#also the way ray is straining that suit is really doing it for me

[theperrylleluniverse]

This is random and I know I giffed this entire scene but I just love this bit of character work - Perry obviously knows that his client could have set him up and is clever enough to see how she might have tried to screw him over but in the end he still chooses to give her the benefit of the doubt. He’s a loyal lawyer!

+ Chivalrous!

[naruwitch]

Code Geass: Paladins of Voltron Chapter 1: Rise of Voltron Part 1 (Updated)

"Why isn't this just perfection, everyone?" trilled a curly-haired blonde in designer hiking boots and a matching jacket, "The way the sun meets the lake and the mountain air whipping in your face! It's the perfect day for a hike to Lake Chuzenji!"

"If... you say so... Milly," coughed a slim, dark-haired teen behind her, currently bending down on his knees, heaving large gasps of air.

"See Lulu? That is exactly why you shouldn't always be skipping out on gym classes. What on earth will the ladies think of a man that isn't even strong enough to sweep them off their feet?" the blonde, Milly, teased with a quirky grin to the boy.

"Lelouch doesn't need the muscle," said another teen of seventeen years behind them. "While he may be frailer than a twig, he has the brains to compensate for it."

"Ha. Ha. Very funny, Suzaku!" Lelouch replied, glaring at the Japanese boy.

"Well, at least the scenery is pretty. This used to be a volcano or something, right?" A girl with orange hair tied in a high ponytail trotted up behind the group.

"Sure is, Shirley," Suzaku nodded. "It erupted thousands of years ago, and because the eruption blocked the valley below, it made the perfect place for water to gather. So now we have Lake Chuzenji, also known as the Lake of Happiness."

"The brochure says there's an onsen on the east side of it. We should totally check it out before we head back to the hotel tonight," Milly insisted, waving a pamphlet above her head.

"That… actually sounds really nice," Lelouch admitted, stretching his arms and hearing joints pop.

Milly chortled, "You seriously must be an old man in a teenage suit, Lelouch!" Even Suzaku fought the grin that was stretched across his face.

"Laugh it up…" the boy groaned again before the quartet was joined by a blue-haired boy who was currently piggybacking a red-headed girl up the trail, who was failing to hide a bright blush that matched her bangs.

"Doing all right there, Rivalz?" Shirely asked him, biting her lip as she watched him panting harder than Lelouch, even staggering under the additional human weight.

"Yep, yep, I'm good, Shirley!" Rivalz insisted with a strained smile.

"We're almost there, right?" his passenger said meekly. "I think I can walk the rest of the way."

"You sure, Kallen?" Rivalz asked as he gently set her down on the mountain trail. "I mean, sure, it is all downhill, but…."

"I got it, okay?" she snapped, before withdrawing, embarrassed. "Sorry…"

"Hey, it's fine. Let me know if you change your mind. The Rivalz Express is always available!"

"Don't push yourself too hard, Rivalz," the final member of their group commented, a tall, thin, but somewhat haggard boy with hair so blond it looked almost white depending on how the light reflected off it.

"Aw, thanks for the encouragement, Rai, my man!" Rivalz grinned, slinging a sweaty arm around his shoulder. He then glanced at the tall boy's comically bulky backpack and an additional travel bag with his left hand. "You sure you don't need help?"

"No, I've got it!" Rai said quickly, shying away from the short-haired member.

"Okay, if you say so…"

"Come on, everyone! It's not too far now!" Milly declared from the front, and the group trailed behind her through the forest and thicket surrounding the lake.

It had been six years since the Empire of Britannia had annexed the country of Japan, now known as Area 11, and renamed its citizens Elevens if they refused to apply as honorary citizens of the empire. Since then, the country had become a hotspot for colonization and military operations.

Despite the construction of Britannian settlements, civilian and military, the empire still left many areas of Area 11 untouched to preserve the natural beauty and environment. Some were so well preserved that it was as if the war had never occurred in the first place. One such place was Nikko National Park, home to Lake Chuzenji, also known as the Lake of Happiness. It became a popular vacation destination and easier to access after a Britannian boating company was built to carry visitors across the lake, and many nobles owned small villas along the lake's shore. Several new hiking trails were also constructed for easier travel through the largely underdeveloped forest area. Developers even built a small beach area for lake goers to enjoy the water more directly.

In some ways, Area 11 is better off now than the old Japan ever was. Being made a colony of the Empire has stabilized its military and economic position in the world. Kallen fought to keep the scowl from forming on her face as Lelouch's statement from about a week ago reared its head. As much as the rebel fighter Black Knight side of her wanted to argue, she couldn't help but admit that Britannian companies did improve a couple things, such as easier access to natural parks like this. At least they didn't destroy everything with their improvements… this time.

She shook her head and leaned back on her beach towel, glaring up at the sun through her sunglasses. She was a Black Knight, serving faithfully under Japan's savior, Zero. A fighter for justice and defender of the weak. She couldn't allow these sympathies to start forming just because of a couple of conveniences.

"Wake up on the wrong side of the bed, Kallen?" Milly asked, tilting her own sunglasses up.

"Uh… maybe something like that," Kallen muttered in reply.

Milly's smile turned sympathetic. She felt bad for the redhead. She was rarely at school half the time due to poor health, so it was a surprise when she told everyone she could go on this outing. She was grateful. Not only could this help Rai get used to everyone, but it could also be a way for Kallen to open up and make some friends.

If only Nina could have come… Milly mentally sighed. Unfortunately, the only absent student council member had come down with a terrible head cold the other day, and when they checked up on her a day later, it hadn't gone down. The council initially planned to postpone, but Nina insisted they go on without her. Though something in Milly's gut told her that even if Nina hadn't gotten sick, she would have found some excuse to stay behind anyway. She didn't blame her. Not after the hotel jacking at Lake Kawaguchi. Who knows what could have happened if Zero and his Black Knights hadn't stepped in. The girl had already been traumatized in the Area 11 ghettos a couple years ago, and the terrorist attack had likely only worsened the trauma. And when she was finally starting to warm up to Suzaku too.

Milly sighed and leaned back. She'd deal with that later. Right now, the only thing she would focus on was her tan.

"Hey! Suzaku! Shield me!"

"Wha-hey Lelouch, no fair!" Suzaku yelped as his friend dived behind him, using him as a human meat shield against Shirley and Rai's water gun assault.

"That's foul play, Lulu!" Shirley laughed just before Rivalz sprang up from behind Lelouch and dunked him into the lake.

"I… guess that's our point?" Rai asked as Lelouch miraculously escaped Rivalz's grip and tried (keyword tried) to make a beeline for the shore.

He didn't make it.

Rai sighed as he unpacked the large bag he'd brought on this trip. Shortly after the water war, Shirley went further into the lake to practice some laps. Meanwhile, Rivalz and Suzaku had found some snorkeling gear and were busy diving and exploring some of the lake's aquatic life. Lelouch was hunting for some pretty stones and snail shells for his sister. Meanwhile, Kallen was soaking her ankles in the lake's cool water while Milly had moved her sunbathing spot in the shallow shore area, sitting upright in the water, but most of her body remained dry, absorbing the sun's rays.

Rai pulled out a personalized laptop, noise-canceling headphones, a receiver, a small satellite, and a homemade handheld device as discreetly as possible. He set the device aside and set up the satellite and receiver before plugging his headphones into the laptop. Lines of code greeted his vision, and his fingers moved fluidly across the keyboard. Numerous colored graphs and other data flashed to life before his eyes.

He winced and turned down the volume as an electronic beep hit his eardrums. Fortunately, it didn't take him long to bypass the static and focus more on the murmuring voices he was picking up in the background. Just as he suspected, bringing his equipment closer to the epicenter had made the distortions clearer.

Now if only he knew what they were talking about…

He didn't register that someone had been calling his name until someone waved a hand in front of him. He nearly jumped out of his skin.

"What?!" he snapped, turning around. He saw that all the student council members were standing behind him. Suzaku had his hand pulled back, meaning he had been the one that finally got his attention.

Rai coughed slightly and composed himself. "What?" he asked again, more politely this time.

"Sorry to disturb you, Rai, but it's getting dark. We were about to head over to the onsen before it got too late," Shirley explained.

Rai blinked and finally took a look around. She was right. The sun was setting, and the sky exchanged blue colors for warmer twilight colors. How long had he been focused on his laptop?

"You must be very invested in whatever you were working on to not hear us," Lelouch commented, eying the headphones slung around Rai's neck.

"Um, sorry…" Rai blushed.

"Why did you bring all of this equipment with you?" Suzaku asked. "Some of these look military grade."

"So?" Rai asked defensively. "Never heard of someone building their own laptop and equipment?"

"Wha… wait, you built all these?" Rivalz gasped, looking the satellite up and down, mouth agape. "How? When?"

Rai shrugged. "I barely leave the school after classes, and I'm mainly in the council as a formality. I've had extra time on my hands."

"That's impressive," Kallen commented.

"Did you two know he could do this?" Shirley asked Milly and Lelouch.

"I knew he was handy at fixing stuff. He was the one that fixed the radio in the broadcasting office," Milly explained. "Though I'll admit, this is the first time I've seen him make some from scratch."

"But that doesn't explain why he brought his handmade equipment out here," Lelouch pointed out. "Come to think of it, Rai was also the one that requested this destination."

Rai stiffened as all eyes fell back on him, silently asking for an explanation. He had to admit, it was weird to bring all of this out here, but he had to. The voices he heard through the headphones and in his dreams were telling him, ordering him to find it.

He hesitated. Milly and her grandfather took him in out of the kindness of their hearts. Would they kick him back to the street if they thought he wasn't well in the head? Anyone would draw that logical conclusion, after all.

But if he got admitted to a mental hospital, he could break out like before.

Wait… before? Before what?

"Rai, you okay?" he heard Shirley ask, and the platinum blond blinked again.

"Sorry…" he muttered, "I just… you wouldn't get it if I told you."

"...Try us." Lelouch insisted.

Rai frowned, but something told him everyone would keep pestering him about it until he finally fessed up. So he sighed and decided to take the plunge.

"Okay, here goes," he muttered in defeat. "So this stuff, the satellite, laptop, all of this, I designed its reach to be as far out as the edge of the Solar System."

"Seriously?" Kallen asked, "Why?"

"Well, it's—if you could not touch anything!" Rai suddenly snapped, scaring Rivalz as the other teen nearly dropped the handheld sensor Rai had set aside.

"Okay, okay, jeez…" Rivalz muttered, setting it down and pouting.

Rai sighed in exasperation. "Anyway, long story short… I'm picking alien radio chatter."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Huh?" Shirley asked as the others stared at him like he was the guy in the town square who liked to rant about conspiracy theories and the apocalypse.

"Okay…? You feeling okay there, dude?" Rivalz asked.

Rai rolled his eyes, "Knew you wouldn't believe me."

"No, no, it's not that we don't believe you," Suzaku insisted, "It's just… well…."

Rai sighed again, "I get it, but I'm not making this up." Rai pulled out a notepad from his back pocket and flipped to a page with a large bolded word he'd underlined several times. "They keep repeating one word: Voltron! I still don't know what it means, but once I brought everything here, I heard it clearer than ever."

"How did you know to come here?" Lelouch asked, sounding like he was at least willing to hear the new student out.

"It wasn't easy," Rai admitted, "In the chatter, I also started picking up a series of numbers, and I couldn't figure out what that was for a while. But then I realized it was a Fraunhofer line."

"Frown-what now?" Rivalz asked, confused.

"Fraunhofer line," Suzaku explained, "I learned about this during my military training in the engineering department. It's the number describing the emission spectrum of an element. The head of the department said the military uses it to find new sakuradite veins to mine in Area 11."

No one noticed the subtle death glare Kallen shot Suzaku when he said Area 11.

"Exactly." Rai nodded, "Anyway, once I figured that out, I input the numbers and realized that whatever radiation signature this is, it's not an element found on Earth. Of course, I didn't have time to go around and scan every inch of the island on foot. But then, I actually took a look at the wavelength. Check this out."

Pulling up a line graph on his computer, he then pulled out a side-view picture of the volcano surrounding Lake Chuzenji. The pictures overlapped each other to form a single image. The wavelength blended in perfectly with the mountain range.

"What…?" Rivalz's eyes widened.

"That's… kind of scary…" Shirley stuttered as Milly leaned forward, squinting.

"That's a strange coincidence," Lelouch admitted, genuinely intrigued.

"A little too much, right?" Rai asked before continuing. "Well, once I realized the line matched the mountain range, I had to come and confirm it for myself. Hence why I built and brought this Geiger counter."

He reached for the handheld device Rivalz had been looking at earlier. "With this, once I confirmed if I was in the right place, I planned to use this to track down the energy source and maybe find this Voltron thing I keep hearing about."

"On your own?" Suzaku asked.

"That was the plan," Rai admitted with a shrug. "Since we were planning to spend the night at the resort, I figured that would be the best time to sneak out and be back by morning."

"And then what?" Lelouch asked, "Say you found what this mystery radiation was. What were you going to do next?"

"I…" Rai hesitated, "I honestly didn't get that far."

"Not the most thought-out plan," Kallen muttered.

Rai scowled, "Oh, well, if you were in my shoes, let me know if you have a better idea."

"Well, for one, I'd have some help." Milly answered immediately.

"What?" Rai asked, genuinely surprised.

"Wait, Prez, what do you mean?" Shirley asked.

Milly simply smirked one of those smirks, which could make the other student council members fear for their lives depending on the day.

"Everyone… who wants an adventure?"

Without any street lights from the city, the forest around Lake Chenzenji grew dark fast. Fortunately, since he had already planned to sneak out, Rai had a few flashlights, so the group wasn't tripping over each other in the dark.

Following his Geiger counter, Rai led the other student council member down a hiking trail. Eventually, they branched into an unpaved area, the forest becoming thicker and dirt pricklier.

"Hey, anyone hear that?" Shirley asked after a while.

"Hear what?" Kallen asked.

"It sounds like… a waterfall?" Shirley asked.

Suzaku smiled, "I'm not surprised. There are a lot of those around here. Some of the hiking trails lead to them."

"Like that one up ahead?" Rivalz asked, pointing from the front of the group holding Rai's satellite. Coming over a small ridge, the group gaped in awe as a serene waterfall greeted them, the water looking pure and untainted as it poured from the cliff ledge above.

"This is it," Rai said, looking down at the Geiger counter. "It's leading us here."

"There's a cave! Down there!" Lelouch pointed with a flashlight.

"Oh! Let's check it out!" Milly exclaimed, a gleam in her eye.

"P-prez! I don't think that's a good idea!" Shirley yelped, put off by the president's look. "Isn't this good enough?

"No!" Rai was the one that answered this time. "We've got this far. You can go back if you want, but I'm seeing this through to the end!"

"Calm down, Rai," Suzaku said as Shirley hunched her shoulders and glanced back in the direction they came from.

"I think we should check it out, too," Lelouch said, surprising everyone. "Something led Rai and us here. It would be insulting to stop partway through."

"My, my, Lulu!" Milly teased, "Where has this adventurous spirit come from?"

"What makes you think I've never had it?" Lelouch shot back with a slight smirk.

"Uh…" Rivalz muttered, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't answer that…" Lelouch muttered, grin vanishing as he led the way down the rocks to the waterfall.

"Wait! Guys!" Shirley protested as she trailed behind as everyone else climbed down after the vice president. "We-we're tracking radiation, right? What if it's radioactive or something? We could get infected or poisoned, or…."

"Could you calm down, Shirley?" Kallen snapped, "You're overthinking this. Besides, if this was radioactive, wouldn't this area or even the lake be closed off or something?"

"I… guess you're right…"

"Don't worry, Shirley," Suzaku assured her, "It's just a quick peak inside. I'm sure the most we'll do is take some pictures."

"Yep! Making memories is why we're here, after all!" Milly added jovially as Lelouch, Rai, and Rivalz crept behind the waterfall and peeked into the cave.

Shirley nodded, still feeling unsure, but nearly jumped when Rivalz cried out.

"Whoa! This is cool!"

Those that hadn't entered the cave quickly followed. And stopped dead in awe at what the flashlights were illuminating.

There were drawings and artwork of all styles decorating the walls. Not only were there paintings but even carvings right into the stone itself. Despite the different patterns, they all had one thing in common.

They each depicted a blue lion.

"What the…" Lelouch muttered, swinging the flashlight in one direction, then another.

"Who could have done this?" Kallen asked. "And why a lion? Japan doesn't have lions."

"Maybe an old deity had a lion's body or something?" Shirley guessed.

Suzaku shook his head. "I think you're mixing up Japanese and Egyptian, Shirley."

Then, as if they were robbing a bank and tripped the internal alarm, the cave's carvings and paintings lit up in bright blue lights.

Rivalz let out a yelp and stumbled back. He had only cleared some dirt off one of the drawings to get a closer look! Did he trip a booby trap?!

"Rivalz! What did you do?!" shouted Kallen in alarm.

"Nothing! I just touched it! That's all!" the boy defended in a panic.

A tremor under their feet drew all eyes to the floor before it promptly collapsed under their feet. Screaming, the student council found themselves riding a raging river deeper into the cave, white water and rapids splashing around them. It came to an end as one by one, the group landed in a shallow pool at the bottom.

Now wet, cold, and miserable, the teenagers struggled to their feet, but their eyes were drawn elsewhere before anyone could start trying to find a way out.

Eyes widened, and jaws went slack.

"Lions are everywhere…" Rivalz muttered as they beheld the large blue lion sitting serenely before them.

Well, not a real blue lion. It was a giant, robotic, blue lion, and it was sitting up behind a large blue barrier of some sort.

"Wh-what is that?" Shirley stuttered, "Is that the Voltron?"

"It must be… it has to be!" Rai whispered, arms slack, Geiger counter forgotten and lost in the rapids.

"It looks like a Knightmare Frame," Suzaku commented, "A really gigantic, advanced Knightmare Frame." Taking a closer look, it looked like no machine he'd ever seen, whether on paper or in production with the engineering corps, which was saying a lot when Earl Lloyd Asplund was the head scientist of the department. He came up with some wild designs and upgrades.

"It can't be," Lelouch insisted. "From the looks of it, this cave hasn't been touched for decades, maybe centuries. The first Knightmare Frame was invented over twenty years ago. There's no way something like this could have been created before that, and I don't see any other entrances in here, so it's highly doubtful this was some secret military project."

Suzaku nodded, seeing Lelouch had some good points. And while it was possible there was a hidden entrance they couldn't see, he knew logically that if this was a secret Britannian military weapon, there would have been a lot more security. Plus, the military could have used the radiation excuse Shirley mentioned earlier to seal off and cover up what was really happening, and none would be the wiser. After all, it was common knowledge that radiation took a long time to dissipate or dispose of properly. The European Union was still struggling from the Chernobyl disaster thirty years later.

Rai quickly walked up to the lion Knightmare robot. "It's not moving. I think it's safe to come closer."

The others cautiously followed after Rai, but Rivalz couldn't help feeling goosebumps. It felt like something was watching him. Gazing at the lion, he swore he felt its eyes following him.

"Um, does anyone else here feel like this thing's staring at them?"

The group eyed the secretary dubiously. "No…?" Kallen answered for them.

"...Yeah, the eyes are totally following me!" Rivalz exclaimed, feeling antsier than before they found the cave.

Lelouch reached the forcefield first, and looking closer, he saw that the lion wasn't completely blue, mainly on the head, shoulders, torso, and around the paws. The rest was mainly grey and silver, but he also noticed some red detailing by the shoulders.

He placed his hands against the barrier. It felt cool like he was pressing against the glass in an aquarium. "I wonder how we get through this…?"

"Maybe you just have to knock," Rivalz said sarcastically and did just that, rapping his fist against the translucent shield.

Rivalz had meant that as sarcasm, but then he yelped when he felt a jolt of electricity run through his arm. The forcefield flashed before vanishing, revealing the lion underneath, its yellow eyes glowing brightly. Under its feet, a platform began glowing in the same color as the carvings above.

The other students gasped. Shirley, in particular, took several steps back as the cave began to rumble.

"Guys, I think we should–"

Shirley was cut off when in the blink of an eye, the cave disappeared and was replaced by a cloudy sky, seven colored streaks soaring above their heads like shooting stars. The lights joined as one, and in their place was a figure with red and green arms, yellow and purple thighs, and blue and orange shins. His body was mainly black, but a blue glowing 'v' was spread over his chest, and a gold horned crown perched on his head. With a swipe of a flaming sword, the starry universe vanished, returning the group to the underwater cave where they still stood.

"Uh… did anyone else see that?!" Rivalz asked, eye flicking to others pleadingly.

"Voltron's a robot!" Milly squealed, "A huge, awesome robot!"

"And this thing is only one part of it," Kallen added, "I wonder where the rest of them are?"

"If that's true, how did this piece get down here?" Lelouch asked, "And how long has it been like this? Why isn't it with the other pieces?"

"Who knows?" Suzaku shrugged. "This is still amazing, though!"

"There's no doubt," Rai said resolutely, "This is what that alien chatter was talking about. And we found it!"

"Okay, so… what now then?" Shirley asked.

As if to answer, the blue lion lowered its head toward the group. Shirley yelped and hid behind the closest person she could find (being Rai), and everyone else tensed, ready to run if the thing tried to make a snack out of them. However, all the blue lion did was open its mouth, and a small ramp lowered right in front of Rivalz.

Blinking but intrigued, Rivalz set his foot on the ramp, pulled it back like it had been burned, then set it down again. Then he took a step forward, then another, and eventually, his feet led him inside. It led him up, and a set of doors slid open to reveal a large cockpit with a single white and blue chair in the center.

"Huh, okay then," Rivalz said, taking a seat and leaning back. "Here we go, I guess–whoa!" Rivalz jerked forward as the seat slid in, locking into place.

As the other student council members filed into the cockpit, several screens lit up, some on the dashboard, and others in holograms, much to everyone's astonishment. If there were any doubts that this was really a Britannian secret weapon, they were gone now. Britannian technology hadn't advanced far enough to invent holograms yet! Finally, the front main screen lit up, showing the cave outside.

"This is nuts…" Suzaku commented as the others looked over the screens and other gadgets.

"Amazing!" Milly commented, snapping a few photos with her phone.

"All right, this is pretty awesome!" Rivalz admitted, a grin sliding across his face.

"Okay, uh, everyone," Shirley said nervously, "I think I just need to point out, just so we're all, you know, aware. We're in some kind of futuristic, alien cat head right now."

Just as the words left Shirley's mouth, Rivalz felt another jolt of energy run through him, from the top of his head all the way to his toes. The world around him faded, and all he could hear was a loud soothing purr.

"Whoa! Did you guys just hear that?!" asked Rivalz, looking back at them, eyes wide and a little spooked.

"Hear what?" Lelouch asked cautiously, a strange sense of foreboding creeping up on him.

"Um, sorry if I sound crazy, but I think it's talking to me!" Rivalz explained before turning back around and examining the controls. Hesitantly, he pressed a couple of random buttons on the closest hologram. He had no idea what he was doing, but they felt like the right ones to push.

He must have hit the right ones because the blue lion jolted and leaped to its feet, roaring loudly. Excitedly.

"Whoa! What's happening?!" Shirley squeaked, visibly frightened.

Rivalz felt a grin grow on his own face. "Okay, got it! Now, let's try this!"

Once he pushed the controls forward, the lion smashed out of the cave. Rocks and debris flew everywhere as it shot into the evening sky. Descending, the lion flipped and used rockets in its feet to skim over the surface of Lake Chuzenji, kicking up water before rocketing into the air again, corkscrewing above the forest.

Inside, the Ashford Academy Student Council held on for dear life, screaming at the top of their lungs, holding onto whatever they could so they wouldn't fall.

"RIVALZ!" screamed Kallen as the lion did a few more flips, "YOU ARE THE WORST. PILOT. EVER!"

After several more maneuvers that did little to assure the other passengers that Rivalz was a good pilot, the lion began bounding around on the ground. Thankfully, the forested area it made its playground was away from any buildings or civilian homes. The lion seemed too overjoyed about being freed from its underground prison to care about any damage it may be causing.

Despite this, Rivalz felt like he was having the time of his life, a wild grin plastered on his face.

"Isn't this awesome?!" he exclaimed.

"Make it stop!" yelped Shirley, who was starting to look a little green, "Make it stop!"

"I'm not making it do anything! It's like it's on autopilot!" Rivalz shouted with a whoop.

Suddenly, the lion's back legs fired into the ground, and the lion ascended into the sky.

"Rivalz!" shouted Lelouch in a rare tone of panic, "Where are you going?!"

"I just said it's on autopilot!" Rivalz explained hurriedly. "Ah-it says there's an alien ship approaching Earth. I think we're supposed to stop it!"

"What did it say, exactly?" Milly demanded.

"Well, it's not like it's saying words, more like feeding ideas into my brain… kind of?!"

"Wait, aliens?!" Shirley asked. "Um, okay, if they want this thing, why don't we just give it to them? Maybe they'll leave us alone?" Shirley suggested, "Sorry, lion, nothing personal."

"No!" Rai shouted. Everyone turned to him, shocked by his outburst. The platinum blond was trembling, eyes wide and wild, skin pale and sweating. "We can't! They're monsters! They'll destroy everything in their path! There's no bargaining with them!"

"Whoa, Rai, what are you talking about? Who's 'they'?" Suzaku asked.

"They won't stop! Not until everything is dead!" Rai continued.

"That doesn't explain anything!" Kallen shouted, irritated.

"He has a point, though," Lelouch agreed, "We've never encountered aliens before. We don't know their intentions. If we hand this lion ship over, what's to stop them from turning it on our planet next?"

"Oh…" Shirley muttered as everyone turned to glare at her. She shrunk in on herself, "Sorry. Didn't think about that…."

There wasn't any time to continue the discussion anyway. Moments later, the blue lion exited Earth's atmosphere and entered open space, the blue of the night sky darkening further and sparkling with millions of stars. The tranquil scene was interrupted when a violet flash entered their vision, and a huge dark ship with purple highlights appeared almost out of nowhere.

There was a collective gasp in the cockpit. "Holy crow, is that real?!" Milly cried.

"...They found me..." Rai whispered in horror, though no one seemed to hear him.

After flying around and observing the UFO for a few seconds, multiple purple lasers began firing at the lion. Fortunately, they didn't have the best aim, so none hit them.

"We need to get out of here!" Kallen screamed.

"Hang on!" shouted Rivalz as he pulled on the controls, and the lion flew off at top speed. Even though Rivalz had little to no idea what he was doing, the lion seemed to know what to do as he felt like it was guiding his hands over the various indecipherable keys as it maneuvered and dodged all the attacks with little to no effort.

"Okay, I think I know what to do!" Rivalz shouted, knuckles white on the controls.

"Rivalz, be careful!" shouted Suzaku, "This isn't a simulator!"

"And you don't think I know that, Suzaku?!" he replied as the lion leaped around more lasers. Rivalz then pushed down on one of the control levers, and the lion's mouth opened wide, firing a powerful blue beam directly at the side of the ship. It sliced through it like a sword through butter, causing massive explosions.

"Let's try this!" Rivalz smiled as he flew the lion closer to the ship, scraping the lion's claws on the other side, leaving deep gashes and causing more explosions.

"Nice job Rivalz!" Lelouch praised.

"Okay, let's get these guys away from our planet!" Milly proclaimed.

"Right!" Rivalz agreed.

"Lord Zarkon, the escaped prisoner, and his people found the Lion. It attacked us and is heading out of the system."

"Follow that Lion and alert all ships in the area to intercept. Capturing the Lion is your first and only priority."

"Yes, your majesty. Full power, after the Lion!"

"Oh no!" Shirley gasped as they all saw the alien ship catching up to them.

"They're gaining on us!" Kallen exclaimed.

Lelouch's eyebrows furrowed, "It's weird. They're not trying to shoot us anymore. They're just pursuing!"

"Is that supposed to be a good thing?" Shirley asked, looking more and more frightened by the second.

"Where are we?" asked Milly, looking around.

"Edge of the Solar System," Rai murmured, looking at the moon they were passing by, "That's Keroberos, Pluto's moon!"

"That's impossible!" Suzaku exclaimed, his eyes widening, "It takes the most advanced spaceships decades to get out this far! We got out here in like five seconds!"

Suddenly, a swirling, sparkling... thing appeared before them like a vast swirling whirlpool.

"What is that?!" Shirley nearly shrieked at the sight of it.

"Uh, this might seem crazy, but I think the lion wants us to go through there!" Rivalz explained hastily.

As everyone stared at the strange swirling void, everyone else couldn't describe it, but… they felt the same. Like they should go through it.

But why?

"Where does it go?" Kallen asked Rivalz urgently.

"I-I-I don't know…" Rivalz stuttered, "Um, Lelouch, what do you think we should do?"

Lelouch was caught slightly off guard. "Why are you asking me? Ask Milly. She's student council president."

"No, you decide, Lelouch. You're the chess master here," Milly immediately deflected, "What do you want to do?"

Lelouch stared at Milly, almost not believing what he was hearing. Yes, Milly was one of the few who knew of his former status, but to think she was basically forcing him into an equivalent role right now… then again, she wasn't wrong. His experience as Zero did still make him the best person to choose what to do.

And he had to do it fast.

Lelouch frowned, glaring at the swirling vortex in front of them, his brain working on overdrive. If they chose to go forward, they would be entering no man's land. The people of Earth barely knew much about their own solar system, so moving forward would give them even less information. They could be walking right into a death trap with no hope of return. Not to mention… he'd be leaving Nunnally. While he trusted Sayoko to look after his sister in the event of an extended absence, if he and seven other students who attended a prestigious school like Ashford Academy went missing, it would definitely be on the news. It would take one wrong member of the royal family seeing his face on the breaking news to reveal who he really was: Lelouch vi Britannia, seventeenth heir to the Britannian Imperial Throne, and thought to have been deceased for the last six years. Britainnian military and royal guards would be swarming their residence faster than he could say, "I am Zero!"

He (and Kallen, by extension) would also be leaving the Black Knight hanging. Since their official debut with the Lake Kawaguchi hotel-jacking a month ago, the Knights hadn't made any huge moves. Most of their actions involved raiding drug cartels and exposing corrupt politicians and businessmen. Basically, they were doing what the police should be doing. They had even gotten some special Knightmares from the Six Houses of Kyoto, which was a good sign. Despite this, it was clear that most of the members were getting anxious to take their operations a step further besides being a glorified police force. If their leader and top Knightmare pilot went missing, there could be panic amongst the ranks, and they could do something stupid.

Lelouch grit his teeth. If anyone in the Black Knights got arrested, he would have to start over entirely from scratch. It would be annoying but… not impossible. And it looked like Ohgi was a reasonably competent leader. Hopefully, he could keep the Knights in line until he managed to get back.

As much as Lelouch hated those odds, though, he had to consider the other side of the coin as well, and that was simply the fact that the threat directly behind them wasn't much better. This alien ship had shown it was willing to follow them until it got what it wanted: the lion ship. Plus, the lion itself seemed to hold some kind of sentience. Something told him it wouldn't be easy to convince the ship to turn around when it had already brought them out so far from their planet. And if they did manage to turn around, the clearly hostile alien ship would pursue them and undoubtedly attack Earth, which would endanger many more people, including Nunnally.

But… they knew there were six other lions like this one. If they were all just as, if not more capable than this one, he could use them to help his cause. He hadn't seen it yet, but he could already tell, without a shadow of a doubt, that if this lion went up against a hundred Knightmare Frames, the lion would be one walking away, and there would hardly be a scratch on it.

Taking in all the factors he knew of, Lelouch made his decision.

"Something else is clearly happening here, and the only way we'll find out more is going forward. I say we take the chance. Any objections?"

"Lelouch, are you sure? Nunnally–"

"She's with Sayoko," Lelouch interrupted Suzaku, "Besides, I doubt we can get this lion to turn around. Unless you'd like Earth to deal with an alien invasion on top of everything else."

With that, all the passengers looked at one another until they finally came to the same conclusion. And that was that Lelouch was right. Nothing could be done until they figured out more.

Rivalz sighed, "All right. Guess we're ditching class tomorrow."

With that said, Rivalz urged the lion towards the whirlpool. Once it swallowed the lion, it closed behind them, the alien ship pursuing them missing it by seconds.

AN: So, if you've all been keeping up with my updates, you'll know about my intentions. I'm revising and rewriting most of this fic. Nothing too crazy or plot-altering will happen, but I wanted to update the chapters to reflect my current writing level and style. I hope you all enjoyed this updated version of the first chapter. In case you didn't notice, I did combine parts 1 and 2, so the prologue will ultimately be shaved down from 6 to hopefully 3 parts. Here's part one. Let me know what you all think. R&R!

Edited and revised 03/19/2023

[akehoshimystar]

Takeru SR

A Mood Lifting Scent

Part 1

I went to a sports goods store with Shinkai-san to buy some new training clothes. I was supposed to meet up with Mika-san, who wanted to go shopping with us, but he wasn't presented yet.

Soyogu: He’s really late. Ito: Should we wait a little longer? Soyogu: Nah, we can just go and take a look first. Which type do you want? Ito: The one that’s easy to move around in, I guess? I'm sorry for being vague, I don't really know much about this… Soyogu: It's something important, so there's nothing wrong with being unsure. But, everything here is basically easy to move around in…

When I saw Shinkai-san starting to walk, I followed him.

Soyogu: Long sleeves? Short sleeves? What about a hoodie? Ito: (He narrowed it down so that I could understand. Thank you…) Well, since it’s for running, I'll probably wear a short sleeve one and a hoodie. I'd also be happy if there’s an innerwear. Soyogu: Then, maybe around here. Something that dries quickly even if you sweat. The innerwear that have a high compression… Ito: Compression… Won't it be painful to run in? Soyogu: In fact, if you don't put right amount of pressure on your muscles, it will put extra strain on them. If you're going to exercise, you need to make sure you're in tip-top shape. It would be a problem if all that exercise went to waste, right? Ito: I see… (Yeah. I'm glad I have a trainer who knows what he’s doing.) Soyogu: Ah, maybe you should go for something that prevent UV rays as well. That way you can keep running even in the hot sun. Ito: (You’re going to make me run under the blazing sun!?) Sorry, even if the apparel is excellent, but physically speaking, for me……. Soyogu: My bad, I was thinking based on my own standards. Then, I'll reorganize the training for the running…. Ito: .…..I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me the detail for your training next time. Soyogu: You don't have to be so modest. Ito: (Trust me, that’s not the case here.)

As Shinkai-san was joking around with me, a nearby section caught my eye.

Ito: (Oh, interesting.)

These sets come with a hoodie, which is exactly what I have been looking for. There are two designs that piqued my interest.

Ito: I wonder which one I should go for….. Soyogu: Hmm, are they from the same manufacturer? In that case, you should go with the one that suits you best. If big sis had come, he would have been a great help. Well, can’t do anything about it, I'll go find a mirror. Ito: Oh, sorry for the trouble… Thank you.

After seeing Shinkai-san off, I looked back and forth between the two outfits.

Ito: (If I'm going to wear it, it's better to have a design that lifts my spirits or gets me motivated.) (In order to endure the hellish training I'm about to face.)

Just when that thought ran through my mind.

Man: Oh, how nice. Just start doing sports? If so, there's a better place than this one. I’ll even take you there! Ito: ! (Picking up? .….No, considering the situation, doesn't it sound more like a rival store trying to steal the customer…!?) Ito: No thanks, I’m good. Man: Don't be shy! Since we're here, let's chat over tea. Ito: (I don't think he'll listen… It’s not like I can just run away and leave Shinkai-san behind.) (But I don't want to get into an argument, how can I resolve this calmly….?)

???: Sorry. But she’s quite busy, you see.

At that moment, someone, not the person who called out to me, put an arm around my shoulder protectively. He stood next to me, fluttering his outer garment…

Part 2

Takeru: Since we're in the middle of our date.

Mika-san said that with a smile which came with an intimidating tone.

Man: Oh!? What a pressure! But you’re also cute, so it’s fine! Takeru: Oh my, thanks. You sure have a good eye. However……

Saying that, Mika-san stepped forward. His face was smiling, but his eyes were not.

Takeru: Didn’t you hear that we’re on a date? Anyone who interrupts our fun may get kicked by a horse, you know? Man: Eh, ah, no…

Before everything was about to be resolved, a certain someone finally made a return.

Soyogu: Do you perhaps need something from my acquaintances? Man: !? I-I will excuse myself now!

