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angstywaifu · 5 months

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The Lost Sister - Part 27

Synopsis: Xaden is known as an only child due to his sister who 'died' during the Rebellion. Little do they know she didn't die and has been so close this entire time.

Garrick Tavis x OC A/N: Just letting you guys know I have now started posting this series over on A03 as well now. So if any of you do see it over there, it is me posting it and not some random taking my work. The Lost Sister Masterlist | Masterlist

My squad screams and yells around me as Liam faces off in the last challenge of this portion of the squad battle. I had technically beaten the guy currently in Liam’s leg lock. Which should have given us the win for this portion. But it had not. They had deemed the guy I had beaten would face off against Liam. Utter bullshit. We had technically already won. But here we we’re, watching as Liam made easy work of the guy. Rhiannon screaming at him to tap out. I was honestly surprised he hadn’t yet with the way his back was arched. . Liam easily had this. We would jump from seventh into third with this win. Though as Dain had pointed our very angrily to leadership, we had technically already earnt our win. I had never seen him so angry or passionate about something. He wanted that win. But without knowing what the next portion was, it would be hard to tell if Liam’s win would help us solidify that. The cadet from second wing cries out in pain, nearly everyone wincing for how ear splitting it is. Liam knew exactly how to make it hurt, pushing the cadet towards tapping out.

”Fuck me, that looks like it hurts.” Violet mutters from next to me.

”Yeah, he’s not walking for a while,” Ridoc agrees as Liam manoeuvres the cadet in the hold, their back arching in a way I’m sure their spine is about to snap.

As if sensing that’s about to happen the cadet slams their palm into the mat three times, our squad and the crowd roaring and cheering. I can barely hear my squad as Liam rushes over to us, embracing us, I even register Imogen’s pink hair in the fray before I’m squished into Liam.

”You’re winner!” Professor Emetterio shouts, his loud voice carrying throughout the gym as Liam steps back from the bone crushing hug we were all just in. “Liam Mairi from Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing!”

Liam raises his hands in victory, turning in a small circles as the crowd cheers again for him. We’ve now moved up to third place. I’m half surprised I don’t hear the gloating of Dain. But as I look around, I note he is missing. And I can tell Violet notes it to as her eyes also scan the crowd. He had been so vocal when my win had been dismissed.

Commandant Panchek steps onto the mat, and Liam moves to join the rest of our squad. I make a show of wiping of the sweat from my arm as he brushes against me, Liam just rolling his eyes.

”I know you were all expecting the last portion of the squad battle to happen tomorrow, but the cadre and I have a surprise.”

Every riders attention is now on him, all hooked on his words. Waiting to hear what he has in store for us.

”Instead of telling you what the final, unknown task will be and giving you tonight to plan for it, your final task will begin this hour!” He grins, throwing out his hands and turning just like Liam had.

”Tonight?” Ridoc whispers as he looks over at all of us in shock.

I literally feel the dread take over Violet. I was now able to sense the emotions of anyone in close proximity to me without any effort. It was a good and bad thing. Bad as if someone was feeling some strong emotions, it was hard to separate them from my own. Luckily with some focus I was able to separate them and move on.

“Dain isn’t here. Neither is Cianna.” Violet states.

“Oh shit,” Imogen whispers as she looks over the crowd. I look around the room, and note than anyone with a position in leadership was missing. Every single one from executive officers and squad leaders, all the way up to the wing leaders.

”No one from leadership is here.” I add.

Everyone around me nodding in agreement. They had taken away leadership to see what we would do. Would someone stand up and fill their void? Or would we all crumble into chaos and run around like headless chickens. I had no doubt their eyes would be on us the entire time during this challenge.

”As you may have noticed, your squad leaders and their executive officers have been…. shall we say, sequestered with your section leaders and wingleaders, and no, before someone asks your task is to not find them.”

Damn. The thought of having to rescue someone like Xaden and Garrick would have been funny. Though Dain I would be happy to leave somewhere locked up and ‘captured’. My thoughts must be echoed by a few other riders as a few chuckles and sighs are heard throughout the room.

”You are to break into your squads and accomplish a unique mission this evening without the leadership and instruction of your squad leaders.

”Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having squad leaders?” Someone stupidly asks.

I almost feel the whole room roll their eyes at the question.

”The purpose of a squad leader is to form a tightly knit unit that can carry on with a mission after their demise. Consider your leaders…. demised.” Panchek shrugs with a gleeful smile.

With pleasure.

