#Vertin x Reader

[iridescent-solstice]

| Fic inspired by: {Reverse 1999} A 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG Game |

Noticing her turning to leave, you panic and grab onto her wrist. A vice-like grip around it, almost as if when she leaves . . . She’d disappear and take everything you hold dear with her. 

“Timekeeper wait!” 

Vertin’s head snaps to look at you. So quickly, you swear it flew. A mixture of intense emotions written all over her face. Eyes widened in shock with her mouth slightly agape. She’s been on many missions that‘s brought new arcanists to the foundation, but never has anyone clung to her in such a manner. Its the storm, Vertin tells herself, the storm is what’s causing you to act like this. Why else would you cling to failure like her who can’t protect anyone? But then she looks into your eyes . . . Eyes that peer up at her so vulnerably. Never has anyone looked at her with such fondness in their eyes. Never . . . Has anyone but her mother held onto her like she’s their lifeline. 

“I-” You pull your arm back immediately, attempting to speak but the ability to speak has already left you. Apologies about to leave you, but she speaks up before you can even start. “Whatever it is that you wish to speak, you must be quick about it. The storm is almost here.” She speaks with finality in her voice. Ahh, another mission must have been assigned. 

Embarrassed, your eyes wander away from her face as you fidget with yourself. “I- . . . Timekeeper, I know you’re busy. It’s not my intention to keep you from your duties . . .” Trailing off again, you’re unable to speak. “But?” She says in an attempt to coax it out of you. The authoritative tone melts away to a voice as smooth as butter, so you cave. Like you always do with her.

“I know that you've been through these many times.” You swallow trying to gather the courage to speak to her so boldly. Openly for the first time. She watches you with such intensity that you get lost in her eyes. The same aloof expression as always has captivated you like no other face could ever. This causes your soul to jump to the sky in fright when you feel her hand grasp yours. Tight and warm, yet her touch is so gentle. . . . As if to say she’s here for you. “With lots of other arcanists but . . . This is my first time braving through the storm. I know you're needed elsewhere but if it's possible . . . Please could you . . . Could I stay with you please?” Your voice teeters off meekly at the last sentence. Tears welling up in your eyes, but you blink them away as you pull your hand away from hers. Face turning away in shame. “I MEAN . . . Forgive me, I just got carried away. You should go before someone comes to-” 

“I’ll stay.” Now it’s your turn to look shocked. Eyes finding hers again once more. The sad sea green ocean in her eyes moves you to huddle closer back to her. To comfort her, something tugs at your heart whenever her eyes get like that. Murky and dark, like she’s reminiscing on something that doesn’t exist anymore. Oh, how you wish you’d be allowed to know what goes on in her head. “I know what it’s like to be all alone with no one to turn to. Don’t worry about my mission, after all I'm not a timekeeper yet, so you shouldn’t keep calling me that either. My abilities are far too weak to be considered for high stake missions at the moment.” With that being said, she breaks your shared stare. An arm hesitantly wrapping around you. Looking outside the window, she observes the rain as it dances around the flowers outside the facility. “I’ll stay with you, as long as you need me to.”  Those words bring you more comfort than anything the foundation could ever offer. And they have offered a lot. Your ability is a game changer. By getting to you first, they got the first real upper hand on manus vindicate but all you feel like is a puppet they poke and prod at.

Vertin on the other hand, feels like home. God, you haven’t thought of that in a long while. Wordlessly, you lean your head on her shoulder. She lets you.

Together the two of you watch the world outside as the number on her wristwatch gets closer and closer to zero. Abnormalities beginning to appear, and soon the storm will begin.

5 4 3 2 1

. . . Her hand clutches yours even tighter and a whimper is heard. You're not sure if it's hers or yours.

[ ᴅɪᴠɪᴅᴇʀꜱ ʙʏ: @grungenglam]

[sleepingcup]

Injuries is what I am used to

Game: Reverse 1999 x Reader Characters: Vertin, Sonetto, & Horropedia x Injured! Reader Genre: Hurt/Comfort, mentions of blood, non-spoiler territory, Fluff Disclaimer: This is made for fun, be aware of oocs and mistypings.

-- {Can you write about the pavlov foundation gang (like horropedia, vertin, sonetto) reacting to their s/o coming back injured from their mission against manus vindictae 👉👈 [lmao just something to feed the horropedia brainrot] - anon} (This is requested that was from the inbox of @sleepy-meep) --

Summary: You had finished your mission, as the toughest unit in the St. Pavlov Foundation. You came in one piece but at what cost? Being injured from the Manus Vindictae, how will they react to that is...

She is stoic, but deep down...

Vertin is pissed.

She had NO idea that you will get injured from the fight and swore to herself to NEVER make the same mistake ever again. Vertin immediately tends to your wounds calmly and asks you to rest or sleep by her side.

I dont think Vertin would not allow you to be alone for even a second, as a result Vertin would be a doting lover.

Plus you might want to get used to Vertin being clingy, she too deserves your attention even more.

Also Vertin might cry silently when she confess that she just needs your company and hopes that it was not greedy.

Let's just say that Vertin had a pleasant time with you.

If there is a meter of panic out of 10, it would be a 1000 when Sonetto sees you in that state.

She is EXTREMELY worried about you and immediately tries her best to tend to your wounds, constantly worried that she would leave or worse yet lost you when you are away from her.

She can't afford to leave you alone.

If anything she would LOVE to ask permission to be with you till you recovered from your wounds.

If you do need any help or any of her service Sonetto will arrive no hesitation.

But if its a kiss, she would give you kisses, no questions asks.

Cut to Matilda sobbing/j

The happy go lucky man will turn to concern and worry with a blink of an eye.

Goes to you and wonders if you are alive or a ghost, but when you reassure him that you are fine and just injured. He brushes off like nothing happened.

That is the ONLY thing he can fool you.

But deep down, he deeply cares for you.

In his own way Horropedia loves to bother you even if you are recovering from your injuries. But this is LITERALLY his opportunity to be with you so he is on the winning side.

Plus he won't hesitate to give you kisses when he tried to take care of your wounds, cheesy I know. But he would also lure you to watch horror movies with him and chill.

The only thing that YOU alone is not aware is that, Horropedia kept you close to him while he was either watching or reading not letting you go until you are fully healed.

[kae-nyan]

(GN READER X VERTIN, FLUFF, ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP)

Only you my girl, only you babe, only you~

(VERTIN)

VERY clingy on her sleep actually. Don't be suprised when you find yourself to be bundled up by her. There wasn't a single night where her hands wasn't placed on you, whether it be hugging you from the back, or just hand holding.

Elaborating on this, this means none of your rare fights would last long anyways. Vertin would sleep on the other side of your bed at night and you would wake up with her crooning on your neck the next morning.

And it wouldn't matter if you were sulking or whatevs, you would always find your place at her arms no matter how hard you try to avoid it.

However, she sometimes have reoccurring nightmares. You'll know when she starts to mumbles, or maybe even groan sometimes..