Soyogu: What did you get yourself into? Are you okay? Takeru: Sheesh, how late can you be? What were you doing? Soyogu: That’s rich coming from you. Ito: I was just wondering how to respond, you two really saved me. Takeru: Had I stayed by your side, I wouldn’t have had to do that. I'm sorry. I should have come sooner. Soyogu: Me too. I ended up taking too long to find a mirror. Takeru: A mirror? Soyogu: I heard she's having trouble deciding which outfit to choose.

Mika-san’s gaze shifted to the two outfits in my hands.

Soyogu: Any comment, big sis? Takeru: Oh dear! That's a big responsibility! But the time spent wondering what to wear is also part of the fun ♡ Maybe this one is a little bit flashy? But an elaborate design like this is also quite exciting. Soyogu: …….

Takeru: Wait, those two outfits are nice and all but I think this one look good on you too. I know I just gave you more options to wonder about but don't you think it's cute? Ito: Woah, I can’t believe something like this was hidden all the way in the back! Takeru: Fufu. That’s my cute sensor for you. This one is good too… I can't decide at all. You might as well just buy all three and wear them however you like. Still, you only have one body.…. Hmm, this is hard. Soyogu: …Looks like it's going to take a while. Takeru: What are you complaining about? Consider yourself lucky to have flowers in both hands. Soyogu: It’s not a complaint, just an opinion. I'll wait, so hurry up and get to it. Takeru: You heard him. Let's take our time and decide. Ito: Yeah, let’s.

Soyogu: Hey!

[asher-the-diaster]

sister planets pt 4

broken bones

link for the part index: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DYMuKK5CIgJgDapNbu5sBqr_b5uT1Yz4pJoJ2fuAk4w/edit?usp=sharing

"you want me to do what?"

"your the xenomedic, it's your job to help their injuries and take the tests."

"they have already proven to be dangerous!"

"one of them has proven dangerous! remember it is against universal conseil rules to pass judgement on a whole species based on the ones we made first contact with. also it's your job."

i sighed and put on my hazmat suit.

our inteital scan of the one that had died had shone the kind of air that they breathed was made primarily of nitrogen and had enough of a oxygen content it could have set the calo's on fire. as a zalo i had a higher tolerance but i still needed the suit, as we had filled their room with the needed air composition for them to take off their vacum suits.

i took the medical cart and went into the contact rooms air lock.

"is that a hazmat suit?" one of them asked.

"really we had be dangerous but we aren't that bad." the one with the broken leg replied, captain penner if i was correct.

"they had to sedate richardson of course they think were that bad." the third one piped in.

"hello, my name is twee-ake, i am the doctor for the contact crue. it is my job to insure that any new species we make contact with has their biome registered and that the specific ones we make contact with are healthy and any injuries are tended to."

half of the hexagonal room was divided into the three containment chambers one human in each.

"seams like a fancy way of saying that were about to get probed by aliens."

"that's because it is davoin."

"i am supposed to start with which one of you has the worst wounds."

"it's captain penner."

"i'm fine if your giving medical treatment start with one of my subordinance."

"i'm slightly burned, davoin has a few cracked ribs and YOU HAVE A FUCKING BROKEN LEG!!" the one on the right side yelled.

"oliveira i am fine."

"and a terrible liar."

I took down the shield in the middle. laying on the bed was one of them with light skin and a small amount of curly brown fur on the top of their head. they're leg was twisted unnaturally.

"can i please ask what the name for your species is?"

"homo sapien sapien in science, human in common language." the one name oliveira said.

"thank you." i logged that into my tablet. then used my sit to to a x-ray scan of the human. "i am sorry to inform you that your bone is extermy broken, it will likely take years to heal and you will never gain full function again."

i was used to delivering the news of life changing injury of illness and was ready for the humans to be upset. they started to make a reving noise from their chest and out of their month, the captain let out a loud burst of air from their mouth.

"ai!!!!!" the one on their right exclaimed. davoin the others had called him. "oh laughing was a mistake."

"you ok davoin?"

"i'll be fine." he said though his face was twisted in a horrible expression of pain.

"what is laughing? is it a response to grief?"

"what? no!" penner exclaimed, "its a human humour response, in this case that means it's what we do if we find something amusing."

"you find permanent injury amusing? depending on the strain this causes your body it could kill you."

"um no." the medic said, "we can recover from broken bones as long as they are set correctly so they heal the right way. i have enough medical training that i could set that easy and as long as i could use something to make a splint in 6 weeks they'd be golden. after some physical therapy."

"i'm sorry, you can recover from broken bones?"

"you can't?"

"no! there's only one species in the universe that can recover form minor breaks."

i determined that i should let out the mdic and they helped me tend to the others wounds, explaining some terrifying facts about the species, like that they have overactive scar tissue. the medic had already dressed her own burns, how i didn't know.

finally "penner is going to need some sort of crutch."

"what?"

"you know so they can stand?..."

"i assumed that they'd be bedridden until it healed."

"no... she can stand as long as she has a pair of crutches and keeps her weight off her bad leg."

"i'll call in engineering to figure something out them." i said, "finally we still need to do those tests."

"yeah, yeah you can use me." oliveira said.

"um no offence but i am not letting one of my subordinates get probed by aliens, if you must use me."

"um captain you can't even stand, i'm the least injured, plus i'm the medic i can answer questions, which i mean given your background..."

"you implying something officier?"

"no it's just..."

"if you want to keep your job, i'd tread lightly."

the medic raised her hands to either side of and just above her head. "i'm still doing it."

the medic stepped out of her area and sat down on my stecher, i started my tests.

the results were beyond terrifying

+++

to be continued

[nonotnolan]

Fiverr Warlock: On The House

“I like to meet up in person with all of my potential clients,” Calvin said, ushering me inside with a wide smile.  “If nothing else, it keeps people from wasting my time with inane questions.  If you’re willing to meet with me, it means that you’re serious about paying for my services.  Soda?”

He snapped his fingers, and a guy wearing a tuxedo walked into the room, holding a silver tray balanced with a few cans of Mountain Dew.  Was this... his roommate?  They looked to be the same age, but the blank expression on the servant’s face seemed to be due to more than just acting.  “Umm, no thanks,” I said, trying not to stare too hard.

“Suit yourself,” Calvin said, shrugging his shoulders.  He snapped his fingers, and the butler left the room.  “So, tell me more about the guy that is bugging you.  He’s your roommate, you said?”

I took a deep breath.  “Yeah.  His name is Jake, and he’s making my life hell right now.  I’m... not completely out of the closet.  My father threatened to not pay for college if I didn’t rush Sigma Epsilon Chi, and so now I’m surrounded by a lot of hot guys all the damn time.  Which... I know it sounds like a dream, and it almost would be, except for Jake.  He’s aggressively homophobic, and I’m afraid what he might do to me if he finds out.  Umm, here’s the photo of him you requested,” I said, sliding my phone over to him.

Calvin’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of him.  “I was not expecting him to be so large,” he admitted.  “And you’re telling me you just want to have the threat removed?  You don’t want to make him gay, you don’t want to steal his muscles for yourself, you just... want him to stop being homophobic?”

“That’s right,” I said, nodding my head.  “Less angry in general would also be nice, but I don’t know if I can afford that.  I know warlock magic can get expensive.”

Calvin handed me back my phone.  “I have to admit, most of the requests people pay me for are usually more... revenge based in nature.  This might actually work out in your favor.  I assume you’re not attached to the guy in any way?”  He smiled, noticing the look of confusion on my face.  “My magic has a hard time with subtle.  It’ll be easier to slip in a few curses along with removing his anger and homophobia.  So, if you agree to let me steal his strength for myself, I’ll give you a massive discount.  Say... $50 for the whole job?”

“That low?  You’ve got a deal!”  I was expecting to spend a few hundred on this spell-- drinks were going to be on me this weekend.  “He’s usually outside on the smoker’s balcony on Saturday afternoons.  With any luck, he’ll be alone out there.  Can... can I watch you do it?”

————————————————–

Jake looked up from his spot on the bench.  “And who the hell are you?” he said, as Calvin walked out onto the balcony.  “How did you get in the building?  Don’t tell me you’re friends with him,” he added, as I walked out behind him.

“You really are a ray of sunshine, aren’t you?” Calvin said, rubbing his hands together.  Jake started shifting in his seat, probably preparing to try and get up into Calvin’s face, but the warlock had other plans.  He tapped Jake lightly on the forehead, causing the lumbering brute to slump backwards.

“This is my favorite part,” Calvin said, as a wide grin flashed across his face.  “Let me know if you see anyone coming, alright?”  He stood over Jake’s unconscious body, with his right hand extended out over the jock’s chest.  For a few moments, I wasn’t sure if anything was even happening.  I was expecting something quick, like a balloon deflating.  It wasn’t until the wet spot started to form on his shorts that I realized what was actually happening.

“Is he... getting a boner?” I asked, unable to keep my eyes away from what had to be at least seven inches as it strained against its fabric prison.  Jake was starting to leak precum, based on the spot on his shorts.

“I mean, there are other ways to steal someone’s strength, but... personally, I’m a big fan of any spell with unusual visuals.  Besides, I figured you might like to see this method.”  Jake’s body slumped down further against the wall as his body started to orgasm.  His erect cock bobbed up and down with each spurt of jizz, causing the wet stain to grow larger and larger.

The smell of sweat, salt, and sex permeated the air, and it took me a few moments to realize that Jake’s muscles were finally deflating.  Was he... jizzing his muscles away?  I didn’t understand what was happening, but I couldn’t deny that it looked hot.

“Alright, that’s the entire spell,” Calvin said, once Jake’s cock had stopped moving.  “I’ve taken as much muscle mass as I can take without creating bigger issues.  As far as the reason you came to me... all of his homophobia, and most of his quick temper, has just been splashed against the fabric of his boxers.  He’s going to be disoriented for a day or two, but he shouldn’t remember anything.  As long as you lie in a consistent way, you should be able to tell him whatever you want.”

Jake began to stir, as if being roused from a deep sleep.  “Why are you... oh, shit!” he cried, suddenly aware of the massive stain on the front of his shorts.  He leapt to his feet, vainly covering the spot with one of his hands as he fumbled with the door.  “Gotta change, sorry!”

“Did he just... apologize?” I asked, looking at Calvin.

He merely smiled at me.  “I mean, we did just remove a lot of anger out of his body.  That’s going to have a major impact on his personality.  You’re probably going to notice a lot of changes, hopefully most of them being for the better.  Also, don’t be surprised if he starts hitting on you.”

I blinked a few times, trying to process that last sentence.  “I thought you said that you weren’t going to make him gay.  Why would he hit on me?”

Calvin laughed.  “I said I wouldn’t force him to be gay.  But any time someone shows that much homophobia... well, he might have been a repressed gay who was lashing out.  If that’s the case, he might be more open to coming out and accepting himself.  But honestly, it’s also possible that the old Jake was just that much of an asshole.  Either way, if he decides to come out of the closet soon, I had nothing to do with it.”

I thought about the large, massive douchebag that I used to be forced to share a room with, and compared him to the slender guy who rushed past me, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.  “Well, if he does?  I’m sure I could do worse.”

[tumbling-darkling]

Miraculous Ghosts

Danny and friends visit Paris and come across trouble, as well as the cities local superheroes.

Lately, Hawkmoth has been recycling villains. There are only so many people in Paris and not everyone gets emotionally vulnerable strongly enough or long enough to be akumatized. Those that do, and commonly like Mr. Pidgeon, usually had a certain fixation that was easy to exploit. The thing was, both Marienette and Chat Noir already knew their weakness, the items that would most likely get akumatized, the whole schtick. So the battles were really fast and easy.

A new face always had to be met with caution, the lack of knowledge regarding the person was dangerous and if the pair wasn’t careful, they could end up losing the battle. And their Miraculous.

With the start of summer came tourist season, and tourists could be victims of akumatization. Which seemed to be the case within the first week. 3 villains, all new faces, but the pair had gotten lucky with the similar powers that the heroes had faced before and the three were all defeated in a timely manner.

There was a short week of nothing happening.

And then all hell broke loose.

—————————————————————

Marienette knew the start of the tourist season had begun just based on the filled streets of strange faces, sunglasses, cameras, and the use of foreign languages. This also was noticed based on how busy her parents' shop had become, and how rarely she was managing to escape outside to enjoy some of summer's freedom. The good thing was she was able to brush up on some of her English, since the tourists usually spoke the common American language and the experience was always welcome to help boost her grades in the upcoming year. Even if it was a few months away.

She’d figured out the best way to sneak off during any attacks was to ‘use the bathroom’ or ‘accidently’ make a mess and excuse herself to clean up. It had worked during the first week and she didn’t have to do anything the past week since Hawkmoth seemed to take a break. She finished serving a young pair of Americans, a tall girl with orange hair, and a lanky boy nearly the same height with raven black hair.

She had to admit, some Americans had a certain charm, but the bustle of the kitchen quickly caught her attention as she was back to serving the next person in line.

Just as Chloe waltzed in, basically knocking the american boy over as she strutted to the front of the line, causing people to cast glares in her direction. The boy hissed when he fell, the American girl offering to help him up in English as he shook his head and stood up, dusting himself off as Marienette went to deal with the walking form of pure rich privilege. “Urg, Dupain-Cheng’s dingy little cafe? Of course she works here, it just smells like burnt bread.” She huffed.

Marienette bristled, but put on her customer service smile, noticing the poor Americans victim to Chloe leaving the shop. She was hoping to offer them a replacement after dealing with Chloe but it was a little late now. “Ma’am, unless you are here to pick up an order, you will have to wait in line like everyone else.” She strained.

“Ma’am? I am Chloe Dubois! I don’t need to wait in line like some sort of peasant! Just give me whatever you didn’t make.”

Marienette had to swallow down any returning insults and put down one of their most expensive items, handing it over with a clearly strained smile, “have a nice day.”

Chloe huffed with her baked goods in hand but left as soon as she appeared, allowing Marienette some relief. Very little damage. A little annoyance but nothing worthy of an akuma-.

An explosion was heard from outside, and Marienette groaned internally.

She just had to jinx it.

—————————————————————

Ladybug dove off to the side as the villain shot out a ray of white, plasma-like energy. Adrien, fighting as Chat Noir, and his partner were having a hell of a time with this dude. He spotted the chaos on the news, the villain calling himself ‘Black Hole’ and giving his poor Lady a hard time. When he finally arrived on the scene, he wasn’t able to do much either.

The villain was basically a godly powerhouse, floating in the air, shooting burning rays of heated plasma, or even ice! Ice and plasma! Sometimes he MIXED the two beams to create an even WORSE beam! Whenever either of the heroes got close enough to land a hit, their punches and kicks would go right through him. Then he would DISAPPEAR. REAPPEARING AND LANDING ANOTHER HEAVY BLOW. He would fly around like gravity was non-existent, and these abilities didn’t stop there. Every so often, he would yank out this thermos looking thing and shoot out these wormholes. Or… possibly black holes. Calling them black holes felt wrong though… since they glowed green and swirled before disappearing after a few moments.

The villain's outfit was a change of pace too. It was impossible to figure out his age since he was completely covered in a thick fabric material that reminded him of space suits. Yet looked a lot less bulky than actual space suits, thin yet sturdy metal covered his forearms, and formed a backpack that was attached by a wide metal collar that spread to his collarbone and slightly covered his shoulders, as well as a metal strap that wrapped around right under his chest. A plated, metal belt circled his waist with a clip for the green black hole thermos, and thigh high boots with a similar fabric to his suit covered most of his legs, thick plastic looking platform soles attached at the feet. Black bands wrapped around the ankles of the boots. A helmet covered his entire face, a metal frame covering the bottom half like a muzzle while the top was a tinted glass dome following the shape of his head, the inside of it entirely black except for the eerie glow of a single, left eye. The helmet had a tube on the back of the helmet that connected to his backpack, but neither he or Ladybug could figure out if it was essential or for decoration. His entire colouring was monotone, much bleaker than their previous villains. His suit was black, the boots, forearm cuffs, belt, backpack and collar were all a middle shade of grey, the only flash of colour being the glow of the single toxic green eye amongst the darkness of the helmet.

The dude was disturbing. He didn’t make any sound, in fact he seemed to ABSORB the sound around him. Like they were in space.

Paris was getting destroyed more and more by the second and the two didn’t know what to do. The Lady’s lucky charm turned into a thermos, which she didn’t have a clue how to use in the situation in front of them. Maybe it was a hint? A clue about soup? Or getting the villains thermos?

The problem with the last idea was that neither he or Ladybug could TOUCH this villain. And each of them were getting worse and worse for wear by the second. He could tell Ladybug was getting ready to get some sort of help, but who could make something untouchable… touchable? Chat even tried to use cataclysm on the villain's thermos while Ladybug had distracted him, but he twisted at the last moments and grabbed Chat's hand, draining cataclysm before he tossed him aside like it was nothing.

Another blast of plasma sent the two tumbling away from each other, and then a blast of ice caught Chat off guard. Cold shot up his arm as his muscles convulsed, a scream caught in his throat as the ice trapped his arm in such a tight and sturdy prison. He twisted to try and use his free arm to claw the other out of the ice, a shadow in the corner of his vision causing him to twist and jolt in surprise as the villain stood right in front of him. The glowing green eye was cold as it bore into him, and the villain grew closer and closer, drifting off the ground and absorbing every noise around him, the air around them dropping to freezing temperatures. Chats breath formed in front of him as gasps, panic clear in the quick breaths, fear intensifying as the only thing he could hear was his own heartbeat and blood roaring through his veins.

The villain's hand shot out and grabbed his free one- the one with his miraculous.

Chat heard Ladybug cry out as the villain gripped onto the ring, a quick glance showing she too was trapped.

That she was next.

Chat tried to keep his fingers curled, but he was battered and weak, and the villain hadn’t even broken a sweat during their fight. Prying open his fingers was easy, the ring vulnerable. This was it. He used cataclysm too soon and now he was powerless. He couldn’t escape. He couldn’t save anyone. He was a failure. This was the end of Paris.

They lost.

—————————————————————

Fucking. Vlad.

This entire trip had Danny on edge and it was all because of Vlad.

At first, he thought maybe, for once, Vlad wasn’t being a piece of shit when offering the family a fully paid trip to France for two weeks. He was suspicious. He probably just wanted the family out of town to do some shady shit. But a two week trip to France wasn’t the WORST thing a man could do. Especially in comparison to kidnapping and cloning.

But then his parents got sick. A common flu. Right before the trip. And they wanted Jazz and him to experience Paris. Then Vlad offered to be a chaperone.

It was all a play to get Danny alone for two weeks and try and manipulate him.

He did manage to get Tucker and Sam to tag along, something about friends being his family and the two unused tickets his parents left behind. But Vlad knew how to separate the group. How to corner Danny at the worst moments and whisper annoying remarks in his ear as he tried to get away.

He survived a week. He only had one more week to go. Tucker and Sam were off checking out some places for lunch while Jazz and Danny went to pick up sweets for everyone to share after their meal.

Vlad was off doing who knew what so Danny had put him to the back of his mind.

The cafe they found was… well it smelled incredible. There were so many baked goods on display and the air was filled with the warm and sweet smell of the goodies. He let Jazz do most of the talking, she wanted to practice her French and Danny had recently discovered that being dubbed the ghost king meant that now he had a natural grasp on all verbal languages, including the dead ones. This meant his speech in French was almost flawless, and his understanding was like he was listening to someone speak English. He couldn’t read other languages though, just speak them. He was told though by a few locals he had an odd accent. It wasn’t an american one, just… odd.

So Jazz ordered the treats and the pair was headed out to meet Danny’s friends.

Then some blonde girl with way too much make-up basically knocked him to the ground, not even sending him a glance that indicated she knew what she did. It was annoying, but he dealt with bullies on a daily basis back at Amity Park. Well… used to. But he knew better than to waste any thought on some jerk like her. He sadly looked at the ruined cat paw shaped cookies, the icing ruined and the cookies crushed under his weight when he fell.

Standing up with the help of Jazz, they left the shop as Danny insisted on finding somewhere to wash off the icing stuck to his shirt. He liked this shirt too… he hoped it wouldn’t stain too badly. It was better than ectoplasm at least, that stuff needed to be burned out, there was no such thing as washing out ectoplasm.

Jazz asked to help, but Danny brushed her off, telling her he could easily clean himself off by himself.

And then Vlad chose that moment to corner him.

—————————————————————

“Hello Daniel.”

Danny splashed water wildly as he spun around to glare at the older Halfa, hissing out an ‘Ancients!’ in surprise. “What the hell, Vlad?” He spat, “sneaking up on a kid in the bathroom? I should just call the police and tell them about all that stalking you like to do.”

“Aren’t you tired of this childish game?” He hummed.

“Not really, seeing as I’m a child and I love games,” Danny sneered.

“I’m older, more experienced, and stronger. I am also patient, little badger. And it’s easy to wear you down. By the end of this trip, you are going to be begging to be my-.”

“Son? Pet? Little slave that does everything you ask? Sorry, Vladdy, but I ain’t the type to listen to crazy fruit loops. How about you go enjoy the company of your French rich friends like that Agreste dude instead of stalking me and trying to get with my mom and kill my dad. Might do you some good to make more friends than just your cat.”

“Oh Daniel, you throw your petty insults but I know ways to break you even further. You know, a lot of accidents happen in Paris. Terrible things.”

Danny felt his eyes flash as he spun on his heel, “listen to me, if you even consider-!”

“Not to mention your brand new ghostly responsibilities as… the ghost king? Imagine that. A child as the king. You don’t even know everything about ghosts.”

“Neither do you!” Danny spat.

“Oh but I know so much more. And I could easily teach you-.”

“Just shut up!”

“When you mess up, when the ghost zone begins to fall apart, you will wish you took my offer, but I may not be as forgiving when that happens.”

“I said shut up!”

“And we both know the moment the ghost zone falls apart, so will this world. All because a boy became king and didn’t take help he was so graciously offered.”

“SHUT THE HELL UP!”

Something inside him shifted, and Danny suddenly felt his mind cloud, a deep voice echoed his mind.

“A cruel man harassing a young teen that wants nothing to do with him. A shame when someone can’t take a hint.

Black Hole. I am Hawkmoth. I can give you the power to show this old man that he never should consider looking in your direction ever again.

All I ask is for Ladybug and Chat Noir’s miraculous. Do this for me, and Vlad Masters will never be an issue for you ever again.”

Danny’s clouded mind and building rage smirked at the offer, his voice echoing as he glanced up at Vlad who was giving him a confused look. “Yes, Hawkmoth.”

Darkness engulfed him and then his memory began to fail him.

—————————————————————

A boomerang slammed into Black Hole’s head, causing it to jerk to the side and a small crack formed on the glass that was hit. The metal boomerang dropped to the ground and Black Hole slowly looked down at it as a robotic voice cried out from it, “ghost detected!” And then a recorded voice spouted out, “take that, spook!”

Black Hole’s head slightly tilted at the noise it made, a hand subconsciously rubbing the crack it left behind. Then he twisted his gaze back to Chat Noir, going back to taking the hero’s miraculous.

Then a shout came from behind Black Hole and Chat caught the eyes of a teenage girl yelling and holding a bat over her head. Black Hole twisted, his body turning that transparent look whenever Chat or Ladybug had tried to hit him before, and Chat knew that it was useless. “No! Stop! Get out of here-!” He screamed at the citizen, but stopped when the bat connected with the villain's head and sent him flying into a wall.

Chat was at a loss for words for once in his life, watching the villain slowly pry himself from the wall from being hit by a baseball bat when he and Lady couldn’t land a single hit. He looked back at the citizen and shrieked as she raised the bat above her head and swung down at him, flinching and squeezing his eyes shut. She hit something, causing it to shatter and then- his hand was free!

He opened his eyes and looked at his hand in awe and then back at the girl, “who the heck are you?”

She huffed, dropping the bat casually on her shoulder, “Sam Manson. Friend of the idiot that didn’t do his research before taking a trip here. I’m surprised this didn’t happen earlier.”

Chat blinked, “you- you know that’s your friend? And knew this would happen?”

Sam shrugged, “the booo-merang is never wrong. And yeah, my friend there is not exactly the most emotionally stable person on the planet. Sorry it took us a while to get here. You guys really do move fast.”

Chat just opened and closed his mouth a few times, then yelled as she suddenly swung the bat again and smacked the villain in the gut as he got close during their exchange, knocking him sideways but not down like the first time. Black Hole turned again, making a snarling sound before he was blasted by some sort of green ray and sent flying sideways, rolling along the pavement before smashing into a car. Another teen jogged over with Ladybug behind him, dropping his hands to his knees as he wheezed, “I have ran… way too much for this to be considered a vacation.”

“M’Lady-, what is going on?” Chat asked.

“This is Tucker, and his friend Sam, and they know how to help,” Ladybug quickly explained, glancing back at Black Hole. “We need to draw his attention and get that thermos off of him, then Sam and Tucker can use this,” she held up the thermos from her lucky charm, “and we can get his akuma.”

“Akuma is in the thermos, knock it off,” Chat summarized. He heard his miraculous beeping, a sign he was close to his limit.

“Let’s end this fast.”

—————————————————————

Ladybug held the booo-merang in one hand as the two teens and Chat drew Black Hole’s attention, the teens equipped with weapons that seemed to get past some of Black Holes abilities.

She narrowed her gaze, waiting for the perfect moment, then threw the weapon, watching it arch in the air then knock the thermos off of the villain's waist. The thermos clattered to the ground and drew his attention, he quickly twisted and dove to try and retrieve it, which was when a bright beam erupted from the polka dot thermos Ladybug had given the teens. The beam caught the villain's legs and he was tugged back, his form pulling towards it like taffy as he twisted and a horrid scream of anger burst from him. He tried to escape it, flailing and reaching for anything to hang on to, but in a matter of seconds he was pulled into the canister and Sam slammed the lid shut. The screaming stopped and Ladybug made her way over to Black Hole’s thermos, stomping on it and crushing it, releasing the Akuma hidden inside. With a flick of her wrist her lucky charm turned back into its original form, dumping Black Hole onto the street, then the butterfly was caught and purified, and another click of her miraculous, she let the little bug flutter away harmlessly. With a shout, ‘Miraculous Ladybug!’, everything around them was engulfed in black and red as the damages were undone around them.

At last, the villain's form was released of Hawkmoth's influence and it left a lanky teen laying on the street. He slowly sat up with a groan and a hand to his head and she then realized it was the same teen as from the shop. So once again, this was Chloe’s fault. She turned her attention to the two teens that helped her, noticing Chat let out a hasty farewell and thanks and disappeared around a corner. “Thank you, both of you. Without your help… well, without your help we may have lost that battle. But how in the world did you do that?”

“What the fuck just happened?” The teen groaned, “I feel like the booo-merang smacked me in the head like… fifty times.”

“That’s because I may have smacked you a few times with the fenton creep stick,” Sam shrugged as she helped her friend up who gave her wide eyes in return.

“You fucking what?”

Tucker took a step forward to answer Ladybug’s question, “let's just say back in our town, we have very specific supervillains that have abilities that make it hard for regular attacks to land. So we have specialized gear. Sam and I did a bit of research before heading here and figured if any of us got Akumatized, we may reflect some of those traits.”

“I… see…” Ladybug hummed, “and where did you say you were all from?” The three cast a few glances between each other, but before any of them could answer, her miraculous beeped angrily as she quickly realized she was out of time. “Thank you again for your help, if we could meet again to exchange some of that tech to make sure this never happens again-,” she quickly tried to set up a meet up before Sam held up a hand.

“This won’t happen again. A lot of what happened here is very unique to Amity, so once we finish our vacation, you won’t see this kind of thing ever again.”

Ladybug only had more questions but the angry beeping only forced her to nod and bid a quick farewell before getting out of sight to let Tiki take a rest. Marienette held out a few macaroons for Tiki as her thoughts swirled in her head. The questions about the odd American trio and how they knew how to deal with a villain as unique as Black Hole.

She may be able to corner them later. They did say they had to ‘finish their vacation.’

And in the meantime, it was time to do some research on this place called ‘Amity’.

—————————————————————

Danny didn’t remember a lot of what happened while he was the villain, Black Hole. It was like a dream, he kinda remembered the feeling, vague details, but nothing specific.

What he wished he remembered was whatever he did to Vlad. He must have done something because his memories cut out right after Vlad harassed him in the bathroom and after the event, the froot loop avoided him during the entire trip. Even refused to make eye contact!

What he would give just for a few seconds of that memory! Or for someone to have recorded it!

For now though he got to reap the rewards, flashing his eyes green when Vlad would glance over and causing the man to flinch. Oh man, he was going to abuse this newfound intimidation ability till the bitter end.

[amysteriousmessenger]

‘Love Bites’ Vampire!Saeran Choi Drabbles

Hello! This is one of my slightly belated pieces for @mysme-rbb, which I worked on with the very, very talented and sweet @amagicalduckling <3 Their art is so beautiful and I’m honoured to have been paired with them for some Saeran pieces! Please check out @amagicalduckling for more of their beautiful artwork, they are criminally underrated!!  Tw: mentions of blood, biting, vampirism, rough kissing Will be under the cut after Ray!

Vampire! Ray Drabble

Ray was melancholic by nature, you knew that, but you’d never had been able to guess why it if hadn’t been for that fateful night in the garden. He always did such a good job of hiding his fangs from you and brushing his hair over his ears so you couldn’t see their slightly pointed tips. He always kept his distance as best as he could, never coming too close into your personal space. You’d assumed it was out of respect and the nervousness of overstepping the boundaries, this idea was always aided by the fact that he usually looked a little bit strained whenever he was in your company.

The way you came to find out about Ray was because you had foolishly pricked your finger on a rose that he had been trying to show you outside. With the beautiful arrangements only being illuminated by moonlight, it had been difficult to see what you were doing, and you’d placed your finger directly onto the little spike and yelped in pain. As soon as you had pulled your hand back, to indicate what had caused you to cry out, Ray had immediately brought his own hand up to his mouth and feverishly covered it. You were confused and thought that perhaps Ray was sensitive to the sight of blood, but it was when he turned to run from you that you saw the white, iridescent fangs peering from behind his lips. You saw them, and he knew that you had. Ray ran at top speed away from you, leaving you with the drop of the blood slowly dripping down the side of your finger.

You felt a little lightheaded from the sight and had to stumble your way over to the bench, a… vampire? Surely, such things like that didn’t exist. They weren’t real. They were myths. Folklore. Children’s horror stories to tell before bed. And yet, as you considered Ray, really thought about him, you realised how quickly it all added up. He was so pale, sickly looking even at the best of times. You’d thought that the prominent blue veins on his neck and wrists was a result of his pasty complexion, but that was clearly not the truth of the matter. It also occurred to you that you never really saw him during the day, but he had always excused this fact as he must work arduously long hours and the only time he could find to get away and visit you was into the early hours of the night. While you supposed that there was at least some truth in that statement, it didn’t help the fact that it aligned with what you thought could be coming into fruition. Was he really a vampire? Had he been trying to hide it from you for all this time?  

And those fangs. Those could not be denied. They were the teeth of a predator, a hidden threat that he had tried so hard to keep a secret from you. So many questions raced through your head, and yet all you could worry about was where Ray was. He had left so quickly, clearly a bit distressed. You felt somewhat guilty for your own carelessness, but how were you to know? There was no way you would have guessed what was really happening here at Mint Eye. You had only been here to test a game, for crying out loud.

Suddenly, you felt anxious to be alone in the gardens at night, especially without Ray. Even if he was hiding something this serious from you, he was still the only person that you had gotten to make yourself friendly with. Well, in his case, more than a little bit friendly, but that was besides the point in that moment. You stood, trying to find your way through the maze of flowers and get back to your room but with little success. As you turned the corner, you spotted a figure at the other end of the path and it caused you to cry out in surprise, maybe slightly even in fear. It was Ray.

You’d never thought that the sight of Ray would ever frighten you, but as he stood there, pale and gaunt surrounded by the red flushes of rose petals, you had to wonder how you hadn’t realised it sooner. He looked guilty, and scared. So, so scared. You put your hands up to him slowly, asking if he was okay, but instead of receiving any sort of reply about his own wellbeing, Ray flurried out several apologies at you. He averted his gaze downwards, as though he felt as though he was no longer allowed to look at you directly for what he was. You stared at him as he spoke, focused on the slight protrusion of his sharp teeth over his lips. It was obvious that he had practiced speaking without making them visible, so you could only really see them if you were already looking for them.

‘Ray… It’s okay.’ You whispered, coming a little bit closer to him. He took a step back, moving his back up against the roses further so that he was surrounded by them. If it had been at any other moment, you would have taken the time to think about the fact he looked like a delicate portrait right then, the passion of the red surrounding his pale frame. But alas, you did not have that luxury.

‘It’s not! I scared you, oh how could I ever forgive myself! How could you ever forgive me for this! I should have been able to show more restraint… My savior was right, she’s always right…’ He replied almost frantically, to the point where you weren’t quite sure if he was talking to you or telling you his own inner monologue.

‘M-My Savior said that I’m not strong enough yet, which is why I find… you difficult to be around. I want to be around you always but- she says you’re too tempting for someone like me.’

‘Too tempting…?’ You asked, a slightly unsure as to what he meant. That was, until he gestured to your bleeding fingertip, and it suddenly made more sense to you. ‘I don’t mind if you… want to be around me. I want to be around you too.’ You added, attempting to phrase it in the same way that he did, since he was clearly skirting around using certain vocabulary. It made you realised that there was a good chance that Ray was unhappy about the fact he wanted you in such a way. If he allowed himself to get too close, he would inevitably bring you pain.

As you stepped closer to him, you watched as he reached his own leathered hand towards his mouth, anxiously biting onto the tips of the fabric. He wasn’t just chewing it, he was really biting it, to the point you were worried he might hurt himself.

You were suddenly moving quickly down the path towards him, ‘Ray! Please, stop that. It’s okay! I’m not scared of you.’

‘I’m scared that I might hurt you!’ He almost wailed. You knew that there was an obsessive nature to Ray, which walked hand in hand with his melancholy, but you knew that he wouldn’t hurt you like this. For the most part, he was tender-hearted and sensitive. Of course, he had room in that heart for hate, but yet, so much more room for sensitivity.

‘You’re not going to hurt me. I trust you.’

‘Please, be more careful with who you award your trust to. I don’t deserve it.’ He replied, but pulled his own glove away stiffly, since he didn’t want to worry you any further. At such a distance, he had nothing to distract himself from the pull he felt towards your blood.

‘If you want it, take it. I don’t want to see you be so strained over this. I don’t know what’s happening here at Magenta, but I know that you’re good. And kind.’ You were at his side, offering your hand to him. Initially, he tried to move his body away from your hand and cover his teeth again with his hand, but it was evident that he was growing more and more needy by the passing second. You tried to assure him that it was okay and reached out a slightly shaky hand to his cold cheek. ‘And I want to help you.’

After a few moments of tentative consideration, he took your offer. Ray watched your eyes as he held your finger in both of his hands, as though it was something fragile, delicate even. He hesitated before bringing it to his own lips, the thin line of dark red suddenly giving a burst of colour to his otherwise exceedingly white pallor. He gently took the blood that was already at the surface of your skin, closing his eyes as he did so, but you couldn’t decide whether it was out of shame or whether it was to savour the moment between the two of you. You gasped as you felt the sharpness of his teeth graze against your skin before he let the tip of them bite into your soft flesh, producing more of the red he was so desperately craving. It wasn’t as painful as you thought it would be, but your heart was still racing, nonetheless. When he was done, he pressed a single, sorry kiss into the palm of your hand and apologised for hurting you, adding that he was undeserving of your pain as he wiped the rest of the blood away with a handkerchief out of his pocket.

‘I’d rather be hurt a thousand times over than for you to have to suffer even once…’ He whispered into the darkness of the garden. Not that he would feel bold enough to tell you, but Ray undeniably saw the poetry in tasting your blood. He’s ashamed of what he is, but he relished in the fact that you were willing to share such a vital piece of yourself with him like this. He entirely made a mental plan to carry the handkerchief with him at all times, as a token and reminder of this newfound connection with you.

Vampire! Suit Saeran Drabble 

Meeting Saeran was an experience unto itself, let alone processing the surprise you received in how differently he treated you and himself. Saeran doesn’t hide what he is in the same way that Ray did, he acts proud of it. A shining example of what Mint Eye could offer to people with the Elixir, but only if they were strong enough to deserve it. He’s the strongest Believer and the strongest Vampire produced from the Elixir, The Savior said it herself. She called him her ‘One True Offspring’. When you had asked what that meant, since Ray had never mentioned anything like that to you, Saeran had angrily snapped that firstly, he shouldn’t have to answer your questions and secondly, it meant that he had been turned using The Savior’s own blood in the Elixir given to him. That meant that he was special, and better than anyone else there. He repeated that a lot, but you were never quite who if he was saying that to you or to himself but he clearly made an attempt to believe it, at least for his own sake.

