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elliesfavbae · 2 months

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Summer camps and dead mouses, Part 2 SERIES

Summer camp with enemies to lovers Ellie Williams

part 1, part 3, part 4

synopsis: This summer, you go to a summer camp for the first time. You've met so many new people, but one of them stands out for being a total jerk. Unfortunately for you, you run into each other all the time. Is that just a coincidence?

pairing: mean!Ellie Williams x reader

warnings: use of y/n, Ellie is still a bitch, swearing

wc:4000

Ellie is crouching ahead, probably tying her shoe, just a few feet in front of you. She hasn’t noticed you yet. You sneak up slowly from behind, almost there... And then you step on a dry stick buried in the grass.

A crack echoes in the surroundings. Ellie turns around in less than a second. She stands up and reaches over for your lanyard, but you're quick too. You deftly avoid her grasp, spin around, and start to run. A plan forms in your head. You notice her chasing you—perfect.

You dash towards the main building, bypassing the main door for the entrance to the basement, hoping it’s empty. Luckily, it’s unlocked. You silently thank Olivia for showing you this route earlier.

Of course, Ellie is still in pursuit. She rushes through the door behind you.

The room isn't large, rectangular with a shelf in the middle. You sprint to the end of the basement, hiding behind the big shelf while Ellie positions herself on the opposite side.

“What’s your plan now, hm?” she says with a smirk, raising her eyebrows.

You catch your breath. "Well, we’ll find out who’s more agile."

A while passes before Ellie decides to rush towards you, and you start running away from her. Suddenly, you turn around, hoping to catch her off guard.

But she’s ready. She tries to grab your name tag, but you manage to grab both of her arms. She falls onto you and you both collapse to the floor. She lies on top of you, momentarily still, seemingly processing what just happened. You continue holding onto her arms, feeling the tension in her muscles beneath your fingers. Unfortunately, this distracts you from everything else. It’s as if the world stops for a moment. You feel her heavy breathing on your face, so close to yours. Her hair falls onto your face and—snap. Ellie takes advantage of your distraction and tears the name tag off your lanyard.

You look up at her; she’s wearing that familiar smirk again.

“Bitch,” you murmur under your breath. She’s still lying on you and clearly hears it, raising her eyebrows, still smiling.

She gets up from the ground, and so do you.

“Got any more tags?” She reaches out her hand.

“No,” you roll your eyes.

“Shouldn’t have challenged me if you couldn’t keep up.”

“I would’ve caught you if you—” You don’t finish the sentence out loud. “—if you weren’t so... attractive,” you conclude in your thoughts. You cringe; it sounds cheesy even inside of your head.

“If I what?” She asks, playing with your name tag. “Whatever. You better stay away from me next time; you’re honestly pissing me off,” she sighs as she heads for the exit without looking back at you once.

She closes the squeaking door. You leave the basement soon after. A campfire awaits near the main square for those who lost. You drag your feet towards it, anger filling you. It’s not just about losing the game; it’s about Ellie, her attitude. She’s so proud and haughty, you wish you could wipe that smirk off her face one day.

And the fall? Her body on top of yours? Did she do that on purpose? What? Of course not, why would she? Or maybe? You saw her being quite successful with the counselor earlier… A flood of questions occupies your mind. You can’t help but replay the moment one last time, still feeling her hands on yours and yours on her arms. Her heavy breath hitting your forehead and auburn strands of hair falling on your cheeks. Snap out of it, you tell yourself. You still dislike her, especially when you replay all those moments when she acted like a bitch—and there are so many, even though you’ve only known her for two days.

You arrive at the campfire and notice all your roommates are already seated. Actually, a lot of people are here. Maybe watching the sunset took longer than you thought.

You sit next to friends from your cabin and sigh. The warm flames nicely warm your body.

“Y/n, you died too? Well, at least you were the last of us,” Emma, one of your roommates, points out.

“Yeah, I guess. But the way I died was so embarrassing,” you groan.

“Why, what happened?”

“Do you guys know Ellie?” You look around, seeing mostly confused faces. “The girl who took the mouse out of our bathroom yesterday? The one who was late to the assembly?” Heads finally nod in recognition.

“Well, what do you think of her?” you decide to test the waters.

“I mean, she helped us with the dead mouse yesterday... And the way she pissed off the director was kinda funny,” one of the girls remarks.

“Yeah, but doesn’t she seem, like, super bitchy to you?” No one agrees except Olivia.

“Yeah, sometimes she looks at me like she wants to kill me,” Olivia chuckles. “But I guess I don’t pay much attention to her.”

Are you seriously the only one she irritates? Maybe the problem is you, not her…

“I shared a kayak with her today, and she was a total ass, seriously.” You try to defend yourself.

“How so?”

“Like... um, I can’t remember her exact behavior right now, but she was just straight up mean,” you admit, feeling a bitter pang in your chest. Not because of someone’s harsh words, but because you feel like you made a fool of yourself. Does no one else find her infuriating besides you?

“Yeah, I asked about her because she killed me in the game,” you clear your throat, “and who killed you?” Changing the subject successfully.

You enjoy the rest of the evening; it’s peaceful, and eventually, your mood improves. You’re so tired after the first day that you don’t even join your friends when they sneak out of your cabin to hang out with others; you collapse onto your bed and fall asleep immediately.

***

The next morning, an alarm clock wakes up the whole room. Since you got the most sleep last night, you are the first to actually get out of bed and have plenty of time for yourself. Looking at your other roommates, you doubt if some of them got any sleep at all last night.

You walk towards the main square with them as they discuss the events of last night.

“Seriously, y/n, it’s a shame you weren’t there yesterday. You should totally join us tonight,” Mia playfully punches your arm.

“Yeah, we had to sneak around so the counselor wouldn’t catch us. We made it to Lily’s room, and at first, we just talked—”

“Yeah, but then we started playing spin the bottle, you know. We only managed like two rounds before we heard the counselor coming, and we had to bail.”

“Mhm, we’re planning on continuing the game tonight. You’re in, right?” Mia asks.

Thinking about it now, you regret not joining the girls yesterday; you usually never say no to fun.

“Of course I am. I wish I had been there last night too,” you admit with a smile, and the girls get enthusiastic as well.

***

You’ve already chosen the activities for the day. First is swimming, then sailing, and lastly, rock climbing. Olivia is supposed to accompany you on each activity too.

You change into your swimsuit and wrap yourself in a towel. You join your group in the assembly area, recognizing some familiar faces. As you walk towards the lakeside, you pass by the horse stable. Looking closer, you notice Ellie cleaning one of the horse stalls—yesterday's punishment. You try not to burst out laughing with Olivia when you see her.

The first activity is nothing special; as soon as you get into the water, instead of swimming, you start splashing around with the cold water. Since it’s early summer, the water has barely warmed up from the sun. The rest of the activity is spent either tanning on the shore or occasionally dipping into the water, only to quickly run back to dry land as others splash you.

Since the next activity is sailing, you don’t bother changing out of your swimwear, assuming you might get wet again. However, it’s just the start of camp, so the instructor begins with theory lessons on land: boat construction, the wind rose, basic maneuvers. By the end of the lesson, all the new information begins to blur together in your mind. There’s too many.

It’s alright, you calm yourself down; you have the whole month to learn.

After lunch (it was spaghetti today!), you spend the break reading a book in your room and hanging out with your roommates.

Now it’s time for rock climbing. It’s your first time trying it, but you’ve always wanted to try it. You change into more sporty clothes and follow Olivia to the main square. You join the crowd until you arrive at the climbing wall. You look up; the wall is about 50 feet tall—is that a lot for a climbing wall? You have no idea; it looks average.

The activity starts with the instructor’s introduction and a little theory, but fortunately, it doesn’t take up all the remaining time. First, everyone who wants to climb has to pair up with someone heavier and more experienced to belay them.

You look around; Olivia is about the same size as you, so she wouldn’t be the best match. You turn and spot her: a girl wearing a black tank top with smooth blonde hair in a single braid. She looks much more muscular than you—perfect. You approach her.

"Hey, do you mind belaying me?" You ask Abby, who looks at you with a neutral expression at first.

"Sure, why not," she responds with a warm smile lighting up her face.

The instructor gives you a bit more instruction before helping you with the climbing harness. Abby, clearly more experienced with this type of equipment, manages hers effortlessly.

"Tell me when you’re ready." You stand facing the wall, Abby behind you holding the rope to belay you. As you look up, the height suddenly seems much more daunting than the supposed 50 feet. Okay, you can do this. That’s what Olivia next to you reassures, too.

Around you, some people are already climbing, while others watch from below. You take a deep breath and grab two handholds above your head, placing both feet on lower holds. With your hand reaching for another hold, you feel the rope tighten, lifting you slightly higher. You adjust your foot and continue upwards.

The holds require more strength than you anticipated, but you push through, climbing a little higher. You’ve moved about five holds up already. Your fingers of both hands reach another holds, but they’re too small and you feel them slipping on the polyester resin slowly— you know it's only a matter of time before you lose grip.

Just before you fall, you glance down. You let go of the hold, and Abby’s rope catches you, holding you at the same height for a few seconds before she carefully lowers you to the ground. She helps you remove the harness.

"How was it?" Abby asks kindly.

"I didn’t realize climbing was that hard," you admit, your hands sore and muscles tense.

"Was that your first time?"

"Was it really that obvious?" You whine.

"Well, you got pretty high if it was your first time. Most people are too nervous to even attempt the wall," Abby encourages.

You look at the climbing wall and the point from which you fell. You climbed about, wow shocking, 7 feet. You know Abby is probably being just polite and not honest, but it's still nice of her.

"I was only up there for like 5 minutes, but thanks anyway… Do you climb often? Sorry, that's a dumb question. You look… well, clearly experienced," you say, noticing her muscles.

"Yeah, I swim too, but climbing has always been my favorite," Abby admits.

The counselor announces the session's end, and people begin to head back to their cabins.

"Well, I’ll see you around," Abby waves with a smile, leaving you and joining her friends.

You gather your things, and Olivia finds you.

"Abby, huh?" she grins teasingly.

"What do you mean?" you shake your head.

"I saw the way you were checking her out. Interesting, wouldn't have pegged you for being into the head counselor’s daughter…"

"What? No, it's not like that! Yeah, she's attractive but—" You stop short, processing her words. "Wait, did you say Mr. Anderson's daughter?!" Your eyes widen in surprise.

"Shh, not so loud. Yeah, she’s Abby Anderson. To be honest, they do look alike, kind of," Olivia laughs.

"No they don’t! Gross! She’s cute, I guess. But definitely not my type," you assure her, the rest of the walk filled with idle chatter. You prepare for dinner and head over with your group, sitting together at a table.

"Mrs. Miller told me we're playing Treasure Hunt tonight, but she said not to tell anyone, so be quiet," Leah, your roommate, reveals while eating.

"That children’s game? Oh God," you groan, anticipating it'll be boring.

"No no, it's different here. It's actually quite fun," Olivia chimes in mischievously. "Once it's dark, everyone gets paired up randomly and gets just a flashlight and a treasure map. The treasure's hidden somewhere in the woods…"

"Yeah, and the first pair to find it gets a prize." Emma adds.

"And what's the prize?" you inquire, starting to get curious.

"A fancy dinner or something, but that's not the point. It’s about being out in the dark with just a flashlight and possibly some… hot company," Olivia explains, winking at you.

"Yeah, some people really… well, they take full advantage of the occasion, you know two people left alone in the dark" Emma smirks.

"What? The way you put it sounds pretty horrible," you admit.

"No, it's thrilling!" they try to convince you. "Plus, the counselors try to spook you. Come on, it's so much fun…"

"I guess it could be fun…" You're still unsure, particularly about being alone in the woods with others trying to scare you. But you're up for new experiences, right?

"If you give up on the treasure hunt idea, we’re moving Spin the Bottle to the woods. We’ll meet by the pond."

The after-dinner break is longer than usual, you have to wait till the night comes. Three hours later, everyone gathers in the main square. Leah was right; the counselor confirms it’s Treasure Hunt night.

The rules are reiterated, although you’re already familiar with them. Finally, the pairs are announced.

"Y/n and Amelia Oakley."

You walk to the center and see Amelia approaching. Short brown hair, glasses— right, you met her at Arts and Crafts yesterday. She seemed nice. You both approach another counselor who distributes flashlights and the treasure map.

"Hey, we met at Arts and Crafts yesterday," you initiate the conversation.

"Yeah, I remember you," she says warmly.

She might not be the "super hot company" your friends were telling you about, but the game should still be enjoyable with her as a partner. At least you didn’t end up with a total nightmare like Ellie for example. Phew.

You all gather at the main gate, waiting for the game to commence. It’s a serene night; the sun has already set, and while it's dark, it’s not completely pitch-black yet. The stars are beginning to twinkle above, and you can hear the rustling of leaves and the breeze through the trees.

The director opens the gate, and as everyone prepares to dash off, he speaks up.

"You have to be here in exactly three hours, or sooner. Whistles will blow 10 minutes before the end. Don’t even think about leaving the designated area; the counselors will find you anyway. Remember, we have eyes and ears everywhere." You gulp, recalling the stories your friend shared about counselors lurking in the dark woods. "Let the game begin!"

The rush is palpable as the crowd surges toward the nearest path. Amelia grabs your hand, and you both join the sprint. Initially, everyone follows the same route, but as time passes, the group thins out as people take different directions.

"Let's turn left now!" Amelia shouts above the din, and you follow suit. After a few moments, you stop to catch your breath.

"Okay. What's our plan? How do we find this treasure?" you ask, still panting.

"Well, according to the map," she shines her flashlight on the paper, "we need to head to the west side of the woods. But are we really here just for the treasure?"

You look at her, confused.

"What else would we be here for?"

"I mean, for many, the appeal of this game is the freedom. For one night, you’re left alone in the woods. It would be a shame to use that time only to find some hidden treasure," she suggests, her face softly illuminated by the flashlight.

What are her intentions? Hopefully just friendly…

"Yeah, I guess… But what else could we do?" You were kind of looking forward to the treasure hunt before.

"Some people form groups and hang out, others like to spook the other campers," Amelia explains.

"That sounds more interesting than the original game," you admit.

"Okay, but how do we find them?" you wonder aloud.

"Well, we either stumble upon them, or we could sit quietly and listen for any approaching footsteps. Though that might seem a bit creepy," she laughs.

"I suppose we could try the first option…"

You start walking through the woods, unfortunately without encountering anyone. It’s now completely dark; your flashlight is your only source of light. It’s getting chilly, and you regret not bringing a hoodie.

"You know, thinking about it now, letting teenagers loose in the woods all night seems like a pretty risky idea. What if someone goes missing or something?" you voice your concerns.

"For the past 30 years, it hasn’t happened. And the counselors are everywhere. They might even be right behind you," Amelia says, sending a shiver down your spine. "Don’t worry, if you were to yell for help, three of them would probably appear instantly."

"That's a little unsettling," you chuckle nervously.

Suddenly, you hear the crackling of leaves behind you. You whip around, and Amelia grabs your hand. Both of you freeze, listening intently.

The sound comes again— louder, closer…

"RAAAAAH!" a scream echoes right behind you. Startled, Amelia lets go of your hand and bolts. You run after her, the creature in hot pursuit behind you.

You continue running until you reach a fork in the road. Glancing back, your flashlight reveals two human silhouettes giving chase, they’re so close now. You turn back, noticing Amelia is missing. Fuck, she has already chosen a path, but you’re unsure which one. Deciding quickly, you turn right, hoping to meet her there.

You shine your flashlight ahead but see no sign of Amelia. After a while, you can’t hear footsteps behind you either. Turning around, you realize you’re now alone. Alone in the woods with only your flashlight, you’ve lost the treasure map long ago. That was probably the fastest you’ve run in your life.

"Fuck…" you curse under your breath, standing still to catch your breath. You look around, finding no one in sight. Your first instinct is to backtrack to the fork in the road, but as you start walking, you realize you lost your way in the heat of the chase.

You're on the verge of calling out for counselors, as Amelia suggested, when a distant flashlight catches your eye. At this point, you're indifferent whether it's the chasers, Amelia, or anyone else; you just can't stand being alone in these dark woods anymore. Flashing your own light a few times, you hurry over to the source. As you shine your flashlight in their face, you realize it’s… Ellie.

"For fuck’s sake, can you stop blinding me with that damn thing?!" You would’ve recognized this tone everywhere, even if you didn’t know it’s Ellie.

"Ellie…"

"No way," she groans, hiding her face in her hands. She realizes it’s you who she has bumped into. "I've been wandering alone for twenty minutes, and you are the first person I meet?"

"Why are you alone?"

"I ditched my partner ages ago. At first, I was scaring the other campers," she smirks. "It was hilarious— they were all pissing their pants. But then I got bored and headed towards the pond."

Right, you remember. Your friends mentioned they were meeting there. A thought appears in your head.

“I was walking towards the pond, too”

"They invited you to play too?" she sighs, clearly mad. "I was hoping to leave you here once you’re done talking."

"Not that simple, Williams," you reply, feeling just as displeased about the reunion. "Do you know the way?"

"It’s on the map, genius," she scoffs.

"Well, I lost mine. Looks like we're walking together," you say, hearing Ellie emit another groan.

For a while, silence hangs between you both. It's not exactly awkward—more like a mutual animosity.

"I lost my partner when we got chased," you eventually mention.

"I don't care," Ellie cuts you off with a sharp tone, prompting a sigh from you.

"Ellie, what is your problem?"

"My problem? What do you mean?" Her tone betrays her disinterest.

"You are such a bitch to me. Since the first time we’ve talked."

"Thanks."

"Answer me, Ellie," you insist, growing tired of the tension.

"You annoy me. Your face, your voice… I don’t know. What do you expect? Maybe I'm just a bitch," Ellie sighs, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability.

In the distance, you hear murmurs of human voices from behind the trees.

"Looks like we're here," you comment as you and Ellie approach the gathering.

You see about ten people gathered in a circle. Spotting your friends, you walk over to them.

"Hey, Y/n! We've been waiting for you!" They greet you eagerly.

"How long have you been here?" you ask, settling down as they make room for you.

"Not long. Just got here about five minutes ago. We're still waiting on a few more," Olivia informs you.

You glance around. Someone has cleared the leaves and sticks for seating so the ground is clear. Some people have placed their flashlights on the ground, while others still hold theirs. A greenish pond shimmers a few feet away, reflecting all of the lights.

After a while, five more people join the circle. Despite the dim lighting, you manage to recognize some faces, including Abby, the girl who belayed you while climbing earlier.

A deep voice cuts through the murmurs. "Quiet, everyone! Let’s start the game."

Taglist: @littlelittlebear

#ellie willams x reader #ellie williams #fic #ellie tlou2 #ellie williams fluff #series #ellie williams tlou #enemies to lovers #summer series

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penelopepine · 4 months

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Don't be a stranger! Pt. 9 (Final)

Part 8 Part 9

Simon "Ghost" Riley x FemReader

Content: Neighbors AU, fluff, developing relationship, establishing relationship

Immediately Simon turns to look at you. Almost wondering to himself if what you said was all in his head, but it wasn't. You were awake, and you had heard him say that he loves you.

He doesn't say anything as you seem to gain back your consciousness. Slowly blinking away the drowsiness in your mind.

"…Simon?"

"I'm here," He grabs your hand; squeezing it tight in his, "I'm here, love."

You smile shyly, and squeeze his hand as well, "Did I hear you right?"

Simon doesn't know how to answer that, and before he can truly think about what to say Price makes his presence known to the room with a small cough. "I'll give you two a bit of privacy," He gives Simon a pat on the shoulder before whispering in his ear, "Simon, don't let yourself stand in the way of something good."

With a nod and whispered words to you as well, Price steps out of the room. Leaving the two of you alone to talk about the elephant in the room.

It feels like an eternity passes in the quiet seconds. Simon takes Price's words to heart, and decides to finally take the leap. "You did. I said it."

"Can…can you say it again?"

Simon feels terrified right now; it feels different saying it directly to you, but he’s not going to let you go now that he’s so close to what he wants. “I love you. I feel as if I was made to love you.” Looking into your eyes he sees tears starting to well up, and panic hits him at full force once again. He immediately stands and pulls his hand away from yours. “I’m sorry I’ll go-”

“Simon!” Your hand quickly wraps around his; stopping him from running out of the room, “Please look at me.” He doesn’t want to. He doesn’t want to see the tears in your eyes, but softly your voice calls out to him again. “Simon.”

You asked him and so he does. He looks back towards you, the tears still present, but a big dopey grin has replaced your once hesitant smile. “I love you too.”

In the blink of an eye he is on you. His hands are softly holding your face so that your faces are only inches apart. “Say it again.” His voice almost desperately asks.

“I love you, Simon-.”

Before you’ve even finished saying it, he's kissing you. Simon has wanted this for so long, and to hear you say it is like a dream come true. This moment is all he had wanted for the past few months.

The kiss lasts for many moments before the two of you pull away from each other as a loud knock on the door rings out. Quickly Simon moves to sit back down on the chair just as the door is swung open revealing Johnny. Who comes practically sprinting in once he sees that you're awake.

"Beads!" Johnny yells out, and brings you into a hug, "I'm so glad to see that you're ok lass."

You wrap your arms around him as well laughing as you say, "I could say the same to you. My first outing off base, and we got jumped!"

Johnny looks at you with sadness in his eyes, "I should have been paying better attention. There’s a reason you are still living on base after all."

"Johnny-" You try to say but are interrupted before more can be said.

"No lass, I made a mistake leaving your side. We're lucky nothing too serious happened."