”You’re on your own riders. Your mission is simple. Find and acquire, by any means necessary, the one thing that would be most advantageous to our enemies regarding the war efforts. Leadership will serve as unbiased judges, and the winning squad will be awarded sixty points.”

”That’s enough to put us into first!” Rhiannon whispers excitedly, worming her way between Violet and I, linking her arms through ours. “We could win the glory of going to the front!”

”What are the boundaries?” Someone asks.

Surely they wouldn’t let us fly off somewhere and get what we wanted. No we would have to stay nearby. Panchek confirming my thoughts.

”Anything within the walls of Basgiath. And don’t you dare let me see you trying to haul a dragon back here. They’ll incinerate you out of sheer annoyance. You have,” Panchek pulling out his pocket watch, “three hours, at which time we’ll expect you to present your stolen treasures in the battle brief room.”

The room is completely silent. None of us had expected this to be our final task. And now with no leadership to guide and direct us, and only three hours to find something, everyone’s mind was in overdrive.

”What are you waiting for? Go!” Panchek motioning us with his hands to get going.

In seconds the room is in chaos, squads rushing to group up and discuss their plans. Everyone is a hot mess. In Dain’s absence Imogen steps forward, raising her hand.

”Second Squad! Follow me!” She yells, leading us across the gym floor over to the weight room.

We quickly all find seats around the room. I sit on the floor infront of Violet, Rhiannon and Liam who have taken a spot on one of the benches as Imogen asks who wants to be in command, which leads into a small argument as Ridoc tries to suggest himself. Eventually we settle on Imogen after some back and forth. Not even the third years wanting to step up.

"We have a little less than three hours. What are your ideas?” Imogen asks, looking over us all.

Yet again we start a back and forth. Weapons and somehow Panchek’s underwear coming up courtesy of Ridoc who promptly gets shut up by Rhiannon before he can defend his answer.

”Come on guys! Think! What’s the most useful thing to our enemy?” Imogen asks.

I don’t miss a beat before the answer comes from my mouth.

”Information.”

Everyone turning their heads to look at me. Some nodding in agreement. If battle brief has taught us anything, knowledge and information can change the outcome of a battle easily. Don’t have enough and you’ll get slaughtered before the battle’s even really started.

”Violet, what about stealing news missives from the archives? The ones that come in from the front?” Liam asks.

Good idea, except for the fact the archives are now sealed shut with no way in or out. Something Violet and I both knew from our time living here in the college. Both often taking classes in their. The it hits me. That day in General Sorrengail’s office I had seen Melgren literally scouring the bookshelf as if looking for something. He had been looking for information. General Sorrengail’s office was literally full of information. And I had even found something in my time there. The map on her wall. The map that had been so different from the one we saw in our battle brief classes. A map we we’re told was up to date. But despite the fact I had not seen the map that day, the next day when I had gone into that class, the map did not reflect what I had seen in that room. But I had no way to verify if the map in that office had been changed. Regardless, that office was a wealth of knowledge and information that would be vital in a battle against out enemies. I look up and meet the eye’s of Violet. I can see the cogs turning in her head. As if we can both read our minds we both nod at each other. Both of us knowing where we had to go.

”What are you two thinking?” Imogen asks as she notes the way we look at each other. The room falling silent.

”It’s probably nothing.” Violet says nervously. But she knows its not nothing.

”It’s not nothing.” I add before sighing and standing and turning to face Imogen. “It’s mad. Nearly undoable. We’d get thrown in the brig if we’re caught. But it means no other squad would be mad enough to attempt it.”

”We can wield right?” Violet asks as she stands and joins me.

Heaton nods. “By all means necessary.”

Violet nods and rocks back and forth. “All right. Ridoc can wield ice, Rhiannon can retrieve, Sawyer can manipulate metal, Imogen can mind-wipe recent memories-”

I can see the plan forming in Violet’s mind. Yet again using her mind as her strength. She was the only one left in our squad without a signet. But she knew all of ours, except mine. If we used all our signets correctly, we could hopefully get in and out without anyone knowing. Hell, I could probably do it on my own with half the stuff I could do. But some of the useful stuff that would make this a walk in the park was not fully controllable. My illusions still having a slight sheen to them. But at night would that really matter?

As Violet gets through everyone else in the room, they all turn to look at me. “Can you tell us yours?”

Imogen and Liam go rigid, something I note Violet notices as her eyes flicker to them. She knows they know what I can do.

I shake my head. “No, but it doesn’t mean I can’t use it to help us.”

She seems relieved that I will be willing to use it to help. But I note the nervousness radiating from Imogen and Liam. Xaden hadn’t fully deemed her trustworthy to ask about a signet like mine, but I couldn’t not help. My signet could throw this in our favour depending what we would encounter. I would just have to face the consequences of my actions later. Xaden could deal with it.

”So what are you two thinking then?” Imogen asks after a few moments of silence.

”You’re going to tell us we’ve lost our minds.” Violet starts.

”But if we pull this off, we’re guaranteed the win.” I add, grinning from ear to ear.

”We’re breaking into my mother’s office.”

“And we’re going to steal the map that’s on her wall.”

Somehow we managed to get past the guard without me needing to use my signet. But we weren’t out of the clear yet. We had to get the massive map off the wall and get it back across to the riders quadrant, which would be no easy feat. It would require a lot of luck and stealth.

”This map is different to ours.” Imogen notes as we stand infront of it, taking in all the details.

I was glad to see this map was still different to the one we had in battle brief. Meaning this would definitely give us the win over anything else the other cadets would find tonight. We had just secured our win.

”Do you want to tell us how you knew about this?” Rhiannon asks as she turns to look at me.

”Melgren brought me here the day I got my signet. While he was distracted by some books I managed to get a good look at this and noticed it was different to ours. It’s a gamble, but I’d wager anything to say this map is way more up to date than the one we get in battle brief.” I tell him, everyone around me nodding in agreement.

”Definitely more up to date. Garrick and Xaden would kill me for saying this, but I’m kind of grateful Melgren brought you here that day.” Imogen says with a smirk as she motions for Ridoc and Emery to start getting the map down.

”We would have found it anyway. Violet also had the idea to come here.” I state as I meet Violet’s eyes.

”Yes, but you already knew about this. Saved us pulling her office apart and having to deal with the consequences of that tomorrow. We owe this win to you.” She says with a smile.

”We haven’t won yet Sorrengail.” I tell her.

Imogen just laughs and shakes her head. “Oh but we have Riorson. There’s nothing more valuable in this college than this map unless we want to go kidnap Melgren for his foresight signet.”

I shudder at her comment causing Violet, Imogen and Rhiannon to laugh at my reaction. “Hard pass on that one thank you.”

After a few minutes we’ve managed to haul the map down and cut it out of its frame, and a few more to secure and roll it. As we finish the last tie, Liam whistles. All of our eyes going wide, and panic ebbing from everyone.

”Shit!” Ridoc races towards the door and cracks it open as we all ready to flee. “What’s going on?”

I barely hear Liam tell Ridoc the guard is banging on the door and it wont hold for much longer. He holds the door open as we all race into the hallway. With the size of the map, it takes two people to carry it out of the room. Imogen and Sawyer struggle to get through the door. As they clear the doorway the door at the end off the hallway kicks open, all of us freezing on the spot. I lock eyes with the guard as he goes to yell out at us, willing him to not see we’re here and the hallway is empty and safe. And as if he does, his words fall short. His head darting back and forth before slowly edging his way down the hallway. Scratching his head as he goes. I did it. There was no sheen to the projection. I had perfectly replicated the hallway in his mind. But in his mind, we were nowhere to be seen. To the guard, the hallway was completely empty. Imogen and Liam start smirking, knowing exactly what I’ve done. Rhiannon appears at the end of the hallway, the map disappearing from Imogen’s hands and into hers. She stares at us in shock as they all watch the guard at the other end of the hallway.

”Why the hell aren’t you moving?” She whisper shouts as Emery appears at the end of the hall with her, ready to push the guard back.

”I don’t think he can see us?” Ridoc asks hesitantly.

”He can’t, but I can’t guarantee for how long so move.” I whisper as sternly as I can.

They all look at me in shock, knowing I am the cause of this. And with slight nods of agreement we’re walking as fast as we can down the hallway. For good measure Emery launches the guard into a wall, Violet hurrying over and pouring something into his mouth to make sure he won’t wake for a few more hours. Giving us plenty of time to get back to the quadrant.

Fifteen minutes later we burst into the room, chests still heaving from the run we had to do to make it here in time. I can tell Dain is not impressed even from down here. Feeling another pair of eyes I look over to see Garrick and then Xaden looking at us with furrowed brows. Both also clearly not impressed with our arrival or how close we are cutting it. I ignore them and follow my squad over to our seats just as presentations begin. As the squads present their findings, I can feel us all become smug that we have found the best thing. Though a few squads come close. One squad going as far to kidnap a scribe. They look terrified. Before we know it, it’s our turn. Sawyer and Liam holding the top corners of the map so it is fully visible to the room as it unrolls. I take my place next to Imogen and Violet at the front of the group. Garrick, