, and Thor. Hanging out, sharing stories, and overall catching up with Thor. They sat around the living room, beers in hand with the conversation stayed light. 

Thor regaled them with tales of his latest adventure. Steve and Sam listened intently, occasionally throwing in questions or comments. 

Suddenly, Natasha and Wanda’s phone simultaneously buzzed with a notification. They glanced down to see a message in their group chat with you, their curiosity piqued. Natasha reached for her phone to open it first, reading it out to Wanda.

“Do we know this person?” she read, then turned the screen to show Wanda the name attached in a second message. “She said, she met him a few hours ago and wants to make sure he’s not another Walker.” 

Wanda furrowed her brows, taking a moment to think, repeating the name. “I don’t think I’ve heard that name before,” she replied, picking her phone up to reread. 

Natasha nodded in agreement, she also hadn’t heard the name. Her fingers flew over the screen as she reassured you. “We haven’t heard of him before, do you want us to ask the guys?” 

Cry Baby: NO

Wanda nodded at your quick response, “Find out more about him, and we’ll help you figure it out.” she replied. 

As they waited for your response, the atmosphere in the apartment grew quiet. Steve, Sam, and Thor exchanged puzzled glances. Natasha and Wanda gave each other knowing looks as they grew more anxious, Natasah’s leg beginning to bounce in anticipation. 

Their phones buzzed, and finally, a reply from you. They eagerly opened the message, their eyes scanning the screens. 

Cry Baby: He said he works at the newspaper, and he seems nice.

With another shared glance, your friends nodded in silent agreement. After the Walker incident, they were grateful for your trust in them to help.

---

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[satorulovebot]

cursed seas chapter five | you're on your own, kid

↳ satoru gojou x reader

genre — heavy angst, pirate au, 18+ 

word count — 10k

tags/warnings — 18+, mentions of cannibalism, neglect, mentions of anxiety and depression, ooc gojo, explicit smut (don't get too happy), mentions of death

notes — gojo is an ass. that is literally it. if you thought he was nice in the last chapter and had some character development, no I dangled a carrot in front of you sawwy. maybe one of these days i’ll stick with a theme. also he doesn't behave like this to be an ass but it's more of a trauma response and other things. also, the reader has a hard time standing up for herself in stressful situations. She has no problem insulting gojo when shes not in a stressful situation just to clear the air and give her more characterization. also my smut skills are rusty as FUCK it’s been so long don’t make fun of me. anyways this has been long enough rb's and comments always appreciated and my inbox is always open :3

prev. never saw you coming | next. the lakes

The sky above the ship was a muted gray, covered with thick clouds that hung low over the horizon. The air was heavy with the scent of salt and seaweed, and the dampness clung to everything it touched. The island you were heading to was located amongst other islands. The islands were commonly referred to as the Sanguine Islands, some of the biggest islands in the Caribbean.

Captain Gojou stood at the helm as his hands rested on the ship's wheel. If you didn’t know any better, you would think he was just as carefree as always. But you did know better. He was back to his usual self—cocky, arrogant, and always in control. He behaved kike the night before had never happened. What upset you the most was that you thought the two of you were getting somewhere. But it was all replaced by the same facade he wore when you first met him.

“Alright, gather ‘round,” Gojou called out. “We’ve got a map, and it’s time to head to our first destination.”

You were sitting on a wooden barrel when Gojou asked the crew to join him. You were speaking to Megumi and Yuuji about the map and if they had any ideas of what they would do with the treasure. Eventually, you walked over to him and stood a few feet behind the group, your fingers nervously clutching the map. Honestly, you didn’t want to give him the map, not after everything that happened, but you didn’t have a choice.

Still, you hesitated.

“Hey!” Gojou’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. “The map, sweetheart. Don’t make me ask twice.”

You swallowed hard before stepping forward to hand him the map. Your fingers brushed against his as he took it from you, and you could feel the tension radiating from him.

“Good girl,” he muttered just loud enough for you to hear. The words were like a slap in the face. You stepped back, away from the group, as Gojou spread the map across a table on the deck. 

The way he acted as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t torn into you just hours ago, made your heart ache.

“We’re heading to an island,” Gojou began. “roughly three days' sail from here. It’s marked as uninhabited on most maps, but according to this,” he tapped the weathered parchment, “it’s got something we need. All you need to know is that we’re going there.”

“There is a catch, though. The island’s got a bit of a reputation. Cannibalistic locals, or so the rumors say. I’m not one for ghost stories, but if you’re the type to scare easily, consider this your warning to stay on the ship.” Gojou went to pick up the map before shouting out, “Oh, and Y/N, you’re coming too.”

The journey to the Sanguine Islands was uneventful, save for the occasional stormy waves that rocked the ship. You kept to yourself as usual, except for talking to the kids and Nanami. 

Something about those kids, though, was that they always seemed to be in a hurry. The other day, I saw Yuuji bringing a bucket below deck. I have never seen him get seasick or anything, and he lives on a ship. But it’s none of my business. 

It’s better to keep a low profile anyway, you thought to yourself. Besides, teenagers are sneaky.

Gojou seemed also to be keeping to himself. His usual cocky grin was back on his handsome face. It was unfortunate he was a good-looking man.

Finally, the islands appeared on the horizon, or at least what you could see of them. They were small, jagged pieces of land shrouded in mist. “This place gives me the creeps,” Yuuji muttered as he prepared to drop the anchor.

“It’s just an Island Itadori. You’ll be fine since you’re staying on the ship,” Nanami voiced.

“We’ll split into two groups. Half of you stay with the ship, which includes the kids, and the other half comes with me. Shokou, you also stay. We’ll check out the island, grab whatever treasure we can find, and return by nightfall.” Gojou announced.

As Gojou had previously stated, you were heading to the island, though you wished you weren't. You had a bad feeling when your feet touched the sand, and that feeling would only worsen. The group consisted of you, Toji, Getou, Nanami, and Captain Gojou. 

The deeper you ventured into the jungle, the more uneasy you felt. The trees seemed to close in around you, and the air was more humid than usual. Every now and then, you could hear the distant rustle of leaves from what you assumed were animals moving around in the underbrush. But whenever you turned to look, there was nothing.

“I don’t like this,” Getou muttered behind you.

“Quiet Suguru,” Gojou snapped. “We’re almost there.”

But “there” was nowhere to be found. The deeper the five of you went, the more lost you felt.

“Maybe we should head back?” You suggested quietly.

Gojou ignored you. Of course. But you could see the frustration in his expression as he tried to make sense of the map. 

“It’s like we’re going in fucking circles,” he muttered.

Suddenly, shouts erupted from the back of the group.

Before you could react, colorful figures burst from the treeline, their bodies covered in intricate tribal markings.

Chaos erupted as the four men fought back, but they were outnumbered. You ducked behind a tree as you tried to make sense of the situation.

“Retreat!” Toji shouted, his voice barely audible over the sound of clashing steel. “We need to get back to the ship!”

When you went to turn around, there was no clear path back.

And then, just as quickly as it had begun, the attackers vanished into the jungle.

“Nice job, Satoru were trapped,” Getou drawled.

“We’re not trapped,” Gojou snapped before turning to you. “Give me the map.”

In the thick of the fight, Gojou had dropped the map, and you managed to pick it up before anyone from the opposing side could. Your hands trembled as you pulled the map from your bag. Gojou snatched it from you before unfolding the faded parchment.

But when he went to read the map, it had changed. 

Where there had once been clear markings were now a mess of lines and symbols that made no sense. The landmarks did not match what you had seen on the island.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Gojou muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map. “It’s like the damn thing is cursed.”

“We will find a way back to the ship. And when we do, we’re leaving this godforsaken island. Treasure or not.”

The five of you spent hours trying to make your way through the jungle back to the beach, where you had made landfall. But every time you seemed like you were getting closer, the paths continued to change, leaving you all more lost than before.

“We’re going in circles,” Toji growled.

“We need to stop,” you said quietly, your voice trembling. “We’re exhausted and not getting anywhere like this.”

For a moment, you thought he might snap at you, as he had multiple times before. Instead, he sighed, his shoulders slumping, as he folded the map and tucked it into his coat pocket. 

“Fine,” he muttered, “We’ll rest here for the night.”

You wasted no time helping the crew set up a makeshift camp. You found some palm leaves that could be used as a mat so you wouldn’t be sleeping on the cold, hard jungle ground because god knows what is in this place.

You sat near the edge of the camp with your back against a tree as you stared into the flickering firelight. Your mind drifted back to Gojou and how he consistently spoke to you throughout your journey. Even on the night of the Merchant’s ball, he had never looked at you this way, although he did seem conflicted, and you could see it in his eyes.

It didn’t make any sense.

Yes, Gojou was infuriating, arrogant, and impossible to read. But something about him made your heart race and your thoughts spiral out of control. It didn’t help that he was extremely attractive, either. But you refused to let yourself fall for him, not after how he had treated you and what he had done.

You decided that it was time for you to at least try and get some rest before dealing with more of his bullshit. By the time the first light of dawn broke through the canopy, most of the crew was up and about. Gojou decided that you had all stayed in the same place for too long and needed to get moving. However, whenever you seemed to be going in the right direction, the dense foliage would twist and shift, obscuring your path.

Toji led the group since he had a machete that could slice through the undergrowth. Gojou stood behind you in case the attackers returned and decided to ambush your group from behind.

“What the hell is wrong with this place?” Toji growled.

“I did tell you it had a reputation. Locals say it’s cursed. People who come here usually never leave.” Gojou said.

Usually?!

“You believe that superstitious nonsense?” Nanami chimed in.

“It’s not nonsense, you ass. We’ve been walking in circles for hours. This place is messed up.”

“Enough. Keep moving,” Gojou ordered. “We’ll find a way out. There’s always a way out.” 

The thick canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight, causing permanent twilight during the day. It was easy to lose track of time. The hours seemed to blur together, and exhaustion began to show. 

“Maybe we should turn back? We’re not getting anywhere like this.”

Gojou shot you a look full of irritation. “Why would we turn back? We aren’t turning back until we find what we came for.”

But wasn’t he just saying it was okay if we didn’t find any treasure?

You decided to stay silent, not wanting to piss Gojou off any further. 

“This damn map,” he muttered under his breath.

You approached him, looking over his shoulder to scan the map. “It doesn’t make any sense. It’s like the island keeps changing, and the map doesn’t match.”

Toji, watching the exchange, sheathed his machete and stepped closer. “Look, Gojou, she’s right. We’re not getting anywhere. This place is like a maze, and we need to come up with a new plan.”

For a moment, Gojou looked like he was going to argue. But then he let out a sharp breath before folding the map and tucking it back into his coat. “Fine,” he muttered. “We’ll take a break, regroup, and figure out what the hell is going on.”

You all let out a collective sigh of relief as you set up a temporary camp. It wasn’t much, but it gave you all a chance to catch your breath and tend to any scrapes or wounds. You sat on a fallen log, wiping the sweat from your brow. Your eyes drifted to Gojou, who stood a few feet away, staring into the jungle with a frown. He hadn’t said much since he decided to stop, and you could tell that your current situation was finally catching up with him.

You approached him cautiously, your voice soft as you spoke. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. This place is just… pissing me off.”

“It’s like the island doesn’t want us to leave.”

Gojou didn’t respond immediately, but he continued to reassure you that you would be able to make it out.

As the sun began to set, the jungle seemed to be alive. The sounds of the day gave way to something darker. You all huddled closer to the fire you had built. The flames illuminated your faces. No one spoke, not even Captain Gojou. 

You decided to once again try to get Gojou to get you to keep moving. “We need to keep moving. We can’t stay here.”

“I know,” he muttered. “But we’re not moving in the dark. This place is bad enough during the day.”

You couldn't argue with that. This place felt like a death trap, and the thought of venturing back out into the jungle made you more than uncomfortable. But staying here wasn’t much better.

You glanced at Gojou, wondering what he was thinking. His face was hard to read, but you could see the way his hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready for whatever the night would bring.

But nothing ever came.

This is the third day you have been stuck on the island. The path the group had been following had disappeared. Every turn leads to a dead end or tangled vines. The thick canopy overhead barely lets any sunlight in. It casts strange shadows that play tricks on the mind.

“Dammit,” Gojou muttered as he hacked away a particularly stubborn branch with his sword.

You kept your distance from him, knowing how irritated he was now, considering that you had been on this island for longer than he wanted. Your conversations had long since died down since each of you was focused on your survival. Getou had been having a reaction to mosquito bites recently, which had significantly slowed the group down. You were sweaty and dirty and desperately wanted a bath. The muscles in your legs screamed in protest, but you pushed forward, determined not to hold the group back.

A sudden noise caught everyone’s attention. Before anyone could react, something shot out of the underbrush. Panic erupted as more figures emerged from the jungle. They had necklaces made of bones around their necks and clothing made out of what you hoped was animal hide. 

You heard Gojou shout something out before grabbing your arm and running in the opposite direction, away from the chaos. You noticed there was blood smeared on his sleeve and his sword drawn. You came to a stop, and he ordered you to stay close to him, not even sparing you a second glance before he turned his back and started walking. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat, too exhausted and too shaken to argue with him. Following him was your only option, and judging by his demeanor, you could see that he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be stuck with you.

As the two of you walked, neither of you spoke. The only sounds that could be heard were the crunch of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig.

“Do you know where we’re going?”

He didn’t stop walking, nor did he slow down. “No.”

“So we’re just wandering then?”

“You got a better idea?”

You didn’t bother responding. It wasn’t worth it. The ache in your legs had become unbearable, and it took more effort than you would have liked. But the last thing you were going to do was complain to him and have him think you’re weak. He already seemed to look down on you, and you didn’t think you could take any more of it.

“Why are you always like this?”

He stopped so suddenly that you almost ran into him.

“Like what?”

“Like you hate me. I’ve done nothing but try to help you and your crew. And all you do is push me away like I’m some… some nuisance.”

For a moment, he said nothing, his icy blue eyes studying you with an intensity that made your heart race. With a scoff, he turned away again. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Then explain it to me. Tell me why you treat me like I’m nothing. Tell me why you act like—”

“Because it’s easier. It’s easier if I don’t care. If I don’t let myself...”

“Let’s go,” he muttered, turning away from you again. “We don’t have time for this.”

But you weren’t ready to let it go. “You don’t have to be like this.”

He didn’t respond and instead began walking again as you followed in silence. The jungle grew darker as the sun began to set, and the path became even harder to navigate. You stumbled over roots and rocks, your exhaustion making it difficult to keep up with Gojou.

After walking a little while, the two of you came across a small stream. Gojou knelt down by the water's edge, splashing some onto his face before drinking deeply. You followed his lead, kneeling beside his and cupping your hands to bring the cool water to your lips.

Then, without looking at you, Gojou spoke. “You should have stayed on the ship.” 

His words caught you off guard, and you looked at him in surprise. “What?” 

“You shouldn’t have come. You don’t belong here.” 

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. “What? You told me to come! I thought I was helping.”

“It was a mistake. You’re just making things harder.”

Instead of arguing or defending yourself, you simply nodded and swallowed the lump in your throat.

“We should keep moving.”

And just like that, the conversation was over.

Your heart was heavy as you followed him through the dense jungle. The canopy above filtered the light into beams that cast shadows across the jungle floor, but you felt none of their promised warmth. Gojou strode ahead of you; you hadn’t spoken in hours and didn’t dare break the silence. Your feet ached with each step, the rough terrain taking its toll on your body, but the pain was nothing compared to the ache in your chest.

He suddenly stopped, its abruptness making you stumble. “We’re losing daylight,” he said flatly before turning his back to you once more. “Keep up.”

You swallowed hard before nodding. Words sat heavy on our tongue—words you wanted to shout, to throw at him in anger and frustration—but you bit them back. What good would they do? He had made it perfectly clear where you stood with him.

As you continued to walk, you noticed you were beginning to struggle even more than before. In an instant, your foot caught on a root, and before you could even let out a gasp, you were falling. The world spun, and pain shot through your ankle as you hit the earth. You bit back a cry, the sharp sting making its way up your leg. 

Gojou stopped again. This time, he glanced over his shoulder. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes.

“Get up.” Get up? What the fuck? He didn’t move to help you and didn’t even offer you a hand. It was as if he expected you to pick yourself up, just like you always did.

You clenched your teeth. The pain was unbearable. Slowly, you managed to push yourself up, wincing as you put weight on your injured leg. It was clear that you couldn’t walk properly, but Gojou had already turned his back on you. Again.

For a moment, you just stood there. Your chest heaved in an effort to hold back you emotions. How many times would you have to prove your worth to him? How many times would he let you fall only to leave you behind without so much as a glance?

With a deep breath, you forced yourself to move. You limped after him with every step, sending a fresh wave of pain through your ankle, but you kept going. You had to. Not because he asked you to—but because you refused to be left behind.

It wasn’t until you heard the sound of running water that you realized the jungle was thinning out. Gojou was stopped a few feet in front of you with his gaze fixed on something in the distance. When you caught up, you saw what had gotten his attention—a river that cut through the dense forest.

“We need to find a way across. The island won't wait for us to figure it out.”

You nodded, though the pain in your ankle made the mere thought of crossing a river seem impossible, but you knew it was better not to voice your concerns. He wouldn't care. He never did. Not really.

The riverbank was rocky and uneven, and you found yourself trailing behind Gojou as he scouted ahead. You tried to mask the limp in your step, but he noticed. Of course, he did.

“You’re slowing us down. If you can't keep up, I’ll have to leave you behind.”

Of course. You expected no less from a heartless man like him.

“I can manage,” you replied quietly.

The two of you finally made it across the river, not without some trouble due to your injury. When you looked up, you could see the evening sky as it bled into soft shades of violet and indigo. The island’s edge was near, and you could hear the faint sounds of waves and the smell of salty seawater.

“We need to get off this island before night falls.” He started toward the beach without waiting for you, making it hard to keep up with his long strides. You followed him, limping slightly as you looked for any way to escape the island. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw a small, weathered boat hidden behind a stack of driftwood. It looked old, and it probably couldn’t even float without sinking. But it was better than nothing.

“We can use that,” you called after Gojou. “But the oars…”

Gojou glanced at the boat before glancing back at you. “We don’t have a choice. We’ll figure it out.”

Without another word, he made his way over to the boat and began inspecting the vessel, running his hands over the worn wood to assess its condition. You stood back, watching him work. You limped over to the boat and knelt beside one of the broken oars, running your fingers along the jagged edge. “We could try to fix this,” you offered, unsure if he would even listen.

Gojou glanced up at you, and you thought he might snap at you. But surprisingly, he nodded.

“Do what you can,” he said before turning back to the boat.

With whatever scraps of driftwood and vines you could find, you began the makeshift repairs on the oars. The pain in your ankle throbbed with each movement, but you gritted your teeth and pushed through it. The sun was sinking lower in the sky, and when you finally managed to piece together something that resembled an oar, the sky was now a deep purple. It wasn’t pretty, but it would have to do.

“I think this will work,” you said, holding it up for Gojou to see.

He turned to inspect your handiwork, his eyes glancing over the makeshift oar. A small grunt of approval escaped his lips, and without saying another word, he began pushing the boat toward the water. You moved to help him despite the sharp pain in your leg. Together, the two of you heaved the boat into the shallows as the cold water lapped at your ankles. Gojou climbed in first before holding his hand out to you. It was the first time he had offered his help on your journey.

You hesitated for a moment before taking his hand and climbing into the boat. The oar you had repaired was far from perfect, but somehow, Gojou managed to guide the small vessel through the gentle waves. The island slowly began to fade from view, being swallowed by the darkness. You sat opposite him with your legs tucked beneath you. 

The small boat rocked gently as you neared the ship that could be seen on the horizon. Its lanterns on board had guided the both of you back, and for that, you were eternally grateful. Relief had washed over you, but it was quickly overshadowed by the pain in your ankle, which you had somehow almost forgotten about. 

Gojou continued to silently row the small boat toward the ship, his gaze fixed ahead. As you neared the ship, you could make out figures on the deck. It seemed like Nanami, Getou, and Toji had made it back safely, just as Gojou had predicted a few days ago. 

Yuuji and Ino quickly made work of pulling the small rowboat onto the side of the ship so you and Gojou could board once more. But the moment you tried to move, the pain flared up again, causing you to wince. You bit back a groan because you were unwilling to show weakness, especially in front of Gojou.

The boat bumped softly against the side of the ship, and without a word, he stood and glanced down at you, his eyes narrowed as he took in your obvious discomfort. You knew what was coming before he even moved, but that didn’t stop the jolt of surprise when he bent down and scooped you up in one swift motion, cradling you against his chest.

“W-what are you—”

“Can’t have you limping around the deck like a wounded animal. Besides, you can’t fix your ankle if you can’t even stand.”

Jesus Christ, this man is hot and cold. Can he please make up his mind?

Your protests fell flat as you realized how futile they were. He carried you through the deck of the ship, heading straight for his quarters. The door to his cabin creaked open, and Gojou carried you inside. He gently lowered you onto his bed.

“Stay here. I’ll get Shokou.”

Before you could respond, he turned on his heel and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him. You let out a slow breath, the tension in your body easing slightly now that you were alone. Your ankle still hurt, but at least you were off of it.

It wasn’t long before the door swung open again, and Shokou stepped inside. She carried a small medical kit with her. There was a hint of amusement in her expression as she glanced at you on the bed.

“Well, well, look who’s in need of some help,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “I figured Gojou was being dramatic when he said you broke your ankle. Guess I owe him an apology.”

You forced a weak smile, wincing as you shifted slightly on the bed. “It’s not as bad as it looks… maybe.”

“Yeah, sure. Let me take a look.”

She knelt beside the bed and gently began to examine your ankle. It was swollen and bruised from all the walking you did on it. Her touch was light, but it didn’t stop the pain as she assessed the damage. You sucked in a sharp breath, biting down on your lip to stop yourself from making any noise.

“Hate to break it to you,” Shokou said after a moment, “but it’s definitely broken. You’re lucky it wasn’t worse, though. A little rest, and you’ll be good as new.”

She kept up a light conversation as she worked on bandaging your ankle. She carefully wrapped it before turning her attention to a small vial she pulled from her kit. “This should help with the pain,” she said, offering you a dose. “Drink up.”

You accepted the vial with a quiet nod. The liquid was bitter, but the relief that followed was almost immediate. The pain dulled to a more manageable state. 

Is this shit magic?

As Shokou finished up, Gojou reappeared in the doorway, casually leaning against the frame. His cerulean eyes flicked over to your bandaged ankle before settling on Shokou. “How bad?”

“Not bad enough to keep her out of trouble for long,” Shokou replied with a smirk, standing up and dusting off her hands. “She’ll be fine, but she needs to stay off it for a few days.”

“You heard her. No more running around.”

“I wasn’t planning on it,” you muttered.

Shokou began to pack up her kit, and before turning to leave, she gave you a quick pat on the shoulder. “I’ll check on you later,” she said, flashing you one last smile before disappearing out the door.

With it just being you and Gojou, the two of you fell into an uncomfortable silence. Gojou lingered for a moment before he pushed off the doorframe and approached the bed. 

“You did good back there,” he grumbled.

“Thanks… I guess.”

Without another word, Gojou turned back to the door. “Get some rest,” he called over his shoulder before stepping out, leaving you alone in the dimly lit room.

Not long after Gojou left, you sat in silence. Your ankle lightly throbbed, though Shokou’s treatment had eased some of the pain. The ache that lingered in your chest was another matter entirely. You hated everything about this ship, the adults on this ship, and most of all, Captain Gojou. All of them seemed to be pushing you towards a breaking point.

The door creaked open again, and you glanced up, expecting Shokou to check up on you. Unfortunately, it was Gojou. He glanced over at you briefly before stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

“Are we going anywhere near Elysport?” you blurted.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Why?"

"Because I need to know. I need to know when I can leave this fucking ship."

His eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"I hate it here. I hate this ship, the way everyone looks at me, and I especially hate the way you’ve been treating me like I’m nothing more than a problem."

"I’m treating you like a problem?"

"Yes!" you snapped, pushing yourself up. "You’ve been an asshole from the start. You act like I’m just some burden you’re forced to carry, and I’m sick of it."

The way I treat you is because I’m keeping you alive. This isn’t some fucking pleasure cruise. You’re out of your depth, and I don’t have the luxury to babysit you."

"I don’t need you to babysit me, Gojou!" you shot back. "I need you to stop treating me like I’m invisible. You drag me along on this ship, ignore me, and then throw me a few scraps of attention when it suits you. I’m tired of it!"

"You think I’ve been ignoring you? I’m trying to protect you, even if you don’t see it. The less attention you get from the wrong people, the better. And if I have to push you away to do that, I will."

"I don’t need your protection, Gojou. I’m not some fragile doll who’s going to break at the first sign of danger."

"You have no idea what you’re talking about. This world we’re in—it’s cutthroat. People die. You’ve already seen that. And if you think leaving this ship is going to solve your problems, you’re dead wrong.”

"I don’t care!" you spat. "I want off this ship. I’ll take my chances out there. I’d rather deal with the dangers of the world on my own than be stuck here, treated like I don’t matter."

"You really think you’ll be safer anywhere else? That if you leave, everything will magically be fine?"

"I don’t care if it’s safer. I just want out. I can’t stand being here with you anymore, with the way you’ve been acting."

“I act this way because I have to. This world isn’t for someone like you.”

“The world is this way because of people like you! Maybe my father was right about pirates, considering people like you were the ones who killed her,” you spat. "Stop acting like you know me. You don’t know what I can handle, and I don’t need you making that choice for me. If we get near Elysport, I’m leaving."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "We’ll talk about this later,” he said before turning to the door.

“Damn him.”

You didn’t care what Gojou thought or what he claimed. You were done with being treated like you were a piece of cargo who he could just push around whenever he felt like it. Besides, you could check up on how your father was doing if you went back to Elysport. Before leaving, you never spoke to your father much, except for the occasional holiday or whenever he was in the right mind to chat. You thought about how panicked he must be, knowing his only daughter was missing. Did he pray to God to bring you home the same he did all those years ago? You wondered if he was spiraling like he did after your mother’s death or if he was holding it together. You wondered if he was hoping his little girl's body would wash up on shore just as his wife’s did fourteen years ago. The two of you may have been distant in the last few years, but he was your father, and you loved him. You were a daddy’s girl through and through.

You wanted to go home.

“Sweetheart, you got lucky. We’re going to a place close enough to Elysport for you to take a carriage.” 

You looked up from the book you were reading to see Gojou standing in the doorway. You were sitting on Gojou’s bed reading one of his books with your ankle propped up on a pillow. You were surprised to hear that they were going in that general direction, considering their constant need to be in danger. Plus, you were surprised to hear that he was even letting you leave with his atrocious behavior.

“Oh, really? I’m surprised you’re even letting me off this ship,” you breathed. 

“I had a discussion with the rest of the crew, and they decided it would be best for you to leave if you truly want to. Yuuji was pretty opposed to the idea. The kid likes talking to you.”

“Well, that makes everyone else infinitely more likable than you. Oh, and also, you can keep the map; I don’t want it. It’s caused me enough trouble as it is, seeing I’m here with you.”

“Can you not be bratty for five minutes?”

“Can you not be an asshole for five minutes?”

“You should behave more like how you did on the island, submissive and silent. I liked you better then.” he spat. “Be more grateful we’re going anywhere near Elysport since we need a restock on supplies. For some reason, more supplies have been going missing even though you don’t even eat much or use much of it.”

It had been a few days since your accident, and your ankle was healing quite nicely. You could finally walk on it just in time to make it to Hinsoll Port, a port neighboring Elysport. For some reason, Gojou let you stay in his room, which you will admit was pretty nice of him. When you slept, he would sleep on his chair, and to be honest, it made you feel bad because of how uncomfortable it looked.

The day you got to the port, you stood at the edge of the dock as the wind tousled your hair. And for the first time in days, you finally felt free. You had been dropped off by Gojou while his ship was being restocked, and Yuuji was quite sad to see you go, so maybe he wasn’t lying about that. You had packed the little amount of stuff you had brought along with you and began walking down the dock. Regretfully, you decided to turn around, and low and behold, Gojou was leaning on the ship, watching you leave. He didn’t come to say goodbye as the rest of the crew had, and you just chalked it up to him being a self-righteous asshole.

Gojou had made it clear. We’re not going directly to Elysport, but close enough for you to take a carriage. You felt a pang of regret as you walked down the dock, as you were leaving behind a life you had known for only a month. Had it really been that long? You thought back to when Gojou had said sorry for once the night he had called you a whore and had carried you to a hotel so the two of you wouldn’t have to walk back. But that was before you had started this whole treasure hunt, and the last “hunt was disastrous. Even so, didn’t they need part of that for said treasure, and they don’t have it? Oh well, it’s not your problem anymore.

You made your way to the carriage station, and soon enough, you were tucked inside as the wooden wheels creaked beneath you. Your fingers played with the fabric of your skirts while the sound of hooves against dirt calmed your nerves.

When the late afternoon hit, you could see the streets of Elysport as the carriage came to a halt in front of your father’s house. The moment your foot hit the ground, you were hit with a wave of nostalgia. The city port smelled exactly the same as it had the day you left. It was kind of like an old friend pulling you into a warm embrace.

You hesitated for a moment while standing at the wooden door of your childhood home. It was a modest home ticked away on a quiet street. You used to take care of your father’s garden every once in a while, but it had since grown a bit wild in your absence. Your heart pounded in your chest as you raised your hand to knock on the door, unsure of how he would react to seeing you after being gone for a month.

The door creaked open, and there he was. Your father stood in the doorway, his face haint and his eyes sunken in. But the moment he saw you, his expression shifted into shock, disbelief, and finally, joy.

His arms were around you before you could say a word. “Thank God,” he whispered as he buried his face in your hair. “Thank God for bringing my little girl home.” You melted into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your cheek.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he murmured, pulling back just enough to look at you. His hands cupped your face, his thumbs brushing away the stray tears that had slipped down your cheeks. “I prayed every night for you, hoping you'd come back to me.”

“I’m here now. I’m home.”

Your father just held you, and it was as if he was afraid that if he were to let go, you would disappear again. Eventually, he stepped back, his eyes glazed over, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Could you do me a favor, darling? The market’s still open. Would you pick me up some herbs? I was thinking of making a stew tonight since you came home.”

You nodded quickly, eager to please and eager to slip back into a normal routine. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

The marketplace was just as lively as you remembered. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air, along with baked goods and roast meats. As you made your way through the crowd, picking up the herbs your father had requested, you caught sight of an unfamiliar figure at the edge of the market. He stood out like a sore thumb—leaning casually against a stall. His pink hair stood out against the drab green and browns of the market, but it was the tattoos curling along his face that truly set him apart.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

You were startled by the sudden appearance of the man with pink hair. You swallowed, unsure of how to respond. “We’ve heard about you. A traveler, are you not? Someone who’s seen more than they probably should.”

You blinked, confusion flooding your mind. “I—no, I’m just—”

“You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t looking for something. We all are.”

“I’m just here for my father,” you said, your voice coming out smaller than you intended.

"Of course you are. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave empty-handed.”

 “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say,” Sukuna said, his grin widening, “we have an offer you can’t refuse. One that doesn’t involve treasure. All you need to do is listen.”

“What is this offer?”

“You know,” he began. “I thought I’d made it simple. Put up the wanted signs, sit back, and wait for you to be brought to me, along with the map.”

So that’s what he wants.

“I don’t have the map.”

Then, with a disappointed sigh, he stepped closer. “What a shame,” he murmured.“I was hoping you’d make things easier for me.”

“I told you, I don’t have it.”

“She’s telling the truth, you know. No point in lying about something like this.” This voice was a different one. It came from a small woman with white hair and an irregular line of dark plum pink running across the back of their head. 

 “Pity. Because if you did have it, we might’ve come to some sort of... understanding.”

“Funny thing, though. I hear that Captain Gojou, your kind-hearted protector, might’ve had something to do with your mother’s... untimely end.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, just rumors. But if you’re curious—really curious—you could always find out for yourself. All it would take is a little favor. Get us that map from Gojou, and we’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

“I... I don’t know.”

Captain Gojou was crazy, but he wasn’t that crazy.

“Well, take your time. But don’t take too long. You wouldn’t want the truth slipping through your fingers, now would you?”

“I’ll think about it,” you muttered, trying to buy yourself some time.

“Good girl,” Sukuna purred, his grin widening. “We’ll be waiting.”

You returned home clutching the herbs your father requested. The sky had darkened as the last rays of daylight turned into twilight. Your father sat in his chair by the window, the evening light casting shadows across his face.

“Got what you asked for,”  you said quietly, setting the herbs down on the table.

He gave you a small nod, but his gaze lingered on you longer than usual. He could sense something was wrong since he had always been able to read you like an open book.

“What’s on your mind, love?” he asked gently, leaning forward with concern etched into his features.

You hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “Dad,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper. “What if I told you... I could find out who killed Mom?”

The words hung in the air between the two of you, and for a moment, there was only silence. “What are you talking about?”

“I... I ran into someone at the market today. They said they knew... who might be behind it. But they need a favor.”

Your father’s brows furrowed. “Who are these people? What favor?”

“They want something from Captain Gojou. They want me to... get it for them. In exchange, they’ll tell me what happened to Mom.”

“And you believe them?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted. “But if there’s even a chance... don’t you want to know the truth?”

His jaw tightened, and you thought he might refuse. But then, he sighed heavily, the years of pain and grief evident in the lines of his face. “I’ve spent fourteen years wondering who took her from us,” he muttered, his voice hoarse. “If there’s a chance, even a small one, to finally get justice… then you do it. Find out who killed her.”

“You... you’re okay with me going back?”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment. Whoever killed your mother... I’ll see to it they pay.”

The sky was pitch black by the time you slipped into bed. You thought back to the conversation with your father. Although you had made your decision, it wasn’t any less scary. Your heart pounded in your chest as you lay in your childhood bedroom, staring up at the ceiling.

That’s when you heard the faint sound of footsteps outside your window. You sat up and looked towards the window, but you saw nothing, so you decided to ignore it, thinking it was a drunk passerby trying to get home. All of a sudden, you heard a knock at the window, and you saw a figure standing there. Before you could react, your small window was yanked open.

Of fucking course he’s here.

Gojou stood in the window frame, his white hair almost glowing in the dim moonlight.

“What are you doing here?” you whispered.

He hopped inside before closing the window behind him.  “I told you it was dangerous to be here. And yet, here you are.”

“I’m with my father, Gojou. I’m perfectly fine.”

“You think you’re safe because you’re in your childhood home?” His voice was laced with irritation. “Do you have any idea who’s been hanging around this town?”

Your stomach dropped. He knew about the strange man down by the marketplace. Though you never managed to catch his name.

“I... I can handle myself.”

“You don’t know what you’re dealing with.”

“Yeah, that’s what you’ve been telling me since day one,” you muttered.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing. And maybe I don’t. But I do know one thing—you’ve been lying to me.”

“What in God's name are you talking about?”

“I know you had something to do with my mother’s death,” you blurted out, the words spilling from your lips before you could stop them. 

“Your… mother?”

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

“Listen, sweetheart, I haven’t had anything to do with your mother’s death, so don’t get too excited. Besides, I’m only thirty-two. Who told you this information? Was it the man with pink hair you met in the market?”

“It’s none of your business. And since when have you cared who I meet? Last I checked, you could have given two shits about me?”

You were now weary of the information the strange man had given you. And doing the math, he would have only been eighteen years old at the time of your mother’s death. But still, the thought lingered in your mind.

“I should’ve known you’d get involved in something this stupid,” he muttered.

“Take me back.” 

Gojou’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “What?”

“Take me back to your crew. Let me come with you. I need to see this through.”

“You want to come back after everything? You just left like yesterday.”

“Yes. I can’t stay here. Not when there are so many questions. Maybe the treasure can help me find out the truth about my mother.”

Lies.

“Are you sure you’re not going to force me to take you back the moment something shitty happens?”

“No, you ass, my father asked me to find out what happened to her.”

“Fine. But don’t think for a second I’m letting you out of my sight.”

“Why would that be.”

“Because you have been talking to strange men, Y/N. I’m not stupid,” he sighed. “Be ready by dawn,” he muttered as he walked back over to the window. “We leave as soon as the tide is in.”

Satoru felt guilty. He felt guilty about his lack of self-control, guilty that he managed to drive the one person who seemed to care away. Guilty about the fact he might hurt you.

Satoru didn’t know why he behaved this way. It’s not that he wanted to behave this way towards you, but that's how it was. He didn't know why he felt inclined to treat you the way he did, and he kept telling himself that this was normal behavior. He didn’t want to admit it, but he really liked the kiss the two of you shared in the hotel room, and he wished to have more of them. But there was something that seemed to stop the two of you from seeing eye to eye, and it was that map.

But there was one more thing Satoru felt guilty about. And that was his dream about you. 

Satoru didn’t remember exactly how it started, but all he knew was that you were the last person supposed to be there. 

You looked the same as you did a few nights ago, but instead of being in your heavy skirts, you were in a sheer nightgown. You were lying down on his bed facing away from him, and from where he was standing, he could see the outline of your supple breasts and the gentle curve of your waist.

“Sweetheart?” he murmured as he walked closer to where you were lying. As he got closer, he could hear the soft sounds of your cries, and he noticed your shoulders were shaking. He sat down on his bed and put his hand on your shoulder to give you some kind of comfort. Something he couldn’t do to the real you.

“Why do you always hurt me? I’ve done nothing but help you,” you sniffed.

Satisfaction.

Satoru felt a deep satisfaction because you were crying over him.

He shouldn’t have felt that way, but seeing your tears made him feel like he was in control. Just how he liked it. You turned around to face him, and he could see your teary-eyed expression in the candlelight. It made him happy that you suffered all because you liked him.

“You look so pretty when you cry,” he murmured as he stroked your tear-stained cheek.

The dream version of you stared up at him, seemingly analyzing every detail of him with your glossy eyes. You watched as Gojou took off his boots and made his way up his bed to rest his back against the headboard. He gripped your waist and lifted you from where you were sitting to sit on his lap.

“What are you doing in my chambers sitting half-naked and crying, sweetheart?”

“My best wasn’t as comfortable as yours,” you shrugged, ignoring the crying and half-naked part.

“Your bed wasn’t as comfortable as mine? Well, we can’t have that, can we, baby?”

You shook your head, docile like a rabbit. 

As soon as you sat in his lap, you immediately connected your lips with a soft gesture as he tasted the salt from your tears.

Gojou kissed you passionately as his large hand caressed your face, moving down from your cheeks to your collarbones and back, and finally, his hands rested on your backside. You sighed, leaning into the kiss, desperate to feel the warmth of his body, feeling the familiar heat pool in his belly.

“What do you want me to do, Sweetheart,” Gojou asked, breaking the kiss.

You were silent for a moment before responding, “I want you to fuck me.”

He groaned at your response and flipped the two of you over so that he was on top. You could feel his weight as he ground his hips against the flimsy piece of underwear you wore. You could feel his hardening cock rubbing against your clothed pussy and your inner thigh. He wanted to rip that sheer nightgown off your body and bury his head between your thighs, wondering how you would taste.

“I wanna feel your cock inside me. Please?” you moaned out.

You looked so pretty, so beautiful beneath him. Gojou sat up and made work untying his linen shirt and ridding himself of his breeches, which were practically useless by this point. You helped him untie his top, seemingly eager to be closer to him. When he managed to undo the last string, he pulled down his shorts, revealing his cock that slapped against his stomach.

Fuck he’s so hard, and he’s only dreaming.

There was only one problem: you still had your clothes on, or what could be considered clothes, considering it left nothing to the imagination. Gojou began dragging his fingers along the arousal-soaked underwear you wore. You shuddered when he slipped his hand inside your underwear, gliding his fingers through your soaked folds, almost dipping inside your hole but going back to your clit.

A small moan escaped you, and Gojou decided he wanted to see more, even if it was just a dream. He removed his hand from your underwear, hooked it onto the bands, and muttered, "Lift your hips" to you before removing your underwear. You closed your legs, embarrassed of the mess between your thighs and how wet you were for a man who made you cry and treated you like you were nothing. He pried your legs apart and was greeted by a small patch of hair, and he could see your hole clenching, desperate to be filled.

“Why are you so shy, hm?” He breathed. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”

Gojou focused his attention back on your neck, feathering soft kisses around the skin before moving to your breasts, lowering the straps of your thin chemise. You were arching your back as he descended further in further until he was face to face with your sopping cunt. He was quick to begin lapping at the entrance with his tongue until you were quietly moaning his name. “S-Satoru!”

It was like music to his ears and Satoru thought he could stay in this dream forever. 

“You taste so sweet, sweetheart. I could stay here forever,” he murmured, circling your sensitive bud before looking back at your slit, slightly spreading them apart to look at the mess you made. Satoru took one last look before grabbing his erect manhood and lining it up with your core, sliding his tip against your core to gather some of your arousal before sliding himself in. But before he could do anything his dream started becoming blurry and soon enough, he realized he was going to wake up.

All of a sudden, the world around him began to grow fuzzy, like a painting that was smeared by careless hands. Satoru blinked, trying to clear his vision, but it was ultimately useless. The edges of everything became clearer, and the next thing he knew, he was lying in a cold sweat on his bed in his captain’s chambers.