You don't say anything else, and just bring him back in for a hug. Simon knows that Johnny is probably feeling guilty right now, and he's sure Johnny will try and make up for what happened once you're out of here. Regardless of whether you think he needs to or not. "I'm just glad everything is over honestly." You say with a big yawn.

Simon looks your way as you two break away from each other, "That reminds me love, you should focus on resting right now." He makes sure to send Johnny a look as well; silently telling him that it's time for him to go now.

Johnny has always been able to read his silent demands, and happily makes his way out of the room after saying goodbye to you. Once it’s just the two of you again Simon grasps your hand in his. “I meant what I said about you getting rest. You’re clearly starting to fall asleep again.” You had been actively yawning with drooping eyes for the last few minutes now.

“Will you be here when I wake up again?”

“I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.” Simon could think of a close second though, and that would be in the interrogation room with Laswell. That is something that can be handled later though; staying here with you is more important.

"Can I-," You start, but your own yawn cuts you off. You're leaning against the pillow with closed eyes, and Simon isn't even sure if you're aware of what you're saying right now, "-ask you one more question?"

"Go ahead, love."

You barely open your eyes, and give him the biggest grin, "Do you wanna be my boyfriend?"

"I want to be your everything," He whispered, watching your eyes fall shut. Simon loved you so much right now looking at your sleeping face. He's not sure if you'll remember asking that, but he'll be the one to ask you if so. He's not going to let you go now; not after everything.

With that Simon goes and turns the light down for you, and settles down by your side once again. He's not planning on going anywhere any time soon. Everything else can just fade away into the background now that he has you.

Simon's ready for what the future holds as long as he gets to be by your side.

Note: That it! This story is officially done! I had such a great time writing this story, and I started talking to some amazing people because of it. I hope everyone has enjoyed it as much as I have.

If anyone is wondering the total word count for is just over 13k!

My next big story is going to be expanding on this blurb here that I wrote a bit ago. You can also check out my masterlist for other things that I have written.

Taglist: @nexthyperfix @yourdaydreamerfan @tf141gloryhole @just-pure-trash @definitelynotaclown

@141tfsan @arminarlertssword @openup-yourmind @evie-119 @v1x3n

@whos-fran @trcyyyyy @azkza @kaoyamamegami @yyiikes

@leryg0 @pansexualhailstorm @trulovekay @kdidgg @ane-sthesie

@zhongtar @shinebright2000 @blackhawkfanatic @cmbghost @prozacprinc3ss

@shizukunora @chocolate-noodles @fakeguysarehot @identity2212 @zarsghost

@mroman0111

#x reader #simon riley x reader #simon ghost riley #task force 141 #call of duty #ghost x reader #fem reader #female reader

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chadillacboseman · 1 year

Note

your work needs more praise!!! specifically the marakrov stuff lately. the whole possessive/protectiveness thing in the past one definitely did something to me 🙈would it be okay if i ask for a something?

maybe sitting in between his legs, resting your head on this thighs and looking up at home while he talks about all the things he’d do to protect you, his precious. maybe a little smut added into that?

also the fact you call him V *chefs kiss*

Thank you so much for that kindness!! :)

CW: Reader has an encounter with a very creepy dude who threatens them.

It was a split second, really. The man at the bar let his hand wander too low, fingers brushing where they had no business being.

You had told him to fuck off countless times, rebuffing his outrageous advances with a scoff and rolled eyes.

The hand was the last straw.

Your hand passed across his cheek, crisp, hard, and loud, ringing out as he recoiled from the force of the slap. You stormed out in a huff, abandoning the friends you had come with and exited into the rainy night, pulling your coat around your frame.

In hindsight, probably not the smartest idea. Your apartment was at least six blocks away and the rain was coming down in sheets, soaking your jacket and the clothes underneath.

You pulled your phone from your pocket and texted Vladimir, "Just left the bar, walking home. Some asshole wouldn't take a hint."

"Hey!" a voice called from behind you, nearly swallowed by the pouring rain.

You spun on your heel, finding yourself face to face with the man from the bar. Panic took root in your chest like an icy hand wrapping its fingers around your heart.

"What do you want?" you braced yourself, fists balled in your pockets, prepared for the worst.

"The fuck is your problem?" he spat; his face was twisted in an ugly snarl, "Embarrassing me like that in front of the whole bar?"

You didn't have an answer- nothing you could have said would diffuse the situation. You contemplated running, sprinting into the night and hoping you were faster than him.

"You got a hearing problem, bitch?" the man barked, beginning to close the gap between the two of you.

You took an instinctive step back, acutely aware of how alone the two of you were in the street, "Listen, I'm sorry I slapped you-"

"Not sorry enough," He closed the gap quickly and you turned to run, your heart racing, banging in your rib cage like a snare drum.

You ran face first into something, bouncing back a few inches before two arms embraced you, stopping you from falling backward. You yelped in surprise, eyes snapping upward to meet the face of the person who had caught you-

Makarov.

"V-" you choked out the nickname you'd given him, your heart still hammering, "He- he was going to-"

You didn't need to finish the sentence. Makarov was on the man in an instant, his fists hurtling through the air, blood and rain blurred together as he beat him. You turned away, averting your eyes from the scene as Makarov pinned him to the ground and battered him, his hands growing more bloodied with every blow.

When he was satisfied, he rose to his feet, adding a final kick to the man's ribs before coming to you, his voice hushed, arms wrapping around you in a familiar embrace.

"It's alright, Солнышко," he murmured, "Let's get you home."

The journey was a blur of rain, cold, and darkness, as Makarov guided you to the car and into the passenger seat. The streetlights flicked past in orange blurs as the two of you drove on without a word.

He kept a protective hand clasped on your thigh the entire trip.

"I should have killed him," Makarov ran his hand through your hair as you rested on his thigh, "Should have gutted him like a fish."

You stared up at him from you place at his thighs, head rested comfortably on the muscled surface, "Why did you...why did you find me?"

Makarov scoffed and glanced down at you, "You told me you were walking home. Alone." He seemed annoyed at the idea.

"Sorry," you looked away and he dipped his mouth to your forehead for a kiss.

"You did nothing wrong," he muttered, lips still brushing against your skin as he spoke.

You felt like crying, all of the emotions of the night bubbling to the surface as you laid in his lap, his fingers still tangled in your hair.

"I was so scared, V," You whispered, still choking back tears, "I thought-"

Makarov interrupted you with a hand to your chin, turning your gaze to his; his eyes were intense, burning with an emotion you couldn't place.

"Nothing is ever going to happen to you," his eyes were dark, fixated on yours as he spoke, "No one will ever hurt you. Ever."

"Ever?" you goaded him a little now, enjoying the way he looked at you with such possessiveness.

"Ever," he echoed with a sly smile, "And if anyone lays a finger on you, I'll fucking kill them."

You knew he meant it.

#makarov x reader #vladimir makarov x reader #ns/fw

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tothosewholisten · 2 months

Text

Forever Healed | TUA insert

Chapter: 07

<<previous chapter | next chapter>>

Masterlist

…

AROUND 16 YEARS AGO

Leaving for missions wasn't a thing we were particularly good at, yes. Since no one was exactly thrilled to beat more people up and put their lives on the line. After all, we were just kids who had no say. The red siren that blared around our rooms was a clear warning for us to leave, but as children, we just wanted to play.

Today was a normal day, the alarm rang and we got ready. Our loud steps could be heard all around the mansion as we went from room to room.

Diego was the first person I heard. He was running across the hallway for some reason over to his room, still in his school uniform without a care in the world.

“Coming through!” A voice told the boy almost knocking right into him.

It was Alison, already ready to go. She was sprinting down from the staircase closest to our bedrooms to hurry up her fellow sibling. “Come on, Luther!” She yelled.

Next, I heard heavier and less rushing footsteps which could only have belonged to our captor himself. “How will the Umbrella Academy ever become an effective crime deterrent if we can’t leave the house on time for missions!?” Reginald screamed out to us. He clapped his hands a couple of times as if telling us to wake up. “Come along children! Come along!”

“Behind you!” The blonde-haired boy previously mentioned runs past the clapping man towards his and Alison's rooms.

Alison panics while tearing her bedroom apart in search of something. “I can’t find my domino mask.” She walks over to Grace who stands at her door.

Grace handed her a freshly clean mask, the type we all had to use for missions and smiled. “It needed a little bit of TLC after the last mission.”

“Thanks, Mom!” The girl cheered, making her way back up the stairs.

Grace took a few steps towards the room next door, Luther's. Where he was on his carpet doing pushups. “Ready to go?” She asked him.

Luther stopped his workout and smiled at his mother while giving her a thumbs up. She took that as a sign that he would be upstairs soon, so she went to check on the other children.

Diego once again is running around like a headless chicken. “Where’s my knives?” He yells to no one.

Grace passed Vanya's room where she stood there in her school uniform because of course she couldn’t go on missions. She played a soothing song on her violin while trying to tune out the noise of us and the blaring alarm.

“Sounds beautiful, Vanya.” Grace grinned.

“Thank you, Mom.”

Next to Vanya’s was Klaus’s room. The wild child bounced on his bed laughing. Grace didn't think much of it until she looked down and saw his desk was on fire.

“Oh! Klaus!” She rushed into the room to put out the small fire with a rag sitting on his chair. Klaus thanked his mother and jumped off his bed to meet the others.

“Boys will be boys.” Grace mutters under her breath while on the way to Diego’s room. Before checking in on him, Ben walks past her.

“It—It’s stuck.” He says while trying to zip up his leather outfit. Grace stops to help him, and after a few attempts to zip it up, it finally stays zipped.

He thanks her and runs to the others. “Guys, wait for me!” He calls out.

Diego had finally put on his crime-fighting uniform and even found his knives, now he stood in front of his mirror.

He was trying to practice something. “D—Don’t mmm—.” He painfully stutters.

Grace waited at his door, instead of going inside the room because she didn't want to mess up his attempt.

“Don’t mm.. mm.. mmmm…”

He sighs. “Don’t muh— muh—“

The woman walks up to him just as he’s lost hope. “Remember, Diego, just picture the word in your mind.” She comforts.

Diego looks back at the mirror. “D-Don’t mm— muh— D-Don’t mmm.. Don’t mo-move.”

She gasps happily at him. “You did it! I’m so proud of you!” She places her cold hands on his cheeks while smiling.

But the boy stopped looking at her, instead, he looked ahead toward his room door. Grace followed his eyes and it was Reginald who stood there. He cleared his throat before leaving with Grace and Diego following after.

Diego is the final kid to walk towards the crowd, well that's what Grace thought. She followed Reginald out of the last child’s and towards another. Where she completely forgot about the last person she didn't check on, me.

Reginald doesn't even bother to rush me to go, he leaves Grace to deal with it and walks over to everyone else upstairs.

Grace knocks on my already opened door to not startle me. “Y/n? It’s time to go.” She says calmly.

“I know,” I replied with my squeaky voice. But I didn't turn to grace, instead, I kept looking out my window, staring at the people who walked on the street. Compared to me they didn't have a single care and did their day-to-day schedule without worry. And I prayed to be like them one day and free of this place.

“Is something wrong?” She gets closer to me.

I sigh. “I don’t want to go.”

She places her hands on my shoulders which were covered by the material of the lame outfits we had to wear. “Well, how about this? We can make one of your favorite foods when you get back, just the two of us!”

I slowly turned to the tall woman, eyes puffy.

“Cookies?” I sniffle.

She gave me a sadder smile than I'd seen on her face before. “Of course whatever you want.”

That immediately makes me happier, and I grab my mask and sit in my desk chair waiting for Grace to put my hair into a ponytail. Since my first mission, she told me it would be easier to fight crime when your long hair isn’t in your face. I still listen to her about that to this day.

She hummed a tune while brushing and combing my hair. “There! All done.” She exclaimed. “You look adorable as ever Y/n, but run along now you don’t want to be late.”

“Okay!” I put on my domino mask and ran out the door, but stopped at the frame.

“Uhm?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks, Mom!”

PRESENT DAY

Vanya's soft voice and concerned look broke me out of my trance. “Y/n, are you okay?” She asked me.

I blink. “You're still here? I thought you were going home.”

“Well, I was but.. I'm not sure, I guess I don't want to miss anything important. You weren’t downstairs anymore so I came up here. And I was calling your name for a while, but you didn't move. What's wrong?”

I look down at the ground, why was I over here? Somehow I'd gone from the living room couch, all the way upstairs to my room, in my head thinking about us as kids. I didn't have an answer for the girl, so instead I shook my head. “I'm good, I'm good.”

“That answer is so vague, tell me more.” She whispers while taking a seat on my bed.

I instantly break my facade at her words, and my thoughts just pour out. “I don't know, I just thought that coming here would make me feel better you know?”

Vanya nods. “Like most of my problems stem from my bad upbringing and now the cause is dead. But instead of being happy again, I'm just reopening old wounds. Like seeing all of you, and the bickering and secrets that go on. I'm just sick of it all!” I let out a frustrated groan after ending my rant, flopping on my bed next to my guest.

Vanya is a great listener, this wasn't the first time she’s been in my room in a similar situation to this. As a kid, I had so much rage and no one to tell me what to do with it, except my fellow kid Vanya. We sat in here for hours as I avoided my training and ran away from Reginald.

“I understand what you're saying.” She starts. “It’s never easy moving past bad events, don't beat yourself up for still feeling upset. And of course, no one in this family is making it easier with this whole Dad mystery.”

“Yeah, I know. I tried to tell Luther to stop chasing after this. But he won’t listen, he just has to know the truth. To be honest, at least he has something that's pushing him through life, I thought I had everything figured out. I have a job and I like it, but I don’t have any friends or real connections in the outside world. I'm only still here because this is the only excitement in my life for years.

Now I'm so unsure of everything just because I came back here. I feel like I'm not living up to my potential, I could be doing so much more. Especially since the world is ending.”

“You and Klaus are really all I have, Isn’t that sad? Almost thirty years on this planet and I'm a failure.” I crack a sad smile at her.

“That’s not true Y/n, please don’t think that.” Vanya exclaims.

“But isn't it though?” I hold my hands up and concentrate to make them illuminate a yellowish-orange glow, the kind that happens when I heal. “I could’ve done something great with these powers, maybe become the first super-powered doctor? I'm not sure but I could’ve done anything. Instead, I do a bunch of odd jobs to pay for rent and spend my hours sitting around. I had no plans after leaving here.”

Before the woman can form a sentence and answer, we whip our heads towards my closed door, a loud sound blasted its way through the hallway, it sounded like gunfire. The said noise kept getting louder and closer to us, something bad happening.

I spring up from my bed and head towards the door, carefully opening it and peeking to see if there’s anything there. What I see is definitely a sight.

I look back at the shaking Vanya and crouch down next to her. “Hey, it’ll be okay. I'm going to go and help, please stay in here till the coast is clear. Head straight out the doors and run as far away as you can, okay?”

“Yeah..” she mumbles out, flinching at each bang.

In the hallway was Diego, he groaned and grumbled as he tried to subdue two people in suits with strange masks on. One had a comically large pink dog head and the other had a blue bear head, which was equally large. The woman with the dog mask kneeled on the ground with a loaded gun in her hands as Diego attacked the man.

Diego was actually getting a few good licks before the man yelled out. “Cha-Cha! Shoot him!” What a weird name.

“Get out of the way, dumbass,” Cha-Cha remarked. This was the moment I stepped in, I ran up to Pinky and grabbed the gun from her, tossing it aside towards my bedroom. My adopted brother looks up wondering why Pinky stopped aiming her gun to see me and her starting to fistfight.

She goes for my face thinking that I wasn’t ready to dodge her fist but I was, I return my own punches right into her stomach and she falls over in agony. Not before trying to swing her feet at mine and knock me over which I am prepared for. I take a step back missing her dress shoes and ready my leg to kick her in the mask.

It looked pretty solid but I know if I had enough force she would at least get hurt also and maybe even concussed. With great accuracy I kick her right in the face, the metal-like mask makes a loud ring as her head bobbles and she hits the ground.

That kick created a huge red mark on my leg I'm sure, and probably also more damage but I didn't even feel it, and it will heal in a couple of seconds.

Thinking that she is out for the count, I go to help Diego who seems to be struggling with the non-armed man. But Pinky gets back up slowly and trips over her steps, but finds her way back to her gun. Diego kicks the blue guy into the wall, putting him out of commission for a few seconds.

Pinky cocks her gun and is ready to shoot by the time that happens. I take a step in front of Diego hoping that I'd protect him from the bullets, and calmly tell him to walk away.

“Run Diego!” I screech. He and I fled the scene making the two masked assailants follow after us, hopefully giving Vanya enough time to go down the stairs and get out of there.

“Come on!” I hear Pinky tell the woozy man, in her thick New York accent.

I follow Diego down a different hallway, away from our bedrooms as Pinky shoots at us. Her bullets break many glass cases filled with Umbrella Academy merchandise but who truly cares about that stuff anymore? While avoiding the bullets Diego jumps the hallway railing, I do the same after him and we both land on the couch in the living room below.

He drags me by my arm off the couch and we both hide behind it, against a table. From the viewpoint, Pinky and Bluey shouldn’t be able to see us and will hopefully leave us alone. But no they do not, in fact there they are right by the entrance to the living room. Must've gone down the stairs.

Diego moves the tiniest inch and the bullets start blazing us but they all hit the couch, but I move myself anyways to the direction where all of the bullets are coming from just to make sure Diego doesn’t get hit. These people are persistent. The gunfire doesn't end for ages, by this point, fluff and feathers are flying from the ripped couch.

Then suddenly it stops. The grunts from Luther and Alison could be heard from our spot as they took the two down. I stop shielding Diego, and we get up to go help.

Luther has Pinky down on the floor, but Bluey is choking out Alison.

“Let her go!” Diego screams running up to the man and giving him a few jabs and kicks to the back. I go for the hand choking her and kick at it hard a couple of times. But everything we do seems to do nothing so Diego hops on his back and punches him from there. We only get him to stop hurting Alison when Luther comes over and one hand punches him, sending us flying off Bluey.

Then Luther actually sends him flying, right to the spot where his companion is.

“Who the hell are these guys?” Alison yells at all of us.

I hear Pinky talking from the other room, “Who the hell are these people?” She asked. “I don't know, but at least we know who owns the shoe,” Bluey says back.

“You're welcome,” Luther says, mocking his brother. Yet he’s the only one huffing like a dog..

Diego puts his hands on his knees and hunches over. “I was doing fine!”

“Oh, yeah, you really had them-“

“Ever heard of a rope-a-dope?”

The two fight before another round of bullets hits the living room. Luther screams out and runs for the door closer to the living room to escape. “Get out of here now! Go!” He says to Alison who runs with him.

But he turns back to me and Diego, who is underneath me as we are still lying on the floor. I looked up at the thinking man, he was considering if he should risk it to come save us or not. But there’s no way he would make it over here without getting hit.

“Luther, just go!” I told him.

I whisper for Diego to get out of here and that I'll hold whoever remains here off. He nods and then army crawls for the door.

“I lost my gun.” Says Bluey, while Pinky stops firing to talk.

“I'm going after them.” She tells him.

The pair split off, with Bluey staying here to search for a new weapon. He heads to Reginald’s antique weapons cabinet because for some reason we just have that. I lay on the floor hoping that my playing dead look was convincing enough for him to not try and fight me.

The man picks up what can only be described as a pointy metal ball on a chain connected by a stick. I'd never bothered to go near that cabinet so I couldn’t really say what it was.

The man raises his head from his new weapon at a voice.

“Hello? Guys? Is everyone okay? Y/n?” Vanya yells from the main staircase. She walks towards the messed up living room. “Hello? Guys?”

Bluey runs to the right side of the entrance where Vanya is about to be and tries to sneak up on her.

“Vanya, look out!” I rushed at the man knocking him into the wall as Diego had done once before. After he falls into it I run up to her.

“Get behind me,” I say. Hopefully, if I could protect her she wouldn't end up getting hurt but I'm not sure if I could do that and fight him. “What are you doing here? I told you to run.”

“I couldn’t just leave you here!” She cries.

The man circles us, taking a step in and out to try and get me off my game. “Get back!” I yell at Vanya before moving to attack him again. He swings his heavy spiked ball at me, but it's too slow to hit me. I aim for his legs with a piece of glass I picked up while Diego and I running. Even though it slashes my hands and makes me bleed I slice him worse. Making him crumble down, wailing in pain.

I walk away from the down man over to Vanya. “Are you alright?” I ask.

Her eyes go wide and she screams. “Look out!” But I don't turn in time, instead I take the full force of that man's mallet and slam into the ground head first. It made me slightly black out but fearing for Vanya made me try and get back up.

Bluey held my legs down and started to hit me again and again. The pain started to get to me with every swing. I couldn’t move, I was frozen. It reminded me of training as my bashed-in skull started to bleed.

“Y/n!” Vanya screamed trying her best to get the weapon out of his hand. “Stop!”

But she isn’t strong enough, he decks her with it and she goes flying. I thought at this point, okay he thinks I'm a regular human my skull is getting bashed in and bleeding, enough is enough right? The madman keeps going.

Vanya’s cries break my heart as the man breaks my skull.

“Hey! Asshole.” A man's voice yells.

But by that time, the world gets hazy and my lifted head and dangling feet stop moving. And I black out.

“C- n you he- m?”

“Number Zero, get up training isn't over yet!”

I wake up on the ground, gasping for air holding my head to check for damage. But there was nothing? I wouldn’t have healed that quickly what’s going on. I wasn't at the academy either, I was in the middle of a forest. But instead of green grass and trees everything was blank and white.

Am I gone for good?

“What’s going on!?” I scream. No, I can’t die.

A bicycle bell could be heard in the distance as i black out. Again

“Y/-?