Saeran carried himself around Magenta so differently to Ray, you heard his footsteps from down the corridor when he wanted you to know to anticipate him and yet you never heard him when he suddenly appeared behind you. He was most definitely choosing when to make his presence known and when he wanted to startle you from standing silently around a corner. Saeran certainly disproved to you the lore that Vampires needed to be invited into rooms in order to gain entrance, as he came in whenever he pleased. He never hid his fangs either or tried to cover his ears either with his unkempt hair, if anything, he seemed to enjoy the attention that could be brought to them by smirking at you or asking if ‘you like what you see, Princess?’ You could feel the anger in his voice, he was practically dripping with a rage that he did not know how to release properly. It weighed on his shoulders, and somehow seemed to push him in on himself to the point where he was constantly forcing himself to stand taller, to be louder so that he would not be entirely consumed by it. The atmosphere he carried was tense, to say the least. It seemed to make him paler. Saeran’s dark undereyes were no longer something a simple goodnight sleep could fix; they were almost bruises of their own. Purple, sunken.

While he was not lacking for blood in the same way that Ray had suffered without, it appeared that Saeran was overworking himself to the point that the added sustenance did little to actually aid him, so he kept on coming back for more and more each time. He appeared at any hour of the day or night, which suggested that he was no longer really sleeping, or if he was he was only sleeping for very short amounts of time, and it was really showing him his face. You were sure his appearance must have sat somewhere between Dorian Gray and his portrait, beautiful yet rotting. The way he felt on the inside was slowly, yet surely, manifesting itself. He was so capable of kindness, and yet he never allowed himself to admit to it. If Saeran didn’t have his cruelty, he didn’t have anything. He needed to hold onto it to hold himself together as the Persecutor.

His kisses were rougher too, leaving your lips feeling puffy, tender, and always breathless. He seemed to thrive on the fact he could make you feel so weak, as though it was precisely your weakness that gave him the strength he needed to carry on this strained life he led. He’d sneak up behind you frequently, with the confidence that Ray never quite found, and bury his face into the side of your neck, running rough kisses along it until you sigh against him from the touch, not even bothering to move your hair out of the way as he did so. Even as he kissed you like this, he’d taunt you for enjoying his touch so much in comparison to Ray, who barely ‘had the guts’ to touch you freely. Saeran would lift up your finger to show him the tiny bite impressions that Ray had originally left, only to have Saeran go over them more harshly with his own bite, before moving back up to your throat.

He dragged his fangs along the thin skin of your neck, so you knew it was coming, before promptly biting you. He doesn’t try to be delicate like Ray, and he’s more likely to take too much blood and leave you feeling woozy. He’ll take as much blood as he wants, really. Once you inevitably faint in his arms, he’d usually carry you back and placed you on the bed, but only so he can reprimand you for being such a burden to him. He’d never admit to anything else, especially not to feeling bad about pushing you to your limit.

‘Heh… Don’t look so happy with yourself, your blood tastes like shit anyway. I should go and find someone better, someone sweeter.’ He smirked before laughing, his eyes alive with a frantic excitement. He still had a small steak of blood running down his lips and onto his chin, which he promptly wiped away onto his black suit sleeve without releasing you from his unwavering gaze.

There were times when he’d suddenly stop laughing and looked at his blood-covered hand in disgust, before dragging that same gaze over towards you. He’d look at the redness on his hands and try to wipe it away, even after it dried and would not budge without soap and water. Saeran would still furiously rub his skin against the fabric of his clothes in a vain attempt to wipe his slate clean. You were never able to decipher what Saeran felt in the moment that he decided that ‘play time’ was over, but he never seemed happy about the outcome of the collision the two of you had found yourselves in, even when he was the one that instigated it. He’d half-assedly throw a bag of food from the kitchen at you, telling you that you ought to be grateful for having such a kind master for feeding you, before promptly turning on his heels to leave and slamming the door shut.

He was complicated, that was for sure.

 Vampire! GE Saeran Drabble 

Saeran had been through so much, and yet he was coming out stronger and stronger from it each day. He had a lot to process, about himself, the things that had happened to him and the things that he has done to other people, especially to you. Saeran had a difficult time accepting the he hurt you. He understands that he did it and he has accepted the fact that he did it, but somehow his heart never wanted to believe it. No matter how many times you told him he needed to forgive himself for it, Saeran knew that he never could.

He tried to make it up to you in every way that he could think of. He was so loving, so caring. He always served your food first, gave you extra helpings and always made dessert for afterwards. His food was always so well made, filled with all the vitamins and minerals that your body could have possibly needed and always tasted like he had been cooking his whole life. He’d even try to feed you the last few bites if you’d let him, just to make sure that you’d gotten enough food. It’s sweet, and he does it out of care, but there’s a part of Saeran that does it because he feels as though he needs to make amends to your body for the way he treated it.

He’s not keen on drinking your blood, he feels as though he’s taking advantage of you and doesn’t enjoy the fact that he has to hurt you to be able to do it. He’d looked into alternatives that he could try, such as blood banks or from animals, just any means of supply that didn’t involve hurting you. It didn’t work out very well and in the end it started to do him more harm than good, so he usually just tried to wait for as long as he can in between biting you. And even then, he waits for you to offer because he doesn’t want to pressure you into giving up so sacred for him, Saeran would much rather have himself suffer than to make you feel any sort of uneasy around him.

He was a lot more considerate and knowledgeable about the outside world nowadays, and would look into various ways of making it less painful for you: the most effective one to date being numbing creams. He’s not a fan of the chemical taste of the cream in his mouth, but he would happily deal with it if it was for your sake. While he did still have a preference for your neck, because it felt a little bit more romantic to him, Saeran would always give you the choice on where you wanted him to bite. He knows it’s not his body to dictate, and if anything, he actually wants you to put some more of your own rules in place about it. He’d be more than happy if you wanted him to do it somewhere less visible so that you could hide it from people. As long as you weren’t hiding your actual relationship with him, he wouldn’t mind. He’s very understanding of the fact that sometimes it is a little awkward to have marks like that in public and that you didn’t want to answer questions from strangers all of the time.

He was very gentle with it, making sure to apply the numbing cream beforehand and to avoid any particularly sensitive spots while never biting too deep. Saeran never took more than what was absolutely necessary either, even if you told him that it was okay to do it. You figured that he always remembered the time that Saeran would make you faint after taking too much blood, and that it must weigh on his consciousness heavily. Telling him to take more than the bottom-line wasn’t something you frequently told him to do though, since you already knew he was restraining himself and trying to put some boundaries in place for your own protection, so you didn’t want to push him. He cleaned the area after drinking from it and pressed a little patterned band-aid onto it and sealed it with a kiss, just for good measure. It really didn’t sit right with him that he had to hurt you like this so he tried to make amends for it wherever he could.

He always wiped his mouth before he kissed you, since he thought it would be rather cruel to make you taste the blood that you had just willingly offered up to him. You’d find the taste unpleasant anyway, even if Saeran enjoyed it. Saeran was rather poetic at the best of times, but it was especially true when he was feeling a little bit drunk off of your love (and blood). If you ever asked him what your blood tasted like, he’d write you a verbal essay on how sweet it is. It’s intoxicating to him and it always had been, even when he was both Ray and Saeran. The two of them were so confused by their sudden feelings and this undeniable pull towards you that neither could escape from. If you let him, he’ll probably even get a little bit cliché with how he feels like he’s reached some form of enlightenment by your blood being the thing that can kept him alive, along with how he can feel your love beating through his veins and giving him strength. Sometimes you can’t help but cringe at some of the things that Saeran says, but he means it in such a sweet way that you find it even more affectionate.

In times like this, Saeran was so adorable and kind-hearted. He generally felt a bit bad about himself, since he knows that he can’t ever become a human again as a result of his time in Mint Eye, so you have to make the extra effort to love him in this moment. You cupped his face with both of your hands and told him how precious he was to you and that he is, and always will be, the most important thing in your life.

Vampire! Unknown Drabble

There were no words that allowed you to accurately describe Unknown. He was exactly that. You never quite knew what he was thinking and for the most part he definitely relished in that fact. His actions were unpredictable, and he barely seemed to keep a routine for too long, lest someone figured it out and learned to predict his moves. Everyone walked on eggshells around him out of fear and uncertainty, and he seemed to enjoy it. He found it humorous, even. He enjoyed taking you by surprise in particular, it was his main form of entertainment. You were a toy for him to play with when he got bored.

He was sort of what you expected a modern-day vampire to be, look-wise and attitude-wise. His attire was certainly a change. It felt as though he was trying to actively reflect the anguish he felt within, but at the same time, it was an external threat. A threat that if you got too close to him, you’d be in danger of getting hurt yourself. The spikes were enough to ensure that, even if Unknown wasn’t. He reminded you of Saeran, but you could tell that there was a stark difference between the two of them. Unknown rarely displayed anger in the same way that Saeran did, it was certainly there, but it wasn’t as explosive. Sometimes it was cold, warped, and vindictive underneath layers of you weren’t sure what. Like Saeran, he made little attempt to hide his fangs or ears, but he didn’t necessarily show them off unless he was actively trying to taunt someone. It was more as though he didn’t care about them until they were of use to him. At which point, he’d smirk and release the sharpened canines: a spark of excitement in his eyes inviting you closer, to dare test him.

When he wanted to feed from you, he’d summon you to wherever he is rather than coming to see you himself. After all, you were a failed experiment who couldn’t even do your job of talking to the RFA correctly; being an assistant was the best job you’d be able to manage, so he told you that you ought to be grateful for it especially since Magenta wasn’t in the habit of keeping ‘useless’ things around for very long.

He was usually desperate when he called for you because of the long hours he forced his body to endure, even throughout the daytime when he’d naturally be sleeping. He entirely believed that because he’s strong, he wasn’t allowed to feel anything except for that strength, so he had to keep himself at the same standard of work every single day in order to maintain it. He’d burn the candle at both ends and then continue trying to light the wick. When you thought of him, there was always one particular instance that came to mind when he had no choice but to display an element of weakness to you, and it enraged him. He had been out on a recon mission for The Savior and had over-exerted himself in the process, sustaining an injury. He had crashed into your room afterwards, panting and holding onto his bleeding wound, drinking enough blood in one go that he’d made you  back onto your bed with light-headedness. He hadn’t done that since, and rarely pushed you past that point, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t willing to dance with the limit of it. He’d say it was because he preferred to tease you with it, to savour what belonged to him, even though you knew it wasn’t his only reason for taking it slow.

How he bit you depended on what mood he was in, but his typical go-to is to have you sitting on his lap while he’s at his desk and facing him so that he can pull you towards him by your hips, making sure that your collarbones are already level with his mouth. He shouldn’t have to do any of the work, he wanted you already in position for him.

Unknown’s hands were roughly on your shoulders, both pulling you towards him and holding you steady. He bites first, kissed later. There’s little warning to feeling his teeth, except for the second or so beforehand where you feel his hot breath fan over you, just before you feel the sharp break of that skin underneath. Sometimes he’d hover for a few seconds longer than usual because he sought the thrill of you not knowing when the pain was coming. He has a preference for the neck and collarbones, not that he’d never explain why to you but, simply, he doesn’t think he should have to anyway. You’d have laughed at the cliché nature of it, but you’d rather he kept it to the same area instead of spreading it all over your body. That being said, he had bitten your thighs a couple of times when your neck had been a little too sore for him to drink from there, when the skin needed time to heal.

Unknown swapped between biting and kissing at your neck, making his way up towards your mouth to continue the blood-tinted kiss there. Each time you tasted the metallic tinge on your tongue, it left your breathless, but not as much as the bite he’d leave on your lower lip did. You wouldn’t admit it to Unknown, but those kisses were some of your favourites that you had shared with him.

Not only did he leave your skin with actual bites, but he made point of littering your throat with lovebites each time too. As though the real bites weren’t enough for him, Unknown always had to go one step further with his act of possession over you. It was a cocky game, in his own mind, he needed to show that you were his and that no other Believer was permitted to look at you in the same that that he did.

When he was done and needed the wipe the blood away from his face, he’d wipe it straight onto the back of his hand. He’d make no effort to properly clean it until he went to wash his hands, it didn’t seem to bother him.

 Vampire! Savior Saeran Drabble 

It’s ironic, to Saeran, that crosses and biblical imagery did nothing to inhibit a Vampire, especially considering how linked the two aesthetics were. They truly went hand in damned hand. Mint Eye had always been steeped in Catholicism, as it was the core religion of the previous Savior, but as Saeran was forced to take the throne, he had not made any changes to those principles. He had been taught to instil and swallow those same beliefs in himself as they had been handed to him, even if they were not truly his own. He had been prepared in such a way that he would be able to take over Mint Eye when he had truly reached the peak of his strength and was intended to forge a new way for the organisation.

You had been bathed, dressed, and summoned to the throne room, where many Believers and the Savior in question were already gathered. You’d heard whispers that you were going to be cleansed, but the atmosphere you found yourself in did not seem to fit the one you associated with a cleansing. However, The Savior had yet to conduct a ceremony of his own since taking the throne and you started to fear that, perhaps, you were to be the leading spectacle. You walked between the Believers, as you were told to kneel before Saeran.

He was so lifeless in comparison to the Saerans you had once encountered before him. He was so sad, empty. At the very least, Ray’s melancholy had an element of hope to it, but as The New Savior stood before you, there was little more than a shell of the man that you had come to know. Your interaction with him was limited, but it was so plainly obvious to you that he was just being used as a pawn, a pawn in disguise of the King. It seemed distinctly sacrilegious to have a vampire dressed in religious garments, but you supposed that Saeran had probably not received a choice in either of those matters.

Another Believer came up from behind you and asked for your wrist, which he then wiped over with disinfectant fluid before presenting it to The Savior. Saeran reached out his hand to grab your arm, pulling it towards him. He was silent as his teeth suddenly found their way into your wrist, but he barely took more than a small mouthful of blood. Even with your arm in his grasp, Saeran said nothing and continued to just plainly stare ahead into the masses, occasionally throwing glances in your direction.

‘Are you ready for the next initiation step?’ He asked. You could still see your blood in his mouth, the thin line of red providing a stark colour contrast to the rest of his chilly pallor.

‘Yes.’ You replied.

Once done, he turned and pushed the red Elixir bottle towards you, tilting it into your open mouth. It was lukewarm and overwhelmed all of your senses with the metallic taste of blood and chemicals. It burned. Tasting blood like this felt so wrong. You felt it fill your mouth and you forced it down your throat swallow, gasping for air as soon as it passed. Was that… his blood? In the same way that he had been given his Savior’s blood?

You were asked to stand as Saeran took another step towards you. You tried to watch his eyes, looking for any hint of the life that Ray and Saeran had once brought to them, but The Savior in front of you had clearly managed to subdue that hope. Or rather, he had been forced and conditioned to abandon it.

Almost sombrely, he pressed a small kiss against your lips; causing you to once again receive a fresh taste of blood. Except this time, it was the remnants of your own that had been left on his own tongue. There was little free affection in his kiss, and it appeared to be more about the process of the initiation rather than anything to do with kindness or tenderness. It only lasted for a second or so and was nothing intimate, ending almost as soon as it had begun. He pulled away first, placing the bottle that he had been previously holding back onto the throne room altar.

You were hugely aware of the fact that you were still being watched by an entire room of people and felt so exposed, so seen. It was uncomfortable to have to wait there for it to be over when you would have much rather have had this be a private affair: not that you had been warned in advance anyway.

He pressed his bloody lips against your forehead, leaving a red stain against your skin. Saeran then reached a cold hand towards your face, dragging his thumb across the bloody kissmark and smearing it into the shape of an eye. A baptism.

Vampire! SE Saeran Drabble

He was trying. Saeran was really trying. Being around people was difficult, well, everything was a little difficult for him. It was taking all of his energy to adjust and process things, so you rarely saw him during the day. He was always pretty low energy and spent the majority of his time asleep or alone, with you only ever really catching glimpses of him at night. You guessed that it was at least a good thing that he was catching up on the sleep that he had deprived himself of for so many years, even if it meant you rarely got to see him.

Saeran didn’t really talk to anyone anyway, only you and his brother. That is, whenever he can be bothered to talk to Saeyoung as he often complained that he’s too tired for conversation. He usually didn’t have the energy to talk to his brother that much because of how hyperactive the other was. Saeyoung understands that Saeran needs time, even if it hurt him to not be able to pull his brother close after all of those years apart. Irreparable damage had been done where they would need years to repair it. There were even a few tense moments where Saeran had thought that Saeyoung was taunting him, or not trusting him, by wearing his crucifix necklace. Of course, his brother tried to explain that that was not the case and that Saeran wasn’t affected by religious symbols anyway, but it still seemed to annoy him. Eventually, Saeyoung stopped wearing his necklace and kept it in a drawer next to his bed, feeling as though the faith he believed in was probably redundant now that he knew how it had been tainted by the people he trusted.

Saeyoung had offered to let Saeran drink his blood before, as a way of making reparations to his twin, but Saeran flat out denied it: saying it would be disgusting to drink from him. He also threw in the comment that Saeyoung’s blood would taste ‘like shit’ because of his diet anyway, which was entirely understandable. Neither of you could fault Saeran for that.

Saeran felt rather conflicted and tentative about drinking your blood, often feeling pangs of guilt for how he previously treated you as Unknown. He often waited right up until he was pretty desperate before letting on that he was in need, and you’d have to realise on your own that his tiredness was not just coming from social exhaustion. He probably wouldn’t ask, so you’d have to offer.

When it happened, it usually happened in the same way with Saeran turning you around so that your back was facing him and you couldn’t look at him. He already felt some sort of way about biting you in the first place so the last thing he wanted was to have to look into your eyes as he did it. He felt more comfortable like this, and he felt as though he could take his time rationalising it a bit more when he wasn’t being watched. ‘Don’t turn around.’ He said tiredly. He sighed, clearly feeling a little awkward but not wanting to rush into it. It would be in this moment where he thought about how roughly he used to do it to you and wonder where he had gotten that confidence from. Truly, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Saeran placed his hands onto your shoulders, pausing right above where he was going to bite for a few seconds, letting his hot breath fan over you until he finally broke the skin. He wasn’t as rough as he used to be, and it was quite obvious how much he had been restraining himself by how quickly he drank. ‘Sorry.’ He whispered under the wight of the guilt. He always sounded like he was crying when he did this, even if you didn’t see any tears fall. You placed your hand on top of his own just to let him know that it was okay. Saeran wasn’t one for words, so he appreciated the support even if he didn’t tell you that directly.

He sat behind you for a few moments while he calmed down, his thumbs ever so slightly rubbing circles into your shoulders; a rare sign of intimacy from him. He doesn’t kiss you in that moment for a number of reasons. He felt parasitic, and he didn’t want to tie that emotion to affection. And yet, undeniably because he doesn’t want you to see him for what he is. Saeran carries a lot of shame, especially when he’s feeling so vulnerable as he does when he’s in that state. He wiped the blood from his lips onto the back of his sleeve, but would change his jumper shortly afterwards because it made him feel dirty to even look at. Saeran didn’t want to sit with your blood on him, that was cruel to the both of you.

You’d often find that he’d leave you a little gift the next day but would claim to not have any knowledge of it. It was always a little thing that only he would think to bring you, such a small flower from the garden or one of his snacks out of the kitchen.

[kim-miyeon]

Hell Above-Chapter Ten

PAIRINGS: Hwang Hyunjin x Female Reader

WARNINGS: Series contains mature content. read at your own discretion. Mafia!AU, explicit language, suggestive language, slight sexual scenes, pregnancy family issues, mild abuse, angst, 18+

WORD COUNT: 5K

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I Will Soon Forget The Color Of Your Eyes And You’ll Forget Mine

Time was a funny concept. Who knew that time could feel so slow in moments of fast pace and heightened anxiety. Then in the slower passing moments, when your mind drifts off into a deep end, time clicks slowly.

Like it was for Hyunjin.

He sat there, pen in his hand sketching out images that plastered in his mind. Eyes glued into the white sheet, lost in the daze. Each stroke, darker than the next, until the picture became more clear. That with each passing stroke he sketched a woman. A woman imprinted on his mind. Constantly in his heart, stained there forever.

His mind wandered off to moments of your smile. Heart fluttered as he imagined the days he would see you sparkle under the sun rays, skin glowing… you were so radiant. His lips pulled to the side, half smiled trying to replay the sound of your voice. The way you laughed, smelled, touch. Every bit of you… was now a distant memory. Just a faint image of a woman who was there and now was gone. And Hyunjin ached every day from your absence.

A knock at the door cause Hyunjin to jolt with surprise as he looked up from the sketch and saw the head of Jisung pop through the door as he opened.

“Sorry to bug you but,” Jisung paused as he walked over to Hyunjin’s desk holding a garment bag, “your suit is here.”

Hyunjin watched as Jisung walked further and laid the garment bag down on the side couch as he continued, “ your father said that you should meet Jin-Ae at…”

“Did you find her?”

Jisung stood there looking at Hyunjin as he had been cut off. Hyunjin’s demeanor was serious as he looked back at Jisung, trying to get an answer for his question.

“Hyunjin..” Jisung sighed, “it’s been over a month now. Don’t you think that maybe we should st-“

“Keep looking? Yes.” Hyunjin interjected and set his pen down on the desk.

“What if she doesn’t want to be found?”

Hyunjin heart skipped an uneasy beat to Jisung’s question. You had been gone for so long, with no trace of where you could be, and no update if you’ve been seen. It wasn’t a secret that people knew Hyunjin was suffering, and he craved you. He never thought that he could function in a world where you no longer lingered close by and how he could feel a sense of emptiness within him. All in all, Hyunjin knew that if anyone found out that he was sending Jisung out to try and conjure up information on you, it could mean serious punishment.

But Jisung’s words did have incredible meaning behind them. What if you didn’t want to be found? What if you really left everything behind and what if you really didn’t love Hyunjin? All those feelings, Hyunjin tried to suppress. He didn’t want to believe that you could be that cold hearted to capture his heart the way you did and let him pour his most vulnerable self out just so you can break him. You weren’t heartless, at least that’s what he wanted to believe. You were a kind woman. Gentle. Even behind a gun, Hyunjin imagined you as graceful as an angel. Even after knowing that you also had blood on your hands, he couldn’t spare to think that you were a monster in sheep’s clothing.

But you could have been the devil in disguise.

“Keep looking.” Hyunjin croaked out softly and Jisung exhaled loudly as he nodded and turned on his feet to walk back out of the office.

Hyunjin lifted his hands to his face as he rubbed his skin. He groaned at the feeling of the pressure but also the frustration and emotional burnout. How did it come to this? That’s all he thought about. How did any of this occur? He let his mind drift back to the day you left and the morning after, reflecting on a day living in hell.

******************************************************* Hyunjin’s arm extended out to the side of the bed feeling the smoothness of the sheets against his fingertips. His mind in bliss as he recollected bits of moments from the night before. You were here, you were always here. He smiled and pulled his hand back when he realized, you weren’t. His eyes shot opened, straining against the light of the morning as he realized that you weren’t in bed. Was it a dream? Could he have dreamt of you here? He frantically looked around the room for answers and saw his clothes on the ground, but no sign of you being with him.

“Y/N?” Hyunjin flung the sheets over his body, pulling hims self up as he ran out the room and into the living room.

Empty.

You weren’t sitting on the sofa, cozy up in your favorite blanket watching a random show. You weren’t in the kitchen, wearing an oversized shirt and no pants, cooking you two breakfast. You weren’t in the dining room, setting the table, asking Hyunjin if he preferred juice of coffee.

You weren’t there.

“Fuck..” Hyunjin ran back into his room and grabbed his phone quickly as he began to dial your number. He stood there hands rummaging his hair and looking around.

“The number you are trying to reach has bee-“

“No no NO. FUCK Y/N answer the phone!!”

He dialed again and thought thoroughly about last night. You held a gun at him. You were in the basement of the Lee Mansion. You came home. You told him you would be honest. He made a promise to you. He wasn’t going to do everything he could to keep you next to him. So why did you leave?

That’s when Hyunjin saw it. When his blood stopped cold and ears grew hot. Stomach frozen and breath hitched. The last thing he thought he’d ever see.

Your wedding ring on the bedside table.

“The number you are trying to reach has been disabled.”

“Y/N..”

Hyunjin felt the sickness in the pit of him and he felt the tears burning against his eyes. He walked over to the ring that had been so beautiful places on your finger for two years, sitting on the wooden table. No note. No anything. Just this. You were gone. Hyunjin choked back his tears as he felt his legs give out from the pain and sat down on the floor holding the ring in his hand as he couldn’t hold his tears anymore.

“DAMMIT.”

His phone buzzed and Hyunjin immediately reacted as he turned to grab it faster than light, only to see Jisung’s caller ID pop up. Disappointment was an understatement.

“Hello?” Hyunjin managed to choke out through the tears.

“Hyunjin you gotta get to the office right now.”

“What’s wrong?” Hyunjin stood up wiping his face.

“Your father’s here.”

******************************************************

Hyunjin walked into the conference room to find his father and mother sitting at the head of the table, Jisung, Chan, and Changbin sitting next to him and Yeji at the front.

Hyunjin looked to his parents and bowed his head in respect. “Hello Father. Hello Mother.”

“Hello my son, care to tell me why your sister called a family meeting?” Hyunjin’s father spoke and Hyunjin confusingly turned to Yeji and she smiled at him.

“I am calling for the removal of Hwang Hyunjin as leader.”

Hyunjin squinted at Yeji who cocked her eyebrow as Hyunjin took a seat next to his fathers. Hyunjin saw Changin’s eyes widened and Chan turned to Hyunjin. Hyunjin’s father laughed.

“Is that so? And what evidence to you have against my son that you feel needs to end with his removal?”

“Your son has been married to the leader of the Lee family for two years and failed to execute her last night during a planned attack that Chan and I put together.

Hyunjin looked at Chan who’s eyes grew and looked back at Hyunjin. Anger stemmed from Hyunjin’s demeanor. A sense of backstabbing came after hearing those words. Jisung looked at Hyunjin in concern as Hyunjin looked down at the table in disbelief of the situation.

“Hyunjin is this true?” Hyunjin’s mother, a gentle woman with a fiery backbone. She cared deeply for her children but learned quickly how to defend herself. Unlike other wives, Hyunjin’s mother was just as untouchable as his father.

“I didn’t know.” Hyunjin looked at his mother, with honest eyes. The saddest he’s ever had and his mother looked back at him in agony of wanting to comfort her son.

“According to the articles of treason within the Hwang family, Hyunjin has committed a crime by allowing a member of the Lee family live. He is also completely overtaken by this woman and I believe has incredible bias towards her. He is unfit to lead.”

“And how, may I ask, did you find this information Yeji?”

“During my absence, I was able to research intensively about the Lee family and traced information to this woman, Lee Y/N. Chan helped me find more information by doing scans. She was kept secret from everytime after the massacre and her one mission was to kill Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin’s expression changed and he looked at Yeji. To kill him?

“After finding out his information, we did our best to let our leader do what he had to. Which he had ultimately failed.”

Hyunjin felt all this new information overwhelmingZ you’re sole mission was to kill him, so why wasn’t he dead? Was it possible that you did love him and you couldn’t do it? Or was everything a lie?

“Hyunjin.. Yeji..” Hyunjin’s father spoke and looked at the children, “come with me.”

Hyunjin’s father stood and walked out the door as Hyunjin pushed back in his chair and stood to follow. Yeji behind Hyunjin came close and whispered in his ear, “I told you so.”

Once Hyunjin was out of the conference room he turned and grabbed Yeji and slammed her against the wall.

“Are you satisfied yet?”

“Not quite.” Yeji smirked at Hyunjin.

“You’re sick and twisted, you know that? What do you get out of all of this?”

“Watching you suffer.” She clicked her tongue and Hyunjin’s grip loosened

“What?” He said analyzing her.

“Did she come home last night? Did she leave you this morning?”

“How do you—“

“Face it Hyunjin, at the end of the day, she’s going to be the one thing you want and you can never have. And to watch you crumble the way I have all these years will be satisfying.” Yeji’s words rolled off her lips and she smiled darkly.

“HYUNJIN. YEJI. NOW.” Hyunjin’s father yelled from the office down the hallway and Yeji pushed Hyunjin off her and walked towards the room leaving Hyunjin dazed.

As he followed her into the office, he closed the door and Hyunjin’s father cleared his throat.

“Did you know?” Hyunjin’s father asked softly and Hyunjin shook his head.

“No sir, I didn’t know.”

“Removal of the Hwang leader would mean that the next in line would take over.”

Yeji’s eyes sparkled and Hyunjin’s father frowned. “But there will be no removal of the leader Yeji.”

“WHAT!? Father, treason is punishable by death. He let a Lee live.”

“And I heard you did the same with that young boy.”

Yeji silenced and Hyunjin’s father continued, “You are also unfit to lead Yeji and as long as I live, Hyunjin will stay as the rightful heir to this business.”

Yeji clenched her jaw and her breathing intensified.

“Now leave.”

Yeji stormed out to the room and left Hyunjin standing there with his father.

“The woman from the ball?”

Hyunjin nodded slowly to the question as he looked up at his father and his father sighed.

“Did you love her?”

Hyunjin felt his heart tightened and tears formed in his eyes. He knew he had to play a part for his father.

“I didn’t know who she was before today. But I promise that going forth I will not make the same mistakes.”

“I know you won’t, because I will be choosing your wife.”

With that,  Hyunjin’s father patted Hyunjin’s back and left the room with Hyunjin standing there marinating the words that had been spoken. All the information made him feel overwhelmed. He had so many questions and no answers for anything. Reaching into his pocket he grabbed the small silver band with the diamond and looked at it sadly.

He knew you. He had to have known the real you. If you wanted to kill him you would have. If you really hated him then he would be dead. Even last night when you had your chance to pull the trigger, you could have. But you didn’t. You never did. There had to be a piece of you inside that cared for him. He had to know. So he was going to find you. Anyway he knew how. He would find you and keep his promise he made.

He wasn’t letting you go.

A knock came from the door, and Hyunjin turned to see Chan entering and Hyunjin’s sadness turned to disgust. And Chan knew.

“Hyunjin l-“

“You knew.”

“I didn’t-“

“Spare me your bullshit lies Chan I fucking trusted you.” Hyunjin growled at Chan.

“Hyunjin you didn’t know her.”

“Yes I fucking did! I knew her better than anyone! And you just couldn't let me be happy!” Hyunjn yelled.

“You gave your trust to a woman who you couldn’t be honest to. How did you not see all the missing holes in her scans? How did you not think about everyone else!” Chan tried to reason with Hyunjin but it made no difference.

“I was trying to protect you. I wanted to make sure she could be trusted.” Chan softly said as Hyunjin stood there looking at Chan, as he tried to redeem himself. Hyunjin scoffed

“Did you get what you needed then? You helped my sister and now you feel bad?”

“I didn’t know this was her plan. But fuck Hyunjin, Y/N was going to kill you.” Chan stepped closer to Hyunjin.

“So why didn’t she?! Hmm? ! How come I’m still alive, standing in front of you.”

Chan went silent.

“She had two years to kill me!  We lived in the same house, shared the same life! In my most vulnerable moments, she had more than enough chances to take her gun and shoot me!”

Chan stood there thinking. Could you have been truly in love with Hyunjin so much that you couldn’t pull the trigger. But Chan tried to find a viable explanation for why you did what you did, anything that wasn’t love. Because how could two people who shouldn’t be together fall in love. But Chan knew Hyunjin was hurting, and he felt responsible.

“Get out of my face Chan.” Hyunjin stormed out of the room leaving Chan to soak in the atmosphere he had created.

******************************************************* You stood by, far away, as you watched the nurse hold Jeongin’s hand and slowly help him take steps. She smiled at him and he smiled his goofy bright one back. It was so contagious that you could help but smile. It made you happy, to see him slowly recovering. Just the smallest movements that he makes was success in your eyes. You didn’t think Jeongin would make it.

In fact, he almost didn’t.

The doctors said his recovery would take years, and that he may not be able to walk properly and may have other disabilities such as memory loss or muscle spasms. All the negative things that could be a permanent issue never could take away the main concept. Jeongin was alive. That’s all that mattered in the end.

But at what cost? You lost security. You lost your title. You lost Hyunjin. When you let your mind drift off to the night you left, you find yourself in a dark place. One where you can’t breathe, can’t function. It was heart wrenching. You didn’t want to think about how Hyunjin reacted. Then hours after you fled you found out that Yeji had called for his official removal and you knew he found out the truth to who you were. You didn’t know what that meant for you, where Hyunjin’s head was. Did he hate you now?

The month that you have stayed away has brought many hardships and tears. Your grandfather had called for a transition of power to Minho and since then, Minho had been training to take your place. There would have to be a discreet passing of the torch is how you worldly describe the ritual, a ritual that has never been done before in your family's history. You and Minho had to fight. A fight that was written where the victor would be crowned if he spilled blood of his opponent. You wondered if that meant fight to the death, and the thought about killing Minho didn’t tickle your brain or make you feel happy. But knowing him, you wondered if he was ready to kill you. A part of you wondered if he really wanted this too. If any of you did.

You saw the nurse and Jeongin head back into the hospital room and you adjusted your hat as you walked closer to Jeongin’s room. When you turned the corner to see inside, the nurse helped Jeongin lay back down in his bed and she ruffled his hair a bit and smiled. When she began to head out, she looked at you and smiled softly, nodding respectfully before she left and you looked over her shoulder as she walked off. You smiled and walked further and saw the boy look at you brightly.

“Look at you, flirting with the nurse I see.” You teased and he rolled his eyes at you and you laughed.

“Oh shut up, you have to admit she is pretty.” Jeongin slowly sat up and you helped him.

“Prettier than me?” You frowned and Jeongin nudged you.

“Aye, no one is prettier than you.” Jeongin laughed and you smiled as you took a seat next to him.

“You’re recovering really well, faster than anticipated.”

“I have to. Gotta get back on my feet to help you guys.”

“Have you been training for the transition?”

“Well I was in the beginning but um… I sort of had to stop.” You purse your lips as Jeongin looked at you worryingly. You had been waiting to get this weight off your chest for so long.

“Why? You need to train, Minho could get an upper hand on you.” Jeongin began to start his lecture and you reached into your cross body bag as he spoke and pulled on the white long stick.

“Jeongin..” you placed the heavy plastic stick in his hands. The little device showing the word that you still couldn’t believe, but knew had to be true.

Pregnant.

“Y/N..” Jeongin gasped, “ How long-“

“Can’t be very long. The last time I saw Hyunjin was a month ago.” You looked down and tapped your feet together. You couldn’t be surprised. Before all of the Yeji incidents, you stopped taking birth control. You were trying to have a family. Then it was all taken away from you so fast.

“You’re gonna —“

“Keep it? I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m going to do.” You responded still looking down and burying yourself in thought.

“Who else knows?”

“Only you. I can’t tell the others. This could be very bad.” You looked up and Jeongin frowned.

“You have to tell Hyunjin” he said in a serious tone.

“I cannot tell him.” You felt fear Tun through you at the thought of looking into Hyunjin’s eyes after everything.

“Y/N.”

“Jeongin I can’t. I’ve been hiding away and if I come out of nowhere he might kill me.” You began to feel your anxiety increase and Jeongin reached his hand out over yours as he tried to calm you.

“He wouldn’t kill you.” He softly said.

“Jeongin we don’t know him the way we used to, he probably has changed his opinion on me. Last I heard, he was dating someone and plans to marry them-“

“Y/n… Hyunjin loves you.”

Hyunjin loves you. Those words shattered the small wall you were building in your heart to cut out the feeling of losing someone so precious. The pain you experienced when you left him made you avoid the whole thing. But at the end of the day you always wondered if Hyunjin loved you still. How could he after everything you did to him. You began to cry softly, tears falling from your eyes down your cheeks as you let your heart feel things you wouldn’t let it.

“Are you okay? Jeongin asked and it was the first time in a long time if anyone had truly asked you, if you were okay.

Because for months you haven’t been. For years, you never were.

“No. I'm not okay.”

********************************************************

“I had a great time tonight Hyunjin.” Jin-Ae Stood in front of her door, wearing a beautiful emerald dress as she looked at Hyunjin, admiring his dark suit and tie. She adjusted the tie softly and Hyunjin lifted his hands to pull hers down.

“I’m glad, thank you.” He politely said trying to end his night faster than it started.

“Do you want to come inside for a drink?” She offered as she twisted her keys in the lock and Hyunjin shook his hands.

“No, I shouldn’t. It’s late and I have to get home.”

“Oh come on! One drink won’t hurt you.” Jin-Ae grabbed Hyunjin’s hand and led him inside. Closing the door behind her she walked over to her kitchen bar, flipping the lights and smiling.

“What can I get you? Scotch, Bourbon,—“

“Do you have any Cabernet Sauvignon? Red?” Your favorite. Hyunjin hadn’t drank wine in so long. He always shared your favorite of dry red wine over dinner. A taste that he hated at first, but grew to love.

“Interesting choice for a man of your nature. Dry red wine wasn’t something that I would have thought you’d enjoy casually.” Jin-Ae grabbed a wine glass and poured the red liquid in less than half way as she walked over to Hyunjin and handed him the drink.

“It’s a taste I’ve grown well acquainted to.” Jin-Ae had Hyunjin sit on her bar stools as Hyunjin lifted the wine glass to take more than a sip of the alcohol. Burning the back of his throat, all he could think about was you.

“Should we talk more comfortably about.. us?”

Jin-Ae caught Hyunjin off guard with her question. He knew that his father had paired her for Hyunjin and she came from another family of mafia leaders. His father thought that a marriage could stem from this relationship and benefit both families, but Hyunjin wasn’t interested in Jin-Ae romantically. He knew where his heart was.“What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean.. these small dinner dates are lovely and I am enjoying them. But if we are going to get married shouldn’t we-

“Marriage isn’t definite Jin-Ae.” Hyunjin looked at her more serious taking another sip of his wine.

“But isn’t that the goal. For us to be married?” She looked at him teasingly and Hyunjin clenched his jaw. She smiled softly.

“Your father mentioned that you were in a relationship prior. He assumed you wouldn’t be very accepting to this new phase.”

Jin-Ae leaned in closer to Hyunjin, resting her small hand on his thigh.

“This is all business to me Jin-Ae.” Hyunjin looked at her as she came closer.

“But it doesn’t have to be you know.” Hyunjin began to pull back slowly, her hand gliding up his thigh nearing his dick as she chuckled.

“Jin-Ae..” he whispered.

“We don’t have to be in love to have fun.” Jin-Ae enclosed the space between Hyunjin lips and hers and Hyunjin let her. She kissed him as he responded by kissing her back and letting her hands roam his legs. It was weak. Selfish. The back of Hyunjin’s mind told him to stop because she wasn’t you. The park he felt when you kissed him wasn’t there with her. The butterflies in his stomach were dead when Jin-Ae touched him. He wasn’t being faithful to you at this moment. His mind didn’t click fully until Jin-Aw began to fumble with his belt.

“Stop. I can’t.” Hyunjin pulled back and pushed her hands away.

“Can’t or won’t” Jin-Ae said a bit annoyed and Hyunjin stood from the chair.

“This is just business. You and I.” Jin-Ae facial expression grew disappointed. Hyunjin felt bad for being honest with her, as he suspect that she may have been developing some illusion in her mind that Hyunjin felt the same as her.

“Sorry I should go.”

Hyunjin headed for the door. He shook his head in frustration and scurried to his car before he sat in the seat. He hit the steering wheel hard and cursed out loud. Everything in his life was so twisted. He just wanted to erase everything and just focus on what truly mattered. Hyunjin started the car and began driving back to the home you two had shared together. The home that Hyunjin was told to not return to, in fear of you coming to finish what you started. But every night, this is where he went. In hopes you’d come back to be with him.

When he got to the house and opened the door, he was broken. Angry at the fact that he allowed another woman to touch him, angry that you weren’t home again. He walked in and placed his keys down on the mantle, and looked at the picture sitting there. A picture of you and Hyunjin laughing. How did we get here? He wondered.

It was a daily battle, trying to stay strong enough in front of everyone but feeling so defeated. It never took Hyunjin long to carry the weight of his own body to the couch and curl his legs in. And he cried. Every night.

He was surrounded with your memories. Because that’s all you became anymore, was a memory. You were a piece of his life that he feels so out of touch from. He missed you every day, every second. All while, his grasp of your being was slipping. The way you smelled, the feeling of your hair, how soft your skin was. Everything was fading. He feared as time went on if he would forget, but he had to hold on. He knew you’d be back on day, you had to.  He bit his lip as he sat there in the corner of your shared couch and buried his head into his knees. Another night of hopeless praying to follow

A/N: Hello!!! Another week another dramatic chapter. Hopefully this serves you well!! We are almost to 200 followers 🥺. Thank you guys so much! As always share your thoughts and comments. I love you guys 🥰

Taglist:   @hyunfeji @zenzedana @datura-inoxia@minaamhh @ninjaleeknow @beethiin @hyunsxle​ @hwangful​

[xbunnybunz]

Stride of Luck (2/?) [Dave Strider X Reader X Bro Strider]

Summary:

You find an unconscious Dave Strider in a desolate street and allow him to crash at your place, only to find out that he's come all the way from Texas to find his bro, Dirk Strider.

What seems like an easy task soon evolves into something much more complicated when you finally locate Dirk, and realize three things. One, Dave is hot as fuck. Two, Dirk is also hot as fuck. Three, they have the same taste in girls.

“i warned you about the striders, bro. i told you dog!”

Genre: Romance, Humor, Angst, Slow Burn

Author's Note: moving some stuff over from AO3 to here so my readers feel more comfy interacting with me directly <3

You woke up the next morning to the sound of birds singing their glorious song outside your window. The rays of sunlight filter through the trees and gently kiss your face. The morning is serene and sIKE.

Your mornings are never beautiful, not as long as you’re involved.

You never wake up on time without some kind of blaring alarm, which slipped your mind yesterday because you were eyeing up the Dave boy on your couch. But it was fine, since the crows outside your apartment never let you sleep past ten with their incessant cawing. You sit up from your burrito blanket on the floor, your back cracking like fireworks on the fourth of July without the pretty explosions.

A crow throws itself against your window like they do every morning, and you decide that today is not the fucking day. You lay down and close your eyes again. Just thirty more minutes of sleep wouldn’t hurt anyone. It was still early, and it was Saturday. You deserved this.

‘THUMP’

…

‘THUMP’

“hell yeah.”

What the fuck.

Your eyes snap open and you immediately throw the blankets off, springing to your feet.

Dave is awake, and you suddenly become extremely concerned with the fact that you didn’t brush your teeth before knocking out yesterday.

He didn’t look so innocuous now that he was conscious. His head is cocked slightly at the window, bemused with the birds throwing themselves at the pane of glass. A perfect smirk plays at his lips, and it somehow makes him look even hotter than before. You guessed that the cool bad boy look would suit him well in high school, but now it just made him a square unit of douche. That’s what you tell yourself, so you hate yourself for continuing to gawk.

His blonde hair was askew with sleep, and matted with traces of dried sweat. The clothes he wore were wrinkled, and he’s rolled up his sleeves a bit to air out. An arm is thrown up on the couch and he’s leaning heavily on the other, you can see his forearm muscles straining against the taut fabric, and oh god, oh shit when did your jaw drop like that

“H-hi.” You croak out.  “Are you, uh, feeling better? You had a pretty shitty fever yesterday.”

Dave coughs a bit, deep and raspy, but gives you a thumbs up regardless. “I’m peachy.”

You notice he’s holding his phone in one of his hands. You’re not sure how you managed to miss it yesterday, but it’s the same kind of phone you have.

You get up and you think you catch his gaze following you.

“Hey, I noticed your phone was dead yesterday. I can give you a charger if you want?”

“That’d be cool.” He tries to turn on his phone a few more times, to no avail. “Not sure if she’s busted or outta juice, though.” You head towards your room. “Whatever it is, it’s worth a shot. Let’s hope it’s not broken, or you’re going to have one more problem to add to your plate.”

You hear Dave grunt and stretch as you step into your room. You scramble over your bed and grab the charger from its outlet, before a grating screech assaults your sleep sensitive eardrums.

“God fucking damn it, really? Now?”

You look over to the window and see that the crows have brought you a new assortment of half-eaten bagels, aluminum foil wrappers, and some kind of weird envelope.

You open the window and the crow squawks indignantly, as if to curse at you for taking so long. These little weirdoes were getting out of hand, and so are you. Since when did birds actively communicate?

You take the yellowed envelope from its beak and swat at it when it tries to peck you.

“Impatient as always! Just give me a second you silly fucking bird.”

You sweep your hand over your bookshelf and grab a can of half-eaten dried fruit, popping it open and offering it to the crow. It hops closer and retrieves a single dried mango slice before it takes off to embark on a great journey.

Just kidding. It lands a few feet away where its nest is, which is- surprise, surprise- still on the side of your building.

What? Feeding crows isn’t a good way to get rid of them?

You can’t hear common sense over how extremely fucking proud Steve Irwin would be of you.

Upon closer inspection of the envelope, you’re kind of disgusted. Rightfully so. There’s weird holes scattered about the paper in a shape suspiciously similar to a pointy little beak, and for whatever reason it’s a bit damp. The front of the envelope says it’s destination was a city in Texas and appalled, you take a moment to vow for the end of worldwide littering. Inside the envelope there’s a shittily drawn map of the city you currently reside in, along with a doodle that looked eerily similar to the one on Dave’s map.

“Haha, totally pranked you dude! Here’s the actual map. Told you im the king of pranksters! -E.B.”

King of Pranksters? Whatever this meant, you were lost. The crows always bring you objects with some kind of cryptic message to it. Except for that time they left moldy orange peels on the window. That was really fucking gross.

You head back out with the charger and envelope in hand to see Dave fiddling with his stuff on the table.

“Here’s the charger. There’s an outlet by the wall over there, but if you’re in a rush to use your phone, I’ll let you borrow my mine.”

He takes the charger and thanks you, but he doesn’t move to plug it in.

“So, how did I end up in this sweet lil’ apartment again?”

You’re not sure why he refers to your apartment as “sweet.” At its absolute best, it is “dreadfully bland,” as your dear friend Shawna had said at one point. All the walls are barren and there’s a strangely disproportionate amount of unoccupied space to furnished space.

“You knocked out on the street yesterday, and I found you on my way home. I brought you back here because you were burning up, even though it was freezing outside. I could’ve fried an egg on your head.”

Dave feels his own head to confirm, but doesn’t seem like he knows what he’s doing and drops his arm again. “That fuckin’ sucks. I suck. Sorry for all the trouble.”

When he speaks, you notice he has a hint of southern drawl. God, why was that making your hands clammy?

“No, it’s fine. I wanted to make sure you were okay.” You gingerly place your tushie on the coffee table, mostly because you’ve never sat on it before and you were scared it would self-destruct under your weight. It creaks and whines and you leap back up. Furniture is way too expensive for you to be breaking because you decided to be a dumb fatass. No thanks.

Dave notices and shifts to make room for you on the couch, and you gratefully take the seat. Your back was killing you, but that’s what happens when you get drunk and sleep on the floor. At least it’s not the first time that’s happened. You’re a seasoned veteran.

“How’d you end up here? I saw your, uh…” You made a pointy gesture to the Rhode Island doodle on the table, “Map. Thing.”

Smooth.

Dave raised an eyebrow at you, but seemed otherwise amused. You hoped he couldn’t tell how your guts were stirring.

“The ‘map thing’ is the twisted creation of my jackass friend. He gave it to me when I asked for a map of this city. As you can tell, I got more lost up in this bitch than a politician kissing his own ass.”

He was a scientific phenomenon. How did his speech mirror exactly what he looked like he sounded like?

The corners of his lips pulled up into a wicked smirk when you missed a beat in responding, and you could almost smell his snark before you heard it. “Speechless? I’ve been honing my dope ass humor since I was out of the womb. It’s comedy central corner, bro.”

Oh my god. He was fucking despicable, but the way that his cheeks dimpled when he smirked was distracting you from that. It was like playing with fire.

You averted your gaze to turn on the television. “Uh, sure. But I’m more concerned with why you were unconscious in an alleyway. You didn’t get attacked, did you?”

Dave shook his head, “Nah, bro. No one can sneak up on a Strider. I was just feelin’ a bit down for the count, so I sat down to take a breather. Guess I knocked after that and you found me.”

“What were you looking for, though? Did you just move here?”

“Ya see, that’s kind of a weird story. I came here from Texas to look for my Bro, who said fuck all and left without saying anything to me. I didn’t even realize he wasn’t coming back until I found his note in the fridge.”

Didn’t he mean on the fridge? Whatever. You didn’t feel like asking, you thought the explanation might freak you out.

“I asked a friend to help me print a map of the city since my printer was jammed with felt. I got the map, but I’m guessing he pulled a radical fuckin’ prank on me, cause my dumb ass ended up stranded on Rhode fuckin’ Island. Far from Bro, bro.”

“So who’s E.B. ?”

He picked up the map, thumbing one of the folds in the paper. “E.B is my friend’s pesterchum name. We chat like a shit ton so sometimes he’s a smartass and signs off as that. I think there might’ve been somethin’ else in there, but a goddamn crow stole it outta my hands, the sneaky fucker. Why are there crows in Texas? Shouldn’t they be fucking off to places with parks and shit?”

Huh. A crow? You peer at the envelope in your hands, and offer it to Dave.

“Does this look familiar to you?”

“Ew. God. What the fuck is that?”

He takes the envelope with two fingers, and examines it with an expression of repulsion. “How the hell’d you get this? And what the fuck happened to it? You ran out of toilet paper in shitville?”

You stutter in protest, completely horrified that he would even think that. “Oh my fucking god no. Why would I wipe my ass with a map? Socks exist!” A moment passes and you realize he’s giving your socks the side eye.

“I’m kidding! I’m kidding!” You massage your temples and you can feel the heat rolling off your face. You hope you’re not turning red. “Fuck, I’ll just shut up now.”

He slaps a heavy hand on your shoulder and you almost shit your pants and turn your couch into shitville.

“Dude. It’s totally fine. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

Your phone pings and interrupts the extremely embarrassing moment. For a second, you’re glad that Tracy is such a proactive bitch, but then you remember that you were supposed to text her at 1PM.

“Oh shit! Tracy-!”

You scramble for the phone and almost fall flat on your ass while you’re at it and Dave sees everything, but what the hell. Nothing is worse than an angry Tracy.

-- ClickyBitchtracy [CB] began pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 11:40AM—

CB: (y/n)?? Are you awake yet??

-- ClickyBitchtracy [CB] ceased pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 11:41AM—

-- ClickyBitchtracy [CB] began pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 12:04PM—

CB: Are you dead?? CB: Remember to text me!

-- ClickyBitchtracy [CB] ceased pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 12:06PM—

-- ClickyBitchtracy [CB] began pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 12:45PM—

CB: Oh my god, are you actually dead?? CB: I’m gonna come over. SF: NO IM FINE SF: IM SORRY I DIDNT REALIZE THE TIME CB: Omfg CB: Thank god. CB: I was worried to death. Shawna said you were just getting laid but I know you’re too much of a pussy for that on the first night. SF: that SF: was so mean SF: :’ ( SF: i thought we were friends CB: We are. Friends are just honest to each other. SF: : ( CB: Well? How is he? SF: he’s awake and he’s not a psychotic killer who wants to put my head on a plate. so i’d say things are going pretty damn well CB: Obviously. I was referring to his temperature, genius. SF: oh well exxcuuuuussse me. ill check now.

You’re about to put down your phone, but Shawna starts messaging you as well.

-- SwwetieShawwna[SS] began pestering SadFroggy [SF] at 12:53PM--

SS: OOOOOOOOOOOH ;0 SF: no, I know what that look means. and no. SS: HOw was he??? SF: i think his fever is down now SF: i was about to check actually SS: NO SILLY! I meant how he good he is with his-

“What are you doing?”

“SHIT- Nothing! Nothing!”

You fumble to turn off your phone and steer it away from prying eyes, but it slips and you just barely catch it. Your heart is thundering in your chest and adrenaline is pumping through your veins. You must look like a cornered fucking animal because Dave backs up immediately, his hands in the air.

“Woah.”

You press your phone to your beating heart and drop your head, praying to god Dave didn’t see whatever the hell raunchy thing Shawna decided to ask.

“Oh my god. What the hell, dude! I almost pissed myself!”

Dave continues to keep his hands in the air, and he looks so startled you almost feel bad.

“My bad, bro. I just charged my phone and I wanted to see what had you blushing like that. Kinda thought I’d catch you with porn, which would be kinda hot in a scandalous way, but also gross.”

Why doesn’t he ever shut the fuck up. Does he never know when the fuck to shut the fuck up. You feel your face burning hotter by the millisecond.

“DAVE! No, I would not watch porn in my living room with a stranger. What kind of sick fuck do you take me for?”

“I mean, the TV is a bigger screen than a laptop. The bigger the better?”

Okay, that was enough. You were going to wash your face and brush your teeth to get away from this madness.

“Alright, I’m shutting down this conversation. I’m gonna go freshen up. I have a spare toothbrush if you want to use that, and the shower has stuff you can use for whatever the fuck.”

You reach over and grab the thermometer “And before I go, take this for me.” When he reaches up to take it from your hands, the way his fingers brush against yours feels way too intimate. Maybe you should take a cold shower too.

“101.3” He holds it out for you to see, and you take it from him. It was a lot better than yesterday, but still not fantastic.

“Okay, I’ll get you some fever meds later, but I think you need food for it. We can get some food after we clean, does that sound good?”

“Why though?”

You look at him, and he doesn’t falter when he meets your gaze. It's strangely solemn, like he was expecting bad news.

“Why what?” Did he not want to stay after all? Was it because you said you wiped your ass with socks?

“I can’t pay you back. I don’t have any cash on me.”

“Dude, I know. And I don't care.”

A look of confusion flashes across his face, and you change the topic hastily before you need to explain how you pawed through his whole ass wallet.

“Do you have a place to stay, though? You said you came from Texas, right?”

He doesn’t respond, but his lips purse at the question.

“I think it’s really sweet of you to come so far to look for your bro. He probably misses you a lot too, and I know what it's like to miss someone. It freaking sucks, like a part of you is missing." You feel stiff and awkward, and it doesn't help that his eyes are drilling a hole into your face. "But, yeah. You don't have to stay. I brought you here because you looked like you need help, but you don't owe me anything. You can leave whenever, I guess."

You paused, and you could see Dave's eyebrows drawing together to furrow. You weren't sure if he was debating your offer, or trying to figure out how to turn you down.

Oh boy. You wondered if you sounded like you were trying to kick him out. "If you decide to stay, though, I’ll help! I don’t know how long it’ll take to find him, it could be today, or a month from now; but I want you to see him again. You've already come so far, and it shouldn't be for nothing.”

Dave's lips are slightly parted, and he looks like he wants to say something but changes his mind. "Man. I don't wanna be a bummy piece of shit though.

You roll your eyes, then gesture to the largely unoccupied apartment. "As long as no one wants to move in, bum and shit all you want. Just not on the carpet."

He pauses, thinking. You find yourself searching his face for a clue on his thoughts, but he has such a straight face you could measure it with a ruler. You wonder if he really would leave, and there's a strange twisting feeling in your gut at the thought. You assume it's because of how grossly personal you just got, and suddenly and desperately want this moment to be over.

Luckily, Dave bites and sinks back into the couch. His gaze is diverted to the television, which was playing some weird Nicolas Cage movie with a filthy ass rabbit.

“Thanks. Seriously.”

You breathed a sigh of relief. One more second of that and you would've combusted . "No problem, Dave." You debated if this was a hug-moment, but decided fuck no it wasn't.

As you went to take your shower, you wonder what happened for Dave to be separated from his brother. He seemed like a good person, worrying about his little brother so much. You couldn't imagine the amount of trouble he had gone through just to get here, let alone travelling all the way from Texas .

After your shower, you set up a fresh towel and a new tooth brush for Dave. It was one of those fancy tooth brushes that vibrated music into your brain through your teeth. You were looking forward to using it, but you had the feeling Dave needed the pick-me-up more than you.

“Hey dude, stuff is ready when you are.”

You put down the fever medicine in front of him, and oh fucking Christ what the fuck

When Dave stood from the couch, your train of thought immediately derailed and crashed into a nursery full of crying babies. He was an unbelievably tall wall of lean muscle, and when he went into a stretch you could see a sliver of debauched skin by the waist of his dropping jeans.

Quick, stop staring you little freak!

“Oh. Wow.”

Did you just say that out loud?

Dave peers down at you, hair still dishelved as all hell. “What’sa matter?”

“I, uhh,” you dragged out your syllables while looking for an excuse. “I just realized, we have no clothes for you! After your shower! Which sucks!”

He stops stretching and returns to his slouched state, though he still loomed intimidatingly over you.

“Oh. Fuck. I just remembered I left my shit in the train.”

You allowed him to mourn the loss of his worldly possessions and turned to hide how much like a thirsty virgin you looked like.

“I have a friend who has an older brother. I think he’ll have some stuff that’ll fit you.”

“Oh man. That’d be the bomb diggity. Thanks, uh-?”

You whip back around so quickly it scares him and you wanna punch yourself in the head.

“Sorry. I’m (y/n). I completely forgot to introduce myself since we had such a busy morning.”

Dave holds out his fist for a fistbump. “It’s cool. Shit really hit the fan this morning. My name’s Dave Strider. I’m guessing you figured by now, though.” You reach out and meekly bump your small fist against his much larger one. It was weird; you didn’t think you had tiny baby hands until now. It kind of made you want to put on orange spraytan and a shitty toupee.

“Yeah, sorry. I had to take a look at your ID to find out who you were.” You glanced at your phone, which was lighting up with pesterlog notifications again. “I’m gonna head out and grab some groceries then pick up the clothes for you. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

“Sure thing, thanks.”

You duck into your bedroom to get changed, and by the time you’re grabbing your wallet Dave has already disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water can faintly be heard through the door. You head out to the local market, and message Shawna about the situation. Your face heats up when you see the remainder of the conversation, which you will not be looking at again.

-- SadFroggy [SF] began pestering SwwetieShawwna[SS] at 2:32PM--

SF: shawna i need some assistance SS: yeeeeesss? : 3 SF: mysterious stranger has no clean clothes, and i was wondering if your brother had some we could use SF: if its ok with him of course SS: LOL!! Of COURSE its okay, silly! I bet he’d LOOOVE to. ; ) ; ) SF: thanks, i appreciate it SF: whats up with the winkies though SS: LOOOL! Don’t worry about it (y/n)! ;))) SF: uhhhhh, okay. where should I meet you then? should i come to your house?” SS: Tracy and I arent home now, but I’ll tell Adam and he’ll get the door for you! :DDD SS: Does that work for you? ; DD SF: yeah, that sounds good to me. i’m on my way to the get groceries also. SS: O: SF: ill be there in like 15 mins, thanks SS: < 3 ; )

-- SadFroggy [SF] ceased pestering SwwetieShawwna[SS] at 2:37PM—

You decide to go to Shawna’s before you pick up groceries, and take the bus uptown.

You arrive after a relatively smooth ride, and knock on the door. It opens almost immediately, and you see a familiar face in a strange pose.

“Hey there, (y/n). Funny seeing you here.” Adam leans awkwardly against the doorframe and his arm trembles under his weight.

Always the comedian. “Yeah, I came here to pick up some stuff? I assume Shawna pestered you about it?”

Adam grinned and picked up two bags messily filled with clothes, thrusting it into your hands excitedly. “Yep, I gotcha!”

“Aw man, I know I can always count on you.” You punch him playfully, and it actually hurts like a bitch but he won’t show it.

“Well, just know that I’ll be there any time for you, (y/n). And I also-” You pick up the bags and turn to leave.

“Thanks, Adam. I owe you one!”

“Hold on, wait!”

You stop short and throw a glance over your shoulder, curious. “What’s up dude?”

He fiddles with his brown hair, just like Shawna’s, and his green eyes dart to and fro. “Uh, so I was wondering if you had a pesterchum? I know Shawna was screaming at Tracy about it yesterday, and I don’t know- I guess I was just thinking, if you didn’t mind, maybe you and I could-?”

You laugh and punch him again in the same fucking spot. He doesn’t know when you dropped the bags, and he also doesn’t know why you have so much fucking herculean strength. He tries not to cry, but a single, sparking tear escapes anyway.

“Aw, Adam you little sucker. Of course! I love chatting with people on pesterchum. What’s your handle?”

You and him exchange contact info, and you leave with the goods. The grocery run is pretty uneventful, save for when you go to pick up some drinks. You’re not sure what Dave likes to drink, but you’ve narrowed it down to getting a huge jug of whatever kind of juice.

You’re loitering in the juice isle when you see someone strikingly familiar out of the corner of your eye. You think you catch a glimpse of electric blonde hair and shades, but by the time you grab a jug of apple juice and go to checkout, he’s gone.

You ponder on the way back home if Dave had followed you out of the house, but when you unlock your apartment door, the hiss of the shower is still running. You mull on this weird coincidence for a bit longer, but you hear the water shut and Dave calls for you.

“(Y/n)? You back? I’m getting kinda shrivelly in here, and it ain’t lookin’ so hot.”

“Oh, shit. Sorry! I didn’t know you were waiting for me. I have the clothes here.”

He cracks the door open, and steam sneaks out of the bathroom along with his wiggling digits, searching for something to grab. You give him the bag, and he almost drops it.

“Woah, that’s a lot of loot.”

He retracts the bag back into the bathroom. “Yeah, you’re welcome.” There's the shuffling of clothes, and you try not to listen because you've achieved your daily creepy bitch quota for the day.

“Hey, Dave.” You cross your arms and lean on the wall next to the door.

“What’s up?”

“You didn’t leave the apartment while I was out, did you?”

“Nah, dude. I was in here getting’ all moist and soapy.”

What an absolutely horrible and vivid way of describing it. "Ugh. Dude. Please, say no more."

Maybe you were seeing things then. Or maybe more people liked to wear shades indoors than you thought. It couldn’t have been Dave’s little brother, the guy you saw seemed pretty tall, maybe even moreso than Dave. Oh well, you'll do some digging around later tonight. You knew there were a few grade schools in the area, so you'd have to start there.

You shrug it off, and go to unpack the groceries.

[lil-blueee]

Redamancy | Takashi Mitsuya x Reader (Tokyo Revengers)

Redamancy (n.): The act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full.

Treasure the time you spend together,

Treasure the ride in the evening time,

Treasure the confession under the night sky.

May you all feel the love and fall in love!

____________________

It is now eventide, the moment when the Sun deliberately goes down, exuding its vibrant red and orange rays that tints the former azure firmament. And here you are, resting on the leather chesterfield sofa while gazing at those skylights above. Broken lines of cumulus, or cotton-like clouds, are stretching for miles in the air, reflecting those fiery shades that intensifies the whole scene's saturation.

"Beautiful." You mumble, eyes lingering at that exquisite sight.

It doesn't take that long for a pitch black color to invade the sky, noticing that dusk is coming to your city. You raise up both arms to stretch that stiff upper body before a small growl grabs your attention. Looking at the clock, it's a quarter past six already.

"Guess he'll come back late tonight. I've to eat alone then."

You place your right hand on your stomach to feel that small rumbling sound - a signal for dinner time. The corners of your lips pull down to reveal a sad but so-be-it face. "Well, time to eat." You reheat the bento box in the microwave and prepare a glass of water before bringing them both to the table. Hands clasp together, you mumble, "Itadakimasu."

After finishing your meal, you sip a cup of warm tea while walking towards the bust mannequin, where the sleeveless white bridal gown is put on. Four different length of layers were sew from the waist line, covering half of the chapel train - the last and longest layer of the dress. To break free from the usual, monotonous gown, that man thoroughly embroidered roses on the left lateral, artfully arranged those small flowers from the shoulder to the side of the waist, and bigger ones when reaching the end of the train.

There's only one more piece left to complete the dress, a wedding veil. And it's also the final task for you - the girl making a messy bun for her wavy silver hair with apparent black highlights. Heading to the table where the folded tulle fabric is laying, you put the tea cup down, left hand slowly grabs your pair of black eyeglasses beside it. Eyes giving a quick glance at those thin lines drawn by tailor's chalk, you take one deep breath, ignoring some strains of hair falling down on the side and hold the sharp piece of scissors. After all, this dress is made for Hinata Tachibana, one of your best friends. I can't screw it.

You slowly cut off the excess length of the tulle until those metal blades return to their starting point, making the cabbage falls down the ground. Your other hand holds the outside edge of the fabric to trim its corners slightly, adding the curve for a graceful look. "Now then," A delighted smile appears on your face. Your sparkling gaze is looking through the edge of the veil again to see any jagged or uneven fabric needs cutting.

Immersing yourself in your work, you don't even recognize the presence of another man at the entrance, crossing his arms on one another. His head leans against the door frame, looking at you with those adoring droopy lavender eyes. "Quite meticulous, aren't you?" The lilac-haired mumbles, giving his compliment before he turns around and walks along the hall.

After that final touch, you sigh in relief, gently using your left hand surface to mop the sweat from your brow. "All we need to do is sew it. I should wait for Taka—" You startle. Whatever touches against your cheek literally makes your heart jump because of the cold sensation.

"What in the—" Like a natural reflex, you turn your head around to search for the source, but that sixth sense of yours can somehow guess the person standing behind this.

"You call for me?" He asks in a soft tone voice. In front of you right now is Takashi Mitsuya, a gentleman in his dark grey suit layered with a black shin length trench coat, projecting his professional image which instantly forms the first impression to anyone he meets. Hand passes you a bottle of water, the lilac-haired chuckles at the face he saw.

You keep staring at him, your eyebrows pull closer together while your lips tighten, making an angry but quite adorable face in his opinion. As you're about to give him a piece of your mind, his genuine smile immediately blows your anger away. That gentleman appearance, combining with his somewhat irresistible face are like a deadly combo suppressing your anger. How can I get mad like this? Placing your palm on the forehead, you ask yourself before telling him,

"You can just give it normal—"

Hold up! You pause when a thought runs through your mind and interrupts your speech. An idea? No, more like a revenge! Lower your face while smirking devilishly, one side of his slit eyebrow lifts up as he wonders what has got into you until...

"Actually, thank you very much, Takashi."

Calling for his name in a mischievous voice, you raise your slender hand not to take that bottle but to gently grab the other big, masculine one. Eyes lock with the others droopy lavender, you smile innocently as a way to express your affection toward him.

It doesn't take that long for the Second Division Captain to realize your intention. Instead of questioning about your rapid change in behavior, the lilac-haired decides to go along with your act. [First name]-chan, you're no match for me. His surprised face soon reveals a smirk, taking his time to respond you.

"My my~ you really mean it, [First name]?" said Mitsuya in a low tone voice.

He takes a few steps toward while you're doing the opposite, walking backward till your body hits the table without noticing. You startle but your attention is still drawn to his hand pulling the tie knot side to side to loosen that black plain necktie. This soon piques your curiosity. Is it because of the heat or he's doing it on purpose? However, judging the look on his face, you have every reason to eliminate the former assumption. Actually, no one will argue once they meet his sharp, yet flirtatious glance trying to lure you in his sweet trap. The gap is now shortened to only a few centimeters apart, Mitsuya rests both of his hands on the table to trap you inside then leans his lips closer to your reddened ear.

"Or you're asking for something else?" He whispers, sending shivers down your spine.

A flush of excitement is rising to your cheek, but you - my friend, show no signal of being dominated. In spite of the wild beating heart in your chest, you naturally grabs his tie and pulls it closer, looking straight into that man's eyes. "Make a guess."

Now you've done it. That confident expression of yours finally pulls the trigger for a massive explosion in his heart. It's not really something unexpected, but the Captain can't help himself whenever he sees you like this. The lilac-haired signs, looking down the ground to hide his defeated face. But, things won't end that easy.

"Alright, you said it. But," Unveiling a devilish smirk, his left hand wraps around your waist and gives a sudden pull, making your eyes widen from his unexpected move, "don't mad at me afterward."

The other hand is gently placing on your cheek before his thumb touches your lips. He's not gonna... There are butterflies in your stomach as you realize his intention, but sadly, it's too late to escape by now. Feeling his head is leaning closer, you place both hands on his chest to try and stop him though his body doesn't move a single bit. Hold up, hold up, hold up!!! Too close!

"Takashi, wait—" Your eyes shut immediately, knowing what he's about to do.  

Mitsuya pauses when his lips are only a few centimeters away. That man is taking a glance at your heavily blushing face and secretly smiling to see this shy and nervous side of yours. Oh my, now I'm the meanie. He signs. Well then...

Soft. Something touches the tip your nose - a light kiss, as light as a feather. As your mind is still trying to comprehend the whole thing, his giggle soon gets you back to your senses.

"I'm just joking! You don't have to worry!" You open your eyes and freeze like a statue. Noticing how tense up you are, his hand gently caresses your cheek where the heat is still lingering around. "Did I scare you, [First name]-chan?"

You know the answer, don't you? Well, he did surprise you in a way but... why not let him guess a little longer? "Who would?" You mumble.

"Really? Shall we try again the—"

Like an instinct, your palm covers his lower face as you know he won't leave you time to answer.

"Not so fast. I won't be tricked again." You smile cheerfully because this time for sure, victory is in your hand. However, life rarely happens according to your plans, and especially when you are with him.

His gaze sharpens and that makes you think twice about your action. Just when you're about to let your hand down, the lavender-eyed holds it in position and gives your palm a kiss. You raise your eyebrows and are completely shocked at his gesture. Mitsuya gently places your hand in his palm, bowing down like a gentleman greets a lady before his lips touch your knuckles. This greeting gesture, hand-kissing, normally indicates courtesy and politeness but not in this case scenario. 

"Are you sure about that, my Muse?" He asks with a mischievous smile.

And the Cupid - the god of love in the Ancient Roman, shots his arrow right through your heart, again. Love and passion are spreading out from your wound, making you fall for this man for... how many times you have lost count to be honest. The only difference is that you sink deeper and deeper every time the Cupid has his decision.

"So now you're into role play just simply because of the suit? And what Muse would wear a white tube top with grey sweatpants like me?" You chortle.

"Well, doing it once in a while isn't so bad though." He answers. "And you're always beautiful no matter what you wear."

That makes your heart skip a beat. He always says what in his mind, even if you're ready for it or not. "You sure are good with words." Whispering softly, you don't know what to do but to smile happily like a child.

"Anyway, how was the meeting with your customers?" You ask.

"The good news is we have a big order coming up. It's for their wedding and they chose the design already. One mermaid wedding dress and a tuxedo. We have to make five dresses for the bridesmaids too, so it's gonna be a busy week."

"Oh no, it's not that much... Lemme fainted a little." Without waiting him to respond, you let your head fall down on his shoulder, creating a big "thump" sound in the ears. The Captain is trying hard not to laugh by now. He gently pats that heavy head of yours.

"But still, I'll try my best to help. Can't let my beloved handle everything, right?" There you go, being mischievous again.

Wish you could see his face at that time. It was the most happiest face in the world. He wraps you in his arms for a full, warm embrace. "And I don't want my Muse to be exhausted too."

"But we'll put that aside for now. Wanna go for a ride? It must be bored to spend your whole day in the workshop."

Your eyes wide open to hear his suggestion. How long has it been since the last ride you guys had with each other? You're obviously happy to hear that but you're quite concerned about his health. "Maybe you should rest for today, you must be tired already."

"It's okay. I need to refresh my mind a bit. Lemme get change real quick." He gives you a light pat on your head.

Standing in front of the garage, you're gazing at Mitsuya, who is wearing an energetic set of cloth, opposite to the formal style earlier. He layers his white tee with a loose black baseball jacket with cream leather sleeves. This jacket was you two first couple cloth, and it was made by you-know-who. For the bottom, he puts on grey sweatpants and a pair of sneakers.

Your man is taking his baby Impulse out. The lavender-eyed is looking for something, your helmet. He slowly puts it on for you to ensure your safety while you sit behind him.

"Hold on tight." No matter how many times he has taken you out, that sentence always comes up first like a habit. Yes, you understand clearly that he cares about you, but seeing him like this somehow makes you want to tease him.  

"Come on! It's not like my first time letting my boyfriend take me for a ride~" Leaning your body closer to his back, you slowly give that muscular body a hug from behind. The lilac-haired sighs, lowers his head before turning around.

"And it's not like my first time saying this to my girlfriend." He responds while gives you a light flick on your forehead. "I just want to make sure you'll feel safe."

You release your hands to touch the spot where he aimed. Knitting your eyebrows, you ask. "Alright, but do you have to give me a flick?"

