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dreamersworldduh · 28 days ago

Note

Is requests still open? If yes, can you make a Hal Jordan x M!Reader where the reader is also the member of the JL (It decided by you his powers), and Hal is casually admiring him then eventually asked to go on a date with him with a touch of smut on the end.

Sorry if I may ask for too much, please. Just take your time!! And also, love your fics!! ^^

SECRET ADMIRER

• HAL JORDAN x MALE READER

SUMMARY — Hal Jordan never expected to fall this hard. What started as playful admiration of Y/N's extraordinary power and effortless grace on the battlefield quickly turned into something more. From flirtatious banter during Justice League missions to an unforgettable first date, Hal found himself drawn deeper into Y/N's orbit. Their chemistry was undeniable, their connection effortless, and soon, one night together turned into something more—something real.

WARNING! 18+ MDNI. Suggestive Langauge. Violence. Swearing.

WORDS! 9.6k

AUTHOR'S NOTE! Sorry about the delay, but I have fallen for Nathan Scott and I have been writing about him for a bit, daydreaming but don’t worry I’m checking back into reality. Anywho, enjoy your reading✨🫶🏽

The battlefield was a maelstrom of destruction, a chaotic symphony of clashing energies, monstrous war cries, and the distant rumble of collapsing structures. Hal Jordan stood at the heart of it, his emerald-clad form unwavering as he scanned the battlefield. His sharp green eyes locked onto Y/N, a mixture of admiration and intrigue flickering within them. He had witnessed countless warriors, battled cosmic titans, and stood against the wrath of gods, yet something about Y/N was... different.

Y/N stood amidst the chaos like a beacon of untamed power, an enigma of both human resilience and Anodite supremacy. He was neither fully mortal nor fully ethereal, yet he commanded the raw, boundless energies of the universe as though they were an extension of his own will. His body shimmered with an aura of undiluted mana, a luminous cascade shifting seamlessly between hues of deep violet, iridescent indigo, and brilliant silver. The very air around him pulsed and crackled with an intensity that made the fabric of reality quiver in his presence, as if space itself bent in deference to his power.

As the enemy forces—grotesque, otherworldly invaders from the farthest reaches of space—swarmed forward in a frenzied wave, their monstrous forms blotting out the light, Y/N barely flinched. His fingers twitched, a faint glow igniting at his fingertips before flaring into a blinding, celestial blaze. Without a single wasted motion, he raised a hand, and the energy obeyed like an extension of his soul.

A tidal wave of unfiltered mana erupted from his palm, cascading forward with an elegance that bordered on divine. It surged across the battlefield, a radiant force of destruction and beauty, sweeping through the advancing horde like a cleansing fire. The invaders were obliterated on contact, their forms dissolving into nothingness, leaving only the lingering echoes of their existence in the wind. For a fleeting moment, silence fell over the battlefield, the only illumination coming from the ethereal afterglow of Y/N's unleashed might.

Hal exhaled, leaning against a floating construct of his own creation—a luminous green platform, solid yet weightless under his touch. His arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable as he studied Y/N. Unlike most warriors, who fought with grit, rage, or desperation, Y/N wielded his power with an effortless grace. Every movement was precise, deliberate, as if he were composing an intricate symphony rather than engaging in a battle for survival.

It was mesmerizing.

"You make this look easy," Hal finally remarked, his smirk barely concealing the awe in his voice. The glow of his power ring flickered against the radiant light of Y/N's swirling mana, two forces of unimaginable power coexisting in perfect contrast—one forged by will, the other by sheer, unrelenting magic.

Y/N turned slightly, his eyes gleaming like distant stars, depths of wisdom and unspoken power lurking beneath their gaze. The energy coursing around him swirled and coiled like a living entity, responding to his presence, attuned to his every thought. There was something both intimidating and fascinating about the way he carried himself—unshaken, assured, as if he had long since come to terms with the enormity of his existence.

"It helps when you're part Anodite," he quipped, his voice laced with quiet amusement. There was a knowing smirk on his lips, one that spoke of experience beyond years, of a power so deeply ingrained in his being that it was as natural as breathing.

Hal chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."

But even as he spoke, his gaze lingered on Y/N, unable to pull away. It wasn't just the power, the elegance, or even the sheer destructive force Y/N wielded with such ease. It was something deeper—an essence, an unknowable brilliance that set him apart from anything Hal had ever encountered.

Y/N wasn't just strong.

He was something else entirely. A force that defied classification, a being that could tilt the scales of any battle with the flick of his wrist. And for the first time in a long, long while, Hal Jordan—Green Lantern of Sector 2814, a man who had faced the unimaginable—found himself in awe.

The battle was far from over, but as the next wave of enemies charged forward, Hal wasn't just thinking about victory anymore.

He was thinking about the sheer, terrifying, and extraordinary force that fought beside him.

Y/N moved like a celestial force given form, his presence exuding a raw, mesmerizing energy that bent reality itself. Each flick of his wrist sent dazzling arcs of mana cascading through the battlefield, tearing through the monstrous invaders with unrelenting precision. Their grotesque forms barely had time to register their destruction before they disintegrated into motes of nothingness, consumed by the sheer potency of his attacks.

Hal had encountered countless warriors, beings of immense power that could shake the cosmos with a thought—but Y/N? He was something else entirely. There was a seamless, almost artistic grace to the way he fought, as if the battlefield was his canvas and magic his brush. His every movement was controlled, deliberate, and yet carried an air of effortless mastery that Hal couldn't tear his eyes away from. And if he was being completely honest with himself, the way those pulses of glowing mana outlined Y/N's well-toned physique certainly didn't go unnoticed.

His admiring gaze was rudely interrupted by the sudden crackle of static in his earpiece, followed by a low, gravelly voice that carried every ounce of irritation one would expect.

"Jordan. Get your eyes off Y/N's ass and focus on taking down the creature."

Hal blinked, momentarily startled before a slow, amused smirk curled across his lips. He barely turned his head, still watching as Y/N dodged a hulking beast's attack with an effortless backflip, mana swirling around him in hypnotic waves. The smirk only grew.

"C'mon, Bats," Hal drawled lazily, leaning further into his construct as if he were watching an entertaining performance rather than an all-out war. "You're monitoring from the Watchtower. Don't tell me you're not at least a little impressed."

"That's not the point," Batman snapped, his tone carrying that signature mix of exasperation and barely restrained irritation. "The creature is still standing. Quit gawking and do your job."

Hal hummed noncommittally, but his attention was already drawn back to Y/N, who was currently dismantling another wave of enemies with almost casual ease. His luminous mana pulsed in rhythmic bursts, glowing embers of violet and silver lingering in the air like celestial dust. It was hypnotic—the way his body twisted and turned, dodging incoming attacks with liquid fluidity before retaliating with breathtaking precision.

With a knowing smirk, Hal finally responded, "Nah, Bats. He's got it under control."

On the other end, there was an audible sharp exhale, followed by what Hal could only assume was Batman pinching the bridge of his nose in sheer frustration.

Unbothered, Hal simply crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as he continued his very important task of 'monitoring' Y/N. The way he fought—every movement sharp, yet fluid, exuding confidence in every strike—was damn near hypnotic.

"Man," Hal murmured to himself, ignoring the chaos still unfolding around him, "it's like watching a damn fireworks show. A really attractive one."

"I swear to god, Jordan—"

Hal, still grinning, cut the comm line before Batman could finish his impending threat. With the Dark Knight suitably ignored, Hal returned his full attention to the spectacle before him. After all, why interfere when perfection was at work?

The battlefield lay in eerie silence, the aftermath of battle lingering like the final notes of a war song. The once-roaring chaos had settled into an almost reverent stillness, the only remnants of the monstrous foe now nothing more than drifting embers of dissolved energy. The air remained thick with the scent of scorched earth, metallic ozone, and the residual charge of magic that had been unleashed moments prior. Wisps of violet and silver mana still crackled in the air like spectral fireflies, drawn toward Y/N's fingertips before dissipating into the void.

Y/N exhaled slowly, lowering his hand as the last flickers of power receded beneath his skin. His breathing was controlled, steady—though there was no denying the sheer force he had just wielded. His presence alone radiated energy, a quiet yet commanding force of nature.

From above, Hal Jordan let out a low, appreciative whistle, cutting through the tension like a blade. He remained casually perched against one of his glowing emerald constructs, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well," he drawled, "if that wasn't the most graceful ass-kicking I've ever seen, I don't know what is."

Y/N turned slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in mild amusement. "You could've helped, you know."

Hal pushed off his construct, activating his ring once more as he floated down beside Y/N, his green aura casting a soft glow against the residual shimmer of mana in the air. "Oh, trust me, I was helping." He grinned, gesturing toward himself with mock grandeur. "Moral support, expert-level commentary, and, most importantly, making sure you looked damn good while doing all the work. Arguably the most important job out here."

Y/N rolled his eyes, but there was no real annoyance in the motion. "Right. Sure, Jordan."

Hal chuckled, but there was something else in the way he looked at Y/N now—a lingering glint in his eye, something just beneath the surface that he wasn't quite ready to name.

With the battle won and the city below now secured, the two of them lifted effortlessly into the sky, breaking through the upper atmosphere with practiced ease. The world fell away behind them, fading into the vast stretch of space. Up here, beyond the chaos and destruction, the universe stretched infinitely before them, stars glimmering like scattered diamonds against the endless black. It was quiet, the kind of quiet that only existed in the void—heavy, yet peaceful.

Hal flew alongside Y/N, hands resting behind his head in a seemingly relaxed pose, though his gaze kept flicking toward him every so often. The glow of Y/N's mana still pulsed faintly around him, a subtle luminescence that made his features stand out against the cold backdrop of space. Hal felt something tighten in his chest—not in fear, not in unease, but something else. Something unfamiliar. He had seen power before. He had seen warriors, legends, gods. And yet, there was something about Y/N—his presence, his confidence, the way he carried himself like he belonged among the stars themselves—that made Hal pause.

He wasn't sure what it was. And frankly, he wasn't sure he wanted to analyze it too deeply just yet.

Instead, he opted for what he did best—charming, casual, and just a little reckless.

"So," Hal began, tilting his head slightly as he turned toward Y/N, "I was thinking... We've saved the world, kicked some serious ass, and probably made Bats roll his eyes so hard he's given himself a migraine." He paused, purely for dramatic effect, watching the faint curiosity spark in Y/N's expression before continuing, "Seems to me like we deserve a reward."

Y/N arched an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "And what exactly do you have in mind?"

Hal's grin widened, though there was something genuine behind it—something just a little less playful, a little less deflective. He shrugged, floating just a little closer. "Dinner. You, me, somewhere nice—preferably a place where we're not getting shot at, blasted, or dealing with some intergalactic nightmare." He raised an eyebrow. "What do you say?"

Y/N regarded him for a moment, as if considering, weighing the offer like one would a well-placed bet. Then, with a soft chuckle, he nodded. "Alright, Jordan. You're on."

Hal couldn't stop the surge of satisfaction that spread through him at those words. He wasn't entirely sure what this was—just a bit of fun, or maybe something more—but whatever it was, he was more than willing to find out.

As the Watchtower loomed in the distance, the stars reflecting in their eyes, Hal found himself looking forward to whatever came next.

As Y/N and Hal Jordan descended onto the Watchtower's pristine metallic flooring, the soft hum of their energy dissipated into the hushed stillness of the station. The docking bay, illuminated by the ambient glow of reinforced LED panels, stretched before them in sleek, futuristic elegance. Beyond the Watchtower's expansive windows, Earth hung suspended in the void—a breathtaking sphere of blue and white, small yet vibrant against the backdrop of infinite darkness. It was the kind of sight that could make anyone pause, that could remind even the most seasoned heroes of the beauty of the world they fought to protect.

But Hal Jordan was preoccupied with something far more intriguing.

"Well," Hal declared, rolling his shoulders with a lazy grin, "I'd say that was a hell of a team-up. We saved the day, looked damn good doing it, and—most importantly—I managed to score a date. All in all, not bad for a day's work."

Y/N chuckled, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his slightly tousled hair, a few errant strands still wild from the intensity of battle. "I don't know if I'd call it a 'team-up,' considering you spent most of the fight standing around and watching."

Hal gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over his chest as if wounded. "Hey now, I was tactically observing. You were putting on a whole damn light show out there—I didn't wanna interrupt the magic."

Y/N smirked but didn't press the argument. Instead, he stretched slightly, rolling out his shoulders before exhaling. "Right. Well, I'm gonna go wash up. See you later, Jordan."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode toward the locker rooms, the faint glow of residual mana still crackling in the air around him like distant static. Hal, however, remained standing where he was, hands on his hips, watching Y/N disappear down the corridor. A slow, smug smile crept onto his face.

Yeah. Today had been a very good day.

Without wasting another second, Hal pivoted and made his way toward the common area. He knew exactly who he needed to find.

As expected, Barry Allen was there, comfortably leaned back at one of the sleek, high-tech lounge tables, flipping through a stack of mission reports at super-speed. His fingers blurred as he rapidly scanned through the data, his mind processing information at an incomprehensible rate. Hal, of course, had absolutely zero interest in mission reports.

Clapping his hands together, he announced his arrival with the energy of someone who had just won the lottery.

"Barry, my guy," Hal drawled, dragging out the words as he strolled up with the confidence of a man who had just conquered Mount Olympus itself. "Guess who just landed himself a date with the most ridiculously powerful, unfairly attractive half-human, half-Anodite badass?"

Barry didn't even look up. "Please tell me it's not you."

"It is me."

Barry groaned audibly, finally setting the reports down before giving Hal a long, suffering stare. "Why do you sound so proud? You annoyed that poor guy into dating you, didn't you?"

Hal scoffed, placing a hand on his chest. "Absolutely not. It was pure charisma. Natural charm. Irresistible good looks."

Barry blinked once. "So, annoyance got you the date. Got it."

Before Hal could retaliate with a rebuttal, a much deeper, far more unimpressed voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Jordan."

Hal tensed slightly. He knew that voice. He also knew exactly how much trouble he was probably about to be in.

Turning slowly, he found Batman standing in the corner, arms crossed, the dark folds of his cape making him look as immovable as a statue. His glare was sharp, unwavering—silent, yet speaking volumes.

Hal coughed, attempting to school his expression into something casual. "Uh, hey there, Bats. You hear the good news?"

Batman's glare did not waver. "Yes. And I also heard you spent more time admiring Y/N than actually contributing to the fight."

Barry, who had previously been exasperated, suddenly perked up with an eager grin. "Oh, this I gotta hear."

Hal held up both hands in defense, his ring pulsing faintly as he gestured wildly. "Okay, first off—not true. I was supervising. Second, Y/N had everything under control. And third—" He smirked. "Can you blame me? The guy is a walking celestial light show with the body of a damn Greek statue."

Batman exhaled through his nose in what could only be described as the long-suffering sigh of a man trying very, very hard not to commit murder. "You're impossible."

Hal's grin widened. "And yet, completely lovable."

Batman turned sharply on his heel and walked away, his cape billowing in a dramatic flourish. He didn't say another word, but the tense way he carried himself screamed frustration.

Barry, meanwhile, had officially lost it. His laughter echoed through the room, full of unrestrained amusement. "Oh, man. I cannot wait to see how this date turns out."

Hal plopped down in the seat across from him, still grinning like he had just won a bet. "Trust me, Barry—neither can I."

The entrance of Celesté, one of Coast City's most renowned fine dining establishments, gleamed under the warm glow of golden chandeliers. The faint clink of crystal glasses and the soft murmur of refined conversation drifted through the air, punctuated by the lilting notes of a grand piano nestled in the corner. Everything about the place exuded elegance—from the impeccably dressed waitstaff to the delicate flicker of candlelight reflecting off polished silverware.

And standing at the entrance, adjusting the cuffs of his sleek black tuxedo, was Hal—a man who, under normal circumstances, would rather be in his flight suit or his Green Lantern uniform. Dressing up wasn't exactly his thing, but tonight? Tonight was different.

Tonight, he had a date with Y/N, and there was no way in hell he was half-assing it.

Despite his usual easy confidence, Hal found himself rolling his shoulders as if shaking off an invisible tension. It wasn't nerves, not really—he didn't do nerves—but there was an anticipation buzzing beneath his skin, a restless kind of excitement that had nothing to do with the mission reports he had totally ignored earlier that day.

He checked his watch, lips twitching into a smirk. Any second now.

And then—like the universe had been waiting for the perfect moment—Y/N stepped through the restaurant doors.

And Hal's breath? Yeah, it hitched.

The shift in the atmosphere was almost palpable. Y/N carried himself with an effortless confidence that commanded attention, but it was the way the tailored suit hugged his frame that made the whole thing downright unfair. The smooth, high-end fabric moved with him, accentuating sharp lines and quiet power, each stride filled with the kind of grace that couldn't be taught.

His hair was styled—refined enough to suit the occasion, but still holding just enough of that untamed edge to remind Hal exactly who he was dealing with. And that? That was dangerous.

For a moment, Hal just stared.

Holy. Hell.

Y/N's gaze swept across the restaurant before locking onto Hal, and just like that, Hal snapped out of it, forcing his signature cocky smirk back into place as if his brain hadn't short-circuited seconds earlier. He squared his shoulders, exuding every bit of the cool, effortless charm he was known for.

Showtime.

"Well, well," Hal drawled as Y/N came to a stop in front of him, his tone smooth, but his eyes shamelessly lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "I was already looking forward to tonight, but man—you just made my entire week."

Y/N let out a low chuckle, his lips curving into something amused, and Hal felt a flicker of satisfaction at the sound. "That so?"

Hal gestured with an exaggerated sweep of his hand. "I mean, look at you. That suit? Criminally good. You clean up ridiculously well, and frankly, I think it's kinda unfair to the rest of us."

Y/N arched an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Coming from the guy who looks like he just walked off the cover of GQ?"

Hal's grin widened, preening just a little as he straightened his tie. "What can I say? I had to step up my game for you."

For a fleeting second, something flickered in Y/N's eyes—something warm, something genuine. It wasn't just amusement anymore; it was appreciation, maybe even something fond.

And that? That was a win.

Y/N exhaled softly, his voice smooth as he said, "Well, you did a good job."

Hal's grin turned just a little smug as he extended an arm in an exaggerated gentlemanly fashion. "Shall we?"

Y/N rolled his eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. Instead, he took the offered arm, the warmth of his touch settling against Hal's suit sleeve, and together, they stepped further into the restaurant.

The golden candlelight flickered around them, the hushed ambiance of the room embracing them in an atmosphere of something undeniably electric.

And in that moment, as Hal walked beside the most ridiculously powerful, unfairly attractive, and completely intriguing person he had ever met—he knew one thing for certain.

This? This was already shaping up to be one hell of a night.

The soft hum of conversation wove through the elegant restaurant like a well-rehearsed symphony, mingling with the delicate clinking of silverware against fine china. The warm glow of flickering candlelight bathed the room in an intimate ambiance, its golden hues casting elongated shadows along the crisp white tablecloths. The air was rich with the tantalizing aroma of expertly crafted dishes, each plate an artful display of culinary mastery.

At the center of it all, seated at a secluded table near the window, were Hal Jordan and Y/N.

For once, they weren't warriors, they weren't heroes locked in battle—they were simply two people, enjoying the company of the other. No cosmic threats loomed over them, no urgent mission awaited. Just this moment, unburdened and uninterrupted.

Hal leaned back in his chair, his broad shoulders easing into the plush seat as he lazily swirled the deep red wine in his glass. The crimson liquid caught the candlelight, casting rippling reflections onto the table's surface. Gone was his usual cocky bravado—the one he wielded like a second skin in the field. Instead, he had settled into something more relaxed, the version of himself that only surfaced when there was no need to impress—not that he needed to.

After all, Y/N had already agreed to this date.

Across from him, Y/N looked effortlessly composed, his well-tailored suit somehow still pristine despite the long evening. Yet, there was something warm in the way he chuckled at Hal's last remark, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"So let me get this straight," Y/N said, setting his fork down with a smirk. "You crashed a fighter jet on purpose just to prove a point?"

Hal grinned, holding up a finger. "Technically, I landed it in a way that looked like a crash. Huge difference."

Y/N shook his head, his smirk deepening. "And your superiors just... let that slide?"

"Nah, they were too impressed I actually pulled it off." Hal leaned forward slightly, voice dropping into a smooth, conspiratorial tone. "Besides, I've always been good at getting out of trouble."

Y/N hummed, lifting his glass to his lips before taking a slow sip. "More like good at getting into trouble."

Hal laughed, tipping his glass toward him in a mock toast. "Fair enough." He set it down, resting his elbow on the table as his gaze softened with curiosity. "Alright, enough about me. I know what you're like in the field—calm, collected, freakishly powerful—but outside of the whole 'saving the world' thing, what's your deal? What do you do when you're not making Batman twitch with stress?"

Y/N smirked, clearly enjoying the question. "You mean when I'm not dealing with you flirting in the middle of a fight?"

Hal placed a hand over his heart, gasping dramatically. "Hey, I multi-task."

Y/N chuckled, leaning back slightly as he considered the question. "Honestly? I like the quiet. I spend so much time surrounded by chaos that when I finally get the chance, I just want to be somewhere peaceful. Reading, stargazing, finding those little moments where I don't have to be 'on' all the time."

Hal studied him, intrigued. "Huh. So you're the 'find peace in the little things' type?"

Y/N nodded slightly, twirling his glass absently between his fingers. "Something like that." He tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "What about you? When you're not flying around with that power ring, what does Hal Jordan do to unwind?"

Hal smirked. "Besides annoying Batman?"

"Besides annoying Batman."

"Well," Hal tapped his fingers against the table, as if contemplating, before shrugging. "I like fast cars, good drinks, and making bad decisions in Vegas—sometimes all at the same time."

Y/N chuckled. "Somehow, that doesn't surprise me."

Hal grinned but then, after a pause, his smirk faded just slightly. He hesitated for a fraction of a second before finally adding, "But when I actually want to relax?" His fingers traced the rim of his wine glass before he admitted, "Flying."

Y/N lifted a curious brow.

"Not with the ring," Hal clarified. "Just flying. When I was a kid, my dad used to take me up in his jet, and ever since then, being in the air just... calms me down." He exhaled, a rare glimpse of sincerity slipping through. "It's the one place where it's just me, the sky, and nothing else. No responsibilities, no pressure, just freedom."

Y/N watched him carefully, his expression softening ever so slightly. "That actually makes a lot of sense."

Hal arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh yeah?"

Y/N offered a small smile. "Yeah. You spend so much of your time fighting for everyone else. Guess it's only fair you have something that's just yours."

For a second, Hal blinked.

He was used to the banter, to the playful teasing, to keeping everything light—but this? This was understanding.

And it threw him off guard.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. But the silence wasn't awkward—it was comfortable, filled with unspoken words neither of them felt the need to voice. The candle between them flickered gently, its golden glow dancing along their features as a soft piano melody drifted in the background.

Then, because Hal Jordan had never been one to let a moment linger too long, he leaned back and grinned.

"Well, damn," he mused, flashing a charming smirk. "I was just trying to impress you with my whole 'deep, brooding pilot' side, but you actually went and got all insightful on me."

Y/N chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry, Jordan. You're still just as ridiculous as ever."

Hal smirked, lifting his glass. "And yet, here you are. On a date with me."

Y/N rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched into something fond as he clinked his glass against Hal's.

"Guess I must like ridiculous."

And just like that, Hal felt that same victorious spark again—but this time, it wasn't about the chase, or the flirtation, or the thrill of the moment.

This time, it was real.

And for once?

He wasn't in any rush to figure it out.

The city had settled into a quiet, comfortable rhythm, its usual chaos giving way to something far more tranquil. The distant hum of traffic blended seamlessly with the muffled sounds of laughter from late-night diners and the occasional honk of a car horn. A cool breeze drifted lazily through the streets, carrying the faint scent of rain-soaked pavement—a reminder of the earlier downpour that had long since dried beneath the glow of neon lights and streetlamps.

Beneath that glow, Hal Jordan and Y/N walked side by side, their pace unhurried, their footsteps in sync as they navigated the quiet streets.

Hal had long since abandoned the last remnants of his formal composure—his tie loosened, tuxedo jacket slung over his shoulder, and hands tucked casually into his pockets. The evening had gone better than even he had expected. Dinner had been incredible, conversation never dulled, and there was an undeniable energy lingering between them, something that had been simmering beneath the surface all night.

And Hal? He was in no hurry to let the night end just yet.

"You cannot tell me," Hal said, nudging Y/N's shoulder with a smirk, "that a guy like you doesn't have a list of crazy fan encounters."

Y/N shot him a questioning glance, amused.

Hal gestured broadly. "I mean, c'mon—you're a walking celestial light show. Someone's definitely tried to propose to you mid-battle before."

Y/N let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Surprisingly, no. Though I did have someone try to start a cult around me once. That was... an experience."

Hal stumbled slightly, stopping in his tracks as he turned to gawk at Y/N. "A cult? Oh, now you have to tell me that story."

Y/N smirked, ever the enigma. "Maybe another time."

Hal groaned dramatically. "You're killing me here."

Their laughter softened, gradually fading into something quieter, something unspoken. The warm glow of the streetlights bathed them in golden hues as they reached the entrance of Y/N's apartment building. The polished glass doors reflected the city behind them, the moment suspended in time, as if the universe itself wasn't quite ready to let them go their separate ways.

They slowed to a stop, the space between them small, but charged.

Y/N slipped his hands into his pockets, glancing toward the doors before looking back at Hal. "Well... guess this is my stop."

Hal nodded, rocking back on his heels slightly. "Yeah... damn, and here I was, hoping this street just kept going forever."

Y/N's lips curved into a smirk. "Smooth, Jordan."

Hal flashed his most roguish grin. "I try." But there was something softer in his eyes now, something far more genuine than his usual bravado.

For a beat, Y/N just watched him, as if studying something about him he hadn't quite figured out yet. Then, without warning, he leaned in and placed a quick, teasing kiss against Hal's cheek.

"There," Y/N murmured as he pulled back, his voice laced with amusement. "Consider that your reward for not being too obnoxious tonight."

Hal froze for half a second, his brain short-circuiting before he blinked and turned to look at Y/N, a mixture of amusement and disbelief crossing his face. "Oh, that's dirty. You're really just gonna do that and walk away?"

Y/N tilted his head, pretending to think it over. And then—before Hal could process it—Y/N closed the distance again.

This time, it wasn't just a tease.

This time, it was a kiss—real, deliberate, and slow enough to make time itself hesitate.

It wasn't rushed, wasn't hesitant. It was confident. Certain. Like Y/N had decided something, and this was how he wanted Hal to know.

Hal barely had time to react before instinct took over—his fingers twitching with the urge to grab Y/N's waist, to pull him in, to deepen it. The city, the streetlights, the night itself—all of it faded into the background noise as Hal let himself get lost in it, in the feel of Y/N's lips against his, in the quiet intensity that had been simmering between them all night.

And then, too soon, Y/N pulled back, a smug little smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Hal try to process what just happened.

Hal blinked. Once. Twice.

Then, slowly, his lips stretched into a grin—one that was equal parts impressed and thoroughly wrecked.

"Okay..." Hal exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair as if to ground himself. "Yeah. Way better than the cheek kiss."

Y/N chuckled, his voice smooth. "Glad you approve."

Hal licked his lips absently, still feeling the ghost of the kiss there. "So, uh... where does that leave us?"

Y/N's smirk deepened just slightly as he reached for the door handle, pausing just long enough to glance at Hal with something undeniable in his gaze.

"It leaves us with you coming upstairs with me."

Hal blinked, then arched a brow, his grin widening. "Oh."

Y/N simply shrugged, but there was something teasing in his expression, something that said he knew exactly what he was doing. "Unless you'd rather go home and spend the rest of the night thinking about that kiss instead."

Hal let out a breath of laughter, shaking his head. "Nope. Absolutely not."

With that, Y/N pushed the door open, stepping inside with effortless ease, tilting his head slightly in a silent invitation.

And without hesitation, Hal followed.

The moment Y/N and Hal stepped inside the apartment, the door had barely clicked shut before Hal was on him. With a swift motion, he pressed Y/N back against the nearest wall, his body a solid, warm presence against him. The tension that had been simmering all night—through lingering glances, teasing words, and unspoken promises—snapped like a live wire, igniting something urgent, electric, inevitable.

Hal's hands found Y/N's waist, fingers pressing just firm enough to pull him in, as if closing the last inch of space between them was the only thing that mattered. Their lips crashed together in a kiss that was hungry, heated, laced with both impatience and purpose.

Y/N smirked against Hal's lips before flipping their positions in a blur of motion, suddenly pressing Hal back against the wall instead. The shift was seamless, a silent challenge exchanged between them.

"Eager, are we?" Y/N murmured, his breath warm against Hal's mouth, teasing, yet laced with something undeniably predatory.

Hal chuckled, the sound low and rough, his smirk never faltering. "You invited me up." His hands skimmed along Y/N's waist, palming the sharp lines of his hips before giving a light, suggestive squeeze. "What'd you think was gonna happen?"

Instead of answering, Y/N claimed his mouth again—but this time, the kiss was slower, deeper, dripping with something intoxicatingly deliberate. His fingers worked on the last bit of Hal's already loosened tie, pulling it free with practiced ease before his hands slid downward, working at the buttons of Hal's dress shirt.

Hal responded in kind, his own hands already tugging at Y/N's suit jacket, sliding it off broad shoulders and letting it pool onto the floor. Their movements were urgent, desperate, a battle of dominance wrapped in heated friction, neither wanting to slow down.

Somehow, in between kisses, between touches, Y/N guided Hal backward down the dimly lit hallway, their lips barely separating, their hands mapping every inch of exposed skin as they impatiently shed layers between them.

Hal let out a quiet groan when Y/N's hands slipped under his tuxedo jacket, pushing it off in one smooth motion before immediately tearing at the buttons of his shirt. The fabric slid down Hal's toned arms, exposing warm, sun-kissed skin, the sculpted planes of his chest now illuminated by the faint glow of the city skyline bleeding through the windows.

Y/N paused for just a second, his eyes trailing appreciatively over Hal's frame—not out of surprise, but undeniable appreciation.

Hal, noticing the moment, smirked, his breath still uneven. "You're staring," he teased, voice slightly breathless, though unmistakably cocky.

Y/N's lips curled into a smirk of his own, his fingers tracing slow, feather-light paths down Hal's abdomen before giving a firm push, guiding him backward until the mattress caught him. "You like the attention."

Hal grinned, reclining back on his elbows as Y/N climbed over him, the heat between them suffocatingly thick. "Can't blame you for looking." He reached for Y/N's own shirt, making quick, impatient work of the remaining buttons before pushing the fabric down broad shoulders. "But let's even the playing field."

With one final tug, Y/N's shirt joined the growing pile of discarded clothing on the floor, leaving them both bare from the waist up. The temperature between them spiked, skin meeting skin as their bodies pressed flush together in another kiss—this one slower, richer, deeper, filled with a quiet hunger that neither of them intended to leave unsatisfied.

Hal's fingers skimmed downward, his hands settling on Y/N's belt, pulling it free in one fluid motion. Y/N responded in kind, unbuckling Hal's belt and sliding it off with expert ease, the leather making a quiet whispered snap as it was discarded.

Their hands continued their exploration, neither wanting to waste a second, their movements fevered and searching—stripping away the last barriers between them one piece at a time until there was nothing left but bare skin, heat, and the raw pull of gravity between them.

Hal let his gaze sweep over Y/N, his smirk briefly faltering as something darker, more primal flickered in his emerald eyes. He had always known Y/N was powerful—he had fought beside him, seen him in battle, unmatched and untouchable—but this was something else entirely.

Y/N, catching Hal's gaze, arched a single brow, his smirk sharpening. "Not surprised."

Hal chuckled, dragging his hands down Y/N's sides, his thumbs grazing along the sharp cut of his hips. "Oh, you were thinking about it, huh?"

Y/N hummed, leaning in just enough that their lips barely brushed, a tease, a challenge. "I had my suspicions."

Hal's grin turned wicked, his fingers flexing deliberately against Y/N's waist. "Glad to know I didn't disappoint."

Y/N's fingers ghosted over Hal's chest, tracing the defined lines before pressing him back onto the mattress, their bodies following in one seamless motion. His voice was silky smooth, teasing, but dripping with something far more dangerous as he murmured,

"Let's see if you live up to the attitude."

Hal let out a low, pleased chuckle, his gaze dark with undisguised anticipation. He propped himself up just enough to meet Y/N's lips again, his hands already sliding over bare skin, tugging him closer, claiming him with the same reckless confidence that had always defined him.

"Oh, trust me," Hal murmured against Y/N's mouth, his breath hot, his grin devilish.

"I always deliver."

Soon the sheets beneath them were already a tangled mess, twisted and bunched where their bodies had moved, their warmth sinking into the fabric. Y/N was above him, his hands braced against the firm expanse of Hal's chest, fingers splayed over taut muscle as he moved with a rhythm that was deliberate, intoxicating, and entirely unhurried.

Hal lay beneath him, his head tilted back slightly, breath escaping in uneven gasps and quiet groans, but his eyes remained locked onto Y/N—half-lidded, dark with something insatiable. He was drinking in everything—the way Y/N moved, the way his lips parted slightly with every breath, the way his body responded with effortless control and quiet dominance.

Hal's grip on Y/N's waist tightened, fingers pressing into warm skin just enough to leave faint impressions, as if silently staking his claim.

"Damn," Hal groaned, his voice rough, uneven, as he let his hands roam over Y/N's back, tracing the ridges of muscle before gripping just a little firmer. He wasn't leading—he didn't need to. He was content to follow, to watch, to feel. "You really know how to take control, don't you?"

A slow, wicked smirk played on Y/N's lips as he continued his steady, calculated movements, his rhythm precise—teasing, yet never cruel. His fingers dragged deliberately down Hal's chest, nails grazing over heated skin before settling against his sides.

"You did say you liked a little chaos," Y/N murmured, his voice laced with amusement, but beneath it was something darker, something hungry.

Hal let out a gravelly chuckle, though it quickly dissolved into a sharp inhale when Y/N shifted just right, the change in motion sending a ripple of pleasure through him. His fingers flexed against Y/N's hips, guiding, encouraging, but never fully taking over. No—he wanted to feel every moment of this, wanted to watch Y/N unravel him piece by piece.

The room was filled with the sound of ragged breaths, low murmurs, and the faint rustling of fabric against skin, their movements measured yet deliberate, indulgent. The push and pull between them—this quiet battle for control and surrender—was a dance neither of them was in any hurry to finish.

Y/N's breath hitched slightly as he leaned down, pressing his forehead against Hal's, their lips brushing without fully meeting, teasing that last sliver of restraint still lingering between them.

"You're taking this way too well," Y/N muttered, his words a quiet taunt, though his voice was breathless, heated.

Hal smirked, his hands sliding up Y/N's spine, fingers dragging, tracing before gripping his shoulders. "Oh, don't worry," he murmured, his tone rough, teasing, edged with something smug yet undeniably wrecked. His lips barely grazed the corner of Y/N's mouth, his breath hot against his skin. "I can handle you."

Y/N let out a low hum, a sound of satisfaction, before pulling back just enough to meet Hal's gaze head-on. The moment stretched between them, their bodies flush and burning, the weight of their unspoken challenge settling in the air like the final note of a song waiting to be played.

And then—with slow, deliberate ease—Y/N continued.

The pace never faltered, never rushed, but the heat between them only intensified, growing thicker, heavier, their bodies moving in sync, breath mingling in the dimly lit room.

Then Hal decided to take control, the shift was seamless, as if it had always been inevitable. With a firm grip on Y/N's waist, he moved with fluid, effortless strength, flipping their positions in one smooth motion. The rumpled sheets cradled Y/N's back as he landed beneath Hal, the fabric warm, tangled, an echo of the heat lingering between them.

The air between them pulsed, thick with something raw, electric, unrestrained. Hal hovered over him, muscles taut, his body a solid weight above Y/N's, their breaths mingling, overlapping, heavy with anticipation. His emerald gaze burned, taking in everything—the way Y/N's lips were already parted, the way his chest rose and fell, the undeniable invitation in his eyes.

Hal leaned down, capturing Y/N's mouth in a kiss that was deep, consuming, and utterly unrelenting. There was nothing hesitant about it—only heat and hunger, only the undeniable pull of gravity between them. His hands mapped their way down Y/N's sides, fingers tracing every sharp line and soft curve, lingering just long enough to draw a shiver from beneath him.

And then, with practiced ease, he slid his hands lower, gripping firmly at Y/N's thighs before hooking his legs around his waist in one swift, commanding motion. Their bodies collided again, flush against each other, the friction igniting something deeper, something dangerously intoxicating.

The pace shifted—no longer teasing, no longer experimental. Deliberate. Controlled. Every movement was measured, but filled with Hal's signature confidence, that undeniable cocky charm that made it clear he knew exactly what he was doing.

And judging by the way Y/N arched beneath him, the way his breath hitched at every slow, precise motion, Hal knew he was right.

A smirk ghosted against Y/N's jawline before Hal let his lips drift lower, grazing the sensitive skin just below his ear. His breath was hot, teasing, his voice laced with something smug, something darkly amused.

"Thought you liked being in charge?" Hal murmured, his words dragging across Y/N's skin like a slow burn.

Y/N's hands had already found purchase on Hal's back, nails pressing just enough to leave faint scratches, little reminders of the push and pull between them.

His voice was breathless, but still laced with defiance, that ever-present challenging spark in his gaze.

"I do," he murmured, legs tightening around Hal's waist, pulling him even closer. His smirk was dangerous, eyes dark with amusement and something far more primal. "But I don't mind letting you try and keep up."

Hal let out a deep, gravelly chuckle, his grip tightening just slightly, enough to make a point. He pressed in deeper, the movement slow, precise, devastating.

"Oh, sweetheart," he drawled, his tone dripping with amusement, arrogance, and something darker, "I don't try—I deliver."

Y/N barely had time to fire back before Hal's pace changed again, the rhythm stronger, more focused, deliberate in every push and pull between them. A sharp gasp escaped Y/N, and Hal drank it in, memorized it, let it fuel the fire already burning deep within him.

Their bodies moved in perfect sync, the world outside this moment irrelevant, insignificant. The only thing that mattered was this, the way Y/N responded, the way Hal could pull him apart and put him back together with nothing but touch, movement, tension.

Y/N's fingers tangled in Hal's short, tousled hair, fisting the strands, pulling him down into another kiss—this one hot, urgent, filled with something dangerously addictive. Hal groaned into it, his hands roaming, gripping, claiming, as if trying to etch this moment into existence, refusing to let a single second slip away.

This wasn't just taking control—this was staking a claim, ensuring that every movement, every moment, every lingering breath was something Y/N would feel long after the night was over.

And judging by the way Y/N clung to him, his body tense, trembling, lost in the sensation, Hal knew he was doing exactly what he promised.

The faint hum of the world outside—the distant murmur of traffic, the occasional honk of a car horn—faded into nothingness, swallowed by the symphony they created together.

The rustle of sheets. The rhythmic sound of their bodies moving in perfect sync. The deep, ragged breaths, punctuated by gasps and murmured curses—it was a melody that belonged only to them, a song of tension, release, and something far more consuming.

And Hal couldn't take his eyes off Y/N.

The way his body arched beneath him, the sheen of sweat glistening on his skin, catching the faint light and making him look almost ethereal. The way his lips parted, breath hitching, spilling out ragged, intoxicating moans, each one a spark igniting something primal, all-consuming inside Hal.

Y/N was breathtaking.

Absolutely wrecked—but still so in control, the contrast devastatingly beautiful. His usual sharp wit, that calculated confidence, was softened now, undone by sensation, by Hal.

Hal's grip tightened on Y/N's hips, fingers digging into warm skin, grounding himself as he watched the way pleasure carved itself into every inch of Y/N's expression. His chest rose and fell in uneven waves, his head tilting slightly back, exposing the smooth column of his throat—an invitation, deliberate or not.

And god, the sounds spilling from his lips—low, breathy, sultry—made something deep in Hal's chest tighten, something raw and possessive clawing its way to the surface.

He wanted to draw out every sound, to push Y/N to that edge over and over, just to hear that perfect melody again.

"You look so damn good like this," Hal murmured, his voice thick, rough, filled with something deeper than admiration, heavier than lust. His lips found Y/N's jaw, trailing slow, open-mouthed kisses along his throat, his collarbone, savoring the way he shivered beneath him.

"Could watch you like this forever," Hal admitted, his words gravelly, reverent, pressing harder, lingering longer, lips moving with purpose, with claim.

Y/N let out a breathless chuckle, though it was fractured, unsteady, as if he were barely holding onto control. His fingers dug into Hal's back, nails dragging faint red lines down heated skin.

"Cocky," Y/N muttered, his voice husky, teasing, but it wavered at the edges, betraying just how lost he was in the moment.

Hal's smirk curved against Y/N's skin, mischievous, knowing, before he rolled his hips just right—a deliberate, calculated movement that sent a sharp gasp tearing from Y/N's lips, his fingers tightening against Hal's skin.

"Damn right," Hal breathed, voice rich with amusement and something darker. He leaned back just enough to drink in the sight of him, eyes dark with hunger.

His smirk widened. "And judging by the way you're falling apart under me? I'd say I've earned it."

Y/N let out a shaky, uneven exhale, his head tilting back against the pillow, exposing himself to Hal completely, his body arching instinctively to meet every movement.

Hal memorized everything—the way Y/N reacted, the raw emotion flickering behind those darkened eyes, the sounds that sent shivers racing down his spine.

It wasn't just about this, about the way their bodies moved together in perfect sync—it was about him.

Y/N.

Every moment with him was intoxicating, a force Hal wasn't sure he could ever step away from, even if he wanted to.

And as he leaned down, capturing Y/N's lips again, pouring every bit of that realization into the kiss, Hal knew one thing for certain.