“You have failed me.”

“Can you hear me, Y/n?”

Vanya’s shaking hands try to grab onto my jacket, to pull me up from the ground. By the time I woke up it seemed like the fighting was all over. I opened my eyes to see three Vanya’s.

“Is this real? Why are there three of you?” I whisper, my world spinning through the lenses of my eyes. She holds her hands to her mouth as she chokes down sobs.

“Oh my god!” Alison yells as she walks into the room.

The two of them lay me on the disheveled couch as they talk above me.

“W— happen-?”

I didn’t hear the rest of their conversation as I slipped in and out consciousness. For the first time I was scared, I’ve only ever taken this long to heal my first time dying. Concentrating seemed unreachable with the throbbing feeling in my head, so I sat there, bleeding out.

Maybe it was God's way of saying I can’t keep cheating death.

“What are you still doing here?” Diego muttered out to Vanya after pacing the room. This time I stayed awake.

“I'm just trying to help.” She replied, looking down at me.

Diego snaps and moves closer to the worrying woman. “No, you could’ve been killed.” He yelled in her face. “Or have any of us killed. Just look at what happened to Y/n! She's barely healing.”

I try to say something for myself but it comes out incoherent mumbles.

“She is a liability.” He continues while pointing at his own sister. I know he didn't mean all of that, no he’s just looking for someone to blame for his own unhappiness. Can’t say I haven’t seen it before.

“I'm fine. Don’t blame her” I grumble trying to sit up. The growing light surrounding my head, as well as my slashed hands.

“No you're not Y/n I'm taking you to Pogo after this.” Diego says. Wouldn't Grace be the better option?

Vanya looks to Alison for support. “Alison?”

Alison glances up at the woman. “I think what he’s trying to say is that this kind of stuff is dangerous..” she pauses. “You're just—“

“Not like you.”

Vanya scoffs at herself and nods before heading out of the room.

“No, that's not what I- Vanya wait.” Alison rushes behind the leaving figure.

“Vanya please.” I croak out.

Diego speaks up from his seat on the other couch. “Let her go. It’s for the best.”

Alison huffs before walking away from the both of us. Leaving me with the angry Diego for no reason.

“Why do you do that?” I confronted him. “Ow.” While holding my hand to my head.

The man doesn’t reply to my question instead he crouches down in front of my now standing figure. “Come on.” He says. Before I can protest he lightly bangs on my head causing me to go limp so that it's easy enough for him to pick me up.

He carries my dying body all the way up several flights of stairs, until we reach the operation room. Where I spent some of my most fun times at the academy.. Then he gently lays me down. “Stay here. I'm gonna look for Pogo.” He warns.

I grab onto his arm deliriously before he leaves. “Bring me Vanya.” I cried out.

He walks out anyway.

…

Aug 14 update:

If you'd like to be added to the tag list for rest of the series (starts at chapter 10) say taglist in the comments!

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shuenkio · 5 months

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Pov: Tsundere 𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ Enhypen ᯓᡣ𐭩

Genre: Fluffy

Pov: Tsundere enhypen

Paring: Enha X male!reader

Do not copy my works (⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)⁠♥

Heeseung: In the third pov, he's the type of secret admirer, who's possessive, very jealous, and wants you to look at him only. whenever a guy or girl is near you, he's always at the crime scene, standing towering behind you, giving your friends a free dead stare, watching you closely while you are talking to your bff, And you don't even know about his presence in your shadow. He likes to walk you home even when you don't need him to and often gives you a strange signal every time. When you ask him, did he has a feeling toward you he just replies with a simple "Nope" However his actions speak in a different language as away the next day after you ask him. "No one can have you when I'm still breathing yeobo :) "

Jay: The principal's son is a walking fire in the school. He's cocky, flirty, hot temper and loves bully to those who are bad talk about him, only an appropriate is a pass. As soon as you transfer to this school, you draw his attention very quickly, because as the bully he is, he already got bored with the same victims and decided to give you some warm love instead. On the other hand, he's walking to his trap, he realizes that the moment you greet him with a short "hello" his heart almost gets shattered by your soothing voice. Your energy just brings him inside out, even though you're a guy but just by your existence alone, cast an unknown spell on him. Which makes him look awkward-cack-handed handed everytime he sees your face. "S-shut up! You failed the experiment who said I like some poor thing like you...or did i? "

Jake: The nerd guy who likes sports might be talkative to his friends but for you, it's different. Sometimes he likes to give you a hard time while sometimes he gives you a butterfly in your stomach. So confused yet so adorable. Over time, when it's a sports exam day, your p.e teacher assigns you to his team since you're bad at sports. Luckily you know how to play basketball too but not very good at it that much. It's the last match of the basketball game, sweaty, hot, and exhausted but you still keep your head on. This is the only chance to prove to Jake that you're useful too. The ball then passes to you, and you quickly run to the other team's goal, aiming for the net, with a piece of blessed luck you make it but during that time you're knocked by the other team member accidentally. You fall to the ground, slightly nosebleed, before blacking out on the spot. Jake saw you're blackout on the floor, immediately ran to you before lifting you in a bridal style, and sprinted to the nurse's office. later on, when you're awake with a band-aid on your face, you see Jake sitting beside you, watching you sleep. You're about to ask him what happened but he cuts you with "Do not try to impress me again like that, you're weak and y'know it. Just show your face every day is e-enough >:( "

Sunghoon: Laterally he enemies with you, all you do is breathe, still he got those headaches whenever you stand in his shadow. Try to act all cool and mysterious every day so you'd think he doesn't want to talk to you and avoid it at all costs. However deep down, he's watching your every move, secretly taking care of you, giving you the answers during the exam on purpose, nevertheless, you never knew he was doing it on purpose, he's more than happy that you never found out about his suspicious behavior. One day when walking back home, you got bullied by some bunch of bullies, boy didn't spare more time before jumping on them one by one, leaving them on the ground, blacked out. You were scared, bleeding and scratching your face. He then leans closer on his knee to check on you. You asked, your voice is shaking. "Wh-what are you doing here?" - "Shhh everything is okay now, let me take you home!" He ruffles your hair gently before giving you a piggyback to take you home.

Sunoo: This boy is so bad at acting all tough and mean, you know he's just doing it because you thought he wanted to look cool. However, he's still didn't treat you the same as his friend. He hates it when you're in a group project with him, talking to his friends, Don't fear him, and treat him as one of your friends when he does it opposite which somehow makes him feel slightly guilty. This action of his got the best of him when you're not in the class he'd put a snack under your desk almost every single day because he was scared to talk to you, too scared to say sorry and wanna be your friend or even more than a friend? During one fine evening, he asked you to meet him at the school's garden for some serious discussion about a project you both needed to do, it's sound not like a joke to you so you went right away. Once you arrived, you asked him what was wrong. He turns to face you with his tears streaming down his cheeks. He got on his knee and asked for your forgiveness out of a sudden. "Please M/n, I can't take it anymore, let's be friends again no-- I want MORE THAN A FRIEND THIS TIME, I LIKE YOU ALL ALONG-- why don't you know about it?"

Jungwon: A really hot temper one, can't say if both of you are friends or not because sometimes he's sweet and sometimes he's harsh as hell. Randomly staring at you in class non-stop which makes you very uncomfortable. One time during lunch break, when you were going to buy the strawberry milk, it was out of stock the moment you were about to buy it. you've been craving for those the whole day but now it's out? Ruin your lunch mood for real. He saw you wanted that strawberry milk so bad, he decided to walk to you and give you by himself and leave the canteen unspoken any words. Give you a dumbfounded moment. Your friends started to tease you after this scene happened from this day. As the day went on, he started to act more nice and lovely to you, as if he never shouted at you back then. You were stressing out that it could burn your brain until you chose to ask him the moment you saw him somewhere. "Why did I act all nice to you? Are you dumb or an idiot? Do you think I put zero effort before I make you mine?"

Ni-ki: Can't describe this boy how much he hated you the moment you walked into the classroom and introduced yourself. What's worse is the teacher assigned you to sit next to him, he just wants to murder someone on the spot but he can't do anything about it. Time is walking, he hated you but now, after spending some time observing you, he realizes you're just a shy person, everything you do is so soft and gentle, making him wanna swallow you and hide you inside his pocket. It's a pepero day, the day everyone exchanges the chocolate-coated cookie sticks with their friends or loved ones. The whole school is full of students who exchange chocolate together, even the teachers do this. Ni-ki get this opportunity to tell you his true feelings today after he developed a crush on you for a long time, so he decided to give you one while you talking to your friend. "Aww the bad boy give me a pepero, what's makes you want to do this?" You asked while giggling in a good way ofc. He stays silent for a second before finally speaking his mind. "Be my boyfriend dumbass, I can't stand seeing everyone having a crush on you from now on"

🗣️ please mind my English! ><

Reblog and like is much appreciated ♥

Please do not copy my works (⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)

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halcyone-of-the-sea · 9 months

Text

RED-WING BLACKBIRDS AND DARK DAHLIAS (XVII)

|| COV MASTERLIST || NEXT: CHAPTER XVIII ||

PAIRING: Kyle 'Gaz' Garrick x F!Reader

WORDCOUNT: 4.3k

WARNINGS: Blood, wounds, angst, guns/weapons, injury, abduction, talks of abduction, talk of interrogations, protective/worried Gaz, Gaz's POV, etc.

*I do not give others permission to translate and/or re-publish my works on this or any other platform*

They called him back to the US the second word got out that you and your mother were gone, and all through the flight, Kyle couldn’t stop clenching and unclenching his hands.

His eyes stared straight ahead, jaw so tight that he could feel his molars screaming at him to let off the pressure. All he did was bite down harder. Leg jumping in one of the metal seats of the C-17, the Sergeant had already run through his gear multiple times just to try and pull some semblance of surety from them—a weight of normalcy.

He had his magazines, he had his med pouch, and lines connecting his radio. Straps and ties, scissors next to wire cutters.

None of his mind games were helping. He couldn’t run through his mental checklist any more than he already had; having to be up into the twenties of times he’d counted through items and packed goods. Kyle was always steady—he was always ready. Yet, he can’t say he’d ever been as thrown off his course as he had when he got the hurried phone call from Laswell.

They’re gone. Get back here as soon as possible.

There hadn’t been a moment of peace afterward—the man doesn’t even think he’s slept, much less eaten beyond a granola bar and a sip of water. Price had been side-eyeing him since his impromptu interrogation session back in Russia; the blatant disregard of orders. He’d been less than impressed about it, even if it had hailed them the answers they’d been looking for.

Gaz can’t even care to remember the hissed words he’d been passed in the car back to base—can’t think beyond the heavy-set fear in his breast. His heart beat hard in his ribcage, like a hammer shattering glass. The man’s eyes are beady and small. His shoulders wound high.

With a small growl under his breath, Kyle moves his spine back stiffly to connect with the back of the seat, feet resetting themselves.

Johnny, across the way, spares him a glance, lips thinning. Over the noise is the hard assurance. “She’ll be fine, Mate, yeah? Just focus on gettin’ down there and finding ‘er.”

“Right,” brown eyes aren’t able to convey the same hope, and Gaz says the word on autopilot. He doesn’t want to talk—he needs to move. A man of intelligence brought down to the level of sprinting head first onto the scene because of a single woman.

The Scot frowns, sharing a glance with Price. It isn’t any use, they know the Sergeant is restless.

Even as the plane is landing, Garrick’s skin is stiff across his skull, scars pulling tight. When the cargo hold is open, he’s the first off the ramp.

Kate waits impatiently a small distance away, eyes grim.

“Laswell!” Gaz calls, jogging lightly away from the friction in the air from the C-17. The woman stares at him, blue eyes glancing back as Price catches up easily. The last two follow, bringing down the bags with their gear plus Garricks. Kyle licks his lips before speaking, sunglasses at the collar of his vest swinging.

“How did this happen?” He hisses, teeth bared. “Bloody hell, you said Alex was on her—I was told she would be under twenty-four-hour watch.”

“Sergeant,” Kate levels. “There’s been more activity here than I’d like to admit.” Her attention shifts to the Captain, who slips up and speaks stiffly.

“What’s the situation, Kate?”

“John,” the woman sighs, tilting her head. “It’s good you’re all here—we need as many eyes on this as possible. Follow me.”

“Kate,” Garrick moves forward, but a firm hand snaps to his shoulder, keeping him back. John’s unblinking eyes dig. The correction was as clear as day: show some respect—the information was coming. It wouldn’t help to rush into things, and, under that heavy blue gaze, Kyle won’t.

When had the Sergeant forgotten his training?

Gaz darts his head forward and clenches his jaw in thin understanding.

The flight from Russia back to Chicago was over thirteen hours, all four men were tired from running in circles and the time difference. But the job was the job. Gaz would drink as much caffeine as needed, even if he knew that he needed the rest more than anything, if not for his body then for his mind. The meeting room was a short and quick distance—the door barely shut and locked before business began in its regular grisly fashion.

Gaz refused to sit, instead standing with his hands hanging from his combat vest, thumbs tapping in a repeated, and obviously anxious, manner.

He needed to find you—safe. Alive. He needed to, and he can’t describe why out loud. The man had thought that maybe your lack of a phone call the night previous had been because of general fatigue and sickness; it would make sense with how you’d been nauseous all the time. On a few calls, you’d been falling asleep mid-sentence.

The flashing images of you possibly injured, bloodied, or even dead, left Gaz’s throat clearing quickly; face going from rage to fear to panic in a split second before forcing itself back to a practiced nothingness he reserved for interrogations. Except it felt like he was the one in the chair this time around.

Please, he thinks. Please, for the love of God, let her be okay. Fuck…this never should have happened.

He never should have left.

Laswell starts explaining just as the Captain lets off a grunted sentence. “What’s going on?”

“I went after her, but by the time I heard the gunshot, it was already too late.” The woman shakes her head. “This base was on an entire lockdown—no one was allowed close to our building.”

“Gunshot?” Gaz takes a step forward, head leaning closer as if he’d heard wrong. The others move past it, knowing there’s more. “Why was there already a lockdown in place?”

“Any cameras?” Ghost asks, partially interrupting. His intimidating form looms near the corner, casually leaning against the wall.

“That’s why I called you back so quickly,” Kate breathes. “Look.” The laptop is grabbed from the side of the main table and dragged over as everyone mulls around. “I didn’t want to risk it over an open channel. Who knows who could be listening.”

“Kate?” John asks, a bit confused as the man’s legs shift weight. “Listening? Who are we talking about?”

“That fellow?” MacTavish asks, glancing at the others curiously. “Chiyou, was it?”

“If it is,” the woman breathes, “then every one of my hunches is proved right.” Blue eyes dart up as the projector whirs to life from above. The light blinks on, shining to the white screen along the wall. “No one else has seen this, and I’d like to keep it that way, boys. All of it from this point forward is completely Black. Off the books.”

“Then let's get to it,” Gaz states firmly, nearly shaking from inaction. His attitude is snappy; body eager to move. He has to do something. “We’re wasting time, Laswell. Every moment is a second lost where Spitfire could be hurt—”

“We all know how much you care, Kyle,” a stern face bares down into his, but the Sergeant’s gaze doesn’t falter for one instant. “But this is far more complicated than anything we’ve encountered before.” A pause. “Focus.”

“I am focused, Ma’am,” Gaz utters, clenching his hands again, feeling the scrape of rough material from his vest. His eyes are sparking with rage, brimming with a deadly promise. “Lazer.”

“Good,” Is the easy response. “Because you’ll want to see this.”

The first image Gaz sees is you, and for that small instant, his pounding pulse stutters like a schoolboy. The grainy motion of your body as you sit down into the seat outside, placing down your journal and your laptop…brown eyes finch closed in confusion.

Journal?

Wasn’t that your father’s? When did you find that? Kyle’s mind runs, but all he can settle on is the possibility of you finding it back at your estate…and never mentioning it to him. Despite it all, there’s a quick flicker of something like a smirk across his lips before he watches you cough into your arm through the video. From there, though, Gaz’s attention becomes sharper, honing in like a blade the longer nothing happens.

Kyle studies every frame—every shift from the bushes and your hands pulling out your coin from your pocket, the item glinting in the low light. He’d never got to ask you why that thing was so important. A pang hits his chest, making Gaz’s sweaty hands twitch a bit harder. Seeing you there made his lungs crush in on themselves—there’s a need to try and break through the projection just to grab you back.

Focus, the Sergeant has to think. Get her back.

But his mind jumps to every time you’d stared into his eyes up to now, your growing bond that he felt proud of being a part of—some semblance of healing. Your lips so very close to his in the remnants of a dark room.

By the time the figure slips up behind you, the realization is enough to make Kyle’s hands drop seriously; Johnny, Ghost, and Price all going stone-still as their eyes snap back in slight shock. Gaz’s face drops.

Because it was no one else but your mother that now goes and points a gun at your head.

“What the fuck,” the Sergeant hear’s Johnny whisper under his breath.

It’s as if the fire is stolen from Garrick’s chest in one foul gust of wind. A chill so deep it leaves the hair on his arms standing pulls from the depths of his gut—intestines bunching; stomach writhing. His eyes stare so hard, that the tendons behind them pull like a tight string.

Your mother.

It all fit together so well, that the sudden realization made his mouth water with the warning of bile. Gaz wants to will the video to stop—and his teeth grind together as he glares at your pixelated form, none the wiser as your matriarch raises and levels the black barrel behind your head just after your fingers grasp at a something from the journal; dropping another piece of paper to the ground before quickly bending to retrieve it.

“Turn around,” Kyle harshly whispers to himself. “Fucking hell, Love, Please turn around.”

He pleads to whatever God might be listening, no, even then, to any anti-christ or demon that grips at his blackened soul—any of them; any broken, rotten bit of his heart. Something had to move you.

The gun raises, it follows the shifting of your head.

Kyle’s legs wanted to bolt, to run to wherever this footage had been filmed on some off-chance-hope that this was all a big farce—some lie; a test. A test he can break apart and analyze, a test he can understand. But Gaz can’t understand the raw fear that makes his eyes snap from you to the gun like a quivering child.

Suddenly he’s a little boy again, and his mother is giving him his father’s watch and explaining why the man isn’t here. Kyle feels very, very small. In fact, the Sergeant had never felt like more of a failure in his entire life.

“Please,” is all that he can mutter past numb lips, the others in the room irrelevant in the grainy shadow of a mangled woman trying to piece together her family's broken bits of polished glass. A kaleidoscope of crimson shards, dripping blood over her head; he knew how much it weighed on you, damn it, he knew. The things you’ve already gone through, he burned because of it. All of this is some great brand that sears his flesh: sinner.

Kyle shakes his head, jaw grinding before his fingertips threaten to draw crimson crescents in his palms.

“Just turn around.” He snaps, voice grating in his throat like a dog—eyes tight.

By the grace of whatever God had heard him, just before the quick flare of the bullet being discharged from the gun, your body drops to the ground.

John grunts beside him, arms shifting, and a great heaving sigh rattles through Gaz’s lungs. Your figure scrambles as pages erupt into the air—the journal on the table having been struck at the angle your mother had pointed the weapon; trailing down with her arm steady at the force.

The sense that she’d held a gun before was a quick thought, nothing more, as Kyle’s brown gaze sears the projector screen. Scrambling, the Sergeant holds his breath as you break for the cover of some potted plants, limping because of your thigh before your mother turns her head and calls sharply to someone out of the camera's range—there’s no sound on this footage, so the command is lost.

There’s a crackle on the screen, and the video snaps to black. Kyle’s heart breaks itself.

“Bring it back up!” He barks, neck straining itself. Gaz rushes forward, grabbing at the computer as his Captain gruffly reprimands his actions.

“Garrick!”

“This is all we could grab,” is the even tone. “There were multiple arrests in our surveillance building, they’re all being questioned right now. No one’s spilling.”

The Sergeant’s hands run the keys, messing with the space bar. Brown eyes land on the silent woman in barely hidden desperation.

“Where’s the rest of it? Where’d she run off to—there needs to be more we can go through. A–” He trails, teeth snapping. “A direction, a lead, something, Laswell.”

“What the fuck is going on,” John grinds out, moving his glare from Garrick to Kate.

“Her own mother?” Soap adds, raising a dark brow and making a noise under his breath. “Talk about a special family, aye?”

“Could say that again,” Ghost utters, huffing. “She got the package deal.”

“Bloody watch it,” brown eyes barely move from the screen as silence seeps into the room. Gaz’s fingers shift back the time to when you were rushing past that potted plant. A sharp sheen of horrified analysis was rooted like veins into Kyle’s sights now—a feral want.

You had to have left him something to find you. You were smart like that; you were devilishly sneaky when you needed to be—when there was only a second of lightning-strike action.

You had to have.

An aggressive fire so rare to the Sergeant seems to easily overtake him every time your mother’s face is visible to the camera. A blood-red adding of his brain so much so his hands visibly twitch along the pad.

“Major breach of all functions on base,” Kate answers the Captain, looking deathly serious. “We have no clue how long this has been going on.”

“The mother,” John levels.

“I had a hunch,” the woman admits.

“Why didn’t you say anything,” Kyle’s body straightens from where it was hunched over the computer, anger getting the better of him. “Fucking hell, Laswell. Spitfire,” he breathes, “my charge is gone and you had doubts?!”

“Sergeant,” the Captain’s voice is deathly cold. “...Stand down.”

Blazing brown meets Kate’s deep blues—drilling.

“I left her here,” Kyle forces out, shaking hand moving into a slow fist over the laptop.

The room is swept with a delicate pause.