"Cause I feel like it." Now your nose is being pinched. Right after when you try to react, Mitsuya grabs your hands and puts them around his waist again. "Alright, no more teasing. We'll be back late if we don't leave now."

You actively tighten your arms so that someone won't give a long lecture again. "Fine, baka Taka."

"That's my girl." Closing his eyes, those lips reveal a winsome smile before his black full face helmet covers it. Once everything is set, he starts the engine and drive you both to the main road.

Resting your head on his firm back, your eyes slowly observe the night life in the city, looking at those cars running on the road and how people spend the rest of their night. Every time the winds blow through your hair, they always give a sense of relaxation, relieving all the stress you have during those working hours.

You breathe out bit by bit, tighten your embrace without noticing, which is a good sign for the person sitting in front of you. Glad she's enjoying this. The lilac-haired chuckles in secret, feels glad at your reaction.

Fifteen minutes have passed by, you two leave the city center, driving on a deserted road that leads to an abandon outdoor parking space overlooking the city's view. This is his go-to place whenever he seeks for the tranquility and now, it's yours too. Mitsuya drives right to the spot where you can observe the mesmerizing scene below and parks his Impulse.

Arms in the air, you stand up and stretch your back after spending nearly the whole day in his workshop, helping him to finish the wedding dress on time. Turn your head around to look at the man sitting side saddle, you ask. "Just three days left. We'll finish Hina-chan dress before it, right?"

"Yeah, I only need to sew the veil and adjust the length of the dress a bit." Mitsuya responds before gazing at you with a delighted face. "It all thanks to your help! Your skills have improved a lot after two months."

"Really? Guess I have to thank someone being patient while teaching me too~" Your mind then recalls how many times he sighed and flicked your forehead when you messed up during your practice. Despite of that, your caring teacher always there to explain and demonstrate again and again. Also, you can't forget the times you injured yourself because of your clumsiness, and he was always there to help you. Those are the memories that you're always cherish.

"I'll still be in your care, Sensei~" You giggle.

Sitting beside the man you love, you lean your head on his shoulder while getting lost in thought. 12 years huh... They finally make it. The fact that Hanagaki could travel back in time is always unbelievable because to you, it's something that only appears in sci-fi movies. You're really grateful that he tries to save everyone even if he has to risk his life. Not knowing what the future may hold, every moment staying with Mitsuya just becomes precious and you truly appreciate it.

Hina-chan finally escapes from the Death, now they're about to engage. "I'm glad for them."

Hearing your mumble, his left arm, which wrapped around your waist, moves its way up to pat your head. Those fingers that he uses to design beautiful clothes are now gently stroking your hair.

"What're you thinking about?" He asks out of curiosity.

"I was thinking..." After a few seconds of consideration, you say something out of the blue "when will I become a bride?"

From your unexpected answer, Mitsuya completely freezes. His astonished face with raised eyebrows and wide-opened lavender eyes is fully drawn to you. Looks like someone's heart just skips a beat. You really are...

Not seeing the Captain react, you ask him with concern. "Taka— Wh—what???"

As you're about to lift your head up, his hand quickly covers your eyes, pressing it down to the old position. You're wondering what the heck is going, not knowing Mitsuya is facing the other direction, hands cover his face. He's making time for the blush to fade away but it's impossible when you're struggling like this. 

"Stay still for awhile, will you?" A long sigh escapes from his lips when you're trying to pull his hand off.

After realizing how physically strong he is, you finally surrender. "Fine, I give up."

The atmosphere go into silent, no one has opened up first because you're waiting for him, and your boyfriend? He's still trying to calm himself down. Once Mitsuya gets back to his cool, usual shelf, he removes his hand to reveal your sound sleeping face.

"[First name]-chan?" He whispers.

Oh... She must be exhausted. Caressing your cheek before moving to your ear, his mind suddenly recalls your words. The Captain tries to move his other hand without waking you up, manages to take something out of his pocket. He then remains silent, eyes are focusing that small box lying in the palm of his right hand. "A bride, you said..."

His thumb opens the box, staring at the thing placing in the middle. For some reasons, your man hesitates before taking out the circle object, raising it up to the night sky and gazing deeply.

"You should fall for someone else." He mumbles.

"That's what I said when you confessed your feelings. But you, you still stay around after everything we went through, after knowing my background." Mitsuya pinches your cheek lightly because he doesn't want to interrupt your sleep.

"How stubborn you are."

You can feel something touch your face but only make an annoyed expression like a reflex.

"You always talk to me, run toward me whenever I'm around, and even learn how to sew. And just like that, I get familiar with your presence in my life."

"I used to think if you were in love with someone else, I would be rooting for you and make sure you find a good guy. But right now, I don't think I can let you go—— No, more like I won't let you go this time."

His hand puts something on your right ear. It's his other signature piercing - a black huggie earring with silver crosses.

"One for me, one for my most important person. Hope you won't laugh at my childish thought, I was young and bold." He chuckles at his own thought.

"I'm not ready to be your spouse yet, not when I'm still struggling with financial issues. I don't want my love to struggle it with me."

"Just a little more, will you wait for me, [First name]-chan?"

[ninzied]

a kiss pressed to the top of the head.

Karen gets the call in the middle of their lunch hour.

She’s playfully tossing a fry in Foggy’s face, laughing at something he’s just said as she picks up her phone and looks down at her screen.

“It’s a Metro-General number,” she says, bemused. She looks up at Foggy and Matt. Both of them shrug. Anyone the hospital’s likely to be calling her about is already sitting right here in front of her.

“Hello?” she says into the phone. Confusion registers on her face first. And then she goes very, very quiet.

Foggy’s not able to make out what’s being said on the other line, but judging from Karen’s expression—Matt’s expression, too—it can’t be anything good.

“He what?” Karen puts a hand up to her mouth, and Foggy notices that her fingers are trembling a little. “Is he okay? Is—yes. Thank you. Yes, I’m going to head there now.” She hangs up, looking like she’s already a hundred miles away—or at least the three it will take to get to the hospital.

Matt puts a hand on Karen’s shoulder. “Foggy will drive you there,” he says.

“I will?” says Foggy. “I mean, yeah, of course I will, but what’s going on?”

Karen grabs her things, and Foggy rushes to follow suit, saying a hurried, “Thanks for lunch, I guess” to Matt, who waves them off and helps himself to one of Karen’s fries.

She’s silent in the passenger seat, gazing distractedly out the window as Foggy drives. He looks at her with growing worry, but every time he starts to speak, he’s less and less sure what to say. He’s never seen her so pale. He’s never seen her so determined to hold herself together.

There’s only one person he can think of that could get this kind of reaction from her.

The local station is on at low volume, and Foggy strains to hear anything newsworthy. But there’s nothing about shoot-outs, or robberies, or any other sort of public disturbance that could give him the information he’s looking for.

At one point, Karen reaches over and squeezes his hand. He squeezes back, and doesn’t let go until they’ve pulled into the emergency department entrance.

He ends up valet parking his car, wondering briefly to himself if he can charge it to the company card that they’d opened up last year. Considering what—or who—is waiting for them inside.

It wouldn’t be the first time, which is all he has to say about that.

A woman in scrubs looks up from her computer as they approach the front desk. “Can I help you?”

“Yes.” Karen clears her throat. “I’m here to see Pete Castiglione.”

“What’s your relation?” says the woman, searching his name on her computer screen.

Karen draws in a breath. “He, um—listed me as his emergency contact.”

The woman hands her a visitor’s badge, and then looks expectantly over at Foggy.

“I’m—his lawyer,” Foggy blurts out. He doesn’t know what’s landed Frank in here this time, but it doesn’t hurt to cover his bases. The woman raises an eyebrow, but thankfully doesn’t press him for any more details than that.

She gives them a room number and then points them through a set of double doors. They give an audible click before swinging wide open. The walk is short but tense, Karen visibly steeling herself once they’re just outside the room. It’s a sliding glass door, but the inside has been curtained shut.

“Do you want me to wait out here?” Foggy asks.

“No, it’s okay.” She gives him a wan smile. “Thank you. For coming.”

“Sure, of course,” says Foggy, attempting a small but comforting smile back.

Karen slides the door open and steps inside, drawing the curtain back behind her. Foggy follows her in, unable to keep from thinking about all the other times they’d walked into the Punisher’s hospital room together.

There are a few notable differences, this time around.

The first is that Frank Castle is not in handcuffs, nor is he strapped down to the bed. The only things attached to him are a few colored wires, snaking out from under his gown and winding up to plug into a monitor that’s beeping steadily above him.

The second is that there are no bruises on his face, when he turns toward the door and sees them there. He looks like he hasn’t gotten much sleep, but other than that, his face is clear—cleanly shaved, even. In fact, Foggy can discern no obvious injuries on him at all.

The only thing that hasn’t changed is Karen.

She walks straight up to his bed, past where the red tape would have been. Foggy sees her hand start to reach out for Frank’s, but then she’s pulling up a chair instead, taking a seat next to him.

“Hey.” Frank’s voice sounds a little rough around the edges, but that could also have something to do with the fact that he can’t seem to take his eyes off of Karen. “I didn’t—wasn’t sure I’d see you here.”

“Of course I’m here.” Karen has been making a similar assessment of his state, because the next thing she says is, “Where are you hurt? They wouldn’t give me anything specific over the phone.”

“’M fine,” he says, gesturing down at his leg. “Waiting on some x-ray reads. Didn’t even see the guy till it was too late. Wouldn’t’ve come in for this, but EMTs showed up fast, and I didn’t want to—you know. Make a scene by refusing.”

Foggy blinks, not sure if he’s just heard him right. Frank Castle. The Punisher. Didn’t want…to make a scene?

Karen is evidently thinking along the same lines as him. Her voice is carefully light as she asks, “Turning over a new leaf, Frank?”

“Something like that,” he says.

Frank’s watching her as she bites her lip and glances down at her hands for a moment.

“It’s, uh. It’s good to see you,” Frank says quietly.

Foggy can’t help but notice it’s the only thing Frank has to look away from her for. LIke he wouldn’t have been able to find the words if she’d been looking back.

“You clearly had my number,” Karen chides him, but gently. “You didn’t need to get hit by a car for an excuse to finally use it.”

The corner of Frank’s mouth turns up. “Figured you were more likely to pick up this way.”

She gives him a fondly exasperated look. “Seriously?”

“Nah.” Frank smiles sideways at her. “But this was as good a place as any to make the call. You know, for old times’ sake.”

She shakes her head at him, but her voice has gone soft when she speaks again. “And here I was about to say that we have to stop meeting like this.”

“Well, there were…” Frank swallows, looking back down at his hands. “There were some things I wanted to get right, this time.”

He looks like he wants to say more, but then his gaze shifts over to Foggy, still lingering awkwardly by the door.

“Are you, um.” Foggy holds out his hands, palms up. He finishes lamely, “In any trouble? Legally speaking?”

“Not that I know of,” says Frank. “Unless there’s something illegal about crossing the street when the light tells me to.” He squints up at Foggy, who laughs, and then immediately wonders if that was how he was supposed to react.

“Foggy was with me when they called,” Karen tells Frank. “He offered to give me a ride.”

Frank regards him a moment longer, then nods at him in a grave kind of way, which Foggy takes to mean thank you.

“It was nothing,” he says. It was Matt, actually, but Foggy doesn’t mention that part out loud. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

He goes on standing there, watching the way Frank and Karen keep not-quite making eye contact in the small glances they steal at each other. “Right,” says Foggy. “Coffee, anyone?”

As it turns out, coffee is not really a thing that the emergency department has on hand. After several uncomfortable inquiries, he winds up with a cup the size of his palm that’s filled with lukewarm water, which he sips on in the waiting room.

Matt calls when he’s halfway through a crossword puzzle, much to Foggy’s surprise.

“How is he?” asks Matt, before adding, unnecessarily, “Castle.”

“Alive and kicking,” Foggy reports. “Well—to be determined on the kicking part, he might have a broken leg. So not a lot of kicking in the foreseeable future.”

“That’s good,” comes Matt’s voice after a moment. “I mean, that he’s—you know what I mean.”

“I do,” says Foggy. “And I’ll send him your best.”

“I’m sure that would go over well.” Matt lets out an audible breath. “Send them to Karen, too, okay?”

“Of course,” says Foggy. He pauses, wondering how long Matt has known. After seeing them together today, Foggy realizes just how obvious it must have always been, and marvels that he hadn’t picked up on it sooner. “I’ll keep you posted. See you tomorrow?”

“You owe me lunch,” says Matt, and hangs up.

Foggy’s on his third crossword when the double doors open, and Karen walks out—then stops, turning around before taking another cautious step forward.

Frank comes limping out behind her, dressed in his street clothes. There’s no cast that Foggy can see, but Frank has a pair of crutches in one hand, face set in grim lines as he sinks his weight back onto his injured leg.

Karen frowns and says something to him, gesturing at the unused crutches. He starts to argue with her, but she holds out a hand, a command in every line of her body. Frank finally relinquishes one of the crutches to her, and she helps to steady him as he positions one underneath each arm.

He pulls a face, but she only smiles at him as she touches her hand to his chest.

“Better?” Foggy catches her asking.

Frank says something that makes her laugh, and the sound of it seems to catch them both by surprise. Karen lets her hands drop, folding them carefully together, and she glances down for a moment, looking almost uncertain.

Frank is gazing at her with such quiet intensity that Foggy almost slides down in his seat and raises his newspaper up to eye-level. He feels like he’s intruding. But he also feels like he can’t look away.

Frank leans in, until his cheek is resting just over Karen’s temple, on the side that Foggy can’t see. But then his mouth brushes against the top of her head as he’s ducking back, and better does not even begin to describe how they’re both looking right now.

Foggy grabs his valet ticket, and goes to have the car brought back around for them.

[2manyfandoms2count]

I love you (not) - Chapter 13

It's only fitting that chapter 13 of this fic would be the one that's most inspired by Taylor Swift (big Fearless vibes in here)... Tackling two prompts of @marichatmay in one, Locked in and oops. Spoiler: they finally kiss! Hope you enjoy the chapter! xx

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Chapter 13: In which it's finally timeTM

“Marinette,” Chat Noir said softly, reluctantly loosening their embrace.

She hummed in response, eyes still closed, and he tucked a strand of her already damp hair behind her ear. The skies were darkening, if it was even possible, the rain turning into a thick curtain around them, yet her soft smile was like a ray of sunshine illuminating them both. He was torn between staying there, basking in her light, and bursting their bubble. The thought that she could catch a cold crossed his mind, though, and he knew where his duty lied.

“Marinette, we should find shelter, you’ll be sick,” he insisted gently.

“I’m on holiday for the next two months, I have plenty of time to be ill,” she replied. She didn’t care if it wasn’t entirely true. She needed to be operational enough to fight any Akumas that sprouted up, but at that moment, those concerns felt like they were miles away.

Chat Noir paused. Even if he didn’t like the thought of her being bedridden, she did have a point.

“But you’ll ruin your pretty dress,” he whispered in her ear.

Marinette sighed against his chest. She really wanted to answer that she didn’t care, that she’d dance with him anywhere, whatever was going on around them, whatever she was wearing, but also especially in her best dress.  She was starting to feel a little cold, though, and she couldn’t let her partner get ill himself.

“Fine.” She looked up at him, bluebell eyes wide and beautiful as a stroke of lightning lit up the sky, and Chat forgot how to breathe for a second.

The clap of thunder that swiftly followed made him gasp like he’d literally been drowning in her eyes, and he averted his gaze.

“Hang on tight,” he warned her, bending down slightly to reach behind her knees to lift her in a bridal carry.

As he strode purposefully towards the lift, Marinette wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself, and she realised that if he were to turn his head ever so slightly towards her, then there would only be a couple of centimetres between their lips. Rain streaming down her face, she was reminded of the dream she’d had about kissing Chat Noir. Would it be so bad to know what it would feel like, without the rush of an Akuma battle? She blushed at the thought, and buried her face against his shoulder to conceal her fluster.

Chat Noir had barely, tentatively, laid his head on the top of hers when the lift doors opened with a “ding”. He straightened up rigidly and walked inside, before delicately setting her down on one side of the cabin and walking to the other.

Marinette leaned back against the panel, stealing a glance at him as he pressed the restaurant button. The elevator got into motion; she pouted when he didn’t return to her side.

But maybe she’d gotten ahead of herself. Maybe the dancing, the rain, and the late night visits had gotten to her head, shining a new light on their, all in all, platonic all but in name relationship.

Before she could start dissecting why she felt disappointed, the lift stopped abruptly, making her lose her balance slightly. She tensed up, feeling that something wasn’t right.

Opposite her, Chat was also on high alert, ears perked up as he tried to pick up on any sound that could indicate the cause of the stall. When the cries for help and the crashing reached them, their gazes met, and they could read the panic in each other’s eyes at the thought that it wasn’t just the storm.

Chat pounced on the elevator button panel and punched all of them, hoping it would kickstart the machine, but unfortunately not even the alarm button responded.

“ Mince ,” they both swore under their breath.

Chat’s whipped his head towards her, and he flashed her a small smile.

“It’s okay, Marinette, don’t worry. Ladybug will get us out of here.”

“You really think so?” Marinette was trying very hard not to let her panic flood her as she looked around for any possible exit. Wasn’t there supposed to be a trap door on elevator roofs? Or could they try prying the doors open, and see where to go from there? Actually, why use force when they had a much more powerful weapon? “Can’t you maybe cataclysm the doors or something?”

“I’m afraid it doesn’t mix well with technology,” he grimaced. “I don’t want to risk hurting you. But I trust Ladybug, she’ll find a way.”

“I trust you too, Chat Noir,” she replied automatically. Her eyes widened when she realised how he could interpret her words, but Chat looked lost in his thoughts. And slightly… waxy, for some reason?

“Chat, are you-” Her question was interrupted by the lights flickering, and then turning off.

Chat’s gulp was extremely audible in the penumbra.

“Are you okay?” She asked cautiously.

“Absolutely peachy.” He might have been able to distract her from his strained voice with one of those smiles he was so good at putting on, but in the darkness, it was all she could focus on.

“Kitty.” She tried to channel all of her warning glance into her words.

“It’s nothing. I might be a tiny bit claw-strophobic, but don’t mind me.”

Marinette heard him slide down against the panel, his breathing accelerating.

“It’s alright, Chat, I’m here.” She knew he wouldn’t get exactly what she meant, and she definitely wasn’t going to clarify, but she hoped her soothing tone would be enough to help him keep calm.

Just in case, though, she scrambled to her knees and felt around so she could kneel in front of him. Her eyes were starting to be accustomed to the darkness; she saw his eyes sparkling in front of her. Leaning forward, she placed both of her hands on his shoulders, and hoped he saw her better than she saw him. She didn't care what was going on on the other side of the doors; her Chaton needed her, and he was her priority. They could figure things out later.

“I’m here, I promise it’s going to be alright,” she whispered again, and he nodded slowly, unconvinced. “I’m guessing this isn’t the first time it’s happened; what do you usually do when you’re feeling like this? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I generally try to think happy thoughts,” he whispered back.

“Happy thoughts. Got it. Give me an example.”

“I like eating chouquettes?” He said tentatively.

“Okay… They are really good pastries. You know what, I think I saw some around at the party; think about how you can stuff your face full with them when we get out.”

“That would be nice.” He nodded a little more vigorously.

“Okay, what else?”

“I… I kind of like it when Ladybug scratches my chin,” he said almost shyly.

“You’re a real cat, you know that?” She smiled fondly. “Erm… would you like me to do that now?”

“Nah, it’s kind of a thing between me and her.”

“Okay, then.” She bit back a smile. “Keep going.”

“I really like receiving presents from you. They’re always so thoughtful.” His breathing was slowing down, his voice more assured.

“I really enjoy making them for you.” She blushed.

“Thank you.” He brought one of his hands to cover hers.

“You’re very welcome.”

Marinette stared into Chat Noir’s eyes, only averting her gaze and clearing her throat when she felt that she was getting a little too close to his face. She couldn’t help it. It was like being pulled in by gravity. “Anything else?”

He shook his head.

“Come on, Chat, there must be more good thoughts in that head of yours.” She ruffled his hair. “How does… How do the pictures of you and… Ladybug after the fight against Oblivio make you feel?” It was a daring question. She regretted it almost instantly, his lack of answer at first the most deafening of sounds.

“I used to really enjoy looking at them,” he said cautiously just when she was considering that transforming and making a break for it would be a less awkward option than being scrutinised like this.

“Used to?” She felt her heart rate pick up.

“Well, truth be told…” It was his turn to avert his gaze, although he tightened his grip on her hand ever so slightly. “I’m not sure I’d enjoy kissing Ladybug very much now.”

“Oh?” She hated that she was losing all coherence, her brain overanalysing the implicit meaning of his words, which truly couldn’t be what she thought, dreamed it could be.

“Well, see, there’s this other girl…” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, a smile gently spreading on his lips. Which she definitely wasn’t focusing on.

“Yeah?” she asked breathlessly, very aware of the short distance between them as she forced herself to hold his gaze.

“I’ve just found myself feeling closer to her, and hoping that maybe, just maybe…” His eyes flickered to her lips, and she couldn’t help it.

Her lips found their way to his like a butterfly to a flower, landing lightly at first, testing the waters. It was sweet, like apple juice.

Just as she was about to break contact, Chat’s arms came to wrap around her waist and he deepened the kiss. Her own hands moved up to tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck. She felt him smile against her lips, and couldn’t help but smile herself.

And then there was light.

She jumped out of Chat Noir’s arms and he scrambled to his feet just as a firefighter finished opening the door, helped by Kim. They’d been so close to a proper floor.

“I knew I’d heard people talking in there!” Kim said excitedly, helping Marinette out. “Oh, hi Chat Noir! Do you know where Ladybug is? This Akuma is not messing around.”

“I’ll go and take care of it, I’ll call LB on the way.” He replied almost sheepishly. Marinette didn’t know where to put herself. She didn’t doubt that what they’d been doing could be read all over her face. Maybe Chat would even figure everything out by just looking at her. There was no doubt that she was just as red as Ladybug’s suit.

“Go find yourself a safe hiding place, Marinette.” Chat put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes boring into hers.

“Will do.” She nodded. “Be safe out there.”

“Will do.”

He started running towards an exit, but turned around just as he was about to turn the corner. He paused, as if he was about to say something, but thought better of it and flashed her a bright smile instead.

It almost made Marinette forget that she needed to get moving too.

[jelly-pies]

Dancing From Now On

Read on AO3

Pepper remembered their first dance. Contrary to public knowledge, it had not been at the annual Stark Industries gala.

Tony and Pepper's first dance took place months before that, alone at the mansion, late after a long day of work. The music had been Pepper's idea, to relax. But the dance had been Tony's.

"Getting better, Potts." Somehow cheerier than usual, he spun her slowly around the workshop. "Nobody will ever know you had two left feet. Hardly believe it myself, if my toe wasn't still throbbing."

Pepper huffed. "Not all of us could afford dance classes, you know."

"Well, it's not that hard, see? We're just swaying." Tony pulled her in, an inch closer, meeting her eyes. And for one moment, Pepper was purely dancing with the friend she was secretly in love with—not the boss who depended on her, or the playboy whose one night stands she escorted out of the mansion every few weeks. Just Tony. "Just dancing."

Their casual flirting was one thing. But this was getting dangerously close to something else—so Pepper ended the moment. JARVIS stopped the music, and when Pepper looked back after collecting her things, Tony suddenly looked away as if he'd been caught staring.

Maybe he had.

"So, you're good?" Tony asked casually, hands fiddling with some tools he picked up. "No stumbling over anybody's feet at the next gala?"

"We're good." Pepper matched his light tone. "Thank you, Mr. Stark."

"You're very welcome, Ms. Potts."

"And Tony... " She paused at the door. Did she imagine that expectant look he sent her way, or was it just the lighting? "Um… that contract you still have to look over. Don't show up tomorrow without it."

"Which one?"

"Tony."

He chuckled. "I got it. Have a good night."

Maybe it was just the lighting.

"Good night," Pepper answered, and exited the room with deliberate steps.

She turned back before the landing. Tony was facing away, bringing up holo-screens, flexing his hands—and suddenly she remembered the feel of those calloused fingers against her own, drawing her closer.

Tony looked up. Pepper turned away, determined not to be caught staring.

But maybe she had.

Pepper remembered their first dance. And she remembered how it led to much, much more.

-

Their second dance, that one was at the Stark Industries Firefighter's Family Fund benefit. A backless blue gown, a little banter, an almost-kiss on the roof. Another moment Pepper ended before anything could begin, even though she half-wished something  would begin—had been wishing it those dreadful three months of Tony's disappearance.

As Tony left to get them drinks, Pepper turned away to hide a growing blush. She didn't see the way he looked back at her from the door.

Tony reentered the building, and didn't see the way Pepper looked after his retreating back, either.

-

Years later on another rooftop, after a disastrous Stark Expo, the kiss became real.

They even had a witness, who deadpanned, "You guys look like two seals fighting over a grape."

Tony put his arm around her as they faced Rhodey, and Pepper couldn’t help thinking how that gesture must make them look like a real couple. She found she didn’t mind. All of a sudden, plans of her resignation as CEO didn't seem so urgent.

Tony turned back to her as soon as Rhodey left and challenged, "How are you gonna resign if I don’t accept?"

Pepper laughed, letting the action release her anxiety and near-death stress and girlish romance. "I…" And Tony was leaning close. She stopped him with a finger on his lips. "Tony, if I don't… we can’t…"

"Come on, it’s us. We’ll figure something out." And there was that look again. Pepper wasn’t so quick to blame the lighting this time. "Ms. Potts?" Tony took both her hands. "Pep?"

It was too late to stop this moment, and Pepper knew it. But the doubt must have still shown on her face because Tony took one look and continued, "Remember when we danced? The first time, Malibu? You crushed my toes about a hundred—"

"Please let that go."

"—but we made it work."

Pepper took a breath. "We did."

Tony smiled, eyes shining—that's how Pepper could always tell if his smiles were real. She could also tell that both of them were done holding back… whatever this was.

"We are pretty good at dancing," Pepper replied.

Tony couldn't see her face as they embraced, but if he did, Pepper was sure he could tell her smile was real, too.

-

A private night at Stark Tower after the New York attack, that was the third dance. Or fourth, or fifth, maybe. Pepper wasn't sure she needed to count anymore.

She was only sure of two things. Swaying together in their home, with JARVIS playing soft music overhead, her arms around the love she had almost lost—and had accepted she would come close to losing, over and over again, for the sake of saving the world—Pepper was only sure of these: that she wanted herself and Tony to have a thousand more dances to come.

And that she could never know which one would be their last.

-

They danced that night on yet another rooftop, after the events with the Mandarin.

They didn't dance after Ultron.

Or for several months after that.

But the next time Pepper and Tony finally held each other in their arms, they held on tighter, and neither let go for a long, long time.

-

This wasn't how Pepper imagined it, for several reasons.

Tony’s smile was different. There was a sadness in them that lingered like ashes, but he smiled anyway, holding her close—which was a feat with Pepper's growing belly, but they made it work.

There were fewer guests. Several seats they left vacant on purpose, scattered around the lakeside like lonely souls. Some people held the belief they were there, in spirit, and that's what mattered. Pepper wasn't so sure; pure sentimentality had prevailed on her to leave the seats out.

Apparently sentimentality ran high this evening. The band played the song she and Tony had first danced to, oh so long ago, in a mansion long since blown to bits, by an AI, a friend, long since gone.

There was no publicity in what had once been anticipated as the event of the decade. A single ray of sun through gray clouds instead of all-around sunshine, in what was supposed to be the happiest day of Pepper and Tony's life.

But the people they loved—those that were left—celebrated with them, and that was enough. A simple reception at their new house, and the wedding was over.

After the lake grew quiet and the stars came out, the newlyweds slow-danced through the night, just the two of them.

This wasn't how Pepper imagined their new life would start. But start it did, with a dance.

"Getting better, Potts," Tony whispered beside her temple, their heads pressed together.

"Not so hard without the floor length gown. I know that was my idea, but God, don’t let me do anything like that ever again."

Tony chuckled and spun her slowly until she faced away, then wrapped his arms around his wife, their four hands interlocking on top of her belly.

Pepper had long lost count of their dances. But she knew this was one she would always remember.

It was Tony who broke the silence. "You guys still here? Scoot."

Pepper turned where he was looking: Rhodey’s wedding presents on the mantelpiece, staring at them—two plushie seals. And she laughed. Tony could always make her laugh.

“Fighting over a grape?” Pepper recalled.

“I never really got that image, to be honest.”

“Hm.” She turned back to Tony, cupped his cheek, and leaned in. “Let’s see about that.”

-

"That’s it! You’re doing it!" Tony spun their daughter around until the song ended, and Morgan collapsed in giggles on the floor. Tony scooped her up and tickled her with his stubble, making the giggling grow louder.

"Dad!" Morgan laughed. "Mommy, save me!"

Pepper swiftly rescued the toddler, only to drop her on the couch and blow raspberries on her stomach a second later. "In this house—" another tickle, and Morgan squealed— "nobody—escapes—dancing!"

Morgan finally succeeded in pushing her away as FRIDAY started the next upbeat song, and soon all three were back on their feet.

-

“Not that it's a competition.” Tony walked in. “But she loves me three thousand.”

“Oh, does she?”

“You were somewhere on the low… six to nine hundred range.”

Tony could always make her laugh.

Even the night after the Avengers came to visit. The night their new life, that Pepper knew in her heart could never last long, started to melt away.

Tonight there was no music, no dancing. Only the crackle of the fireplace, the weight of the future, and Pepper’s words hanging in the air— "But will you be able to rest?"

Tony didn’t answer her. He didn’t need to.

But Pepper held his hand, and Tony kissed her cheek. And when they finally went to bed, they held each other tighter.

-

Tony held her hand, and Pepper kissed his cheek. "You can rest now."

Tonight there was no dancing.

-

Two cylindrical compartments stood along the garage wall, one of them forever to be empty. In the other, Pepper put her Rescue suit away by herself. Crossing the room, her fingers couldn't help lingering over Tony's reserve helmet—Tony's desk—Tony's tools—Tony's presence. She could always feel it in his workshops.

Their first dance had been in his workshop.

The memory jolted her, pulling Pepper's eyes back to the last gift Tony left: her Rescue suit slumped in its compartment, looking as battered as she felt. Pepper remembered what it was like to take the suit to battle. To fight side by side with her husband, gauntlets firing in sync, guarding each other's back. A team to the end.

Did that count as a dance? Because otherwise, Pepper realized, she didn't remember the last time she and Tony danced.

She remembered their first, though—would always remember it. JARVIS’s song, their wedding song, strained in her ears—she could almost feel Tony's calloused fingers around hers—dancing in his workshop late at night.

But in this workshop, on this night, Pepper could only cry.

-

Pepper still danced.

She danced with Rhodey, and they leaned on each other, the way they had learned to do long ago.

She danced with Happy, bouncy little head bangs as they cooked Christmas dinner together, and for a moment the house was full of music again.

She danced with Peter, years later at his wedding, whispering "We’re so proud of you" in his ear.

She danced with her daughter. Morgan always pulled her to her feet whenever a lively song came on the radio— "In this house, nobody escapes dancing!" And they laughed. And they danced.

Pepper still danced. Just not with the one person she most wanted to dance with again.

-

When years had passed, and Morgan was grown, and the house was quiet most hours of the day, Pepper developed the habit of sneaking out on the balcony on clear nights, and looking up at the stars.

Some of her favorite dances with Tony had taken place under the stars. Like the rooftop. And their wedding.

Pepper didn’t remember which dance had been their last. But she remembered the first. And the second. And the thousands that came after that. Maybe that was enough.

In the quiet of the lake house, with only the strains of their wedding song echoing in her ears, and the stars above her, forever her witness—Pepper danced.

-

-

- "Ang Huling El Bimbo (The Last [Dance])," The Eraserheads

Lahat ng pangarap ko'y bigla lang natunaw

Sa panaginip nalang pala kita maisasayaw

(All of my dreams are suddenly gone

Only in dreams can we dance from now on)

[missdawnandherdusk]

Glass House

Hufflepuff!Reader X Draco

I got people blamin' me for shit they did to me

Lots of people shamin' me for shit they didn't see

So point the finger, pull the trigger, throw them off your trail

You're diggin' me my grave, but keep the shovel nearby

Dig your own right next to mine

I got people sayin' take an eye for an eye

I just turn the other cheek cause you ain't worth my time

'Cause you see in black and white

But there's more than just wrong and right

Chapter 1     Chapter 2    

Chapter 3    Chapter 4

Chapter 5     Chapter 6

Summary: Lines start to blur between wrong and right as you and Draco try to make it through the first semester of sixth year alive. Can you both keep up the charade long enough to survive? Can laughter and smiles hide what’s lurking underneath?

A/n: Y’all know what’s up. I’m so excited for this chapter honestly because there is so much character growth in our power duo as well as side characters and ugh I would die for Pansy. Also, I haven’t quite decided what to do with Snape yet... I don’t really hate him, not that I particularly like him either. Anyway, let me know what you think! I love seeing all of your comments you have absolutely no idea!! Stay strong and always keep fighting: this chapter deals with some dark stuff. I hope that you all see how to find a ray of sunshine in the midst of hell by reading this. ((I also cleaned up my taglist and got rid of the ones that tumblr wasn’t letting me tag anymore, so if I accidentally deleted you, lmk and I’ll add you back!! And Tumblr still isn’t allowing me to add a lot of you and I’m sorry ://// It’s not that I don’t love you bc I’m trying here))

Prologue:

“Cissy, you must not do this, you can’t trust him —”

“The Dark Lord trusts him, doesn’t he?” Narcissa snapped back at her sister.

“The Dark Lord is . . . I believe . . . mistaken,” Bella panted, and her eyes gleamed momentarily under her hood as she looked around to check that they were indeed alone. “In any case, we were told not to speak of the plan to anyone. This is a betrayal of the Dark Lord’s —”

“Let go, Bella!” Narcissa snarled, and she drew a wand from beneath her cloak, holding it threateningly in her sister’s face. Bella merely laughed.

“Cissy, your own sister? You wouldn’t —”

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do anymore!” Narcissa breathed, a note of hysteria in her voice, and as she brought down the wand like a knife, there was another flash of light. Bella let go of her sister’s arm as though burned.

“Narcissa!”

But Narcissa had rushed ahead. Rubbing her hand, Bellatrix followed again, keeping her distance now. At last, Narcissa hurried up a street named Spinner’s End, over which the towering mill

She had knocked on the door before Bella, cursing under her breath, had caught up. Together they stood waiting, panting slightly, breathing in the smell of the dirty river that was carried to them on the night breeze. After a few seconds, they heard movement behind the door, and it opened a crack.

A sliver of a man could be seen looking out at them, a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes.

Narcissa threw back her hood.

“Narcissa!” said the man, opening the door a little wider, so that the light fell upon her and her sister. “What a pleasant surprise!

“Severus,” she said in a strained whisper. “May I speak to you? It’s urgent.”

“But of course.” He stood back to allow her to pass him into the house, Bellatrix following suit.

“Snape,” she said curtly as she passed him.

“Bellatrix,” he replied, his thin mouth curling into a slightly mocking smile as he closed the door with a snap behind them.

Snape gestured Narcissa to the sofa. She threw off her cloak, cast it aside, and sat down, staring at her white and trembling hands clasped in her lap. Bellatrix lowered her hood more slowly.

“So, what can I do for you?” Snape asked, settling himself in the armchair opposite the two sisters.

“We . . . we are alone, aren’t we?” Narcissa asked quietly. He nodded in confirmation.

“Severus, I’m sorry to come here like this, but I had to see you. I think you are the only one who can help me I know I ought not to be here, I have been told to say nothing to anyone, but —” Narcissa rushed out, her words stumbling over each other.

“Then you ought to hold your tongue!” snarled Bellatrix. “Particularly in present company!”

“‘Present company’?” repeated Snape sardonically. “And what am I to understand by that, Bellatrix?”

“That I don’t trust you, Snape, as you very well know!”

Narcissa let out a noise that might have been a dry sob and covered her face with her hands. Snape set his glass down upon the table and sat back again, his hands upon the arms of his chair, smiling into Bellatrix’s glowering face.

“Narcissa, I think we ought to hear what Bellatrix is bursting to say; it will save tedious interruptions. Well, continue, Bellatrix,” said Snape. “Why is it that you do not trust me?”

Narcissa tuned the bickering pair out as her thoughts started to spiral again. Draco consumed her psyche and in turn so did Y/n. They were woven together in fate as she and Lucius were and

Narcissa was sure of the matter. It seemed like eons had passed since Narcissa found herself in Y/n’s shoes, and she knew that somewhere she had failed watching her love turn into a monster and she did not wish the same fate upon her son.

“That was not my fault!” said Bellatrix, flushing. “The Dark Lord has, in the past, entrusted me with his most precious — if Lucius hadn’t —”

“Don’t you dare — don’t you dare blame my husband!” Narcissa hissed, in a low and deadly voice, looking up at her sister, butting into their squabbling.

“There is no point apportioning blame,” said Snape smoothly. “What is done, is done.”

“But not by you!” said Bellatrix furiously and the two continued to argue until Bellatrix still looked unhappy, though she appeared unsure how best to attack Snape next. Taking advantage of her silence, Snape turned to her Narcissa.

“Now . . . you came to ask me for help, Narcissa?” Narcissa looked up at him, her face eloquent with despair.

“Yes, Severus. I — I think you are the only one who can help me, I have nowhere else to turn. Lucius is in jail and...” She closed her eyes and letting free the tears that had been threatening to fall for days. “The Dark Lord has forbidden me to speak of it,” Narcissa continued, her eyes still closed. “He wishes none to know of the plan. It is... very secret. But—”

“If he has forbidden it, you ought not to speak,” said Snape at once. “The Dark Lord’s word is law.”

Narcissa gasped as though he had doused her with cold water. Bellatrix looked satisfied for the first time since she had entered the house.

“There!” she said triumphantly to her sister. “Even Snape says so: You were told not to talk, so hold your silence!”

But Snape had gotten to his feet and strode to the small window, peered through the curtains at the deserted street, then closed them again with a jerk. He turned around to face Narcissa, frowning.

“It so happens that I know of the plan,” he said in a low voice. “I am one of the few the Dark Lord has told. Nevertheless, had I not been in on the secret, Narcissa, you would have been guilty of great treachery to the Dark Lord.”

“I thought you must know about it!” Narcissa relaxed, breathing more freely. “He trusts you so, Severus...”

“You know about the plan?” said Bellatrix, her fleeting expression of satisfaction replaced by a look of outrage. “You know?”

“Certainly,” said Snape. “But what help do you require, Narcissa? If you are imagining I can persuade the Dark Lord to change his mind, I am afraid there is no hope, none at all.”

“Severus,” she whispered, tears sliding down her pale cheeks. “My son . . . my only son . . .”

“Draco should be proud,” said Bellatrix indifferently. “The Dark Lord is granting him a great honor. And I will say this for Draco: He isn’t shrinking away from his duty, he seems glad of a chance to prove himself, and he should, since he’s in love with that filthy little blood-traitor—”

“Watch your tongue Bellatrix! I was in her position when the first war began!” Narcissa’s voice became cold and harsh before she turned back to Snape. “Draco is barely sixteen and has no idea what lies in store! Why Severus? Why my son? This is vengeance for Lucius’s mistake, and I know it!”

Snape said nothing. His lack of response confirmed her fears. Again, her Lucius had been twisted in such a way to damage her son.

“That’s why he’s chosen Draco, isn’t it?” Her voice held no ounce of hope. “To punish Lucius?”

“If Draco succeeds,” said Snape, still looking away from her, “he will be honored above all others.”

“But he won’t succeed!” Narcissa rose, almost yelling. “Severus...please...You are, you have always been, Draco’s favorite teacher... and his godfather...I beg you... You are the Dark Lord’s favorite, his most trusted advisor...Will you speak to him, persuade him —?”

“The Dark Lord will not be persuaded, and I am not stupid enough to attempt it,” said Snape flatly. “I cannot pretend that the Dark Lord is not angry with Lucius. Lucius was supposed to be in charge. He got himself captured, along with how many others, and failed to retrieve the prophecy into the bargain. Yes, the Dark Lord is angry, Narcissa, very angry indeed. And I think even more so since Draco has found himself weak with that girl,” He snarled the word.

“Then I am right, he has chosen Draco in revenge!” choked Narcissa. “He does not mean him to succeed, he wants him to be killed trying!”

When Snape said nothing, Narcissa seemed to lose what little self-restraint she still possessed. Standing up, she stalked to Snape and seized the front of his robes. Her face close to his, her tears falling onto his chest, she hissed, “You could do it. You could do it instead of Draco, Severus. You would succeed, of course you would, and he would reward you beyond all of us— ”

Snape caught hold of her wrists and removed her clutching hands. Looking down into her tearstained face, he said slowly, “He intends me to do it in the end, I think. But he is determined that Draco should try first. You see, in the unlikely event that Draco succeeds, I shall be able to remain at Hogwarts a little longer, fulfilling my useful role as spy.”

“In other words, it doesn’t matter to him if Draco is killed!”

“The Dark Lord is very angry,” repeated Snape quietly. “He failed to hear the prophecy. You know as well as I do, Narcissa, that he does not forgive easily.”

Narcissa sneered and paced away, staring at the hearth. “My only son...my only son...”

“You should be proud!” said Bellatrix ruthlessly. “If I had sons, I would be glad to give them up to the service of the Dark Lord!”

Narcissa gave a little scream of frustration and clutched at her long blonde hair, before drawing her wand and pointing it at Bellatrix.

“You will never understand what this is like Bellatrix! You question my loyalty to the Dark Lord but what have I not given to him!? What have I not scarified!? He has taken my love! My family! My sisters! Now he has my son!”

“Narcissa, that’s enough. Listen to me.” Snape stood between the two sisters and Narcissa lowered her wand. “It might be possible . . . for me to help Draco.”

“Severus — oh, Severus — you would help him? Would you look after him, see he comes to no harm? He needs someone,” Narcissa gasped out desperately, her anger fading.

“I thought he had his precious little Hufflepuff,” Bellatrix sneered, but Snape paid her no mind.

“I can try to aid Draco,”

Narcissa composed herself, relief flooding through her veins as she gave him a slight nod.

“If you are there to protect him... Severus, will you swear it? Will you make the Unbreakable V ow?”

“The Unbreakable Vow?” Snape’s expression was blank, unreadable. Bellatrix cackled a laugh but Narcissa paid her no mind. Instead her eyes were trained on dark black ones that held a glimpse of hope.

“He loves her, Severus,” Narcissa’s voice was soft, lost under her sister’s snarking remarks. “You must understand that. Give him the chance you never had,”

Something passed between them, a memory of a girl with bright red hair and a boy who got lost along the way. “I shall make the Unbreakable Vow,” he said quietly. “Perhaps your sister will consent to be our Bonder.”

Bellatrix’s mouth fell open. Snape and Narcissa grasped right hands, not breaking eye contact.

“You will need your wand, Bellatrix,” said Snape coldly. She drew it, still looking astonished. “And you will need to move a little closer,” he said.

She stepped forward so that she stood over them and placed the tip of her wand on their linked hands.

Narcissa spoke. “Will you, Severus, watch over my son, Draco, as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord’s wishes?”

“I will,” said Snape.

A thin tongue of brilliant flame issued from the wand and wound its way around their hands like a red-hot wire.

“And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him and his love from harm?”

“I will,” said Snape. A second tongue of flame shot from the wand and interlinked with the first, making a fine, glowing chain.

“And, should it prove necessary . . . if it seems Draco will fail . . .” Narcissa could barely make the words out, “will you carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?”

There was a moment’s silence. Bellatrix watched, her wand upon their clasped hands, her eyes wide.

“I will,” said Snape.

Bellatrix’s astounded face glowed red in the blaze of a third tongue of flame, which shot from the wand, twisted with the others, and bound itself thickly around their clasped hands, like a rope, like a fiery snake.

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

A soft sigh left my lips as I looked around my barren childhood room. Draco’s hands found their way to my hips as he stood behind me, taking in the same scene.

“It looks so much smaller now,” I murmured softly.

“Your home is at the Manor,” His lips pressed softly to the shell of my ear. “And we’ll be at Hogwarts soon enough,”

“Oh joy,” I muttered, a smile finding my lips at I turned, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Are you sure we can’t just run away to Paris?”

A smile barely touched Draco’s lips.

“If I could, I would take you anywhere safe in a heartbeat,” His fingers brushed my cheek softly, sending a shiver down my spine. “But...”

“But our work is here,” I finished, straightening the lapels of his blazer, smoothing them out. “Are you sure you want to give up being a prefect?” I asked for about the hundredth time. “We still are kids Draco,”

His hands found mine, our fingers intertwining.

“It’s too much to have to worry about,” He murmured softly. “I already fear for both of our lives this year, let alone having to worry about prefect duty and classes,”

Sighing softly, I nodded, my hand creeping up his left arm and resting over his sleeve, over the Mark.

“I love you,” The words constantly left my lips as well as his. A constant reassurance that it would pull us through.

“As I love you,” He smiled this time, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Now, we’re going to be late. Pansy and Abby are already at the station,”

The Hogwarts Express shone in all of her glory, but this time it seemed as if there was something off about her appearance. Like she had been tainted with the secrets that her passengers held and weighted down with the fear that hung in her thick smoke.

Narcissa hugged us both goodbye and Draco and I met up with Pansy and Abby, also with our other friends: Ernie, Hannah, Vincent, Gregory, Blaise, and Emme. Emme and Hannah fawned over my new clothes and the former muttered that it wasn’t fair that I got prettier every year. I blushed at her words that deepened when Draco agreed, his hand slipping around my waist.

Settled in a compartment Ernie, Pansy and Abby all left for prefect duty—Abby had taken my place as Hufflepuff prefect. I wasn’t sure if anyone had taken over Draco’s position, nor did I fret about caring.

After the three had returned, there was a nervous tap on our compartment door. Emme opened the door and a third-year girl with large blue eyes and raven hair.

“T-these are f-for Abby B-Bones, B-Blaise Zab-bini and Y-Y/n Y/l/n.” She squeaked.

I stood, smiling kindly, Abby took her place beside me. The girl gawked up at us and maybe she had reason to; we weren’t exactly your average Hufflepuffs any longer.

“Thank you,” I took the parchments from her hands.

She nodded and with one more quick look around the compartment, she dashed off down the hall.

“What is it?” Draco was by my side, looking over my shoulder.

“I’ll let you know as soon as I do,” I teased softly. “Impatient much?”

I unfolded the letter.

~

Y/n,

I would be delighted if you would join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C. 

Sincerely,

Professor H. E. F. Slughorn

~

“Slughorn?” I said dubiously, trying to make out the overly ridiculous cursive font. “A new teacher?”

Draco took the note from my hands and I rolled my eyes, now peering over his shoulder. “Are you going to go?” Draco’s voice was calm and collected.

He was hiding his fear and disdain of me leaving his side even momentarily. My eyes found Abby’s and we had a silent conversation.

“I’ll go, see what it’s all about,” Abby spoke. “If this Slughorn really wants to meet Y/n, I’ll tell him where he can find you,”

“Thank you,” I wrapped her in a hug. “Be careful,” 

“You too,”

Blaise and Abby left—after Abby and Pansy shared a parting kiss that had me blushing and hiding in Draco’s shoulder. After a while, Draco stretched out on the empty seats, his head in my lap. My fingers played with his hair that had just been cut before the start of the new school term. I had to admit that I missed his shaggy hair. He looked much older now.

I was about asleep when the compartment door opened again, and Abby and Blaise came back in. Draco sat up momentarily, and we both looked expectantly to Abby for news while Blaise wrestled with the door.

“What’s wrong with this thing?” He snapped angrily as he smashed the sliding door repeatedly against something that didn’t seem to be there.

My eyes flashed to Draco’s and he kept his cool. I took his lead and looked to Abby as she went on about the meeting with Slughorn lamenting to Pansy. Draco’s eyes still lingered on the door, following something that wasn’t quite there.

Draco laid back down in my lap and my fingers resumed their task in his hair. His hand found mine and carefully he traced one letter on the back of my hand: “H.” To anyone else it would have looked like a comforting gesture.

I quickly signed one word to Abby: Harry.

She gave a small nod but didn’t let on that she knew anything. In fact, we settled back into the conversation of Slughorn and lunch.

“Just trying to make up to well-connected people,” Blaise rolled his eyes, huffing at Gregory who was trying to casually slip his arm around Blaise’s shoulders. “Not that he managed to find many.”

“Well-connected?” I frowned, my thoughts briefly straying from the fact we were being watched by the Golden Boy. “For what reason?”

“Dunno,” Abby shrugged, signing the letter H, reminding me. “No one too fancy, McLaggen from Gryffindor,”

“His uncle’s big in the Ministry,” Draco explained softly.

“— someone else called Belby, from Ravenclaw —”

“Not him, he’s a prat!” Pansy exclaimed in horror.

“— and Longbottom, Potter, and Ginny Weasley,” Abby finished.

Draco sat up, my hands falling to my lap. He pressed an apologetic kiss to my temple and sat up straight next to me.

“He invited Longbottom?” Draco sounded almost dismayed at the fact.

“Well, I assume so, as Longbottom was there,” Blaise said indifferently, now tucked under Gregory’s arm.

“What’s Longbottom got to interest Slughorn?” Draco muttered.

“What’s he got interest in me or Abby?” I pointed out. “It’s just a prissy preppy club filled people who don’t have any real charm other than who they know,” I huffed. “Well, present company excluded... And Neville has always been a sweetheart, and I don’t really know about Ginny...” I trailed off and both Abby and Pansy were rolling their eyes at me, but Draco was still distracted. “But...”

“Potter,” Draco picked up on my train of thought. “Precious Potter, obviously he wanted a look at ‘the Chosen One,’” He sneered.

“Dray,” I called softly, snapping him from his thoughts. Though I still had a distaste for Harry, I knew that it wasn’t good for Draco to get worked up about Harry because it was hard to reason with him when he did. Draco laid back down in my lap and for the third time my fingers stroked through his hair.

“Maybe he’s going a bit senile.” Pansy offered. “No offense babe,” She mended quickly looking to Abby.

“Shame, my father always said he was a good wizard in his day. My father used to be a bit of a favorite of his...” I heard the hurt in Draco’s voice this time.

“We’re more than who are parents were, or are,” I reminded him softly. “And this Slughorn seems... shady,”

“Who cares what he’s interested in?” Draco agreed, a bit more defensive than normal. “What is he, when you come down to it? Just some stupid teacher.” He yawned ostentatiously and I laughed, ruffling his hair. “I mean, I might not even be at Hogwarts next year, what’s it matter to me if some fat old has-been likes me or not?”

“Draco,” I scolded.

I’d let him get snappy and defensive sure, but he couldn’t just go around telling our plans to everyone. We needed secrecy for this to work.

“What do you mean, you might not be at Hogwarts next year?” Abby demanded, looking to me.

I gave her a sharp look and signed “listen” and my eyes darted up towards the trunk compartments above our heads and she simmered down, remembering that we weren’t alone.

“Well, you never know,” Draco murmured softly, sulking up at me. “We could have... moved on. To bigger and better things,” There was an ounce of hope in his voice.

Everyone looked at the pair of us, either dumbfounded or suspicious.

“Do you mean — Him?” Pansy asked in a low voice.

Draco shrugged. If Draco was talking about better things, it would be moving onto a world where he didn’t exist.

“We’re finishing our education,” I pressed what seemed for like the hundredth time. “No matter how pointless it seems,” I muttered under my breath.

“The Dark Lord wants service, loyalty,” Draco reminded me. “Can’t do that from school can we?”

It was a constant argument we had. If we did manage his trial and came out victorious—as victorious as one could with what was asked of us—what would happen afterwards? Draco was convinced that he was going to actually take me away to Paris to be safe, but he had to see that I wasn’t going to abandon Hogwarts or our friends. After a while he agreed too, but it was always on the fence about the idea.

“And you think you’ll be able to do something for him?” Blaise unknowingly interrupted our silent standoff. “Sixteen years old and not even fully qualified yet?”

“Maybe the job he wants me to do isn’t something that you need to be qualified for,” Draco whispered quietly. “I can see Hogwarts,” He sat up, looking out the train window. “We’d better get our robes on.”

___________________________________

Draco smiled as he fastened your silver cloak over your school robes and for a moment, he could believe that it was the winter of last year, that day in the snow.

“Pinnae hasn’t been out in a while,” He commented softly.

“Bigger things,” You replied softly. “Do you want her to...”

“I’m going to check on something,” Draco confirmed, knowing that you were still being watched. “You go on ahead.”

“Don’t do anything stupid, please,” You scolded again; your voice was so low that he doubted Potter could hear you.

With one last fleeting kiss, you left the compartment. Now Harry and Draco were alone. People were filing past, descending onto the dark platform. Draco closed the door and let down the blinds so that passersby couldn’t peer in.

“Petrificus Totalus!” Without warning, Draco pointed his wand—not your father’s—at Harry, who was instantly paralyzed.

Draco watched, as though in slow motion, Harry toppled out of the luggage rack and fell, with an agonizing, floor-shaking crash, at his feet, the Invisibility Cloak trapped beneath him, his whole body revealed with his legs still curled absurdly into the cramped kneeling position. Harry couldn’t move a muscle; he could only gaze up at Draco, who smiled wickedly.

“I thought so,” Draco grinned, kneeling down. “I heard Greg’s trunk hit you. And it’s hard to sneak when you have the most powerful wizards in the school in one compartment. We’re not idiots, Potter.”

His eyes lingered for a moment upon Harry’s trainers.

“And you didn’t hear anything I care about, Potter. But while I’ve got you here...”

Draco stamped, hard, on Harry’s face. He felt a satisfying crunch under his shoe and watched as blood poured from Harry’s nose.

“That’s for what you said to my Y/n. Now, let’s see...”

Draco dragged the cloak out from under Harry’s immobilized body and threw it over him.

“I don’t reckon they’ll find you till the train’s back in London,” he said quietly. “See you around, Potter... or not.”

And taking care to tread on Harry’s fingers, feeling quite satisfied, Draco left the compartment. 

“What did you do?” You hissed at him as he got into the carriage, riding to school.

“Nothing,” Draco said with a cool smile. You gave him a flat look. “I might have broken his nose,” He grumbled. “And put him in a full body bind curse...” You raised your eyebrow, knowing that wasn’t it. He didn’t know if he loved or hated that you knew him that well, “and hid him under his invisibility cloak...”

“Draco!” You cried. “Are you serious!?”

“He’s been nothing but a prat to us Y/n!” Draco argued. “And after what he said to you at Diagon Alley? And last year when he accused you of double crossing him!?”

“Okay, yes, and you broke his nose. I’m fine with that,” You gestured. “But Draco won’t it be suspicious when he doesn’t show up to school!? We can’t afford to make any mistakes!”

You glared each other down and Draco closed his eyes and sighed. He heard a soft huff come from you and your arms wrapped around his waist. His curled around you instinctively.

“I didn’t mean to yell,” The words were soft from your lips. “But Draco you can’t let this silly feud come over you like this,”

“It’s not a silly feud,” He argued back. You gave him another look.

“We need him,” The confession was small. “If we want to beat this. It’s gonna take all of us,”

Draco didn’t want to admit you were right. But there was something about Harry that set him on edge. Like he was a danger to you at all times when he was near. He almost attracted it like a magnet.

“I’m sorry,” Draco whispered softly. “Forgive me?” You nodded into his shoulder.

“I can see them,” You whispered softly, your head still tucked into his shoulder. “The thestrals. I always knew that they pulled the carriages but... I didn’t think that...”

You bit your lip, and he knew you were trying not to cry. Draco knew what the Dark Lord had made you witness, and it surprised him too, that seeing the death of your father counted when it was nothing but a memory. He stroked your hair softly and held you close the entire ride.

He hated that you had to part for the opening feast, watching the house sorting take place. When the Sorting Hat mentioned uniting within to face the dangers beyond the walls, his eyes flashed to yours, then over to the Gryffindor table. You were convinced that the Sorting Hat was right and that it would take unity in the school, but he wasn’t too sure. Was unity the key to his success? Would anyone want to stand beside him after what he was about to do?

His conscience was eased slightly when it was announced that Snape was now teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. If nothing else, you stood a better chance against what he dragged you into. Draco still had a disregard for Slughorn and couldn’t keep the grimace off his face.

Despite giving up your prefect duty, you still helped the first years off to your dormitories after waving a goodbye to him. It made him smile that some things never changed.

The next morning, he was surprised when you sat next to him at breakfast because schedules were being handed out and it was another morning that you were supposed to be with your House table.

“Got it last night,” You said as soon as you sat down, knowing the question before he asked. “I had to talk to Sprout about what I wanted to take anyways since I didn’t really ever decide on a career path.” Your voice was chipper, but there was something somber lurking beneath it.

Snape swept up behind the two of you and Draco was ready to defend you against his Head of House, but Snape simply handed Draco his schedule.

“Very well done,” Snape almost smiled, and for a moment Draco wondered what Snape was referring to. “On your O.W.L.s, you show a lot of promise Mr. Malfoy. As well as you Miss Y/n. I look forward to seeing you both in class,”

When Snape was out of ear shot, you gave him a look and he had no idea and no explanation. Snape had always been bearable towards him, but his contempt for you really baffled him. Draco assumed that Snape would loathe you because if anyone could persuade Draco out of his trial, it would be you. Sometimes Draco wondered why you didn’t.

In DADA the next day, Draco paired up with you and you two began to practice casting shielding charms without the incantation. The whole class was filled with shenanigans. Draco found comfort in the lesson, however. Through the summer break, you two had been working on defense spells against the Dark Arts as well as investing in them.

Draco knocked you off your feet for the third time and he could tell that you were getting frustrated. He offered his hand, righting you.

“Are you alright?” He asked in a soft voice.

“Yes,” You snapped. “Stupid spell,”

“Do you need a break?”

Your sharp look gave him his answer.

“You must completely trust the spell,” Snape instructed as he walked past. “It does not lie in a precise incantation of the words in your mind, but also the feeling of protection itself,”

Your eyebrows furrowed a moment then you poised. Draco raised his wand, ready to attack you with a Tripping Spell again, but as he cast it, the spell bounced harmlessly off of you and hit Weasley. A smile spread across your face when you realized what you had accomplished.

“Oi,”

And there went that happy moment. Harry stalked up to you and Draco was very close to sending a Tripping Spell at him.

“Hello Harry,” Your voice was calm, pleasant as you paid him no mind, offering your hand to Weasley, helping him up. “Sorry Ron, I guess I figured it out huh?” Your smile was dazzling and sweet and Ron gaped at you.

“How?” Ron asked.

“She’s cheating,” Harry snapped.

You gaped at him.

“Oh, come on really, Harry,” Hermione butted in as Draco strode to your side, his blue eyes meeting cold green ones. “Does that mean I’m cheating as well?”

Draco held a faint memory that you mentioned Hermione defending you against Harry’s remarks while DA was still active. He presumed that didn’t change either.

“Is there an issue?” Snape came towards the small group of students.

“No sir,” You smiled at the Professor. “I accidentally deflected the jinx and it hit Ron.” 

“It was no accident,” Harry muttered.

Snape turned to Harry, glowering. “And perhaps you have an inkling of how Miss Y/l/n preformed a nonverbal spell? Since you seem to think she did it maliciously, you ought to know exactly how it works then?”

“No,” said Harry stiffly.

“No, sir.”

“There’s no need to call me ‘sir,’ Professor.”

 _________________________

My eyes widened in shock at the words that escaped Harry’s lips. I could feel the tension grow in the room as Snape’s glare amplified at Harry. I still couldn’t help the smile that grew on my face no matter how hard I tried to suppress it.

“Detention, Saturday night, my office,” said Snape. “I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter . . . not even ‘the Chosen One.’”

The professor was relatively calm for the situation. Draco, on the other hand, I had to grab his hand and give him a soft look. Going off on Harry in front of a bunch of witnesses was not the best situation to get ourselves into.

“So, how did you do it?” Draco asked as we left the room, class having gotten out.

“I... well,” My cheeks flushed slightly. “I thought about how safe I feel when I’m with you... that night after the tournament... or in the prefect baths after my first detention... that night...”

“Oh,” Draco had turned the same shade of red that I was, and I grinned at him.

We met up with Abby and Pansy as we went to sit at the Hufflepuff table, where the rest of our friends were. Pansy was griping about Ancient Runes homework despite it being the first day and I wasn’t looking forward to the work that Snape had assigned this morning either, but since N.E.W.T classes were only a few times a week, it left the lot of us with more free time to do the work.

Draco and I poured into our homework during our free hour before lunch, and since we had been studying Dark Magic among other things over the summer, it was unintentionally easier that it probably should have been. I intertwined my fingers with his.

“We’re gonna get through this,” Laying my head on his shoulder, I sighed softly. “We’re going to succeed. We’re going to be okay,”

He didn’t say anything, but his thumb stroked the back of my hand. It came time that we parted ways: Draco had double Potions and I had Herbology.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” I smiled pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. “Especially with Potter in that class.” A pause, “I love you,”

“As I love you,” He whispered softly.

I hated watching him go, knowing that Slughorn was teaching Potions and that Harry was in his class. I worried more with each step that we were apart. It was true, we had maybe a week or two until we really had to start our plan and I wanted Draco to try and enjoy the career path of Auror in his N.E.W.T.s until then.

Walking into the greenhouses I saw the two other students composing this section of N.E.W.T. Herbology: Luna and Neville. I shed my robes and picked up a pair of dragonhide gloves. Even though it was the first day, Sprout had bowtruckles out on the desks. Steve seemed to remember me from the year prior and crawled back up on my arm. I took a seat next to Luna and Neville, who were interacting with their own bowtruckles.

They both smiled at me as I took out my notebook filled with my previous years notes from Herbology. It was getting to the point that my torn up, abused notebook was becoming more accurate than Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

“So, you and Malfoy?” Neville asked, his voice shaking slightly.

“Yeah,” I nodded, a tight smile on my lips and looked around anxiously. “Look, I know you two aren’t his biggest fans... but—”

“It’s important that we unite for the sake of the defeat of You-Know-Who,” Luna finished the words I couldn’t bring myself to say. “The Sorting Hat has been saying it for years... you’d think that someone would listen,”

“Harry’s got everyone thinking that Malfoy is some sort of Death Eater,” Neville confessed, and I froze momentarily before recovering.

“That self-righteous prat,” I muttered. “It never ends does it? Between those two? Even Draco is ridiculous about it,” I couldn’t help but laugh as the other two joined in. I sighed softly and shook my head, setting Steve down on the table.

“You know, they’re a lot more alike than they care to admit,” Luna said absentmindedly.

Neville and I were both about to refute the point when it seemed we both paused and considered her words. Was Draco similar to Harry? Yes. That was the simple answer. They were very alike, but on different sides of the same war. Two boys forced into legacies set by their parents and those around them. Powerful young wizards who no doubt just wanted to run away from it all.

“I never thought about it like that,” Neville whispered softly. “Makes Draco seem less...” 

“And Harry a bit more...” I tacked on.

Sprout allowed us to interact and study the bowtruckles for the double hour of Herbology as she went over a rough outline for the year course and what we should expect on our finals. I left a few minutes early and rushed to the Potions class before it got out, meeting Draco at the door.

“Well? How’d it go?” I asked expectantly.

“Ask Potter,” He snapped, storming off.

My eyes met Harry’s and we were at a sort of standoff, until I remembered what Luna had said. The one I loved and the Chosen One were a bit more alike than I cared to admit. It softened my glare and allowed Slughorn to catch me in the hall.

“Miss Y/n!” He said merrily. “I missed you on the train, my dear!”

“Apologies,” I offered with a slightly smile. “I was otherwise occupied.”

“No doubt telling Malfoy how pretty he is,” Harry sneered.

“Careful Harry,” I said coolly. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were harboring a crush there yourself after my boyfriend,”

Well that shut Harry up. I smiled victoriously, watching the Chosen One turn a shade of bright red in anger as Ron and Hermione tried to hold him back.

“Boyfriend?” Slughorn mused. “I hope I didn’t offend either of you by not extending my invitation to Mr. Malfoy,”

“Not at all,” I smiled kindly—a false smile, “But I’m afraid that I will have to decline your invitation. I’m a firm believer that we are not our parents, who we know, nor what is expected of us.” I bore down green eyes as I said the words. “And I’m afraid I cannot join a club based on that premise,”

“Fire in this one, eh?” Slughorn chuckled looking to Harry. “As you wish my dear,”

“Professor,” I nodded. “Hermione, Ron... Harry,”

I turned and raced down the hall, after Draco who caught me on the first corner and pressed his lips to mine fiercely, easily pinning me against the wall.

“I bloody love you,” Draco breathed out in between kisses.

His hands trailed down my sides and to my waist as my hands got lost in his hair, dislodging the silky hair from the carefully styled gel. His breath was hot as it mingled with mine, his tongue gaining dominance easily. I held back a soft moan and pulled away, panting.

“Who knew that all I had to do to get you to kiss me like this was snark at Potter?” I drawled, pressing a sloppy kiss to his lips.

“Oh, you have no idea the things I want to do to you,” He muttered darkly, pressing his lips to my neck. “But only when you’re safe,”

A small smile found its way to my lips as I pulled him away softly, stroking his cheek. “I love you Draco,” My eyes met crystal blue ones.

“As I love you,” He pressed a kiss to my forehead as we made our way to the Great Hall for dinner.

Later that night, we were lounging together in the Hufflepuff common room—along with Abby and Pansy, but these days we were hardly seen without each other.

“Luna said something in class today,” I mused aloud, pausing from my bowtruckle sketch,

“When doesn’t she?” Draco muttered, reading up on his Potions textbook for tomorrow, I nudged him playfully.

“She said that you and Harry might be more alike than any of us care to admit.”

I heard his quill snap and watched the ink splatter over his paper. I quickly snapped my finger and the Cleaning Spell did its magic.

“What?” He hissed. “Me? Similar to Potter? Are you daft?”

My eyes dropped as I gritted my teeth. Draco seemed to find himself. Taking a deep breath, he reached out, placing his hand on my forearm.

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me, I apologize,” His voice was soft and broken. “Please,” 

“Never mind,” I whispered. “It’s... it’s nothing.”

“Y/n,” He called softly, tilting my chin so that I was staring into his deep blue eyes. “I’m very sorry I snapped at you. Please tell me?”

Oh, it was not fair that he could do that to me.

“You’re both... forced into roles you don’t want to play—don’t give me that look, I don’t think Harry wants to save the world anymore that you want to...” I shrugged and set down my quill. “I’m sure he just wants to run away too. I can only imagine... he’s lost his parents... Sirius...”

“He’s got Weasley,” Pansy pointed out, butting into our conversation. “And Granger, and always has. Everywhere they go, they shine. ‘The Golden Trio.’ Remember first year? Slytherin had won house cup until those three showed up? Dumbledore had days to award the points, but he had to wait until the Feast.”

Draco and I both flinched at the name. But I remembered that day well, I was so upset on behalf of the Slytherins, because even though at that time I was terrified of most of them, it really wasn’t fair.

“But can we blame Harry for that? I mean stuff sort of just does happen to him,” Abby refuted.

“Stuff happens to everybody,” Pansy snapped back. “Doesn’t give him a free pass to be a prat all the time,”

The two argued at my focus shifted to Draco, who had gone quiet beside me. His gaze let me know that he was lost in thought, in a different world that wasn’t the one around him. I nudged his shoulder and blue eyes found mine.

“Maybe there was something... once.” He admitted. “But...”

“You’ve changed,” I smiled. “Harry is still a git,”

“Are you saying I was a git?” He mocked offense.

“You were the king of the gits,” I teased. “You used to be so mean to me!” I was almost laughing as he blushed and looked down.

“I was mean to everyone,” He chuckled, pulling me into his lap. “Remember you yelled at me? ‘I have every reason to hate you, but I refuse’,” Draco smiled down at me. “You were something else. Sometimes I wonder if you really are a Hufflepuff when you act like such a Gryffindor,”

“Take that back!” I laughed, slapping his chest. “I am not a Gryffindor!”

“I don’t know Feathers,” Abby drawled. “You’ve got to be stupid brave to take on a Malfoy,”

“I’m not the one whose Patronus is a lion,” I refuted looking up to Draco, who burst out laughing.

“Wait!” Pansy nearly screeched. “Your Patronus is a bloody lion!? What the hell are you doing to him Y/n!? Stop contaminating my Slytherin!” She was laughing, nothing behind her threats.

I could feel my face flushing as I hid in Draco’s shoulder, enjoying the feeling of his body shaking with laughter under me. Something I didn’t know that I missed. It was almost easy, wrapped up in Draco’s arms, laughing with our friends, to forget that we had something much darker lurking underneath.

A week passed as we settled into our classes. Neville had warmed up to me in Herbology and no longer stammered when I tried to talk to him, which was nice. Draco still sulked a bit after double Potions, but it was easy to bring his smile back.

Until Slughorn caught me after meeting with Draco the following Friday.

“My dear Y/n! Just the girl I was hoping to see!” he boomed genially, twiddling the ends of his walrus mustache and puffing out his enormous belly. “I was hoping to catch you before dinner! What do you say to a spot of supper tonight in my rooms instead? We’re having a little party, just a few rising stars, I’ve got McLaggen coming and Zabini, the charming Melinda Bobbin—I don’t know whether you know her? Her family owns a large chain of apothecaries—and, of course, I hope very much that Miss Bones will favor me by coming too.”

It was like Draco wasn’t standing right next to me; Slughorn did not so much as look at him.

“Apologies, professor,” I hissed. “But I think I’ve made it clear that I am not interested in your Slug Club. If you’ll excuse us,” My voice dripped acid as I took Draco’s hand and led him down the hall, seething.

“Love, if you want to go to these meetings, don’t let me be the one to stop you,” Draco sounded crestfallen as he pulled me to a stop. “You’re going to go amazing things with your future, don’t... don’t give that up for me,”

I reached up and stroked his cheek softly.

“My future wouldn’t be complete without you in it.” I smiled softly. “And I know I’ve got the shoes and the dresses to be a Malfoy, but I really am happy to settle down, without a sickle in my pocket, if it meant I could have you. Slughorn be damned,”

Draco rolled his eyes and smiled.

 __________________________________

He got a letter from his mother that evening and it seemed like whatever defense you had against Harry faded. The Evening Prophet read that the Manor had been searched for Dark Magic and cursed objects because of an “anonymous tip” to Arthur Weasley.

“That Potter!” You snarled, after hearing that Narcissa had been given much trouble about your room at the Manor because of its heavy enchantments. “He has no idea what we’re up against and he thinks he can just accuse who he wants!”

“He’s right though,” Draco sighed softly. “He was right all along to suspect me,”

Your mood softened as you took the paper and letter from his hands, tossing them onto his desk. You didn’t say anything, and perhaps there wasn’t anything to say as you sat beside him on the bed. Again, he wondered where your soft plea for him was to not do this. To stop his trial because it was wrong. It didn’t come, though.

You and Draco found yourselves every Friday night from then on in The Room of Hidden Things, searching for the other vanishing cabinet. After some persuading, he allowed you to fly as Pinnae around the large room as he meandered the mountains of rubbish.

“Draco!” You called, and he ran towards the sound of your voice.

When he caught sight of you, he also caught sight of your target. He almost sagged in relief. He had become disheartened over the past few weeks, and without your gentle reminders that your plan would work, and that you had allotted months to spare in planning and fine tuning, he might have done something rash.

“I don’t see why we can’t just send him a cursed object or something,” He huffed one night, slamming another book closed. “It’s not like it’ll be hard.”

“Draco,” You sighed. “I don’t want anyone else getting hurt, on the slight chance that it falls into the wrong hands,”

Your gaze dropped to the table and he was sure that you were finally about to give a spiel about not wanting to do the trial in the first place, and that he should stop attempting, but it didn’t come. What he had to do was wrong and you weren’t refuting it at all. It made him anxious.

Now that everything had been planned out—rather flawlessly between the two of you—it almost seemed surreal to him. Not like Dumbledore had been at the school much anyway. Draco rarely saw him in the Great Hall during meals, and he avoided eye contact at all costs either way.

Draco lounged across his bed—that was more of a nest since you had a habit of finding your way into it most nights—as you came in through the window morphing from Pinnae. In your routine, you slipped off your shoes and grabbed the sweater and sweats he had laid out for you and you went to change in his small bathroom. When you no longer looked a Malfoy, but yourself, you draped over him on the bed.

“So, Hogsmeade tomorrow,” You grinned, excitement in your eyes. “Are you ready?”

“I’m not going,” He didn’t look up from his book, not wanting to see your reaction. Dread settled in his chest at this conversation.

“Why not?” You almost pouted. “We deserve a little fun Dray,” 

“You can go,”

“Draco,” You chided, sitting up. “Since when do you not want to go out with me?” The frown and pout of your lip had Draco running a hand through his hair, nervously.

“I can’t go,” He admitted. “I... I have detention,” Draco didn’t dare to meet your eyes.

“Detention?” Your tone held an anxious note. “What...? why? With who?”

He grimaced. “McGonagall. I... I failed two of her quizzes,”

You went quiet for an agonizing half a minute that dragged on forever. After a full minute he looked up at you and deep concentration was written in your features.

“What are you thinking about?” He mused, pulling you into his arms, trying to shove down the ashamed feeling that kept bubbling in his chest.

“Well,” You teetered your head. “How quickly I can get detention before tomorrow,” A small smile found your lips. “And wondering if Hermione would want to tutor you if I asked her...”

“I don’t need a tutor,” He snapped, defensive, but you saw right through his front.

“Alright,” You soothed, rubbing his shoulder. “You know it is okay to struggle in class, right? Talent has to run out somewhere and the skill and practice has to pick up, and if that’s now, that’s perfectly okay.”

His gaze dropped as your words sank in. Was this the tipping point where he couldn’t rely on his pureblood status any longer and would have to work to be good at magic? Something that always came easily to him? The thought scared him more than the thought of failing a quiz or serving detention.

“We don’t have time for me to start to fail now,” His worry left his lips. “I can’t start failing now,”

Your fingers came and cupped his face, stroking his cheek.

“You’re not failing,” The words were soft like the look in your eyes. “McGonagall allows everyone to retake exams and quizzes for full credit and normally her detentions are just one on one time with her so that she can help you,”

“How do you know?” He mumbled miserably.

“Because I was failing in Transfiguration fourth year and she did the same for me.”

“Never told me that,”

You smiled and rolled your eyes.

“Do you want me to ask Hermione if she’ll tutor you? I can ask Luna if you’d prefer.” You asked again, your voice silky soft.

“You could tutor me,”

“And we’d get nothing done because we’d end up snogging all night,” You pointed out with a laugh. “Don’t think I didn’t think about it,”

“So, you think about snogging me all night?” A familiar smirk found his lips.

“I think about a lot of things to do with you at night,” You drawled, just as mischievous. “But...” Sadness replaced the mischief.

“Not until we’re safe,” Draco offered.

“Not even that,” You confessed. “I’ve been reading old papers and rumors and such, and a lot of Death Eaters are skilled in Legilimency, your aunt in particular and the Dark Lord even more so...” A pause. “And I don’t want those moments to belong to anyone but us... and unless you feel like becoming skilled in Occlumency to a degree to defy You-Know-Who in the meantime...”

Draco nodded and pulled you to his chest, rubbing your back softly. 

“I love you,” He pressed a kiss to the top of your hair.

“I love you too,” You whispered into his shoulder.

The next morning you took off with a quick kiss, flying back to your dorm before anyone would catch you. He dressed, trudging off to McGonagall’s office, not looking forward to the next few hours at all.

“Mr. Malfoy,” McGonagall greeted politely.

“Professor,” He sighed and held his head high, your words comforting him.

It was okay to struggle. He wasn’t failing, he just had to learn. He could do that. He could learn. He could do this... right?

“Now, Mr. Malfoy,” McGonagall began, “I know that you’ve been doing quite well in class and you’ve been completing your homework in a timely manner. I’m curious as to why you missed out on these quizzes,”

Draco looked down and wished that you were beside him to say the words he never could. You were brave that way, never afraid to admit when you needed help or confess what was wrong.

“As you are aware, I allow all students to make up quizzes for full marks if they can perform the spells and recite the information to me after they have reviewed the information. That is the purpose of these next hours,”

Even though you had told him all of this the night before, there was still a comfort to it coming from the Professor’s mouth. He could do this. He wanted to get better and now he had the whole afternoon and one on one time with McGonagall to get back up to par. As McGonagall began to go over and ask him questions about the spells that had been studied and the methods behind them, he knew almost all of the answers—to both of their surprises, though neither showed it. And when she asked him to transform a kettle into a rabbit, he performed the spell correctly on the first try. McGonagall smiled.

“Draco,” She caught his attention with the use of his first name. “I believe that you are quite skilled in Transfiguration. Consider both of your quizzes to have full marks,”

“But Professor,” He stammered. “I... I don’t understand why I can do it now. And why I couldn’t do it then,”

The smile warmed on the professor’s face, meeting her eyes.

“Some students, Miss Y/n included as I’m sure you’re aware, have testing anxiety. They know all of the information, and can perform quite well, but when faced with the threat of an exam or a grade, they lose focus. It stems from a need of perfectionism, and I assure you, you are not the first Slytherin with the issue.”

Draco nodded.

“Now, I cannot be certain that it is the case with you, I also know that not all students should be measured by what they can write on a piece of paper or recall on a moment notice. You are a gifted wizard Mr. Malfoy, and I do not want you to doubt that, nor do I want you to be confined by a standardized exam.” McGonagall looked over her glasses at him. “If you wish, we can continue these sessions instead of examinations for you, or if you wish, you can attempt my written quizzes again if you feel confident,”

The words sunk into Draco’s mind as he processed what he was being told. He never expected the kind gestured offered to him by McGonagall for a number of reasons and it baffled him. Yet, there was a comfort in it. Maybe he wasn’t failing after all, he just didn’t test well. That was more of a relief than the better quiz grade.

“I think I’d rather do this,” He confessed.

“Very well, every time there is a quiz or exam, you do not have to show to class, but I expect you here the Saturday afterward.”

“Yes Professor,” McGonagall smiled again.

“It’s not too late to head down to Hogsmeade if you so wish Mr. Malfoy, I am done with you for today,” She ordered some papers on her desk. “I’m sure Feathers will be quite happy to get out today,”

He stared at the professor who had a mischievous look in her eye. Gathering his things, he thanked McGonagall again and headed down the hall, where you were more or less patiently waiting.

“Well?” You looked at him expectantly.

“Does McGonagall know about Pinnae?” He asked, distracted and distressed.

“Yes? I thought you knew that. She and Sprout are the ones who helped me,” You took his hand as the two of you walked down the hall. “But that’s beside the point, how did it go?”

“Well, she thinks that I have testing anxiety,” Draco gave. “And that I’m not slipping behind like I thought,”

“That’s great!” You beamed. “Well not the anxiety, I know that sucks, but ya know,” Your smile was contagious as you turned down the hall, towards the dorms.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“Uh? The dorms?”

“Did you not want to go to Hogsmeade then?”

Your eyes lit up as you grabbed his hand and all but dragged him down to the small village. Though Hogwarts students milled around the small town, it didn’t hold the same air of magic as it once did. Zonko’s had been boarded up and closed and though most of the other shops were opened, something seemed to be off.

You noticed it, as you clung to his arm, your smile becoming a bit more forced. The sun was hidden by October clouds that threatened to rain any moment. Sensing your distress, Draco quickly ushered you into The Three Broomsticks, where you nearly knocked over Harry.

“Sorry,” You rushed out, offering your hand, even after you realized who you had jostled.

Harry ignored your offer and got up on his own, glaring you down. Draco tucked you to his side, his gaze becoming cold and dangerous.

“Watch where you’re going Y/l/n,” Harry snapped.

“She apologized Harry,” Hermione tugged on Harry’s shoulder. “Now come on, you’re being ridiculous,”

“Me? She’s the one who’s kidding herself,” Harry muttered as he stormed out of the small pub. 

___________________________

Hermione gave me an apologetic look, and so did Ron before they followed out after Harry. Draco took a step towards the door, no doubt to go after Harry for a different reason, but I grabbed his hand.

“It’s not worth it,” I murmured.

“Y/n,” He protested. “He can’t just... treat you that way and think that it’s okay,” There was a fire in his eyes.

“He can be wrong, Draco.” I smiled softly. “I know who I am,”

After sulking a moment, Draco gave in and led me to a table in the corner of the small bar, ordering two teas for us. I had a feeling that I just stopped the war from prematurely starting. We had about a moment of peace before there was screaming coming from outside. Both Draco and I rose abruptly, our drinks forgotten, as we hurried outside.

The Golden Trio and another Gryffindor were all standing over a screaming girl who was thrashing about. Draco and I took off running towards then, wands out, ready for anything. Harry rushed off towards the school as we got there.

“What happened?” I demanded.

“I—I don’t know,” The other girl sobbed.

“She’s been cursed,” Draco stooped beside me, his eyes taking in Katie’s writhing form. “Sorry love,” He muttered quickly, and for the moment, I thought the worst before he reached out and snagged my locket from around my neck. I watched as he, with quick and steady hands, placed the necklace around Katie’s neck, who promptly stopped screaming, and it looked as if she was sleeping.

We were all gawking at him when Harry came back with Hagrid.

“You!” Harry threw the accusation. “You did this to her! You slimy little—”

“Harry, he just saved her!” Hermione stood, looking quite dangerous herself. “Now come off this stupid feud!”

“Hagrid, that’s not going to hold long,” Draco spoke urgently, looking at my locket that was draped around the unconscious girl’s neck. “She needs to get to Pomfrey, or Snape.”

Harry looked baffled as Hagrid lifted Katie into his arms and rushed off towards the castle. Hermione hurried over to Katie’s wailing friend and put an arm around her.

“It’s Leanne, isn’t it?” She asked softly. The girl nodded.

“Did it just happen all of a sudden, or—?”

“It was when that package tore,” sobbed Leanne, pointing at the now sodden brown-paper package on the ground, which had split open to reveal a greenish glitter. Ron bent down, his hand outstretched, but Harry seized his arm and pulled him back.

“Don’t touch it!” Harry, Draco, and I all shouted.

Harry crouched down. An ornate opal necklace was visible, poking out of the paper.

“I’ve seen that before,” Draco bent down beside Harry their opposition momentarily forgotten, staring at the thing. “It was on display in Borgin and Burkes ages ago. The label said it was cursed. Katie must have touched it.” He looked up at Leanne, who had started to shake uncontrollably. “How did Katie get hold of this?”

“Well, that’s why we were arguing. She came back from the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks holding it, said it was a surprise for somebody at Hogwarts and she had to deliver it. She looked all funny when she said it... Oh no, oh no, I bet she’d been Imperiused and I didn’t realize!”

Leanne shook with renewed sobs. Hermione patted her shoulder gently. I shrugged off my cloak and draped it around the crying girl’s shoulders, holding her with Hermione.

“She didn’t say who’d given it to her, Leanne?” Harry asked.

“No... she wouldn’t tell me... and I said she was being stupid and not to take it up to school, but she just wouldn’t listen and... and then I tried to grab it from her...and — and —” Leanne let out a wail of despair.

“It’s alright sweetheart,” I soothed softly, rubbing her arm. “She’s going to be okay,”

“We’d better get up to school,” said Hermione, her arm still around Leanne. “We’ll be able to find out how she is. Come on...”

My eyes met Draco’s and he nodded, standing, coming to my side. There were thousands of questions in my eyes. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead and draped his own cloak around me, the biting wind whipping around us. I wanted to protest. I wasn’t cold, but I knew Draco would be.

Harry hesitated for a moment, watching our interaction, then pulled his scarf from around his face and, ignoring Ron’s gasp, carefully covered the necklace in it and picked it up.

“We’ll need to show this to Madam Pomfrey,” he said.

Harry and Ron trailed behind Hermione and Leanne, the two whispering in harsh tones to each other. Draco held out his hand and I took it, following.

“I—I’m uh, sorry, about not telling you about your locket,” Draco fumbled out, as if I were going to yell at him.

“You’re apologizing to me for giving me a locket that has been protecting me all this time?” I laughed and looked up at him. “Come on Dray, that was the sweetest thing I think you’ve ever done,”

There was a blush on his cheeks as he smiled at the ground. As we entered the castle grounds it seems that whatever Ron and Harry were arguing about had become very heated. I heard both of our names brought up as Harry stole glances at us. My gaze dropped and Draco held me closer.

“McGonagall!” said Ron warningly, and we all looked up.

Sure enough, Professor McGonagall was hurrying down the stone steps through swirling sleet to meet them.

“Hagrid says you six saw what happened to Katie Bell—upstairs to my office at once, please! What’s that you’re holding, Potter?”

“It’s the thing she touched,” said Harry.

“Good lord,” said Professor McGonagall, looking alarmed as she took the necklace from Harry. “No, no, Filch, they’re with me!” she added hastily, as Filch came shuffling eagerly across the entrance hall holding his Secrecy Sensor aloft. “Take this necklace to Professor Snape at once, but be sure not to touch it, keep it wrapped in the scarf!”

We followed Professor McGonagall upstairs and into her office. The sleet-spattered windows were rattling in their frames, and the room was chilly despite the fire crackling in the grate. Professor McGonagall closed the door and swept around her desk to face to face us all. Leanne was still sobbing in Hermione’s arms.

“Well?” she said sharply. “What happened?”

Haltingly, and with many pauses while she attempted to control her crying, Leanne told Professor McGonagall how Katie had gone to the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks and returned holding the unmarked package, how Katie had seemed a little odd, and how they had argued about the advisability of agreeing to deliver unknown objects, the argument culminating in the tussle over the parcel, which tore open. At this point, Leanne was so overcome, there was no getting another word out of her.

“All right,” said Professor McGonagall, not unkindly, “go up to the hospital wing, please, Leanne, and get Madam Pomfrey to give you something for shock.”

When she had left the room, Professor McGonagall turned back to us. “What happened when Katie touched the necklace?”

“She rose up in the air,” said Harry, before either Ron or Hermione could speak, “and then began to scream, and collapsed. Professor, can I see Professor Dumbledore, please?”

Draco gripped my hand a little tighter at the mention of his name. I leaned against him comfortingly.

“The headmaster is away until Monday, Potter,” said Professor McGonagall, looking surprised. 

“Away?” Harry repeated angrily.

“Yes, Potter, away!” said Professor McGonagall tartly. “But anything you have to say about this horrible business can be said to me, I’m sure!”

There was a standoff between Harry and McGonagall that had me averting my eyes at the sheer determination between the both of them. Harry gave in and scoffed, crossing his arms rather childishly. McGonagall sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“And then I assume that you two arrived?” McGonagall turned to Draco and I.

“Yes,” Draco answered coolly. “We were in the Three Broomsticks and heard the screaming.” 

“Did you two happen to see who gave Ms. Bell the package?”

“No ma’am,” I replied. “We were preoccupied with Harry,” My voice was calm and slightly accusatory. “Katie had left before we entered.”

“And I hear that you held a very powerful talisman Miss Y/n,” McGonagall raised her eyebrows. “Can I ask where you might have gotten such an artifact?”

“It was a gift,” I clarified. “From Draco,” 

Harry scoffed again, but I paid him no mind. 

“And where did you get your hands on such a thing Mr. Malfoy?”

“It’s my own creation, Professor,” Draco’s cheeks were slightly pink at the awe and surprise that flitted across the faces in the room. Even Harry seem to sulk slightly less.

“I see,” McGonagall nodded. “Well, I can’t say for sure, but I do believe that you and Miss Y/n may have just saved Miss Bell’s life. And for that I award you each with fifty house points.”

“Professor, you don’t have to,” I protested. “A life is more valuable than house points,”

“Even so,” The professor smiled softly. “We will not forget what you have done,”

We both nodded and Hermione was smiling, and Ron wasn’t glaring at us, so I counted that as a semi-win. Harry still had his eyes narrowed at the two of us and I really wanted to confront him about what he was thinking, but McGonagall swept out of her office and toward the Hospital wing.

The tension grew between the five of us.

“Well?” I raised my eyebrow at Harry. “Let’s have it.” 

“Love,” Draco chided.

“No,” I retorted. “I’m tired of this. I’m tired of acting like it’s okay for Harry to treat you like this. You probably did just save Katie’s life and had nothing to do with this and I’m really sure that Harry is still trying to find a way to blame you,” I turned to Harry. “Aren’t you?”

Harry looked down, his cheeks going slightly red.

“And at this point I really don’t give a damn about who might be the Chosen One or who might be a Death Eater!” Both boys flinched. “There is a war coming, for all of us! And I don’t care how much you might hate each other or me! If we don’t do this together, we’re all going to die! And if you would stop acting so childish for thirty seconds maybe you could see that!”

I grabbed Draco’s hand before anyone could respond and dragged him out into the hall. There was an air of sadness in his eyes as he pulled me into a quiet corner. He rested on a windowsill. holding my waist to stop me from pacing.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered softly, leaning against him. “None of that was directed at you,”

He nodded, still not saying a word.

“I really am sorry,” I tried again.

“Will you stop apologizing,” He smiled up at me. “You said what needed to be said, although I do wish you hadn’t yelled about Death Eaters,”

“Sorry?” I offered, for a third time. 

“All is forgiven,” He smiled.

A quiet moment dragged between us.

“When did everything become so complicated?” I sighed, sitting in his lap as he wrapped his arms around me, keeping me balanced. The sleet assaulting the window behind us seemed to mock us both with its fury, but for the moment, we were safe from its danger.

We eventually drifted back to the Slytherin common room to escape the onslaught of the rain pounding the windows. Draco still had a knack for keeping me from foul weather.

I thought maybe the storm of the day had passed, until Snape swished into the Common Room requesting an audience with us both in his office promptly. Draco and I shared a look and followed the professor.

There was a familiarity about sitting in the professor’s gloomy office, holding Draco’s hand.

“McGonagall has informed me of your escapade today,” His voice sounded disinterested, but his eyes held a vote of urgency.

“Professor,” Draco began, only to be silenced by the raising of Snape’s hand.

“Neither of you are in trouble. But I must warn you to be more careful. Harry is very quick to accuse and has half of the world hanging onto his words. You two must be more cautious about what situations you find yourselves in if you wish to succeed.”

Snape spoke as if he knew what Draco and I were trying to accomplish, and maybe he did. Anxiety grew in my chest at that thought because with the more people who did know, there was a greater chance that something went wrong and there were too many variables at play. But if Snape did know, then he was very good about acting ignorant.

“And I believe these belong to you Miss Y/n,” Snape grabbed a bundle of silver from under his desk, and on top resided my necklace. “Well done with making quick use of the locket Mr. Malfoy. I have restored it to its original state.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, taking the objects and slipping my locket back on the weight comforting me.

“You are free to go,” He leaned back in his chair. “And do take care, he does not tolerate excuses,”

Our gaze fixed on the professor, gaping at him.

“Potter,” There was a sly smile on Snape’s lips as he lied easily. “Now off with you,”

It wasn’t until we were behind Draco’s locked dorm door that either of us said a word.

“Snape knows,” I breathed out, watching Draco pace the small room. My lethargic mood contrasted starkly against Draco’s.

“Who does he think he is!?” Draco seethed. “We’ve been doing just fine on our own! Now he acts like he cares!?”

“Draco, love,” I tried, only to get a cold look.

“No,” He said firmly. “We have been careful! I have been careful! Snape probably thinks that I sent the bloody necklace! He thinks of me as an ignorant child!”

He scattered the books off his desk. They landed with a crash to the floor. I pursed my lips and waited; my back pressed against his door. Draco stood at the windowsill, facing out, his hands clenched, white skin stretched over smooth bone as they rested against the chilled stone. I counted to sixty then took a careful step forward. A step towards him. With silent movements, I approached him, a gentle hand resting on his shaking shoulders. I could hear the muffled cries that tumbled from his lips. It had been a few weeks since his last panic attack. I hated to say that I awaited it. It had only been a matter of time.

I became his shadow, resting my chin on his shoulder and curling my arms around him, locking my fingers together. My breaths became deliberate, deep. It took a long while, but his shaking soothed and his breathing began to mimic mine. I reached down and smoothed out his fists, his fingers splaying out under mine. He turned, his eyes not meeting mine. I reached up and brushed the remaining tears on his face and began to unbutton his shirt, letting it fall from his shoulders.

It was a routine; he knew what was coming when I started to undress him. It wasn’t about sexual desire or want, but survival and comfort. That he could be completely bare before me—metaphorically and physically—and I still would never take advantage of him.

He allowed me to lead him into the small bathroom and start a warm shower. His hands came to my waist, pulling me back into his chest, his nose nestling into my hair. The warm water washed the chill and fear from our skin. Draco sat on the small counter, towels around us both, as I gently worked the white balm into his Mark, as I did every night before. I pressed a soft simple kiss to his lips, stroking his cheek. Still a word was not shared between us.

Curled up and surrounded by blankets and pillows, Draco’s eyes drifted closed.

 “I didn’t do it,” He murmured softly—brokenly. “I didn’t send the necklace,” 

“I know,” I ran a hand through his damp hair. “I know, my love.”

“I—I wouldn’t...” He stammered. “It... it was sloppy... I—I can’t risk your life by making—making a mistake like that,” There were tears in his eyes again.

I nodded and held him tighter, fighting back my own tears.

“I just need you to live,” He sniffed. “Whatever happens I need you to live,”

“Draco,” My voice broke as I tilted his chin up. His blue eyes held a hopeless brokenness to them. “I need you to live too. I can’t live without you. I wouldn’t make it,” I squeezed my eyes shut. “You claim that I’m pure, that I’m good, but Draco without you, I wouldn’t have a reason strong enough to keep fighting to stay that way,”

His hands came up and tangled themselves in my hair as he pressed his forehead to mine, our faces inches apart as we both cried, believing that the other was worth more that the life it had saved in that moment.

________________________________

When October turned to November and rain turned to snow, Draco had fallen back into a routine with you. Survive the week, eat meals with you, smile just enough, then curl up with you at night and feel free from the world around him. Draco couldn’t deny because of this year at Hogwarts a bitterness grew in his heart towards the school. Almost everything that he had loved about Hogwarts had been lost to him. He had given up being a prefect, and Quidditch. Potions was no longer fun because of Slughorn, who really had it out for him. Harry was almost impossible to deal with and though he rarely spoke a word to Draco in class, he could feel the accusations being hurled at him from the Gryffindor in his mind.

The only comfort, that led to deeper guilt, was that he and you were making a lot of progress with the vanishing cabinet in the Room of Hidden Things. It was a slow process that required heavy Dark Magic, but between the two of you, it was getting done. A comfort came as well, when Pansy and Abby came to you two, demanding that—though they knew that you couldn’t say what was going on—they wanted to help whenever and however they could. That meant the couple could patrol the halls while he and you worked on the cabinet, having a perfect cover as prefects.

You still amazed him, however. Despite everything, you were still working to unite at least the Slytherins and the Hufflepuffs, and with the help of your (and his) friends it seemed to work.

Slytherin hostility had been almost non-existent against the Hufflepuffs, and some Ravenclaws. Something else was to be said about the Gryffindors, but Draco figured there were some things that would never change. To be fair, if you had come to him, when he was a first or second year and told him to knock off the teasing and rude comments to other students, he would have listened, because you were downright terrifying sometimes. A perfect mix of beautiful and dangerous.

“I know you don’t really like him,” You began one night as you both sat under the stars of the Astronomy Tower. “But Slughorn invited me to his Christmas party. Abby and Pansy are going... and I’m allowed to bring someone...”

“Slughorn?” Draco mused, fiddling with a strand of your hair. “I thought you didn’t want to be a part of his little club?”

“And I don’t,” You reaffirmed, shifting so that you were facing him. “But it might be a bit of fun?”

“That’s what you said about Hogsmeade,” He pointed out, enjoying that you were annoyed more than he should.

You huffed and rolled your eyes.

“Well fine, then we won’t go,” You snapped, crossing your arms, dislodging your hand from his.

A smile played at his lips as he pulled you into his lap.

“If you want to go to Slughorn’s little party and take me with you, I’ll go,” He pressed a kiss to your shoulder. “And I’ll even behave,”

You snorted.

“And if Harry is there?” You raised an eyebrow, the beautiful smile back on your face.

“I seem to remember that you were the one who went off on him last,” Draco teased, smirking. “And I can handle Potter, easily,”

“Okay,” Your smile grew more genuine. “Then we’ll go,”

With Slughorn’s party came the promise of the end of the semester and home. You had put your foot down a few weeks ago that you and he were done working on the vanishing cabinet for the semester, even though it was almost finished.

“And we deserve a few Friday nights to ourselves and to our friends,” You had pointed out.

So, with the end of term, came this stupid party. Draco didn’t want to go in the slightest, after having Slughorn all semester, he was in no rush to spend more time with the man who fawned over precious Potter. But it made you smile, so he’d endure.

“Damn,” Pansy mutter from his side when she caught sight of you—dressed in the new robes you had gotten over the summer and look absolutely perfect in them. “And you’re sure you two are opened for a fun night with Abby and I?” Her question was all but innocent.

“Pansy, please,” Draco dismayed, growing rather warm.

“Just saying’ Malfoy. I love Abby but damn your girl has got it,” Pansy grinned. “Half the school talks about her, boys and girls.” There as a wicked look in her eyes, that made Draco very possessive.

You noticed when you met him at the bottom of the stairs, a questioning look in your eyes. 

“Nothing,” He offered a smile. “Just Pansy,”

“Nothing my ass,” Pansy snarked. “Draco he’s a little jealous that half the school wants to shag you,”

You mouth popped open in surprise as Draco hissed at Pansy, who was laughing along with Abby. You turned a deep shade of red, almost matching the crimson on your lips.

“Oh, don’t tell me that you don’t know!” Pansy feigned dismay. “Seriously, what do you two do all day?”

You and Draco fumbled for answers as Pansy shook her head, pulling Abby down the hall as you two followed meekly.

“You do look lovely tonight,” Draco stammered. 

“Thank you,” You sounded just as embarrassed.

There was a crowd around Slughorn’s office—students who hadn’t been invited, and if it weren’t for you, he’d be a part of that crowd.

Whether it had been built that way, or because he had used magical trickery to make it so, Slughorn’s office was much larger than the usual teacher’s study. The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings, so that it looked as though they were all inside a vast tent. The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the center of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering, each a brilliant speck of light. Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a distant corner; a haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation, and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through the forest of knees, obscured by the heavy silver platters of food they were bearing, so that they looked like little roving tables.

“I do wish they wouldn’t use house-elves like this,” Your lips pressed into a tight line. 

“It’s their job, love,” Draco cooed softly, to appease you.

“I doubt they’re getting paid,” You muttered back.

“Miss Y/n! I am so glad to see you here after all those diligent invitations. I knew I could wear you down,” Slughorn grinned, giving Draco an uneasy feeling and he began to wonder if you truly wanted to be here, or if you had just said yes to stop the constant harassment from the professor.

“Delighted professor,” Your forced smiled let him know that it might be the latter.

Of course, you wouldn’t want to come. How had he missed that? You hated parties and loud places and tons of people. Draco was starting to feel very stupid for not thinking about this for more than a few moments. He almost wanted to leave now.

As soon as Harry walked through the door, Slughorn’s attention was off you and Draco was actually grateful because he could see your demeanor crumbling. He ushered you off to the quieter outskirts of the party.

“Do you want to go?” Draco asked in a hushed tone. “We made an appearance, we can leave now,”

“Look I know you don’t like Harry but—”

“Forget about me,” He snapped. “You don’t want to be here, do you? I’m so sorry I didn’t think about it,”

You look softened and your mask fell for a moment.

“I... It’s not so bad,” You decided, looking around. “And I know you want to be here,”

“I thought I said forget about me,” Draco tilted your chin up. “Right now, I want to know what you want to do,”

Your eyes scanned the crowd as you bit your lip. If it had been any other situation, he would have simply gone mad with how you looked right now including your lip worrying, but there were more pressing matters.

“I’m okay,” You decided, smiling—a real smile. “I... It’s not as bad as it used to be,” You admitted.

Draco studied you a moment more, then nodded, leading you back out into the fray. It came to a point that Hermione bumped into him. He caught her arm before she could fall completely and you turned, seeing that the commotion was.

“Oh, Hermione,” You smiled. “You look lovely,”

“So, do you, goodness Y/n, those are very nice robes,” Hermione gaped a moment before remembering herself. “If you’ll excuse me,”

“Wait,” You grabbed her hand. “I heard you were going out with McLaggen, whatever happened to Ron?”

“He’s with Lavender,” She said stiffly. “Now please, I have to go before he finds me again,” She said distressed.

“Granger likes Weasley?” Draco mused.

“They have first names,” You chided softly. “And I think they do like each other, they’re just not too sure of how to show it,” You shrugged. “Nothing for me to fret about.” Your smile returned.

After a while, Draco fell into his normal schmoozing routine that he was accustomed to, and now you were as well. Even though he held a powerful family name, all eyes were on you tonight. It reminded him of one of those fairytales you had read to him... Cinderella maybe? He’d have to ask you later. And though Draco wanted to sulk that you were getting more attention than him, like he would have years ago, something felt right about this. You were an amazing witch with— apparently—a well-known father and skills beyond your grade level. You deserved to be praised, after everything you had accomplished, he was proud of you too.

“Oh, Draco.” An airy voice caught his attention. “Y/n mentioned coming here tonight. I never thought she would though,” He turned to see Luna Lovegood staring at him. “She doesn’t like Slughorn much, though I suppose she could just be defending you.”

“Luna,” He greeted softly, drawing your attention as well.

“Luna!” You said excitedly, drawing the other witch into a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Harry invited me. We came as friends.” Luna lit up as the words fell from her mouth.

“And Neville is okay with that?” You stopped short—Draco wondered how you seemed to know all of the relationship gossip in the school.

“I don’t think he knows. Harry only just asked me today,” Luna looked off into the distance. “Would he be upset?”

“Luna, the poor guy's head over heels for you,” You smiled, rolling your eyes playfully. “I think you should go talk to him when this madness is done,”

“Suppose you’re right. You always know just what to say Y/n. A fine Hufflepuff,” Luna smiled and hugged you once more, before heading off into the part goers.

“Do you just know everyone?” Draco teased lightly.

“Luna and I have class together,” You refuted. “And she’s a sweetheart, both her and Neville.” 

“Such a Hufflepuff,” He grinned, ducking away from the jab he knew was coming at him. 

“Better than Slytherin,” You snapped playfully.

“What’s better than a Slytherin?”

Pansy and Abby strolled up, along with Blaise and Greg, both couples looking quite cozy. Greg, for the first time since Draco had known him, looked rather cleaned up and poised next to Blaise—who always looked flawless—confident on his own rather than following orders.

“Pretty much anything,” Abby snickered.

“You’ll pay for that Bones,” Pansy hissed, sending a sharp teasing look towards her lover.

“I can’t say that I share your sentiment either, Miss Bones,”

Draco felt you tense as Slughorn join the group of friends, pressing further into his side. He held you close.

“Slytherin is a fine house. Filled with many rising stars, like Mr. Zabini here,” The round professor nodded to Blaise who was lost in a goblet of mead, looking like he didn’t particularly want to be the center of attention at this moment.

Draco caught the cold look that fell upon your face, and he had to admit that Pansy was right: you were dangerously stunning and if the world wasn’t going to hell in a handbasket, he’d preferably make sure that you and everyone else in the school know that he was the only one with the privilege to shag you.

“I think it’s time we go, Draco,” Your voice dripped ice daggers.

“Oh, my dear, don’t leave. It is Christmas after all, the more the merrier,” Slughorn slurred, not reading the discomfort among the group.

“There’s better company to keep,” You smiled sweetly.

You shared a look with Abby, who looked about to murder, same as you. He wondered what you had told Abby about Slughorn, and what in turn she had told you. Gauging the intensity of the look, it couldn’t be anything pleasant.

“Come on Pans,” Abby muttered. “Y/n’s right. Just a bunch of brown nosers with no talent,”

“And to think I expected more from you two,” Slughorn gripped.

“Shame,” You drawled. “The feeling is mutual. But don’t worry professor, I’m sure your precious Potter would love to entertain you,”

Draco couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped his lips, Blaise and Greg joining.

“Merlin, Draco you really are rubbing off on her,” Blaise chuckled. “You’re one kickass Hufflepuff, Y/l/n,” He raised his glass towards you and disappeared into the crowd, pulling Greg with him.

He watched you and Abby share a short conversation in sign language before Abby took Pansy’s hand and lead her towards the exit. Draco followed their lead, trying to, as politely as possible, avoid the party goers who wanted to strike up a conversation.

“I can’t believe I actually went to that,” You muttered out in the hallway, using his arm as a support to take off your stilettos. “I can’t believe you didn’t talk me out of it,”

“I did try,” Draco smiled softly, taking your shoes from you, taking your hand. “And it wasn’t so bad,” He tried.

You thought a moment.

“I guess not. I did get to see you look quite dashing tonight. Almost makes up for not going to the Yule Ball fourth year,” The smile returned to your lips.

“I do recall inviting you to a Ball that summer,” Draco mused.

“Ah, yes. When you told me I wasn’t your type,” You grinned with a laugh.

“And I was so close to being free of that taunt,” Draco feigned dismay as he smiled down at you. “But I’ll admit it, I was wrong. You are exactly my type,”

You gasped mockingly, a hand coming dramatically over your heart.

“Did Draco Malfoy just admit that he was wrong?”

“Oh hush,” He rolled his eyes, thinking maybe the party wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Epilogue:

“It is Christmas,” I murmured softly. “I don’t want her to be alone.”

“Y/n,” Draco stressed, coming up behind me, leaning against the desk I was sitting at.

“I know, I know. What she did was awful, and I wish I didn’t have to decide, but...” I sighed and leaned back in the chair, tilting my head back so that I could meet his eyes.

“It’s Christmas,” Draco sighed pressing a kiss to my forehead. “And you’re nothing if not forgiving,”

“Worked out for you didn’t it?” I smiled.

“Yes dear,” He chuckled. “I’ll go tell my mother that we should expect yours for dinner then.” He paused. “Actually, why don’t you do that? She’s not going to yell at you,”

I laughed and spun around in the desk chair.

“Afraid of your mother, are you?” I baited.

“Respect,” He clarified. “And she’s been a bit... since father has been gone,” I nodded and sighed, turning back to the written letter on the desk and sent it off via owl. “We’ll go tell her together then,” I stood, taking his hand.

. 

Chapter 8

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[marshmallowprotection]

Kait Reacts To The AE 3/?

Hi! These reactions are written out every time a Chatroom opens and it’s done over the course of the day. So, you’re watching me react in real time as it is for me. So, Spoilers AHOY. Expect Another post like this tomorrow, there is just too many chats to put it all in one post. So, hey, if you click this, you’re opening yourself to spoilers, you make the choice.

[19:11 + Visual Novel]

Okay, oh boy. Saeran made a chatroom that’s safe for us. That was really fast in a short amount of time so I’m always awed at how fast and he and Saeyoung are able to make progress and work because it’s so... quick. It almost seems like it should be impossible when they work. So, he did it. Though, now that that has been done, he admits that we need to talk about what’s coming now. He wants to find out what he can. 

There’s no choice. 

We have to see this through and we have to find Saeyoung. He’s not going to run in without thinking and that’s my boy. He knows what we’re doing here and how risky it could be. I knew that we were going to go with him because of the passport package, that literally implied that either we were going to have a time for a honeymoon by the end of this route, or we were going to travel with the RFA to find Saeyoung, or Saeran and the player traveling. 

That was easy to surmise! 

That being said, I feel like I should point how the fusion of Suit Saeran and Ray as he becomes Saeray or GE Saeran. He’s not quite both of them pushed into one place and he’s not quite one or the other, he’s own person with the past and experiences of those two. So, he has the memories of both to draw back on and see when he wants to know. They both had different memories and experiences so when they came together, those personalities met and united. 

I won’t lie, it warms my heart when Saeran says that my heart warmed his and helped him. He did that for me and he doesn’t even know it. 

What strikes me as odd here is the fact that everyone keeps saying over and over that we, the player, are the reason that things are the way that they are. I don’t know, it feels like Reset Theory to me or them breaking the fourth wall for some reason. I’m not controlling everything, as far as they know, so maybe they just are being modest. 

I don’t know, it’s a theme that keeps persisting and bugging me as I’m playing because: I’m not the one that broke free of the control and manipulation, Saeran, you did that yourself. I may have helped you see it but you decided and did that.  I appreciate them noting that I helped along the way but I’m just MC. I’m just here for the ride. Is that tone bothering anyone else?

Anyways, as I expected, Saeran asked us to come with him. I note that there is a parallel to Seven’s Bad Ending. You can tell him that you want to leave and never look back at anyone. That likely leads to a Bad Ending but I’m not going to click that. The goal here is to be a peacekeeper and a middleman who is also concise and blunt. 

Although, Saeran is a little intense here. I hope he knows that I’d die for him just as fast as he’d die for me. 

Anyways, the novel jumps over to Saeyoung at the last second. He is awake again. The Boss says: “You’re awake. Now, let’s wait and see if your knight will make it in time by the end of the day.” 

Okay, that’s not good. 

Oh, and you receive a phone call after this! It’s from Jumin’s Dad. My god, I got a call from Driver Kim after the 4PM chat, but I never thought I would speak to Jumin’s Dad. Chairman is curious... too curious. He wants to know more about what happened with V. Somehow... he knows that V used the smoke bomb and that made me confused. Did Saeran say something about V? How can he know? And, this man called me from Zen’s phone!

It didn’t have a lock.

Zen hates modern technology. 

I wasn’t going to tell Chairman Han about Rika, or anything. He isn’t sure why V did what he did. I told him to ask Jumin. I know his dad worries about Jumin for real but I’m not gonna spill the beans. We can’t do that. He does sound like he does care even though we know he and Jumin are strained. So, I can’t fault him for that but one my biggest questions is: How did V know the agency? Was his dad involved? 

The agency is told to us by Saeran to be one that is a big ring... the biggest in the world. So... rich people would use it. Did Jumin’s dad get involved in that or even Jihyun’s dad? is that how? 

He also says that he is a bit jealous of ours and Saeran’s love. 

Tells us about his forlorn love-life.

He wishes that we can find Saeyoung, at least. Oh, and remember the Agency saying that they were going to slander the RFA and C&R? Yeah, this is already in motion.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL. SAEYOUNG CHOI. NO. I know you don’t want us to come because it’s a trap but... I’m so worried about you honey. I’m so worried about you right now. I know he can survive hell. He didn’t sleep, eat, or drink for three days on the HBC mission. But... this isn’t good. He can access the safe chat, too. It’s just Saeran, myself, and him. But... what about the agency? 

[20:44]

While I do love being able to see young Saeran... I don’t like the context of why Rika is doing this. So, Saeran comes into the chatroom. We talk about his time at the cathedral. He makes it clear that... he feels complicated about his mother, yes, she was a monster to him, but that was his only family at the time. He didn’t have Saeyoung. He didn’t want to lose that last connection. He said that every person at the church was nice to him. 

But, he never saw Rika or Jihyun as a mother or father. Just people looking out for him. In all honesty, I really never wanted Saeran to have to talk to Rika ever again. I hated that he was going to have to go through this again because that last talk with her on day 10 was perfect. He spoke his peace and said she would never have power over him again. 

Rika’s point here... I’m not sure. She feels like they were a family, like they were close and happy. She clearly wants to rip the rug from under Saeran and bring him down again. She tries to bring up his mother, bring up family, try to guilt him into this. Guilt him into leaving alone. I don’t like it. Rika wants to make herself feel better about what happened. 

She doesn’t even... It’s all about how she phrases this. It’s all about, “What about me? What about ME? What am I supposed to do to be a good parent?” Ma’am, you lost that right. You don’t get to ask that to him. You don’t get to be his mother or claim him. He’s not an object. He’s not toy. He’s a person with feelings and he won’t be spun by you. 

I appreciate how Saeran can just... ignore her. I respect that. I trust that. I am so proud of him for ignoring and not giving into her whims. That takes a lot of real strength with real abusers. It’s not easy. I’m proud of that. Now here’s where the game tries to smack the fuck out of me and I don’t know what to think about how they are phrasing it. 

Okay, so, now she’s claiming that she’s split into fragments as well. I’m not going to comment on her mental health here. Your actions are not excused no matter what you may suffer from. Own up to what you do, learn, grow, change, but do not expect people to forgive you or make up with you. You are owed nothing at all when you do bad things. And, even with DID, the actions as the system as a whole come together. One action puts everyone at risk. So, even if she suffers from a form of DID/OSDD, they better not being try to say that she’s excused because “Devil Did It.” 

That’s not how this works. 

Suit Saeran admitted he fucked up. He took responsibility. Ray admits he made a lot of mistakes. He owns up to it. Everyone in the system takes responsibility for what happens. That’s just how it works. So, I don’t know what Rika is trying to do but... trying to make Saeran think they’re the same isn’t right. It’s just back to gaslighting. 

Trying to trick him. 

Even if I’m utterly wrong about Rika, this isn’t how you behave. In Rika Behind Story, they try to say Mika is at fault too, but Mika only helped Rika go through with it, and when Mika died, Rika kept doing it. She could have stopped and she didn’t. She made the drugs. Stole money to make her cult. ETC. Okay, she is in the wrong. She knows it. She admitted it. So, uh, Rika just stop talking you are giving me a headache. No matter how you spin it, ma’am, you’re wrong. 

Anyways, we jump to the Visual Novel and now Saeran and myself are on the run here. We left the hospital and headed out. We’re going to the apartment. He said that V owned it. You can even say that you [used to live in this area]. This uh, Reset Theory fear I had earlier is starting to really scare me a lot. I don’t know if it’s a jest or... 

I don’t know. 

The agency has made their attack. Saeyoung made a deal with Chairman Han in the background. You can call him and talk to him and Driver Kim after this chat, so do that if you can. Chairman Han tells us that Saeyoung cared for the RFA and wanted to help support Jumin after he sold the rights to C&R for his drinks. He gets nothing. It was meant for children in need. But, the Agency is using the offers sent to C&R and Jaehee to blow things up. 

Saeran knows that this is going to be bad. 

We both know it’s about to get really bad. It’s going to be hard to fight this sort of thing. Why are so many of these options self-aware? Is this just me? Am I the only one with this issue? 

Hm. Okay, so, Driver Kim gets to talk to us about Jumin. That man loves and cares for him and has been looking over him since he was a kid. He can’t believe V did what he did. He just can’t. He said V was cold before... he did photography, which makes a lot of sense to me. My God, I... it’s just a lot to take in. Don’t worry, Driver Kim is looking after Jumin and Jaehee.

I’m still iffy about Chairman Han. He has always... not been the best dad but I know in his own way he loves his son. Even if I don’t agree with the way that he shows his love. 

THOUGHT I WAS DONE BUT OUT GOING CALL

I GET TO FEED HIM WHILE WE’RE DRIVING AND TORMENT HIM? IS THIS HEAVEN? 

No but really... my self-aware paranoia...

[21:56]

So, this chat is a Rika and V chat. V sends us the passcode for the apartment to use. It seems strange enough... the title of the chat says that it’s supposed to be normal chit-chat, but it’s not. We know that. It���s just a deceptive factor used to go and trick you into thinking that things will be okay. Here’s the thing, this gives us a lot more insight into what’s happening with V and Rika. I knew what was going on to an extent. 

This only further confirms that Rika is far too gone. It’s all about Rika, and what Rika feels and nothing else. There’s a few hints and teased at the Rika Behind Story and what she did with Mika in the apartment. V gave her the building, the entire thing. He owns the whole thing. That’s why... ah, there is a bomb. Nobody will die because it’s just an empty building. 

Now, I can’t even imagine being the MC in the Casual/Deep Routes because you are literally alone in a high floor of an abandoned apartment building but you don’t know that. Oh, my God. She talks about how she make Mint Eye there and my God, the banter between Rika and V here...

God, there’s so much pettiness? 

At the end of the day, we know that Jihyun feels himself a martyr. He wants to burn down with the building. He’s prepared to do it. He is prepared to suffer and weep and that is it. He’s taken that. He’s accepted Rika’s “devil” only because he knows nobody else can suffer if he takes her away. I don’t like that, and he does know that he’s wrong here. 

But, we know... I guess, that he still cares. 

Even if he’s willing to play the part of something that left them all behind and turned against them to suffer forever. 

He says that Jumin and C&R will be doomed. It’s not good. They’re making more and more threats. They aren’t the ones that are doing this but they say that they are involved with the ones that did it. But, they are working with them by having that deal and honestly, that’s not okay. They both are ignoring it for their own reasons. I still think that Rika wants to have the boys killed for her own safety and to get away. I don’t know if that’s what will happen but she keeps saying it has to be Saeran alone, and Saeyoung alone.

I don’t trust that. 

And, I won’t. 

Either way, there’s a really short Visual Novel. We arrive there and it’s... quiet, and it’s not a good sign. I never thought that we’d be here again, but we are and I don’t know what to think. So, we’re going to try in the morning so... that’s a thought to be had.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST THE CALL AFTER THIS KILLED ME I CANNOT EVEN ENGLISH. HIGHLIGHTS CAUSE I CAN’T TALK RIGHT NOW ANYMORE.

[23:05]

[burnedbyshoto]

scoops

— In what was to be a summer of excitement, love, and adventure, you’re doomed to a summer working a job to pay some bills. But hey, who said romance still wouldn’t find a way to work while working at Scoops Ice Cream Parlor? —

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pairing: kaibara sen x reader

warnings: fluff, cursing, modern!au, ice cream shop!au

word count: 6,361

a/n: this is for the bnharem summer collab!!!! I am so very tired, when am I not at this point... um... yes, kaibara is def my fav class 1-b boy, sorry not sorry.

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The best part about summer… well, you really couldn’t begin to list what you loved about it. There was no bad part about summer. Sure, the days were hot and humid, but they were long and bright for so long you could go and do things for countless hours. You were able to stay out in the sun and feel the heated rays against your skin — road trips with friends and days when you had no sleep and those when you only slept.

Summer was indeed the best time of the year.

This summer was supposed to be the best, with your saved money from working at the student store for this last semester, you were ready to go places with your friends. Explore the unknown all in the name of youth.

There indeed wasn’t anything better about this time of the year than that. 

Cute clothes, cute bathing suits, and cute accessories, as you trailed out of your classroom with your final finally done and completed, you were ready to zoom on toward home.

This was going to be the best summer ever, you thought, your heart racing in anticipation at the thought of your best friend pulling up at your home with a car full of friends. Your parents waving you off as you descended into the purpling and pink sky with nothing but an uproarious scream and celebration.

You really hoped you’d find someone attractive… maybe a summer fling?!

You giggled at the thought, your face warming even more under the deep sun rays, your body avoiding passing commuters.

This was going to be your summer!

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“You’re… you’re kidding me,” you deadpanned staring at your mother, who was in a full-body cast. 

She looked at you with a sheepish emotion on her face, her eyes full of sorrow yet no pain. The moment you had gotten home and had switched from your finals outfit to something more practical, you had gotten a phone call from the hospital. It seems that your mother, in all her clutz, had tumbled down the staircase at her work. Through this, she managed to break both arms and legs, two ribs and broke her collarbone. 

“M… Mom,” you groaned at the way she was laughing in total embarrassment; after all, miraculously, she was in little pain despite being hospitalized. “How did this happen?! Why did you — oh my god…” 

“There was a mosquito flying by my head, and well… I tripped and fell,” she laughed loudly, smiling in gratitude when the nurse came to adjust her pillows. 

“Why were you even leaving the office?! It isn’t even lunchtime for you, and you always eat lunch on the roof?” you questioned more, your arms folding across your arms. 

“Well, um… you know how there have been cuts at the office, I just… I was let go,” she whispered in a small voice, face twisted with embarrassment and shame. While you wanted to feel sorry for your mother because after all, she had suffered horrendously, there was a quick realization of what those words meant.

Medical insurance was now gone.

“How are we going to pay for this?!”

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Having to wave your friends away with tears rolling down your face was hard. Their faces sullen at the fact that you had handed over your entire job savings to begin paying off the massive debt your mother built in a single minute. You also knew you couldn’t return to your job at the university, they were closed during this time.

There wasn’t much you could even find while looking around. Your resume wasn’t strong enough to earn jobs that would help your future career, not when competing against graduate students. The local shops and malls were already filled to completion; they always prioritized the highschoolers anyways. 

You had almost thought it was pointless to even be searching until you stumbled across a corner ice cream parlor. It was the closest ice cream parlor to your house, and if you thought hard enough, you definitely remembered coming when you were small, and fortunately for you, they were hiring on the spot.

So here you were, in an old t-shirt, shorts, an apron fastened on, and your hair free from your face. The owner of the ice cream parlor showed you around, pointing at the different things that were lying about. He was a simple tour guide, he had told you, a simple introduction to what was lying about. Your coworkers would be the ones to teach you how to create the unique menu items, teach you how to work behind the scenes. 

The smile on your face was stiff and very unnatural as he showed you about, stories of the old employee he had that had quit on him because they were moving suddenly. It was apparently a struggle for him to find willing workers at this time. He was also sure to name off the three other employees that worked here, and by the sounds of it, two of the three names were retired people who were so bored that they sought out a low-stakes job.

“Ah, there he is!” he exclaimed, his hands thrusting outwards as a tall, dark-haired man emerged from the back, a gallon of ice cream in his hands while he looked lost in thought. “This is Kaibara Sen! My youngest…er, second youngest employee now! He will be handling your training, he is very competent and well… a much better explainer than I am!” 

You tried not to stare too much at the man, but he was for lack of a better term, beautiful. Dark hair, brown eyes, and a look on his face that just told you he definitely did not want to be here… it was basically love at first sight for you. 

“Kaibara, this is y/l/n, our newest member of the family here at Scoops!” the owner exclaimed, his cheeks warm and his body brimming with excitement. “Please explain everything, I have to go now! My daughter should be out of school, and I have to go pick her up!”

You watched in silent awkwardness as the man picked up all his items and rushed out of there without a single word. Smiling awkwardly, you returned your attention to Kaibara, who was studying you without saying a word. Your smile began to pinch at your cheeks, the strain of the faux smile beginning to tire you out to completion while he changing the empty gallon of ice cream for the new one — you had to will yourself from staring at the very, very nicely toned arms of his. 

“Hold this,” he spoke, his voice low and flat, almost entirely passive and bored while he pushed the empty cardboard into your arms. You hitched a breath in your surprise, your head nodding in your overall confusion. 

The tub was cold in your arms, contradicting the overall harsh rays of the sun. You watched as he turned on his heel, moving back to the door, and you stayed put, your eyes wide in confusion and your increasing inability to stop checking him out. “Are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to follow?”

Blood flooded to your face in your embarrassment, your head dropping while you rushed after him.

Needless to say, your first day on the job was an interesting one.

While your first impression of Kaibara was that he was hot enough to melt you into a puddle, you found yourself at a quick and immovable realization that he was an overall dick. He was disgustingly bland, his tone only riling you up when he crudely pointed out your mistakes and issues. He had explained to you in five minutes how the entire ice cream parlor worked — yes, in five minutes, and yes, he expected that you memorized and retained all that information.

Refill the ice cream when there’s only five centimeters left. Don’t touch the soft-serve ice cream machine because it often broke. Don’t flirt with any customers, don’t destroy the whip cream swirls on the ice cream sundaes. Don’t ever go into the freezer without someone knowing, don’t forget to clean the counters every hour if it isn’t that busy, don’t forget… well, you got it. There were many don’t’s in his vocabulary surrounding the rules and regulation of this ice cream parlor. Furthermore, he had thrown you to the wolves because the moment he finished up the rules here at Scoops where they ‘live to bring a lick of happiness one scoop at a time,’ a customer had walked in and of course, because beginners luck was not a thing, ordered the hardest thing on the menu.

Your back had never been sweatier, and your arms trembled as he practically breathed down your neck. There was no stopping this incessant mother birding of his, and your ears seared with heat when he called you out for every mistake you made.

“I thought I told you to not do that!” he muttered just loud enough for the customer to ask with worry if everything was okay. 

The second you had handed of the quad-layered ice cream sundae that was most definitely a kickstarter to diabetes did you almost collapse in gratefulness of being done with that wretched thing. The customer did, however, frown significantly at the sight of the very ugly sundae, and you wanted to collapse in your failure. 

The two of you were not… compatible coworkers, and that was apparent as the summer sun while the day went on.

He ridiculed your every technique, he frowned at the way your voice pitched when you welcomed customers, scoffed when you were overly sweet because he would love to see you being that kind in a month, and he glared a hole through your head the moment you tried to socialize while there was nothing to do.

So when the summer sun had set for the night and your arm burned from the repetitive and laborious action of scooping ice cream all day, you walked out of Scoops with a wavering bottom lip. This was going to be a long summer.

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“For someone who’s been here a whole year more than me, I’d’ve thought you were better than this,” you sang, pocketing the extra cash you got as a bonus for the fantastic and helpful review you had gotten on Yelp. Yes, America’s disaster of an app had finally made its way to Japan, and three weeks ago, your boss said anyone with a useful review on top of a five-star recommendation would get a bonus. You were always getting it. “What was that you were saying when I first began? Don’t suck? Hm, well, I think you need to get that under control on your own part.”

Kaibara rolled his eyes so hard you swore you could hear him do it. You tried not to allow the prideful smirk to become too apparent while you went about your shift reorganizing the front of the store. You had just managed through a demanding crowd of children, couples, and the elderly, and it was a mess. 

It had only been the two of you today, too (the owner only worked the register, leaving the two of you to make the orders). While there was no getting along for either of you, there was a good work ethic between you that allowed you to work efficiently together. But of course, the teasing and taunting from your voice while you graciously took the extra cash made Kaibara seethe.

It was an unspoken, spoken competition between the two of you, and to make things worse for the environment between everyone, the both of you sorely got along. 

He had called you incompetent, you called him lazy. He called you a useless employee, you called him fifth-rate at best. There was just a lot of tension between you and the man you had once thought was painfully attractive.

“It doesn’t count when you beg customers for the comment. Of course, they’re gonna take pity on you and your ass life; why do you think people give spare change to the homeless?” Kaibara smoothly stated, his fingers digging the cleaning rag harder onto a piece of fallen dried, sticky ice cream.

You nearly cracked the waffle cones in your gloved hands.

“At least I’m the one with the extra cash in your pocket!”

“It fell out actually, free change now,” Kaibara stated, pointed at the rolled money on the floor and quickly scooping it from the floor well before you could snatch it. 

Your face twisted when you ended a near chest to chest with him, his eyes seeming to read you entirely while you definitely met his gaze, yet also managed to look cities away. Your upper lip curled with your frustration, and you shoved his chest, grabbing at the money in his hand.

Unfortunately for you, he was both quicker than you, stronger than you, and taller than you. He merely rose his clenched fist well above his head and smirked at how your face blanched at his actions.

“You’re a fucking dick!” you yelled, your hands latching onto his bicep and pulling down with all your strength. “Give me my damn tip!”

“It was on the ground, it’s finders keepers,” was his smooth response, his arm somehow freakishly strong enough to fight off your full weight and stay defiantly up. 

Well, you definitely understood why no one liked working with the two of you, you were both annoying together. 

“Kaibara Sen, if you don’t give me back my damn money right now, I will—” you were interrupted by how his lips pulled past his teeth into a fierce, biting grin.

“You’ll what? Punch me? It hasn’t hurt the last ten times you’ve tried.” He taunted you with no mercy, his head tilting just the slightest bit to further his point and to have your blood pumping yet again.

“That’s only because I wasn’t trying before!” you counter, your fingers pressing into his palm, your nails beginning to dig into his flesh while he tried not to let on that it hurt.

“You’ll have a friend of yours write a five-star review for you, and write a complaint about me?” he asked, bringing back to light the one time that your friends left not one, but fifteen five-star reviews. Of course, a handful of them had also decided to include that they were not happy with the treatment they received from Kaibara — not that it was possible given that they were not anywhere near here. 

“Well, I didn’t know they were going to do that! All I was doing was exchanging stories about how I was working while they were all out having fun!” you attempt to defend, but it sounds weak because well, it happened.

“Ah, okay, I’ll try to remember that when I have my friends doing the same to you,” Kaibara sarcastically smiled, his arm finally dropping so that his fist was in your face, but it still remained defiantly closed. “I mean it’s only fair, and they didn’t abandon me on a whole summer long getaway!”

“I told them it was okay to leave, you jerk!” you grit out, your fingers trying to slip under his so that you could rip the money from his hand, but yours were beginning to sweat.

“Ouch, a jerk? Don’t hurt my feelings, please y/n, it’s making me tear up,” Kaibara sighed, his eyes very much interested in the way you were failing to get his fingers to open up.

“D-Don’t call me y/n! We are not friends enough for you to try acting casual with me!”

“Should I call you y/l/n-sama instead?”

“W… WHAT?!”

“Yeah, sounded weird to me too. I mean, after all, I don’t garner any respect for you, so why would I use that, to begin with!”

If you were a bird, you were absolutely positive that your feathers would be bristled and standing while you glared up at Kaibara with a near snarl on your lips. He matched your glare, his typically passive eyes ignited while the both of you neared in this hate-filled magnetism. 

“Would you two please stop! This is the time for summer flings! Not swinging fists!” 

The both of you whirled around to see your practically sobbing employer watch on with tears rolling down his face. He had been the most disheartened at the fact that both you did not get along at all, it was his biggest regret he had said many times over. While both of you did not fly twenty meters apart, Kaibara’s fist relaxed, and you managed to retrieve your money back from him with a satisfied ‘hmph’ before turning around.

Really you knew both of you together were insufferable. But to your credit, both of you were always civil in front of the customers. Well, at least polite enough for no one to speak up. But as you returned to your place by the corner to continue cleaning with your rag, you couldn’t help but look behind you at Kaibara, who was also staring back at you.

What an insufferable prick!

He stared at you, his lips pressing into a smile that you refused to admit made your heart hammer just the slightest bit faster in your chest, and the moment he caught on, the smile became a smirk before his tongue stuck out, and his finger pulled at his eye — or in other words, he threw you an Akanbe… well, your boss then had a ten-minute talk about how it was not okay to throw dirty rags at your coworkers.

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It wasn’t that Kaibara didn’t like you.

No, of course not, there was no point in garnering unpleasant feelings towards someone who didn’t matter to him at the end of the day, but sometimes… sometimes he really thought you being a piece of shit just to enact rage and violence from him. After all, as part of working at the ice cream parlor, their break time leisure was always brought with a free sundae with whatever you wanted because you worked, and tips were only really brought in by the rare American tourist.

But you were doing this on purpose. 

“I want to add a caramel and chocolate drizzle, don’t forget to add peanuts… should I get whipped cream??? Is there enough??? I know we used almost half of our weekly supply on one kid?” Kaibara watched as you stroked your chin, ordering your custom-made sundae while you created this sugar-sweet dessert based on what he hated to create. “You know what… yes, I want some whipped cream, but I also thought that you could maybe smash it up like at Cold Stone? It makes it easier to eat.”

“I’ll spit in your ice cream if you make me do that.” Kaibara deadpanned, his fingers twitching on the serving spoons. If he was going to smash your toppings on the counter, he just cleaned, he was going to throw this in your face.

“And violate Healthcode Section 242?!” you gasped loudly, almost offended that he would do such a thing, and he wondered if you were pulling a number out of your ass. “Do it, I dare you! I really would like to have you replaced!”

He watched you triumphantly stick your nose in the air, your lips set in a victorious grin, but he just sighed. “You’re a fucking pain in my ass.”

You seemed to have expected that from him, but you still played it off in a shocked manner with your hands pressing to your cheeks in your horrified expression.

“Oh thank goodness, I thought for a second there you were going to say something horrendously rude!” you laugh, your hands stretching out for your finished sundae, and he watched your tongue wet your lips while you brought it close to you. “My mom tells me that all the time, and she’s still in a full-body cast.”

“And that’s relevant because?” he asked, his eyes blinking slowly, his head tilting in his faux boredom — he wouldn’t admit it, but he was never bored with you around.

“Nope, totally irrelevant! But I figured your life is so boring that my daily news about my bedridden mother must be like what Fashion Week is for Youtubers,” you chide, walking over to an empty table and plopping down on the chair with overdramatic confidence and slight exhaustion.

“I think maybe you should stop talking and eat that ice cream before your break is over.” he returned, his hip pressing into the cold counter while he cleaned up the small mess he had made creating your monster of a snack.

“You’re probably right… your small brain needs a break.”

Your words were nothing new, but he still stared at you with a growing smirk while you brought your spoon of ice cream to your mouth and took your first big satisfying bite… well, that was until you tasted it. “EW! HEY! KAIBARA! THIS IS FUCKING DISGUSTING WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO MY SUNDAE?!”

“I added cherry sauce.” He shrugged, his arms folding across his chest while your face fell, your spoon digging into the sweet cream to shove the black sauce, which was not chocolate, to the side.

“THAT’S THE—”

“Worst? I know!” Kaibara nearly snorted at the defeated, almost depressing look that overcame his face. He wanted to dig more at you because of that, but was unfortunately interrupted when the front door opened and in came a customer. “Oh, welcome.”

He didn’t want to look away from the fact that you were pouting and eating your sundae still; your guilt of wasting food outweighing your distaste much more. But a weird twist of his stomach made his eyebrows scrunch when he noticed how the incoming customer stared at you. It was a look of interest, and while he didn’t even like you, why was he feeling like this.

He ignored it, shaking his head, he focused on the customer who said they were still looking, and he sighed.

It meant nothing… right?

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Well, it finally happened. 

Today was your day off, but at precisely 12:35 p.m., your phone violently buzzed with an incoming call from your boss. You had been out on the backyards lawn trying to sunbathe with your towel on the dirt floor, trying to live the best summer experience you could. Your music had been blasting, so when the call came, you quickly picked it up to figure who was calling and why.

“Hello?”

“Y/N WE NEED YOU IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW! THE EVENT IS CRAZY RIGHT NOW, AND THERE’S A LINE OUT THE DOOR! I’LL GIVE YOU OVERTIME JUST GET HERE NOW!”

There wasn’t even a chance to argue, a chance to say you were doing more important things, because the line ended immediately and you groaned loudly. To work it was, it seemed. 

It took you fifteen minutes to get to Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, and you were surprised, to say the least, about how false your boss’s statement was. It wasn’t a line out the door, it was a line that went out the door and wrapped around the block?! 

You locked eyes with Kaibara, who was also apparently called in today, and he merely raised an eyebrow at you before continuing what he was doing. In forty-five seconds flat, you had managed to get yourself ready to assist and were on it. 

It was times like this that everyone was grateful for how efficiently you and Kaibara worked together, as odd as it was. The two of you worked on multiple orders together, passing things off to one another, gathering items, and sharing. It was done wordlessly, effortlessly, and efficiently; it indeed was not a reflection of how you two behaved normally. 

In an hour and a half, the line had finally reached the last ten people, and you could almost cry in relief. 

“Ah! A soft served vanilla ice cream with a chocolate drizzle! Y/n!” your boss commanded, and you nodded, your sweating cheek pressing to your shoulder to wipe whatever you could off. Without a word, you went back to the soft serve machines and without so much of a thought, pulled on the lever. 

You quickly realized that pulling on that lever was a mistake, not a mistake you purposefully made, but a mistake. 

Do not touch the soft-serve machine because it often broke… that’s what Kaibara told you all those weeks ago, but when he meant broken, he didn’t mean it didn’t produce ice cream. No, no, no. That would be too nice by the universe, after all! When he said it broke, you never expected the soft-serve ice cream to begin to pour from the machine, with no stop in sight. 

“OH NO!”

The white vanilla cream poured endlessly from the machine, and you shrieked while trying to keep it on the cone you brought with you, but you were no expert in making those Instagram famous towers. Eventually, you watched in horrific slow motion as the ice cream tipped over and splattered on the floor, and in your moment of not knowing what to do, you attempted to gather the ice cream in your hands instead of letting it fall to the floor.

“Oh my god, stop! Please stop!” you chanted, your hands jiggling onto the lever hoping that it would make it stop, but it was to no avail.

With every passing second, your arm filled with more ice cream, growing colder and stickier with every moment. 

“What the fuck is taking you so long — oh my god!”

“KAIBARA PLEASE HELP ME!!!!” you sobbed, feeling like a pathetic toddler of all things as your foot desperately tried to drag the trash can near you to keep the building icecream from falling onto the floor, but your legs were too short it seemed. 

“What did you do?!” he hissed, running over slamming the trash can near you, but slipped on the fallen cone and crashed into you. 

Much like how the ice cream cone had fallen in slow motion, Kaibara crashing into you, exploding the armful of ice cream gathered in your arms everywhere, sent you both to the ground. 

“WHAT DID YOU DO?!” you sobbed in your hysteric laughter, the both of you now fumbling on the ground, the ice cream quickly seeping past the threads of the apron to seep into your clothes and burn your bodies slowly. “YOU MADE THIS SO MUCH WORSE!”

“Oh my god, would you stop?! Please stop yelling!”

“Get off me first! You’re so heavy!”

“The floors are so damn slippery, I can’t!”

“Roll off, you idiot!”

It was a chaotic, wild attempt by the two of you to calm down the machine that wouldn’t stop spitting out ice cream until it was empty. While no one else had seen the two of yours struggles to get into your feet (a feat that took twenty minutes and provided hilarious footage for your coworkers who watched it before closing), the both of you couldn’t speak of what happened without feeling like you needed to crumble away. 

Thankfully, both of you were sent home afterward, before the ice cream could glue into your skin. But as you were walking out, your arms not being able to bend at the disgusting horror of the sticky firmness of the dried ice cream on your skin, you were surprised when a hand grabbed your shoulder and stopped you. 

“I wanted to apologize,” Kaibara says the second you turn to look at him. 

“What?” you stupidly respond, your eyes blinking rapidly as if you couldn’t understand him. 

“I wanted to apologize about how I’ve been… how I’ve been behaving. We aren’t really friends, but after all that today, I just… can we start over?”

And somehow those four little words sparked a friendly fire in your core, and your lips stretched into a smile as sweet as the ice cream on your body. 

“Yeah, I think we can.”

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This date was going horribly.

About nine days ago, a customer had walked in, seen you moping with an ice cream sundae made by Kaibara with black cherry sauce, and had asked you out. You were sure what exactly willed you into saying yes; after all, you didn’t know the guy personally, but here you were. Without wanting to seem rude, you definitely thought this date was going horrendously, and you wanted to get out, not that this man noticed anyways.

“Do you want to get some ice cream?” he asked, a smile spreading on his face while both of you exited the movie theater.

You thought about it, Kaibara wasn’t working today if you remembered correctly, and with Scoops being the only ice cream joint nearby, you weren’t about to stroll in on a date with him there. Since the whole broken soft-serve ice cream machine, both of you had taken to be friends like honey and flies. 

The bickering didn’t stop, not one single bit, but the tone and the atmosphere behind the genuine arguments no longer felt like an introduction to some World War and now instead teasing and playing between friends. However, admitting and seeing that you were friends brought up an issue that you never thought was going to happen again — you once more found yourself attracted to the dark-haired man.

Yes, like some overzealous whore, you were out on a date while having very real feelings for your coworker.

But well, going back to whether you should go get ice cream, it would give you yet another reason to speak up at all.

“Sure!”

But of course, summer was not being your friend this summer it seemed, because when he held open the all too familiar front door, and you walked in with a grateful smile. You felt your heart twist and die the second that Kaibara walked out from the back, his already neutral face falling into stony coldness at the sight of you and your date.

“Welcome,” was his unwelcoming call. 

Please let there be some freak accident that causes time to reset so you wouldn’t have to do this, you prayed, trying to calm the blood that threatened to rush to your face while your date began to talk to Kaibara. Your eyes glued immediately over onto the menu as if you hadn’t already memorized everything up there. Still, even with your attention very focused on the menu, you knew by heart already, you could feel those dark, nearly black eyes piercing through you. 

When Kaibara was asked to cover a coworkers shift today, he expected it to be busier than it was today. He guessed that’s just how it was at times when the heat of the summer day failed to make anyone want any ice cream, but while it was nice to get paid without doing much work, it definitely sucked doing nothing. Which is why when the front door chime sounded, he offered to take on the customer… but he didn’t expect to see you here with some random guy. 

He didn’t know why it bothered him really, the both of you were finally getting along superbly but seeing you there next to some guy who was trying to talk about just how amazed he was by all the ice cream flavors and how he met you here soured his mood intensely. At the same time, he continued to look at you. You were staring at the menu; he knew you could recite to the very typo on the board because he had riled you into memorizing it within the first week. 

But when your sheepish gaze met his, Kaibara did not want to admit that the bizarre emotions he was feeling both disappeared altogether and intensified utterly. 

“What d’ya want, y/l/n?” he asked you after taking down this assholes order. He took to your gaze, trying not to have some lame physical reaction to how he felt when your eyes warmed at the sight of him. 

It meant nothing, it meant nothing, it meant nothing. 

“I’ll have the caramel banana sundae,” you ordered with a smile while your date grinned after your selection. 

“You really order the worst things on this menu, don’t you?” he couldn’t help but jab, knowing you would instantly focus on this mindless banter. 

“Kaibara, I swear, say that to my face one more time!” you instinctively yelled. Although you were here on some date, he would confirm later (and would then have to internally admit that he was, in fact, jealous) he liked the fact that you spent the majority of your date in here talking to him.

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Sometimes you really wished that arresting the sun was an actual concept. 

Why in the world was it even legal for the temperature to be 114°F and for workplaces to still be expected to run normally. God, it was so hot that it only felt normal in your ice cream parlor employment that your only moment of grace was when you walked into the back freezers. 

“I think I’m slowly dying,” you whispered to Kaibara while you arranged the ice cream for the waiting customers. 

Today had been reasonably busy, everyone coming in and exclaiming that they needed some ice cream to combat the summer sun, and you always nodded in agreement. But you guessed despite the blistering heat that couldn’t even stay away from the ice cream shop, you appreciated being able to suffer together with Kaibara. 

“If you die and leave me here, I will kill you.” Kaibara’s eyes narrowed at you, and you laughed, shoving him with your shoulder. 

“Good luck!”

You handed the ice cream concoctions to the family and watched as they seem delighted to have it before walking away. 

After a perfect steady flow of customers, the parlor was at the moment empty, and you looked at the different ice cream gallons in search to see which needed to be refilled. You counted five, and you cringed, the both of you had been slacking it seemed. 

“Come help me switch out the ice cream,” you demanded, spinning on your heel and marching off back towards the freezer. 

Since your date, it had been… awkward with Kaibara, you hated to admit it.

The fact that he had seen you on a date was never again brought up, but it seemed that maybe it should have been considering the very awkwardness that bled into your relationship. Sure, he was beyond pleasant with you; as a matter of fact, there was hardly any bickering between the two of you because whenever it started, he would bite his tongue to keep from returning any of your lines — and you knew he had some comebacks. 

You walked into the freezer first, reciting the ice cream flavors that needed to be replaced like a mantra to avoid multiple trips to and from the freezer. With Kaibara coming in behind you, you immediately walked over towards the frozen gallons and began to pull out the flavors that you needed to take. 

“How’s your boyfriend?” Kaibara asked suddenly while you placed two of the gallons onto the floor so that you could grab the other ones. 

You felt your spine stiffen at his words, your eyes wide while you turned behind you to see that Kaibara had also grabbed another two of the flavors which lead you with one more, which was nearest to you. 

“Not my boyfriend,” you corrected awkwardly, your ears burning while you walked carefully over to the gallon in the far back wall. “I didn’t like him, I was promised a free ticket to a movie, and you know with my mom and everything I couldn’t pass it up.”

Without even looking at him, you knew that Kaibara had nodded his head in understanding.

“So you don’t like him?” he asked, his voice seeming to come from a few steps behind you, which caused a shiver to roll down your spine, but you mentally blamed it on the freezing air. 

“No, I um… I like someone else,” you respond honestly, trying not to let on your embarrassed and flustered state while trying to take the gallon of ice cream out from the rack but was currently failing. “Stupid fucking ice cream!”

But your frustration towards the ice cream container was quickly and almost immediately forgotten the second his unexplainably warm hands grabbed onto your shoulders and spun you around. Your eyes widened at the sight of his slight shaggy black hair falling onto his eyes while he looked at you and then down at your lips.

“Am I that someone else?” he asked, and all the air in your lungs froze over and died. He read you like a book, and the soft chuckle that left his lips made your body vibrate with warmth as he nodded his head in perfect understanding. “Lucky guess, huh… you think I can kiss you, y/n?”

A simple sentence crossed his tongue, and yet your mind spun at his words as if he had offered you only the greatest riches in the world, and you found yourself nodding your head while reaching up to meet his own eager lips into a scorching kiss. You weren’t sure how long the kiss lasted, only knowing that with your fingers twisted into his soft locks, his fingers digging into your waist and keeping you breathlessly near, and the buzz that came alive with your dancing lips. He inexplicably and irrevocably overwhelmed you, and the near frantic breathing that passed through your nose was evidence of that. 

By the time you two parted, you felt the world turn into some rose gold haze while you stared up at his smiling face.

The two of you would later find out that you had been locked in the freezer together, but on the hottest day of the year, next to someone who kissed you with enough intensity and passion that the freezer couldn’t even make you shiver, it was all okay.