He would never get enough.

The early morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. It painted gentle patterns across the rumpled sheets, illuminating the faint traces of last night—the scattered clothes on the floor, the lingering warmth between tangled limbs, the quiet, unspoken intimacy woven into the stillness.

Outside, the city was beginning to stir—the distant hum of traffic, the occasional chirp of birds, the subtle rhythm of a world waking up. But inside the apartment, everything was quiet, wrapped in the kind of warmth and serenity that Hal Jordan had never been one to chase.

Yet, here he was.

Hal inhaled deeply, stretching slightly before his mind caught up to where he was—and, more importantly, who he was with.

A smirk curled at the corners of his lips as memories of last night flooded back—every touch, every sound, every moment that had left him wrecked in the best way possible.

Yeah... he had definitely outdone himself this time.

But what really had him feeling like he was on cloud nine wasn't just the mind-blowing night they had—it was this. The quiet aftermath.

The feeling of Y/N's warm, relaxed body pressed against him, his back flush against Hal's chest, his slow, even breaths ghosting over the pillow.

Hal let his arm tighten slightly around Y/N's waist, pulling him closer, reveling in the way their bodies fit so naturally together. Y/N's skin was still warm, his bare back smooth against Hal's chest, his scent lingering from last night—a mix of something intoxicating and uniquely him.

God, this was nice.

Hal let out a deep, satisfied sigh, nuzzling into Y/N's shoulder, content in a way he rarely let himself be.

He had never been one for cuddling after sex—it always felt too intimate, too much. But with Y/N?

Yeah. He liked this.

Maybe even more than he was ready to admit.

He was just settling into the moment, relaxing fully, when it happened.

Y/N shifted.

A small, unconscious movement, the kind that happened in the hazy depths of sleep. But the effect?

Immediate.

Because Y/N had pressed back against him, his bare ass fitting perfectly against Hal's lower half, sending a jolt of awareness straight through him.

Hal stilled.

For a moment, he tried to process the situation, tried to tell himself he was a grown man with self-control, for god's sake.

Then Y/N shifted again, pressing even closer, his breathing still slow, steady, completely unaware of what he was doing to him.

Hal's grip on Y/N's hip tightened instinctively, his fingers flexing as heat pooled low in his stomach. His breath hitched, and he closed his eyes for a second, silently cursing the universe.

Oh, come on.

Hal tilted his head back against the pillow, exhaling sharply through his nose, trying—desperately—to ignore the fact that his dick had very different plans.

This is fine, he told himself. I can ignore it. I can be normal about this.

Y/N let out a soft sigh in his sleep, his body molding even further into Hal's, and Hal immediately knew—

Nope. Nope. Not fine. Not even a little bit.

His jaw clenched, his fingers digging slightly into Y/N's hip as he fought every instinct telling him to wake Y/N up in a very, very interesting way.

His options were limited.

He could either:

A) Wake Y/N up.

B) Suffer in silence while Y/N continued to sleep peacefully, blissfully unaware that Hal was fighting for his damn life.

He sighed dramatically, resting his forehead against Y/N's shoulder, his voice a low, tortured groan.

"You're killing me here," he muttered, knowing full well that Y/N was still lost in sleep, completely unaware of his struggle.

Hal wasn't sure how long he could last like this, but one thing was certain—

Mornings with Y/N were going to be very, very dangerous for his self-control.

Y/N slowly stirred from his sleep, stretching slightly against the warmth surrounding him. His mind was still groggy, lost somewhere between dreams and reality, but the steady rise and fall of a firm chest against his back made him remember exactly where he was—and who he was with.

A small, satisfied smirk tugged at Y/N's lips as last night's memories resurfaced. Oh yeah. That happened.

Still feigning sleep, he remained still for a moment, listening to the quiet sounds of Hal breathing behind him—slow, controlled, forced. It was subtle, but Y/N could feel the tension in Hal's body, the way his muscles were coiled, how his hand was resting just a little too stiffly on Y/N's hip. And then... there it was. The unmistakable hardness pressing against the small of Y/N's back.

Well, well, Y/N thought, suppressing a grin. Good morning, indeed.

Deciding to have a little fun, he shifted slightly, pressing back against Hal just enough to gauge his reaction.

The result was instant. Hal inhaled sharply through his nose, his grip tightening ever so slightly on Y/N's waist as if trying to will himself to stay still.

Y/N fought back a chuckle, but he wasn't done yet. He stretched again, slower this time, deliberately rolling his hips ever so slightly, pressing himself further into Hal's very obvious problem.

Hal let out a soft hngh sound—barely audible, but Y/N heard it. He grinned to himself.

"You awake, Jordan?" Y/N asked, voice thick with sleep, as if he hadn't just set Hal up for absolute torture.

Hal let out a slow, controlled exhale. "Mmhmm," he replied through gritted teeth.

Y/N hummed, shifting again—just a fraction, just enough to make Hal's fingers twitch against his skin. "You sure? You seem a little... tense."

Hal groaned softly, pressing his forehead against the back of Y/N's shoulder. "You're killing me, you know that?"

Y/N smirked, finally turning his head just enough to glance back at him. "Oh? Something wrong?"

Hal's fingers dug into Y/N's waist, his jaw clenched. "You know what's wrong."

Y/N turned fully now, shifting onto his back so he could face Hal properly. And damn—the look on Hal's face was priceless. His usual cocky confidence was hanging by a thread, his lips parted slightly, eyes dark with barely restrained frustration.

Y/N reached up, running a slow finger down Hal's chest, watching with amusement as his muscles tensed under his touch. "I seem fine," Y/N said, his voice dripping with playful innocence. "You, on the other hand..." His gaze flickered downward with an exaggerated slowness noticing Hal's dick hard and firm before meeting Hal's eyes again. "That looks like a problem."

Hal exhaled sharply through his nose, his hand moving up to cradle Y/N's jaw, thumb brushing over his cheek in a way that was far too affectionate for how frustrated he clearly was.

"You love testing my patience, don't you?" Hal murmured, voice low, rough.

Y/N grinned up at him. "Well, you're fun to mess with."

Hal's lips twitched into a smirk. "That—" he suddenly rolled his hips just enough to turn the tables on Y/N, making him gasp this time—"was a mistake."

Y/N's breath hitched slightly before he narrowed his eyes playfully. "Oh? Gonna do something about it, flyboy?"

Hal's grin widened. "Oh, you have no idea."

And just like that, the morning took a very interesting turn.

#x male reader #dc x male reader #dc #hal jordan #hal jordan x male reader #gay #green lantern #green lantern x male reader

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draconicscreaming · 10 months ago

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A Gentle Touch ~ Laois x reader

The troubles of healing

Notes: I'm sure someone has already written somethin' like this, but I still couldn't help myself

“It’ll heal on its own, Laois. Don’t worry about it. It’s just a scratch.”

You were met with a disappointed frown, honey eyes gleaming sadly at your rejection. He sat up straight, leaning forward in his chair with a determined air about him. “I need as much practice with healing as possible,” the tall man countered back, his gaze flitting from your eyes to the fresh cut that marred the soft skin of your cheek. He presses his lips together lightly, meeting your gaze once more. “I’ve even gotten the words down better and everything! Please… It won’t hurt. I promise.”

You sat rigid in your own chair, one leg crossed over the other and your arms folded in front of your chest. You stare right back at him, attempting to appear steadfast in your decision. Only, both you and him knew that you weren’t that stubborn. Laios knows you’ll break. Unfortunately, you already feel yourself succumbing to his pleading. Who could say no to those eyes? That pouting mouth? That warm, inviting demeanor? Fuck and he was right too. This injury, if you could even call it that, was the perfect thing for him to flex his new ability.

Only, you didn’t exactly want him touching you. You and Laios were good friends. Really good friends. In fact, you could argue that he was your best friend. Only glaring issue to you was that you had it bad for him. Achingly bad, but you had swallowed the rising tide of emotions towards him and kept things civil. Friendly. You’d heard Chilchuck’s ire towards party relationships, and you were only reminded of that factor when he’d spoken to Marcille about the touching aspect of healing. The issues that have and could arise from that in the Half-foots experiences. And fuck did Laios touching you make your head swim. You desperately wanted his hands on you.

Which is why you were trying to be so adamant on him not healing you. The thought was already lifting the hairs on the back of your neck in anticipation.

A tense silence settled between the two of you, staring at one another like it was a standoff. You drew in a shaky breath before throwing your hands up in the air in defeat. You hoped he wouldn’t notice how clammy they had become. “Ok! Fine! You’re right. I’ll let you heal it,” you bark out reluctantly. You just wanted this over with.

“Yay!,” Laios chimed, flashing you a triumphant grin. He scoots forward, reaching his hands out with his palms facing up. He pauses there, fixing you with an expectant look. God was he cute. Especially with his honey eyes glimmering like that. You slowly uncross your legs and try to force your body to relax as you scoot your own seat closer to lessen the gap. You draw in a shaky breath to calm your nerves and offer your hands to him.

“I’ll need to touch your cheek, ok?,” He says softly, tilting his head ever so slightly in that puppy-like way he has about him. You swallow and nod, screwing your eyes shut when one of his hands reaches forward and gently grasps one of your own. His other settles against your cheek, his thumb ghosting over the cut. Warmth spreads through your body, his touch like electricity. You hoped he wouldn’t notice the rise in your heartbeat. Laios drew in a breath and began his chant, his touch still so very tender on your cheek.

The world around you felt as if it were slowly melting away as you listened to the soft baritone of his voice. Your heart and breathing gradually slowed, shoulders slumping as a calming feeling settled over you like a blanket. Was this Laios’ doing? The connection of his mana to your own? Subconsciously, you leaned more into his touch, nuzzling against his palm. A soft hum vibrated in your throat, a smile pulling up at the corner of your lips. It took you a solid couple of seconds to realize that Laios had fallen silent and your eyes flickered open. You looked up at him, mouth going dry as you realized he was… Blushing. His features had fallen into a dumbfounded expression and he looked as nervous as you had felt just moments ago.

“L-Laois?,” you managed to ask, feeling your own features heat up. Oh crap. Did you make him uncomfortable? You hadn’t meant to do that. Crap, crap, crap…

“Uh- um,” he stammered, his fingers still hovering close to your face and his other hand gripping your own. Hard. He visibly swallowed, his adams apple bobbing up and down. His lips parted a couple of times before he finally spoke, his honey-gold eyes averting away from you. “That was… Kind of… Cute,” He admitted quietly. The tall man's touch settled back on your cheek, his thumb running along your skin in a delicate touch.

You stared at him. You were at a loss for words. Completely and utterly devoid of them when he switched his eyes back, a fond expression replacing the surprised one from before. Tentatively, you pressed your face closer into the warmth of his palm, earning you a faint smile from Laois. He tilted his head, cupping your face ever so delicately. His hand nearly took up the majority of your cheek, his hold strong yet comforting.

Somehow these small actions emboldened you.

You drew your face away for a moment, noting the switch in Laois’ expression from content to faintly disappointed. Without breaking eye contact from the tall man, you angled your lips towards his palm and placed a gentle kiss against the exposed skin. Laois’ breath hitched in his throat and his blush deepened further, lips parting ever so slightly. “Y/n-”

“Hey! What’s going on in here!” Chilchuck’s voice cut through the room like a knife, the Half-foot appearing in the doorway. Neither of you had heard his return. The two of you scrambled to your feet, knocking the chairs over in the process. You both cursed loudly, clumsily stooping to pick up the furniture, bumping into one another. Chilchuck shook his head, muttering to himself as he turned to leave. The troubles of healing.

Laois never did finish mending your cut that night.

#laois touden #laois delicious in dungeon #laois touden x reader #laois x reader #dungeon meshi #delicious in dungeon #dungeon meshi x reader #delicious in dungeon x reader #x reader #laois dungeon meshi

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takusan-no-ai · 3 months ago

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Interspecies Relationships

PAIRING: Serie/Aura x Male Reader (Romantic) (Separate), Frieren x Male Reader (Platonic) (Fluff)

SUMMARY: They have a human for a lover, and Frieren has something to say about him.

Serie never was one to openly display her affection to others; even when it came to her precious apprentices. Though despite that hidden love, she always had a way of showing it without even realizing. The same can be said for you. How you met is still unexplainably random.

There Serie was, just reminiscing in a flower field; something she’ll deny doing to this very day. And then she looked up as a shadow gradually grew in size around her. What was supposed to be a painful fall after being flung into the air by a giant bird was instead a comforting patch of grass. Standing above you was a small elf. “Cute”. You called her.

She still smiles fondly at that day, quickly denying or laughing it off when you question her happy mood. Yet for as much as she smiles about it, a part of her is already dreading the bittersweet departure that is inevitable. You will die long before her, and for once Serie is forced to confront her near immortality with disdain.

But she isn’t some young elf with no life experience. Plenty of those she has loved are now lost. And so she intends to enjoy your mortality to the fullest. She won’t treat your life span like a passing thought; you’ll be her boyfriend, husband, and maybe even a father in a very short period of time. Elves don’t fall in love often, so it’s all a very strong, new, and exhilarating experience for Serie.

“Where are we going, Serie?” He asked for the ninth time. (Y/N) was being strung along as his elven girlfriend, Serie, marched ahead. Again, she ignored his question, opting for tugging his hand instead.

“Out.”

“Where?”

“Out.”

“WHERE?”

“Out.”

“…out.”

“Out.”

“Dammit.”

Finally giving up on the useless back-and-forth, (Y/N) resigned to just enjoying the pleasant scenery; bright sky, lush clouds, chirping birds, and a beautiful field of flowers. Suddenly, Serie plopped down on the grass and sat criss cross. (Y/N) fell down with her, now sprayed over her lap.

“Sit up, (Y/N).” She said, looking out in the distance. (Y/N) did as she instructed and followed her gaze. He was met with a beautiful sunrise.

Finally it all clicked in his head. “This is where we met! I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I saw a cute elf standing above me.” He said with no hesitation. Not even an ounce of embarrassment.

Serie blushed ever so slightly. “Ugh, you and your big mouth…you’re lucky I love you.”

Arrogant. Egotistical. Callous. These are the words that describe Aura, and all demon kind alike. She didn’t fall in love either, at least not in any normal sense of the word. Obsessed. Possessive. Entitled. These are the emotions she felt toward you, her supposed boyfriend. You were hers simply because she said so. And why? Simply because she can’t kill you.

Your strength came from none other than being mentored by the Serie, and to some extent, Frieren. The former took care of you throughout your youth, while the latter showed you a thing or two on occasion whenever you’d happen to cross paths. Your immense power, mana, and utter lack of fear wasn’t befitting a human. For once Aura felt terror. She couldn’t kill you.

She did the next best thing to survive, even if it was the most pride damaging thing: seduction. It didn’t work. You remained completely in control and kept her alive in case you ever needed a demon hostage. The power struggle against a mere human awoke something within Aura, and unceremoniously, she looked at you as a “king” of sorts. She wouldn’t kill you.

Aura quickly grew obsessed with your strength and saw to it that if she could convince you to “join” her side, then all humans would tremble before her with no hope. She’d mate with you, make you her husband, and rule over the world alongside you. Her fantasies are quickly shot down when you whack her on head. “Kill another human and I’ll kill you.” She could sense both the love and disdain in your gaze. She’d never kill you. Even if it was her wildest fantasy to do so.

Aura couldn’t move a muscle, her body stiff as a board. Why? Because of him. (Y/N) was fast asleep and held Aura in a tight grip with his arm, lying flat on his back. She wanted to get out. She could smell humans nearby.

If she could just escape and get a little bite. He never said she couldn’t eat from humans; he only said that she couldn’t kill them. Already she wasn’t taking (Y/N)’s threats seriously. Her arrogance truly knew no bounds.

Alas, his strength was still unimaginable even when he slept. Aura was this close to just biting into his neck. “Oh? Oh…oooooh.” Why didn’t she think of that before?!

She turned over as best as she could, now facing (Y/N). His breathing was steady, eyes closed, and face perfectly sculpted. This gorgeous view all for herself. No other woman, demon, elf, human, whatever, would be able to see this side of him. Aura could feel the massive ego boost just brimming.

No time to dilly dally though! She slowly leaned towards his neck, giving it a quick lick first, before biting down as hard as she could. Her jaws met rubber. A stress ball to be exact. “Huh?”

“If you’re going to attack, don’t be so arrogant and give your prey a warning strike.” (Y/N) said while pointing to the spot she had just licked. Aura’s face turned into an immense shade of red; from fury or embarrassment? She couldn’t tell.

“Bite on that every time you feel like relapsing. You’re going cold turkey for a reason.” He said with no apparent care and turned back around. In seconds he was fast asleep.

“Hmph! Nothings stopping me from leaving and feasting right now on those humans, darling!” Aura proudly declared as she got up and headed for the door. However, the moment she touched it her entire body shocked and she fell to her knees.

“Oh yeah. The door does automatic mana drain on all demons. That’s why I always open the door for you. Don’t bother trying the windows. The walls, floor, and roof too.”

She could just feel the smug attitude.

When you’re dating Serie, Frieren has to admit she was way more than just shocked. When being interviewed by Serie to become a first class mage, she WAS NOT expecting to see her siting in the lap of a young man. At first she thought maybe you were just a very overly affectionate apprentice. That was until she saw Serie smooch you on the lips with the most smug smile ever to exist in mankind.

Frieren actually almost passed out from shock. But throughout all that surprise, she’s genuinely happy to see Serie grow softer and value a human’s life more openly. She believes you’ll be a good change for Serie. And is grateful that her master’s master won’t end up like her and Himmel.

When you’re dating Aura, Frieren couldn’t be more disgusted. She was this close to just blasting you with zoltraak when she heard the news. Though thankfully Serie also taught you how to be calm enough to control the conversation even in a dangerous situation. You told her it was more so a king and servant relationship (with you as the king). Of course this was all according to Aura’s own words.

Words that Frieren took with the tiniest grain of salt imaginable. She begrudgingly let you go when you promised to execute Aura if she tried to harm another human being; that you keeping her alive was simply a fail safe in case of emergency. She doesn’t entirely believe you, and entertains the idea of you being mind controlled, but ultimately trusts you thanks to your abilities as a mage.

(Y/N) and Frieren met up in a nearby pub for their agreed hangout. It was less so a friendly meet up and more so a relaying of relationship progress.

“So, how is it going with her?” She asked.

(Y/N) took a bite out of his hamburg steak, smiling slightly. “Decently well.”

“Is she causing any problems? Headaches?”

“Less now. Though she talks a lot about you.” He teased.

Frieren sighed. “Of course she does.”

- Fin

#male reader #imagine #frieren: beyond journey’s end x reader #serie x reader #serie #aura x reader #aura #frieren x reader #frieren

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in-kaeya-we-thrust · 3 months ago

Text

Hate or Love?

tags/warnings: iruma x gn!reader, evil cycle iruma-kun, royal one arc, demon reader, haters to lovers

Sypnosis: Iruma was focused on obtaining Royal One when a certain demon caught his attention. Now, he has two goals: (1) get royal one, (2) get Y/N.

Requested by @saelvrr

evil cycle iruma collection: purple iruma, breathless

It's your break time and you're chatting with your friend, Saeko, as you walk. Saeko bubbly skipped through the halls with a bright smile. Your heart swelled at the sight. When you first met her, she was timid and shy, being the introvert she is. She was the same when you first asked her to eat with you at lunch, barely speaking a word. Now that you've become close, she became more confident and started talking and smiling more. You swore to Delkira that you'll destroy any demon who'll take that precious smile away.

"Ah!"

"How dare you disrespect Iruma-sama!!"

You blinked twice, making sure your eyesight isn't going bad. What... just happened? Just earlier you were just having a peaceful walk. But now, your friend's now on the ground with Asmodeus Alice glaring at her, hand covered in flames.

You quickly helped your friend to stand up and hid her behind you, facing the Dalet-ranked student in front. You feel your mana building up in your veins from rage. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"She disrespected Iruma-sama! And I didn't even do anything, she fell on her own." he explained.

"Of course she'll be afraid! You're threatening her with fire." you said in gritted teeth.

Getting pissed, you extinguished his magic using your own. Just like how Asmodeus can summon flames using his mana, you can manipulate water or any liquid and use them to your favor. Thus, your bloodline magic is a bad match for his. Asmodeus was surprised by this. Aside from Iruma, you were the second demon that dared to oppose him.

He activated his flames again but this time, you summoned a huge water blob and dropped it directly on top of him, drenching the said student. Of course, he was pissed by this. He tried summoning his flames again but to his surprise, his magic didn't activate.

"That's what you get for playing with fire." You smirked at the confusion plastered on the high ranking demon's face. How's that for you? Asmodeus was about to speak again when Iruma came to the front, cutting him off.

"Now, now, let's calm down, shall we?" Asmodeus automatically stepped back, making way for his so-called 'Iruma-sama.' Your brows raised at the sight of him. So the rumors about him undergoing his evil cycle were true.

"Why don't you say that to your friend?" you responded.

Iruma looked back to Asmodeus in drenched uniform and stifled a laugh. "I think he's had enough punishment for today." Asmodeus flushed at the teasing of his master. Then, he turned to you again. No, he's looking at something else, something behind you. "There might be some misunderstanding going on here. Can your friend explain what happened?" he smiled, though you doubt it was genuine.

Saeko squeeked and just hid herself more behind you, being the shy person she is. You let out a breath and softly tapped her behind you, urging her to talk. "I-I just wanted to ask you them step aside. They were all in the way. Then Asmodeus-san thought I was being rude and put up a flame to protect Iruma."

"You hear that?" you asked Iruma in an annoyed voice. Surprisingly, he nodded and told the abnormal class to step aside, paving a way for the two of you. You heard a couple of whispers in the halls, not only from the abnormal class, but also from the other demons watching the commotion.

You crossed your arms and approached Asmodeus for one last time. You clenched his collar and pulled him down, levelling your gaze. "Hurt my friend again and I'll make sure you'll never make a single spark again."

With that, you let him go and pulled your friend away from the misfits. The two of you walked pass the whole abnormal class and other demons, not minding their stares.

Unbeknownst to you, a pair of eyes followed your silhouette until you disapepared from the hallway. Iruma was star strucked. It's not a first for him to witness a demon to assert their dominance in a duel but it's a first for him to be this interested with someone.

"Azz-azz, here's a giant tissue!"

"Stupid Valac, no!"

Iruma looked back to see the chaos between his two friends. Asmodeus is now lying on the ground covered with a pile of huge tissues. He laughed, and with a snap of his fingers, the tissues disappeared. He helped his friend up but was shocked to see that his uniforms were still wet, even though all the tissues have already absorbed THAT much water. Just what spell did you throw at him?

"Are you okay, Alice?" Iruma asked out of concern.

"Y-Yes, Iruma-sama. Thank you for your concern. Also, I deeply applogize for disgracing your name like that earlier." Alice bowed, face flushed.

"It's okay. If you're really sorry... then do me a favor." Iruma's lips turned into a playful smirk.

"As you wish, Iruma-sama! Anything!"

"Find out everything about that demon."

The next day came and you wished that you'll never cross paths with the abnormal class ever again, but that seems impossible considering how they're scattered throughout the school grounds, collecting letters of approval. They did make an impossible deal with Kalego-sensei afterall, according to the rumors. Despite that, you were NOT expecting to see Iruma to be standing in front of your classroom's door.

What the hell is he doing here?!

He was leaning by the door frame with hands in his pockets. Your classmates, especially the girls, were gushing all over him. Funny how they didn't pay him any attention when he was all fluffy and cute. Not that you found him cute before his evil cycle. Since he was surrounded by students, you took the chance to sneak into your room, hoping he wouldn't see you.

"Y/N," You flinched at the mention of your name, making you stop on your tracks. You heard footsteps approaching your direction.

You let out a deep sigh before facing the demon. "What do you want?"

He smiled, eyes squinting from the action, and took one hand out of his pocket to give you a little wave. "Good morning,"

"That's it?" you gave him a doubtful look.

"Yep, that's it. I hope you enjoy your day, Y/N-san." With that, he left.

Okay, weirdo.

You just shrugged and proceeded to take your seat. A few of your classmates approached you, curious at the interaction. "Oh, I didn't know you're acquainted with Iruma-kun, Y/N-san!!"

"I'm not." you answered dryly.

Now that you've mentioned it... did you ever tell him your name? You recollected your memories of yesterday's incident and you never announced your name in front of the abnormal class. So, how? Oh, Delkira, please don't tell me I'm on the abnormal class' naughty list.

You heard from your classmates that the misfits are working their asses off for the acquisition of Royal One. For sure, Iruma won't have any time to mess with you anymore, right?

Lunch time came and you just sat down on an empty table in the cafeteria with when three demons decided to join you. Saeko looked pale at the sight of the famous Babylys trio.

"Hi, Y/N-chi! Let's eat lunch together, yayy!!" Valac said in enthusiasm.

"Saeko, let's go," Without hestitation, you grabbed your friend's hand. You were just about to stand and escape when you felt a hand on your shoulder along with the soft whisper of fractal. Your body suddenly felt heavy, grounding you to your seat.

"It's rude to leave the table in the middle of a meal." Iruma sat down beside you.

"Iruma," you glared at him.

Is he really torturing you for making his friend wet himself?!

You were shocked at the sight of his spacious plate. The Iruma you know has a large appetite. "I guess your evil cycle did really change you, huh?"

"Oh, this? This is just an appetizer." He chuckled. In a snap of his fingers, dozens of dishes flooded your table with the courtesy of the canteen staff.

"Ha! That's what you get for underestimating Iruma-sama." Asmodeus gleamed as he praised his friend.

You created another blob of water and made it float on top of his head, a few water drops threatening to fall. Asmodeus gulped as he stared on the water on top of his head. "Keep your mouth shut if you want to keep your expensive clothes dry."

Asmodeus 'tsked' snd silently continued his meal. The whole table was silent for a few moments, not until you heard Iruma mutter something under his breath. "So you we're watching me from back then, huh?"

"Please, with the commotion you're making everyday, it's hard to not watch you." you said nonchalantly.

Suddenly, Iruma's phone rang. In fact, he looked annoyed when he answered the call. Must be about Royal One. He quickly finished the remaining food on the table afterwards. You don't know why but Iruma didn't look like he wanted to leave.

"Awww, you're leaving already?" you pouted, voice laced with sarcasm.

Iruma-kun looked amused at your pouting face. "Don't worry, you'll be seeing more of me in the next few days." he smirked and patted your shoulder.

Iruma was about to walk away when you grabbed his wrist, making him look back. He gave you an amused yet curious look. "What is it, princess? Miss me already?"

You grimaced at the pet name. "At least undo your fractal spell before leaving, you bastard."

"Oh? I already lifted the spell from the moment we started eating. Dining with me was on your own volition." he smirked. "Now will you excuse me, my classmates need me." Iruma gently removed your hand from his wrist and gave it a little squeeze.

"Bye-bye, Y/N-chi!!"

Your hands shook in anger, making you break your chopsticks in half. You felt Saeko tap your shoulder, consoling you.

In the afternoon, you came across with some of the abnormal class: Lied, Elizabetta, and Jazz. You quickened your pace at the sight of the said demons.

"Oh! Isn't that Y/N-san! Hi!!" Lied shouted.

You sighed, faced them, and accepted your fate. "Hi, if you're going to make me suffer, can you do it after I bring these papers to Balam-sensei?" you requested in a tired voice.

"Huh, why would we do that?" Jazz asked. The three misfits looked at you with surprised looks on their faces.

"Don't y'all hate me for picking on your friend like that?"

The three of them quickly shook their head.

"Hate is a big word, don't you know?" Elizabetta said.

"Besides, you did that because you we're just looking out for your friend right? You didn't do anything wrong." Lied added.

You let out a sigh of relief at their words. So they don't hate you. Thank Delkira. "I hope the same goes for Iruma." you muttered under breath.

Unfortunately, Jazz heard that. "Iruma-kun doesn't hate you though?"

"Huh? But he has been bugging me since this morning and ugh he's definitely doing it on purpose." you grunted.

"That Iruma... it's one demon after another..." Lied clenched his fists and whispered something you didn't hear.

"Haven't you consider that maybe he's just flirting with you?" Elizabetta asked.

"..."

"W-What?!" Your face turned red as a tomato.

You and the misfits separated ways since they still have a lot of things on their plate and you still have to deliver the papers to the faculty room. Balam sensei even asked if you're feeling well due to your flushed face. You're definitely not feeling well. There was no way... right? You recalled the things he did today. He greeted you good morning, ate with you at lunch, and even gave you a bouquet of Salamander flowers which almost burned your hair down.

So, he wasn't mad at you...? You don't know if you're relieved or more stressed after knowing that.

You were walking down the halls when you heard noise from the student council's room, the door slightly open. Being the curious demon you are, you decided to take a peak.

"So, won't you help me, Ameri!"

Your mouth hung open at the sight of Iruma-kun enclosing the student council president on a wall. Their faces were so close with each other, it almost looked like they were kissing. You don't know why but you felt a weird feeling inside you. You kinda wished you didn't look.

The next day came and Iruma didn't visit your classroom in the morning. Okay, that was good, you guess. Finally, he's done pestering you. Maybe he and Ameri-san finally got together?

"Y/N-chan, are you okay?" Saeko looked at you with worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine," you answered in a low tone.

"Are you sad that you didn't see Iruma-kun this morning?"

"W-What?! Why would you think that??" you whisper-shouted.

"I don't know, didn't you have a crush on Iruma-kun?" Saeko pointed out with a small smile.

"I do?" you pointed at yourself.

"You always had a smile on your face everytime you read the school's paper with Iruma at the front page."

Oh.

OH.

"I have a crush on Iruma???" you asked, realization kicking in. Then, you suddenly regained your senses and pretended to be stern. "With his current attitude, I don't think I do." You crossed your arms.

"Okay, if you say so,"

After your class with Suzi-sensei, she asked if you could help her in gardening. Of course, you agreed and followed her to Babylys' green house. You figured that reconnecting with nature help you soothe your stress about Iruma.

or maybe not.

When you arrived, Agares and Gaap were already there, and of course, their leader had to be there with them.

Iruma was just about to leave when he suddenly caught a sight of you walking towards the garden with Suzi-sensei. It looks like you still haven't realized that he was also there. He hadn't seen you since yesterday and seeing you right now made him think that maybe God was doing him a favor (if God's powers extend upto the Netherworld). He immediately picked the prettiest flower from the garden and hid it behind his back.

"Oh, isn't it the most esteemed 'Y/N-san'." To be honest, Iruma feels nervous every time he talks to you. He wouldn't be able to do this if he was his usual self.

Now to back to your point of view, your face remained blank, trying to put up a facade. You didn't know what to react after finding out that you had a crush on him and after seeing that... You automatically rolled your eyes upon remembering the scene. How cliche.

"Don't you have better things to do? Like you know, collecting letters of approval apart from the teaching staff?" you said in a playful tone.

"Other than the teaching staff...?" he asked, as if he was surprised.

Your brows raised. "Duh? The faculty is not only composed of the teaching staff. Even janitors are faculty members." you stated the obvious. But to them, it looked like they just found out about this fact. Iruma grunted and pinched his nose bridge, looking a little stressed.

"Yeah, you're right. Looks like I still have a lot to do." Iruma sighed. He said something to Agares and Gaap before walking towards you. Suddenly, he pulled out a flower from his back and placed it behind your ear. You were about to complain when he spoke again. "Don't worry, this won't ruin your hair."

You were stunned. You felt like everything around you stopped at that very moment. Your felt your heart race as you inhale his unique perfume with Iruma heing that close to you. When he was done, you immediately looked away, as if that would hide your flushed face.

Before you know it, you muttered words that surprised even yourself. "Did you also do this with the president?"

He didn't respond for a few seconds. You wish you could see his expression though. Is he shocked? Does he look guilty? Is he smirking? But you were so flustered that you can't even look at him right now. Suddenly, he placed his hand on top of your head.

"I'm only like this with you, Y/N."

With that, he walked away, leaving you in the garden. You exhaled and burried your face in your hands. You swore you were on the about to explode earlier. You have the ability to control water and yet you feel your heart on fire.

"Y/N-san! Can you please help with softening the soil?"

"Coming!!"

You didn't hear from Iruma the whole day. You assumed the abnormal class' efforts doubled after finding out that they need approval letters from the EVERY staff of Babylys. The third day came, marking the deadline of their deal with Kalego-sensei.

"Y/N! Let's go to the faculty room!" Your friend Saeko happily skipped towards your seat.

"Huh? We have classes, Saeko."

"We can always skip them??" she gave you a sheepish smile.

You let out a fake gasp. You even covered your mouth for more drama. "Saeko! I didn't know you were a delinquent?"

"Oh, come on! This is the first time we're actually going to break the school rules! Besides, it's for Iruma so it's worth it!" Saeko grabbed your wrist and pulled you up from your seat.

You rolled your eyes and just smiled while you two ran to the faculty room. As expected, a group of students gathered in front of the room. You joined them, hoping to eavesdrop from the conversation inside. It was quiet, you can barely hear a single word from their conversation. Then suddenly, victorious shouts were heard from inside, indicating the abnormal class' success.

You couldn't help but smile. Good job, Iruma-kun.

The next day came and rumors greeted you as you enter the school gates.

"I heard Iruma's back to normal!!"

"Valac and Asmodeus look so cute clinging to Iruma like that!!"

Iruma's back to his cute self again. You felt relieved but also sad at the same time. Guess your interactions with Iruma now comes to an end, huh? You hate to admit it but, you were happy that you were able to hang out (if you can even call it that) with Iruma in the past few days. But the thought that his actions were only driven by his evil cycle haunts you.

However, to your surprise, you found Iruma, the cute, fluffy, ball of sunshine Iruma-kun, standing outside your room. When he finally saw you, his cheeks turned pink. "Y-Y-Y/N-san, Goob morbning!" he was stuttering as hell.

His nervousness somehow transmitted to you, making you feel shy around him. You gave him a nod and greeted him back. "Good morning, Iruma-san... What are you doing here?"

Iruma fidgeted with his fingers, and looked away from your gaze. Then, he took a deep breath and looked back, straight into your eyes.

"Can we talk?"

You and Iruma found yourselves under a random tree. It was quiet, cherry blossoms from the plant he made a few months ago falling down on the background. There was a moment of silence before Iruma finally took the courage to talk. "I'm sorry for what I did in the past few days!!"

You were torn between laughing and feeling sorry for him when you found him kneeling with his forehead on the ground. He looked like a cute, helpless puppy. You bent down and lightly patted his head, making him flinch a little. "It's okay. You were in your evil cycle afterall. It's not like you're in control of your own actions during that time." you reassured him.

Iruma-kun slowly looked up, tears welling up in his eyes. Then, he stood up and composed himself. He took another deep breath and bowed again.

"I already told you, it's okay. No need to-" you paused. Since when did he have flowers in his hands?

"I want to properly ask you this time. Y/N-san, will you please go out with me?"

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seresinhangmanjake · 1 year ago

Text

Can't Let You Go

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x reader

Summary: When you and Jake broke up, it hurt both of you more than you could handle. Now, after three months of barely seeing or speaking to one another, Jake walks in on the surprise of seeing you in a wedding dress, and it brings past memories and ruined dreams to the surface.

Notes/Warnings: it's a fluffy ending (despite how the summary makes it sound). maybe a bit angsty . There might be cursing. Jake smokes a cigarette. Bradley and Nat are together for this, but there's not much focus on it (sorry to those who find that unappealing).

Words: 1800

-----

What’s the worst that could happen?

That one question was how your bride-to-be best friend got you to squeeze yourself into a wedding dress. You’d protested, heavily, but the last thing you wanted was to snuff out her excitement. So you appeased her with a nod and a false smile and shuffled into a dressing room to do as she'd begged.

What compelled you to select a gown you actually liked was beyond you. You hadn’t wanted to try one on, too afraid of the emotional toll that had the possibility of rearing its ugly head, and yet you didn’t just grab the closest dress off of the nearest rack. You roamed the store until you discovered the one that made your heart skip a beat. A dress that caused your breath to catch as you imagined yourself walking down an aisle, to him.

As you looked yourself up and down, you felt the tears sprouting for the dream that never came to fruition. You couldn’t tear your eyes away until Nat shouted, “You have to come out. That's kind of the whole point, Hon.” So you did, stepping up onto the low pedestal.

Her eyes widened, her fingers moving to cover her lips. She stared for a long moment. “Oh my God,” she said with a sweet smile, “You look perfect.”

“Nat,” you sighed, “come on.”

“You do!”

“Thank you, but this is—” Silly, you were going to say. But the jingle of the boutique door's bell interrupted you.

From her seat on the suede couch, Nat’s eyes shot over your shoulder. Her face paled. A muttered ‘Fuck’ met your ears in the voice of her fiance.

With your brow pinched in confusion, you turned, the dress swishing at your feet with your sharp twist.

Two pairs of eyes were glued to you. One set—a rich, dark brown—was alight with shock; the other—mossy green and all too familiar—was filled to the brink with pain.

“Jake…” you tried, but he was out the door.

You found your hand reaching out the slightest in the direction he'd gone. As if you could graze your fingers over the fabric of his shirt and tighten it within your palm to pull him back to you.

After absorbing the moment, you hurriedly stepped off the pedestal and rushed into the changing room to strip yourself of the dress.

“You didn’t tell me she was coming to your fitting,” you heard Bradley attempt to whisper.

“Well, you didn’t tell me you were bringing Jake along to pick me up,” Nat countered. You could practically see the irritation on her face, her arms crossed in defense and foot tapping loudly against the tile.

“He didn’t want to be alone. Today marks three months since they—”

Nat shushed him as you pulled back the curtain, reclothed in your jeans and t-shirt. “Hon,” she started, taking a step toward you, “I’m so sorry. I had no idea he was coming.”

“I know. It’s ok,” you assured her before flicking your eyes to Bradley. “Which way did he go?”

“Right,” he didn’t hesitate to say, and you nodded.

“Thank you.”

—--

The boutique stood alone on the street, nothing flanking it and thankfully making it evident with one quick glance that Jake, had he attempted to make a run for it, wouldn’t be able to get far. You didn’t see him, so there was only one other option.

When you rounded the building, you found him leaning against the brick wall, his head tilted slightly upward, his eyes closed, as he blew out a breath of smoke. The cigarette trapped between his fingers wiggled from his shaking hand.

Sensing your presence, like he’d always managed to do, he said, “Please tell me you didn’t get engaged three months after we broke up.”

You walked up to his side and copied his stance. “Of course not.” When he didn’t follow up with more, you continued. “I thought you quit.”

Jake finally opened his eyes to glance down at the cigarette. “I quit for you,” he said before taking another drag.

You felt your heart squeeze in your chest.

You’d always worried about him, long before you even got together. His job, his emotions, his habits. His job you couldn’t change, but his emotions and the habits that came with them, you could help. You’d been there for him, and he for you. Yet, it didn't occur to you that he would find himself revisiting past obstacles without you by his side. It should’ve. You should’ve pushed through any discomfort or awkwardness between you to be there for him. You should have been better.

“Jake…”

He released another stream of smoke, the quiet act somehow effectively cutting you off. “I’m not back on ‘em. Just one here or there…” he flicked his index finger to knock off the ashes, “to calm me down.”

Beats passed. How many, you couldn’t say. All you knew was that not so much silence had filled the bubble around the two of you since you were left spent and hurt after the blow up of ending your relationship. Though, in truth, you hadn’t been near each other enough in the past few months for the possibility of that situation to present itself.

“I didn’t expect to see you,” he suddenly said, “and the dress kind of…threw me.”

“Nat made me.”

With a snort, he said, “Figures.”

More agonizing silence dragged painful memories to the surface. The tears, the shouts, the pleading and apologies from the day that continued to haunt you.

“Jake.”

He hummed.

“I think we need to find a way to exist in the same space. It’s too difficult to try to work around one another when it comes to our friends and the places we frequent in town. I understand that you don’t want to be with me, but—”

“Me?” he snapped, head whipping in your direction. The blaze in his eyes seared the shock in yours, yet his tone maintained a calmness that, when accompanying his words, felt more eerie than anything. “I don’t want to be with you? You’re the one who ended us. You told me you were leaving, and then you didn’t even go.”

Your head fell and you began to pick at your fingernail. “Would you have preferred I left?”

“I would’ve preferred if you stayed my girlfriend.”

Looking up, you asked, “What changed your mind?”

A flash zipped across the green of his irises. “What are you talking about?”

“A week after we broke up, I chose not to go,” you said. “I wanted to be with you more than I wanted that job. I went to your house to tell you, but you weren’t there, so I went to the bar.” A hard swallow at another memory failed to relieve the aching lump in your throat. “I found you kissing some woman and I realized you’d already moved on.”

Jake took careful breaths—one too many for your liking—before letting out a soft chuckle. It held no humor. He shook his head.

"I didn't move on."

"Jake, I saw you."

"She kissed me," he said. "I told her it wasn't going to happen, then went home and drank myself stupid trying not to think of you." His eyes tore away from yours to stare ahead. And with a pinched brow, he shook his head once again as he tossed the remaining nub of the cigarette into a nearby trash can. "I did not succeed, I should add. So, no, I didn't move on. I can't even imagine trying."

You were overwhelmed with an array of emotions, each of them warring, mixing chaotically. Waves of relief crashed into the shame lingering from the day you fought. They churned with the pain you'd yet to let go of after seeing someone else kissing the man you love. There was a tick of embarrassment from the, now very clear, misunderstanding between you. But it was the cautious joy that overpowered it all.

"You still love me?" You said softly.

A low laugh rumbled in his chest.

"That's funny?"

"No, baby, I just—" he paused then brushed his fingers through his hair. "I don't know. I never thought I'd have to answer a question like that."

Your lips parted, ready to ask why such a simple question from you was practically stumping him, but he was one step ahead.

"I was always trying to prove how much I love you. Every single day I made sure of it. And I'd hoped I showed it well enough that you'd never need to ask," he said. A light shrug of his shoulders—barely noticeable, yet far from nonchalant—followed. "But here we are."

Without a thought to stop yourself, you reached up to cup his cheek, drawing his eyes back to yours.

"Jake, I didn't question it. I knew you loved me," you swore. "But I ruined things, and feelings can change."

As if understanding your immediate uncertainty that bloomed from your sudden touch, Jake wrapped his fingers around your wrist before you could dare to withdraw it back to your side.

"Not mine," he said. Then quieter: "Never mine."

The fresh rawness of his stare, of his tense brow, and softly parted lips, broke your heart. He looked ready to fall to his knees and weep at your feet. He looked how you had felt for months. Like standing, breathing, putting one foot in front of the other, was not easily done. Since you’d left him, nothing had been natural. Nothing came easy. Living life was a chore. And seeing Jake release it all in front of you with his desperation and devastation clear as day, allowed you to do the same.

Your palm fell to his chest. Jake brushed an escaped tear from the corner of your mouth, then rested his forehead against yours.

"It's ok," he whispered. "It's gonna be ok."

"I still love you," you said between sniffles.

With a heavy exhale, his whole body eased out of its rigidity. "I love you, too."

"Would…” you started but paused, unsure if your question would be your final strike. But you couldn’t stop the pounding in your heart, nor deny the need you had for Jake. So, despite the shake in your voice, you pressed on. “Would you take me back?"

Your eyes were closed, but you could sense his smile. Then he said:

"Baby, I never let you go."

---

A/N: it's been a minute since I posted any writing here. Sorry about that. But I'm working my way along my list and hopefully, you guys liked this :)

Tags: @wkndwlff @kmc1989 @sagittarius-flowerchild @dempy @oliviah-25 @rosiahills22 @xoxabs88xox @matisse556 @hardballoonlove @ssa-sadboi

#jake seresin #jake seresin x reader #jake hangman seresin #top gun maverick #jake seresin fic #jake hangman seresin x reader #top gun #jake hangman seresin fic #top gun hangman #jake hangman seresin x y/n #jake seresin fluff #tgm #tgm fic #tgm fanfiction #top gun maverick fic #jake seresin fanfiction #jake seresin imagine #jake seresin fanfic #jake seresin x you

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pupsmailbox · 9 months ago

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GOTH ID PACK

NAMES︰ abby. ace. addam. alister. amelia. amoret. ange. angel. angelo. anubis. arch. archette. ash. aslan. aspen. astor. astoria. astrophel. atticus. axelle. azazel. azrael. bael. bat. batsy. bella. bellatrix. blade. blair. blanchette. brahms. branwen. cain. callan. calliope. cannibelle. caskeite. casketta. caskette. caspian. celeste. celestia. chaos. charlotte. cherry. chira. chiraelle. chiro. chiroptairre. chiroptelle. chiropteranne. choir. christian. cofette. coffin. coffine. constantine. corbin. corpse. crimson. crow. crowley. damian. damien. demonesse. divina. dorian. draven. edgar. elatha. elijah. elix. elwin, elwin. elwood. ember. emmaline. etienne. evan. evangeline. eve. faith. forest. forrest. frill. frille. frilleine. frilliette. frilly. genesis. ghost. gothita. gothitelle. gothitess. gothitesse. grey. gwen. gypsy. hades. hawthorne. hecate. hemlock. imortalle. imortella. iris. israel. jakob. jet. jett. johnas. josiah. judas. kain. kane. kedi. keir. lacey. laciene. laciette. lazarus. leo. lilith. lilithe. lolita. lucid. lucien. lucifer. lucius. luscious. lynx. maeve. malice. mana. martyr. max. melancholy. merle. micah. michael. misery. mordred. morris. mors. morte. mortis. mourge. mourgette. myrette. nightshade. noah. noctre. nocturne. noir. obsidian. oleander. omen. onyx. orion. orpheus. ozul. ozzy. prince. prophet. raven. ravenie. raveniette. rook. rowan. ruby. saber. saint. salem. samael. samuel. scarlet. secrette. seraph. serenity. shilo. shiloh. silas. silver. silvester. skelly. skulliene. skulliette. skully. sorrow. sylvester. syn. thorn. thorne. tobias. tommy. trix. umbriel. valkyrie. valo. vervain. vesper. victoria. ville. violetta. vito. vlad. woundie. zeon. zephyrine.

PRONOUNS︰ abby/abby. ae/aer. ash/ash. bat/bat. bleed/bleed. blood/blood. book/book. bug/bug. burn/burn. chain/chain. chap/chapel. chill/chill. claw/claw. cloud/cloud. cob/cobweb. cof/coffin. coffin/coffin. corps/corpse. creep/creep. cri/cross. cro/cros. cross/cross. cross/crosse. da/dark. dae/dae. dae/daem. dark/dark. decay/decay. dee/dark. des/despair. devout/devout. div/divine. dust/dust. echo/echo. edge/edgy. en/envie. fae/fang. fang/fang. fe/fear. fie/fiend. fog/fog. fri/frill. frill/frill. ghost/ghost. ghoul/ghoul. gore/gore. goth/goth. goth/gothic. gra/grave. grave/grave. ha/haunt. halo/halo. hie/hiem. ho/holy. holy/holy. horn/horn. hx/hxm. hy/hym. ink/ink. lace/lace. lae/lace. lost/lost. mist/mist. moon/moon. net/fishnet. ni/night. night/night. null/null. par/parasol. parasol/parasol. pray/pray. pray/prayer. proph/prophet. ro/rose. rose/rose. rot/rot. rust/rust. sac/sacrifice. saint/saint. scar/scar. shx/hxr. shy/hyr. si/sinister. sin/sin. sku/skull. skull/skull. snake/snake. spider/spider. spike/spike. sto/storm. stud/stud. thou/thorn. thron/thorn. thxy/thxm. vae/vaer. ve/ver. velvet/velvet. vo/void. whis/whisper. whisper/whisper. witch/witch. wood/wood. x/x. xae/xaer. × . ♠️ . ♣️ . ⚰️ . ⛓️ . 🌑 . 💀 . 🕯 . 🕷 . 🕸 . 🖤 . 🥀 . 🦇 .

#pupsmail︰id packs #id pack #npt #name suggestions #name ideas #name list #pronoun suggestions #pronoun ideas #pronoun list #neopronouns #nounself #emojiself #goth #gothic

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fanartlover1234 · 7 months ago

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GAME OF FEELING

Hook always flirts with Y/n.

Daughter of Eris x Captain Hook

Made by a request in dm

Can u do one where the reader plays hard to get with hook?

Eris as her mother most parted way when she came, too afraid of whaf she might do, her mother was the godess of chaos after all and who knows what her daughter might bring as rumors spread that her father was a powerful wizard.

Y/n liked it that way, it ment she had never have a need to worry for someone crossing her as Uliana herself never dared to touch her.

It ment they feared her and if there is something her mother teached her is thay fear is power.

Everthing is going smooth untill he shows up.

Captain fucking hook himself, almost always at her side amd before she knew the rest of his gang was always around her aswell.

As now she was sitting at a table her elbows rested on her knees as she watched some kids run around.

She flicked her finged amd they triped when a ruck suddenly lifted from the ground and chaos was made.

Hook leaned to her ear and his lips brushed the shell of her ear when he spoke "I love it when you are wicked"

The girl turned her head to him their lips mere inches apart.

"Fuck off hook" she said before getting up amd walking away from the group.

Few days ago, to get a flower they had to kill the deadly bugs around it.

Y/n took her bracelet amd used magic to turn one of the emblems, the scorpion, into live creature.

"So they are deadly right?" Hook asked leaning over rhe girls shoulder to look at the scorpion.

"Yeah like you after a bad nap" she said looking back.

"Maybe it would be better if you were next to me" he said.

"Ill send one of these on you"

Few day pas and the girl wanders around as a soft melody plays in the back round and she sings.

"If theres a prize for rotten jugdement, i guess ive already won that, no mana worth the agroovation thays ancient history been there done that"

The muses come out joining her in her song of heart " Who d'you think you're kiddin'?He's the earth and heaven to you Try to keep it hidden Honey, we can see right through you Girl, you can't conceal it We know how you're feelin', who you're thinkin' of" by muses

"I wont say it"by Y/n

"You swoon, you sigh Why deny it? Uh-oh" by muses

"Its too cliche i wont say im in love, I thought my heart had learned its lesson

It feels so good when you start out

(Ah) My head is screaming, "Get a grip, girl"

"Unless you're dyin' to cry your heart out"" by Y/n

"You keep on denying

Who you are and how you're feelin'

Baby, we're not lying, hon we saw ya hit the ceiling

Face it like a grown up

When ya gonna own up that ya got, got, got it bad?" By muses

"This scene won't play

I won't say I'm in love

You're way off base

I won't say it

Get off my case

I won't say it" by Y/n

"Girl, don't be proud, it's ok, you're in love" by muses

Music comes to an end as the girl whispers the last words to herself "at least not out loud, i wont say im in love" she whispers to herself as the nex part, the only time she will ever say it out loud " im in love with the captain of the seas"

#joshua colley x reader #descendants #descendants joshua colley #descendants james hook #descendants red #descendants chloe #james hook x reader

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haru-natsuka · 2 months ago

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WMMAP

The fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)

Chapter 8: Protectiveness

Immense amounts of protectiveness can often blind someone, making them prioritize the well-being of others over their own. Those who care deeply for others may forget to take care of themselves, viewing the loss of someone they love as the same as their own death. They would repeat this cycle of saving others, regardless of the sacrifice to their own lives. This behavior is fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and selflessness, sometimes even border on self-destructive tendencies. A trait that he hated the most and a behavior she could not ever change...

Female reader will be named as Celestial

Just like the day before, the empress continued to feel a strange emptiness inside. Despite the newfound freedom of her confinement, she did not feel any joy or gratitude, just a mere sense of detachment. She might had just gotten use being alone in her room and not spending time outside. Worst still, if Claude could so easily release her from the restriction spell, he could just as easily re-impose it upon her.

His power and influential status rendered him virtually untouchable, leaving her feeling powerless. His powerful mana was even a stark reminder of why the late emperor had shifted his favoritism from his son with the empress to the one with a mere maid. That was how powerful the current King of Obelia.

Therefore, instead of just placing the sole blame on the former empress for her harsh treatment towards Claude, Celestial held a different perspective. She could understand and sympathize with the former empress' actions, knowing that they were likely born out of intense pain and betrayal.

Celestial recalled the rumors about how the former empress had married the king for power and status. How diverse it was from the truth as she still remembered the looks in the empress eyes. The hatred, hostility, loath and distaste, only capable to form due to amount of love for the king.

The one that should be blamed was the former king who desired someone other than his sole partner. He did not even perform his duty to both of his sons as a father figure. Due to that understanding, it was easier to be closed to the former queen and Celestial understanding even deepen as she experienced the same situation.

The empress stared into the cup of tea in her hands, her solemn eyes reflecting back at her in the liquid's surface as if mocking her miserableness. Instead of treating it as her light drink, she had darker thoughts, contemplating other purposes for the tea. She raised her head and turned her gaze to Claude, contemplating the dark thoughts that fleetingly crossed her mind.

Yet, she quickly dismissed them in favor of her beautiful child, Athy. No, she should hold herself back at least for Athy sake. It would be uncomfortable and unpleasant for a child to watch an adult fight, especially between the empress and emperor. She had also given her word to her ex-lady-in-waiting, Lilian York, to ensure the child's safety.

"My lady, I know it's already hard for you but please keep Athy safe"

"Don't you worry, Lily. Your desire is just the same as mine"

Celestial found herself reluctantly joining Claude and Athy on the boat ride, her protective instincts on high alert, ready to shield the princess from any harm that might come her way. She had assumed that Athy might be scared of her tyrant father, but instead, the child seemed delighted by Claude's invitation. Athy even called this guy papa in affection tone. Was it because she craved her father love all this time? How was her life in the Ruby Palace?

She could not help but feel her heart ache at the thought of Athy's life in the Ruby Palace. The child was likely isolated and lonely, with a deep yearning for her parent's love. Having lost her mother since she was born, all of that crave of love and attention would have been directed towards her father alone. Celestial felt her heart broken upon imagining it.

Celestial gently lifted up the petite princess and placed her on her lap, encircling her small waist with a soft and protective grasp. She could not help but wonder if all children at age 5 were this diminutive.

The little girl was initially surprised by the sudden move, but soon after, she relaxed and leaned her warm, small body against the empress's chest. The young princess seemed to find comfort in the safety and protection that Celestial's embrace brought while watching the scenery around her.

'Yes, mama's here Athy. There is no need to be afraid. I will protect you'

The minutes ticked by in silence, with none of the three uttering a word. The emperor kept his stoic gaze on both the empress and his daughter, while the empress deliberately avoided looking at her husband, choosing instead to focus on the lake. Meanwhile, the young princess, having grown bored with the inactivity, slipped off from her place in the empress's lap and began to explore the boat, particularly intrigued by the magic that enabled its movement.

"What are you thinking about?"

Claude was the first to break the silence, his gaze shifting towards his moving daughter. Celestial was about to intervene, having noticed the child's discomfort, but her attention was captured when the girl spoke up, her next words startling the empress.

"You hair is sparkly and pretty, papa! Like the lake water! I like sparkly things! Hehehe"

A smile tugged at the corner of Claude's lips, his usually stoic expression softening slightly. The young princess' compliment seemed to please him, her words causing a genuine or what seems to be smile to form on his face.

Seeing the interaction between father and daughter, Celestial's pay more attention to her surroundings, her body tensed, and her gaze sharpened, ready to intervene if bad occurrence happen. Having a slight interest from Claude would subject to his unpredictable actions.

Claude spoke again, his tone casual yet laced with something else. "That reminds me, you had a pouch of jewels with you that day. I kept your treasures safe and sound. Why don't you come and retrieve them yourself next time?"

Celestial's instincts kicked in. It was clear to her that her husband's invitation was more of a threat than a genuine offer. After all, this was the same man who had attempted to take the princess' life the moment she was born. This was also the man who had sacrifice his half blood brother for the throne.

"Stop treating Athy as your plaything, Claude," Celestial said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "What's the point of Sir Felix? Order him to send the pouch."

Claude turned his attention to her, his features hardening at her words. He let out a scoff, his voice cold. "And why should I do that? Stop regarding Athy as my plaything? Nonsense. She's my daughter, and I have every right to regard her as I please." He clearly stated or mocked the empress true status for the said princess as if he meant his wife did not behold any power or right on the child.

Celestial responded, her tone laced with a mix of sarcasm and bitterness as she would not back off easily. "Ah, so you've finally realized you're a father? How amusing. That's the funniest thing I've heard all day, Claude."

She knew she promised herself not have a fight with the emperor in front of the child but this guy really invited it. Meanwhile, the young princess continued to distract herself staring into the lake by the side of the boat, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere between the rulers of the empire. However, Celestial had already observed that the child was quite intelligent and knew when the princess just feign ignorance to her surrounding.

"Do not tell me how to treat my own child, Celestial. I will do as I please with my daughter, and you have no say in the matter. She is mine, and not yours"

Maybe because she was busy to think about a good comeback to her husband words, she was being too emotional and lost her compose self. Celestial did not manage to focus her attention on the princess who was reaching out into the lake with her tiny hand, siding too much to the side that she fell out of the boat. After hearing a splashing sound does she noticed Athy was nowhere inside the boat and there was someone struggling inside the lake and shouting for help in desperation.

Celestial, consumed by the heat of the argument, failed to pay attention to the princess. She failed to notice the young princess reaching out towards the lake, leaning too far to the side and falling over the edge. The sound of the splash and the desperate cries for help jerked her out of her focused state, and she instantly realized that Athy was missing from the boat and struggling in the water.

"H-help.... Help..!"

"Athy!" She shouted, her voice filled with a mix of panic and concern. She immediately rushed towards the edge of the boat, her eyes scanning the surface of the lake for the sign of the struggling child.

Celestial desperately strained her arm to reach out and grab ahold of the struggling princess, but she was too far away. Her heart filled with despair as she gazed down at the thrashing child, trapped in the clutches of the deadly lake.

The lake, adorned with beautiful blue lotuses, was not as innocent as it appeared. Infused with potent magic, the plants served as a formidable trap, designed to ensnare any intruder and relentlessly pull them down until they were completely lifeless. It was one of the most dangerous trap put in the palace and her own child succumb to such trap due to her carelessness.

As a product of her noble upbringing, Celestial had been shielded from learning how to swim due to societal norms. Such skills were deemed unbecoming of a lady, as it was expected for a woman to be rescued by a hero rather than be the hero herself.

Never be the lead but be one of the main character. If only that ridiculous traits not being implemented to the society, if only she knew how to swim then Athy's suffering would be alleviated.

The sight of the child's frail arms flailing helplessly in the water, desperately grasping for air, caused Celestial's heart to sink in despair. Only Claude, who used to live in a harsh environment, who she once saw the former empress push him into the lake could help.

"SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER! CLAUDE! DO SOMETHING!"

Celestial's desperate plea fell on deaf ears as Claude sit there like a statue, his expression devoid of any emotion. His callous indifference was even more evident as he remained motionless, not even a hint of panic or concern evident in his demeanor.

'He was not normal. He was not human. How could as a father to react such way...'

Celestial's heart shattered as she witnessed her child being dragged further into the water, her hair slowly vanishing beneath the surface. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she begged for her husband's intervention.

"CLAUDEE!!!"

Finally, Claude responded to Celestial's desperate plea and moved to scoop up his daughter with one strong arm in ease. His sleeve became wet as he retrieved the child from the water.

The boat glided towards the shoreline, and soon Athy was placed gently on the ground. Lily, Felix, and several other panicked maids rushed to the princess's side, assessing her condition as she lay on the ground, panting and coughing, her wet hair sticking to her face.

Athy continued to cough violently, her body attempting to expel the lake water from her lungs. As the child suffered, Celestial refused to hesitate further. While she may not have been able to save her child in the lake, she was determined to prevent any further suffering due to today's harrowing experience.

With fierce determination, Celestial made up her mind, no longer caring about the consequences for herself. Who would care what would happen to her if she used this power after a long time?

Celestial placed her hands on Athy's chest, her palms emitting a soft white light as she absorbed the young princess' suffering into herself. However, before she could complete the healing process, Claude quickly moved to stop her, his expression panicked and concerned as he was familiar to the power side effect.

"Cease it!" he exclaimed, his words laced with panic. "I forbid you to continue! Stop! Don't waste it on that child!"

With an iron resolve, Celestial stood her ground as Claude attempted to pull her away from the princess. She determinedly increased the flow of her power, channeling all of Athy's pain and sorrow into herself. As the princess' condition improved, it was the empress who started coughing, the effects of the healing process taking a toll on her own body.

As water filled her lungs, Celestial felt a mixture of pain and relief, knowing that she had managed to save the child from further suffering. However, the strain of the healing process and her already weakened condition took their toll, leaving her unconscious. Before succumbing to darkness, she faintly heard a desperate voice calling out to her.

"Celestial! Celestial! CELESTIAL!!!"

@fluffy-koalala @happydeertraveler @sethianaa @is2sae

Chapter 7 << Previous, Next >> Chapter 9

#anastacius de alger obelia #anastacius x reader #claude de alger obelia #claude x reader #wmmap #wmmap fanfic #wmmap anastacius #romance #who made me a princess #wmmap x reader #wmmap claude #manhwa #manhwa x reader #wmmap athanasia

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godhandler · 2 months ago

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Masterlist

some of my work contains adult and uncomfortable stuff such as problematic cross-ships, toxic behaviors, hurtful language etc. do take care of your own mental health and do not attempt works that cross your limits. please heed the warnings for each work and proceed at your own discretion.

fic requests are open! do drop an ask, your thoughts, or just a hello! i love talking to people here <3

#mana talks - for all meta analysis, headcanons, extra lore

yours, mana xoxoxo

s - smut, a- angst, f- fluff, personal favourites- 🏮

Jujutsu Kaisen

Kamo Noritoshi

The Homo Economicus in Love - (s, a, f) - | Impacts of income inequality on unethical college love, a thesis paper, aka 'i was just a bet?' trope| 🏮

#1 - Operation Kamo | college majors

See No Evil (s, a, f) - | bram stoker's dracula | 🏮

prologue

Obeisance to the Arrow (s, a, f) - | arranged marriage with Noritoshi Kamo, and all that entails... |

+ drabbles arranged according to the timeline

How Was Noritoshi Kamo Found To Have Blood Manipulation? - (a, f)

Hey Handsome! - (a, f) - | Noritoshi gets hit on, right in front of you |

The Question of Heirs - (f) - | Noritoshi Kamo, concussed, talks about having kids |

An Inkling of Refuge - (a, f, hurt/comfort) - | After the massacre at Shinjuku, each other is all you have left |

[finding out that you're pregnant] - (f)

Echo - (a, f, hurt/comfort) - | When your kids inherit the Ten Shadows, Megumi Fushiguro gets to meet Divine Dog White again after 16 years| 🏮

Ryomen Sukuna

Priestess (s) - | Lord Sukuna rewards his most devoted follower |

lord!sukuna x knight!reader 1 (a, f, s) - | Cannibalism done right | 🏮

lord!sukuna x knight!reader 2 (a, f, s) - | Sukuna takes another knight|

sukuna x possessed!reader (a, f, s) - | Demonic possession <3 |

Martial arts coach! Sukuna (a, f, s) - |God-complex maniacs pining for each other| 🏮

cottagecore!Sukuna (a, f) - | Sukuna cooks for you |

"romance" (f) - | English language tutor |

Choso

Kill The Damned Phone (s, f) - | a lazy morning fu-- dammit the phone keeps ringing! |

choso x geto!kenjaku (a, f, s) - | cult leader x altar boy | 🏮

Geto Suguru

quick fic (f) - | your teen daughter wants to start dating |

cult leader!geto x secretary! reader (s, f)

ragdoll runt (a, f, s ) - | geto, weeks before defecting|🏮

Tokyo Day (a, f, s) - | meeting suguru a decade after his defection, this time as a married woman | [COMPLETED]🏮

#1 | #2 | #3 | #4

Satosugu

5 : 14 AM (a, f) - | satoru wants suguru to quit smoking |

underground boxer!geto x always-bets-on-him!gojo (a, f)

Nanami Kento

quick fic (s, f) - | Nanami Kento doesn’t know your real name, only your touch |

tired manager!nanami x kpop idol!reader (f)

Ieiri Shoko

dealer!shoko x reader (a, s)🏮

Higuruma Hiromi

swipe that nose like a credit card (s, f) - | riding his face <3 |

Gojo Satoru

Satoru At Rest (a, s, f) - | your terrible ex-boyfriend is having way too much fun haunting you |

#1 | #2 | #3

Can't get it up (s, f)

Itadori Yuuji

teenage delinquents (s, f) - | idiots in love have their first kiss |

Fushiguro Toji

Rent A BF! (f) - | young toji fushiguro x reader |

character | prologue | #1 | #2 | #2.5 | #3 | #3.5 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #6.5 | #7

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #masterlist

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eliaah · 3 months ago

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they realize their feelings for you !

characters: yami sukehiro, fuegoleon vermillion, nozel silva, & william vangeance

tags: fluff , multi characters x fem reader

a/n: i made this one based on that brigade question like what's their type? yami = someone strong | fuegoleon = someone passionate | nozel = someone who can give their all to the house silva | william = someone who doesn't bother the face of his. I don't know if all of these will be accurate but i tried my best !

💜 YAMI SUKEHIRO

It was another usual day at the Black Bulls' hideout, and as always, chaos was in full swing. Noelle and Asta were at it again, Magna and Luck were bickering over something that probably didn’t matter, and Vanessa was drinking alcohol like nothing was going on. Yami, however, was focused on you.

You were sparring with Gauche, and as usual, you were kicking ass. The way you fought, with that quiet intensity and controlled power, made him pause for a moment. You weren’t just strong, Yami had seen strength before, plenty of times, but with you, it wasn’t just about raw power. It was about the precision, the strategy, the way you carried yourself. You weren’t one to back down or second-guess yourself, and that was something he couldn’t help but admire.

When the spar ended, you wiped your brow, catching Yami’s eye from across the room. He had been watching you, and you knew it. But instead of looking away, you held his gaze, that confident, knowing smile spreading across your face.

Yami sighed and leaned back in his chair, trying to hide the sudden unease creeping in. "Oi." he called out, voice gruff. "Don’t go making those damn faces at me. It’s distracting."

You tilted your head slightly, a mischievous glint in your eyes. “Why? Is it too gorgeous?” you teased, clearly enjoying the effect you were having on him.

Yami scoffed, looking away quickly. “Tch. Just keep your face to yourself, alright?” he muttered, but even as the words left his mouth, he felt that tightness in his chest. That smile, that confidence, it wasn’t just the strength that had caught his attention anymore. It was everything about you.

You weren’t just a powerful member of his squad. You were something more. And that realization... hit him harder than he’d expected.

💜 FUEGOLEON VERMILLION

The Vermillion estate library was calm, its shelves lined with ancient tomes and the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the tall windows. You sat across from Leopold, a quill in hand as you carefully sketched a diagram to explain the finer points of mana stabilization. Leopold leaned forward, his expression intense as he tried to follow along.

“Focus here.” you said gently, pointing to a rune in the diagram. “This is where the mana flow converges. If you don’t stabilize it, the spell will collapse before it can take form.”

Leopold groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “You make it sound so easy, y/n. How do you even keep all this in your head?”

“It’s not about memorizing.” you said with a small smile. “It’s about understanding. Think of it like a puzzle, every piece has its place. You just have to figure out how they connect.”

Fuegoleon stood silently by the doorway, his arms crossed as he observed the two of you. He had only meant to check on Leopold’s progress, but once again, he found himself captivated by the way you carried yourself.

You weren’t just teaching Leopold spell theory, you were patient, encouraging, and passionate. It was clear in every word you spoke, every gesture you made. You cared deeply, not just about the results but about the process.

Leopold grinned as he tried again, his flames flickering to life. This time, the spell formed steadily, its edges sharp and controlled. “I did it!” he exclaimed, turning to you with wide eyes. “It actually worked!”

You beamed at him, clapping your hands lightly. “I knew you could do it! All it takes is focus and practice.”

Fuegoleon’s chest tightened. That smile of yours, so full of pride and warmth, it struck something deep within him. For a man who valued control and discipline, the intensity of his feelings for you caught him off guard. It was as if you had quietly set his heart ablaze, and he hadn’t noticed until the fire had consumed him completely.

When Leopold excused himself to test the spell further in the training grounds, you began tidying up the books and parchment scattered across the table. Fuegoleon stepped forward, clearing his throat softly.

“You’ve done excellent work with Leopold.” he said, his voice even yet warm.

You glanced up, startled by his presence, but your lips curved into a smile. “He’s a fast learner. He just needed a little guidance.”

Fuegoleon’s gaze lingered on you longer than he intended. “Your guidance is exceptional.” he said, stepping closer. “You have a gift for teaching, not just in what you know, but in how you inspire others. It is... rare.”

The sincerity in his tone made you pause, your hands stilling over the stack of papers. “That’s high praise coming from you, Captain.” you replied softly, a faint blush warming your cheeks.

He gave a small nod, his composure intact, though his thoughts were anything but. You aren't just intelligent or skilled, you're someone who lived with purpose, someone who gave everything their all. It was that fire in you, that unwavering passion, that he found himself drawn to in ways he hadn’t expected.

Fuegoleon had always believed in discipline, control, and focus. But now, standing here with you, he realized that no amount of discipline could quell the warmth growing in his chest. He admired you deeply, respected you completely, and, most surprising of all, cared for you in a way he hadn’t thought himself capable of.

When you gathered the last of the papers and stood, he stepped aside, his usual composure returning. “I’ll be outside.” he said, his tone steady despite the chaos in his chest. “Leopold will benefit from your guidance, as he always does.”

You smiled, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “Of course, Captain.”

As you walked past him, the faint scent of parchment and the subtle warmth of your magic lingering in the air, Fuegoleon couldn’t help but watch you go. He stood there for a moment, silent, letting the weight of his realization settle over him.

You aren't just someone he admired. You’re someone who had ignited something within him, something that burned brighter and fiercer than any flame he had ever conjured.

And for the first time, Fuegoleon allowed himself to hold on to that fire, even if only quietly.

💜 NOZEL SILVA

The halls of the Silva estate were peaceful, the soft sound of Nozel's footsteps echoing through the corridors as he walked quietly down to Noelle’s room. Nozel had been making his rounds, checking on his family’s well-being, when he heard something that made him pause, a small, melodic sound.

Laughter.

He didn’t often hear laughter within these stone walls, and the sound piqued his interest. Moving towards Noelle’s door, he listened for a moment, curious.

He quietly cracked the door open just enough to peek inside, and there he saw you, kneeling beside Noelle’s bed, reading her a story. Noelle, still a little child, looked up at you with wide eyes, her silver hair slightly disheveled as she grinned at something you’d said. You spoke with such a natural warmth, your voice soft and soothing as you held her attention.

“...And the knight swore to protect the kingdom, no matter the cost.” you said, your voice gentle, your words full of encouragement.

Noelle giggled softly. “You’re like that knight, y/n. Strong and brave!”

You smiled, your heart clearly fond of her. “Well, I’m glad you think so, Noelle. One day, you'll be like that knight too.”

The tenderness in your voice, the patience you showed as you tucked Noelle into bed and kissed her forehead, made Nozel pause. You were kind, more than just a caretaker, more than just someone who worked for House Silva. There was a quiet strength about you, a warmth that Noelle clearly felt.

You tucked the blanket around Noelle gently, whispering, “Sleep well, Noelle. I’ll see you in the morning.”

With that, you stood up and moved toward the door, careful not to disturb the little one’s slumber. Nozel, standing just outside, watched you as you quietly stepped away from the room, making sure everything was in order before leaving.

As you opened the door, you bumped into someone. You blinked in surprise, your eyes softening when you recognized him.

“Captain Silva.” you said with a warm smile, your voice calm. “I didn’t realize you were up this late.”

Nozel straightened slightly, his expression as composed as ever. “I came to check on Noelle.” he said, his tone even. “She seems... content.”

You nodded. “She’s been through a lot. I just wanted to make sure she had a peaceful night.”

Nozel’s eyes softened as he took a moment to truly observe you. You caught Nozel's attention, it was the way you carried yourself with such quiet dignity, the way you cared for Noelle with such genuine affection.

“Thank you.” he said, his voice more sincere than usual. “For everything you do for her. It’s... not easy to care for someone with such a spirited nature.”

You chuckled softly. “Noelle is strong. She just needs a little guidance and reassurance.”

Nozel nodded, his eyes lingering on you as he considered your words. You weren’t just fulfilling your duties, you were giving Noelle something she needed desperately, your unwavering support and care.

You gave him a polite smile before continuing on your way, your footsteps light as you disappeared down the hall. Nozel watched you for a moment, his mind wandering.

For all his discipline and control, he couldn’t ignore the way his heart felt a little lighter whenever he saw you. You had captured his attention not by your status or strength, but by the quiet, steadfast way you showed care for others, something he realized he respected deeply.

He stood in the hall for a long moment, his thoughts on you, before turning back to his duties. It was clear now that you were someone he couldn’t easily forget.

💜 WILLIAM VANGEANCE

The Golden Dawn headquarters was eerily quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Everyone had been sent out on missions, leaving the grand halls empty—except for one person.

William Vangeance sat alone in the library, surrounded by shelves of books and the faint scent of parchment. He exhaled, leaning back in his chair as he finally removed his mask, placing it carefully on the table. The air was warm, and without the suffocating weight of the mask, he could finally breathe freely.

He ran a hand over his face, fingers brushing the scars he rarely allowed anyone to see. This was a rare moment of solitude, one he thought would go uninterrupted.

But then, the door creaked open.

William turned sharply, his heart skipping a beat as his gaze landed on you.

You froze, standing in the doorway with a book in hand, your wide eyes meeting his.

“y/n.” he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Captain Vangeance?” you said, softly.

For a moment, neither of you moved. The warm hues of the setting sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden light on the two of you. William’s first instinct was to reach for his mask, but something about the way you were looking at him made him pause.

You didn’t flinch. Your expression didn’t shift into discomfort or pity. Instead, you stepped forward, setting your book down on the table.

“I’m sorry.” you said gently. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I thought everyone was out on missions.”

William’s throat tightened. “I… thought so too.”

You offered him a small smile, your gaze unwavering as you sat down across from him. “I came back early.” you explained, your tone casual, as if this moment wasn’t extraordinary. “I thought I’d relax here for a while. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

He nodded, still unsure of what to say. His scarred face felt exposed, vulnerable, but you hadn’t reacted the way he had feared.

After a moment, you spoke again, your voice steady. “You know, this light suits you.”

William blinked, startled. “What?”

“The sunlight.” you said, gesturing to the way it caught the angles of his face. “It makes you look... peaceful.”

A lump formed in William’s throat as he studied you. There was no hesitation in your expression, no trace of the judgment he had grown accustomed to fearing. Instead, there was warmth, genuine and unyielding, in your gaze.

“You’re not bothered?” he asked quietly, his fingers brushing the edges of his mask.

“Why would I be?” you replied simply. “It’s just you, Captain Vangeance.”

It was such a simple statement, yet it held a weight that made William’s chest tighten. For so long, he had hidden behind the mask, letting others see only the perfect leader of the Golden Dawn. But here you were, looking at him as though the scars didn’t matter, as though he was just another person to you.

And in that moment, something shifted within him.

For someone who had always carried the burden of his dual existence, this newfound warmth and acceptance caught him off guard. He realized then how deeply your presence had come to mean to him. You aren't just another squad member. You're someone who saw beyond his scars, someone who didn’t let the world’s expectations dictate your view of him.

The setting sun bathed the room in golden light as you stood to return to the shelves, leaving William sitting in silence, his thoughts spiraling.

For the first time in a long while, his heart felt full—not with duty or burden, but with something far more profound.

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pospoets · 2 years ago

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AU where javier is related to berkis

(no this is definitely not an excuse to ramble about Dragon Javier x Lloyd /j)

aka half-dragon or quarter-dragon Javier, i was just talking about my friend (Nyan) about this and i'd just throw some headcanons about this AU.

So basically Javier obviously have some dragon features aka slitted eyes and scales hidden by his ruffly hair, he also has some Sharp teeths like a dragon.

This also gives an explanation to how Javier is multi-talented in many things or how strong he is and how quickly he improved with mana-related stuff.

Okay let's get to my fav part, their dragon instincts.

Dragons like shiny stuff right? So Javier would, let's say, give Lloyd some shiny things at some point as a courting gift. But the thing is that none of them realizes it, not even Javier because he thinks that's normal.

One thing i've noticed from the author of Tged is that they usually give the dragons lovers that are suited in taking care of chores, berkis with (obviously) Chung, Berkis's mother with Berkis's father who's babygirl/hj, and - wait let's not count solitas, he doesn't have any. So Javier would probably (and subconsciously) look for a partner that can take care of chores, house stuff, and also he would also look for someone who's strong so they can protect his offsprings. (It is ingrained in his genes)

but then I thought, "Aren't Lloyd's summons basically his children?" And then went "Wait oh my God"

Javier would count Lloyd as a suitable Lover, I'm not even kidding, this guy would accept courting gifts from Javier because he just thinks that's how Javier shows his gratefulness. Lloyd takes care of the summon like his childrens, he's also stronger than average so he could probably protect the summons if needed.

Javier didn't even realize he's fallen for this man and had started courting him dragon-style.

I'm thinking of a scene where Lloyd just speaking with one of his summon and then said: "what? You're asking for a new playmate? Alright then." And then Javier just stares at him as he crosses off one of his list: "can take care of childrens" Subconsciously.

#lloyd frontera #the greatest estate designer #the greatest estate developer #tged #Llojavi #javier asrahan #lloyd x javier

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darkwicks · 1 year ago

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ONE LOVE, ONE LIFETIME – YONE X READER

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.” Or, the one where Yone fell first.

CONTENT.⠀female reader; romance, light angst and hurt/comfort, family issues, elitism in the family (yeah), Asshole Father bc I have problems, family member death, very heavily implied that MC was an accident baby, talks about death and the afterlife on yone's end, brief talks of arranged marriage, allusions to misogyny. + Spirit Blossom AU with some changes to fit the narrative. ~11k words

NOTES.⠀I wanted to finish this before I start properly using the break so woe ~20 pages be upon ye. I've had this in my drafts for ages and it took longer than I would've liked but! we made it! this is a gift for my beloved @kakujis, a dear friend and my Shimada Liker in Arms. <3 I hope you enjoy!!

divider by cafekitsune | cross-posted on ao3

Pride and honour stood above all else.

Such a lesson was established in your clan from the moment of its founding, forging ahead generations of noble swordsmen who have never strayed from their paths. Every child born into the family is bound to duty, raised and trained by the elite until they are seen as ready for the battles ahead of them. Pride flowed in your veins and you were taught to believe that what you bleed is your negligence. Honour is engraved in your bones, down to the marrow—strong as the seas, and immovable as the mountains.

Every child of your family knows this by heart, including you, the broken one. The odd one out. The blemish on what would otherwise be a pristine reputation.

Born without the same mana or prowess that all of your brothers possessed, you were deemed a flawed child undeserving of the honour of your family name. Fate restricted you from following the path you wished to take as soon as they decided on where your life began. How was it fair at all to put such a heavy burden on a child’s shoulders? On someone who hadn’t opened their eyes for the first time yet?

You craved to learn the ways of a warrior, to be someone the younger generation could trust and look up to. Instead, you were scorned in your own home by a family that was hellbent on upholding tradition and their position among the elite. All because you were born differently. Anything said about you was always done in contempt, especially from your own flesh and blood—your father, your brothers, and your sisters.

‘You are not my child.’ It was your father’s way of saying he didn’t want himself or his beloved sons associated with you, his flesh and blood. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. So long as he and the oh-so-esteemed council were alive, you would never be seen as a part of the family. So long as he continued to breathe, he would look down on you as much as he could. And yet, even though he so explicitly despised you, you still did everything you could so you could be worth his time.

A fruitless endeavour. He held your weakness over your head, his glare a constant reminder of how he’d always see you as a failure. You would never be enough. You wanted to leave, but where would you go? Without your family name, you had nothing. With your name, all you were was a bastard. You were bound to a home that didn’t welcome you.

‘You are not my child.’ You didn’t want to be.

You wished you had the chance to meet your mother. She abandoned you on the doorstep, they would say whenever you asked about her, your father saved you. It wasn’t until years later that you learned the truth. She never abandoned you—she was threatened, forbidden from stepping foot inside the mansion again. You used to wish she had fought more and taken you with her, but the more you grew, the more you understood. Whatever fury you harboured towards her dwindled like a flame dying on its own.

She didn’t have a choice. You knew firsthand what that felt like. Everything the elders said was law; within these walls, there was no going against them. They saw her as disposable, a lowly commoner who just happened to earn the affection of a nobleman for a night. And dispose of her they did. As the midwife took you away, your mother was sent off to another city in a carriage that never returned. No one spoke of her again. Whether it was by command or a collective agreement, you weren’t sure.

There were times when her name would come up in hushed whispers. Some of them were from your father. You remember being six years old and listening to your father’s drunk mumbling. With a hand on your head, he told you that you looked just like your mother. It was the gentlest he’d ever been with you. But when the inebriation left his system the next morning, your loving father was gone, and the patriarch was back.

His soft tone became harsh once again. His eyes burned with hatred. It was as if everything was just a dream. It might as well have been. You chalked it up to him having a bad day, just like yesterday and the day before that. Surely he’d be kind to you again if he drank.

He wasn’t.

And as if taking your mother away wasn’t already enough of a mockery, you were constantly reminded that this was not your home. That you were here because you belonged to the clan. You’ve always been. You were already their property from the moment you inhaled your first breath.

Your life was theirs, but even that wasn’t enough.

(You don’t think you’ll ever be.)

A child in a loveless family. Your father thought it wasn’t worth trying to train you, having decided that you were beyond help. Your brothers didn’t see you as someone they had to protect. Your sisters didn’t want to be seen with you. All you had were your grandparents.

With them, you were treated as family. It didn’t matter to them that you didn’t have what your siblings did. They loved you.

You spent mornings in the apothecary room with your grandmother, learning all about herbs and medicine from all around the world. In the afternoon, you’d spend time training with your grandfather in the dojo and listening to his stories of ages past. Then, every evening, you’d spend time with both of them at the temple that they cared for. All of your best memories were made there. When your grandparents inevitably passed, you didn’t hesitate to pick up from where they left off.

Your volunteering to maintain its upkeep seemed to satisfy the elders enough. At least you’ll be useful in something, your father said without batting an eye. You liked to think you’d become numb to all the jabs thrown your way, but you were wrong.

The temple was your getaway, somewhere you could hide from the world and feel more at home than you did in the estate. The smell of flowers and herbs inside the temple, alongside the sight of the sunrise or sunset, never failed to lull you into a state of tranquillity. The voices you’d hear from around you weren’t those of disappointment, but those of birds chirping in a joyous tune. It was the only place you’ll ever feel at peace in. Seeing the names of your grandparents engraved on the stone slabs broke your heart whenever you walked by. You might not grieve any more, but you were still alone.

Ionian faith and tradition flowed in your veins. You were taught about grace by your grandmother and what it meant to be dignified, worthy of respect even without noteworthy achievements. Your grandfather taught you strength and combat so you could protect yourself and others from monsters, both human and unknown. You wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn the blade elsewhere. He was more than enthusiastic to pass on his knowledge to you. He’d grown weak with age, he said, but you’ve always thought he was the greatest swordsman you know. Aside from the temple, the dojo was where you felt the happiest, but as always, good things never lasted long for you.

In your world, secrets were nearly impossible to have. Spies and traitors lurked in the walls, engraving every decision you made and every word you spoke into their memory. It didn’t take long for your father to find out about the lessons his father had been giving you. In fury, he forbade you from entering the dojo or holding a weapon again and told you that you didn’t deserve to carry on his father’s legacy. Forced to leave behind your passion and descend into monotony, the art of the blade eventually left your mind. Had you just fought back—

No. Not everything was under your control. As long as you were in your father’s home, he would continue to treat you however he liked. The cruel words will keep being said, behind your back and to your face, but you won’t give them the satisfaction. You swore not to let anyone see you at your weakest again. You hated the name that you bear, but you would honour it the way you were taught to. The world might be against you, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Staying hopeful in a place like Ionia was all you could do.

Dawn always comes after dusk. The sun always rises for a new day. You didn’t see why it should be any different for you.

—

Your days got busier as the Spirit Blossom festival approached.

More and more people came to honour their loved ones every day, praying and making offerings to their ancestors for protection. You weren’t sure if you ever attended the festival yourself. You knew of the legends and stories behind it, of its reasons and purposes, but you had only been a bystander. You couldn’t see spirits even if you wanted to anyway, you thought bitterly, so there wasn’t a way for you to see your grandparents again.

‘In the Spirit Blossom festival, the dead reunite with their loved ones until the afterlife calls for them again.’

Whether or not it was possible to see said spirits, it was still hard to ignore the longing in your heart. The cycle of life and death was not unknown (you were more familiar with it than you’d like) but you didn’t think anyone could ever get used to it. You loved deeply, and when the ones you love are taken away from you, you’re left alone with yourself. You weren’t a stranger to partaking in as many tasks as possible to stop needlessly thinking, either. You spent your entire morning doing chores and running errands for this reason. You needed to keep yourself busy so you could drift away just for a little while.

With all of your tasks completed, you had nothing left to do. Leaves were swept into neat piles that the farmers always came to pick up later per routine. It took longer than you would’ve liked, though you supposed it was bound to happen when the workload wasn’t meant for one person, but two. The other shrine maiden had an ‘urgent matter to attend to,’ as her messenger informed you and left. You knew right away she paid him to cover for her. You’d like to think you mellowed out with age, having lived for almost three decades, but you were wrong. You were just as easy to irk as you were as a child.

‘It’s not a good thing to harbour negativity in a sacred place,’ your grandmother’s voice rang in your head, ‘it brings bad luck.’ But there you stood, the most irate you’ve ever been as you wished a terrible week upon the both of them.

Thanks to the tedious work done in all your lonesome, the tile flooring within the temple was spotless. The altar was dusted and reorganised, ready to accept the next batch of offerings. The place smelled more like soap than the usual floral incense you were used to. On any other day, you’d return to your quarters after such a productive time, maybe read a book before you go to sleep, but nature had other plans in store.

The wind howled and rain started to pitter-patter against the rooftop while the sun began its descent. Silhouettes of nature and man-made structures were the only company you had as you made your way back into the prayer room. Away from the rain, you idly watched the world go by from inside. You remembered your grandfather telling you about his battles in a storm and how tumultuous it had been. The retellings of his past exploits were your favourite stories to listen to in your childhood. He travelled through the lands and protected those he held dear with honour. He lived a life of pride and accomplishments that you wanted to have in yours. You still did.

A singular incense stick burnt in the centre of the bowl of ash and sand, its smoke disappearing into the air as it did so. The air grew colder as the sun set, painting the sky in warm hues and your skin in gooseflesh. The storm outside threatened to extinguish the flames within the lantern posts outside. Your uniform robe and long skirt, despite its many layers and the fabric, didn’t aid much in shielding you from the cold. A shiver ran down your spine from the sudden drop in temperature.

If you were asked what you disliked about this time of the year, you would say the weather’s unpredictability as the veil was lifted. The day started pleasantly; the sun was bright and the spring breeze was refreshing. There was no way you could’ve known that there would be a storm approaching.

The doors slammed shut with a loud bang, making you jump in fright and instinctively reach for a sword you no longer owned. You frowned. Years had passed since you last held a weapon, and you weren’t sure if your body had any memory of it at all. If danger were to actually happen, your only means of defence would be the old wooden broom in the corner, which you doubted made for a good weapon. Still, you found yourself keeping it close, your fingers curling tightly around the handle. It was better to be safe than sorry. You were fortunate enough to live in a densely populated area that was well protected, but as typical of an Ionian village, worse things awaited after sunset.

You were a cautious person for as long as you could remember. As optimistic as you tried to be, you weren’t exactly so convinced that there was such a thing as a safe haven. So long as peace exists, so will chaos, and with chaos comes things that are out of your control. You were taught to let things progress the way fate and nature intended them to, to let go of your anxieties because you always worried over ‘nothing.’

But that was easier said than done. You worried for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. Fate weaves the threads of life the way it wants to. The strong are led to lives of fame and power, and the blessed are led to lives of love and fortune. But you weren’t strong or blessed, you were cursed. If the Creator put you on earth for a reason, what is it? What path does fate want you to take, and what did you do in your past life to be put in such a suffocating position?

The anxiety at the pit of your stomach grew stronger the longer you observed the forest and the shadows in between. In the daylight, the temple was comforting and tranquil, picturesque, but it hadn’t occurred to you until then how daunting it was in the dark. It was a quiet night, eerily so, and the floorboards creaked beneath your feet as you padded into the prayer area. Tentatively, you placed the broom down and knelt before the statues of the gods you worshipped. The incense burnt itself down to the base, gradually putting out the flame on its own.

‘If you are afraid, pray. The gods will protect you.’

You weren’t a child anymore. Monsters only existed in stories—there was nothing to be afraid of. But the feeling persisted and it became worse as the door swung open and slammed against the wall. You heard something breathing.

It wasn’t the wind.

A low growl rumbled from the chest of whatever was stalking towards you. An animal of some sort. A predator. Your mind screamed at you to just run, but you were terrified, you couldn’t move and your body just wouldn't listen—

It drew closer.

You were going to die, ripped apart by a monster, and it was going to hurt more than anything ever had. Squeezing your eyes shut, you muttered a prayer under your breath in hopes that it would help. Maybe it was a spirit that couldn’t pass on. If you prayed for it, you could alleviate its pain and then be left alone. You were frantic, the words coming out incoherent as you got tongue-tied and struggled to remember the rest of them. When you felt it breathing down the back of your neck, your voice died in a choked whine. It watched you with hunger and it raised its claws with murderous intent, ready to slash.

It never did.

Instead, you heard the gargling of blood, followed by a clatter on the floor. Your body finally listened and you turned around to see what you could only describe as a demon. The glow in its mask’s eyes dimmed as it died with a sword speared through its chest, inches away from your face. In terror, you watched it bleed as the crimson splattered on your skin. It crumbled into dust as if it was never there. Just like that, it was dead and gone.

The mask dropped where your saviour stood. Wordlessly, he picked it up and attached it to a grotesque belt adorned with similar faces. All you could do was watch as everything slowly sank in. The downpour became louder, heavier. Your ears rang and your body felt numb. The only sound you heard was your ragged breathing as you tried to calm down and think. This must be a nightmare. It had to be. It had to be a hallucination from your paranoia and lack of sleep.

You closed your eyes and opened them again. The man was still standing in front of you.

You weren’t dreaming.

It was all real, from the blood splattered on the ground to the man in front of you. Half of his face was covered by a red mask, more menacing than what the monster had worn. Bandages were loosely wrapped around his torso and his arms, revealing some of his pale skin and scars from what could only be combat.

You weren’t dreaming.

A monster you had never seen tried to kill you and you were lucky enough that this man came to save your life. It felt as though your mind stopped entirely. You didn’t know where to start. Were you supposed to ask about the monster or ask about him?

You decided on the latter. “How did you know it was here?”

A beat of silence passed, and then he spoke.

“It is my curse to bear.”

That didn’t really answer your question. You attempted to ask again, but one glance at his face made you realise that he didn’t care about answering them. It was essentially impossible to tell what he was thinking and you’d rather not agitate someone as intimidating as him.

“Thank you,” you opted to say instead.

Your gaze landed on the swords in his hands. Blood was still dripping off of the red blade that seemed to be glowing. If his mask was menacing, his blades were worse—you had never seen anything quite like them.

He didn’t respond. All he gave you was a nearly imperceptible nod, a sign of acknowledgement. Seemingly satisfied with his kill, he made the move to leave, and your thoughts ran rampant. You wanted answers, an explanation, anything to make sense out of what happened.

You should let him go. You should run home before you encounter another one of those things again when you’re not as lucky, but you didn’t.

“Wait!” you called out, louder than you intended. “Teach me how to fight.”

He stopped in his tracks, then slightly looked back at you. The action had you fidgeting nervously. There was a gut feeling that he was going to say—

“No.”

You needed him to teach you. He was strong. He knew what those things were and how to kill them. He could help you. If that thing could come in here so easily, undeterred by the protective runes and wards placed around the temple, another could do it again. You couldn’t afford to let this place get destroyed because of your inability to defend it. You needed to protect your grandparents’ memory, a small sliver of their legacy that you were allowed to touch. You had to.

The chance was falling out of your hands right in front of you. Your confidence wavered, but you tried again. “I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please?” Your voice was quieter, more hesitant. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

“I can’t,” he said. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

“Please—wait!”

This time, he didn’t spare you another glance as he walked off into the night, leaving you afraid and alone with the monster’s blood still on your skin.

—

No matter how many years passed, Yone’s hands would always be stained in blood.

The village was different from what he remembered. He knew of it when it was in flames and scattered with bodies of the brave. With what little time it had after the war, the village has been rebuilt from the disaster that the Noxians left behind. It was stronger, safer, liberated from their clutches. More swordsmen and warriors were patrolling the area, all bearing the crest of the clan that owned the village itself.

That didn’t. The clan of where men were raised to be elite warriors and women were raised to be the most adept of mages, known for their noble blood and valiance. Their estate was fortified and bigger than it used to be, looming over the smaller houses that unsurprisingly didn’t get as much protection. What seemed to be the most protected, though, was the temple. It was known to be a sanctuary to the villagers and the most important value to them was faith. Seeing said sanctuary well-protected wasn’t a shock. It was always that way.

As a child, he used to visit the temple on particularly rough days. Sometimes, his brother would come along, and they’d go find the master swordsman who took care of it with his wife, the shrine maiden. His brother in particular enjoyed hearing all about the swordsman’s stories, inspired by his strength and bravery that remained well into his older years. His wife was stern but motherly to all, more doting towards children than adults.

They weren’t like the rest of the clan who looked down on the weak; they loved. They loved their home, they loved their fellow men, and they loved the world. The people loved them, too. He loved them, just like they loved this sanctuary they built.

Yone stepped into the courtyard. Though it was past sunset, he could see that the place was much greener. More flowers had grown since then and the spring was well-maintained. He thought that the temple remained the most welcoming place he ever found himself in. It was clear that whoever was taking care of this place did it with the same love that the elderly couple had. He spotted their names on the stone slabs written in gold. There wasn’t just one bouquet on their grave, but several. Well-loved even after death as they deserved.

As he approached the main building, he sensed it—danger lurking within, undoubtedly the work of a monster he was all too familiar with. The wooden doors were broken and splintered. Cautiously, he stepped inside. True to his suspicion, at the end of the hall was an azakana hunched over someone, its grotesque mass a stark contrast to the pristine state of the walls as it growled and breathed heavily. His swords glinted in the light of the moon as he drew them.

Yone’s kills were clean and precise. He didn’t need to destroy his surroundings to prove his strength, nor did he think that he was destructive to that extent. As disciplined in life, as disciplined in death, and even more so in between. His physiology was wholly different from what it had been when he was alive. His being alone defied life itself.

He felt weightless, numb yet still in full control of his body as he moved into the prayer room, his footsteps not making a single sound. He heard what sounded like crazed muttering from where the azakana stood, something akin to pleading or perhaps a prayer. The azakana raised its hand. Its talons grew longer and sharper, prepared to strike whoever it was hiding. Before it could, Yone pierced his blade through its heart, silently watching as it disintegrated back into nothing but ashes and dust on the ground.

“How did you know it was here?” you asked, still struggling to catch your breath.

He was silent for a while as he picked up the mask it left behind and pinned it to his belt as proof of yet another successful hunt. You were staring up at him with teary eyes, still shaken from being so close to death’s grasp. He didn’t want to alarm you—he knew he looked ghastly—but you were obviously different from what he was. You were alive, vulnerable, and from the way you quivered like a leaf, you had never encountered one of those things before.

“It is my curse to bear,” he replied smoothly. A practised response, one that he hoped would be all you asked for. Yone knew it didn’t answer your question. As if you had more questions—you most likely did; he didn’t blame you for that—you parted your lips to speak, but no words came out.

Slightly defeated, you exhaled and gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

Yone glanced at you. Your face felt familiar to him like you were an old friend he hadn’t seen in years. You must be related to the previous caretakers somehow. The resemblance you had with them was striking. The way you spoke was timid, unlike the boisterous master swordsman or the confident shrine maiden. It didn’t bother him. If he was like you, defenceless in your position, he would’ve acted the same way. You seemed to be calming down with each breath you took, making him relax just the slightest. You weren’t harmed.

Aside from the azakana’s blood, tonight, his hands were clean, and he wouldn’t need to repent.

He decided to leave. There was no reason why he should stay for any longer. The sooner he could find the other stray malevolent spirits, the safer his childhood home would be. Things like him didn’t have the privilege of resting. He didn’t need it. Before he made it past the door, you called out for him, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

“Teach me how to fight.”

He didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

You looked less and less confident with each passing second. Dealing with stubborn people wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for him. He grew up with Yasuo—he was more than used to it. He pursed his lips.

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please.” Yone should’ve been out for the next hunt by now, but there was something in your voice that kept him staying where he was. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help you. He wanted to protect what he could too. It just… wasn’t for him. He thought you’d be better off learning from a master. Surely you could go to the dojo that your clan owned?

“I can’t,” he replied, realising that he had left you hanging. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

He didn’t look back this time. The cold air of the night greeted him as he stepped out and put his swords back in their sheaths. The rain washed away the blood and its remnants on the stones beneath his feet. The skies seemed to be clearer than they were earlier. The moon and stars glowed brightly in the darkness, illuminating the paths before him. There was a nagging feeling in his chest that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Something was off—were there more azakana hiding in the area? He decided he’d patrol the forest one more time before moving on elsewhere.

He left without a trace, just like a ghost like him always did.

—

You started to carry a dagger with you wherever you went.

It wasn’t a naginata or ootachi like you were trained to use, but it made you feel safer to have something you can defend yourself with. Thankfully, the temple wasn’t damaged too badly, though it would still take some time to repair. One of the older mages dropped by and offered to cast a protective seal, which you gladly accepted.

“Miss?” you asked, fidgeting nervously as she finished up her work.

She hummed. “Yes, dear?”

“Is the… The veil, is it already open?”

“It should be by now.” She contemplated for a bit. “I will say, it wasn’t this disastrous last year… I assume it’s because the magical energy is stronger this time around. Don’t worry, dear—nature will have adapted to it by now.”

“I see. Thank you,” you chirped. “I’m more worried about the temple getting attacked or broken than anything… I can’t see spirits the same way you can. I won’t be able to protect myself.”

“The seal will keep out malevolent entities.” She placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. Then she lowered her voice as if she was worried someone would hear her. “Was this really done by the storm? I could feel something strange in the air when I came here.”

You hesitantly shook your head. “There was a monster. It broke in and some—something else killed it.”

“What did it look like?”

“I was too scared to look,” you said apologetically, “but it was wearing a mask.”

“A mask?”

“It looked like a demon. The same ones in stories I used to read as a child.”

The mage frowned. “We’ll need a stronger seal than the one I put here, then.”

“Do you know what they are?”

“They’re called azakana. They are demons,” she explained. “You’re really lucky to have made it out alive. Those creatures are ruthless. They’ll stop at nothing.”

Azakana. You didn’t think you heard of them. You weren’t allowed in the magic library. Your grandparents didn’t like going into detail about the unknown, said it was just hearsay. You never got to explore the world the same way they did. All you knew in your entire life was the estate. You contemplated sneaking into the library to learn about everything that was kept from you, but there were bigger matters at hand.

“How do I stop them?”

“You kill them before they kill you,” she answered wryly. “I’ll do all I can to help keep the temple safe, but I can’t guarantee your protection.”

You had a busy afternoon ahead of you—more errands to run, more favours to do—so you couldn’t stay for long. With a polite goodbye, you went your own way, her words echoing in your mind all the while. You’d have to retrace your steps and learn to fight by yourself. The thought of how ridiculous you’d look training alone made you grimace. But she was right; it was kill or be killed. You wouldn’t always be as fortunate as you were a few days prior.

You idly swung the empty basket in your hand as you walked through the estate. The gardens look much better now. The hedges were trimmed, wilted flowers were removed, and the pond was clear. You couldn’t believe a storm just happened. The weather seemed to have settled for good, too. It was a warm and sunny day, the perfect weather for you to collect herbs and flowers for the village apothecary. She had become more frail with age, and considering her station isn’t too far from the temple, you offered to do the job for her. In your pocket was a written list of what she needed. It was nothing too difficult to find.

You were about to leave until you heard your name coming from someone in the meeting room. The doors were closed, but the walls were thin enough for you to be able to hear through them.

“—a leftover person,” a voice said—you recognised it as your uncle’s. “Past the age of marriage, but it could still be an option.”

Your heart dropped. You hid behind a wall, your fists clenched tightly around the handle of the basket as you tried to calm down and stay quiet lest you get caught eavesdropping.

Another voice chimed in. “—offspring would be cursed as well. Are you sure you don’t want to set up an arranged marriage? It’s been years—”

“Being constantly reminded of a mistake I made nearly thirty years ago is quite irritating, councillor,” came the unmistakable haughty voice of your father. “I said no. I refuse to tarnish our family name.”

You should be used to this. The cruel words, the hatred, the anger, but you can’t, no matter how much you’ve tried. It’s not as if you’re unaware of your power or lack thereof. It’s been said to you time and time again: you were weak, you were nothing.

“—what about training? It could help with getting started,” a feminine voice added. You weren’t surprised that she was the only one who was less harsh with her words talking about you so far. She of all people would know how you felt.

“Out of the question,” your father replied snidely. “Our mages and swordsmen are all pure-blooded. The bastard doesn’t deserve the honour of being one of them.”

Their words slipped through your ears. You were no longer listening; instead, you bit down on your lip and tried to hold back tears. How could someone hate their flesh and blood so much? How could he take everything away from you so easily? Not caring that they would hear you, you stormed out the gates while harshly wiping away your tears with your hands. Knowing them, they probably wanted you to.

You ran and pushed past strangers, unbothered by the concerned and irritated looks you were given. You ran until you found yourself deep in the forest, far enough so you could be left alone. Everything you tried to hold back then burst. You wailed, nails digging into your skin and your body wracked with sobs. The sound of water flowing down the stream slowly but surely calmed you down. The sobs eventually became quiet sniffles until they stopped entirely. Your tears dried on their own and you could finally breathe again.

Looking up from your hands, your gaze drifted to a fawn across the river. It lovingly nudged its mother with its head, stumbled a bit as it tried to keep up with her pace. The sight warmed your heart. It was always nice to see beings, human or animal, be gentle to one another. You hoped to be in that position someday.

A twig snapped behind you. Alarmed, you reflexively grabbed your dagger and whipped around, but the threat you were going to say died on your tongue when you saw who it was. The masked man—the one who saved you from the azakana—stood before you, huffing at you as if he found something funny.

“I’m not here to hurt you.”

You glowered at him with furrowed brows before hesitantly relaxing, putting the dagger back in its sheath. “What are you doing here?”

“The dojo.”

“What?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Did you not ask me to teach you how to fight?”

“I did, but…”

You bit the inside of your cheek. It was kind of him to seek you out again to tell you this, but you weren’t sure how you felt. Part of you wanted to say yes, to learn to protect yourself and others. The bigger part of you already felt defeated. You could only be tough for so long before you started to break.

“Thank you for reconsidering,” you said. You meant it. “But I’m not allowed there.”

“Not allowed?”

“My father is quite a stickler for the rules.” You chuckled humorlessly. “Only his sons are allowed in that dojo. The ones with noble blood, not the bastards. Take a guess where I fall between those two.”

He mulled over your words for a bit. Then he said, “Tell me your preferred weapon.”

You blinked dumbly. “Huh?”

“Your stance. It doesn’t belong to someone who uses a dagger.”

You supposed it made sense for someone like him to know something that even you didn’t notice. Awkward as he might be, it was evident that he was passionate about what he knew. A man of honour and discipline, a dual wielder with effortless lethality. You wondered how someone like him wasn’t revered and well-known the same way that the bladesman from Wuju and the blade dancer of Navori were. You broke the silence with a noise of disbelief. How strange, indeed.

“My grandfather thought I was best suited for a naginata, so that’s what he trained me in as a child,” you told him. “I don’t think I remember anything, though. It’s been a very long time.”