She wouldn't tell you though, but rather assure yourself to not worry about her and says she's used to it. And she wouldn't forget to apologise to you if her "nonsense" disturbs your sleep.

But it's more, obvious, during her worse days of seasonal nightmares. Guilt eats her up when Vertin finally wakes up from her dream to see your worried and tired face. She would suggest that she would sleep on the sofa. But of course you wouldn't allow it.

Often rambles some weird facts when it alligns with your hobby. Vertin is the type of gal to know everything about anything, especially about history (since yk,, she's a timekeeper)

Oh? That hobby? Didn't you know that it was accidentally created when an arcanist thought it was more convinient to use arcanist items rather than human items, but found out it has other effects?

Oh, yeah? That famous old song you're listening to? Fun fact, it was created when the singer had to improvise the lyrics by memory because someone had stolen the original script.

A sucker for your home-made lunch box you made for her to eat during her long field mission. You ironically made love shapes with bits of foods and cheesy words with ketchup. And you know what?? SHE WILL EAT THAT UP IN ONE GO

Regulus once took a peek at Vertin's lunch box and boy was Vertin was teased for it.

Vertin doesn't care though.

I mean, she gets to eat your carefully hand crafted food rather than drinking unhealthy soda 24/7.

There is rarely an occasion where you and her are left alone in the suitcase. But when it does, you two get to enjoy the peace and quiet together. You two would joke around if this is what it feels like to grow old together in the future.

Or some other times, Vertin would turn on the record player for you to listen together. Vertin would read a book or on her work desk, and you will be knitting or solving a puzzle. But all in the same room.

After all, your relationship has come to the point where you don't need words to understand each other.

This girl keeps EVERYTHING you gave her. Even before you guys are official. Not to mention, she has a box dedicated to items that were once gifted from you. And it's sometimes ridiculously absurd.

Remember that chocolate bar you once gave her? Well, the wrapper of said chocolate bar is still in her possession. She said its for memories when you told her to just throw it away.

But often times, it made you two reminisce of the past where you two were still fools in love that do awfully foolish things for each other (the intensity is tone down now that you have been together for years, but still)

[strwbmei]

I'm sending this anonymously but i am one of your mutuals (guess who >:3) and I wanted to request a Vertin X shy!S/O fluff cause i'm completely in love with her (hint: i like a certain pink haired girl and i love Italians)

pairing(s): vertin x gn!reader

a/n: Hello!! Truth be told, I could tell just from the ">:3" emoji alone haha, it's always such a joy to talk with you (:

I'll get to all of the thirsts in my inbox I swear, I've just been really in the mood to write fluff lately

Vertin with a Shy!Reader

: ̗̀➛ Vertin isn't really shy, just more of an introvert who has a hard time expressing what she feels. Because of her past experiences and the people she has lost, she never really saw the point in building a relationship with someone whether it be platonic or romantic.

: ̗̀➛ That said— one thing that the Timekeeper has always been is curious. Your naturally shy and closed-off character piqued her interest even more so than the others, and she wanted to know everything about you.

: ̗̀➛ It's in her nature to be inquisitive and prying about everything; you, in particular, are no exception. Although it's true that her that this has gotten her into trouble more than a few times, she can't really bring herself to care if you're involved.

: ̗̀➛ After a while, her curiosity wasn't only for you and everything about you, but also for herself. Poor girl is usually so rational and calculated, but once she's in your presence all of that is completely gone. She believed herself to be a person who's very self-aware, yet you have her questioning everything as she knows it.

: ̗̀➛ Why does the world, usually so dreadful and miserable, feel so much more colorful when you're around? Why can't she take her eyes off of you? Why is it that whenever there is danger, her first concern is if you're alright? What is this... thumping in her heart that just can't seem to stop whenever you so much as look at her?

: ̗̀➛ It's love. Vertin was well aware of that fact, and it scared her. Scared that you might not feel the same way. Scared that the two of you will go back to being strangers once you find out. Most of all, terrified that you'd be put into danger because of her actions.

: ̗̀➛ You may have been shy, but you're not oblivious. You're aware of how she treats you differently from the others and you can feel how she gazes at you with unbridled love from across the room. You also know that Vertin would never tell you how she truly feels because of her fears.

: ̗̀➛ Sure, confessing your love to her despite all of that might have been a selfish move, but do you regret it? Not at all. You're prepared for the worst— as long as you're facing it with her. The process of the confession, though? The two of you were bumbling idiots who couldn't properly articulate their feelings even though you both have thought of this exact scenario a million times before.

: ̗̀➛ Still, it was worth every second. Vertin might not show it, but she's completely over the moon. Suddenly, the world isn't such a negative place— suddenly, she has hope. It's just a spark, but it's enough to keep her going.

: ̗̀➛ She's very patient with you. She knows that all of this about relationships and feelings is entirely foreign to you, and while that may also be true for her, she makes sure to put in the effort to be extra understanding since she knows of how timid you are and all she wants is for you to be happy and safe.

: ̗̀➛ Of course, she also tries to improve her ability to communicate. You're the only one who she feels like she can be vulnerable with and finally let the walls she's built around herself down. It's the first time she's felt so... secure and loved in someone's presence, and she wants to make sure she's the best version of herself for you.

: ̗̀➛ Until she's done with that though, expect random shows of affection throughout the day. Mostly her just remembering she hasn't kissed you or shown you love in the past 30 minutes and spontaneously deciding she needs to give you a peck on the cheek.

: ̗̀➛ Her sudden touches surprises you sometimes, but it's cute! You're just happy to see Vertin getting more comfortable because both of you were very hesitant to even hold hands at the start of your relationship.

[luciddreamingcrow]

hello! I really love your thoughts on vertin always stumbles upon reader on her travels. Always meeting reader who remained the same regardless of the many times of reincanation. Can you write headcanons about it? It really screams soul mate au :D

Thank you! And here are some strawberries for your lovely crows 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

"But I love you so"

Summary:in every timeline you and Vertin are always ment to be, here's a link to a longer summary

Warnings!: MAJOR SPOILERS!!!slight angst, fluff, not proof read we die like Schneider 🗣️

A/n: AAAAAAAAAAAAAA I ABSOLUTELY LOVE SOULMATE AUS SM, ik that they are kind of dated but we deserve more soulmate aus in this world so I'll make it a soulmate au fic just for y'all, and tysm^^ the crows will love it!

So! Imagine, while you and Vertin were students in the St. Pavlov Foundation, you two would always get in trouble by pushing the limit of the strict rules of the foundation and try to find out more and more about anything in general.

It has become a habit for the teachers to punish you two separately because as long as you and Vertin were together, everything was alright and wherever you were, wether it be in the halls, in your dorms or were sent to punishment, you guys would be having a good time.

I can see you with Vertin trying to find books in the library about the outside world, even if you weren't a big fan of reading complicated books, Vertin would be more than happy to read them at loud for you and explain you some terminologies that you don't understand.

One of her favourite memories is you two spending time in your dorms theorising about the world, what about the frog she brought in? What kind of life did it have back there?

Her second favourite is you two finding a few scraps of metal in the library, they were two circular ones that fit perfectly like rings, from then on you guys kept them as matching rings.

At last you were one of the first people that she told her plan to go and witness the outside world.

This moment marked such a significant part in your guys friendship, even if you didn't tell her your feelings you felt really honoured to go with her, getting to witness such beauty is a onece in a life time opportunity.

As Vertin gathered more children that longed for freedom just like you two, you of course helped with the plan for everyone to escape.

But you were so innocent, as much knowledge the both of you had, you were still just children, gullible and naive.

The moment you inhaled the air of the outside world you felt as the world around you was embracing you and welcoming your truth, you felt as if life has welcomed you back to life.

That wouldn't last long though, the moment you turned around you felt a sharp pain in your heart, you saw Vertins eyes widen.

She saw how life was draining out of your soul

She has witnessed the Storm

Before you could understand what was happening, the last thing you remember seeing is her, your heart sank along with her's, as if your heart was a anchor strongly attached by a thread to hers

You were gone before her eyes, that marked the end of a era, you were gone, now the world didn't exist for her, she never could feel the oxygen in her lungs the same way as you did.

The only thing that was left is your matching ring, thats it, the only evidence that you were alive in her life time. And from then on she'd wear it with her, never taking it off.

As years passed by she always had this sinking feeling that wouldn't let her be.

In one of her travels she gazed at her clock seeing how long before the storm arrived at that timeline, "in 25 minutes and 11 seconds the Storm is comming" she said as she gazed at Sonetto as she nodded.

"It's a pity, this life time is so peaceful, it feels uneasy even, but there's nothing we can do now, how about a walk? Let's saviour some of these parts at least in our memories" Sonetto murmured before they start walking along a park with a beautiful view of a lake

Before Vertin could comment at the beauty before her she saw someone

Her heart felt heavy again, it couldn't be...

She stayed like a statue gazing on the person that felt so familiar, even if their backs were turned every part of them reminded her of you, but she didn't want them to turn around, she couldn't bear to see their life fading in front of her, so she let go and went back with Sonetto to saviour this time line for as long as she could.

There were multiple times before she saw people exactly like you, they even sounded like you but she couldn't bear to get attached this much again.

But in another timeline, there you were, but the only difference was that you were a Arcanist, Vertin knew she had to collaborate with you in this time line but she still held back.

But how could she? You were here! It was you! Your memories weren't the same but yet you talked to her as if you knew her from birth.

This time Vertin finally could let go of her guilt and mourning, so as the Storm closed in instead of seeing you disappear again she took you with her.

[fishermanshook]

Forever Yours (yan!timekeeper x gn!reader)

tw: mentions of kidnapping (ooc as shit)

yan!vertin who, at first, wasn't interested in having a relationship with you that wasn't purely for work reasons. As the timekeeper, she simply just doesn't have the time to support your relationship and it wouldn't be fair to either of you. So, she keeps her head low when the two of you pass by each other. A simple nod and small smile was enough for the both of you as you trekked in different directions.

yan!vertin who starts to see you more often. Not on purpose and certainly is just coincidental that you get put in her group for a mission. Whether it be to stop an accident from taking place or trying to change the past, she finds herself looking for you in her crowd.

yan!vertin who starts to walk by you on purpose now. Doing anything in her power to be able to get to talk to you more. You don't seem to mind though, putting your work on hold just to have a conversation with her. How sweet, she thinks. You have to care, even if it may be only an inch of your heart that does.

yan!vertin who starts taking more of a liking to you. Finding herself stumbling on her words and turning beet red whenever you’re around. Sonneto catches on, as it’s obvious to see what’s happening. But that’s just what she thinks. What she doesn’t know, is that these pure affectionate thoughts she has of you start to turn more obsessive by the second.

yan!vertin who catches herself thinking about you more than she should. It’s becoming a problem and both her and Sonneto know it. Yet, she can’t bring herself to confess, let alone get over you. She’s to scared of rejection, too scared to be left without love again. But the storms coming soon, she better think of something quick.

yan!vertin who explains the situation to you. Saying you must come with her or you and everything and everyone you love will be wiped from existence. Vertin knows you know about the storm, but your knowledge of it is so small that she can design intricate lies that weave into each other like a web. She extends the tragedy to something even more horrifying that at first, she struggles to get you to go. But after a lot of convincing and tears (yours and hers combined), you agree to come with her. Vertin takes your hand in hers and leads you to elsewhere.

yan!vertin who brings you to a different area, and while you're still struggling to wrap your head around everything, you can barely make out the mumble of words coming from behind you.

"I'm so sorry, you'll understand soon."

Before you can comprehend what she means, you black out. You still won't know what she means until you wake from your forced slumber, and find yourself inside of her suitcase. Alone and cold, you wait for her presence.

She's the only person you'll ever see from here on out.

note: happy holidays everyone! enjoy this first (of hopefully many 🤞) reverse 1999 fic! stay safe, love y’all! #vertins wife #i wanna redo my entire blog you guys

(2023)©️fishermanshook — do not steal, translate, plagiarize, or repost my work on any other platform

[friendsoup]

Omg hello! So I am obsessed with Vertin and CANNOT find anything on her. Could you write an angsty fic between her and the reader? Like something where she and the reader obviously want something to develop between eachother, but refuse to go through with it for whatever reason? If not that's completely alright, I still adore your works.

Brave The Storm

Recipe: Angst, Hurt no comfort, Romantic pining, GN!reader, Reader x Vertin, Projecting myself onto Vertin by making her neurodivergent, v short v sad

WC: 987

AC: Wrote this in the ideal fanfiction writing setting. Home alone, on the couch, with my dog beside me, a cup of warm coffee on the table. I hope this isn't too short for you anon! I had run writing Vertin!

“Timekeeper?” You call, timidly from the doorway. You’ve never ventured into the Timekeeper’s office before, though few have. To your understanding, it was Vertin’s secret place, where she stowed herself away after every storm. Usually, she’d emerge a day later, ready to lead your team forward. But now was different. She hadn’t left the office in days, and everyone was beginning to grow worried. Restless without any commands from her. “Come in.” You hear her voice call from the other side. Your breath catches in your throat. You know that you’re about to see another side to Vertin, one that she’s shown very few people. Hesitantly, you twist the doorknob, and let yourself in. “Apologies for the mess.” Vertin says, shuffling through a box of files. She looks distraught, her eyes heavy with bags and her lips scratched to high hell. Her hair is pulled back into a haphazardly done ponytail, which hangs low. Stray hairs cover her face, it’s clear that she hasn’t fixed it in a while. It occurs to you then that you’ve never seen Vertin with her hair down. You hadn’t considered the true length of her hair, but with it unfurled from it’s bun, you see that it’s quite long. “I wasn’t expecting a guest.” She continues, snapping you out of your thoughts. “No, no, you’re fine.” You shake your head lightly. You can excuse the mess. It’s the work of a genius after all. Far be it from you to criticize. “I brought you something to eat.” You walk up beside her, placing the small tray of toast and water down beside her. It wasn’t the healthiest meal, but Sonetto had mentioned something about it being safe food. You knew better than to doubt her knowledge on the Timekeeper. “Thank you.” Vertin responded, bringing her hand up to her lip again. Absent-mindedly, she scratches at it, picking away another layer of skin.

Without thinking, you move your hand to hers, gently pushing it away from her face. Vertin’s eyes widen and look to you, shocked by this development. You notice the slightest blush on her cheeks. “Sorry!” You apologize quickly, glancing away. “I just… You shouldn’t pick at your skin, Timekeeper. It’s not good for you.”

“Vertin.” She mutters. “Please, call me Vertin.” She looks up to you with pleading eyes. You swallow harshly. “Vertin.” You correct, though the word feels wrong in your mouth, ”You shouldn’t pick at your lip. You could damage your skin.” 

“I know.” Vertin sighs. “It’s a bad habit, I’ve been doing it since I was a child. It’s difficult to quit though. I feel like it’s simply been built into me.” Her eyes fall back to her hands, to the box she was looking through.

You kneel next to her, peering into the box. You see the headlines of newspapers pop out in between the manilla folders. You recognize the dates, as times in the distant future. Vertin places the newest neatly inside. “The creator of the Storm must have a twisted sense of humor.” She says, suddenly. “I can bring as many items as I want with me into my suitcase… Yet the people I try to save stay lost forever.” Her voice is soft, fragile. As if she could shatter at any moment. You spend a second in silence, attempting to find some hopeful words. “You’ve saved many people, Vertin.” You whisper back, scared that if you’re too loud, she’d break. “Regulus, Sotheby,” You take in a breath, holding it in your chest for a moment,”Me.” “You?” Vertin asks, her gaze returning to you. “I don’t think you needed saving. You’re a capable fighter, you’re brave, you have a brilliant mind, you’re…” Her voice trails off, the slight blush returning to her cheeks. Silence falls between you once again. Hesitantly, you reach over, placing your hand over hers. She flinches initially, then calms, her shoulders falling and her breathing slowing. You feel your heart race in your chest at the contact. Her hand is cold, begging to be warmed. 

“The reason I keep fighting,” You begin, feeling your throat close up at the honesty, “The reason I’m so brave, and I try to be so smart, is because I want to make you happy. The Storm, it took so much from me. I wouldn’t have the strength to go on if you weren’t in my life. You are my purpose, Vertin.” “[Y/N]...” Vertin chokes on the word, her eyes beginning to tear. “Vertin, I-” “Don’t say it.” She interrupts, holding a finger to your lips. “Please, don’t say it.” Tears are falling quick now, rapid succession down her face. “I can’t take it. I can’t stand it.”

“Why?” You plea, squeezing her hand slightly. “Just let me in, Vertin. Let me help you. We can brave the Storm together!” “No.” Vertin shakes her head rapidly, pulling away from your touch. “You can’t. I can’t. It’s too much. I’ve lost so much over such a short period of time. Everything I gain turns to sand. I can’t let it happen again. Not to such a great extent.” “I won’t leave you!” You beg. “You don’t know that!” Vertin shouts, her eyes bloodshot. 

“Vertin…” You whisper, your shoulders falling in defeat. It’s true. You don’t know what’ll happen next time the Storm hits, or when the next attack happens. Though you want to assure Vertin you’ll be by her side through it all, you know that it’ll be an empty promise. Yet empty promises are all you’re able to provide. “Please.” Vertin sobs, her hands trembling. “Leave me be.”

You open your mouth to protest, but then she looks at you, and it sends a dagger straight through your heart. Her trembling lip, her fragile expression. You fear making things worse.

You stand, and make your way to the door.

“Goodnight, Vertin.” You tell her, before you leave. “Take care of yourself.”

[eylin09]

I draw r1999 celebrity au, the Q&A one

@sinmalssimp ty for giving me ur permission to draw ur au!

[noob-with-a-shitty-computer]

dikke my beloved

[vasito-de-leche]

Hiya! I saw that requests were open, and I wanted to ask if you could do literally anything for Vertin and a reader who's romantic. I'd prefer if the reader was not involved with St. Pavlov in any way and actively avoids/makes it known they hate the Foundation, but I'd love anything that has to do with just Vertin tbh.

Anyway that's all, have a good day/night!

;R1999 VERTIN - "this life and the next"

Vertin x Reader. 1.1k words. hurt/comfort It's the end of an era and you have to say goodbye to the love of your life. But Vertin isn't ready to let go of you yet - she'll always find you in this life and the next.

I went for a little oneshot for this one and tried to do the opposite of my usual stuff to focus on the reader's POV for once lolol. still kept things pretty vague (hopefully) so this can be read as an arcanist/human reader!

ty for the request nonnie! not sure if the romantic part came across because, well. MY HAND SLIPPED WHEN WRITING THIS AND I GOT A BIT CARRIED AWAY. HOPE YOU LIKE IT ANYWAY!

Her hand slides into yours.

Vertin's skin is cold, it always has been, but her grip is firm and steady whenever she holds you. There is an unwavering confidence in her movements that sweeps you off your feet, like this is simply how things were meant to be.

Like the whole universe was meant for you and her, and nothing else.

You know of her role and title - the Timekeeper - and just the thought alone makes your chest ache. You know the things they expect of her, back in that awful institution of self-righteous bureaucrats, and your free hand curls up into a fist. You know of her safe haven, a pocket dimension in that suitcase she carries everywhere, but what good is it for when she's still trapped in a gilded cage?

This is an unspoken truth, one no one dares to mention in her presence - all the people she's saved throughout the eras, they know that their freedom and their future comes at the cost of hers. You know this, and so does she.

Above all, you know her.

She's Vertin, your precious, little dove. She's cold and she's the warmest person you ever met. She's hard to read and every little detail about her betrays that stoic nature. She will never stop trying to do the right thing, even when dealt the worst possible hand. You love her for it.

And you love that, at the end of the world, she's chosen to be here with you.

The timer on her forearm continues ticking down, but you don't care what the bold orange numbers say because the moment they reach zero, your life will end. And you've chosen enjoy every single second you have left with her.

If life were a movie, this would've been the perfect third act climax - a temporary goodbye between people who are destined to be together against all odds. There would be a fade to black, and the next scene would show you and Vertin, older and happier than ever, unbothered by the problems of a distant past.

Vertin calls out your name, bringing you back to the current present - your chest feels lighter than ever even as the rain begins to pour.

"I'm sorry. We only have about-"

"Hush, hush. I don't want to hear about that right now." You're quick to silence her with a gentle finger atop her lips. It's your turn to ease her worries, after all the burdens she's chosen to carry. "I want to hear what you think about the future."

There's a moment of silence, she's considering your words very carefully. You don't need to be a genius to know that she's dying to ask you to join her. You could brave the storm with her and everyone else if you try hard enough - but you're not willing to become another pawn for the Foundation. You can't do that to yourself, you've seen the way they treated Vertin, Sonetto, Matilda - everyone else. You've seen what Manus Vindictae do to their people.

"...Right now?" You nod at this, it's only fair after she's asked pretty much everyone she knows. You want to hear it, the hopes she holds in her heart. Vertin takes a deep breath. "You want to know what I think of the future, what I want in it. Correct?"

Somehow, the intensity of her voice makes your heart skip a beat. Like she's made up her mind about something important.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see it - water moving up, rain being reversed - but you keep your focus on Vertin and nod once again.

She pulls you into her arms, a hand in the back of your neck and the other one wrapped around your waist. In this position, with your face nestled in her neck, all you can see is the rise and fall of her chest in the little space left between your bodies.

Your face is flushed with both love and embarrassment - even now, Vertin is trying to protect you from seeing the chaos that surrounds you. You want to speak, to tease her for being such a reliable knight in shining armor, tell her that she can't keep making you fall in love with her, that you're meant to be the hopeless romantic - but she beats you to it.

"I want to see the future you told me about. One without pain, where everything is just one never-ending fairytale. I want a gallant, white horse to ride with you into the sunset. All those cheesy things that you love, I want all of them."

Her hold on you tightens. There is a constant, loud booming sound, like a dying star, that makes your ears hurt but Vertin's voice rises above it. Your grip on her is just as desperate.

"And I don't want to say goodbye to anyone ever again."

It's the end of an era, you can feel yourself dissipating, being pulled apart from inside out by time itself. The tears flowing from your eyes fly upwards instead, and you only let out a choked laugh when you pull away from Vertin, just enough to see her face. She's crying just like you.

"You're so mean, even now you're calling me cheesy and making fun of me." Your voice breaks when you say this, but you still manage to keep a light-hearted tone. "Hey, Vertin?"

There's a glimmer of hope in her eyes, like she's waiting for you to say yes, to dive head-first into her suitcase and forget about this bitter moment.

"Do you think we get our happy ever after in another universe? That we'll find each other, no matter what?"

Just as you stop feeling your feet, your legs, your arms - Vertin leans forward, her forehead against yours. You hate hearing her so vulnerable and broken like this, but you still commit every detail of her face and her voice to memory.

"Yes. Yes, no matter what it takes, I'll always find you."

"Promise?"

Those are the last words you utter before the universe rips you apart and the world fades to black.

You jolt awake, feeling a suffocating pressure in your chest. It's hard to breathe, even more so now that you realize you're crying. Something shifts to your left, the sound of blankets rustling about - the sudden movement makes you flinch, still dazed in your fear.

A cold hand slips off from yours. Someone yawns and whispers your name in the faint light of dawn.

"...Deep breaths, okay? Make sure to breathe with me." Her words are rehearsed, calm. You breathe in and out as she instructs. Once you calm down, the woman next to you sits up and rests her head on your shoulder. Her long, silver locks tickle against your skin.

"Feeling better, love?"

Almost on instinct, your hand reaches out for hers, now tracing circles on her bare forearm. No more "Storms", no more orange numbers, no more goodbyes.

"Yeah, it was just a... dumb nightmare. Thanks for the help."

This is your happy ever after. You turn just enough to kiss the top of her head and smile into her hair when she yawns again. That one is contagious, you yawn as well, feeling much more relaxed.

"Mhm...Oh, your breath smells like the leftovers we ate for dinner."

"Vertin! Way to ruin the moment!"

[vallyway]

waitin for the day genshin fanfic writers find out about reverse 1999 bc I see no fanfics at all😭

[sleepingcup]

Types of kisses do they perfer - Very Short Headcanons

Game: Reverse 1999 x Reader

Characters: Vertin, Sonetto, Horropedia

Genre: Fluff

Disclaimer: This is made for fun purposes only, be aware of mispellings and ooc.

Vertin

Vertin may not show it, but she does blush on cheek kisses. But she mostly perfers lip kisses, it would get her a blushing mess but it does remind her how much you love her.

There are chances of her wanting more kisses from you, gently pulling you closer to her so she can kiss you tenderly.

Sonetto

Sonetto likes cheek kisses, yet she is shy to give you a kiss on the lips.

The thought of you kissing her on the lips got her weak and a blushing mess, if she is extra bold enough or got the courage Sonetto will bring you for a kiss.

Horropedia

Oh he is silly alright, its either the lips or on nose.

But if you feel bold enough and got his consent just to give him a kiss on the lips. There might be a chance that Horropedia will become a blushing mess or tease you.

[shyulvr]

overview : requests — opened

hi ! shyu here with an overview with what i'm going to be doing . i like writing and post rndm things here , feel free to give any advice !

i mostly write about re1999 hcs . i only can do re1999 x reader so please do keep in mind .

i'm not that far into re1999 quests / stories since i restarted not some time ago . please do keep in mind because of that , i can't replicate the exact behavior of the certain character !

what i write :

1 . angst

2 . scenarios

3 . fluff !

what i don 't do :

1 . nsfw

2 . character x oc

3 . character x character !

tags :

[kanaria-a]

❝The wishes of the people feel like scraps of irony❞

★PRICES AND PAYMENT

—————

I have different prices for Romantic and Platonic pairings, all depending on what exactly you get. For a purely romantic pairing: [$7 for a normal one, which is basically just reasons on why you’d be a good match, as well as personal headcanons. It’d be $10 if you want a drabble to be included.]

For a purely platonic pairing: [$5 for a normal one, which is basically just reasons as to why you’d be great friends, as well as headcanons about your time together. It’d be $7 for a drabble to be included.]

If you ever want both: [$12 for both a platonic and romantic match, which you’ll basically just get everything from both plans, but without either of the drabbles. It’d be $17 for the drabbles to be included.]

There’s also a fourth plan, in which you can choose the characters you want to be paired with, and i’ll make headcanons and a drabble for the price of one plan. It’ll basically just be the plans stated above, except you can choose who you’re paired with. Please specify if the ask is platonic or romantic. The full price of this plane is [$15]

—————

As for the payment, I can’t really set up a ko-fi or a “buy me a coffee” payment method, so i’ll be using cashapp, which i’ll send once your ready <3!!

You can pay before or after I finish your commission! While i’m on this, another payment method would be to buy an item off of my amazon wishlist, which is relatively cheaper than buying the normal packages. If you choose that payment method, you’ll automatically be upgraded to the third or fourth plan, whichever you prefer, although I greatly appreciate both!

And when you get your commission, after you’ve read it of course, please leave a review in the comments of the pinned post!! It helps me build trust with new clients and helps with legitimacy!

Submit your application here | Main post

[luciddreamingcrow]

Imagine Vertin, in all of her travels to find the truth she always stumbles opon you, or better said a reincarnated version of you. In every timeline she travels to she always manages to find you, at first the logical and rational side of her would tell herself to not get attached, but how could she not? In every reincarnation you remain the same, one of the only constant thing present in her life. Once the Storm starts effecting your current world she refuses to let you go, instead of listening to rationality, her emotions get the better of her and saves you, the only constant thing in her life now able to cherish you and hold you tighter for a little longer.

[the-forbidden-pookie]

Overworked

I'm late but happy bday Horropedia 🥺🫶🏻

Tw: SFW, written with a fem reader in mind, a smol amount of angst followed by much fluff.

Pairing: Horropedia (Joshua) x reader.

May this year witness the freedom of Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Work in the Foundation was usually fine, the fact you were a Supervising Field Agent usually meant you got assigned, well, interesting field work. But sometimes the higher ups would demand evidence to backup your mission report "Claims", be it for a trial, or an open investigation, and you would need to spend all nighters sifting through both your and your subordinates' files, as well as archived news articles, archived books, archived tapes, or really anything that could be of use.

To say all that left you mentally exhausted would be an understatement.

More than anything, it makes you yearn to finish up work quickly and go home for a hot bath and indulge in your guilty pleasure: Romance Stories.

You're pretty sure anyone of your colleagues hearing about that hobby would be more likely to think they're being pranked than actually believe it.

You, who worked hard and rose quickly within the ranks of the foundation, despite your young age.

You, who thanks to your constant networking and relentless hard work, was the youngest to be awarded with the title of Field Supervisor, bar Vertin of course as she's the Timekeeper.

Exactly why, when asked, you would usually give the far more acceptable "Tennis" as an answer. Really at this point only very few people have any clue about your obsession, and only because they were your classmates back in your more innocent and naive school days. People like this fool who came unannounced, sitting uninvited on your office couch, thoroughly distracting you from your urgent task.

"And then, we're thinking the main character would be revealed to have actually been the real villain all along! Like the serial killer will still remain a separate person, but the way Blonney's thinking of doing it is making Jessica turn out to be even more terrifying!! We'll drop hints throughout the film and-"

And so he goes, on and on. He even stands up and starts pacing as he bothers you further.

You want to groan. This annoying, silly, helpless, cute, sweet, adorkable fool.

"Aren't you supposed to be grounded?" You say deadpan, "What are you even doing here?"

Horropedia stops and turns, facing you properly, "So you can talk!" He practically cries out with mock shock, his face a mask of "disbelief". "Here I thought you'd gone mute, turns out you were just ignoring me." He says as he walks over and plops down on a chair facing your desk.

You roll your eyes refusing to play along. "Some of us have work to get done, Joshua. We're not children anymore, it's high time you start acting like an adult and quit those silly, childish stories."

"Oh?" He says smugly, but you can tell you've definitely hit a nerve by calling him Joshua instead of his preferred nickname. He then proceeds to take a long look around your office, craning his neck this way and that.

You're not sure what he's planning but it can't be anything good.

"Bingo." He says just under his breath as he stands back up and heads for the cupboard you use as a make shift file cabinet. You tense slightly but remind yourself to keep a cool and aloof facade.

He places one hand against a compartment's door and asks: "So then, there isn't a hidden stash of silly, childish romance novels right in here?" He asks, tapping a finger against it.

Go big or go home. "Please, I outgrew that nonsensical hobby ages ago, do you honestly think I have the time to-"

Horropedia then grabs the door handle without permission and proceeds to yank it open-

Or he would have if the door wasn't locked shut. It doesn't even budge.

You smile smugly. "Did no one teach you going through people's belongings is bad manners?"

"Coming from the person who used to steal from my candy stash? I don't wanna hear it." He says dismissively, now focused on intently staring down your cupboard's lock.

You blush, because he's bringing back embarrassing childhood memories of your's, definitely not because he looks really hot when he stops being a lovable goof, or because of the way the light hits his side profile just right and he looks so serious in a rare picturesque way-

You snap yourself out of your reverie just as he brings something out of his utility belt, you blanch when you realize what it is.

"Seriously? Lockpicks? Who goes around carrying those?! Wait- is that how you got out of confinement?!"

Horropedia ignores you and gets immediately to work.

You spring up and rush towards him, only to arrive a second too late as he opens the cupboard with a dramatic flourish, revealing far too many books with cutesy artworks for covers, some with even more tantalizing titles. In fact, their were so many that they proceeded to slide down and out of the compartment, forming a sizeable pile on the floor.

Your stash now exposed, you do the next best thing and head straight for the open office door instead to shut it. This however is far from ideal.

You turn around slowly and as expected, the dork is giving you and adora- Infuriating smirk.

"How. How did you know they were in there-"

"Relax Short-Stuff, I just know you too well." He says, almost preening with pride at his "accomplishment".

You frown, "Don't call me that."

"Don't call me Joshua." He fires back.

You don't reply, and instead take a silent step towards him, then another.

Alarm starts bleeding into his expression, as he himself takes a step back while throwing a glance at the closed door behind you, no doubt gauging the distance in case you decide to attack.

Instead you ignore him and bend down to start gathering your precious but embarrassing treasures.

"What was that about knowing me so well?" You say offhandedly.

"Well- you used to tackle people who pissed you off so- I mean- Forget it."

Now with you both feeling defeated, he bends down to help you gather the books and says: "When do you even find time to read all of these? Everytime I see you you're either writing a report, heading to a mission or coming back from one."

"The car rides are usually pretty quiet, I can read them in peace as long as I hide the covers." You say without looking up.

After a moment of Horropedia not saying anything back or moving to help you, you look up.

"What?" You snap. You know that look, he's judging you. "If you have something to say say it."

"No, no, it's not like that I just... Do you ever get any rest? I'm pretty sure you even work weekends, and I heard you do volunteer work too. This isn't healthy is all I'm thinking."

You blink. Well yes, he does have a compassionate and sweet side too, it's usually hidden by his general tomfoolery though so you tend to forget about it. You also didn't expect him to be keeping an ear out for news about you, it's not like the two of you chat all that often either. You're caught sufficiently off guard that you now have your mouth hanging slightly open with no sounds coming out.

"Earth to (Y/N), you there?" He snaps his fingers a couple of times, and when you're still silent he sighs and continues gathering your babies- your books, and springs back up to stuff them in your cupboard, then dusts his hands off.

You're looking up at his standing form and damn, he actually looks really good from this angle, really accentuates his already impressive height-

This time he forgoes trying to talk to you and just grabs your from the waist and lifts you back to your feet, giving you a quick pat on the shoulder for good measure before letting you go.

Then he seems to think something over and places a hand on your forehead.

"You're not running a fever, but your zoning out is really out of character for ya. Good thing it's 6 already, you can clock out now." He says with a gentle smile.