Satoru clenched his jaw, shaking his head to try and rid the images of his indecent dream. It was just a dream. Though his mind kept drifting back to the way your lips had lingered on his, and the heat of your body that was pressed against his in ways that felt all too real. It that dream he could touch you without restraint, kiss you without hesitation, and indulge in the desire he fought so hard to ignore.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath. The frustration was mounting, but there was something else. A wet patch on his breeches. He glanced down and a wave of embarrassment swept over him, realizing how deep his dream had sunk his claws into him.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to push down the storm of emotions, but it was no use. Even here in the safety of his chambers, he couldn’t escape you.

Satoru stared out the small window of his quarters, the moonlight coming through the window, spilling in like silver threads. Why you? Why now? Of all the things haunting his subconscious, why was it you that left him so unhinged?

He needed control—over himself and his thoughts, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to let you go.

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SNEAK PEEK 👀 RoL (12)

a/n; small little peek of the upcoming chapter !! read it now on my patreon, or you can wait til 18th Jan 2025 KST for it to be released here & ao3 ~ ヾ(•ω•`)o

You were on a video call with Aki as you told her your plans of visiting Japan during fall break. Her eyes lit up immediately you thought light would eventually shine through them. “Really!? You’re gonna be flying in?”

Aki always said she has a black cat personality. But, you’d like to think she’s more of a golden retriever. “Yeah, we’re thinking of flying in next week.”

“Whoa. We? Are your parents joining? Also, did you move places? Thank God, but please don’t tell me it’s in another shady neighbourhood.”

“Whoa, you,” you laughed, “One question at a time, girlie. I’m flying in with my friends. Yeah, I moved places and no, it’s not in a shady neighbourhood. I’m actually sharing a place with –”

“Whoa, there. You’re sharing a place with someone? Oh my God, is this a character development?”

A knock is heard at your door and it is pushed open, “Hey, pup, Mingyu is asking –”

His words die in his throat as he sees Aki on the screen of your laptop.

Aki blinks once, then twice.

“Is that… Is that Choi Seungcheol?”

Seungcheol snaps out of his frozen state a few seconds later, snorting when he approaches you. “Well, if it isn’t Kim Aki. I do not miss you one bit.”

Aki scoffs, rolling her eyes as she flips him off. “Likewise, you asshole. But, I do miss beating your ass. In fact, I might do that when I see you in the flesh!”

And thus, it was as if the years of Seungcheol’s absence never happened. The trio dynamic remained the same – Seungcheol and Aki bickering as usual, you being the diffuser. “Okay, enough of you two bickering,” you roll your eyes, “What is it about Gyu?”

“Ah, right. Gyu wants to know if you want to book a hotel room or an airbnb,” Seungcheol responds, handing you his phone to show you the multiple screenshots of hotels and airbnbs Mingyu had sent. “An airbnb would be cheaper since we’ll split the cost, but… I’m not sure you’d want to stay in a house with four men. Especially if they’re Wonwoo and Mingyu.”

“Wonwoo and Mingyu?” Aki pipes in, “You mean the famous streamer and model?”

“It’s a long story, honestly… I’ll tell you all about it when we meet. This is something we need to have brunch over.”

“Yeah, given their… hormonal nature, I don’t think you’d wanna hear them if we share a living space.”

“What about Vernon?”

“He sleeps like a log. Literally. There was one time we rented a homestay with a karaoke system, Wonwoo and Mingyu were singing to some Adele song; you know how high notes that woman can go and… super high notes ain’t really their thing. Bro slept through the entire thing.”

“So… if WonGyu were to have a threesome, an orgy… He just sleeps through it..?”

Aki snorts through the skin, “Oh, honey, there are people who can sleep through a lot of things. I dated this one guy who slept through an entire frat party!”

Seungcheol chuckles, shaking his head, “Sounds like something Vernon would do.”

“I don’t understand,” Aki says, cocking her head to the side, “Why can’t she stay with me? My parents are more than happy to have her over.”

Seungcheol narrows his eyes, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pulls you close, “Listen here, you prick. You’ve had her for the past five or six years. Which I do appreciate that you’ve been there and looked out for her. But, this time, she’s mine to spend time with.”

A knowing smirk tugs at Aki’s lips when she hears the way he says ‘mine’. She raises her hands up in mock surrender, “Alright~ She’s all yours. My suggestion is those three boys can rent an airbnb together or yall can share two hotel rooms. ___ can have one room while you boys share one; or two considering that streamer model duo.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad…”

“Or, you can share a room with Seungcheol.”

You looked at Aki as though a pair of dog ears had grown out of her head. “Look, by all means I am not making this sound like you are at fault. But, considering the whole stalking and assault incident, I’d say rooming with Seungcheol would be the safer option.”

“But –”

“Look, I know everyone out there makes Japan out to be this country with a super low crime rate; which is true, but when crimes do happen, it goes from one to a hundred just like that.”

Aki snaps her fingers to emphasize her point. She also heaves out a sigh, “And, the stalking cases in Japan are crazy, too… I-I just want you to be safe, ___. Plus, that man beside you is a boxer; not professional but he’s a trained boxer!”

You turn to look up at Seungcheol who seems to catch on to your upcoming question, “I’m okay with it, pup. The question is, are you okay with that arrangement?”

You’re quiet for a few moments, weighing the pros and cons (although there aren’t many cons). “Yeah, I’m okay with it.”

[mrsportgas]

The Neightbor CHAPTER 3.

Summary: The story takes place in the real world. Shanks, your unbearable neighbor, makes you a proposition that you're unsure whether to reject. It could be the start of a friendship, or maybe something more?

SHANKS X YOU

WARNING: Except for the first chapter, the rest will contain scenes of sex and violence, making this fanfic strictly +18.

TAG LIST: @buggsclownie @commanderfreethatdust

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

SHANKS POV

Everything was calm. I was at the bar, sharing laughs with my friends and a group of girls who had decided to join the conversation. One of them kept touching my arm and flirting shamelessly, but being the gentleman I am, I just keep talking to her to be nice, but my mind was elsewhere.

I watched Y/N as she walked towards the bar and I noticed something different in her face, like she was dealing with a dilemma.

She was walking quickly, with an expression of determination that intrigued me. I couldn’t help but let my eyes follow her, from her gaze to her body. Every move she made had me captivated, but I didn’t let it show on my face. I didn’t want to draw too much attention.

Before I could process what was going on, Y/N was in front of me. In a move I didn’t see coming, her hands slid up my neck, getting closer to me so quickly and decisively that I barely had time to react. I felt her lips press against mine with overwhelming passion, without a second thought.

For an instant, I froze. The initial surprise quickly faded, and my instincts took over. My hands found her waist, pulling her towards me, while my other hand went to her hair, gripping it firmly. I responded to her kiss with the same intensity, our tongues meeting in a battle of desire. Around me, I heard the cheers and laughter of my friends, but all that faded into the background. We were immersed in our own world, though I sensed there was something deeper behind this kiss.

Y/N pulled away from me, her face flushed with embarrassment. My eyes quickly met hers, but then I noticed something that disturbed me: her wrist, reddened. I lowered my gaze to it, and my expression hardened.

"Did he hurt you?" I asked, with clear concern in my voice.

She didn’t answer immediately, just lowered her gaze to her wrist. My jaw tightened. What had happened to bring her to this point?

"What happened, Y/N?" I pressed, trying to keep the irritation that was starting to bubble up inside me under control. She remained silent, but I didn’t need more to understand that someone had done something to her. The atmosphere around us started to shift. The confusion on her face told me something was wrong.

I gently took her hand and guided her to a quieter corner of the bar, where the laughter and noise of the party began to fade. I didn’t want her to feel any more pressure than necessary.

"Are you alright, pretty? Do you want me to take you home?" I asked, trying to ease the tension in the air. But she shook her head, clearly trying to compose herself.

"Who’s that guy?" I asked again, more calmly this time, moving a little closer while my hand softly caressed her back.

"He's my ex… He won't leave me alone," she admitted, closing her eyes. The exhaustion in her voice made it clear this wasn’t something new for her. But what she said next surprised me.

"I'm sorry about before… I was an idiot. I shouldn’t have kissed you without your permission."

I couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Was she apologizing for kissing me? It wasn’t necessary, but what concerned me most at that moment was the situation with that guy. My eyes scanned the room, and sure enough, there he was, watching the scene with an arrogant smile. Ah, so that’s why Y/N had done it, to get rid of him.

"I can´t handle the situation anymore, I don´t know what else to do".

I stepped closer to her, gently pushing her body with mine, my lips finding hers again. This time the kiss was more intense, full of intention. I wanted to make something clear, not just to Y/N, but to her ex. This wasn’t just a game. As we lost ourselves in that kiss once again, I was aware of her vulnerability, but also of the gaze that was watching us from a distance.

Then, with a soft whisper in her ear, I asked, "Do you trust me?" My breath mingled with the warmth of her skin as I lightly bit her earlobe. I felt her nod, surrendering completely to the moment.

I couldn’t help but smile, enjoying the control I had over the situation. Slowly, I lifted the hem of her dress a bit, sliding my hand underneath to firmly grip her ass. My fingers sank into her skin as I returned to her mouth, devouring her with a restrained desire. I knew Kid was watching, and I wanted him to know one thing: he didn’t stand a chance here.

I kissed Y/N with more intensity, feeling her body surrender to mine. My hand remained firmly on her ass, gripping her as if to mark my territory, sending a clear message to anyone watching. Her soft sighs between our kisses only fueled the fire that was burning inside me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the boy standing there, his face twisted in fury. His hands clenched into fists, knuckles turning white as his body trembled with frustration. The sight of Y/N in my arms, especially with my hand gripping her so intimately, was pushing him to his limit. His arrogant smirk from earlier had completely vanished, replaced by a storm of rage and humiliation.

But I didn’t stop. I wanted him to feel every second of this. I wanted him to understand that Y/N was no longer his to claim or torment. Each kiss, each touch, each pull of her body closer to mine was a deliberate act of defiance.

I could feel Y/N’s heartbeat racing against my chest, the mix of adrenaline and desire palpable between us. Her breath came out in soft gasps as I broke the kiss, moving my lips down to her neck, tasting her skin. I heard her whisper my name, barely audible, as I kissed her gently, my hand still holding her tightly.

In the background, the atmosphere began to shift. Kid’s fury was hard to ignore now. He took a few steps forward, his jaw clenched, eyes burning with anger as he shouted over the noise of the party, "Get your damn hands off her!"

The tension in the air thickened, and I felt Y/N stiffen slightly in my arms. I pulled back just enough to lock eyes with Kid, who now stood glaring at me, looking ready to burst.

"What's the problem?" I asked calmly, my voice deliberately cool and collected. I didn’t move an inch, my hand still resting on Y/N, making it clear that I wasn’t intimidated.

"She's not yours!" he spat, his voice trembling with fury. "You don’t get to touch her like that!"

I smirked, tilting my head slightly, enjoying the look of frustration that crossed his face. "Looks like she doesn’t belong to you either," I replied, my tone sharp, watching the fire in his eyes grow. "Maybe you should learn to take a hint."

The words hit him hard, and I could see the veins in his neck pulsing as his rage built up. But I wasn’t about to let this escalate into a fight, not yet. I leaned closer to Y/N, pressing a soft kiss to her temple before whispering in her ear, "Stay close to me."

She nodded, her fingers tightening their grip on my shirt, as though she trusted me to handle the situation. And I would.

Kid’s temper was getting the better of him, and it was obvious he was on the edge of losing control. His eyes darted between Y/N and me, and for a second, I thought he might actually come at me. But I didn’t flinch. I knew exactly how to handle men like him, hot-headed and desperate for control.

"You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into" Kid growled, taking another step forward, his chest heaving with barely contained rage. "She’s mine. Always has been. You’re just some passing fling."

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "No. She’s not yours. And judging by the way she kissed me, I don’t think she ever wants to be again."

The crowd around us had quieted down now, sensing the tension. My friends stood ready in case things escalated further, but I wasn’t too worried. I knew the boy would think twice before throwing the first punch in front of so many witnesses. Still, I wasn’t going to let my guard down.

"You talk a big game, but let’s face it… You’re nothing to her now," I said, keeping my eyes locked on his, the smirk never leaving my lips. "So why don’t you be smart for once, and walk away before this gets worse for you?"

Kid’s face turned crimson, his breathing heavy and erratic. He clenched his fists tighter, but after a long, tense moment, he finally seemed to realize that this was a fight he couldn’t win. Not like this.

"You’ll regret this," he hissed, glaring at me one last time before storming off, pushing through the crowd angrily.

I let out a small breath of relief as he disappeared from sight. The tension in the room began to ease, and the noise of the party slowly resumed. I looked down at Y/N, who was still holding onto me tightly, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety.

"You okay?" I asked softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She nodded, still catching her breath, but there was a quiet strength in her expression now.

I smiled and pulled her close again, my hand resting on her back. "He won’t bother you anymore, I promise"

YOUR POV

When we parted, I felt as though the world around us had changed somehow, as if all the chaos surrounding us had faded away. The curious stares, the murmurs of people, even the distant echo of Kid’s fury… none of it mattered anymore. It was just Shanks and me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, barely aware that I had spoken. “For… everything.” I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling. Shanks hadn’t just defended me; he had made me feel valued in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“You don’t need to thank me,” Shanks replied, his voice deep and filled with a calmness that wrapped around me. “Besides, now we’re even. A kiss for a kiss.”

I looked around, noticing how the party was slowly returning to its normal flow. Laughter and music once again filled the air, and although I could still feel the occasional glance thrown our way, I no longer cared. We walked back toward the group, and Shanks drifted off to chat with his friends while mine approached me.

"Oh my God, Y/N, are you okay? I don’t even know what just happened," Nami said, breathless.

“I’m fine, girls. I’d rather forget about it… and about Kid.”

"Yeah, let’s just go home," Nami continued.

“Actually, girls… I think I’ll stay here… with them,” Robin said casually.

“With them… or with someone specific, Robin?” Nami teased, laughing.

“Alright, just give us a call if you need anything. You’re not staying, Nami?”

“I will, but only if you don’t leave by yourself,” Nami said, winking at me.

I glanced over at Shanks. He gave me a sense of calm I couldn’t deny. I watched him from afar, talking to his friends, his relaxed and confident demeanor making it seem as though what had just happened didn’t affect him at all.

But I still felt the fire burning inside me. Not just because of what had happened with Kid, but because of what Shanks had awakened in me. From the moment his hands had brushed against my body, his mouth claiming mine, everything had changed. Something inside me had ignited, and I knew that this night wouldn’t simply end with a casual chat and goodbye.

Shanks turned back toward me, a sly smile forming on his lips as if he already knew what I was thinking. He stopped right in front of me, his gaze locked intensely on mine.

“Ready to go?” he asked, his tone casual, but the spark in his eyes told me there was nothing casual about his suggestion.

I nodded, my heart racing. I wanted to be with him, to feel the connection we had shared in every kiss, every touch.

We got into Shanks' car, a comfortable silence filling the space. He slid into the driver’s seat, and I settled into the passenger seat, still feeling the warmth of his proximity on my skin.

The engine purred softly as we pulled away from the noisy party. My gaze drifted to the city lights slowly passing by the window, my thoughts swirling in my mind. I couldn’t believe what had happened; from the kiss at the party to now, it all felt surreal.

I felt a slight brush against my leg, and when I looked down, I saw Shanks’ hand resting casually on my thigh. His touch was gentle, almost as if he didn’t want to impose anything, but at the same time, it made me feel safe, as if everything would be alright as long as he was near.

“Are you okay?” Shanks asked, his deep, soothing voice breaking the silence.

I nodded again, my heart still racing. “Yeah… I’m just a little overwhelmed by everything that happened tonight.”

Shanks glanced at me from the corner of his eye, though he kept his focus on the road. I could see the concern on his face. “You don’t need to worry about Kid anymore,” he said, his tone firm yet reassuring.

His words, though simple, filled me with relief. I knew that if anyone could make Kid back off, it was Shanks. But I didn’t want this night to revolve around that idiot.

“Thank you,” I murmured, and with a small smile, I added, “Although, to be honest, I don’t think you were just protecting me. It seemed like you enjoyed teaching him a lesson too.”

Shanks let out a soft chuckle, the sound filling the car with an unexpected warmth. “Maybe a little,” he admitted with a mischievous smile. “But mostly, I wanted to make something clear: you deserve way more than someone like him.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I looked at him, my gaze lingering on his profile under the flickering city lights. There was something about Shanks, a blend of confidence, strength, and a tenderness I hadn’t expected to find in someone like him. I wanted to say something, to express what I was feeling, but the words seemed to get stuck in my throat.

Before I could respond, Shanks reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small white card. He handed it to me without taking his eyes off the road.

“What’s this?” I asked, taking the card between my fingers.

“My work card,” he replied with a playful smile. “I don’t usually give my personal number to just anyone…” he said, laughing lightly.

I looked at the card, surprised by the gesture. It had his name, “Shanks D.,” and the details of what seemed to be a research company. My pulse quickened as I realized that he was not only trusting me with his personal number but also his work contact. It felt like a deeper connection beyond what had happened tonight.

“Thank you,” I whispered, carefully placing the card into my bag.

His gaze met mine briefly, and something in his expression made me feel a warmth I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was as if, beneath that carefree facade, there was someone who truly wanted to take care of me.

When we arrived at his house, he parked the car and turned toward me, his hand still resting on my leg. “Do you want to stay? Or if you want to go home, I’ll understand.”

My heart melted a little at that. He was thoughtful, even though the situation was clearly leading us toward something more. But in that moment, I knew I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to keep being close to him, and I didn’t want to sleep alone in my cold house.

“Thank you,” I said once more, my voice a bit stronger. “But I’d rather not be alone tonight.”

A soft smile curved his lips as he turned off the car. “Then let’s go inside.”

His fingers briefly intertwined with mine as he guided me toward his house. When we were inside, we climbed the stairs. I stayed silent for a moment, watching him as he walked toward what I assumed was the guest room, returning moments later without his jacket. I could still feel the heat of his hand on my leg, the way his touch had both comforted and excited me at the same time.

"You can sleep in my bed, you'll be more comfortable," Shanks said softly. "I’ll head to the guest room."

As he prepared the bed, I stood in the doorway, watching him for a few moments. He seemed so focused, so considerate. But deep down, something inside me urged me not to let this night end with us in separate rooms.

When he finished arranging the sheets, Shanks turned to me with a gentle smile. “It’s all set. You can sleep here. If you need anything, I’ll be in the room at the end of the hall.”

He stood near the door, giving me a brief smile. It was almost like he was trying to wrap up the night. I could feel the hesitation in the air, as if there was something unspoken lingering between us. My heart raced, and I couldn't let him leave just like that.

"Shanks…" I said softly, taking a deep breath. "Stay with me tonight."

His hand paused on the doorknob, and I saw the conflict in his eyes as he turned to face me. For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His gaze softened as it met mine, and I could see the desire flicker across his face, but there was something else there too—something holding him back.

"You know, Y/N," he began, his voice low and rough, "there’s a lot to consider here." He hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "There’s an age difference between us. I’m an older than you, and… I don’t want you to regret this later."

I stepped closer to him, feeling the tension between us building. "I won’t regret it," I whispered, my voice steady. "I don’t care about the age difference."

Shanks let out a heavy breath, clearly torn. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing away for a moment, as if trying to gather his thoughts. "Y/N," he muttered, his voice slightly strained, "this is not something I take lightly. You’re young, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. I don’t want you to feel like this is something you have to do."

I shook my head, moving even closer until I was right in front of him. "This is what I want," I said firmly, my eyes locking with his. "I want you."

Shanks looked down at me, his expression softening, but there was still that flicker of doubt in his eyes. I could see him wrestling with himself, torn between what he thought was right and what he actually desired. His hand reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face, his touch warm and tender.

"You don’t know how much I want this too," he murmured, his voice deep and hushed.

I could see that he was trying to protect me, to be the responsible one. But I wasn’t going to let him push me away. I reached for his hand, holding it between mine. "Then don’t overthink it," I whispered. "Fuck me"

For a long moment, Shanks didn’t move. His hand remained in mine, his gaze searching my face as if he was looking for reassurance, for permission. And then, slowly, he let out a breath, and I saw the final traces of his resistance fade. His hand tightened around mine.

"Alright," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "As you wish sweetheart"

As Shanks’ hand tightened around mine, the air between us shifted, charged with an undeniable energy. He leaned in slowly, his lips brushing mine with a tenderness that almost made me shiver. The kiss was slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring every second, every touch. His hand moved to cradle the back of my neck, pulling me closer as our lips moved in sync, the soft pressure of his mouth sending waves of heat through my body.

I could feel his hesitation slowly melting away, replaced by an unspoken desire. His other hand slid down to my waist, tracing the curve of my hips as he deepened the kiss, his tongue gently teasing mine. I responded in kind, my hands sliding up his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers.

His lips left mine for a moment, trailing down to my jawline and then to my neck, his breath warm against my skin. Every kiss, every touch, felt like it was setting me on fire. My hands found their way to his shirt, and I began to unbutton it slowly, my fingers trembling slightly as I worked my way down. Shanks watched me, his eyes dark and focused, as if he was waiting for my every move.

When his shirt finally slid off his broad shoulders, I let my hands roam over his bare chest, feeling the firm muscles beneath my fingertips. His perfectly sculpted muscles lay beneath my hands. There was no denying that he had dedicated himself to working on that body to perfection; every muscle was perfectly defined.

I stayed admiring his body for a while. "Like what you see?" he said, raising his voice now with a cocky smile. "Now, you ask me to fuck you. Are you sure?" He said whispering in my ear

I nod and he continued " Great. Then you gonna be a good girl and do everything i say?"

I nod for a second time.

Shanks' eyes darkened with desire as he moved closer, his hands sliding up my body with a mix of passion and control. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt the heat between us intensify.

Without saying a word, his fingers found the hem of my dress, gripping it firmly before pulling it over my head in one swift motion. His gaze roamed over my exposed skin, and I could see the raw hunger in his eyes as he took in every inch of me.

With a fiery determination, he reached for my bra, his movements becoming more urgent, more intense. His hands were rough but deliberate, and the way he undressed me sent waves of anticipation through me. Piece by piece, he stripped away my clothes, his fingers brushing my skin with a fierce tenderness that made my heart race.

His breathing grew heavier, and I could feel the weight of his desire in every movement. He was holding back, trying to stay in control, but I could see the fire burning behind his eyes. He wanted this just as much as I did, and I could sense the passion simmering beneath his restraint.

His eyes roamed over my body, now lying naked except for my panties, as he licked his lips. "You're stunning."

With both hands gripping my waist, he swiftly and powerfully turned me around. His left hand found its place on my neck, guiding my body toward the wall, pressing my face and chest against it.

His right hand settled on my hip, pulling me backward slightly, before slowly sliding down to my ass, delivering a quick, firm smack.

I moaned in response.

After that, his hand traveled back to my thigh, urging me to spread my legs while his fingers traced the fabric of my underwear. When they reached the center, he began moving a single finger in perfect circles over my clit.

I moaned again, needing more. "Shanks… please."

He slid his hand beneath my panties, one finger venturing lower, searching for my entrance, while the others massaged my burning clit in precise movements. When he reached my entrance, he gently slid his finger inside, searching for my G-spot. A moan escaped my lips, and Shanks let out a satisfied huff with a small smirk.

"I'm going to make you come until you can't take it anymore, and then you'll be a good girl and take all of me," he whispered, his sensual tone driving me wild.

He started moving his fingers with perfectly calculated motions. I had never felt anything like it; no one had ever been able to do this. His other hand slid up to my breasts, massaging them and teasing my nipples while he added a second finger. The room was filled with my moans and cries of pleasure.

Shanks grabbed my neck, leaning close to my ear. "You're so wet… If you're good, later I’ll let you ride me."

And that was my undoing. The ball of pleasure that had been building deep inside me exploded throughout my entire body, sending me soaring, my legs trembling, and a deep moan escaping my lips.

He grabbed me firmly, guiding me toward the bed, his strong hands turning me around again. "Lie down," he commanded in a dominant tone, his eyes filled with lust and fierceness, directing me toward the bed. He grabbed a pillow, positioning it beneath my back.

I lay down on the bed as he instructed, still trying to catch my breath, while Shanks tugged my panties down, slipping them off one leg and tossing them to the floor.

Then, he positioned himself between my legs, kissing my thighs before making his way back to my most intimate parts.

NEXT CHAPTER

[xxspringmelodyxx]

The Legend~

Childe(Ajax) x F. Reader (angst)

A/n: you guys…it is 4 in the morning and I have not slept yet🥲✌️ but I hope you all enjoy this chapter and story. I really had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you have fun reading! But enough of me talking, let’s get onto the reading! Thank you again and have a great day/night my lovelies🥰🥰

As I strolled down the sidewalk, anticipation bubbled within me for yet another mission with Ajax. Despite the short notice, my excitement overshadowed any inconvenience. Ajax’s enthusiasm for my company mirrored my own, filling me with a warm sense of camaraderie. I had initially planned to spend time with Jean, but when I explained the situation, she graciously understood.

She playfully teased me about Ajax, insinuating a romantic connection that wasn’t there. Despite my protests, she persisted with a knowing smirk, leaving me flustered but amused.

——

“Okay, well when you get back, you and I are going to have a girls day out.” Jean said, a smirk coming to her face.

“And…try not to have too much fun with that boyfriend of yours.” She teased, making your face heat up

“Shut up, Jean. He’s not my boyfriend…we are just friends!” You retorted.

She just chuckled in disbelief.

“Yeah, okay. Just friends…we will stick with that for now.”

——

"Now, you were just moments away from Ajax. Moments away from the man who enveloped you in warmth and joy, who effortlessly brought laughter to your lips when you needed it most. Your heart fluttered with anticipation as his familiar, comforting voice reached your ears. With a quickened pace, you approached, a smile spreading across your face at the sight of his tousled hair.

However, as you finally reached him, your joy faltered at the presence of another girl – the infamous traveler, Lumine.

"Oh, n/n! I thought I had told you... I guess I forgot in the midst of everything," Ajax said, his smile directed towards Lumine.

"Tell me what?" you inquired, a knot forming in your stomach.

"Well... I actually don't need you for this mission this week. Lumine offered to help, and I couldn't refuse. She's quite renowned around here. So, you're free to do whatever you want!" Ajax's words stung, a pang of hurt piercing your chest. Despite years of fighting alongside him, you couldn't shake the feeling of being second choice. Yet, you managed to mask your disappointment with a forced acceptance.

"O-Oh... well, alright. If you'd rather go with her, then I suppose it's an opportunity for me to rest," you replied, attempting to quell the rising jealousy within you.

Ajax's smile and pat on your shoulder did little to ease the sting. "Thanks, y/n! I knew you'd understand! I'll catch up with you another time. How about joining me on my next mission? Next week?" he proposed.

Your smile returned, though tinged with a hint of sadness. "Sure! I'd love that."

"Great! See you then! Take care, n/n!" With that, Ajax departed with Lumine, leaving you with a fading smile and a heavy heart.

As they disappeared from view, your once-wide smile faded into a solemn frown. With a soft sigh, you turned on your heel, making your way back to Jean to relay what had transpired."

*****

"He did what!?" Jean's voice rang out with fury, her fists slamming onto the table. You couldn't help but widen your eyes, taken aback by Jean's uncharacteristic outburst.

"Jean, calm down. It's really not a big deal," you attempted to reassure her, though her agitation was palpable.

"No! He stood you up! Left you in the dust to be with that girl!" Jean's frustration boiled over, her tone laced with indignation.

"Lumine," you interjected softly, trying to bring a semblance of reason to the conversation.

"I don't care what her name is! What matters is that he abandoned my best friend," Jean retorted, her frustration evident in every word.

"Jean, please. He promised we can go another time. He even suggested I join him on his next mission," you explained, hoping to quell her anger.

"And you believe him? After what he did just now?" Jean's skepticism was palpable, her doubt weighing heavily in the air.

"Well... yeah," you replied hesitantly, feeling a pang of uncertainty.

Jean scoffed, turning away from you in frustration. "He made a mistake, Jean! I'm sure he didn't mean to. He just—" you started, attempting to defend Ajax.

"No. Don't make excuses for him. He's not a child anymore. Anyone with an ounce of decency would have known better," Jean interrupted, her voice tinged with disappointment.

You sighed, watching as Jean composed herself. "Sorry... it's just... I hate seeing you hurt. You're like the sister I never had. And when someone hurts someone close to me, I just... lose it," Jean confessed, her anger subsiding into a softer tone.

"I understand, Jean... but give him another chance. I truly believe this is just a one-time thing. He won't do it again. I know it," you reassured her, offering a small smile.

Jean looked away, lost in thought for a moment. After a deep breath, she relented. "Okay. If you trust him, then I guess I should too," she conceded with a smile.

"Good. Now, enough about him. Let's go get something to eat. I'm starving!" you suggested, pulling her out of her chair.

"You read my mind," Jean replied with a giggle, the tension between you gradually dissipating as you turned your attention to more pleasant matters.

*****

I woke up with excitement once again. Today was the day! The day I get to hang out with Ajax and go on an adventure with him for the weekend! I quickly got out of bed, took a shower, and got ready.

I grabbed my sword and ran out of the house, not wasting a minute. I scurried around people, finding my way to Ajax’s and our meetup spot—a lonely little area just outside Mondstadt. It took me a good 30 minutes to get there, but I made it just on time. And there he was, waiting... but again... he was not alone.

"Hey Ajax! I’m here!" I said, my smile faltering just a bit as I, once again, saw Lumine.

“Oh… hey n/n… hey listen-“ He started, but I cut him off.

“Are you ditching me again?” My voice quieted a bit, betraying my disappointment.

He looked away from me, avoiding my saddened eyes. “Look, y/n. This is a really tough mission… and it requires someone with a lot of strength and skill-“

“Are you saying I don’t have those?” I interjected, hurt evident in my tone.

“No! Not at all… but you don’t exactly have any… abilities… visions if you will. Lumine here does,” he explained, his words feeling like a blow to my heart.

“Oh…” I could barely muster a response, my disappointment weighing heavily on me.

“Look, n/n… I just don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all!” He tried to defend himself.

I looked up at him and nodded. “It’s okay, Ajax. I understand. I appreciate that you care for me that way. I’ll just see you next time. Maybe we could just hang out when you get back?” I suggested, trying to hide my disappointment.

“Well… Lumine and I were actually going to go out after our mission,” he added, crushing my hopes even further.

“Out?” I repeated, the disappointment evident in my voice.

“Yeah! You know, hang out for a bit. Show her around town and all that.”

“Oh. Okay. Well then how about the wee-“ I started, but he cut me off.

“How about I just contact you when I’m available? That way we can spend all day together! Does that sound good?” He asked, making me nod weakly.

“Y-Yeah. Sure!” I forced a smile, attempting to mask my disappointment.

He then placed his hand on my head. “Thanks for being so cooperative with me, n/n. I appreciate it.”

“Of course!” I replied, forcing cheerfulness into my tone.

“Well, we had better get going then. See ya later, n/n!” He yelled, grabbing Lumine's hand and running away.

I went back home, spending the rest of my day there. I didn’t tell Jean though. I just told her I was called on another trip that was more important.

******

As you lay in bed, tears streaming down your face, you couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal and inadequacy. Did Ajax really think you were too weak to fight alongside him? Despite not having a vision, you had proven yourself countless times in battle, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ajax against formidable foes. Yet, his actions spoke volumes, leaving you questioning your worth as a fighter and as a friend.

The presence of Lumine only exacerbated your turmoil. While everyone seemed enamored by her, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered whenever she was around. It was as if she held secrets, hidden behind her flawless facade. Perhaps it was just your own insecurities magnified by the situation with Ajax, but the doubt gnawed at you relentlessly.

With a heavy heart, you turned over in bed, unable to find solace in sleep. The events of the day replayed in your mind, tormenting you with thoughts of what could have been. Yet, despite the pain and uncertainty, you resolved to let it go, at least for the night. Dwelling on it further would only serve to deepen the wounds already inflicted.

Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes, willing yourself to find peace amidst the chaos. Tomorrow was a new day, and with it, the possibility of clarity and resolution. For now, all you could do was surrender to the embrace of sleep, hoping that the morning would bring a sense of renewal and understanding.

*******

Months had passed since Ajax reached out to you. What’s worse is that he had been spending all of that time with Lumine. You want to speak with him? Sorry, he’s busy talking with Lumine. You want to spar with him? No chance, as he is already with Lumine. You want to hangout, even if it's just for a few minutes? No can do missy. He can’t waste any time now that he's hanging out with Lumine.

He was really getting on your nerves. He sometimes acted like you didn’t even exist to him and just straight up ignored you.

You had been so understanding with him, very fluid even.

You reached out to him today to see if he could hang out with you, but again, he denied. He said he had to babysit his little brother, who you knew very well as you had been his training teacher.

Unfortunately, as you were walking down the streets of Mondstat, you managed to see him and Lumine together…again.

The anger that simmered beneath the surface threatened to boil over as you realized Ajax had once again brushed you aside, opting to spend his time with Lumine instead.

With each rejection, each snub, Ajax's actions chipped away at your patience and understanding. How could he treat you this way after all you had been through together? The hurt and betrayal gnawed at your heart, fueling the fire of resentment that burned within you.

Finally reaching your breaking point, you confronted Ajax, your voice cutting through the air like a blade.

“Ajax!” You yelled, catching his and everyone else’s attention.

He was chuckling with Lumine, his arm wrapped around her.

Your suspicions had been confirmed about them…they had finally become a couple…just like that.

You felt hurt, angry, and sad.

When Ajax heard your voice, he turned with fear in his eyes as he realized he had been caught.

“N/n! W-What are you-“

*smack*

Everyone gasped as you slapped Ajax across the face. He looked at you with shock written all over his face

Tears were welling up in your eyes

“How could you!?”

He just stared down at you with confusion

“How could you just lie to me? Is that what you've been doing all this time? You’ve been lying to me? So you can be with her?!” You yelled as short sobs came out of your mouth.

“N/n…I-“

“Don’t ‘n/n’ me.” You interrupted

“After all these years, a girl suddenly comes in and just makes you change how you treat me!? For months, I have been nothing but understanding towards you! I even missed out on big events just to hang out with you, only to be turned down by you…even though you were the one who ‘promised’ to be with me on another occasion! Just so you could be with a girl you barely even know! She could be an enemy for all we know” You lashed out. Suddenly, Diluc and Kaeya came out to stop you. Ajax's attempts to explain fell on deaf ears as your anger boiled over, drowning out any semblance of reason. The intervention of Diluc and Kaeya was a distant echo in the chaos of your fury as you pushed them away, unwilling to be restrained.

In that moment, all you could see was the betrayal etched on Ajax's face, a painful reminder of the shattered trust that lay between you. As the crowd murmured in hushed tones around you, you stood there, raw and vulnerable, grappling with the wreckage of a friendship torn asunder.

"Get off of me!" you yelled at them, your voice trembling with rage and hurt.

They hesitated for a moment, exchanging uncertain glances, but ultimately stepped back, allowing you to confront Ajax without interference.

Ajax stood before you, shock still etched on his features, his hand reaching up to touch the reddening imprint of your slap on his cheek.

"N/n, I... I didn't mean to..." he began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.

"Don't you dare try to justify this," you spat, your voice thick with emotion. "You've been lying to me, Ajax. Sneaking around with her behind my back, making excuses, ignoring me... Do you have any idea how that feels?"

"I-I didn't want to hurt you, n/n," Ajax stammered, desperation creeping into his voice. "I just... Lumine and I, we... it's complicated."

"Complicated? Complicated doesn't give you the right to treat me like I'm nothing," you shot back, tears now streaming down your cheeks unchecked. "You've been my partner, my friend for years, and now you throw it all away for some girl you barely know?"

Ajax opened his mouth to respond.

”Lumine is not just some girl! She’s special and she has done so much for our community!” He yelled back, growing frustrated with you.

"I don't want to hear it," you said, your voice cracking with emotion. "I trusted you, Ajax. I believed in you. And you've betrayed that trust in the worst possible way."

You stopped suddenly when you heard whispers going around you.

“Is she insane? Lumine could never hurt us!”

“She must be drunk.”

“She has no rights speaking that way of Lumine when she has done nothing for us.”

The murmurs around you cut deep, each word like a dagger to your wounded heart. But it was Ajax’s words that truly shattered your world. As he approached, his glare intensified, his voice laced with anger and disdain.

“You should leave,” he spat, his tone harsh and unforgiving. “Before you make everyone else mad. The way you speak about Lumine is unforgiving and unjust! You have no right to talk about her when you don’t even know who she truly is”

Your own anger surged in response. “Me!? What about you!?” you shot back, your voice trembling with emotion.

But Ajax’s response was like a final blow, leaving you reeling. “Enough! Go…you have done enough damage already. You have no right to talk about her like that, especially when she has done way more for this place than you ever have! All you can do is fight with a steel sword! You don’t even have a vision! Compared to her, you are nothing! A nobody!.”

His words pierced through you, leaving you feeling small and insignificant. The hatred in his eyes was like a knife to your heart, each word a painful reminder of the bond you thought you shared.

You looked around and saw everyone stare at you with the same look, even Diluc and Kaeya.

Tears welled up in your eyes again as you felt the sting of betrayal deep within your chest. Fine. If that’s what they want, then that’s what they’ll get.

You left the vicinity, tears streaming down your face, each step heavy with the weight of disappointment and hurt. Returning home, you collapsed onto your bed, your emotions a tumultuous storm raging within you.

******

Gazing at the picture of you and Ajax, memories of happier times flooded your mind. But now, those moments felt like distant echoes of a past that could never be reclaimed. With a surge of anger, you snatched the frame and hurled it to the ground, the glass shattering into a thousand shards mirroring the brokenness of your heart.

As you stared at the ruined photograph, Ajax's words echoed in your mind like a cruel mantra. "You have no right speaking about Lumine like that… you don’t even have a vision like her. You are nothing."

Curling up into a ball, you surrendered to the overwhelming wave of sorrow, your sobs echoing in the empty room. The pain of rejection and abandonment was almost too much to bear, leaving you feeling utterly alone and powerless.

Exhausted from the emotional turmoil, you drifted into a fitful sleep on the cold floor, your dreams haunted by echoes of lost friendships and shattered illusions.

*******

The next morning dawned with a pounding headache, a harsh reminder of the pain you couldn't escape. With a groan, you struggled to rise from your makeshift bed and stumbled to the sink, seeking solace in the promise of relief.

But as you opened the door, hope flickered within you at the sight of a note lying on your doorstep. Rushing forward, you eagerly seized it, praying for a sign of reconciliation from Ajax.

However, your hopes were swiftly dashed as you read the contents of the letter, each word like a dagger to your wounded spirit. It was a scathing rebuke from an anonymous sender, condemning you for your actions and branding you an embarrassment.

With a heavy heart, you crumpled the note in your hand, the weight of shame and rejection bearing down on you once more.

You saw a couple more next to your door, all the same types of letters. All of them belittling you for being worthless compared to Lumine or Ajax.

You crumpled up the papers and tossed them into the crackling fire, watching as they turned to ash before your eyes. But one stubborn piece refused to burn, its edges kissed by the flames but remaining untouched by their destructive force. Puzzled, you tried to push it deeper into the fire, but it stubbornly resisted, glowing with a strange golden light.

Frowning, you retrieved the unburnt paper from the fire, feeling its coolness against your fingertips. As you unfolded it, you were greeted by a mysterious emblem and a cryptic message, signed "L.E."

“Meet me in the forest near the old abandoned house you used to go to. There are some things we must discuss.”

Intrigued but skeptical, you dismissed it as junk and tore it up, tossing the pieces onto your table.

However, to your astonishment, the torn paper remained intact, defying the laws of nature. You couldn't help but feel a shiver of unease creeping down your spine as you approached the inexplicable phenomenon.

With a mixture of disbelief and curiosity, you read the message again, finding new words written elegantly on the paper, urging you to stop trying to destroy it and come talk to this mysterious figure named L.E.

Skeptical yet intrigued, you chuckled to yourself at the absurdity of the situation. Were you seriously considering meeting a stranger in the forest based on a bizarre message? Despite your doubts, a nagging feeling urged you to investigate further, curiosity tugging at your resolve.

…

…

Eh, why not. You’ve got nothing else to lose.

You folded the paper and stuffed it in your shoe, making sure it didn’t escape. You grabbed a new set of clothes and changed into them, grabbing a bag and a sword just in case. You looked back at your house and sighed

“Well, this might be it, big guy. Thanks for keeping me warm and safe. Hopefully you’ll do the same for another person.” You said as you went on your way.

You weren’t sure where this was going to go, but a part of you was excited to finally get out and explore…even if it meant endangering your life.

-time skip-

After a trek of about an hour, you arrived at the designated area, encountering minimal obstacles along the way. As you waited by the old house, anticipation building with each passing minute, you scanned the surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of your mysterious correspondent.

“I see you got my note,” a feminine voice cut through the silence, startling you. Reflexively, you drew your sword, ready to confront the unseen presence behind you, only to find yourself instantly thwarted.

Your eyes widened in disbelief as you beheld an older woman effortlessly holding your weapon with just two fingers.

“That’s quite enough of that, my dear. Your weapons pale in comparison to my abilities,” she declared with an air of authority.

“Who are you? And what do you want from me?” you inquired, your voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

She chuckled softly. “Straight to the point, just like your ancestor, Atlas.”

“What?” you queried, your confusion mounting. She regarded you with a quizzical expression.

“You mean to tell me you don’t know who I am?” she asked incredulously.

You shook your head at her question about your knowledge of your family history.

“Oh dear…your parents must not have taught you anything then…especially not about your family history. Well, I guess I’ll have to fill you in. But first, let’s relax with some tea. It’s quite soothing,” she suggested, conjuring a teapot out of thin air and pouring a warm, fragrant brew into a cup.

“How did you-“

“Tea first, questions later,” she interrupted gently, offering you a cup.

You hesitated, but her calm demeanor put you at ease, so you decided to take a sip. The tea was surprisingly delightful, its smooth flavor calming your nerves.

“Nice, isn’t it?” she remarked with a soft smile.

“Very…” you agreed, taking another sip.

“Now, let’s talk about why I’ve asked you here,” she continued, pouring more tea into your cup before launching into her tale.

“My name is Lady Eleanor. And I'm here to be your guide.”

“Guide? For what?” you inquired, taking another sip of the soothing tea.

“For your destiny, my dear,” she replied, her tone serious but kind.

“Destiny? What do you mean?” you asked, intrigued.

“You, my dear y/n, have a significant role to play,” she explained.

“Role? What role?” you pressed, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“You are meant to become the next guardian of a powerful force,” she revealed.

“Guardian? Of what?” you questioned, trying to grasp the magnitude of her words.

“For a unique and potent element,” she answered cryptically.

You sat in silence, absorbing her words and contemplating their implications, as she began to unravel the ancient history of your lineage and its connection to a remarkable element created thousands of years ago.

“Let me take you back to ancient times, nearly 30,000 years ago, when your ancestors forged a rare and powerful element. Among them were seven siblings, each endowed with a unique elemental vision. Scarlett wielded the fiery pyro vision, Evelyn mastered the Anemo vision, and Willow possessed the aqueous hydro vision. Ezra commanded the earthy geo vision, Axel harnessed the electric power of electro, Rowan controlled the frosty Cryo, and Atlas, the youngest and bravest, was attuned to the verdant Dendro.” She began

“Together, these siblings maintained harmony in the world, training others to wield elemental powers and fostering a utopian society. They worked in harmony, each contributing their elemental gifts to sustain peace and stability. In times of cold, the pyro wielders brought warmth, while hydro wielders nurtured the land with water in times of drought.”

“But envy and malice lurked in the heart of one man, Elias. Fueled by jealousy, he sought to claim the siblings' accolades for himself. Learning the secrets of pyro, hydro, and geo, he launched a devastating assault on the siblings, systematically defeating all but one.”

I stared at her, intrigued in all of this new information.

“Atlas, determined to protect his kin, merged the remaining visions, unwittingly creating a new element—Light. This act of courage and sacrifice marked the dawn of a new era, as evidenced by the emblem you received in the letter from me.”

She finished.

“This is the Light element, the pinnacle of elemental power. Atlas wielded it to not only control light but also to command the other elements, a feat that saved the world from certain chaos and destruction. Elias, his adversary, stood no chance against such unimaginable power. After his heroic deed, Atlas was revered as the almighty Archon, worshiped by all, though he sought only to protect and defend against evil. His lifespan extended significantly due to his newfound abilities, allowing him to safeguard humanity for centuries.”

"Centuries? Really?" You asked incredulously.

"Indeed," Lady Eleanor confirmed. "His descendants inherited this gift, passing it down through generations. But after the 10th host, the pattern ceased. The desire for the Light element waned, and subsequent hosts failed to master the seven elements. Now, you, y/n, have the opportunity to revive this legacy, to honor your ancestors and make a difference."

You were stunned by her words, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of such a monumental task. "Learning all seven elements!? It’s hard enough learning just one! I can’t do that!" you protested.

Lady Eleanor scoffed at your hesitation. "Of course, you can! Your ancestors did it, so why can't you?"

You faltered, struggling to find a rebuttal. "I...because...you..."

"No excuses. We must start training before it's too late," she insisted, gently nudging you forward.

"Too late?" You echoed, feeling a mixture of apprehension and determination settling in.

She turned to you with a grim expression.

"Every 1000 years, a new host is chosen... but that's because Elias' darkness resurfaces every millennium. Hence, these past millennia have been so tumultuous."

"I thought you said Elias was defeated!?" you interjected.

"He was defeated... but not his darkness," Lady Eleanor clarified. "You see, when a wielder uses their abilities for evil, their minds become corrupted by the elements. It's a matter of being one with the elements, using them for good, or being consumed by them. Elias, in his pursuit of power, created a new element—darkness. His malevolent magic endured beyond his demise, choosing a new host every 1000 years and taking control of their mind. And with each passing millennium, it grows stronger. This darkness drives people to commit unspeakable acts, and if it were to overpower the light element... well, the consequences would be catastrophic."

"But what about the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th hosts? Didn't the darkness defeat them?" you inquired, but she shook her head.

"For the darkness to truly triumph, it must vanquish the light element physically. As there hasn't been a true light elemental host in millennia, the darkness hasn't had the chance to prevail. However, with you as the new firstborn of the l/n family, you're the chosen one to confront this darkness. But we must commence your training now, before it's too late. The darkness typically doesn't manifest until a few years later, so time is of the essence. Are you in?"

You gazed at her incredulously. "How do I know I can trust you? I don't even know you personally," you challenged.

"I am Lady Eleanor, your trainer, tasked with preparing you to become the next host for the Light element," she affirmed with a smile.

"Yeah, but how do I know you're qualified to be a trainer? How do you know what to do?" you pressed.

She smiled knowingly. "Fight me, and you'll see," she proposed, prompting you to balk.

"No way! I'm not fighting an older woman like you! It's unethical!" you protested.

Suddenly, a gust of wind knocked you off the log you were perched on.

“What the hell!?” you exclaimed, as Lady Eleanor smirked.

“Come on, fight me. Or are you too weak? Just like that boy told you yesterday,” she taunted, causing your eyes to widen.

“How do you—”

“I’m well acquainted with everything happening around these parts, my dear. After all, I call this place home,” she explained, her smile widening.

“Now, are you going to fight me? Or just stand there looking pretty?” She said, making you frustrated.

“Alright, let’s see what you’ve got,” you replied, determined not to back down from the challenge.

You lunged at her with your sword, only to find a massive rock materialize between you, denting your weapon.

“My sword!” you cried out in frustration, glaring at Lady Eleanor.

Undeterred, you charged at her again, but she effortlessly disarmed you and swiftly countered your moves. Despite your efforts, you found yourself face-planted on the ground, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination.

Lady Eleanor extended a hand to assist you to your feet, her expression softened with understanding. "You're too slow and too consumed by negative emotions," she advised gently, her voice carrying the wisdom of experience. "Inner peace is key, even in the midst of battle."

As you regained your footing, her words sank in, reminding you of the importance of maintaining a clear mind and calm demeanor, even in the face of adversity.

"I have been everyone's trainer besides Atlas'," Lady Eleanor continued, her gaze reflecting a mix of reverence and nostalgia. "He was the one who trained me... for I am the second holder of the light element."

Her revelation about being the second holder of the light element left you speechless, your eyes widening in astonishment.

“Show me then!” you demanded eagerly, hoping for a glimpse of her power.

But Lady Eleanor shook her head regretfully. “I cannot. Once I had my children, I made the choice to relinquish my light vision to be with them. It was a decision between keeping the light element or keeping my family.” she explained

“You chose what was most important to you?” you queried, seeking reassurance.

She nodded solemnly in response, her sincerity evident in her eyes.

“How do I know you’re not lying?” you pressed, your skepticism surfacing once more.

In response, Lady Eleanor lifted her wrist, revealing the luminous symbol of the light element engraved upon it. Its brilliance spoke volumes, validating her words without the need for further explanation.

“When a new holder for this element has succeeded in obtaining the gift, a symbol is engraved in their wrist for eternity. This is how you can trust me.” She said

You gasped in realization, finally grasping the authenticity of her words. “You… you really are telling the truth!” you exclaimed, a mix of surprise and relief flooding through you, making her roll her eyes in amusement.

“I’ve only been trying to say that about a hundred times,” she quipped with a hint of playful exasperation. Then, extending her hand toward you, she posed the ultimate question, “Are you in? Or are you out? The choice is yours.”

You hesitated, contemplating the weight of the decision before you. Did you truly want this responsibility, with the fate of humanity resting in your hands?

But Lady Eleanor’s reminder echoed in your mind: “Remember… a real warrior never backs down from a challenge. Are you a true warrior?”

With a newfound determination burning within you, you looked up at her and met her gaze squarely. Without a moment’s hesitation, you reached out and clasped her hand firmly, resolving to prove to yourself and everyone else that you were capable of far more than they ever imagined.

“Let’s do this.”

-back with Ajax-

It had been weeks since Ajax had last seen y/n. He felt horrible for what he said…but a part of him didn’t as well and that just made him feel worse. He had tried to reach out to you, but you never responded to him. He decided to go to Jean to see if she knew what was up with you.

*****

Ajax's frustration boiled over as he questioned Jean. "You and y/n are practically sisters! How can you not know where she is?"

Jean met his gaze, her tone gentle yet firm. "And you've been best friends with her since birth, Childe." She replied, making Ajax scoff.

"Then where is she if neither of us knows?" Ajax demanded, his impatience evident.

Jean paused. "Let's go check her house. I've been concerned about her too," she suggested, lying through her teeth. She rose to her feet with determination.

*****

The two knocked urgently on your door, their voices echoing through the empty house. With no response, Ajax's worry escalated, prompting him to kick the door open.

"Childe!"

"What? It could be an emergency," he defended, his concern palpable.

Inside, they called out for you, but the silence only deepened their apprehension. Their shock was evident as they surveyed the barren rooms, stripped of your belongings.

"What the hell?!" Ajax exclaimed, while Jean moved about the space.

Meanwhile, Ajax ascended the stairs to your room, his anxiety mounting. Upon entering, his heart clenched at the sight of the empty space. However, amidst the absence, one object remained—a broken picture frame. Carefully, he retrieved it from the floor, his chest heavy as he recognized the photo within. It was a picture of you and him from childhood.

"She... kept this? After all these years?" he murmured, his voice laced with emotion.

"It looks like she left it behind too... especially after you broke her heart with your harsh words," Jean revealed.

"What do you mean?" Ajax asked, confusion clouding his expression.

"Don't play dumb with me. She told me everything you said to her. And believe me, if she allowed me, I would've killed you already. But she made me promise not to, as long as she promised to pay me a visit every now and then after she left," Jean explained, her tone tinged with resentment.

"You knew she left!?" Ajax's voice rose in anger, his glare fixed on Jean.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me!?"

"Why should I? It's not like you would've cared anyways! You were a total dick to her, and I'm glad she's far away from here! Away from you!" Jean retorted, her own frustration boiling over.

“Well then why’d you even decide to come with me? Huh?”

”I don’t owe you any explanation.” She yelled back

Ajax stepped closer, his anger flaring. "You little—"

"Say it! Will it make you feel better? Especially knowing that you were the reason she left?” She yelled at him.

”You called her a nobody….said she was nothing. After everything she’s done for you….You should be ashamed of yourself, Childe" Jean interrupted, her words piercing through Ajax's defenses.

Now visibly shaken, Ajax recoiled, his hurt evident on his face.

"Now that you know everything, I'm going to leave. I don't want to see your face ever again…" Jean declared, turning on her heel and slamming the door behind her.

Ajax stared at the door, then down at the photo. He didn’t know what to feel…he was…confused. But why? He had Lumine…that’s all that mattered…right? It shouldn’t matter that you were gone…

But no matter what excuses he made for himself…he couldn’t get over the fact that he had lost you…his best friend…maybe something even more than just best friends…

Then and there is when he truly felt regret as tears started to fill up in his eyes…

”What have I done?”

__________________

Part two coming tomorrow! I hope you all enjoyed because I really enjoyed writing this one!

Taglist:

[merrybloomwrites]

I Hear Them Calling (Chapter 9- FINAL CHAPTER)

Story Summary: Alpha Harry Styles and omega Y/N Y/L/N meet under less than ideal circumstances. Overtime their paths will cross and they will be drawn to one another in ways they never expected.

Chapter Summary: Harry and Y/N spend some time apart before reuniting just in time for Y/N's next heat.

Prologue ; Chapter 1 ; Chapter 2 ; Chapter 3 ; Chapter 4 ; Chapter 5 ; Chapter 6 ; Chapter 7 ; Chapter 8

Word count: 3.6K

CW: smut, knotting, p in v sex, heat cycle

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The plans for your time in Palm Springs are greatly altered due to your unexpected heat. Instead of hanging out with Harry’s friends, you’d been stuck inside a bedroom for over a day riding out the waves of your heat. And now that it’s over, you still don’t want to leave the house.

The day after your heat ended and Harry had joined you at the house again, you had constructed a nest. And now you want to stay wrapped in its safe walls with your alpha. It’s common for omegas to withdraw in the days after a heat, needing comfort and reassurances from their alpha. Harry is more than happy to provide, though you feel bad about keeping him locked up in the house with you. Each time you mention this he simply says, “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

He does encourage you to get fresh air, so you take some time to sit outside on the deck, soaking up the sun. It’s just warm enough in southern California that you’re comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, which does brighten your mood.

But most of the time is still spent inside. The world seems too big at the moment, there are too many people, too many dangers. In your nest there’s nothing but warmth, and safety, and the ever-comforting scent of Harry.

He flies with you back to New Jersey and you're grateful. While you’re feeling better after a couple days of cuddling with Harry, an airport full of strangers would be a bit too much at the moment. He’s able to stay with you for two nights before he needs to leave and start getting everything ready for the next leg of tour. Before he leaves you build another nest in your home and he once again showers you with compliments about how lovely it is. You’re sad when you have to say goodbye, but he’s taken such good care of you that your omega is recovered by the time he’s gone.

You have a visit with your doctor the following week and discuss the heat you’d experienced. Luckily you don’t need to go into detail, just letting her know when it started and how long it lasted.

“That was a bit earlier than I’d estimated,” she says. “I was expecting the end of February. Is there anything that may have triggered it?”

You blush a deep red and reply, “I had just been knotted for the first time that morning.”

She gives you a reassuring smile and says, “That could definitely be the reason. I do have to ask, was this something you wanted or did the alpha force himself in any way?”

“Oh nothing like that! It was with my alpha, completely consensual. I was the one to bring it up.”

“Okay good. Well in that case, everything looks great. You should expect your next heat to be maybe mid-April or early May. This will be a full heat, so it’ll be longer and more intense than the other.”

“Right,” you reply, a tremor of nerves in your voice.

“There are some things we can do and prepare to make it easier if you’ll be solo during it.”

She hands you a pamphlet with some helpful tips and you sit quietly for a moment. Finally, you say, “I’m thinking of asking my alpha to spend it with me.”

“That sounds like a good plan, as long as that’s what you want. Make sure to talk about everything ahead of time alright? What you do and don’t want, any rules he needs to follow and ways he can take care of you.” She hands another pamphlet and says, “Here are some tips on how to prepare for a heat with an alpha. Yes, we have a pamphlet for everything,” she finishes and you both laugh.

“You mentioned he travels a lot, is he nearby now?” The doctor inquires.

“No, he's traveling at the moment. I probably won’t see him until April.”

“Okay, you may experience some touch deprivation symptoms again since you’re separated after a heat. Hopefully not too bad but just keep doing what you did back in the fall.”

“Got it,” you reply.

You talk a little while longer and finally you’re on your way home. You’re not thrilled that the depri might come back. The chills, exhaustion and itchiness are never fun. But hopefully this will be the last long separation you have from Harry.

There’s a lot you need to talk to Harry about, like spending your heat with you, and what your ideas for the future are, but you want to do that in person so it will have to wait until April.

It’s another long few weeks without Harry. The days are cold, and at first you’re not sure if it’s the touch deprivation that has you chilled to the bone, or just the wind constantly whistling outside.

But when it gets harder and harder to get out of bed, and headaches become a near daily thing, you have to admit the depri is back.

Harry checks in with a phone call or FaceTime at least once a day, and sends texts whenever he has a free moment. You know that he’s always there for you, but your omega doesn’t understand this. The lack of touch, lack of pheromones, just overall physical lack of an alpha after having him so close sends your inner omega back into a depression.

One week before you’re set to reunite with Harry he calls you just like normal. But it’s been an awful day for you. A couple of your coworkers had recently quit, leaving you with an insane workload for the following days. The milk in your fridge had expired, leaving you without your normal tea and cereal for breakfast. It was finally a nice day out but the chill in your body remains. And your headache is worse than ever, and has you practically seeing double.

All in all, you're at your breaking point. You’ve been hiding how bad it is from Harry, not wanting to add more stress to him while he’s in the middle of a run of concerts. But just because you don’t say anything doesn’t mean Harry hasn’t picked up on how you’re feeling.

A couple minutes into the call Harry says, “Is everything alright, love?”

“Yea, everything is fine,” you lie.

“Darling, please tell me what’s happening. My alpha’s been on edge for days and I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.”

Suddenly there’s a feeling of guilt eating at you. It takes only a second to realize it’s your omega cowering at the fact you’ve upset your alpha. You have no choice but to explain the situation, so you tell him how you’ve been feeling.

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry you’re feeling badly again. I wish I was there to make it better,” he says once you’ve filled him in.

His kind words and gentle voice have tears springing to your eyes, but you quickly blink them back. Crying would only make the headache worse.

“It’s only a few more days, I’ll be okay,” you reply, annoyed at the shakiness in your voice.

The two of you talk a little longer and you’re truthfully feeling a bit better by the time you hang up. You spend the rest of the day working from your nest, the extra comfort helping as well.

That’s how you spend the next excruciatingly long week. When Harry finally knocks on your apartment door you open it immediately and slump into his outstretched arms. He somehow gets his bags inside, closes the door, and lifts you, carrying you to the couch.

He sits down and adjusts you so that you’re straddling his lap. Instincts lead you and you dive into his neck scenting him frantically.

“That’s it baby, I’m here. Take what you need, omega.” His words of encouragement help you settle, and soon you’re gently nosing along his scent gland. Once you have your fill you pull away, and Harry matches your shy smile with one of his own. He leans in next, kissing and licking along your neck to scent you in return.

Finally, you’re both satisfied and Harry moves to kiss your lips. You sigh against him, your entire being relieved now that you’re finally reunited with your alpha.

You spend a couple of quiet days together, Harry wanting to take it easy after weeks of touring on the other side of the world, and you recovering from the last of the touch deprivation symptoms. When you’re finally both feeling up to it, Harry makes reservations at a nice restaurant, wanting to take you on a date.

When you walk out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go, Harry is standing there, looking absolutely stunning. You’re completely speechless looking at him, and he seems to be feeling the same as well.

He regains his senses first, walking closer to run his hands along your arms as he takes you in. “Darling, you look amazing,” he finally says.

You blush and reply, “Thank you. You look very dashing.” He smiles shyly at the compliment and then lifts your hand to press a kiss to the back of it.

“Shall we be on our way?” he asks.

“We shall,” you reply, feeling happier and lighter than ever.

The date confirms what you’ve been thinking for a while now. Harry is a perfect gentleman throughout, and the comfort and familiarity you feel in his presence is unmatched. Conversation never halts, and you’re as happy to listen to him as he is to listen to you. It’s a lovely mixture of lighthearted topics, with a couple more serious discussions thrown in.

After the last bite of dessert is finished, and the bill is settled, the two of you make your way out of the restaurant. You walk back home, enjoying the mild spring weather, Harry’s arm wrapped gently around your waist.

There’s a shift once you get back to your apartment. Both of your scents deepen, lust swirling in the air.

“Alpha,” you breathe out, turning so your lips ghost against his.

“Yes, omega?” he replies.

“Take me to bed?”

“Anything for you,” he says before immediately making good on his word.

The next morning you wake up once more cuddled next to Harry. He’s still sleeping, and you take the time to reflect on the night before. You’d done a lot of talking, and it seems that many of his desires and life plans line up with yours. That plus the undeniable connection between his alpha and your omega confirms that the two of you are right for each other.

You know you need to ask him about your upcoming heat, knowing that it could start within the next couple of weeks. You’re mulling over how to bring it up when he wakes up beside you.

“Good morning,” he says, his voice gruff from sleep.

“Good morning,” you reply. “How’d you sleep?”

“Wonderfully. Always do with you in my arms,” he answers.

He shifts so that he’s level with you and can press a kiss to your lips. You get lost in the moment, but there’s still so many thoughts swirling through your brain. Harry notices your hesitance and asks, “What’s wrong? What’s going on in your head, hm?”

You could lie and say it’s nothing, but he’s already opened the door for the conversation. After a moment to collect your thought, you state, “My heat should be starting soon. Maybe a week or so.”

He nods to show he’s listening, and you continue, “I was wondering if you’d want to spend it with me?”

“Baby I would love to. Is that what you want? Are you sure you’re ready?”

“I’m ready. And I would really prefer not to be alone. I want you with me.”

“Then I will be. I’ll be there the whole time. I’ll always take care of you, love.”

“Thank you,” you answer before bringing your lips to his again. It’s a sweet kiss, full of emotion and gratitude for this gentle and caring man.

Over the next week and a half, you and Harry plan for your first ever real heat. You look at the pamphlets, making sure to answer all the questions asked there, and filling in Harry on your preferences. You make a trip to the grocery store to stock up on foods you’ll both need. You blush when you see that Harry has also stocked up on condoms. While you both have said you want pups at some point, now is not the time.

One morning you wake up feeling extra clingy. You barely let Harry out of your sight. By early afternoon you’re turning on the air conditioning, claiming an early spring heat wave must’ve hit. Throughout dinner you’re itching with a desire to nest, which you begin to do the second you finish eating. It’s the first time you’re okay being away from Harry since you want to do this job on your own.

When it’s complete you find Harry as he’s finishing the dinner dishes. Without a word you take his hand, leading him to the bedroom.

“Baby, it’s lovely,” he says when he sees the nest on the bed. “It’ll be perfect for your heat.”

“Do you think it’s coming soon?” you ask, looking for confirmation of what you’ve been questioning all afternoon.

“I do. Probably by morning, if your scent is anything to go by. How do you feel about it this time?”

“Still scared. But not as much as before. I don’t like that it’s going to be more intense and longer. But, you’re here so I think I’ll be okay.” You pause before correcting, “I know that I’ll be okay.”

“Yes, you will,” he says, standing behind you and wrapping his arms around your waist. “I promise to keep you safe, to take care of you however you need.”

“Can we take a shower?” you suddenly ask. Harry’s a little surprised by the ask, since you’d both already showered that day, but he agrees. He assumes that you want to make sure you’re both clean before entering the nest. It’s going to get dirty during your heat, but it’s important to start with a perfect nest to provide comfort.

After you’ve both washed you pull on boxers and an oversized t-shirt, the loose material the only thing that won’t irritate your sensitive skin. You climb into your nest, holding your hand to Harry in a silent invitation.

“Will you scent me?” you ask once he’s settled next to you.

“Of course, baby,” he replies before leaning in to fulfill your request. You fall asleep, wrapped in Harry’s arms and his delicious scent.

You don’t know what time you wake up, only that there’s no way you can fall back asleep even though it’s definitely still dark out. You’re burning hot, and there’s a feeling inside that you can’t describe. A desperate hunger, somehow mixing with a distinct emptiness. There’s a whining sound and it takes a moment for your fuzzy brain to realize it came from you.

The sound wakes Harry up, and he quickly springs into action.

“Hey baby, tell me what you need,” he says.

“Alpha. I need you alpha. Need your knot,” you reply. The little part of you that’s not fully under yet winces at how needy you sound, but soon Harry’s hands are on you and your mind goes quiet.

All you’re aware of is the feeling off his skin on yours. “Off, off,” you say repeatedly until Harry has removed your clothes as well as his.

“Please, alpha, I need you. Empty, so empty.”

“I’m here, omega. I’ve got you.”

You lay on your back, pulling your legs up towards your chest. It’s an exposed and vulnerable position, but one your inner omega knows will get you what you want. It works like a charm, and Harry wastes no time. His fingers reach you first and he growls at how much slick he finds.

Content with how wet and open you are, and moved by how intense your whimpers and begs are growing, he pulls on a condom and quickly lines up with your entrance. You sob in relief when he pushes inside, your hands moving to his back to hold him as close as possible.

As much as Harry normally goes slow with you, he knows that’s not what will help you. Maybe after a first knot he’ll be able to take his time, but right now he sets a quick pace in order to give you what you need.

Your voice reaches a higher pitch, alerting Harry to your impending orgasm. He moves a hand to your center, rubbing your clit to push you over the edge. The feeling of your walls contracting is enough to have Harry coming as well, emptying into the condom as his knot expends inside of you.

You both catch your breath and Harry smooths your hair out of your face.

“How was that, omega? Are you alright?” He checks in with you.

“Good, alpha, so good,” you mumble out, a blissed smile on your face.

“Rest, baby. I’ll be here to take care of you.”

With that, you close your eyes, succumbing fully to the haze of heat as your alpha licks at your neck, surrounding you with his scent.

Your heat lasts four full days, and when you wake up on that final morning you don’t know how to feel. Traces of desire still linger, but nowhere near the level it was at before. You’re aware of your need to use the bathroom, and shower, and eat. Your first thought is that you’re relieved that it’s over. Your second thought is that it really was not a bad experience. At all. Having Harry there took something you were dreading and made it into something so special and enjoyable.

The heat haze makes it so you can’t really remember the experience, but you can remember the feelings. And what you felt was pure love and contentment. There’s no hollow loneliness like the last time. Instead, there’s fulfillment, a sense that all is right in your world.

Harry turns, his lips subconsciously finding yours as he begins to wake up. You melt into the kiss, but he must notice a shift from the last couple of days. He pulls back to look into your eyes.

“Hi, baby. You with me?” he asks.

“I’m here.”

“How do you feel? Are you alright?” You can tell he’s worried so you’re quick to reassure him.

“I feel wonderful. You were perfect, alpha.”

You see the relief written on his face before he pulls you in for another kiss.

“As much as I’d love to stay in bed making out with you, I feel gross. And hungry.”

That’s all you have to say before he springs into action. The two of you take a quick shower together just to rinse off before he makes breakfast with all of your favorites.

Both of you are still quite sore, so you decide to soak together in the bath. Once it’s filled Harry helps you in before sliding in place behind you. The hot water feels heavenly, and the bubbles give it a nice relaxing touch.

You’re both quiet for the first few minutes, lost in your own thoughts.

“I should probably call my doctor,” you say, suddenly breaking the silence. “See if I can get an appointment before we leave for tour.” You feel yourself getting excited. In just a couple of weeks you’ll be going with Harry to Europe for all of his shows there.

“That’s a good idea. What are you going to do? Get new prescriptions?”

It’s a good question. Back in the fall when your old medicines stopped working you were devastated. All you could think about was surviving the few months until you could get new ones that will work again.

But now it’s different. You have an alpha. You have Harry. And the answer becomes less clear.

After thinking for a minute, you realize you know exactly what you want and you say, “I don’t think I will. At least not like before. I might get a low dose of suppressants to make sure my heats have a regular schedule. And most suppressants also double as birth control. But I don’t want to completely hide my omega anymore. I did it out of necessity, because those meds were the only thing that kept me healthy without an alpha. But that’s different now. Right?”

“Yes, love. It’s completely different now. You have me. You always will. And if you don’t want to go back on such strong medication then I support your decision. I’ll be here for you, no matter what.”

“Thank you alpha,” you say, and he replies, “Always.”

***

With Harry’s full support, you walk into your doctor’s appointment a week later with a plan. She also supports your decision to do a much lower dose of suppressants. By the time you reach Denmark for the first show, you feel better than ever before.

As you watch Harry on stage you know that you made the right decision. Sure, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome, but you’re confident that you can do anything with Harry by your side.

And when you hear him sing Fine Line live for the first time, you know that everything truly will be alright.

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

AN: Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this story! The main story is finished but I'm open to writing some extra oneshots so if you have requests let me know!

Taglist: @akkatz @pandeebearstyles @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite@theekyliepage@numafarawayglxy @booberry019-blog @hillzrry@ssareidbby @gem1712 @acesofspadess@houseofdilfs@shaquille-0atmeal-1@kissitnhekitchen @amateurduck @poguestyleskye@n0vaj3an@snwells@drunk-teens-doing-drugs ; @fdl305@creativelyeva@daphnesutton@selluequestrian@lovingfurypanda @stardream14 @tbsloneely@eversincehs1@boomitsallie1@rose-garden-dreamz@fictionalmensblog@buckybarnessimpp @ottawaoutlander @storyschanging @jerseygirlinca@stylesfever@alwayslovingharry @daphnesutton @harrydeary

[romirola]

A Work-in-Progress Anyday (9/24)

Hiya, Redacted fandom! I've had the pleasure of being tagged in a few different games lately. Thank you, @pinksparkl, @running-tweezers, @useless-chan-draws, @free-boundsoul , and @cyanbugremix for the tags! I regret to report I have been a tag game delinquent. But I have a good excuse! I have been working on my next Redactedverse fic.

Hint: It's an AU! And it's been such fun figuring out how to blend the Redactedverse into one of my favorite stories. Can you guess what it is? (Answer in the tags.)

If you know me, you know I write at a VERY slow pace and that I don't post on AO3 until the full story is drafted. I only recently started working on this fic, but I did want to post a teaser to for fun and excitement. Please see below the cut for the first released snippet of this fic.

Tagging those listed above, along with @us3rnam3-r3dact3d, @dominimoonbeam, @weightedblanketjoyfriend, @pycth, and anyone else who'd like to join in the fun to post a work-in-progress in any medium. (Please tag me so I can see your wonderful work, friends!)

“That’s right,” Gavin grinned. “You see, when I was a young…” He looped an arm behind Freelancer. “... dashing, debonaire, hotshot incubus, so different than the demon before you today,” he joked, sharing a wink with Freelancer, “I, too, fell prey to M.D.S.. And even though I was too proud to ask for help, my steward came and helped me wait it out. When I was feeling my worst, she read me this book.” Gavin snatched the book from Caelum and waved it in the air. “It’s a special book. And today, I’m gonna read it to you.”

Caelum still looked skeptical. “Is there fun stuff in it?”

“Are you kidding?” Gavin gasped. “Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, shifters, stealths, vampires, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!” 

“Doesn’t sound too bad,” Caelum considered. “I’ll try it.” 

Freelancer snickered. “A real kind gesture.” 

“Mhmm, yeah, sure,” Gavin huffed. “You say that now. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.” He relaxed in the chair, materializing matching pillows to help support his and Freelancer’s backs. “Alright,” he sighed, opening the book with a finger flick. “<em>The Prince Shifter</em>, by S. Morgan Kyne. Chapter 1.

“<em> David Shaw was raised on a small farm in the country of Dahlia. He was a wolf shifter, the biggest wolf anyone in the town had ever seen. His favorite pastimes included going on long hunts in the forest, playing cards with his cousin, and tormenting the unempowered farmhand who he had hired to help with chores shortly after his father died. David never called the farmhand by their name, only, 'Troublemaker.'”</em>

Gavin peaked over the top of the book. “Isn’t that a wonderful beginning?”

Caelum gave him a skeptical huff. “Nothing happened yet.”

“You just wait,” Gavin scoffed.

[rottenzombrainz]

Tokyo Debunker FriendFic - Jiro + Luca

Beginning Notes:

A very short fic based on the mini episode where Luca asks Jiro to spar! Also I'm deciding to call these friendly fanfics FriendFics™!! Because it's a super not cringe name!!

sfw (obvs), minor spoilers for chapters 7, 9, 1 and 2

I don't know if ghouls are allowed to use their artifacts when sparring in the canon, but in this fic, they can!!

"Jiro, I would like to spar with you!"

Luca was walking back to Frostheim with Kaito when he noticed Jiro talking to a general student and taking some notes. He waited patiently for their conversation to end before approaching Jiro.

Luca asked, straight and to the point. Jiro stared down at him with a blank expression

"Patient number 8631 - Lucas Errant. You said you wanted to spar with me? I told you before, I don't really recommend it."

"Please, just once is all I ask."

Jiro crossed his arms and looked Luca up and down

"Um- Luca!! dude?!? Sidebar?"

Kaito muttered, pulling Luca aside

"Kaito? What's going on?"

"Oh, right, you went on a mission with him recently, right? Perhaps you could give me some tips on his-"

"Are you crazy? You want to fight Frankenstein???"

"Luca!! I'm telling you, it's a bad idea. I know you're super strong and all, but that guy is an absolute murder machine!! And his artifact is a chainsaw- a fucking chainsaw!!!"

"Is that all you wanted? I need to get back to Mortkranken."

Luca pensively put his hand to his chin.

Jiro joined in, looking as apathetic as ever. Luca shook his head and asked oncemore.

"Jiro, please spar with me!"

Jiro sighed, crossing his arms again.

"If I say yes, will you stop asking me?"

Luca nodded, a small smile lighting his face. His smile quickly turned into a guarded frown as he heard the chime of an artifact chain being pulled.

"EEK! He's trying to fight you right here?!??"

Kaito screamed, hiding behind a nearby tree.

Nearby general students began to chatter among themselves as they huddled around the area.

"Is there a ghoul fight?" "I think so... the transfer student must have pissed off Frankenstein."

The whispers and rumors crescendoed as Luca took out his twin swords, forming an offensive stance.

Luca was the first to strike, dashing towards Jiro with elegance and poise. Jiro swiftly leaped out of the way with speed no onlooker was expecting.

Luca attempted to strike again only for one of his swords to be knocked out of his hand with the growl of a power tool. The audience surrounding him gasped and cheered at all the action as Luca jumped out of the way of a whirling chainsaw. He looked at Jiro's abdomen and realized... he was bleeding? But Luca never hit him...

"J-Jiro! You're bleeding! Are you alright?"

Luca's voice was laced with genuine concern for his sparring partner.

"Am I? Something must have reopened. I need to get back to Mortkranken."

Jiro returned his chainsaw to its keychain form and began to make a beeline for Mortkranken. All the students scrambled out of his way as he walked.

"Luca! He totally wiped the floor with you!! Maybe I do have a chance looking good next to you!"

Kaito chirped as he playfully wrapped an arm around Luca's shoulders. Luca stayed quiet as he replayed the match in his head. It was a short session, but he was still motivated to learn something from it.

Ending notes:

I wasn't lying when I said this fic was very short. I'm not very good at writing action :P I went to one of my cousin's ice hockey games to get into a pumped up mood... but I got distracted by the game and thoroughly enjoyed it. Still, I was pumped up afterwards!

I keep feeling like I need more words. More words more words!!! But that's just the hater in my head telling me I'm not a good writer. His name is Carson. I think I like writing shorter content for Tumblr though. It's a nice break from my work on my to-be-published stories. I'm still struggling with how I want to format my writing... but that's a problem for another day!

I hope you enjoyed reading this friendly little interaction between Jiro and Luca!! And if you have a pair or group of ghouls you'd like to see interact, send them in through the ask thing! I had fun writing this >w<

[lemonlover1110]

Baby Steps

Satoru Gojo

[Chapter 14] Inconsolable

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Pairing: Satoru Gojo x f!Reader

Chapter Warnings: Light Angst

Discord +18 - Twitter - Ko-Fi

Happy to co-host Gojo NSFW Week 2023! Come join us on Twitter!

Satoru moves out not even two days later, promising to still pay for everything. You’ve had time to process everything, yet you’re still as shocked and confused since the moment he announced everything. You’re so disappointed in yourself to admit that you’ve been crying over him. For some reason you feel as if it’s your fault because you weren’t good enough.

Your relationship was never exclusive so he didn’t owe you anything, you knew that. But you still felt as if something was building up. It was the result of your imagination though, and now you’re inconsolable. Kaya has been checking up on you, making sure that everything is alright. But it’s hard because nothing is alright, and she’s trying to comfort you but it doesn’t work. 

“He’s not even handsome, it’s okay. You’re not missing out. In the end Leiko is the one losing.” Kaya says, wrapping her arms around you while you hug a pillow. You cry your heart out, your head not being able to wrap around anything else other than the fact that Satoru’s gone. You’d make someone else believe that he’s dead by the way you’re reacting.

“Why am I not good enough?” You sob, and Kaya swears her heart breaks when she hears this. This wouldn’t be happening if she kept her mouth shut in the beginning. She can’t help but feel guilty about this. This wouldn’t be a problem. “I didn’t even think he liked her.”

“You’re good enough, Satoru is just a dick.” She tells you. You can’t even believe her words. You’re pregnant with his baby, and lived with him, yet he somehow wasn’t satisfied with you. And what hurts the most is the fact that he acted as if you two were in some sort of relationship while he was here, yet apparently that meant nothing.

“We were supposed to watch a movie tonight.” You share with her, and she pouts.

“Do you still want to watch a movie?” She asks, and you tell her no. You’re not in the mood for anything but to cry. Even the happiest movie will make you burst into tears. “Do you want to do something to hurt him?”

“I can’t do anything to hurt him.” You respond, and she tries to think of something that’ll hurt the father of your baby. Then she thinks of something, and she blurts it out before even thinking, “Go on a date!”

“I don’t want to go on a date.” You cry even more, and Kaya keeps thinking of something else while you try to soothe yourself, “Who’d even want to date a pregnant woman? I look so ugly right now.”

“What? How dare you even say that. You’re so beautiful. You’re glowing when you’re not crying.” Kaya tries to comfort you, and it doesn’t seem to be helping you at all. She isn’t so great at comforting people– At least not pregnant women that cry over everything. Although she just doesn’t know what to say in this situation. It’s something she’s never prepared for.

“I regret ever going to that party with you. I would’ve been just fine staying home.” You begin. “I wouldn’t be pregnant, I wouldn’t have met Satoru, I would be just fine. Working and studying without having to worry about a stupid fucking baby.”

“Oh, you don’t mean that.” She says. She knows that you’re excited about this more than anything. It’s just your hurt feelings getting the best of you and taking over your words.

“I don’t. I’m actually so excited to see my son but–” You keep crying, and Kaya’s eyes widen as she gets the idea.

“Do you want to start decorating the nursery?” Kaya proposes and you bury your face into the pillow before refusing. You say something but it’s muffled by the pillow, leading Kaya to ask, “What did you say, honey?”

“Satoru wanted to do that together.” You inform her, and she laughs. You don’t understand why she’s laughing, especially since you’re so miserable.

“Wouldn’t that be great though? Your sort of payback.” She tells you, and right now even though you’re pissed at him, you can’t wrap your head around doing that to him. It just seems cruel. Your stance would be very different if you weren’t overemotional. 

“It’s okay.” You tell her, and Kaya pouts. She knows this won’t be the last night that you’ll be crying over Satoru and she dreads it because she can’t stand seeing you sad for much longer.

-

The next day you’re better. Kaya makes some breakfast for you, and you quietly eat. She looks at your puffy face and she feels a tug on her heart, but she knows better than to bring up anything. It’ll ruin your day and make you start crying earlier than you’d intend.

She refrains from asking questions because she knows that won’t end well. She has to walk on eggshells. She has to think through what she wants to ask because if she doesn’t, you’ll burst into tears. It’s draining. 

“How about we go out to eat later? I’ll get a bit tipsy while you sip on some mocktails. Maybe we can go to karaoke.” She speaks up and your eyes light up at the idea. Going out to have some fun is what you need. Spending some time with other people is perfect. While Kaya would want to invite some other people, her other friends are Daisuke and his friends and they’re associated with Satoru. 

“I’ll love that.” You respond, and she smiles. She had never really cared to see you smile until now. She had never seen you so sad, even when you found out you weren’t the only girlfriend of your previous boyfriend. And while you’re extremely emotional that anything and everything can make you burst into tears, the emotions that you’ve had the past couple of days are obviously more than just a case of insufficient sweets. “I’ve been thinking about the nursery and while Satoru is an asshole… It’s not his fault that he likes someone else.”

“You’re right.” Kaya nods, realizing how immature she is while next to you. She probably would’ve decorated the nursery a way Satoru would hate, then go out with his best friend. Then again, she’s not in your shoes. Kaya would allow you to be with Daisuke just for you to get petty revenge on Satoru.

There’s a knock on the door that surprises both of you. Neither of you invited someone over. Kaya stands up from the dining table and walks to the front door, suspecting who the unwanted visitor is. And she’s proven right when she opens the door and sees the father of your child, holding a brown paper bag. She puts her hand up, swinging it towards Satoru, but his hand catches her wrist before her skin can strike against his cheek. She swore she’d give Satoru a piece of her mind, including a beating, when she finally saw him. 

“Good to see you too, Kaya.” Satoru says, about to push Kaya out of his way to enter the place. The groceries he holds are much heavier than he expected. But it’s as if Kaya is planted into the ground, and she won’t move. She’s pushed to the side but she extends her arm to cover the doorway.

“You’re a fucking piece of shit. You don’t live here anymore so don’t fucking feel entitled to enter the place without permission.” Kaya says, kicking her feet so they hit Satoru’s shin. It doesn’t affect the man though. “You’re really brave showing up around here.”

“Kaya, I pay for this apartment. I have more rights to enter this place than you do.” Satoru responds, and Kaya feels her blood boil.

“If you don’t leave right now, I’m going to start screaming.” She threatens, and it’s fair to say that Satoru is irritated. She begins a countdown, starting at five. Before she even gets to three, Satoru shouts your name. While you were hearing the commotion, you chose to stay away from it, but now your name has been mentioned. 

“What do you need, Satoru?” You ask as you walk to the front door, standing behind Kaya. You cross your arms and stare at the man who immediately smiles when he sees you. You look away, not wanting to stare directly at him because you’ll burst into tears again. You feel more calm today, but you’re still very emotional. You can’t just get over stuff like this so easily. He notices and feels horrible, knowing how bad he hurt you.

“May I come in? I have some groceries.” He informs you, and you sigh.

“Who told you I needed groceries?” You question, grabbing Kaya’s arm and dragging her away which allows Satoru to enter the place. He does so, closing the door behind him and taking off his shoes. He puts the brown paper bag on the kitchen counter while he looks around the rather messy place.

“Take off those stupid shades. You look like a clown.” Kaya is quick to insult, and Satoru sighs. He’s gathered that she’s very protective of you, so he guesses he deserves this treatment. “Why are you even here? Groceries? Really? I can do that.”

“Well, are you the father of the baby?” Satoru questions, and she doesn’t like the cocky tone that’s in his voice.

“I’m going to be if you don’t step up your game, blind mouse.” She says, and he furrows his eyebrows in confusion, same as you until you remember the movie she ended up putting last night. You actually chuckle at this, and Satoru decides not to argue more because you ended up laughing and he doesn’t want to ruin that. 

“Do you two have plans tonight?” Satoru sighs while asking the question. He’s been dreading this the whole way here but Leiko would only accept to date him if he did this. In his brain he’s thinking that killing Suguru would be easier than doing this to you.

“Yes–” Kaya begins, but she’s met with your,

“No.” 

“Leiko and I were wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner.” He slowly and awkwardly asks the question, and you have no idea what to say. Tears well up in your eyes again and you’re trying your best to hold them back, while Kaya’s hands ball up into fists and she tries her best to not start hitting the man. However, she’s at a great disadvantage. He’s bigger, stronger, and taller than she is. So she does the next best thing, grabbing a glass that’s nearby and throwing it straight at his head.

Luckily for Satoru, and unluckily for Kaya, he has great reflexes and manages to dodge the glass, causing it to hit the wall behind him. He has to say, she has a great arm and she should consider putting that energy into a sport like baseball. Although he isn’t thinking that when Kaya grabs yet another glass, this time it’s filled with orange juice, and once again throws it at him.

While you want to scream at Kaya to stop, you decide to walk away so you don’t get caught up in the crossfire. Plus, Satoru isn’t having a hard time dodging anything. In the end, Kaya will clean everything up, while Satoru will replace the dinnerware. You’re not losing or gaining anything by stopping them, so you’ll let them settle their differences.

“You son of a bitch. Your mother must’ve dropped you on your head because there’s no way you’re just so fucking stupid.” She’s saying as she’s looking for more things to throw at him. When she goes into the cabinets to look for plates it’s when you finally speak up,

“That’s enough, Kaya.” You tell her, and she freezes. She takes a moment to calm herself, while you look at Satoru, “We’ll join you for dinner if you can replace the dinnerware that Kaya broke. I’m sure that’s not a big problem for you, right?”

“That’s fine. Yep.” Satoru ends up nodding, a bit out of breath. He hadn’t prepared himself for the very extreme workout of evading plates. Your gaze then falls on Kaya again,

“You know what you’ll be doing in the spare time, right?” You ask, and she knows you’re talking to her. She doesn’t know why she’s terrified, she just knows that you’ll end up being an amazing mother.

“Yes.” She answers. You clear your throat before, once again, looking at Satoru.

“What are you still doing here? You can tell us the details through a text message. Get out.” You order and he’s hesitant before he begins to walk to the front door. He has so many things to say, but he bites his tongue. He doesn’t want to make the situation worse than it already is. 

When the front door shuts, you walk to the couch and take a seat. In a way, you’re happy that Satoru came because now you’re simply frustrated. Although you’re still sad, your frustration is overshadowing any other feeling.

“You know, Kaya… I think you’re right. Let’s start decorating the nursery.”

🏷 @witchofoe @cactustattoo @kageyamaslittleroyal20 @mykyoon @sunjayist @fonkymonkeyfriday @lilith412426 @luvs-wrld @witchymermaid12 @fi106 @distractionforyourthoughts @dearsunaa @tamak00 @watyousayin @leiriswhore @q-the-rockaholic @shuxjodie @syynnaaah @kleeboomed @shrekmwa @bakugobiddies @blueeskies17 @arminsgfloll @obeythemasters @crispmarshmallow @levismainbabe

[siampie]

Finding You||Chapter 4

Pairing: Michael Kinsella x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings/tags: pinning, childhood trauma, eldest daughter syndrome, mention of emotional abuse, mentions of SA

A/N: Enjoy this chapter, you guys. Comments and reblogs are always welcomed, greatly advised and strongly appreciate.

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@shouldbestudying41; @lulukings92; @beezusvreeland

Dividers by @cafekitsune

“Hiya,” Bessie, your coworker, greeted you as you sat in her car. “How are ya today?”

“Better,” you smiled while buckling your seatbelt.

Your smile didn’t reach your eyes. It just couldn’t. And if Bessie noticed, she said nothing. Or maybe, she truly didn’t see the difference. It didn’t matter anyway. You just wanted to get through your day.

You had gone through your morning, getting ready for work, on autopilot. Trying to shake off that feeling of dread that had taken residence in the pit of your stomach. The nightmare had unsettled you, threw you off balance. It was just a terrifying dream. You let out a shaky breath before sipping your coffee. Your heart, beneath your ribcage, was thumping irregularly. It went from too fast to too slow. You were too much aware of your heart fluttering under your ribcage. And that feeling of impending doom was plaguing you, making it hard to breathe. Your chest felt tight, your lungs were struggling to expand as though there wasn’t enough room for them in your chest.

When you stepped out of your house, you made sure your door was locked at least twice. Ensuring that no one would walk into your home while you were gone for work. You pushed out a sigh. Your eyes moved to your next-door neighbor’s house. Somehow, you were slightly disappointed not to see him that morning. You didn’t know what good it would do to even catch a glimpse of him. It wasn’t as though you would spill all of your secrets, your fears, the story of your broken families. In some twisted ways, thinking about the criminal next door, had brought you comfort the night before. And seeing him that morning may have brought more. But he wasn’t there.

You let out a deep breath, reaching into your pockets. You pulled out fifty euros and handed them to Bessie. She jus looked at you confused.

“What’s that for?” She asked you.

“Petrol.” You replied.

“No, no, thanks but—ya don’t have to.” Bessie shook her head, refusing the money.

“Take it, Bessie.” You insisted. “You’ve been picking me up for months, the least I can do is to pay for petrol.”

Bessie took the money and shoved it in her pockets. It wasn’t the first time you had offered her money for the trouble. You didn’t have a car and she was driving you to work every day. You were aware that cars didn’t run for free. So, it was only natural and sensible to give her some money for petrol. And whether she liked or not, you would keep on doing it.

You moved through your day on autopilot, answering calls, filing up insurance claims. A deep sigh pushed past your lips.

“Hiya, love,” Bessie pulled a chair to sit next to you, in your cubicle.

“Hey,” You smiled at her. “Can I help you with anything?”

“No,” she shook her head. “I just wanted to check on ya.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” You smiled at her. You lifted one of your shoulders in a shrug. “I’m alright.”

“Are ya? Really?” Her eyes roamed your face.

You pushed out a sigh, and turned to face her. “I’m fine, I’m just—dealing with some family stuff. That’s all.”  

“Ah, family, yeah?” Bessie nodded. “There’s nothing more fucking complicated.”

You scoffed. “Tell me about it.”

“Wanna talk about it?” She asked you softly.

You exhaled deeply. “I don’t even want to think about it. So, no. Not really. But thanks.”

If you could forget about it all, you would.  Blocking their numbers may have stopped the calls, but it did not erase this plaguing feeling of dread, in the pit of your stomach. As though something terrible was about to happen. You just didn’t know what or when.

You dropped your keys on the kitchen counter. You pushed out a long breath. You dropped in your couch. Your stomach dropped at the sound of your ringtone. Your heart raced beneath your ribcage. You stood up on shaky legs to pick it up. It was silly to be afraid of your own phone. You had blocked their numbers, so it couldn’t be any of them calling you, right? You reached in your bag with shaky hands. By the time you fished out your phone, it had stopped ringing. It rang again. You gasped and flinched. Reading the caller ID, you let out an annoyed groaned. It was your brother Dave.

“What do you want?” You answered the call.  

“Well, hello to you too, sis.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

“What do you want?” You repeated, angrily.

“Well, your phone’s working. So, I was wondering why you weren't answering Mom.”

“Because I don’t want to talk to her.” You shot back. “It is as simple as that.”

“Look, you need to talk to mom.” He spoke.

“Why the fuck I would want that, now?” Your heart beating faster with anger.

“We only heard one side of the story, okay?” He argued with you. “You don’t know half of the things Dad put her through.”

“I don’t need to know.” You told him. “I don’t want to know. I don’t care.”

“You should care. Especially, after everything you put her through.”  He hissed at you, through the line.

“I put her through. I put her—” You exhaled through your nose, running a hand on your forehead. “Riddle me this, brother. How did you go from hating her to defending her? When she walked out on us, you told everyone that she was dead. And now, you want me to talk to her. Why?”

“She is our mother.” He said. “And I was a kid. You need to make amends for the lies you told Dad. For the things you put her through.”

“How dare you?” You snapped, slamming your free hand on the counter. “How dare you defend her of all people?”

“You knew better than to spread stories.”

“I was a child and he was being a creep.” You said through gritted teeth. “You don’t get to tell me that there were stories. You don’t get to make demands regarding our mother. You want her in your life, fine. But you don’t get to force me to make room in mine just because she’s mom.” Your veins were boiling with rage. “And don’t ever call me on her behalf, ever again.”

You hung up the phone before he could reply. You didn’t need this. You took a deep breath before grabbing a glass from your cabinet. You filled it with water in an attempt to slow your own heartrate, to calm yourself down. To let go of the anger, your brother just put you in. How dare he make demands? How dare he diminish what your mother had done to you? How dare he call what happened to you stories and lies? Your brother was clearly taking your mother’s side on things. You hated him for it because you knew you would never do that to him.

You roared and threw the glass. It smashed into the wall, breaking in tiny pieces, water spreading everywhere. Tears pressed against your eyes; “shit,” you cursed quietly. Your throat clogged up; frustration was clawing in your chest. You couldn’t believe that your own brother called you a liar. That he was ready to tarnish your father’s character, to defend her.

You crouched down to pick up the broken glass. Your heart was hurting. You loved your brother, you did. So, why couldn’t he just do this one thing for you? Why couldn’t he just respect that you didn’t want a relationship with your mother? You respected his choice of having one with her. The least he could do was to respect that you didn’t. A knock on the door snapped you out of your thoughts, startling, and causing you to cut your hand with a broken shard.

“Coming;” you yelled through the door; you threw the broken pieces you had already gathered before opening the door.

Michael had an appointment with a councilor that day. He had been hopeful before it. He knew that getting access to Anna would be a long and difficult process. He knew that. But it had not seemed impossible. At least, not in the way Donal Creehan had described it. If he stayed out of trouble, had a job, he would have a chance to see Anna. To have her back in his life. And he did all of that.

It all had been pointless.

His hopes had been snuffed out, like one would a candle. How could they think that him having access to Anna would harm her in any way? He would never let anything happen to her. She was his daughter. The only person that really mattered. All he ever wanted was to see her. They didn’t allow her to visit him in prison. And now they would use it against him, saying that he had not seen her in eight years. Of course, he had not, they didn’t allow it.

They were going to use this and his past, his family name, and his family’s business to keep Anna away from him. Getting a job, staying away from trouble had all been for nothing.  He was already condemned and punished for being a Kinsella. Leaving him no chance to prove that he could be a good father to his daughter. It was all hopeless.

What was the point of saying no to Jimmy? What was the point of it all? Whether he had a honest and proper job or he went back working with his family, it wouldn’t change anything. He would not be allowed to see her. He knew that. His councilor may had said that it wouldn’t be easy, implying that he might still have a chance. But he knew better. He had none. He would lose his daughter in the end. If only because he had been charged with the death of his wife; Alison.

So, when Jimmy came back and asked once again for his help. Michael had said yes. He would help his brother put things right. It wouldn’t change a thing regarding his chances of accessing Anna.

Michael wished he had seen you that day. Maybe, the sight of you would have made things slightly better. He would not tell you everything that was going wrong in his life. You already knew enough. You needn’t know about his appointment with the councilor or his agreeing to put things right. Even if it was for a brief moment, he would have offered him a little peace.

He stepped out of his house about to go on walk. He saw the light coming out of your large window, meaning you had come back home already. He paused, debating whether he should go knock on your door or not, when he heard it. You had screamed, startling him. He took one step towards your house, and rushed the rest of the way when he heard the glass shattering.

You had wrapped your hand in a kitchen towel before opening the door. Michael was standing on the other side, looking worried.

“Michael. Hi.” You smiled at him, although it didn’t reach your eyes.

“Are you alrigh’? I heard ya scream.” Michael asked you, his eyes searching your face.

“Yeah, I’m—I’m good. It’s nothing really.” You shook your head quickly.

“Didn’t sound like nothin’. Ya sure everythin’ alright, Pet?” He asked you again.

You smiled at him using the term of endearment. You were going to answer, when your phone rang. You sighed through your nose. It was probably your brother calling you back. You invited Michael in quickly before going to pick up your phone.

Michael stepped into your home, his eyes landed on the broken glass on the floor or what was left of it. The water that was spread on the wall and floor. His eyes landed on you in the kitchen. You looked agitated as you spoke angrily on the phone. Your eyes found his across the room. You looked away from quickly before you hung up.

You put down your phone, screen down on the counter. It rang again. You let it go through to voicemail. You no longer wanted to talk to your brother.

“Sorry about that.” You apologized moving to the closet in the corridor.

“No worries.” Michael waved it off. You pulled out a broom and a duster pan. “I’ll clean it up for ya.”

“What? No.” You pulled the broom away from him. “It’s my mess. I’ll—I’ll fix it.”

“Let me take care of it, yeah?” He reached out for the broom and duster pan.

You reluctantly let him take the items from you. “Coffee?” You offered.

“Ya should probably do something about yer hand first.” He said as he started sweeping.

“Yeah.”

You put down the cup of fresh coffee in front of Michael. You pulled the chair before sitting down, across from him. You pushed out a sigh before having a sip.

“Who was that on the phone?” Michael questioned you.

“My brother. Dave.” You replied, not looking up from your cup.

“Didn’t sound like a pleasant conversation.” He remarked.

“It wasn’t.” You looked down at your now freshly bandaged hand. The cut was pretty shallow but it had bled quite a bit.

“Hey, ya can talk to me.” Michael assured you.

You looked up at him. You let out another sigh. Could you really tell him what was going on? And how much should you tell him? You looked over his shoulder at the wall, against which you had smashed your glass in anger. Maybe you could tell him a few things.

“My brother wants me to get in contact with our mother.” You spoke. “I don’t want to because—well, she walked out on us. And I don’t like her new husband. He’s a creep. Always has been.”

“S’ that why you smashed a glass against your wall?”

You huffed out a laugh. You dropped your chin in the palm of your good hand, the clog in your throat was back. You did everything you could to keep the tears at bay.

“He told her where I was. Gave her all my information. Which means her husband knows too.” Your voice cracked; your lips turned down. “I’m scared they are going to show up.” The first tears fell. “I can’t believe my own brother would do this to me.”

Michael’s chair scraped on the floor, as he stood up. He pulled you into his arm. His hand rubbed soothing circles on your back. You fisted his shirt as you cried into his chest while Michael comforted you, whispering soft words of reassurance. Michael didn’t really know why you were scared of your stepfather and mother. And he didn’t need to know. Knowing you were scared was enough for him.

“I won’t let anyone hurt ya.” He said quietly in your ears. “I won’t let that happen.” He pulled away from you so he could look you in the eye. “Ya hear me? I will not let him hurt ya, yeah?”

You nodded. You believed him. He looked determined, almost angry on your behalf. He didn’t know anything and yet, he was ready to protect you. He didn’t have to say the words, you knew that was a promise on his part.

“Yeah.”

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[delicatebarness]

the manuscript | chapter three

Summary: And, what about older men?

Warnings: Age Gap. (Dr Barnes: late 40s & Reader: early 20s)

Word Count: 1426

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A/N: Dick me dead, and bury me pregnant. Here is the link to the assignment mentioned in this chapter.- Please feel free to leave feedback or let me know where and how you want the story to continue, this is just as much yours as it is mine. - B

Tags: @mostlymarvelgirl | @mrsnikstan | @angelbabyyy99 | @kaithesimps-blog

The words of your assignment were still vivid in your mind as you hit ‘send’ on your email to Dr. Barnes. Laying your emotions out bare felt exhilarating, though terrifying. Something real, something raw had finally been tapped: The story of a young woman longing for the depth and experience of an older man, a mirror of your recent desires, and newfound feelings about unfulfilled connections with men your age.

Your thoughts had regularly returned to your meeting with Dr. Barnes, and the magnetic pull toward him– His intoxicating presence, full of authority and warmth that left you yearning. The way he leaned in, husky whispering, shivers shooting down your spine. You knew it was more than an academic connection, an unspoken attraction. 

While packing your bag after Psychology class, your phone buzzed with a new email notification. Your heart pounded as you unlocked the preview, Dr. Barnes had responded to your work. 

“Miss Spector, 

Your submission is captivating and shows significant growth. The raw honesty and ability to show vulnerability in your writing are truly commendable. I want to discuss your work further and help you delve further into these themes. Meet me in my office tomorrow at 3 PM.

I’m looking forward to our conversation, 

Dr. Barnes.” 

The prospect of another intimate encounter with Dr. Barnes caused a thrill of excitement and anxiety to course through you. His words penetrated your defenses, in both person and writing, reaching down to your core. Rereading the email, you could almost hear his deep, resonant voice, laced with praise. 

Zipping up your bag, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Slowly, you turned to become face-to-face with Wanda and MJ, two of your closest friends. They were both wearing mischievous smiles, curiosity twinkling in their eyes. 

“Hey, what’s got you grinning like The Cheshire Cat,” MJ teased, playfully nudging you. 

Wanda’s eyebrows raised suggestively as she joined in on the interrogation. “Yeah, spill, Spector! Pete up to his old tricks again?” 

Trying to find the right words, you chuckled nervously. “Oh, you two,” you jokingly rolled your eyes at them. “Nothing scandalous, just a text, I promise.” 

Your friends weren’t so easily convinced. Exchanging knowing glances as MJ leaned in closer, her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Come on, we’ve known each other for years. You can’t fool us that easy…”

Struggling to come up with an explanation, a blush crept up your cheeks. You tried to laugh off their teasing just as a familiar voice interrupted from behind. 

“Everything alright here, ladies?” Professor Wilson’s voice boomed across the empty lecture hall. Your heart skipped a beat, feeling the embarrassment heat your cheeks. You wondered how much of the conversation he had overheard.

Exchanging surprised glances, Wanda and Mj quickly composed themselves. Their once playful expressions shifted to innocent ones. 

“Oh… just chatting about our plans for the evening, Professor,” Wanda replied with a smile and casual tone. 

He nodded, leaving his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer. As he returned to his desk, you couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew more than he let on. 

Regaining your composure, you exchanged a relieved glance at Wanda and MJ, silently agreeing to table the conversation. Walking out of the hall, the weight of Dr. Barnes’ email hung heavy in your mind. Something had shifted, not only were you feeling the anticipation of the upcoming meeting with him, but you realized that your feelings for him ran deeper than you had allowed yourself to admit. 

Lost in your trace, you rounded a corner colliding with a solid figure. You stumbled back, slightly startled, however you felt a strong hand steadying you. Your heart began to race as you looked up, meeting the gaze of none other than Dr. Barnes himself. 

“Ah, Miss Spector,” he greeted, a smile beginning to play on his lips. His touch lingered against your skin, sending a jolt of electricity through you, igniting a subtle yet undeniable spark. 

“Dr. Barnes…” you trailed, trying to steady your racing heart. You heard the sniggering of Wanda and MJ as they watched in surprise and amusement. 

“My apologies,” Dr. Barnes said, his gaze dropping to your lips for a moment before returning to meet yours. “I hope I didn’t startle you too much.” 

Shaking your head, you felt a flush creep up to your cheeks. “No, not at all. It’s… I, un, I’m looking forward to our discussion tomorrow.” 

Your friends shared another glance at each other, a smirk tugging at their lips. They sensed your embarrassment, giggling and teasing you for being clumsy and oblivious. You shot them a quick warning look.

Dr. Barnes observed the interaction between you and your friends, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer. “I’m glad to hear that,” he replied, his voice smooth. “I have no donut it will be a… fruitful conversation.” His voice was laced with a subtle undertone of invitation, a promise of something more lingering. 

You nodded, feeling a rush of heat spreading through you at his proximity. “Thank you, Dr. Barnes. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With one last glance into his piercing blue eyes, you excused yourself and followed your friends out of the building. 

As you walked away, Wanda and MJ’s laughter filled the air, you couldn’t resist another glance back inside the building. Standing in the same spot, was Dr. Barnes, his gaze fixed on you intensely. 

Time stood still as you locked eyes, a silent exchange passing between you. You had never experienced a connection like this before. 

You tore your gaze away at the sound of your name being called, joining your friends. But, Dr. Barnes’ stayed with you. 

~

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying you causing your pulse to quicken. “I’ve read your submission. It’s compelling and honest. You’ve done well, tapping into your fears… and desires.” 

Your palms warmed under his praise, and the thudding of your heartbeat drummed in your ears. “Thank you, Dr. Barnes. I tried to be as truthful as possible.” 

Nodding in agreement, he rested his chin against his fist. “That’s evident. Your exploration of the longing for an older man, their depth and experience was particularly poignant.” He paused, noticing you fidget with your fingers under his intense gaze. “Tell me, do you believe younger men are truly incapable of providing the satisfaction you seek?”

The question cut close to your personal life causing you to hesitate while searching for the right words. “I think… it’s not their age, but… their lack of understanding. They don’t seem to see beyond the physical.” 

“And, what about older men?” he pressed, shifting in his seat, leaning forward against his desk. “Do you think they inherently possess the ability to satisfy a woman on a deeper level?” 

“I think they have more life experience,” you replied carefully. “They tend to have more patience, more attuned to a woman’s needs.” 

The room seemed to close in around you as his eyes bore into yours. “Experience does bring a certain depth,” he murmured, his voice becoming lower, more intimate. “But, regardless of age, emotional connection and mutual understanding are paramount.” 

You nodded. “I agree. It’s about finding someone who truly sees and understands you.”

He smiled, a slow, almost predatory smile played on his lips, sending a heat to your core. His gaze pierced through layers of your defenses, you felt both exposed and exhilarated. “And how about you, Miss Spector? Do you feel seen?” 

Your breath caught in your throat, the pressure building up inside you making it hard to form words. “I… I think I’m beginning to.” 

His smile deepened, eyes gleaming with something darker. “Good,” he said, in a whisper. “It’s a rare and precious thing, true understanding… true connection. Keep exploring them, Miss Spector.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Barnes, I will,” you replied, your voice betraying you.

His eyes never left yours as he leaned back in his chair. The added sense of space allowed you to breathe, yet the electrifying connection between you was maintained. 

“I look forward to seeing where your explorations take you,” he continued, encouraging with a hint of command. “This is just the beginning, our journey together is only starting, and I’m here to guide you through it.” 

His eyes followed your every move as you stood to leave. “Until next time,” he said, glancing back at him, a hint of a smile played on his lips. 

“Until next time,” you echoed as you stepped out of his office and into the library.

---

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[oftenderweapons]

Natural Connection | KNJ | Ch.5

A Small Town Swoons story

Pairing: Namjoon x reader (nicknamed Plum)

Wordcount: 3.6k

Genre: stragers to lovers, fluff, mild angst; ranger/trainer!Namjoon, Chef!reader

Rating: 18+

Synopsis: Plum wakes up needy, too bad Namjoon has already left her room. Their confrontation doesn't go where expected.

Trigger warnings: swearing, semi-public sex. Making out, grinding, dry humping, mutual masturbation, peaches and cream (i guess???). Musings on unprotected sex. Just a pinch of postcoital misunderstandings. Feral, possessive kissing and light biting.

A/N: Holy moly it's been two years???, but I guess it's better late than never, right? 😅💖 I decided to post this only now since I've already written the final 2 chapters. It's been tought, but I've decided it's time to return to this story and finally complete it (even though Ranger!Joon will be oh so dearly missed. I really didn't want to let go of him LOL, esp since it's time to drop this sunshine baby's full back story 😞🥺🥺🥺)

Here is my Masterlist, enjoy!

Navi: Part 1 – Part 2 — Part 3 – Part 4 - Part 5

When you saw Namjoon the next morning, you only remembered waking up to an empty bed. 

It wasn't a pleasant feeling and you weren't ready to acknowledge it like a mature, emotionally stable adult. 

“Good morning, Plum,” he murmured, standing very close beside you as he waited for his band of jocks to join you. 

“Morning,” you replied, a bit grumpy, but hiding it behind the pretense of courtness. 

“Did you sleep alright?” he asked, gentle and apprehensive. 

“Uh-huh.”

“Not very wordy, mh?” He nodded to himself. “Okay.” And just like that, conversation was over. 

You hated having him right beside you and wasting time in silence when all you wanted to do was hear him talk, but apparently you had to make do with what you had. 

The guys arrived all together maybe two minutes after he stopped talking to you. 

“Okay, let's stop by the equipment office so you can all get your climbing gear.” 

Cruelty didn't even begin to cover the ugly feeling coursing through your every limb. It was a sour kind of betrayal, both from your own body and from the person who has so perfectly won you over in nothing but four days of half smiles and hard work and competent guidance. 

It felt like your stomach was being played tennis with, slammed from one side to the other. 

Namjoon seemed entirely oblivious to the wretched state you were in, especially once he knelt in front of you and tugged at the straps around your thighs, slipping two fingers in between the harness and your skin to make sure there was enough space for your muscles to flex comfortably. “All set?” he asked, but his voice was dark and once his eyes shot up to your face he couldn't hide a flicker of lust lighting up his guts.

This angle, he thought, was just the same as when he'd lifted your leg and placed the back of your knee over his shoulder, his nose diving in the metallic, earthy scent of you. 

He was getting hard. He could tell. 

But you took a step back. “Yes.” Your reply was glacial, and it seemed as if you couldn't remove your harness fast enough. 

“I'll be right back,” you told him over your shoulder as you headed for the closest restroom in the sports hall. 

Namjoon just nodded and watched you go.

“What did you do to her?” Jackson asked him, an unwelcome afterthought, like his personal little devil perched on his shoulder. 

“I have no idea,” Namjoon replied, sincere and confused. 

“Did you tell her something rude? With your typical lone wolf harshness?” Jaebeom pitched in. 

“Who made her mad?” Asked Wooyoung, staring at your figure as you dashed across the hall. 

“Namjoon,” said Jackson, not even bothering with stating that maybe you weren't mad at all, and that Namjoon had done absolutely nothing to upset you. 

Yet, it was his interaction with you that had made you dash. Or so he thought. 

“Go check on the girl, you fool! Didn't mother teach you anything?” 

All the guys turned in Bangchan's direction and he seemed to quote, “Broke your heart I'll put it back together, I would wait forever and ever, and that's how it works, that's how you get the girl.” 

Jackson and Jaebeom just stared at him, as if they couldn't recognise their friend at all. 

“She literally said what every girl wants and we still act like girls are a mystery. Just listen to them, for goodness’ sake.” 

Namjoon nodded for a couple seconds, then started in the direction you went. 

He entered the corridor to the restroom, and hesitated by the shared washing room that gave access both to the men's toilets and the women's ones. He walked through the women's door. Three other doors in front of him. 

He really, wholeheartedly hoped there weren't other women around. 

“Plum, are you okay?” 

Silence followed. 

“I know you're here, Plum. I just need to know you're alright. I don't know what I said or did to upset you, but—” 

A door opened and for a second he thought he would die of mortification, then he registered your face. 

Relief, at first. 

Then something else. 

Your cheeks were aflame, and your chest too seemed to be on fire. 

Your lips were as red as he'd ever seen them, and it wasn't makeup because he hadn't noticed any bright colour on your face earlier. 

“Are you okay?” he asked. 

You nodded, still speechless. 

“You don't seem okay. What is it? Did I—?” 

“I am fine, Namjoon. Don't worry. I'm alright. Perfectly okay.”

“But you—” 

“Wonderfully fantastic, Namjoon.” Your tone was clipped 

You made your way to the door when he stepped in front of it. “Are you?”

You rolled your eyes. “I just told you so!” 

He pinched a lock of your hair in between his thumb and forefinger, straightened it, then released it. “You were grumpy this morning.”

“Just stressed about climbing.” 

“Nothing to do with me, so?” 

You rolled your eyes. Why would he be so perceptive? “Absolutely not.” 

“Am I frustrating you?” he asked, and stepped closer. 

“Yes, immensely, with all your questions and— The guys will be suspicious. Do they know you—” 

“That I came after you? Yes, they saw you dash and suggested I check in on you, which I wanted to do myself, but I wasn't sure it was a good idea, and their validation sort of helped. I know you're mad at me, I don't know why, though!” 

You narrowed your eyes at him. “You don't know why?!” 

You tried to sidestep him, but he was like a wall in front of you. “I don't.” 

“I woke up! Alone! I was…!” You gesticulated as if to complete your accusation, but the words wouldn't come out. 

“I see,” Namjoon replied, and he immediately noticed it was patronising, which made you seethe at him, pointing a finger against his chest.

“Do not use that tone with me, mister. You could at least have left a note.” 

He looked at you like you were nothing but a tiny little mouse he was about to thwart with his big bearish paws. “I'm sorry, Plum. You're right, I should have left a note.”

It was true, he'd dashed earlier that morning, but it was only because a deer had been found not far from the main road, his hind legs severely damaged, and he'd been called to help the local wildlife ranger to pick the animal up for rescue. “It was an emergency and I dashed out and—” 

“I woke up and you were gone.” Your eyes were wide, perfectly showing the disbelief you'd felt. “I woke up—” you said, and the pause that followed was like you were looking for words and only the wrong ones were coming up. “I woke up,” you repeated, “wanting you,” you added, cheeks aflame again, eyes aimed at him like guns, like saying ‘you know what I mean’, “And you weren't there,” you concluded. 

He stared at you for one or two blinks. “Wanting me?” He asked, and you shoved him back with both your hands, even more fed up. 

He, however, caught your wrists and brought them down to your sides, jutting his chin forward in a cocky expression. “You wanted me.” 

Your cheeks were boiling and your eyes couldn't bear his face any longer, so you turned them down, to the floor. “Yes.” 

“Plum,” he called, his hands trailing up your forearms, all the way to your shoulders. 

You shivered, but he proceeded still, headed for the sides of your neck, then your cheeks. 

“You want me still, sweets?” His thumbs forced your face up, but your eyes were glued to the floor. “Come on, Plum. Look at me, darling.” 

Reluctantly, you did. 

“Oh, sweets,” he spoke, ever so gently, so tender. “I was called on an emergency by the rangers of the local park. We were rescuing a deer.” 

Your pout was still glued to your face, and you weren't sure why. You're used to commandeering around ten men at a time, but this one, this specific man is not a force you can reckon with. 

“I wanted to stay, Plum. I truly did.” He kissed your temple when your initial frustration seemed to subside. “Let me make it up to you, sweets.” 

He touched the curve of your neck with his forefinger. “Was it when I asked about your day this morning?” He asked, his finger roaming across your collarbones. “When I asked how you slept?” His finger aimed even lower, just a few millimetres beneath the neckline of your top. He lowered his mouth to your ear, and when he spoke “Or was the sight of me kneeling in front of you, like when you came all over my mouth?”

Your insides clenched like you hadn't just given them the sort of satisfaction they were looking for.

“How can I make it up to you?” He asked, as if he needed to be in your good graces. “Anything you want, sweets.” While one hand drew the line of your side, coming to rest on your waist, the other rested on your jaw, the pad of his thumb tracing your lower lip, and his brow knit as if he were in physical pain from the longing. And goodness, if he knew how to pine…

You let your lips disclose for him and he inhaled sharply as the warmth of your exhale slithered past his fingertip. 

His right hand slid from your waist to the small of your back, pulling you closer. “Can I kiss you?”

You nodded. 

“Do you want me to?”

You nodded again, and he smiled, so softly it killed you. 

“Use your words, Plum.”

Your heartbeat skipped, your temper now entirely dissolved into warm honey. “Please, kiss me.”

He nodded, his smile so blindingly happy. And he lowered himself to you. 

His lips were soft against your own, so delicate and tentative. No tongue, just tiny pecks. 

He seemed ready to let go of you, but you had other thoughts in mind. He was already rising, and all you could do was grip the nape of his hair, and keep him still, kissing the line of his jaw now that his mouth was out of reach. 

He pulled back, fighting you a little as you kept delivering open mouthed kisses to his throat, by now reaching his collarbone. 

He tipped his head back to make eye contact with you and you stopped. 

“You wannit?” He said, the words coming out like a dark purr, smooth and vaguely threatening. 

You nodded, exasperated, then remembered his correction from before and whispered, “Will you fuck me, please?”

His grin was devilish and helpless at the same time. He shook his head and tried to angle himself away from you, running his hands through his hair. 

He had only as much restraint as a well-disciplined, civilised, mannered man, no more no less. 

Even a saint would break for you. 

You thought he was about to head for the door and leave when he stood before it, locked it shut and turned back to you, with two great strides before slamming his mouth to yours and grabbing your ass, picking you up like you were nothing compared to what he usually lifts in the gym. 

You found yourself with your back to the wall and him pressed up against your front, squeezing you in a way that could have been suffocating, except you loved the way he was so explicit in wanting you, and how easy you could read the restraint he was imposing on himself. 

You ground against his navel and he lowered you just a little, so that your core was square against his pelvis. 

“Woke up late,” you told him in between kisses and gasps. “I stretched over to your side—“

He tried to focus on your words but all he could do was stare at your mouth and register the bits he needed.

“I wanted you,” you said, and it came out like a cry. 

“I know,” he said, soft, understanding, soothing. 

“You weren’t there, and I was late, and I couldn’t—” You gasped as he dove for your throat, biting gently, making you arch into him, against him, your bodies flush against each other. “I was so mad. So frustrated.”

“Let it all out, sweets,” he said, reliable, steady, strong. “Lay it all on me.”

“I didn’t even have time to pull myself together ‘cause I was late,” you whine, and it came out so weak, so silly. 

“I can fix that for you, if you want me to. Just say the words.” He didn’t even need anything done to himself, he just wanted to please you. So many years of well-spent solitude and self-control had taught him everything about patience, everything about himself. It was not his own pleasure he’d learnt to desire, but the pleasure he could give to someone else. 

“Want you inside,” you mumbled, chasing his mouth, needing his lips sucking your own, tongues tangled together. Feeling him through his shorts, through your own shorts too was torture when he could be skin to skin against you, inside you, even.

“We’d need to stretch you first, it’s gonna take a bit, baby,” he reminded you, worried. 

You bit your lip and looked away. “What if I’d already handled that?”

His eyes went wide, then he bit your chin fondly with a curious enthusiasm. “Just cause I looked at you while kneeling?”

You felt your cheeks flush with fire. “You were— It was like when, the other day you—”

“Hold tight,” he said, then freed an arm by using his forearm to hold you up from beneath both your thighs. With his spare hand, he shoved his shorts down before stopping. “Condom. Damn!”

You squeezed your eyes shut, then let your forehead fall to his shoulder. “Please…”

“Plum, I—”

You weren’t on birth control, and you couldn’t risk going bare. You possibly never could. Not with your period being the most irregular thing ever, and knowing that you could be ovulating any day now. 

He helped you slide down his body. “You don’t happen to—”

“Left them in my bedside drawer.”

He let his forehead fall against the wall. 

“I cannot go bare—” you offered weakly.

He kissed your temple. “I wouldn’t ask you that. Not even if we were both one hundred percent sure.”

You bit your lip again, thinking, a frown forming on your forehead. And then— 

You took his hand in yours, dragged him to the washbasin, with its mirror right in front of you, and as you stood against the counter, his body pressed up behind you, you lowered your shorts, exposing your naked behind to him. 

“Plum, I don't think this is a good idea,” he said, biting his tongue. 

“You can just grind and I'll—” You brought your hand to your labia and traced a circle against your core that almost made you shiver. 

“This could get messy,” he said. 

You turned to look at him from over your shoulder and with a flirty smile you added, “I don’t remember it being a problem last time.”

He shook his head and grinned, wolfish and sexy. 

You couldn’t quite align the sight of him now with the person he had been out in public about thirty minutes ago; and it got worse when he grabbed the left side of your face with his right hand and brought his mouth to your cheek, biting it gently, his lips giving it a slight suction, as if he were half between nibbling and kissing. 

Your head was playing some hard rock soundtrack while it all happened, and it was feral, and you were almost disconnected from yourself but it was heavenly. 

It was all heavenly until they knocked at the door. 

You stared at each other in the mirror and he cursed under his breath. 

“Keep going,” you whispered. “Let them eat cake.”

It took maybe a millisecond to win him over, and it got even rougher, his hand was at your neck, grabbing at the base of your jaw, and he gave a little jerk as your eyes rolled shut. He called for your attention and as soon as you mustered the strength to open your eyes, he brought his other hand to the hill of your pelvis, his hand dwarfing you as he cupped you. “Eyes on me, Plum.”

And you kept your pupils glued to his as he stuck two of his beautifully long, perfectly thick fingers inside you. 

Your jaw went slack and he grinned, your hand reaching behind you to grab his ass, pushing him even closer up against you, clawing at his glute. 

This time it was his jaw that was left hanging. 

You were moving just right against each other, and the knocking stopped, and the last thing you knew was that he groaned, head thrown back before you felt it, hot and wet against you. His head snapped forward next, teeth sinking at the spot between your neck and shoulder as he tried to muffle a moan. 

Similarly, you pressed the ball of your hand to your lips as your left one assisted his own between your legs, his fingers inside you while your digits worked on the outside.

He murmured sweet nothings in your ear as he focused on you, kissing, sucking, nibbling at the sensitive skin near your neck and jaw and collarbone. “Come on, Plum,” he whispered. “Come on my fingers, sweet thing. I promise I’ll be so good to you.” His mouth was everywhere on you, and his hand — the one not inside you — was so sweet on your face and your hair. 

“I’ll give you anything tonight, I swear, Plum. Anything you want, you’ll have it. It’s all yours,” he said, back to his chivalrous, servicing self. “You’re so beautiful, so precious, so lovely.” His nose was deep in your hair, inhaling you, the osmanthus and elderflower of your shampoo. “I never thought I would find something like you. You’re unbelievable.”

And there was so much pining, so much longing in his dark and shimmering eyes, that when you looked at him again, you crumbled, your legs giving out, and you were lucky his arms had you locked in his embrace: his left one holding your torso and head upright while his hand cradled your face; his right arm instead ran across your waist and navel, his fingers still deep inside you, and it was only thanks to his forearm that you didn’t melt to the floor. His hips were pinning you to the hard edge of the counter, and you knew it would feel tender later, maybe bruise even, but in the haze of your ecstasy you almost found it sexy. 

“There you go, Plum,” he cooed at you, his smile all gentle and apprehensive. “That’s my good girl.”

Your head fell back on his shoulder and he kissed you on your lips, a polite little peck that made your stomach flutter. 

He was strong, he was dependable and steady, responsible, and it came so easy to you to give up control and just let him take over. 

You’d always been neurotic — is that the right word? — about sex. About letting yourself be vulnerable and weak and passive, but with him you just let yourself float to his current, and that was probably one of the best choices you’d ever made. 

Your eyes opened and when you finally put him on focus, he gave you this dreamy little smile, and just then you realised how rare it is to see his face like that, up close, but also so serene. So… happy?

“Hello?” you said and he shook his head slowly, as if amused. 

“Hello,” he answered. 

And you both giggled. “Are we in trouble?” You asked.

“Not sure. But I’m sure you’re nothing but trouble to me.” He gave you a squeeze as you were still in his arms and you were about to frown, not sure how to interpret his sentence. “Despicable, unresistable trouble.” His hand was still inside you and you clenched a little, ready to take more. He inhaled sharply. “Sweet, lovely trouble.” His thumb skimmed your hipbone fondly. 

You breathed out slowly, trying to steady yourself. “I guess we should go before we get into any more trouble than this.”

He froze for a second, then nodded and let go of you. “Sure. I’ll just clean you up.”

Your eyebrows shot up. “Oh, I’ll take care of that.” 

“I don’t mind,” he said, but he was staring at the floor, and he was covering himself, and you could tell you’d made a mistake somewhere. 

“You sure you don’t mind?” you ask, and he stopped and looked at your reflection. 

You were dishevelled and half naked, but he stared at your face like that was the only thing that mattered. 

“Of course I don’t?” He said, but it came out almost as a question. He grabbed a towel and soaked it under the tap. “I don’t know the etiquette about this kind of situation,” he murmured while rubbing the towel gently against your glutes. “I’d like to think this would be the polite thing to do. Fix the mess I make.”

Is it just a matter of politeness? you asked yourself, eyes averted. “Sure,” you said and smiled, like it’s no big deal. 

Navi: Part 1 – Part 2 — Part 3 – Part 4 - Part 5

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