“You do,” he cut in. “No one forgets the art of the blade. Your mind may not remember, but your body does.”

“That’s very kind of you to say… Thank you,” you responded, smiling softly at him, “but what made you change your mind? I thought you had your… duty.”

“I do, but helping you can also be one of them,” he replied bluntly. “You have something you want to protect. As did I.”

You tried not to think too much about why he said it like that. It was not your place to pry, but you had always been a curious one. He must have lost something or someone along the way. For someone so stoic, he didn’t hide the regret in his tone well.

You glanced at him, deciding to end your train of thought before you slipped up and said something you regretted. “Are you sure you want nothing in return?”

“I only ask for your name.”

Heat rushed to your face. It was an incredibly mundane thing to ask for, normal for people who were getting to know each other to do. His forwardness caught you off guard, made you lose your balance for a moment. You cleared your throat and gave him your name, which he repeated quietly to himself.

He nodded at you. “My name is Yone.”

Yone grabbed a bamboo stick (where did he even get that from?) and tossed it your way, visibly pleased when you managed to catch it with ease.

“Well, then, let us begin.”

—

You developed a new routine since you started training with Yone.

In the morning, you took care of the temple, which you said was ‘good as new.’ In the afternoon, you helped the apothecary with preparing medicine. In the evening, when everyone went home, you trained by the riverside with Yone. Then, at night, he walked you home per your request.

For someone who was adamant that they forgot everything, you got familiar with the blades quite easily. You were a quick learner, he noticed. He didn’t understand why you thought so lowly of yourself. He didn’t understand how your family could hate someone like you. From first glance, he knew that you were kind. Stubborn, but a great listener. Thoughtful, quick-witted, and gentle even with those who didn’t treat you the same way.

It had taken a while, but you started to be more confident in yourself as well. You hesitated less. He could see you rising up the ranks in the dojo quickly; you just needed encouragement and practice. It didn’t make sense to him why your father was dead set on restricting you from everything.

No matter, Yone thought. His heart swelled with pride every time he saw you. You didn’t even seem to realise that you were nothing like your family said you were. As much as he wanted you to know that, he wasn’t good with words. On top of his unfamiliarity with comfort or praise, he also didn’t know where his relationship with you stood. You weren’t friends, you weren’t strangers, but you weren’t distant like acquaintances would be. Regardless, he didn’t want to overstep. All he could do was hope that you’d understand him.

Steel clashed against each other as you parried his attacks. Something was different, like you weren’t completely there. He was proven right when he managed to pin you down to the floor, the edge of his sword hovering only a breath away from your neck.

“You faltered,” he said more as a statement than a question. “You can not hesitate in a fight.”

You averted your gaze from his intense stare. Were you afraid of him?

“I’m sorry.”

“We should stop for today.” He smoothly rose to his feet and offered you a hand, helping you up. “Is something wrong? You seem distracted.”

“The festival is tomorrow,” you murmured. “But I’ll be alright.”

“You don’t wish to participate in it,” he finished for you.

You gave him a strained smile. “I can’t. I just… can’t.”

Abruptly, you pulled your hand away from his and squeaked out an apology. He hadn’t noticed they were still joined together, but there was a strange feeling pulling at his chest when you let go. Still, he didn’t say anything, choosing to let the conversation end there. He knew what it was like to lose someone. Rebirth might have changed him, melded him into stone, but some things could break through and get to him.

(He hadn’t known it then, but you were one of them.)

“I’ll… see you tomorrow, then,” you said hesitantly. “I should go back.”

He nodded. “I understand. Get home safe.”

You looked as though you wanted to say something else, lips parted and eyes curious, but you didn’t. Instead, you smiled at him—softer this time, less strained—and left without a word. As you faded into the distance, Yone sighed quietly and sat down on the grass, his swords laid next to him. He didn’t want to take you away from your other responsibilities; he knew fully well that you were quite dutiful as he was. He’d gotten so used to spending evenings with you, training and listening to you talk about whatever was on your mind that your absence felt off.

Though you were sure that you weren’t going to join in the festivities tomorrow, you most likely had to help out somehow. From what you told him about your family, he doubted that they’d leave you alone as well, taking the chance of reuniting with loved ones to look down on you. His lips tugged into a frown. Feelings weren’t exactly his strong suit since his new life began, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t understand how you would feel.

The breeze caressed his skin, taking him in its cold embrace. The drop in temperature didn’t bother him. It never had, really. He was more than used to how inconsistent the Ionian climate could get. So what was this weariness and uneasiness clouding his mind? Lingering somewhere between life and death, feelings were the least of his concerns, but he didn’t like what it was doing to him as he thought about you.

He stared at the moon’s reflection in the river. It did the same thing not long ago when you sat together and talked to him about your fondest memories. It was the first time you were so open with him. He listened to your stories, your laughter and the bittersweet tinge in your voice.

He saw a spirit walking hand-in-hand with another person somewhere not too far from where he was. A festival meant for reuniting with their loved ones, the only chance spirits and humans got to see each other again. He didn’t have anyone to visit—even if he did, he doubted he could bring himself to face someone he had failed years ago.

His thoughts wandered back to you and what you told him about your grandparents. It was a relief to find out that they never changed even after the war, having stayed the same loving people until their end. A thought popped into his head. If he could just find them—no, he could.

He knew their names. He knew them.

He wasn’t a magic user, but he was confident in his ability to search. Reinvigorated, he grabbed his swords and got up. Pondering under the stars would have to wait, he had a mission to do.

The only advantage to being something he was, Yone thought, was that fatigue was never an issue. He traversed through the plains, made his way up the hill, taking every twist and turn he could think of. Not wanting to risk being seen by civilians—he wasn’t exactly unaware of how… appalling he looked—he stayed in the shadows, hiding in the darkness. After what seemed like a few hours, he finally spotted the silhouettes of your grandparents, distant but familiar.

“Yone? Is that you?” your grandfather said in disbelief, his tone still full of the same joy it had whenever he spoke to Yone and his brother. His eyes crinkled as he beamed at the younger man. “I haven’t seen you in… in years! You’ve changed!”

Your grandmother was less boisterous, though it was clear she felt happy to see him as well. Upon taking a proper look at him, her face fell, and she approached him with a concerned expression.

“It’s far too early for you to be like this,” she sighed. Yone wanted to argue that he wasn’t exactly young anymore, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. “What happened?”

“It… is a long story,” Yone replied, his voice lacking the same strength and volume it had earlier in the day. Grief was such a fickle thing. He’d feel nothing one moment and everything in the next. He didn’t mourn himself, never had nor did he ever think it was necessary, but he did regret. Regretted being unable to protect his family, regretted being unable to protect your family. The curse laid upon him gave him the chance to atone, and even then, it never eased the chains wrapped around his soul.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. “I have a favour to ask of you.”

—

Yone was acting suspiciously.

To start, when you arrived at the clearing of the forest you usually trained with him, he wasn’t there. You didn’t know how long you waited until he arrived, offhandedly apologising for his tardiness. The sky had already faded into dark shades of blue, the sun nowhere to be seen and replaced with the moon peeking over the horizon. It might have been immature of you to scold him while being as huffy as a petulant child, but he didn’t seem to mind.

The day didn’t start out well for you, to say the least. The only things spoken around town were how excited people were to see their late relatives again and how much they looked forward to spending time with them for the next three days. It wasn’t like you wanted to feel bitter about it all. You were glad on their behalf, but the feeling of being the odd one wasn’t something you could control that easily. You wanted to be able to experience the same magic and happiness the others did.

As if that wasn’t enough, a councillor—likely the same one you overheard that time—left you a letter summoning you to a meeting the same night. If you didn’t know better, you would’ve kept that in mind and made sure you arrived in time. But you knew what it was going to be about. You were already in a loveless family. A loveless marriage wouldn’t make your life better and the only one benefiting from it was your father. You didn’t exactly like being spiteful (it’s a sin, a monk would say) but there was nothing wrong with it if they deserved it, was there? You ripped the paper to shreds, threw it out somewhere you couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter as long as you got rid of it.

There were a lot of things to be angry about, like how irritating it was to still be under your father’s control as an adult, or how they all never broke their habit of speaking as though you weren’t there. It didn’t mean you liked being angry. You weren’t built for such aggression.

You shook your head. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about this.

“You’re late.” You didn’t mean to say it as whiny as you did. Overly aware of how you sounded, you looked away from Yone and crossed your arms over your chest, ignoring whatever reaction he had to it. “I’ve been here for hours.”

“I’m sorry. I… had something to attend to,” he said. “I have something to show you. Follow me.”

Without realising it, you pouted. “And you have the nerve to boss me around…”

Yone’s silence made you begrudgingly glance at him again. He looked anxious, which was a surprise—you always saw him so calm and collected. It was… concerning. You sighed. He didn’t seem like he meant to leave you waiting for so long. Heaving out a quiet sigh, at last, you relented.

“Fine. Lead the way.”

The walk was quiet. You had a bunch of questions in your mind, both from curiosity and a bit of pettiness you had left. He deftly navigated through the woods, turning back once in a while to see if you were still following him. It was dark, almost as dark as it had been when you met him in that storm for the first time, but you weren’t as afraid anymore, either. You couldn’t describe it. Something about him felt safe. It could be that it was because he saved you from death and helped you become stronger. You didn’t think that was it, though.

You caught up to him, now walking beside him rather than behind. “Where are we going?”

He didn’t answer. You huffed. Fine.

But you couldn’t stay annoyed for long. You found your gaze drifting over to him; the curves of his mask, the clenching of his jaw. How was it possible for someone who scared you so much when you first met to also be someone who you’d trust with your life? You knew nothing about him. He was a strange person, impeccable swordsmanship aside. He never spoke about his family or his home. He was familiar with the village like he lived here before, but you’d never seen him. Just who was he?

Yone led you to a cliffside. The trek—how wasn’t he tired?—felt worth it in the end when you saw the night sky. The crescent moon smiled at you from her place among the scattered stars, sparkling and glowing brightly on what would normally be pitch black. A hand was placed on the small of your back, taking you by surprise and making your breath hitch before you relaxed. It was just him.

“I brought you a gift,” he said plainly. You narrowed your eyes at him. He didn’t look like he was one for gifts, but who were you to decline? It must be a reward or something, or an apology because you were left for hours—

Someone called your name. A familiar voice, one you hadn’t heard in years. You must be imagining it. They were dead, there was no way it could be. Were you so tired that you were imagining things?

“They’ve been waiting for you.” Yone gently pushed you forward. “Go.”

Sceptical as you were, once again, you relented.

The figures were clearer the closer you approached. You recognised the clothes, the voices—was this a prank? Would someone like Yone play such a cruel joke?

“You’ve grown so much,” came the voice of your grandmother, laced with a tenderness you’d recognise from anywhere.

“How…” you trailed off. Your grandparents stood in front of you, happiness radiating off of them in waves as they walked your way. You didn’t know what to think, what to feel. Weren’t they supposed to be dead? Were you hallucinating? “I don’t understand…”

“It’s us, kiddo.” Your grandfather placed a hand on your head, ruffling your hair affectionately. It was cold, but it felt real, too real. “We came to see you.”

You fell apart. Tears sprung to your eyes as you fell into their arms, broken sentences and wailing leaving you at its will. It was real. You didn’t understand it. You weren’t supposed to be able to see them, to see spirits—you didn’t have that gift, your father always made sure you knew that. So how was this possible? How could you see them, touch them, feel them?

“We tried to come find you every year,” your grandmother spoke, her voice as soft as a whisper. “But we—we couldn’t come in. The estate, it’s… locked away from us.”

“You left me,” you snivelled, “you left me here—you…”

You didn’t know what you were saying anymore. Giving up on trying to voice your thoughts, you kept crying until you grew weary, the devastated weeping gradually dissolving into shaky breaths. You felt her hand on the top of your head, lovingly smoothing down your hair as she hummed the tune she always sang to you when you were young. Your grandfather leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, chuckling under his breath—they were as overjoyed as you were.

“We can’t stay for long,” he murmured. “But we really wanted to see you. That young man helped us. Quite the man you’ve found, hm?”

“He’s just a friend,” you grumbled. As cross as you were with him earlier, you were thankful that he’d done this for you. There were many unanswered questions you had lingering in the back of your mind, but those weren’t that important anymore, you thought. Finally pulling away, you smiled for the first time that night. “I missed you.”

“We missed you too, sweetheart.” Your grandmother returned the gesture, brushing your stray tears away with her thumbs. “Why don’t you come sit with us, tell us what you’ve been up to?”

As you followed them, you turned to look back at Yone, mouthing ‘thank you’ with another smile. He nodded. You learned to pick up on his cues in the past month you spent with him, so you knew what he meant. You’re welcome. He wasn’t the best with words, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves. You wondered if he knew how important this was, how you’d always remember his kindness.

Lost in conversation with your loved ones, you missed how Yone’s stern expression melted into fondness as he watched the scene, the corners of his lips curling up just the slightest. It was the happiest he’d ever seen you.

(And it was the moment he knew—he’d do whatever it took to protect your smile.)

—

Existing somewhere in a plane between life and death, Yone spent his days on autopilot with only one goal in mind. Cursed for as long as his afterlife would last by the azakana, he’d continue to hunt them down one by one until there was nothing left. He saw his ‘life’ differently, ‘felt’ differently.

Bound to the world of the living, denied the peace of death, as he used to say. Time was no longer so important to him now that he became what he was. It passed as it willed, and he would only follow until it was over—assuming it would ever be. Yone didn’t care—or rather, he just tried not to think—about the state of life, the meaning of his existence. If he was bound to duty, at least he’d try to accomplish this one, unlike what he failed in his youth.

He should have left Ionia when he killed the last azakana in that temple. But more and more showed up every day, dangerously close to where you lived, and he knew that they would come find you again eventually. Deciding to take your request wasn’t an impulsive decision. He found your determination admirable even with the chains that held you back. It reminded him of who he had been. Who he craved to be once again. He tried to keep himself distant, staying within the boundary of just a kind stranger, but before he knew it, he found himself feeling tethered to you.

You weren’t just someone he saved. You were someone he had grown increasingly fond of. Yone knew you were kind, that you had a lot of love to give even to those who didn’t deserve it. He believed in his ability to predict what would happen, to adapt to sudden changes, but nothing could’ve prepared him for the whirlwind that was you.

For the first time in years, he felt alive, and it was all because of you. Your smile, your voice, the way you’d playfully talked back to him, the way you were always concerned for him. That much still held true as he sat beside you on a hill, his gaze focused on you over the sunrise you meant to show him.

He didn’t expect you to invite him to something that could be seen as so intimate. He didn’t expect himself to agree without a second thought either. He prided himself on being someone who always thought before he did anything, but something about you had him caving into his whims more frequently. He’d find that irritating if he was the same young man he used to be, but he didn’t. If he was bold enough, maybe he’d go as far as to admit that he liked how you made him feel.

It seemed his gift for you had changed you overnight. You weren’t mad at him anymore; if anything, you seemed to be more gentle with him. Like you saw him differently. He didn’t want to assume you did—that would be unfair to you.

This was what made it difficult for him to leave.

He couldn’t stay here for long. Fate would guide him to other places, more obscure and dangerous, and as much as he felt like he overstayed his welcome with you, he didn’t want to go. He didn’t know if he’d get the chance to see you again, to talk to you again. Getting attached to what could be temporary wasn’t a smart idea—he knew that. But for once, he wanted to let himself live again.

Seeing your face fall when he told you about his imminent departure was, perhaps, the worst he ever felt. He lived through countless battles; the scars on his hands proved that. He didn’t lose his senses even with his state of being a ‘ghost’ of sorts. He still felt the sting of a cut, the aches in his muscles after exerting himself. Emotions, on the other hand, were more complicated. Growing up with his brother, he had to be stern, calm and confident. He had to be assertive. He had to be strong.

With you, he could let all of that go. He wouldn’t lose his habits, he didn’t want to, but with you, he could let his guard down.

“Yone?” you broke the silence. He blinked, suddenly overly aware that he had been staring at you like a fool in love. Maybe he was. “Are you alright?”

“I am. I’m sorry for worrying you,” he responded. “I was only… thinking of the future.”

“You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

You went silent. He frowned, wondering if he should’ve kept it a secret after all. He didn’t want to hurt you. He never did.

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Yone felt like time and the world stopped for him.

“I know I’m a lot to handle.” He didn’t think you were. Still, he didn’t interrupt, letting you speak your mind. “And I know this is just some favour, but you know… I’ve grown pretty fond of you. I’d be sad if you left without telling me.”

Your tone was lighthearted, playing off your words as if they were only a joke in case he didn’t feel the same. He felt warm—the warmest he’d ever been—and he was never one to be timid, but you always managed to bring that out of him with ease.

Yone said your name. You hummed, urging him to continue.

“You should be proud of yourself,” he said. The words felt unfamiliar to him, foreign, but he needed you to know. “Like I am of you.”

You smiled. He wanted to engrave this sight into his memory, make it something he would never forget. You teasingly nudged him with your elbow, giggles leaving your throat as you replied without missing a beat, “So you’ve grown fond of me too, huh?”

This was the most casual you had ever been with him. It was a nice change, he thought, one that he really liked. In a matter of a few weeks, you’d gone from a meek, terrified person into someone confident and much happier than you were when he first met you.

“I have, indeed,” he replied. Perhaps more than I should.

With another chuckle, you fell back into a silence that was tranquil this time, more comfortable. He wondered if it was obvious that he was staring at you—he was trying not to be, but he was always told his gaze was intense. It didn’t seem to be an issue with you. Sighing in contentment, he let his eyes wander back to the sunrise before him. The last day of the Spirit Blossom was fast approaching, which meant that you’d once again find yourself in a busy schedule. But he didn’t have to think about that, so he stopped. Instead, he let himself indulge in this rare moment with you, thinking of nothing but how much things have changed. How much he has changed.

You never let go of his hand. Neither did he.

—

“Will you be going back too? To the spirit world?”

He did say he would be leaving, after all. You weren’t really sure what you’d do if he left. His presence had become something you were accustomed to. Since the moment he found you again in the forest, your routine seemed to have more and more of him. It would feel odd, having something you were so used to just disappear so suddenly. You knew you’d get over it, but you didn’t want to.

“I’ll be staying in the human world,” he said, “only elsewhere.”

A selfish part of you wanted him to stay. You liked having him around. With him, you could forget all about the people who shunned you. Your initial lack of strength or inability to use magic never bothered him; he saw you for who you were, treated you like any person should be treated. You weren’t lying when you told him that you’ve grown fond of him—you truly did.

No, you didn’t want him to leave. But he had to.

“I see,” you whispered. “I guess this is goodbye, then.”

The longer he took to reply, the more anxious you became. The familiar stinging of your nose and the watering of your eyes had you trying to hide your face from him. You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry. A quiet whimper was all you let slip before you held back the onslaught of tears. You didn’t want him to think you were strange. Someone who got more attached to him than they should’ve. Someone lonely, desperate for company.

“Would you like to join me?”

Even with his mask on, you could still feel Yone’s gaze on you.

“What?” you echoed dumbly. You must’ve misheard him. You could’ve sworn you just saw his lips twitch like he was amused by something. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve said before that the only thing stopping you from leaving was your fear,” he continued. “You’ve become stronger. You fight well, by yourself and by my side. We might also be able to find your mother if we travel together. And, I…”

He trailed off, seemingly to collect his thoughts before he added, quieter, “I enjoy being with you.”

Flustered, you couldn’t say a word. It took a while before you could properly process what he said.

“You mean…”

“Yes. I’d like you to come with me.” He cleared his throat, hesitating as if he was nervous. “You can decline if you’d—”

Yone was cut off by you tackling him into a hug, nearly sending him falling backwards had he been unable to keep his balance. You buried your face in his neck, smiling against his skin before you pulled away to properly look at him. Seeing how close you were made your eyes widened, and you were about to pull away before he leaned down to kiss you softly, which you melted into with ease.

Hesitantly, he pulled away. You could’ve sworn he was blushing. “I assume that’s a yes…?”

“You already know what I meant, Yone.” You grinned, unable to resist the urge to tease him. “You just want me to say it.”

“Well, it… would confirm my thoughts.”

“Of course, it’s a yes!”

“I must warn you it won’t be easy,” he hesitated, giving you another chance to say no. Like he couldn’t believe that you wanted to join him. “So if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to… Why are you laughing?”

“I mean it, you old fool,” you teased.

“Old fool—”

“I would love to come with you.” You curled into his side, laying your head on his shoulder as you watched the river flow in front of you. “I’m not scared anymore. I have you.”

Yone pulled you closer, leaving a ghost of a kiss on the crown of your head. “And I have you.”

It felt like something straight out of a fairytale. You were going to leave this wicked place with someone you fell in love with. You couldn’t believe it was happening, but it was, and your heart raced, not out of fear but out of excitement.

You couldn’t wait for the adventures you’d have together.

#I had default Yone in mind writing this bc I like that design better so I'm sorry if that broke the immersion </3 #all #yone x reader #lol yone x reader #league of legends x reader #lol x reader #edit: changed it to fem reader after some consideration

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