The smile isn't exactly rare for him, but it also isn't something he usually gives you.

Ever since you set your sights on climbing the corporate ladder... You have been pushing everyone away, even those most precious to you. You've been taking on more and more, piling the tasks and duties up to the point where, sometimes, you just want to do something crazy and impulsive, to get the load off your shoulders even for a short while.

He's still gazing at you, but his smile is wavering. He's still waiting for an answer though.

You consider what would happen if you say yes to clocking out now, if you even gather some additional courage and ask him to hang out? As friends of course! For old times sake! But then again, if you're already that far, what if you ask him out for real? Maybe just for today, you can ignore the far too many responsibilities piled high on top of you and just-

You shake your head. "No sorry, I'm actually spending the night here, I have a lot of work to get done. I know you want to leave though, so you go on ahead, don't worry I won't rat you out so no one should come to drag you back to the school." You say with a chuckle, and wait for him to get going.

But he doesn't move. You can't read his expression, and the way the light hits his glasses isn't helping. Finally what he says is: "I guess you haven't changed that much after all."

Saying you're bewildered would be an understatement. "Huh?"

He loudly sighs, throwing his head back for added effect as he massages the bridge of his nose.

When he's looking back at you his glasses are now sitting crookedly on the space and you have to hold back the urge to reach up and fix them.

Two hands are now on your shoulders, as if to stop you from escaping the truth. "Listen." He says very seriously, all traces of his usually cheery voice gone. "I'm going to say this as plainly as possible. You're working yourself to the bone. I get it, you have some bigger picture in mind, some larger goal that I probably can't see and you're throwing everything trying to reach it but consider this. Maybe it's just not worth it. Not if you'll die long before you get to it within whatever crazy time limit you've set for yourself. Come on (Y/N), you're a field agent for God's sake, how lame would it be if you bite the dust from overworking on reports?!"

He's panting slightly, that speech was clearly coming from the heart and you really appreciate it, you really do, but ever since he first came in today you've had a nagging suspicion you've been trying to stamp down, but it was time to address the elephant in the room.

"Joshua. Why do you care so much? Because honestly the way you're talking right now..." You take a deep breath, "The way you sought me out today, the way you say all of this... I don't want to sound arrogant, but am I correct to assume that- that-"

You can't do this, if you're wrong what's left of your already dwindling friendship with him might be the price.

You back away from him. "I'm sorry never mind, forget I said anything, I'll keep your advice in mind so please just-" just go! I don't want you here when I cry!

But he must see something on your face because he's pulling you in for a hug. It feels so familiar so right that you can't help but melt into it. The exhaustion finally seems to catch up to you and you can't imagine having to trek the walk back to the dorms, much less get any more work done tonight.

You almost miss it, but you just barely make out the words "Yes, you are correct."

And that wakes you right back up.

You push back and straighten up, and he's immediately startling with you. "W-what?" He asks, looking absolutely adorable. This time, you do reach over and right his glasses.

"What did you just say? You whispered something just now, did I hear it right?" You stare at him intently, your gaze unwavering and determined.

He looks to the side, "Don't look at me like thaaaat." He quite literally whines.

"Like what?" You ask, finding yourself genuinely curious as to what he sees in your expression.

He looks back, "Like I'm one of your high priority missions. Don't give me hope if you don't mean it (Y/N)."

You're tired from a long, mentally exhausting day. Your brain to mouth filter is gone, but then again it usually is around Horropedia. You are not thinking straight but you kinda never are around this man.

You grab his necktie and snatch it down, dragging him with it. Your lips are on his in a second, he's reciprocating (thank goodness) the kiss in the next.

When the two of you break it off for air he has the widest grin he has ever given you. No not ever, but in a long time. The intense nostalgia is the last addition to the melange of feelings churning inside of you and the tears finally fall freely.

Predictably, Horropedia panics.

"I'M SO SORRY?! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID BUT I'M SORRY?!?! WAS IT THE KISS? IT WAS THE KISS WASN'T IT-"

You quickly cover his mouth before he broadcasts any more private information to the whole office floor.

"Shhhh! Calm down! I just... I just needed a good cry I guess..." You end meekly, wiping your tears away.

Horropedia stares at you wide eyed. In another situation this would be the perfect teasing material, (Y/N) actually knows how to cry?! Or something along those lines, but evidently even he has better sense than to do that, so he instead silently hugs you again, and doesn't tighten his hold until you hug him back.

You could stay in his arms forever, which sounds cliche but isn't that amazing? That you could get to think of something so silly and cliche instead of the probability of success of your next mission strategy? You take a small step back without letting go, just to look at the wall clock and debate what to do next. You can tell Horropedia is eagerly waiting for your decision with bated breath. Finally you pull yourself out of the hug.

Only to grab your purse and keys, then quickly come back to his side.

"Alright. You win, what's the plan now?" You ask, twisting a scarf high around your neck to hide your excitement.

He frowns slightly, and hesitantly asks. "Do you still suffer from insomnia?"

Of course he remembers. "It's better now but yes." Is your answer.

"Then we go on the most anti-insomnia date to help you sleep!" He announces, opening the door for you.

You chuckle and head out, waiting for him to follow so you can lock your office.

"And where are we going?" You fiddle with your keys, slipping one in the lock.

"To your dorm room?" He asks more then answers.

You freeze. "Moving a little fast there don't you think?" You turn to face him.

He flushes bright red. "Noooo!! I knew you would misunderstand!!! I meant because your bed is there and you could go straight to sleep once you feel like it!!!"

You giggle. "Oh I know, just teasing." You say wiggling your eyebrows.

He gasps "You! I! Why you! Hmph!" He turns and walks on ahead, but there's a spring in his step and he's headed towards your dorm, so you know he's not actually mad. You jog to catch up to him.

"Geez Joshua, not all of us have long legs wait up!"

And he does slow down, but he also throws you a question. "Why do you keep calling me Joshua? At first I thought it was to annoy me, but that can't be right. So what's your reason?"

You consider this carefully. After everything that just happened, admitting this truth hardly feels like such a hard challenge. You talk as you walk.

"More than one reason I guess... For starters it's what I've always known you as... Despite what I said before, you actually have changed in a lot of ways, heck you used to be shorter than me." You laugh a bit, "The name feels like all I have left from back then." You say with a sigh.

He keeps silent, probably guessing there's more, so you continue, "Also... Well, this is a bit embarrassing but everyone calls you Horropedia... I guess I kinda felt special by being the only one calling you Joshua. It's silly I know."

Horropedia stops walking and grabs your hand, halting you too. He's silent for a moment before he croaks out, voice clearly emotional "You can call me whatever you want." Then he goes back to walking while still holding onto your hand, pulling you along. And that's that.

He walks you all the way to your dorm room then stops.

"You're not coming in? You didn't change your mind already did you?" You ask half jokingly but also kinda worried.