Laswell sighs, blinking. She looks to the side, averting her eyes. “There was no actionable intel on her mother. I did the best I could without support, but it was limited to what Alex could find out and relay to me.” The woman shakes her head, motioning with a hand. “Medicine was going missing from the hospital building, but the records never showed that was the case—it was word of mouth. Business dealings that didn’t add up from years back after the failed interrogation of Spitfire’s father; all of it not enough. The tracks were hidden so well, it would have taken a team that sat in the hundreds—thousands, even.”

“Needle in a haystack,” Ghost breathes. “The cell overseas?”

“East China?” Kate blinks, tilting her head.

“Only lead we’ve got,” John grunts, shaking his skull and glaring at the table. “Doesn’t help much, Kate. Whole country.”

“That’s if she’s still alive,” MacTavish adds under his breath, sharing a glance at Gaz.

The other Sergeant isn’t even listening—the pointless babble of the ones who’d ripped him away from you; as if it wasn’t his own hands that had sent in that reassignment form. ‘

“C’mon, Spitfire,” Kyle bites his lips, fastly tapping the arrow keys to see every frame over and over again.

Your quick duck, the whites of your eyes, that slackened jaw of terror—he doesn’t think you even realize that it’s your mother, just the threat of death enough to block it out. You turn, and the item in your hand bunches with the tightness of your grip.

Gas interrupts the hurried speaking from the others.

“The journal—the USB, did you find them?”

“All of it was recovered,” Kate answers. “Except whatever it was that she was holding.”

Kyle’s spine hunches, looming closer to the screen. It’s the grain that blocks his vision from the truth—the utter shite of the quality pathetic even to him.

“Where was this?” The Sergeant asks. “The camera recording?”

Laswell nods, giving away the information as if citing off a report. “It’s a small rest area off the back entrance of building C. We kept them both there as new personnel cycled through.”

Kyle’s already out the door, only blinking at the last image of your hand slapping the side of a potted plant and the glance backward as your mother once more raises the gun. A stupid hope was that you’d be here, despite it all. But the slam of his boots only echoed to his ears alone.

Brown eyes shifted from one area to the next, scanning table and chair—everything had been searched already; most likely by Laswell and Alex.

“Anything,” Kyle turns a circle, hands sweaty. He needed you back. He needed you here minutes ago; hours ago. Your rare eye contact, your laugh that he had become addicted to drawing out of you like honey, the way you spoke, and walked. It had become too much for the man, and his affection for you was so deep now that it was impossible to deny—you’d snuck your way into his heart when he wasn’t looking, and even if you never returned the feelings that you’d infected him with like a poisoner, this agony was unlike anything definable by vocalization.

This was torture that he couldn’t fight against.

“You’re smart, Sweetheart,” he gasps, expression pained. “You left me something, I know you did. You left me something to follow.”

If you were the hare, then Gaz would become the hound. You wouldn’t be gone for long, mark every work he’d ever said and most certainly the ones that he hadn’t. He was getting you back beside him, and then he needed to look into your eyes and spill every secret that was ingrained into his DNA.

Lashes moving, Gaz’s legs carry him across concrete and patches of grass, the crunch of it underfoot. He glances at the table, giving it a once over, bending to study below it—nothing. Kyle grunts lowly, growing more desperate as the seconds draw longer.

The man passes the potted plants, shifting to run his boot over the grass and ruffle anything that might be stuck in the earth.

Nothing.

“Spitfire,” Kyle growls under his breath, backing up a step stiffly. He runs a hand over the base of his neck, fingertips dragging to stimulate the heated skin.

When it’s all nearly lost, there’s a moment when the light of the sun perfectly aligns with something metallic from the corner of the Brit’s vision. A tiny glint of reflection from the sun leaves Gaz’s eyes flinching in a reactionary display. Grunting, the Sergeant’s head tilts away in annoyance, looking over with a growling ill-temper to the dirt of the first potted plant, ready to snap at it with vitriol.

But the insult to the inanimate object dries like a desert storm slashed through Gaz’s mouth on the back of a lion. It’s a small thing, hidden under the deep brown of the dirt—the Sergeant doesn’t even know what it is or if it’ll even help before his hands are grasping and ripping away the top layer rabidly.

His heart pounds, bruising his ribs with the frantic pulse of life. Dirt flies through the air, and Gaz’s grip slides over something metal—something cold. A sharp hiss is barked from him as he accidentally slices his fingertips as he snatches it, the crinkle of paper mimicking before that, too, is stolen with a fast thought.

“That’s my girl,” Kyle chuckles, though it's serious—lacking anything more than a hurried second of relief. “That’s my fucking girl…okay. Okay, I can work with this, yeah?”

What is pressed into the soil is your coin, the one you always try to carry no matter what, and a piece of lined paper.

Gaz thinks out loud.

“From the journal?” He asks under his breath, brows pulling in. His attention jumps from one word to the other, but the sudden color of red steals the only ounce of hope he may have gotten.

Blood.

Your smeared fingerprints spread along the page and Kyle’s face balks back with a blink of panic, eyes snapping this way and that until it’s clear that the display of gore was more than residual splatter—it was circling a sequence of numbers; if the contents of the letter were anything to go by, the date of your expected graduation from college.

A sequence of numbers.

Kyle’s jaw slackens, and he reacts much slower than he knows he should just off of the anxious shaking of his hands as he clenches the paper and the coin.

“USB,” he utters, breathing heavily.

And the coin—that tiny piece of your life, that small item you fiddled with but never showed beyond a quick glimpse when you were twirling it. Kyle flips the image as he stands fully, licking his lips as he begins to jog back to Laswell and demand the USB.

Yet, there’s something that makes a startling amount of pained sense about the inscription on that coin. But he still takes it like a knife to the stomach with a sharp breath.

‘TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE: UNITY, SERVICE, RECOVERY.’ A triangle with the image of the Roman numeral ‘I’.

It was a one-year Alcoholics Anonymous sobriety coin.

—

“Where was it?” Laswell takes the note and blinks down at it, face stiffening at the smears of blood. Kyle’s fingers grasp and drag the laptop to him, panting from how he’d run. The man doesn’t answer, muttering under his breath the numbers as the screen blinks to life. The USB was already plugged in—a result of the fast call that Kyle had thrown the woman’s way, needing it to be ready for him.

Kate passes the paper to Price, who walks to stand behind Gaz—Ghost and Johnny both following to see what the Sergeant had found before he busted back through the meeting room door.

“She hid it,” Kyle grunts. Long fingers tapping, the keys give way as the numbers are typed in one after the other. “I knew she’d left me something—there was no way she wouldn’t.”

His Captain’s fingers push away dark particles of dirt, but his blues blink up to stare at Garrick as, finally, that password screen breaks away to the pop-up of the file selection.

“Yes!” Gaz says under his breath, eyes intense; nearly unblinking.

There isn’t much left to do except look—study. But there wasn’t time for that. Wherever you were, if your mother had you, there was an urgency that couldn’t be overlooked. There had to be something in this USB that gave the answers that everyone was searching for—what you had been searching for.

The location of a hub. But now…there could be something even more valuable in these files—a place where Gaz could bring you back to him.

Brown eyes slip from one file to another, all labeled from ‘2006 Dealings’ to ‘Reports from 04-03: Row’. All organized neatly, maybe no more than ten plainly visible.

“Sergeant,” Kate shifts closer, reaching.

“I’m getting there, Laswell,” he breathes, “I need to find her before she’s gone forever.”

Kate and John share a look. The woman breathes, “This needs to go to the proper channels for analysis. We can’t rush this intel—one wrong step and the USB could wipe itself if there’s a failsafe hidden in the code.”

Gaz huffs, clicking through documents ruthlessly. “Bullshit.”

Soap blinks in shock. They all knew that Garrick could be hotheaded and stubborn, but it never extended itself so much as to be a repeated hindrance to the team—in Russia and now were the exceptions.

“Gaz,” Price says under his breath, watching tightly. “We all know you’re worried, but until we get solid intel, we can’t move after her. Location is only a part of what needs to be understood, Sergeant.”

Long fingers flinch to slam into the file near the very bottom, and the screen freezes before Gaz blinks at it in anger—in rage—as his palm slaps the table, eyes spearing the individuals behind him.

He barks, “You’re not the bloody people who promised her she’d be safe!”

The second the sentence sparks electricity in the room, an explosion of blueprints, diagrams, and progress charts move over the laptop screen. Attention snapping back, flinching wide, Gaz’s face pulls as all of it settles on the very last image—the only one he needs to see.

It was an aerial view of Eastern China, and along the vast coastline, there were markings in the tens of navy-colored pinpoints. Port locations, maybe; warehouses and factories. But all locations.

Gaz stands up, blinking down at the map slowly.

Taking a slow breath, Kyle swallows down the saliva in his throat and grinds out lowly into the deathly silent room, “When are we starting, Sir?”

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cynic-spirit · 1 month

Text

Dragonsoul iv

warnings very long because I have no control

some smut in between somewhere, a small fight between soulmates.

“Well, well, well, look who’s back,” Aegon said with a smirk as Aemond entered the bar in their mansion. He leaned against the counter, watching his brother closely.

Aemond gave him a sidelong glance, his expression guarded as always. “What are you getting at, Aegon?” he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

“So… is there something you want to tell me, brother?” Aegon’s smirk widened, mischief dancing in his eyes.

Aemond narrowed his eyes slightly, already sensing where this was going. “No,” he replied coolly, turning to pour himself a drink.

“Oh, come on,” Aegon pressed, grinning now. “You can’t possibly think you’re going to keep this from me. I mean, kissing in broad daylight? Really?”

Aemond’s hand stilled as he poured, but he didn’t respond immediately. He finally set the bottle down and took a sip of his drink, ignoring Aegon’s taunting gaze.

“Is that all?” Aemond asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice calm but with an edge of warning.

Aegon just laughed. “That’s all you’re going to give me? Come on, I’ve got to know, when did this happen? You’ve been holding out on me.”

Aemond met his brother’s eyes, unblinking. “Drop it, Aegon,” he said, his tone firm.

Aegon held up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. But I have to say, I’m impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

Aemond just rolled his eyes and turned away, not giving Aegon the satisfaction of seeing the small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.“Come on, brother,” Aegon pushed, leaning in closer with a gleam in his eyes. “I know she’s pretty and talented. A rare combination, don’t you think?”

Aemond’s jaw tightened slightly as he swirled the liquid in his glass, not meeting Aegon’s gaze. “That’s about it,” he replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for further discussion.

Aegon blinked, surprised by his brother’s uncharacteristic brevity. He expected more—details, perhaps a hint of the passion he’d witnessed earlier. But Aemond was a closed book, and it was clear he wasn’t willing to share any more.

Aegon raised his hands in defeat. “Alright, alright,” he said, though his curiosity was far from satisfied. “I get it. You want to keep this one to yourself.”

Aemond finally looked at Aegon, his expression unreadable. “Exactly,” he said quietly, the weight of his words carrying more meaning than he let on.

Aegon watched him for a moment, then nodded, realizing that for once, Aemond wasn’t just being secretive—he was being protectiv but then Aegon wasnt going to let this pass without having his own bit of fun.

I’ll ask her myself . Aegon says as he snatches aemonds phone from his hand and runs off Aemond's eyes widened in shock as Aegon snatched his phone and bolted out of the room. “Aegon, don’t you dare!” he growled, immediately leaping to his feet.

Aegon laughed mischievously as he sprinted down the hallway, glancing back at Aemond, who was hot on his heels. “Oh, come on, brother! You can’t keep everything locked up forever!” he taunted, his fingers already searching for Y/n’s contact.

Aemond’s heart pounded with a mix of irritation and panic. The last thing he wanted was for Aegon to embarrass Y/n—or himself—by meddling where he didn’t belong. “Aegon, I’m serious!” Aemond’s voice was stern, every word laced with a threat as he closed the gap between them.

Aegon, still grinning like a fool, dodged around a corner, but Aemond was faster. In a swift move, Aemond lunged and tackled Aegon to the ground, wrestling the phone from his grasp. Aegon laughed, even as he was pinned beneath Aemond, who yanked the phone out of his brother’s hand.

Breathing heavily, Aemond got up, glaring down at Aegon. “Stay out of it, Aegon,” he warned, his tone deadly serious.

Aegon, still chuckling, held up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, no need to get so worked up. But I gotta say, this is the first time I’ve seen you so… possessive.”

Aemond said nothing, his icy stare enough to silence Aegon’s teasing for the moment. With his phone securely back in hand, Aemond turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Aegon on the floor, grinning like a cat that got the cream. As Aemond stormed away, he muttered under his breath, "Idiot." Frustration simmered just beneath the surface as he made his way back to his room, Aegon’s laughter still echoing faintly behind him. He slammed the door shut, leaning against it for a moment as he closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm of emotions that had been stirred up by his brother’s meddling.

Annoyance gnawed at him, but beneath that, a deeper, more protective instinct took hold. Aegon’s intrusion had hit a nerve—Y/n was special, and whatever was blossoming between them was something Aemond wasn’t ready to share with the world, least of all with Aegon.

He tossed his phone onto the bed and ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the irritation. As he paced the room, his eyes fell on his phone, and he hesitated. The memory of Y/n riding Vhagar today surfaced, bringing with it a sense of calm that eased his agitation.

Unable to resist, Aemond picked up his phone again and opened the gallery. There she was, smiling as she sat atop Vhagar, her laughter almost tangible through the screen. He had captured that moment earlier in the day, a candid shot that showed her in all her carefree joy. The sight of it softened something inside him.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes locked on the photo. The day had been more than he could have imagined—Y/n riding Vhagar, their shared smiles, the way she had felt in his arms when he caught her. All of it was still so vivid in his mind.

Before he knew it, Aemond found himself lying back on the bed, the photo still in his hand. He stared at it, tracing the contours of her face with his eyes, feeling the tension in his body begin to ebb away. His eyelids grew heavy as the day's events played out in his mind, a rare sense of contentment settling over him.

As sleep finally claimed him, the last thing Aemond saw was Y/n's smile on the screen, the image blurring as his eyes closed. The phone slipped from his hand, landing softly on the bed beside him, but Aemond didn’t stir. For the first time in a long while, he fell asleep with a smile of his own, his thoughts filled with nothing but her.On the other side of the city, in her small yet cozy apartment, Y/n lay sprawled on her bed, her mind racing. The kiss she had shared with Aemond lingered in her thoughts, a mixture of warmth and disbelief swirling within her. She could still feel the softness of his lips against hers, the way his strong arms had caught her just in time when she nearly fell from Vhagar. It had been exhilarating and utterly terrifying all at once.

As she stared at the ceiling, memories of their day together replayed in her mind like a beautifully composed melody. Despite the danger that seemed to surround him, she didn’t feel fear when she was with Aemond. In fact, it was the opposite; there was an undeniable safety in his presence that soothed her nerves. How could she feel so safe with someone who had a reputation for being cruel and dangerous? It was perplexing, yet enticing.

Y/n turned onto her side, her gaze falling to her wrist where the soulmate thread gleamed a radiant gold. It was a stark contrast to the usual hues that accompanied the fates of others. Her heart raced as she thought about what this meant—the connection they shared was real, undeniable, and now, permanent. She groaned into her pillow, feeling a rush of embarrassment mixed with excitement.

The thought of Aemond, with all his complexities and contradictions, made her blush deeper than she thought possible. Was she really falling for him? The idea both thrilled and terrified her. She buried her face in the softness of her pillow, trying to hide her embarrassment from the world.

“What am I going to do?” she murmured to herself, muffled by the fabric.

Despite the uncertainty, a smile tugged at her lips as she imagined their next meeting. Would he kiss her again? Would they spend more time together, exploring this bond that had formed so unexpectedly? The possibilities danced in her mind like notes of a song, filling her with an exhilarating sense of hope.

Finally, with a sigh, she sat up and pulled out her phone. A flutter of anticipation filled her as she thought about texting Aemond. Should she wait for him to reach out, or take the leap herself? She found herself staring at the screen, the urge to message him growing stronger. Whatever the outcome, she knew one thing for certain—she couldn’t shake the feeling that their story was just beginning.

Y/N finds herself both thrilled and embarrassed by Aemond's boldness. His words linger in her mind long after their conversations, igniting a mix of excitement and shyness. Despite the tantalizing nature of his messages, she can’t help but feel a deepening connection with him, one that goes beyond mere attraction.

Each exchange is like a dance—a push and pull of emotions where they reveal their dreams and desires while teasing each other. Aemond’s sweet admissions about wanting to explore the world, to delve into music, and to share those moments with her touch her heart. She imagines the possibilities, the adventures they could embark on together.

Yet, it’s the heat of his more intimate messages that truly makes her heart race. As she reads his detailed descriptions, she feels her cheeks flush and her pulse quicken. There’s a thrill in his words, a promise of passion that both excites and intimidates her. Each time he flirts with her in such a way, she finds herself lost in the fantasies he paints, momentarily swept away from reality.

Y/N realizes that the bond they’re forming is special, something she never expected when she first met him. She can’t help but smile at her phone screen, a mixture of fondness and longing swelling within her. With every message exchanged, she becomes more certain of her feelings for Aemond, and the prospect of exploring those feelings in person sends butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Y/N sighs as she looks at the latest delivery, a stunning blue dress that would make any occasion special. She can't deny that Aemond has exquisite taste, but she feels overwhelmed by the generosity.

Aemond's gifts had become a delightful yet overwhelming aspect of Y/N's life. Each delivery brought a new surprise, often perfectly tailored to her tastes and needs.

One morning, she opened her front door to find a beautifully wrapped package that smelled faintly of leather. Inside was a luxurious pair of black ankle boots, elegant yet practical enough for her to wear while teaching. She smiled at the thoughtfulness behind the gift; Aemond must have remembered her mentioning her favorite style during one of their late-night conversations.

A few days later, another package arrived. This time, it contained a rare vinyl record of a classical composer she adored. A note slipped inside read, “Thought you might like this for your collection. Listen to it and think of me.” It made her heart flutter, knowing he paid attention to her interests. She couldn’t help but imagine him listening to the same record, feeling a connection between them even when they were apart.

Then there was the stunning blue dress that arrived just before a charity concert she was set to perform at. It was a perfect fit, accentuating her figure while maintaining a classic elegance. She felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety as she tried it on, remembering Aemond’s words about wanting to see her in something beautiful. “This will definitely turn heads,” she muttered to herself, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her.

But perhaps the most extravagant gifts were the pieces of jewelry that began to arrive in elegant velvet boxes. One afternoon, she opened a package to find a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny sapphires that shimmered like stars. Attached to the bracelet was a note that read, “For the star that lights up my life.” It was both beautiful and incredibly sentimental, making her cheeks heat with a blush.

Another time, a pair of dangling pearl earrings arrived, their luster catching the light beautifully. Y/N remembered Aemond mentioning how he loved the way pearls looked against her skin, and she felt a rush of warmth knowing he’d been thinking of her. They were elegant enough for a formal event yet subtle enough for her everyday wear.

Each piece of jewelry came with a charming note that made her heart race. “Wear these and remember, you are always worthy of elegance,” one note said. “These will remind you of your beauty,” another read, leaving her feeling cherished and adored.

Yet, with every piece of jewelry, every exquisite dress, and every carefully chosen book, Y/N felt the weight of expectation growing. She wanted to reciprocate, to show her appreciation in a way that matched his generosity. But with each delivery, she found herself feeling a little more inadequate.

“No more gifts!” she finally texted him one evening, her fingers dancing over the screen with a mix of frustration and affection. “I can’t keep up with you!”

“Too bad,” Aemond replied cheekily. “You’re stuck with me, and I like spoiling you. It’s a good look on you.”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh, her heart racing at the realization that she was falling for the man behind the gifts, not just the presents themselves

Y/N sat on her living room floor, surrounded by the latest round of gifts from Aemond. She stared at the shimmering diamonds in the elegant jewelry box before her, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

“Aemond, this is too much!” she exclaimed, holding up a stunning diamond necklace that sparkled in the light. “I can’t accept this! These are diamonds!”

He could practically hear her voice in his mind as he read her message, and it made him smirk. “What’s wrong with a little sparkle? You deserve to be spoiled, Y/N.”

“But I’ve never had anyone do this for me before,” she typed back, shaking her head as if he could see her through the screen. “It feels overwhelming. I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful, but I can’t keep up with this!”

He felt a pang of concern mixed with amusement. “It’s not about keeping up. It’s about showing you how much you mean to me. Besides, you’re worth it.”

Y/N let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. “I know you mean well, but these gifts are just... excessive! I’m just a music teacher. I’m not used to this kind of attention.”

“That’s precisely why I want to spoil you,” he replied, a softness creeping into his words. “You’re more than just a music teacher to me, and I want you to know that.”

She felt a warmth in her chest at his words, but the thought of the extravagant gifts still made her uneasy. “Aemond, what if people think I’m just with you for the gifts? I want you to know that’s not who I am.”

“Then don’t worry about what they think,” he said, his tone firm yet understanding. “I want you to enjoy these things, and if it means buying you jewelry or sending you surprises, then so be it.”

Y/N felt a mix of admiration and apprehension. “But I want to be able to give back. I want to show you that I appreciate everything you do for me.”

Aemond’s response was instant. “Then let me take you out for dinner. I’ll spoil you in person, and you can pay me back with your company.”

As she set the diamond necklace back in the box, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being both thrilled and terrified. Aemond’s affection felt intense and overwhelming, but she knew she was beginning to feel something for him as well. The glittering diamonds represented more than just extravagant gifts; they symbolized the unexpected connection that was forming between them.

Maybe I can do that at the family dinner tomorrow,” Y/N suggested, trying to keep the excitement in her voice.

“Tomorrow? What do you mean?” Aemond asked, surprised.