"Nope! I'll go bring my tv and some supplies, I'll be back in an hour or so, that way you'll have time to freshen up and maybe relax for a bit?" He says with a small smile, and ruffles your hair lightly.

You blink, then processing the first part of his sentence you ask: "Why are you bringing your TV? I have a TV."

"You do?" He sounds surprised.

"Of course, how else would I be able to play my romance film tapes?"

His mouth forms an "o" shape. "That actually makes sense, I don't know why I didn't think of that. Well there's still other stuff to be brought but this definitely helps save time, alright see you soon." He gives you a quick hug before parting ways.

Now home, you proceed to tidy up the dorm room and hop in the shower, then get dressed in a comfortable but cute outfit and style your hair into something more relaxed and comfy.

You head to your wardrobe and start opening the large bottom drawers you use to store blankets and pillows, and start constructing a pillow fort on the rug, facing the television.

It's not long until you hear a knock at your door, and with less restraint then you would usually allow, you rush towards it and swing it wide open to reveal a-

A pile of shopping bags and a plushie?

"A lil help here? Actually can you let me in?" You hear Horropedia's voice as he tries to right one of the bags sliding down with his knee.

"Ohhhh!" You intone, mesmerized, "A talking pile of bags and a plushie!"

"Haha, very funny." Horropedia's head pops up and despite his words he's definitely amused.

You quickly begin grabbing the bags closest to you and realize they're pretty much all filled with snacks and fizzy drinks... All of which you know for sure are nothing like those issued by the foundation.

"Where did you even get these?" You ask, as the both of you drag the bags inside. From the corner of your eyes you notice him taking extra care not to drop the relatively large plushie.

"Oh you know, I have my ways~" He replies, going for a mysterious tone.

Do his "ways" include Vertin's suitcase? Probably. But you don't say anything, let him have his moment.

When everything is set up nicely around your pillow fort, you turn to ask him what you're watching when you find him on one knee, dramatically presenting you with the stuffed toy.

"Will you do me the great honor, of accepting my humble offering?" He asks solemnly.

You burst out laughing "Wha- what are you doing..?" You wheeze.

You bend down to grab the plushie and admire it, it's a nice medium size, aka the perfect hugging size.

"I thought you might need a little friend to keep you company as we watch-" He takes out a film tape with a flourish "This movie!"

You blanch. "Is this one of your horror films? Are you serious? I thought we were trying to put me to sleep not keep me up all night." You say with an exasperated shake of your head.

"No no listen, you're used to romance movies, they're no good to help you sleep anymore or they would've worked by now right? Maybe what you need is something to wring out all the nervous energy from you so you can relax!"

Somehow that both makes some sense and no sense at once. But then you have a realization.

You pretend to think it over. "I don't know, even if what you say could hypothetically work, and while your gift is cute, I just don't feel like it's huggable enough, you know?"

His face falls slightly. "Oh? You don't like it do you? I knew I should've brought a bigger one-"

"No, what I'm saying is, it's not the same as cuddling with a warm human being."

You wait for the mostly genius yet sometimes dumb dumb young man in front of you to connect the dots. You can tell he did when his face is the shade of a ripe strawberry.

"OH! Ohhhh!! Oh. Yeah, yeah we can definitely uh- cuddle. As much as you want. Of course."

You laugh "Dude we were just hugging and kissing in my office! Why are you getting all shy on me now?" You tug him along by the arm to set up the film.

"I knoooow," he whines, "it's just this is a step further ok? And that was an I'm-really-worried-about-her hug, and the kiss was a very emotional moment my brain just wasn't braining!"

"Whatever you say." You reply as you poke his right cheek. "You're cute though so it's fine." You giggle.

You wait for him to berate you about calling him, the horror genre enthusiast and connoisseur "cute", but all he does is stare at you with a dopey smile, just making you melt.

"Are you sure we can't just watch a romance movie?" You ask softly.

"Nah, we're being our own romance movie right now." He says as he grabs your hand and hoists you up with him, leading you back to the pillow fort. "You'll pick the movie next time."

The screen turns on, displaying the title of the horror movie you settled on. “It’s a classic!” Horropedia says, clearly excited to share the movie with you.

As you both sink into the pillows, the opening title sequence of the film begins playing.

As the horror style music plays, you notice Horropedia lean in his body closer to yours, careful to not make it seem like he was trying to get nearer.

"You can come closer I don't bite," you say jokingly, "and if I was uncomfortable with having you here I wouldn't have mentioned cuddling in the first place."

Horropedia's face turns fully red as he realizes he was not being subtle.

"Yeah... sorry."

His body shifts, and he slides one arm around your shoulders. He then speaks, barely above a whisper, "Can I get a hug now...?"

"I didn't know you were the clingy type Joshua," you start to tease, "and before even the first jumpscare hap-" but you immediately get interrupted by a joke jumpscare, a character that is not the antagonist innocently scaring their friends as a prank, yet embarrassingly managing to startle you "Eeep-" your hands instinctively grab onto the nearest object, which of course has to be his torso.

Oh dear lord. You sigh internally.

You look up at his face, finding he at least has the decency to try and stifle his laughter, though he wasn't succeeding much. But his droopy eyes were crinkling at the sides, and his smile was just too beautiful so you couldn't get mad.

Horropedia chuckles at your expression, probably finding the irony amusing, and the fact it was a fake jumpscare that did you in.

He then quickly pulls you closer to give you that hug you were just teasing him about not a moment ago.

You feel your head lean against his shoulder as he pulls you in, wrapping his arms around you as you both settle further into your cozy pillow fort setup.

"This doesn't count you hear? I wasn't scared or anything, I'm just a bit jumpy." You say, trying to preserve your dignity. The last thing you need is the no.1 horror enthusiast to misunderstand and think you're a scaredy cat, you would never hear the end of the teasing.

You could feel his chest vibrating with laughter underneath you, and he reaches up with the opposite hand and ruffles your hair.

"Uh-huh." Is all he says.

~~~~~~

By the time the movie ends, you're already sound asleep. Horropedia carefully untangles your limbs and carries you off to bed. The day did not go as he'd expected, he'd go as far to say it went more like his fantasies then actual reality.

He tucks you in carefully, being mindful to jostle you as little as possible. He's fairly certain if you go on a second date (you probably will right? This date went great right?!?!) you won't settle for anything other than one of your romance movies.

Not that he minds, really. After today he doesn't think he'll be looking at the characters on the screen with jealousy or disgruntlement. He also thinks he'll enjoy whatever you pick.

He glances at your alarm clock. Oh it was late. He'd better get moving, while he has more freedom under Vertin's supervision now he still shouldn't push his luck. He decides he'll tell you tomorrow about his new, more flexible work arrangement.

He heads for the dorm room entrance, opening and closing the door softly behind him. His last thought before leaving is he'll have to ask what you thought of his movie pick tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the river to the sea PALESTINE WILL BE FREE ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸.

If you pray, please pray for Gaza and the Westbank 🙏🏻🙏🏻