Y/N smiled, enjoying the way his curiosity piqued. “Your mother must really like my music. She asked me to play at tomorrow’s gathering.”

“Well then, I guess I won’t be bored,” Aemond replied, a grin spreading across his face. “I can just stare at the beautiful pianist.”

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. “You’re too sweet, Aemond.”

He continued, “However, it’ll be hard to control myself. I’m just not comfortable with people on my side knowing about you yet. It’s just my sister Helaena who knows about us.”

“I understand, Aemond,” she said softly, wanting him to feel reassured. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep things low-key at the dinner. I know how to blend in.”

“Just be yourself,” Aemond urged, a hint of seriousness in his voice. “I want you to shine. You deserve to be seen for who you are, not just as my secret.”

Y/N felt a swell of warmth in her heart. “Thank you, Aemond. That means a lot to me. I promise I won’t let you down.”

“Can’t wait to see you in action tomorrow,” he replied, his voice laced with anticipation.

“Me too,” Y/N said, her mind already racing with thoughts of the upcoming dinner, both excited and a little nervous about the attention it would bring.As the grand dining hall of the Targaryen estate filled with guests, the atmosphere buzzed with an underlying tension. Aemond stood at the edge of the room, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that accentuated his sharp features and confident demeanor. His gaze flicked toward the entrance, anticipation coursing through him as he waited for Y/N to arrive with the other musicians.

The guests were a mix of Targaryen family members and influential business associates, each engaged in hushed conversations that occasionally escalated into heated discussions. Aemond could feel the weight of the cold war between Alicent and Rhaenyra, the two women who had once shared a bond of friendship, now navigating the choppy waters of rivalry over territory. Their exchanges were polite but laced with thinly veiled barbs, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.

Aemond shifted slightly, trying to focus on the negotiation at hand, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Y/N. He had seen her blossom over the past few days, her passion for music evident in every note she played. She was a breath of fresh air in his otherwise chaotic world, and he longed to share this moment with her.

As the musicians entered, carrying their instruments and chatting amongst themselves, Aemond’s heart raced. There she was, radiating grace and confidence, her long hair cascading down her shoulders. The moment their eyes met, a smile broke across his face, and he felt the world around them fade into the background.

“Y/N,” he called softly, stepping forward as she approached, “you look stunning.”

“Thank you, Aemond,” she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m a bit nervous, to be honest. This isn’t just any gathering.”

He nodded, understanding her apprehension. “Just remember, you’re here to do what you love. Focus on the music, and let everything else melt away.”

With a reassuring smile, Y/N took a deep breath and adjusted the strap of her instrument. “You’re right. I’ll do my best.”

As they moved closer to the stage area, Aemond couldn’t help but steal glances at her, admiring the way she commanded attention without even trying. He was acutely aware of the dynamics in the room, the subtle glances exchanged between Alicent and Rhaenyra as they prepared for the negotiations. Yet, despite the tension, all he could think about was how proud he felt to have Y/N by his side, even if it was just for a moment in the midst of chaos.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice low, just for her.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Y/N replied, determination shining in her eyes.

As the musicians began to set up, Aemond took his place at the side, eager to support her and ready to face whatever challenges the evening would bring.As the negotiations fell flat, the atmosphere in the dining hall shifted to one of polite discomfort. The tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra lingered, but as dinner commenced, it seemed both families had agreed to set aside their differences for the evening. Aemond, however, found it difficult to focus on anything other than Y/N and the music she was about to share with them.

When Y/N took her place at the grand piano, the room fell silent. The soft glow of the candlelight illuminated her features, and as her fingers danced over the keys, the first notes of Schubert’s 2 Scherzos, D. 593: No. 1, Allegretto - Trio filled the air. Aemond leaned back slightly, closing his eyes for a moment to fully immerse himself in the beauty of the music. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, and he couldn’t help but hum along softly, caught up in the melody and the passion she poured into every note.

However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by a lewd comment from Daemon, who had taken a seat at the far end of the table. “Say what you may, Alicent, you found a hot pianist to entertain us,” he drawled, a smirk plastered across his face.

Aemond’s blood ran cold, and he felt heat flood his cheeks as a wave of anger surged through him. He opened his eyes, instantly seeing red as he glared at Daemon. The casual disrespect towards Y/N infuriated him, and he could feel the protectiveness rise within him, a primal urge to defend her from such crude remarks.

“Daemon,” Aemond snapped, his voice low but edged with danger, “show some respect.”

Y/N, caught off guard by the interruption, paused mid-play, her fingers hovering above the keys as she glanced toward Aemond, confusion and concern etched on her face. The room fell silent, the tension palpable as all eyes turned toward the two men.

Daemon merely chuckled, unfazed by Aemond’s reaction. “Oh, come now. I was merely stating the obvious. Don’t tell me you’re getting all worked up over a little teasing?”

Aemond’s jaw clenched, the need to confront Daemon growing stronger. “It’s not just ‘a little teasing,’ Daemon. Y/N deserves better than that.”

Alicent, sensing the brewing conflict, intervened, her voice cool and commanding. “Daemon, enough. We’re here for a reason, and this is neither the time nor the place for your antics.”

Y/N resumed playing, though her expression now carried a hint of discomfort. Aemond’s heart sank at the thought that Daemon’s words had tainted this moment for her. As the music resumed, he cast a side glance at Y/N, silently urging her to focus on the melody and not the chaos around them.

He couldn’t shake the protectiveness he felt, knowing he would do anything to shield her from the likes of Daemon. Aemond’s resolve solidified; he would not let anyone belittle what he had with Y/N, not even for a moment.Helaena approached Aemond with a calm, reassuring presence, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "It's not the right time, brother," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Things might get worse if you react now. She might get more scared than she already is."

Aemond's jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on Y/N as she continued to play, though the discomfort in her posture was evident. He hated seeing her like this, hated that she was now in a position where she felt vulnerable, but Helaena’s words grounded him.

"I'll go and talk to her," Helaena continued, her voice soothing. "For now, please focus on the task at hand. You can explain Daemon's character to her later. She’ll understand."

Aemond's heart swelled with gratitude for his sister. She was right, as she often was. Reacting now would only draw more attention to Y/N, something she didn’t need. And confronting Daemon in the midst of this delicate situation would only serve to escalate tensions further. He took a deep breath, nodding to Helaena.

"Thank you," Aemond murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Helaena gave him a small, encouraging smile. "Just take care of your responsibilities for now, and trust me with this. She’ll be fine."

With that, she turned and made her way toward Y/N, who was still playing, though the serenity in her music had faltered slightly. Aemond watched Helaena approach, feeling a mix of concern and relief. He knew Y/N was in good hands with Helaena. She had a way of calming people, of making them feel safe, and that was exactly what Y/N needed right now.

Aemond forced himself to refocus on the gathering, knowing that his sister was right. There would be time to talk to Y/N later, to explain everything and to reassure her that Daemon's words meant nothing. For now, he had to keep his emotions in check and do what was expected of him. But as he turned his attention back to the table, he silently vowed that he would never let anyone make Y/N feel like that again.As Y/N quietly excused herself for a break, leaving the music in the capable hands of the violinist, she slipped away from the gathering and made her way to the restroom. The ornate hallways felt stifling, and she needed a moment to collect herself. Daemon’s comment had left her rattled, and she couldn’t shake the unease it had stirred within her.

Helaena, ever attentive, noticed Y/N’s departure and quickly followed her, sensing that her brother's soulmate needed some comfort. She found Y/N in the restroom, standing in front of the mirror, her hands gripping the edges of the sink as she tried to steady her breath.

“Y/N,” Helaena’s soft voice broke the silence, and Y/N looked up, seeing her reflection joined by Helaena’s calm presence. “Are you okay?”

Y/N shook her head slightly, a weak smile trying to form on her lips. “I’m fine, Helaena. It’s just…what he said, it was…”

“Disgusting,” Helaena finished for her, her tone firm. She stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Y/N’s shoulder. “Daemon is a horrible, lewd person. He’s known for making inappropriate comments, and trust me, no one takes him seriously—especially not Aemond.”

Y/N exhaled, feeling some of the tension in her chest begin to ease. “It just caught me off guard, I guess. I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”

“I know, and it’s completely understandable,” Helaena assured her. “But you don’t have to worry. Aemond and I are here for you, and we won’t let anything happen to you. You’re safe with us, I promise.”

Y/N looked into Helaena’s eyes and saw nothing but sincerity and warmth. It was clear that Helaena wasn’t just saying these things to placate her—she genuinely cared. “Thank you, Helaena,” Y/N whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I really appreciate it.”

Helaena smiled gently, giving Y/N’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You don’t have to thank me. We’re family now, remember? And family looks out for each other.”

Y/N nodded, the words resonating deeply within her. She hadn’t expected to find such kindness and support from Aemond’s family, especially not from someone as sweet and understanding as Helaena. It made her feel a little more at ease, knowing she wasn’t alone in this.

“Come on,” Helaena said softly, her smile encouraging. “Let’s go back out there. And remember, if you ever need a break or just want to talk, I’m always here.”

Y/N gave a small, grateful nod, feeling bolstered by Helaena’s words. Together, they left the restroom, returning to the gathering with Y/N feeling a little more confident, knowing that she wasn’t facing this daunting world of the Targaryens alone.As Y/N returned to the piano, the tension that had earlier clouded her demeanor seemed to have melted away, thanks to Helaena's comforting words. Aemond noticed the change immediately—the way she carried herself with newfound calm, her fingers poised confidently over the keys. Relief washed over him, easing the anger that had been simmering since Daemon’s crude comment. Though his expression remained composed and stern, anyone who knew him well could see the almost imperceptible smile threatening to break through.

Aemond’s eyes flicked to Helaena, who stood quietly to the side, observing her brother and Y/N with a knowing look. When their gazes met, Aemond gave her a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment of his gratitude. Helaena returned the gesture with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with pride.

The room grew quieter as Alicent stood, commanding the attention of the gathering. “As the evening draws to a close,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of authority tempered with grace, “and with negotiations that are, for now, acceptable, let us have one final piece of music to comfort our hearts.”

She turned her gaze to Y/N, her expression softening with affection. “My dear, do you have a composition that might soothe the soul?”

Y/N bit her lip, considering her options before offering a gentle nod. “I do,” she replied, her voice steady. She took a deep breath and began playing Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, her fingers dancing gracefully across the keys.

As the music filled the room, a hush fell over the guests. The elegant waltz, with its enchanting melody and lilting rhythm, wove a spell over the audience, carrying them away from the tensions of the evening. Aemond closed his eyes, allowing himself to be fully immersed in the music. The pride he felt for Y/N swelled in his chest, mingling with an overwhelming sense of love that took him by surprise. Each note seemed to echo the depth of his feelings, as if Y/N were speaking to him through the music.

The waltz ebbed and flowed, the delicate notes wrapping around the room like a comforting embrace. For Aemond, it was a moment of pure connection, a reminder of why Y/N was so special to him. Despite the world they were a part of, with all its dangers and complexities, she brought him a peace he hadn’t known he was missing.

As Y/N played the final notes, the room held its breath for a moment before erupting into applause. Aemond opened his eyes, his gaze immediately finding Y/N. She looked serene, her own heart seemingly at peace as she rose from the piano bench and offered a modest bow.

Aemond watched her, his expression softening as he allowed a small smile to grace his lips, just for a moment. He was certain now, more than ever, that Y/N was meant to be his.Alicent was the first to begin clapping, the sound of her applause echoing through the room before the others joined in. With a graceful smile, she closed the distance between herself and Y/N. “Oh, how I wish I could hear you play all day,” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Y/N offered a small, bashful smile, curtsying gently to the older woman. “I’m happy you enjoyed my music, Mrs. Targaryen.”

With the tension in the room now dissipated, Helaena seized the moment to tease, “Maybe she can teach me or Aegon—or even Aemond.”

Aemond watched with amusement as Y/N suddenly became flustered, all the attention now focused on her. He knew how much she disliked being in the spotlight like this. It reminded him of the many times he had tried to embarrass her with sudden kisses on her face, lips, and neck during their dates or while in the car. Her reaction never failed to entertain him.

“Umm…,” Y/N stammered, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden attention. “I wish I could, Mrs. Targaryen, but I have exams too, you know, for my PhD.”

“Well, that’s too bad then,” Alicent said, her tone light but sincere. She then glanced around the room, her brow furrowing slightly as she asked, “Where’s Aegon? Why wasn’t he here today?”

Helaena responded calmly, “He’s drunk asleep in his room again, Mother.”

Alicent murmured something under her breath about Aegon’s carelessness before turning her attention back to Aemond. “Aemond, why don’t you escort our pianist to her car, please? It would be impolite otherwise.”

“Gladly, Mother,” Aemond replied, a knowing look passing between him and Y/N as he approached her.

Y/N’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red under his gaze. “Let’s go, Miss Y/N,” he said with a hint of playful formality, enjoying the way her face grew even redder.

As they began to walk out, Aemond leaned in close, his voice low so only she could hear. “You really are something, you know that?”

Y/N playfully smacked Aemond’s arm as they walked toward the car. “I was about to say the same thing to you, Aemond,” she teased.

Aemond raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. “Could you not have looked at me the entire evening?” she continued, half-serious, half-amused.

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. “It’s hard to look at anything else when you look like a dish to be devoured. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, I only have one eye.”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing as she tried to maintain her composure. “Stop it, Aemond. I’m warning you,” she said, her voice shaking slightly with a mix of anticipation and desire.

Aemond’s smirk grew more wicked as they neared the car in the dimly lit garage. “I won’t come to your events if… if…” she stuttered, her mind struggling to find the words as his presence overwhelmed her senses.

“If what?” Aemond asked, his voice low and daring. “If I look at what’s mine?” His hand slid down her waist, fingers trailing lightly before he boldly moved them between her thighs, pressing against the fabric of her dress right where she was most sensitive.

Y/N’s breath hitched, her knees nearly buckling as she grabbed onto his shoulders for support. “Someone could have noticed you,” she said, her voice trembling with the effort to speak.

“And then…?” Aemond’s voice was a growl, his hand continuing its slow, torturous movements. His fingers pressed just enough to send a wave of heat through her, teasing her mercilessly.

“Then… then… oh gods, Aemond,” she whispered, her voice breaking as she felt herself melting into him, her body reacting to his touch with an undeniable need.

“Use your words, love…” Aemond murmured, his lips brushing against her ear as he leaned in closer, his hand moving with deliberate intent. “And then what…?”

Y/N’s head fell back against the cool metal of the car as she gasped, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. “Then… I’d be yours. Completely, utterly, yours,” she whispered, her voice a mix of surrender and desire.

Aemond’s eyes darkened with possessive need, his hand stilling for a moment as he drank in her words. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing, demanding kiss that left no doubt in her mind that she was indeed his. The kiss was rough, intense, filled with all the pent-up desire he had restrained throughout the evening. His tongue claimed her mouth, his free hand gripping her waist tightly as if he never wanted to let go.

Y/N moaned softly into the kiss, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she pressed herself against him, the heat between them growing unbearable. She could feel his hardness against her, and it only made her want him more, her body aching for his touch.

Aemond broke the kiss just enough to whisper against her lips, his voice husky and filled with dark promise. “You’re mine, Y/N. And I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”

Without warning, he moved his hand from between her thighs, leaving her gasping at the sudden loss of contact. He smirked at her frustration, enjoying the way her eyes pleaded with him for more. But instead of giving in, he gently pushed her back against the car, his body pinning hers as he leaned in close, his breath hot against her neck.

“Let’s get you home, love,” he whispered, his voice laced with a wicked undertone. “The night’s just beginning.”

The night they shared was filled with passion and intensity, leaving Y/N both physically and emotionally overwhelmed. As she woke up the next day, the soreness in her body was a vivid reminder of the love and desire that Aemond had for her. The love bites and handprints scattered across her skin were marks of his claim, a possessive yet tender display of how deeply he felt for her. Each mark, each bruise, whispered of the intensity of their connection, making her relive the moments of passion they had shared.

As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, Y/N found herself lost in thought, her mind replaying the events of the previous night. There was no doubt in her heart that what they had was something extraordinary—something that had shaken her to her core. The memories of his touch, the way he had looked at her, and the way he had made her feel safe, desired, and cherished all at once filled her with a sense of longing that she had never experienced before.

When Y/N first saw Aemond naked, her breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with awe and wonder. She had imagined what he might look like beneath his meticulously tailored suits, but the reality far exceeded her expectations. His body was a masterpiece—lean, strong, and chiseled in a way that spoke of both power and control. Every muscle seemed to be perfectly defined, his skin smooth and taut over the hard planes of his chest and abdomen.

Her gaze traced the contours of his body, from the broad expanse of his shoulders to the sculpted muscles of his arms, down to the sharp lines of his hips. She was captivated by the way his skin gleamed under the dim light, a soft sheen highlighting the definition of his muscles. The scars that marked his body only added to his allure, each one telling a story of battles fought and survived, a testament to the strength and resilience that defined him.

But what truly mesmerized her was the vulnerability in his eyes as he stood before her, fully exposed. Despite his fearsome reputation, there was a moment of hesitation in Aemond’s gaze, a silent question of whether she would still want him after seeing all of him. It was a vulnerability that made him even more beautiful to her, a reminder that beneath the cold exterior, there was a man who wanted to be loved and accepted.

Y/N’s eyes met his, and she felt a rush of emotions—desire, admiration, and something deeper, something that made her heart swell in her chest. She reached out, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her touch. He was everything she had ever dreamed of and more, a perfect blend of strength and sensitivity, of dominance and tenderness.

As her fingers continued their exploration, Aemond remained still, watching her with an intensity that made her shiver. She could see the tension in his body, the way his muscles flexed slightly under her touch, as if he was holding himself back, waiting for her reaction. But there was no hesitation in her; she wanted him, all of him, just as he was.

Y/N felt her pulse quicken, a mixture of excitement and nervousness washing over her as she continued to take in every detail of his form. Her hands roamed lower, over the taut muscles of his abdomen, and she felt a thrill of anticipation as she realized just how much she wanted him. In that moment, nothing else mattered—only the two of them, together in this intimate space, sharing something that was both physical and deeply emotional.

Aemond’s eyes darkened with desire as he watched her, and she could see the heat in his gaze, the same hunger that was burning inside her. The moment was electric, charged with the promise of what was to come, and as Y/N leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his skin, she knew that this was just the beginning of something extraordinary.When Aemond first laid eyes on Y/N’s bare form, it felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room. His breath hitched, and for a moment, all thoughts fled from his mind, leaving him with nothing but the sight of her. She was a vision, an embodiment of pure beauty that seemed almost too perfect to be real. Every inch of her was breathtaking, from the gentle curves of her body to the soft, inviting warmth of her skin.

His gaze moved slowly, savoring each detail as though he were committing her to memory. Her skin glowed in the soft light, smooth and flawless, and the way it contrasted against the cool sheets made her look like a work of art, something divine that he was both unworthy of and unable to resist. He took in the delicate slope of her shoulders, the swell of her breasts, the way her waist tapered in before curving out again at her hips. It was a sight that left him in awe, and he felt himself drawn to her, almost as if he were under a spell.

Aemond’s hands twitched at his sides, the urge to touch her overwhelming. He wanted to trace every line, feel every curve, as if by doing so he could convince himself that she was real, that she was his. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, entranced by the sight before him. The vulnerability she displayed, lying there so openly for him, made his heart pound in his chest. It was as if she had offered herself to him entirely, and in that moment, Aemond felt something shift inside him, a deep, unyielding desire to cherish her, to worship her in a way he had never done with anyone else.

As he continued to admire her, he felt his resolve weaken, his usual self-control slipping away. He was used to being the one in control, the one who commanded every situation, but with her, all he wanted was to give in, to be whatever she needed him to be. She had a power over him that he had never known before, a power that made him want to surrender completely, to become her willing slave if it meant being close to her, touching her, loving her.

The way she looked up at him, with those eyes that held trust and affection, made him feel things he had never allowed himself to feel. It was more than just lust—it was a deep, soul-stirring connection that made him want to lose himself in her, to forget everything but the two of them together.

Aemond’s hands finally moved, reaching out to caress her skin, and the moment he made contact, he felt a shiver run through his body. Her softness, her warmth, it all made him feel intoxicated, as if he were drowning in her. He traced the curves of her body with reverence, his touch gentle but filled with an unspoken promise. He was utterly captivated by her, every inch of her drawing him in deeper, making him want to worship her in ways he had never imagined.

As his fingers glided over her skin, he felt himself becoming more and more consumed by his desire for her. The intensity of his feelings scared him, but it also exhilarated him, making him want to give in completely, to lose himself in her and never find his way out. She was his everything in that moment, the only thing that mattered, and he knew that he would do anything for her, anything to see her smile, to hear her sigh his name, to make her feel the same overwhelming passion that he felt for her.

In her presence, Aemond felt vulnerable, exposed in a way that he had never been before. But instead of fear, he felt a profound sense of belonging, a certainty that he had found the one person who could bring him to his knees and make him love every second of it. He was hers, entirely and completely, and as he continued to admire her, to touch her, he knew that he would never be the same again.

Y/N slowly wakes up, her body still feeling the effects of the night before—tender and sore in the most intimate places. The sheets are tangled around her, the cool fabric soothing against the warmth of her skin, still marked by Aemond's love. As she shifts, she feels the faint sting of his handprints on her thighs and the subtle ache in her muscles, a physical reminder of the passion they shared.

Her eyes catch a piece of paper resting on the pillow beside her, and she reaches for it with a sleepy smile. Aemond’s handwriting is neat, almost formal, yet the words carry an unmistakable tenderness:

"I have breakfast ready for you, coffee is brewing. I had to go urgently, my love, for work. But I promise I’ll make it up to you in more ways than last night."

Y/N's heart flutters as she reads the note, her smile growing wider. The memory of Aemond's touch, his whispered words, and the way he looked at her with such intensity makes her blush. She traces the letters on the note, as if touching his words could somehow bring him closer.

She reluctantly pulls herself out of bed, feeling the slight protest of her body with each movement. The aroma of fresh coffee draws her to the kitchen, where she finds a breakfast spread laid out just for her. It's simple but thoughtful—a perfect blend of her favorite foods. The coffee is hot, just the way she likes it, and the steam rising from the mug seems to carry a promise of more to come.

As she sips her coffee, Y/N can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, but in this moment, she feels a deep connection to Aemond, stronger than ever before. Even though he's not physically there, his presence is palpable in every detail, every gesture he left behind for her.

Her thoughts drift back to the previous night, how he made her feel cherished, desired, and utterly his. She can still feel his touch, the way his hands claimed every inch of her, leaving no doubt in her mind that she belonged to him. And now, with the note in hand and the promise of his return, she knows that this is only the beginning of something even more profound.

Y/N leans back in her chair, closing her eyes and savoring the taste of the coffee, the memories of the night before, and the anticipation of what Aemond will do to fulfill his promise. A soft smile plays on her lips as she thinks of him, already counting down the moments until they can be together again.

Aemond is on cloud nine as he drives away from Y/N’s apartment, his mind replaying the events of the night before with a sense of satisfaction he’s never quite known. It wasn’t just the physical connection, though that alone was enough to keep him warm all night; it was the emotional bond that deepened with every whispered word, every touch. The fact that he was her first and only stirs something primal in him, a possessiveness he didn’t even realize he had.

As he navigates through the city streets, his thoughts are entirely consumed by Y/N. Her soft moans, the way she arched into him, the trust in her eyes when she let him take control—it was all so intoxicating, so different from anything he’d ever experienced. He’s always been intense, driven, and maybe a little rough around the edges, but with her, he found himself wanting to be better, to be more.

As Aemond drives, his thoughts drift back to a moment that was as intimate as the physical connection they shared. He recalls how Y/N had insisted that he take off his eye patch before they went any further. It was a request that had caught him off guard, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. No one had ever asked that of him before; in fact, most people avoided looking at his sapphire eye altogether.

But not Y/N. She had looked at him with such tenderness, such unwavering acceptance, that he found himself slowly reaching up to remove the patch. The moment it was off, her gaze locked onto his sapphire eye, not with pity or discomfort, but with genuine care. She didn’t flinch, didn’t look away. Instead, she reached up, her fingers feather-light as they gently caressed the area around his eye.

Aemond had felt vulnerable, exposed in a way he hadn’t expected. But as she continued to touch him with such reverence, all his insecurities seemed to melt away. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel self-conscious about his scar or the sapphire that had replaced his eye. Instead, he felt...whole. Complete. As if that one simple gesture had pieced together something inside him that he didn’t even know was broken.

The way Y/N had looked at him, her eyes filled with nothing but tenderness, had made him feel seen in a way that no one else ever had. It wasn’t just about the physical connection between them; it was about trust, acceptance, and the deep bond they were forming. In that moment, Aemond realized just how much she meant to him, and how much he wanted to be everything she needed.

The memory brings a warmth to his chest, and he finds himself smiling again, the kind of smile that’s reserved only for thoughts of her. He knows that she sees him for who he truly is, beyond the fearsome reputation, beyond the scars. And that knowledge makes him feel invincible, like he could conquer the world with her by his side.

As Aemond continues driving, the memory of Y/N’s gentle touch on his sapphire eye lingers in his mind, a sweet reminder of the love they shared and the depth of their connection. He’s never felt so vulnerable, yet so strong, all at once. And he knows that no matter what the future holds, he’ll always treasure that moment when she made him feel whole.

He can’t stop thinking about how perfect she was, how she responded to him in ways that made him feel like he was the only man in the world. The memory of her body beneath his, the way she trembled with anticipation and pleasure, fills him with a heady mix of pride and desire. Aemond had always known that he was drawn to her, but last night solidified it. She was his in every way, and the knowledge that no one else had ever touched her like that makes his blood run hot.

There’s something deeply satisfying, almost intoxicating, about knowing that he’s her first and only, and he’s determined to make sure he’s the only one she’ll ever want. The idea of anyone else even trying to take his place fills him with a possessiveness that’s both thrilling and terrifying. He’s never been one to share, and with Y/N, the thought is utterly unacceptable.

As he finally arrives at his destination, Aemond steps out of the car with a rare, genuine smile on his face. The memories of the night before play on a loop in his mind, fueling him with a new kind of energy. It’s not just lust; it’s something deeper, something he’s never quite felt before. He realizes that last night wasn’t just about passion; it was about falling in love with her even more, about wanting to claim her in every possible way.

And now, as he prepares to face the day, all he can think about is when he can see her again, when he can hold her, kiss her, and remind her just how much she means to him. For the first time in a long time, Aemond feels like he has something to look forward to, something worth protecting with everything he has. And that something is Y/N.

The doorbell rang early in the morning, pulling Y/N from her thoughts. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so she was surprised when she opened the door to find a small, elegantly wrapped box waiting for her. The packaging was immaculate—an opulent black velvet box tied with a deep blue satin ribbon. Her breath caught in her throat; she knew this was from Aemond.

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Y/N carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside, nestled on a cushion of black silk, was the most stunning piece of jewelry she had ever seen—a sapphire diamond brooch. The sapphire at the center was a deep, mesmerizing blue, much like Aemond’s sapphire eye, surrounded by a halo of smaller, brilliant diamonds that sparkled in the morning light. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the kind of piece that belonged in a royal collection, not in her humble hands.

She hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the gift. It was the most expensive and luxurious of all the gifts Aemond had sent her, and she couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and disbelief. This was more than just a brooch; it was a symbol, a piece of him that he had chosen to share with her. Gently, she lifted the brooch from its resting place, marveling at how it felt both delicate and powerful in her hand.

As she admired the brooch, she noticed a small card tucked beneath the silk. With slightly trembling fingers, she picked it up and unfolded it. Aemond’s handwriting was neat and precise, the words carrying the weight of his feelings:

“For the one who has made me whole. Every time you wear this, know that a part of me is with you. You are my most precious treasure, Y/N, and this is but a small token of my love for you. Yours, always. Aemond.”

Y/N felt her heart swell with emotion as she read his words. The brooch was breathtaking, but the message behind it was what truly made it special. She could feel Aemond’s love in every word, every detail of the gift, and it brought tears to her eyes. He had given her so much—his affection, his trust, his protection—and now, with this brooch, he was giving her a piece of his soul.

She pressed the brooch to her chest, close to her heart, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. This was more than she had ever imagined, more than she felt she deserved, and yet Aemond had chosen her, had made her his. The sapphire’s deep blue reminded her of him, of the way he looked at her with a mixture of intensity and tenderness, and she knew that she would cherish this gift for the rest of her life.

As she carefully placed the brooch back in its box, Y/N made a silent vow to herself. She would wear this beautiful symbol of their connection with pride, knowing that Aemond had entrusted her with something truly priceless—his heart.

Y/N: Aemond, the brooch is so sleek and delicate... I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Aemond: I’m glad you like it. I knew it would look perfect on you.

Y/N: It’s not just that. It’s something I’ll treasure. I think I’ll wear it every time I play piano or perform. It’ll remind me of you.

Aemond: Then it’s serving its purpose. I want you to think of me every time you wear it.

Y/N: I already think about you all the time... but this will make me feel like you’re with me, even when you’re not.

Aemond: Good. That’s exactly what I want.

Y/N: You really have a way of making me feel special, you know that?

Aemond: That’s because you are special. To me, you’re everything, Y/N.

Y/N: I love you, Aemond. But please, try not to bankrupt yourself spoiling me. 😌

Aemond: Nothing I give you could ever match what you mean to me. And besides, I’m not worried about money. Just you.

Y/N: You really are impossible.

Aemond: And you wouldn’t have me any other way. 😏

Y/N: You’re right.

Aemond's pride swelled upon hearing Y/N's news about her first concert in the Royal Hall.

“I’ll get you the best of gowns,” he declared, unable to contain his excitement.

“No, Aemond, you’ve already done so much,” she protested gently. “Plus, there are a few dresses you’ve given me that I haven’t even worn yet.”

“I don’t care,” he replied with a determined edge. “I’m getting you everything new.”

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at his insistence. “You’re unbelievable,” she texted back, feeling a rush of affection.

“And I’m inviting my brother and sister,” Aemond added, his enthusiasm clear through the text.

Y/N felt a mix of nerves and joy at the thought of his family attending. "It’ll be wonderful to have them there," she replied, knowing how much this meant to him.

"It will be. You’re going to shine brighter than ever, Y/N," Aemond texted, his words brimming with confidence and love.Aemond, Helaena, and Aegon take their seats in the front row of the Royal Hall, each dressed impeccably for the occasion. Aemond's expression radiates pride as he watches Y/N prepare for her big moment on stage. This is her night, the culmination of years of hard work, and he couldn't be prouder.

As they settle in, Helaena nudges Aemond gently, a playful smile on her lips. "You've got that lovesick look again, brother. Anyone would think you're the one performing tonight."

Aemond's lips curve into a subtle smirk, but his eyes remain fixed on the stage. "She's earned this. She deserves the world."

Aegon, meanwhile, shifts uncomfortably in his seat, grumbling under his breath. "Can't believe I'm missing out on that rock concert for this... What has she done to you, Aemond?"

Aemond ignores his brother's complaint, his mind already on the performance to come. All he can think about is Y/N and how much this moment means to her—and to him.As the orchestra takes their seats, the anticipation in the Royal Hall heightens. The last to enter is Y/N, and as she steps onto the stage, the entire audience seems to hold its breath. She is a vision of grace and beauty, dressed in a stunning Elie Saab gown that shimmers with every movement. The pastel blue fabric cascades like a waterfall, catching the light and reflecting it in soft hues that complement her skin. The gown’s delicate embroidery and intricate beadwork make her look like she stepped out of a dream, ethereal and almost otherworldly.

Pinned just above her heart is the sapphire diamond brooch Aemond had gifted her, its sleek design and the deep blue of the sapphire standing out against the gown. The sight of it sends a flutter through Aemond’s chest, a silent acknowledgment that she carries a piece of him with her on this monumental night. Helaena catches his eye, a knowing smile on her face as she leans in and whispers, "I told you so," her teasing tone filled with warmth.

Y/N glances briefly in Aemond's direction, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment. The connection is electric, filled with unspoken words and deep affection. To Aemond, she looks like a goddess descended from the heavens, poised and radiant. Her beauty, combined with the sheer talent he knows she possesses, leaves him breathless.

She takes a bow, her grace captivating the audience, and then takes her seat at the piano. As the maestro raises his baton and the orchestra begins to play Schubert, the world narrows down to just her and the music. For the next two hours, everything else fades away for Aemond. He watches her every movement, mesmerized by the way her fingers glide over the keys, creating melodies that seem to weave magic in the air. The music flows effortlessly, and Aemond can see the passion and dedication in every note she plays.

It's not just a performance; it's a declaration of who she is, of everything she's worked for, and Aemond is filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and love. As she plays, he knows that this is just the beginning for her—a future filled with endless possibilities and achievements. And he wants to be there for all of it, supporting her, loving her, as she conquers the world one note at a time.The final notes of the concert linger in the air as Y/N lifts her hands from the piano, allowing the last echoes of the music to fade into the silence of the hall. For a brief moment, there is a pause, as if the entire audience is taking in the magnitude of what they have just witnessed. Then, as if on cue, the hall erupts into a thunderous standing ovation. Applause fills the space, a sea of admiration and respect washing over Y/N and the orchestra.

Y/N remains composed, standing gracefully to take her bow, acknowledging the audience’s praise with a serene smile. However, just as the applause reaches its peak, a booming voice cuts through the noise, jolting everyone’s attention.

"That's my brother's soulmate, y'all!"

The declaration, unmistakably belonging to Aegon, echoes through the hall, causing heads to turn and whispers to spread like wildfire. There’s a moment of stunned silence, quickly followed by a mix of surprised laughter and cheers from some corners of the audience. The information spreads rapidly, with some people in the crowd whooping and hollering in response to the revelation.

On stage, Y/N feels a chill run down her spine, but she maintains her calm exterior, refusing to let the situation rattle her. Her expression remains serene, her posture poised as she continues to bow and acknowledge the applause. Inside, though, her mind is racing. This was not how she had imagined revealing her relationship with Aemond, especially not in front of such a large audience.

In the front row, Aemond is seething, his jaw clenched tightly as he glares at Aegon. The anger burns behind his single eye, but he forces himself to remain still, his hand twitching slightly at his side. Helaena, sitting beside him, looks equally horrified, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

As Aemond watches Y/N on stage, maintaining her composure amidst the unexpected chaos, he feels a surge of pride for her strength. This was her night, her moment to shine, and he refuses to let Aegon’s outburst ruin it. He swallows his anger, deciding that any confrontation with his brother can wait until later. Right now, all that matters is Y/N and making sure she knows that he’s there for her.

Once the applause begins to die down and the audience starts to settle, Aemond stands up, joining in the applause with deliberate, measured claps, his gaze fixed on Y/N. He hopes she sees the message in his eyes: that he’s proud of her, that he’s with her, no matter what. And when their eyes finally meet, he offers her a small, reassuring nod, silently promising that they’ll handle whatever comes next—together.

But for now, he lets her have her moment, refusing to let Aegon’s slip-up take away the joy of her achievement. As the audience continues to applaud, Aemond glances at Helaena, who gives him a knowing look, one that says she’s ready to help manage the fallout of this unintended revelation. For tonight, though, they’ll focus on Y/N’s triumph, and later, Aegon will have to answer for his careless words.

As soon as they arrive back home, Aemond doesn’t waste any time. His fury, carefully bottled up throughout the evening, is simmering just beneath the surface, and he’s determined to address it with Aegon. Helaena follows closely behind him, her arms folded across her chest, sensing the storm brewing.

Aemond finds Aegon lounging in the parlor, a self-satisfied grin plastered across his face as if he’s just pulled off the prank of the century. Aemond’s footsteps are firm, each step echoing his restrained anger. He stops just a few feet away from his brother, his single eye narrowing dangerously.

“Aegon,” Aemond begins, his voice cold and controlled, but the undertone of anger is unmistakable. “Just why did you do that?”

Aegon, utterly unbothered, sits up slightly but doesn’t lose his smug demeanor. He stretches lazily before replying, “Do what, brother? Tell the world about the incredible woman you’re hiding?” He laughs, clearly amused by his own actions.

Helaena, standing behind Aemond, shoots Aegon a disapproving look. Her arms remain folded, but her gaze is stern, showing that she, too, disapproves of Aegon’s behavior. But Aegon doesn’t seem to care; if anything, he’s relishing the attention.

Aemond’s jaw tightens as he tries to keep his composure. “This isn’t a joke, Aegon,” he says, his voice low and threatening. “You had no right to announce our relationship like that. Do you even realize what you’ve done?”

Aegon shrugs nonchalantly. “I don’t see what the big deal is. She’s not something to hide, Aemond. In fact, you should be proud to show her off. Why keep her a secret?”

“That’s not what this is about,” Aemond snaps, his control slipping slightly as his anger bubbles to the surface. “You don’t understand the risks. We have enemies, powerful ones, and Y/N… her mother is in another country, her sister is in another city, she has no one around her. I’m trying to protect her, Aegon. And you just put her in the spotlight without a second thought.”

Aegon’s smile fades slightly, but he still doesn’t look remorseful. “And aren’t you the mighty Aemond Targaryen? Won’t you protect her? If she’s yours, then shouldn’t everyone know that you’re the one looking after her?”

“Of course I will protect her,” Aemond replies, his voice sharp and filled with conviction. “But there’s a time and a way to do it. This was not the time, and certainly not the way. You’ve just made her a target, Aegon. A target for anyone who wants to hurt me or our family. And she wasn’t ready for this, for the world to know about us like that.”

Aegon finally sits up, leaning forward slightly, his expression growing a bit more serious. “I get it, Aemond, I do. But you’re underestimating her. She’s stronger than you think. And besides, wouldn’t you rather the world knows she’s got you by her side? You can’t keep her in the shadows forever.”

Aemond sighs, running a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “I know she’s strong, Aegon. That’s not the issue. But you have to understand, this wasn’t about hiding her out of shame. It was about keeping her safe until the time was right. You’ve put her in a difficult position, one she didn’t ask for.”

Helaena, who has been quiet until now, finally speaks up. “Aegon, we all love Y/N. But Aemond is right. There are things in our world you don’t always think about, things that can hurt the people we care about. You didn’t mean any harm, but you need to see the bigger picture.”

Aegon leans back again, crossing his arms, his earlier smugness giving way to a more thoughtful expression. “Alright, I get it. Maybe I jumped the gun. But you’re going to have to deal with this sooner or later, Aemond. You can’t shield her from everything.”

Aemond’s gaze softens slightly, though the tension in his body remains. “I know, Aegon. But it should have been on our terms, not blurted out in front of an audience like that. Now, I’ll have to find a way to manage this, and to make sure she’s not put in any more danger because of it.”

Aegon nods, finally understanding the gravity of his actions. “I didn’t mean to make things harder for you… or for her. I just thought… I don’t know, maybe I thought it was time everyone knew. But I see your point.”

Aemond, still tense, takes a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Just think next time, Aegon. Please. For her sake.”

Helaena steps forward, placing a comforting hand on Aemond’s arm. “We’ll figure it out, Aemond. Together. But for now, let’s focus on making sure she’s okay. That’s what’s most important.”

Aegon nods again, more seriously this time. “Alright. I’ll stay out of it from now on. But if you need me… well, you know I’ve got your back.”

Aemond gives a short nod in return, though the tension in the room remains. He knows the consequences of tonight’s events could be far-reaching, but at least now, his brother understands the gravity of the situation. For now, though, his thoughts are solely on Y/N and ensuring her safety and peace of mind after everything that has transpired.

For the first time in his life, Aemond Targaryen feels utterly helpless. The calm, composed, and fiercely controlled persona he has meticulously crafted over the years seems to crumble in the face of Y/N’s anger. As they stand in her living room, the tension between them is palpable, almost suffocating. He watches her pace back and forth, her expression a mixture of frustration, hurt, and something that twists his heart—disappointment.

“I failed to control him, Y/N,” Aemond begins, his voice unusually soft, almost pleading. “I never wanted this to happen, I never wanted you to feel this way. You have to believe me.”

Y/N stops pacing and turns to face him, her eyes sharp and filled with a fire he’s not accustomed to seeing directed at him. “Wasn’t he the mighty Aemond Targaryen?” she says, her tone laced with bitterness. “The man who could bend the world to his will, who could silence a room with just one look? And yet, you couldn’t even control your own brother’s behavior?”

Her words cut deep, each one striking at the core of his pride and the image he has of himself. Aemond opens his mouth to respond, but no words come out. He’s never been in a situation like this, where his strength, his authority, counts for nothing. The person who matters the most to him is the one he’s hurt, and he doesn’t know how to fix it.

“People will think I used you to get where I am,” Y/N continues, her voice trembling slightly now, as if the weight of the situation is finally hitting her. “They’ll think that everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve achieved, is because of you, not because of my talent. And that thought makes me sick, Aemond.”

Aemond’s heart aches at her words, at the pain in her voice. “Y/N… please, you have to know that’s not true. Your talent speaks for itself. No one can take that away from you. Not even Aegon’s foolishness.”

But Y/N shakes her head, the anger not fully subsiding. “It’s not about what’s true, Aemond. It’s about perception. The world doesn’t care about the truth; they care about what they see, what they can gossip about. And now, thanks to your brother, they have something to talk about.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N,” Aemond says, his voice desperate now. “I truly am. I should have done more, should have been able to stop him. But please, don’t shut me out because of this. Let me make it right.”

Y/N looks at him for a long moment, her eyes searching his, as if looking for something—perhaps sincerity, perhaps understanding. But whatever it is, she doesn’t seem to find it. She turns away from him, crossing her arms over her chest, a clear signal that the conversation is over.

“I’m angry with you, Aemond,” she says quietly, but with a firmness that leaves no room for argument. “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

The finality of her words hits Aemond like a physical blow. He’s used to being in control, to having the upper hand in every situation, but here, with Y/N, he feels powerless. He opens his mouth to apologize again, to say something—anything—that might ease the tension, but nothing he can think of seems adequate. So he stands there, silent, watching as she walks away from him, leaving him alone in the room with nothing but his own sense of failure.

As the door to the bedroom closes behind her, Aemond exhales a shaky breath, feeling more lost than he ever has in his life. He’s always prided himself on his strength, on his ability to protect those he cares about. But now, with Y/N’s words echoing in his mind, he realizes that this time, his strength might not be enough.

He failed her, and the realization is crushing.It has been two long, excruciating days since Aemond last heard Y/N's voice, two unbearable days without the soothing sound of her playing the piano, and two agonizing days without feeling her soft skin under his touch, without the warmth of her lips against his. Every hour without her stretches into eternity, and each passing moment only deepens the hollow ache in his chest. The memory of her disappointment, of the coldness in her eyes, gnaws at him relentlessly, leaving him raw and on edge.

Aemond’s attempts to apologize have been relentless. He’s sent countless bouquets of her favorite flowers, adorned with heartfelt notes that try to capture the depth of his regret. He’s commissioned jewelry that sparkles like the stars he used to compare to her eyes, gifts that he hopes will convey the words he cannot seem to express properly. But each offering is met with silence, a cold and distant response that tears at him more than any wound ever could.

He feels like he’s drowning in this sea of despair, and the suffocating pressure of it all is making him unravel. It’s not just her disappointment that tortures him; it’s the idea that she might never forgive him, that she might never see him the same way again. The thought of losing her—her love, her trust, her presence in his life—is a reality he cannot accept. Not from her. Anyone else, and he would brush it off with indifference. But not Y/N. She is everything to him, and the mere notion of her slipping away drives him to madness.

This feeling of helplessness, of being unable to control the one thing that matters most to him, is foreign and unbearable. In every other aspect of his life, he is in control. He commands respect and fear; his presence alone is enough to bend others to his will. But here, in this personal, intimate space where emotions rule, he feels lost—stripped of the power that usually defines him.

The weight of it all manifests in his actions. Over the past two days, Aemond has become a force of nature—a whirlwind of anger and violence that leaves everyone around him trembling. His orders are delivered with a sharpness that cuts through the air, and his punishments for even the slightest mistakes are meted out with ruthless efficiency. There’s an extra edge to everything he does, a darkness that has settled over him like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over every interaction.

His subordinates dare not speak a word out of place. They’ve seen him angry before, but this… this is different. This is the wrath of a man who is not just furious, but desperate—desperate to regain some semblance of control, to channel the storm raging inside him into something tangible. And it terrifies them.

Even Aegon, usually so irreverent and careless, has been keeping his distance, sensing that this is not the time to provoke his brother further. The guilt of what happened at the concert still lingers between them, unspoken but ever-present, and Aegon knows that Aemond is teetering on the edge.

Helaena, perceptive and gentle as always, has noticed the change in her brother. She watches him closely, her eyes filled with concern as she sees the toll this is taking on him. She knows Aemond better than anyone, understands the depth of his feelings for Y/N and the agony he must be going through.

"Aemond," Helaena says softly one evening, her voice a rare anchor in the turbulent sea of his thoughts. They are alone in one of the dimly lit drawing rooms of the estate, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.

Aemond doesn’t respond immediately. He’s standing by the window, his gaze fixed on the city below, though he’s not truly seeing it. His mind is elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Y/N, of her silence, of how he can make things right. The room feels cold, even though the fire is blazing in the hearth, and Aemond’s hands are clenched into fists at his sides, his knuckles white.

"Aemond," Helaena repeats, more insistent this time, taking a step closer to him. "You need to talk to me."

He finally turns to face her, and Helaena is taken aback by what she sees. His usually sharp, icy blue eye is clouded with exhaustion and something else—something that looks like pain. His face is set in a hard line, but there’s a vulnerability there that Helaena hasn’t seen in him since they were children.

"I can’t," he finally says, his voice rough and strained. "I can’t get her to forgive me. She won’t even speak to me. What am I supposed to do, Helaena? How am I supposed to fix this?"

Helaena steps closer, her hand reaching out to rest on his arm. "You can’t force her to forgive you, Aemond. You know that. She’s hurt, and she needs time. You need to give her that."

"I’ve given her time!" Aemond snaps, but there’s no real anger in his voice, just frustration and despair. "I’ve done everything I can think of. Flowers, gifts, apologies—nothing is working. She’s slipping away from me, and I don’t know what to do."

Helaena squeezes his arm gently, her touch a quiet comfort. "You’re so used to being in control, to fixing things with power and force, but this… this isn’t something you can control, Aemond. She loves you, but she needs to trust you again. And that takes time."

Aemond closes his eye, a shuddering breath escaping him. "I don’t know if I can wait, Helaena. It’s been two days, and I already feel like I’m losing my mind. I can’t lose her. I can’t."

"You won’t," Helaena says softly, her voice full of quiet conviction. "But you need to show her that you understand why she’s upset, that you’re willing to give her the space she needs. If you keep trying to force your way back into her life, you’ll only push her further away."

Aemond swallows hard, her words sinking in. He knows she’s right, but the thought of stepping back, of waiting in this agonizing limbo, feels impossible. But if that’s what Y/N needs, if that’s what it will take to earn her forgiveness, then he will do it. He will endure the pain, the uncertainty, the helplessness—anything, if it means he can have her back.

"I’ll try," he finally says, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I’ll try, Helaena. But gods, I don’t know how much longer I can stand this."

Helaena gives him a sad smile, understanding the depths of his turmoil. "You’re stronger than you think, Aemond. And so is she. You’ll get through this. But you have to be patient."

Aemond nods, though the weight of the words still hangs heavily on him. He knows this is a test—of his patience, of his love, of his ability to be the man Y/N needs him to be. And as much as it terrifies him, he will face it. For her.

Because losing her is not an option. Not now, not ever.Aegon paced back and forth in front of Y/N’s door, nerves gnawing at him in a way he hadn’t felt in years. He wasn’t used to this—apologizing, that is. For most of his life, Aegon had skated by on charm, wit, and an easy smile, rarely caring about the consequences of his actions. But seeing his brother in such a state, knowing he was the cause of Aemond’s anguish, had stirred something deep within him, something he couldn’t ignore.

With a deep breath, Aegon knocked on Y/N’s door, waiting anxiously for her to answer. When she finally opened it, her expression was neutral, but he could see the remnants of anger lingering in her eyes. He couldn’t blame her for it. What he had done was reckless, and the impact it had on both her and Aemond was undeniable.

“Y/N,” Aegon began, his usual bravado faltering as he faced her. “I… I know I screwed up. Big time. And I’m not here to make excuses, but I need you to understand… I never meant for things to go this far.”

Y/N crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe as she regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and caution. “What did you mean, then? When you shouted that out in front of everyone?”

Aegon sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I was just… being me, I guess. I’ve always enjoyed teasing Aemond. It’s like second nature to me. He’s always been the serious one, the one our mother trusted, the responsible one. I’ve spent my whole life in his shadow, and, well… sometimes it felt good to get under his skin.”

As he spoke, Y/N could see the vulnerability in his eyes—the envy he’d carried for so long, masked by his carefree attitude. Aegon had always been the wild child, the one who never quite lived up to expectations. But behind that carefree facade was a man who felt overlooked and underestimated, overshadowed by his younger brother.

“It wasn’t just about teasing, though,” Aegon continued, his voice softer now. “I was jealous, Y/N. Jealous that Aemond found someone like you, someone who really gets him. He’s always had this sense of duty, this weight on his shoulders, and I’ve always been the screw-up. Seeing him so… in love, I guess I just wanted to be a part of it, in my own messed-up way.”

Y/N’s expression softened as she listened to Aegon’s confession. His words reminded her of a younger brother she never had—someone who desperately sought approval and validation, even if it meant pushing boundaries. She could see now that Aegon wasn’t malicious; he was just lost, trying to find his place in a family where he often felt like he didn’t belong.

“Please,” Aegon said, his voice almost pleading. “Just don’t punish him for my deeds. Aemond didn’t deserve what I did. He’s… he’s been through enough, and I’ve only made things worse.”

Y/N felt her resolve waver as she took in the sincerity of his words. Maybe she had been too harsh on Aemond. She had been angry, hurt by the way their relationship was thrust into the public eye without her consent. But seeing Aegon’s genuine remorse, she realized that her anger had been misdirected. Aemond wasn’t to blame for his brother’s actions.

After a moment of silence, Y/N sighed, her posture relaxing as she made her decision. “I’ll forgive him,” she said quietly.

Aegon’s eyes lit up with relief, a smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means to him. To both of us.”

Y/N nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as well. “Come with me, then. Aemond’s been on edge, hasn’t he?”

Aegon chuckled, though there was a note of concern in his voice. “You have no idea. He’s possibly one step away from burning down this whole city.”

Y/N’s smile widened slightly at that, and for the first time in days, she felt a sense of peace. She knew how deeply Aemond cared for her, how much he must have been struggling with their estrangement. It wasn’t fair to hold him accountable for something he couldn’t control, especially when his love for her had been so evident in every action he took.

“Let’s go, then,” she said, grabbing her coat. “We need to put an end to this madness.”

Together, Y/N and Aegon left her home and made their way to the Targaryen mansion. The tension that had weighed heavily on Y/N’s heart for the past two days began to lift with each step she took, replaced by a sense of determination. She was ready to face Aemond, to make things right between them, and to remind him that their bond was stronger than any mistake.Aemond sat in the dimly lit hall, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped tightly together as he stared at the floor. His mind was a whirlwind of anger, regret, and helplessness. The past two days had been torturous, a living hell without Y/N. His attempts to reach out to her had been met with silence, his gifts returned, and his heart felt as though it was being torn apart piece by piece. He had always prided himself on his control, his ability to manage everything and everyone around him. But now, that control had slipped through his fingers, and the person he loved most was slipping away with it.

The door creaked open, and Aegon walked in, his usual swagger subdued by an air of hesitation. Aemond didn’t even look up, his voice a low growl filled with bitterness. “What now? What more do you want to destroy in my life, Aegon?”

Aegon flinched at the harshness in his brother’s voice, but before he could respond, a gentle voice cut through the tension in the room, one that made Aemond freeze in his place.

“It’s okay, Aemond. I’m here.”

That voice—her voice—brought Aemond out of the fog of his rage. He looked up, and there she was, stepping out from behind Aegon, her presence like a balm to his wounded soul. Relief washed over him, so powerful that it nearly brought him to his knees.

“Y/N,” Aemond breathed, his voice shaky as he stood up, his eye never leaving hers.

Y/N’s expression was soft, understanding, and as she moved closer to him, Aemond felt the tight knot of fear and anger in his chest begin to loosen. He couldn’t believe she was really there, that she had come back to him despite everything. He had been so certain he’d lost her for good.

“I’m so sorry,” Aemond whispered, his voice thick with emotion as she closed the distance between them. He reached out, hesitant at first, as if afraid she might pull away, but when she didn’t, he pulled her into his arms, holding her as if she were his lifeline.

Y/N wrapped her arms around him, feeling the tension in his body slowly ebb away as he buried his face in her hair. “I know, Aemond. I know you are.”

For a long moment, they stood there in each other’s embrace, the world around them fading into insignificance. Aemond felt the weight of the past two days lift from his shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude that she had come back to him, that she still cared.

Aegon, who had been standing off to the side, quietly cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I, uh… I’ll give you two some space,” he said, his usual cheeky tone laced with a rare note of seriousness. He shot a brief glance at Aemond, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before he turned and left the room.

As the door closed behind Aegon, Aemond pulled back slightly to look at Y/N, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “I was so afraid I’d lost you,” he admitted, his voice raw with the vulnerability he had been keeping at bay.

Y/N smiled softly, placing her hand over his. “I was angry, Aemond. Angry at what happened, at how things played out, but I never wanted to lose you either. I just needed time to think.”

Aemond nodded, understanding. He knew he had been wrong to let things spiral out of control, and he had been foolish to think that his brother’s actions wouldn’t have consequences. But now, holding Y/N in his arms, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wouldn’t let anything—or anyone—come between them again.

“I’ll make this right,” he promised, his voice steady with determination. “Whatever it takes, I’ll make it right.”

Y/N reached up, her fingers gently brushing against his lips to silence him. “We’ll make it right together,” she said softly. “But right now, I just want to be with you.”

Aemond felt his heart swell at her words, and he leaned down to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, the words filled with all the emotion he had been holding back for so long.

“I love you too, Aemond,” she replied, her voice equally soft but full of warmth.

For the first time in days, Aemond felt at peace. Holding her close, he knew that they would face whatever came their way together. And as long as he had her by his side, he could handle anything./N sighed, pulling back just enough to look Aemond in the eye. Her expression was earnest, revealing the weight of the thoughts that had been troubling her. “I just… I’m a self-made person, Aemond. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am, and I don’t want people to think I used a powerful man like you to achieve it.” She paused, her voice wavering slightly as she continued, “So when Aegon shouted about us, it was this fear that overcame me. I needed time to get hold of that emotion before I could see you.”

Aemond’s eye softened as he listened, understanding now why she had reacted the way she did. He gently took her hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. “No one would ever say that, Y/N,” he replied, his voice filled with conviction. “Your talent shines brighter than my power ever could. Anyone who hears you play can see that you’ve earned every bit of success on your own.”

She looked at him, her eyes searching his for any trace of doubt, but all she saw was sincerity and pride. Aemond wasn’t just saying what she wanted to hear—he truly believed in her, in her talent, in everything she had accomplished.

“I just… I don’t want to be seen as anything other than who I am,” she said softly.

“And you won’t be,” Aemond assured her, his voice firm but gentle. “You’re more than just my soulmate, Y/N. You’re an incredible artist, a strong, independent woman, and anyone who knows you will see that.”

Y/N’s heart swelled at his words, the anxiety and fear that had been gnawing at her for days beginning to dissipate. She realized that, despite everything, Aemond understood her in a way no one else did. He respected her for who she was, and that was more valuable to her than anything else.

She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Aemond. I needed to hear that.”

He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “I’m just speaking the truth, my love. And I’ll keep reminding you of it every day if I have to.”

A small smile tugged at her lips, and she rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. In that moment, she knew that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together. And as long as they had that, she could handle whatever came her way.

part 5

#aemond x you #aemond targaryen reader #aemond targaryen x you #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen fluff #aemond targaryen soulmate #aemond x oc #aemond x reader #aemond x soulmate #modern aemond #modern aemond targaryen #modern aemond x reader #house of the dragon #hotd aemond #hotd #soulmate au

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notthecutesttrash · 1 month

Text

Stop One

Content: On Halloween night you decide to meet up with your friends. Only to be stopped at the train station by a horrible sight.

Warnings: Drabble! Mahito, dark, blood, death, yandere.

Word count: 1151

There’s blood leaking towards your feet. You’re stuck in place, wide-eyed. Quivering helplessly as you grasp the scene.

Abnormally shaped figures that were once normal people scatter on the ground. All sickening sizes and colors range from purple to blue.

Your lips are pursed tight, watching as three- no five figures casually huddle around one another. One man has stitches all over his body, another with spiky hair, and the last wore a purple robe. The other two... aren’t remotely even human.

Where did this all go wrong?

Just a few moments ago you were getting prepared to go out for Halloween. You just got off a call with your friends who invited you to a party, and you got yourself all dolled up, costume on, ready to go to the train station. Everyone around you had the same idea. Occasionally you’d get a nice conversation out of some funny cosplayers or women wearing catsuits. Hands wrapping around the metal bar, you were so captured in your talk you didn’t notice the train skidding to a stop.

Your eyes are still caught on a lady beside you who is dressed in a bunny one-piece, adorned with matching ears. “I love your costume,” was the compliment you gave her, and she grinned, making a joke about how it was tight enough to rush off to the ER.

She then waved and you reciprocated kindly, mimicking the focus on the sliding doors. A little ding echoed as they opened and you waited patiently for everyone to begin strolling.

However a few seconds passed, and no one was still moving.

You blinked when everyone appeared rigid. Soon after sounds of shock exited people's mouths. Curiously, you had gathered onto the tips of your toes to see past the tall men in front of you.

You weren't able to see much, but your vision managed to catch a small flicker of red before your feet fell. A scream rushed out of someone nearby and you covered your ears at the sound. Ow, sheesh, did they have to do that now?

Suddenly a figure pushed you to the ground by shoving your shoulders back. With that, the crowd followed, almost trampling you as they ran through the other door. A clear pathway to the scene was revealed, and you gasped in horror.

Blood was dripping down the sides of the pavement, spreading into a puddle that decorated the train tracks. A blue-haired man turned to the panicked crowd. He had a terribly unsettling ear-to-ear grin, and you rushed to your feet, sprinting the opposite way

A slurred mumbled voice erupted behind you. “Kill me, please, kill me.”

A weight slapped your back and you nearly tripped again. Turning, you saw a teal-morphed monster with mismatched uneven lids that were dripping with tears. Its hanging wide mouth opens to repeat the phrase, and you let out a screech as it neared you.

Your palms met the mush and drove it as far back as you could, dashing to the station's stairs. Others were desperately trying to achieve the same goal, and because of the mutual rush, you were pushed to the side.

Mustering a few steps through the mass, a pair of boots eventually slapped you in the ankle. You tumbled down the stairs and your head smacked against the pavement.

Your vision blurred, and the grunts that made their way out eased into nothing as your head lulled to the side.

“Ugh, why do they always look the same before they die?”

“Because they’re human.”

“Yeah, and this is why I hate them.”

Blinking groggily, you take a moment before managing to notice the ceiling lights blaring into your retinas. There’s an aching throb in your head and the voices that talk nearby have you wincing. Raising slowly to the sight, a small hiss escapes.

The figures ahead of you are too caught in their conversation to notice you.

At the stairs, there are dozens of bodies cascading against each other. All the people you saw shove you out of the way were lying dead in pools of their own blood. Because of the slipperiness, you're not likely to make a prompt escape there. There is a chance you might be able to dart past the group, but to where? The end of the station? And besides, there are 3 men, and 2... who knows what just standing there like nothing happened. That wasn't a good chance. Might even be worse than possibly tripping.

Steadily your palms press against the floor, readying yourself to stand. The movement of your arm shifts something to your side. Something heavy and slimy. You hold your breath as you observe a slain corpse poking your waist. Their neck is twisted horribly, and their eyes are rolled back, only white revealing. The thud of the head falls near you, echoing loudly. Gagging, you stuff your hand to your mouth, the horrified whimper escaping too quickly.

The room has an instantaneous heavy silence, and the group turns to you, a horrifying scowl accompanying their motion.

“Looks like you left one Mahito," one speaks.

“Aw really? I was sure I got them all.” The one with the rampant stitches glances your way. Sighing, he walks towards you. A gasp escapes as he nears.

You rush to crawl back, but you’re promptly halted by a wet squelch against your neck. Squealing out, the man laughs, pausing to watch the pitifulness. It's quiet as your gaze meets his and he smirks. Your pulse stammers and your mouth opens to plea.

He crouches in front of you, features a few inches from yours. It's then you can see the different colored eyes and the stitches clearly that adorn him. He hums, tilting his head.

"I think I like you. I'll keep you."

You're taken aback, completely frozen, yet he grins almost politely.

A scoff sounds from the group. “Don’t be ridiculous, we have no time for playthings.”

The one with the spiky hair shrugs, “As long as I don’t have to deal with it."

Then another. The robed one beams nicely, though you struggled to find the sweetness in that one. “I don’t mind. Now, as long as you take responsibility and deal with it when she tries to escape.”

The man in front of you scoffs. "That not's going to happen."

He smiles and leans closer to you, his fingers curling around your stained hair. “Because you’re going to be my pet now. Won't that be so fun?” He chuckles and you're on the verge of tears.

He pets your locks, almost loving the way it feels beneath his fingers and the way you flinch at the action. The tug at his lips stretches wider as he thinks of all the things he’s going to do to you.

And when you stared into those shameless eyes, you knew this was a fate worse than death.

#x reader #fanfic #anime x reader #dark x reader #dark fanfiction #yandere x reader #jjk #jjk x reader #mahito #mahito x reader #jujustsu kaisen x reader #jujustu kaisen

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clarisse0o · 2 months

Text

Camp Wiegman-Part 25

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 5k

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Friday, December 18; 11:00 AM - School.

The bell rings, signaling the end of classes. I finally leave the classroom, leaving behind my last lessons of the year. They were certainly the longest I’ve ever endured since my last exam. I’ve never been so excited to get out of here. My things were already packed even before the final announcement. I run out without waiting for Alexia, who’s desperately calling after me in the hallway. I manage to avoid the rush and arrive in record time in front of Lucy’s office. I immediately scan the room for her, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Bronze?” I ask, out of breath.

“Hello to you too, Ona,” Engen greets me. “She had to go to administration. She shouldn’t be long.”

“Thanks!” I say as I turn to leave.

“Hey! No running in the halls!” Engen reprimands me.

Her warning doesn’t stop me from continuing my sprint toward the entrance hall. I smile when I see Lucy making her way through the students rushing to leave. I dash towards her, causing her to frown as soon as she sees me. Before she has the chance to scold me, I leap onto her.

“What are you doing, Ona?” she growls sternly.

She tries to shake me off, but I tighten my legs around her waist. I’m too happy to care about the attention we’re drawing.

“I did it, Bronze! I did it!” I shout excitedly.

“What are you talking about?” she grumbles. “Let go of me!”

“It’s thanks to you! I passed almost all my subjects!”

My words stop her in her tracks. She stops struggling and looks me straight in the eyes. Her expression changes dramatically, making me beam with joy. The wait to show her all my makeup test scores that my homeroom teacher gave me during my last class was unbearable. I release my grip on her now that I have her full attention.

“Even though this is good news, never do that again… in public,” she scolds me. “Am I clear?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I reply indifferently.

I rummage through my bag and pull out all my makeup test papers. I put the first one we worked on together at the top—the one with the math equations. My teacher handed it back to me along with the rest since I was sick when it was returned and he forgot to give it to me earlier.

“Here, look.”

She sighs in annoyance and snatches the papers from my hands. She squints as she examines them. Her features soften, and her tense jaw relaxes. She looks back and forth between me and the first paper several times.

“An eighteen!? When did you take this one?”

“It was the first one you helped me study for. The equations, remember?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I got the highest grade,” I say proudly.

She smiles as she flips through the rest. I smile too, noticing that she’s genuinely interested. My grades range between eight and sixteen. They’re nothing like the ones I used to get, which ranged between three and nine. Thanks to her, my averages are going up, maybe even doubling if my last assignments of the week turned out well. It’s a huge leap forward.

“See, I told you there was no reason to worry. You drove yourself crazy for nothing, and you drove me crazy in the process!”

The pressure I had been carrying is released in a nervous chuckle. She surprises me by pulling me into a hug, even though a few students are still passing through the hall. I won’t complain and just let myself enjoy it. All my efforts have finally paid off.

“I’m proud of you.”

I smile against her shoulder, savoring those simple words. It’s hard to remember the last time someone said that to me. The fact that it’s coming from Lucy warms my heart. The emotion and relief are so overwhelming that a few tears escape without me realizing it. I step back to avoid breaking down and quickly wipe my eyes to hide any evidence of recent tears. Unfortunately, it seems she noticed, as she gently wipes the dampness from under my eyes with her thumbs.

“It’s all thanks to you…”

“I didn’t do anything special,” she says with a sincere smile.

“Yes, you did. You helped me, supported me… You’ve been there from the start and never gave up on me.”

“That’s not what you said when you first arrived.”

A throat clearing interrupts our moment, startling us. Our intimate moment could have been witnessed by anyone, but we relax when we see it’s only Engen.

“You’re both so reckless! Doing that in front of everyone! Imagine if Wiegman had seen this scene!”

If Engen weren’t so angry, I’d probably be laughing. It’s the first time I’ve seen her so mad. She’s usually in a teasing mood. Lucy doesn’t seem fazed; in fact, she seems amused by the situation.

“The chances were slim since I just came out of his office. But thanks for being so concerned.”

“Yeah, whatever,” she grumbles.

“Anyway, here, go eat. They’re waiting for you.”

I nod as I put my papers back in my bag. I wish them a good lunch before heading to the cafeteria. As I expected, everyone is already at the table. No one seems bothered by my delay. I’m sure Ale explained why. She knew I wanted to show my grades to Lucy. Anyway, everyone is too preoccupied with their upcoming holiday plans to notice my absence. In a few hours, we’ll all finally be home.

“Did you manage to ask Mapi about New Year’s?” Ale asks me.

“Well, no, I didn’t get the chance. She wasn’t feeling well, so I didn’t have the opportunity. I’ll ask her during the week and let you know.”

“Okay, we’ll go with that. We’ll be in touch anyway, right? Unless you decide to go radio silent for two weeks…”

“That wasn’t my plan,” I reply with a small smile.

“Phew! Because I’d miss you! Well, except maybe your snoring.”

“I don’t snore!” I protest.

“That’s what you say,” she teases.

“It only happened when I was sick because my nose was blocked,” I defend myself. “It doesn’t count.”

“You snore even when you’re not sick. I swear! Where’s Bronze? She’ll confirm it!”

“She wouldn’t know that,” I mutter.

“She watched over you all week. Of course she knows.”

“Ridiculous,” I roll my eyes.

Alexia laughs while I’m clearly annoyed by her claim. There’s no way I snore. Mapi can’t stand snoring. She would’ve said something if I did.

“So, is it true?” Alessia asks.

“Of course not,” I insist. “My ex would’ve kicked me out of bed if it were.”

“Seriously, she would’ve done that?” Alexia giggles. “Oh my God, I really need to meet her!”

“Who are we talking about?” Alessia asks, looking quite curious.

Alexia glances at me, biting her lip. Her slightly too obvious comment didn’t go unnoticed. Surprisingly, I don’t mind. It’s not like most of the people around the table don’t already know about my orientation. Alexia had encouraged me to tell them a while ago, so I did. However, she’s the only one who knows about Mapi.

“Mapi” I say hesitantly.

« Mapi as Mapi your best friend ? » Alessia ask.

I rub my neck, feeling awkward. No matter how many people know, this topic is still uncomfortable for me.

“It’s complicated. The only thing you need to know is that I m lesbian and we used to date but we broke up a long time ago.”

“Sorry,” Alexia grimaces. “It slipped out. I know you don’t like to talk about that. »

“It’s okay,” I say, offering her a reassuring smile.

She seems relieved by my words. Alexia is someone who doesn’t always think before she speaks when she’s excited. I can’t really blame her for being herself.

“You know, there’s no need to feel ashamed,” Alessia tells me. “I know it’s hard to come to terms with it—I’m a lesbian myself—but you get there with time.”

“Everyone is who they are. We don’t accept the same things or have the same background” I say more coldly than I intended.

We maintain eye contact, neither of us backing down. Her reaction slightly irritates me. What does it have to do with her anyway? It’s not like we’re close or she knows me well. She looks away, clearly hurt by my response. The table falls silent. Patri finally breaks the tension with a throat-clearing.

“So, what’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?”

Her subtle change of subject successfully shifts the mood. Everyone starts talking about their plans, and the conversation picks up again, excluding me. I hope I made my stance on my orientation clear. The last thing I need is rumors. If that happens, I’m sure the gossip about Lucy and me will only intensify. That would be unfortunate, especially now that she’s just starting to open up to me. My attention is drawn back to the table when I hear them discussing New Year’s again. Thanks to Ale’s comment, everyone now understands that Mapi is my ex. This new information doesn’t seem to have changed their minds about inviting her. If anything, they’re even more eager to meet her now. After that, we finally head back to our rooms. Alexia hasn’t stopped apologizing on the way back. She clearly feels guilty.

“Seriously, I really regret letting that slip.”

“It’s fine, I promise.”

“Why aren’t you mad? I don’t know, say something. You’re worrying me even more!”

“What was said?”

We turn towards the door as Lucy walks in. She looks at us curiously, as if she just realized she interrupted an important conversation.

“That Mapi is my ex. The others didn’t know.”

“Oh. And is that a problem for you?”

“No, but Alexia doesn’t seem to get it. She thinks I’m going to explode at her any second.”

“Wait… What? Bronze knows!? Since when? Don’t tell me she knew before I did!”

“Oh, Ale.”

I roll my eyes in exasperation. This girl never ceases to amaze me with her sudden mood shifts. Lucy, watching this unfold, smiles in amusement, probably noticing my frustration.

“I hope for your sake I knew before her,” she says, barely containing her laughter. “I’d be really offended if I didn’t.”

Lucy exaggerates the gesture, placing her hand over her heart to accompany her words. I respond to her joke with a middle finger. Then, I continue gathering my last belongings into my bag. I barely have time to grab anything before I find myself unceremoniously sprawled on my bed. I try to get up, but she quickly pins me down, leaving me unable to move. I recognize Lucy by her long brown hair tickling the tip of my nose.

"I'm not your friend here, so do that again and you'll regret it," she whispers in my ear. "Did I make myself clear?"

I groan, struggling against her unpleasant hold. All I manage is to tighten her grip on my wrists and legs. Her body traps me completely.

"Did I make myself clear?" she repeats. "You don't get to disrespect me like that."

"I understand. Let me go now," I plead. "I won't do it again."

My plea works. She gets up, releasing me. I stay on the mattress for a moment, regaining my senses with my eyes closed. Damn bad memories. I eventually get up, putting my headphones and phone in my bag. I gather my courage when it's time to face them. I don't even have time to react before Alexia pulls me into a hug.

"You better make sure to come for New Year's."

"I'll keep you posted. Have a good holiday."

"You too, sweetheart."

She kisses my cheek, lingering. I kiss her back before grabbing my luggage and leaving with my supervisor. She's the one taking me to the airport today, so I can't really avoid her right now. I’ve been out of it since we started walking. I haven't even looked at her yet. It's her arm around my shoulders that brings me back to reality.

"Hey. Is everything okay?"

"Hmm."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying."

"Is it about earlier? You've been acting strange since then."

"No," I mumble.

"Ona," she scolds me.

"Okay, fine. Maybe," I admit.

"Sorry, I had to act. Being here, we're sort of teaching you to enter the working world. If it had been your boss, you would have been fired. I'm not your friend here."

"I know, it's fine. I won't do it again."

"Tell me what's bothering you. Did I cross a line? I know very well that you have a problem with physical contact."

"How—"

"I notice your behaviors," she cuts me off. "I observe you, you know. You hesitated for a long time before letting me help you shower the first time. And you only allow closeness to people you trust or feel close to."

So she's been observing me… She must have noticed it a long time ago. I sigh, shaking my head. She knows I care about her. The only people whose touch I allow here are Alexia and her. It's unsettling to know she knows. She ruffles my hair.

"Sorry. I can't help it," she says with a soft smile.

"It's no problem…," I murmur.

We arrive at her car in silence. She parked it in the same outdoor lot as last time. We load the car, then hit the road. The music breaks the silence that had formed. I hum along to relax the atmosphere, and certainly to relax myself as well. When we arrive at the airport, she takes the time to help me and accompany me to the boarding gate, just like last time. It feels like a new, very pleasant routine is forming.

"Take advantage of the holidays to rest and clear your head. You need it after these last few weeks."

"That was my plan."

"Try not to forget me, either."

"That's not likely," I chuckle.

The intercom, which I now know by heart, calls me to order. I bite my lip as I look at Lucy. I don’t know how to say goodbye. She answers my question by pulling me into a hug.

"I'm going to miss you," I whisper.

"Write to me if you need anything."

"Can I write to you even if I don’t?" I ask, making her laugh.

"Of course. I'll respond as long as you don't overdo it. Send me a message when you arrive."

She surprises me by kissing my forehead. I close my eyes to savor this little moment before reluctantly pulling away from her.

"Have a great holiday."

"Thanks, you too," she replies with a smirk.

I head to the boarding gate. I use the waiting time to pull out my headphones and phone. When I reach the turn, I look back one last time to see if Lucy is still there. Seeing that she is, I give her one final wave before continuing to board the plane. I find the flight attendant I’ve befriended on previous flights. I greet her with a smile before taking my seat. And so it begins—two hours of flight ahead.

Friday, December 18; 11:00 PM - Barcelona Airport

I'm woken up by the young flight attendant who seems to enjoy taking care of me. We chatted a bit during the flight. I learned that her name is Shay. She asked me what I do for a living to be making so many trips back and forth across the continent. I answered that it’s for my studies without elaborating further. She’s really nice. As I exit the plane, I wish her a happy holiday. It's now time to meet Hector and Mapi. I smile when I see them. Mapi jumps into my arms the second she can. I hug her as tightly as I can. I quickly notice that she hasn’t bothered to wear makeup. That’s a sign she’s really not doing well. It’s rare for her not to put make up on. I wrap my arm around her shoulders before moving towards Hector, whom I greet with a big smile.

On the way back, Mapi didn’t want to talk, so I just kept her in my arms. That seemed to suit her. I took advantage of the quiet to notify Alexia and Lucy of my arrival. When we arrive at the house, I relieve Hector of his duties, telling him not to bother with my suitcase. I’ll take care of it myself tomorrow when the time comes. For now, I just want to get to my room as quickly as possible with Mapi. When we get there, I'm surprised but pleased not to see Joan. I would have liked to see him, but at least this way I can take care of my best friend properly. She remains very quiet. She sits on my bed while I find us some t-shirts to use as pajamas in my closet. She changes in the room while I go to the bathroom. I should shower, but I’ve decided to do that in the morning when Mapi will probably still be asleep.

Once ready, I return to the room to find Mapi under the covers. I glance at my phone, where I notice messages, but I decide to ignore them. I’ll respond tomorrow. I lie down next to Mapi, who immediately snuggles into my arms. I gently hold her, stroking her hair. It’s been a long time since we’ve been this close in bed. Lately, Joan was sleeping between us. Lucy was right about my issues with physical contact. The only people I can sleep with since I came back are Joan and Mapi. I’ve never tried with anyone else, but I know I wouldn’t be able to. My thoughts are interrupted by pressure on my lips. In a moment of panic, I push Mapi away to end the kiss.

"S-sorry," she stammers.

"What was that?" I ask, not delicately.

I can’t control my tone, taken aback by the surprise. I calm down when I see tears at the corners of her eyes. She’s so distraught.

« Map—"

"I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to! I just needed comfort. I don’t know what came over me."

"Okay, hey, calm down. It’s not that serious..."

I relax and open my arms for her to come back to me. This time, I think it’s for real. She clings to my t-shirt, soaking it without restraint. I take a deep breath and kiss the top of her head.

"It’s okay, let it all out," I whisper.

I hold her a little tighter as she finally lets her sobs go. It was about time she broke down. I stroke her back to reassure her.

"You’ll find someone else, Maps..."

"You don’t understand! You’re the first person I got serious with. When you left, I knew it would be hard to get into a new relationship."

"Map—"

"No, let me finish," she interrupts. "I trusted her and opened my heart to her again! She knew all about our history without knowing who you were. If she had dumped me for a reason, I would have understood, but no. That bitch couldn’t find anything better to do than cheat on me with your damn ex! I don’t even know who I should be angry with! What did I do to that puta to ruin all my relationships?"

I tense up, realizing who she’s talking about without her needing to name her. An inexplicable rage wells up inside me. But I quickly calm down when I see Mapi’s tear-filled eyes staring into mine. I feel so small.

"I-I’m so sorry," I say.

"It’s not your fault," she shakes her head.

"No, really. I want to apologize for what I did to you. I left you for someone else. I chose the easy way out instead of fighting against my depression, fighting for us."

I knew she had a hard time dealing with our breakup. It’s the first time we’ve talked about it since we reconnected. Of course, I had already apologized for leaving, but I had never apologized for breaking up. Her eyes soften.

"Ona..." she whispers.

"I-I feel so guilty for hurting you so much," I continue, my voice breaking. "If I hadn’t been a coward, maybe we’d still be together now. You deserved and still deserve so much better. You have no right to feel bad about all this crap. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you!"

She smiles softly before snuggling back into me. I rest my head against hers, feeling relieved to have gotten this off my chest. It’s something I should have done a long time ago.

"I never blamed you, Ona... You may have made bad choices, but I understood them all with time. All that mattered to me was getting you back as a friend because I missed you terribly."

"I missed you so much too, Mapi. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t think about you."

"The best thing I ever did was write to you on your birthday a year ago. If I’d known it would bring you back, I would have contacted you sooner," she giggles.

"I might not have reacted the same way if you’d done it earlier..."

"Doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you’re here now and that you’re trying to get better... By the way, reassure me," she says, sitting up. "You don’t want anything more than friendship between us, right?"

"You’re the one asking me that?" I chuckle. "I’m not the one who kissed you five minutes ago."

"Yeah, well, um... I’m sorry about that little lapse... I was just upset. I wasn’t thinking about more. I really appreciate the new relationship we’ve built. I feel like we’ve become inseparable."

I smile at her and nod. She’s right. We were already close, but it was different. We were younger and bolder. I already saw myself spending my life with her, traveling the world. We’ve grown up since then, matured even. Right now, I don’t feel quite like an adult yet, even though I should start becoming one at my age. However, if I’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that I shouldn’t distance myself from people like Mapi. Our feelings for each other have evolved, but that doesn’t stop us from being close. She’s become indispensable to me. If something were to happen between us again, in my opinion, it should have been when I returned. But that would have been selfish of me, knowing that I was the one who left her. So I simply accepted the friendship she offered me. It wasn’t a negligible support given the situation I was in when I came back home. It was probably the best decision of my life. I believe that even more now, seeing where we are today. Inseparable, that’s the word. If there’s one thing I don’t want, it’s to lose her or hurt her again.

"We are," I murmur. "I don’t want our relationship to change."

She smiles at me before nestling her head into my neck. She lets out a contented sigh. Yeah, this situation couldn’t be better; we both know it. We won’t abandon each other again, no matter the circumstances.

- "No offense, but I never liked Ana," I admitted.

- "I knew that," she chuckled softly. "Why don’t you ever tell me these things?"

- "She was your girlfriend, and you seemed happy. As long as you’re happy, I don’t care who you’re with, and I’ll support you no matter what. But don’t be too upset that this relationship didn’t work out. I know it’s painful, but I’m sure you’ll find the right person when the time is right."

- "Hmm, not right now, at least. I’d rather take a step back."

- "I forbid you from going back to your one-night stands," I grumbled.

- "That wasn’t my intention. I think I really need to find myself, you know?"

- "Yeah…" I sighed.

A soothing silence settled between us. This conversation had been quite enriching. Mapi was finally relaxed. I could hear her gentle, steady breathing. Unfortunately, my curiosity risked breaking this moment of peace.

- "How did she meet Feli?" I asked gently.

- "I get the feeling she’s been coming to my parties more and more, like she’s looking for you."

- "Oh..."

- "I don’t even know who’s to blame between the two of them," she growled. "I think I hate them both. Anyway, enough talking," she said, sitting up. "You’ve got two weeks to distract me! How about we start by going to the amusement park tomorrow? I bought tickets. We’ll bring Joan; he’ll love it."

- "Why not, sure. I have a suggestion for you too. I was going to wait to ask, but now that you’ve brought it up, this might be the best way to get you out of here."

- "Well, I’m listening. What do you propose, Onita?"

- "My group of friends from school is celebrating New Year’s together in Manchester. They’re inviting us to join them... Alexia really wants to meet you, and I really want to go... Please, say yes!"

- "Alexia, huh? She’s the one who’s taken my place over there, admit it! Or no, wait. Even better, it’s Bronze!"

- "Don’t be ridiculous," I rolled my eyes. "No one can take your place, silly. Come on, it would be the best way to meet my new friends. I’m sure you’ll love them."

- "I don’t know…" she pretended to think. "I’m sure you’ll abandon me and leave me on my own all night."

- "Liar," I giggled. "We both know it’ll be you who abandons me as soon as you feel comfortable."

- "Yeah... You’re probably right."

She laughed heartily, making me smile. Maybe I’m not so bad at cheering people up after all. At least I managed to make her laugh.

- "You’re so silly. My answer was already yes as soon as you asked. We’ve got nothing left to do here anyway. And we’re not risking a night out if Feli is after you."

- "Yeah..."

- "Plus, I’ll finally get to meet your new friends. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, right?"

- "Uh-huh," I said with a smile.

- "Can I meet your supervisor too, since we’ll be in Manchester ? I’d like to see what she looks like."

- "How would we do that? I have no contact with her outside of school."

- "You’ve got her number."

- "So? She’s not my friend, she’s my supervisor. She wouldn’t want to."

- "Oh come on, there’s definitely more between you two, considering how she took care of you during your withdrawal and flu. She even gave you private tutoring sessions for your exams. We all know what ‘private tutoring’ means these days," she said, miming air quotes.

- "Good Lord, Maps," I protested. "That’s not it at all!"

She burst out laughing at my reaction. I didn’t find her implication very funny. If I’m getting comments like this here, what must the students at school be thinking? I’m starting to regret telling her everything.

- "Get that idea out of your head," I grimaced. "And don’t you dare say anything like that in front of others when we’re in Manchester."

- "Oh my God, that’s right... We’re actually going there."

This girl exasperates me. She never thinks things through. Sometimes I wonder how she managed to get to her third year in mechanical engineering. I’m not going to complain because it’s her carefree attitude that saved me. Without her crazy plans, I’d probably still be moping in bed every evening after coming home from rehab.

- "But, but, how are we going to do this? I don’t have the money to buy a ticket!"

- "Calm down," I chuckled. "I’ll pay for the trip. Consider it part of your Christmas gift."

- "I can’t accept that."

- "It wasn’t an option. I have a yearly pass, so I get tickets cheaper, and it’s my mom’s money anyway, so I’m not the one directly paying," I shrugged.

- "Alright... By the way, speaking of Christmas..."

- "Yeah?"

- "My parents left to visit family for two weeks. I was supposed to spend the holidays with Ana and her family... She wanted to officially introduce me."

- "Oh... Well, you can stay here. At least I won’t have to endure my fake family alone."

She giggled immediately. "You’ve never accepted them."

- "Whose fault is that?"

- "Let’s not talk about things that upset us. I don’t want us to argue right now."

- "A very good idea. I’ll tell Sam to set an extra plate for you."

- "Are you sure it won’t be a problem?"

- "Of course not. You already know everyone anyway. I don’t care if they complain. My mom won’t say no after our last conversation."

- "What conversation?" she frowned.

- "Nothing important. We argued when we talked about my withdrawal. I kind of hinted that she never trusted me."

- "You didn’t tell me about that..."

- "No, I only briefly mentioned it to Bronze. I didn’t really want to talk about it."

- "Hmm, Bronze, huh!"

- "Stop it," I groaned. "You win, it’s time to sleep."

- "I was joking," she chuckled.

- "Well, it’s not funny."

I turned over to turn off the light and lay down, ready to sleep. But Mapi didn’t seem to get the message as she climbed right over me to turn my lamp back on. I groaned to show my annoyance.

- "What now?" I grumbled.

- "It was a joke! I didn’t know you were so sensitive."

- "I’m not sensitive," I sighed. "I’m just already tired of the rumors at school. I don’t need you adding to them here. There’s nothing between us, OK? She just gives me everything that no one else ever has, that’s all. That’s the only reason she’s special to me. I’m not interested in her in the way you think."

- "Alright, sorry. I won’t tease you about it anymore."

- "Thanks."

I grumbled when she climbed over me again to turn off the light. She snuggled up against me, trying to find a comfortable position. I smiled at this.

- "Mapi. You know I don’t like sleeping on my back, right?"

She groaned in frustration, realizing I wasn’t planning to stay in this position just after she’d found hers.

- "Fine... But can I still sleep in your arms, or is that too much to ask?"

- "Of course you can."

I rolled onto my side and opened my arms. She nestled into them, making sure to tuck her head into my neck. It had been a long time since we’d slept so closely together. I have to admit, I missed it. We finally wished each other good night, and I drifted off with a small smile on my face.

#woso #lucy bronze #woso community #barca femeni #ona batlle #woso soccer #lionesses #sefutbol fem #ona batlle x lucy bronze #mapi leon #mapi león #alexia putellas #alessia russo

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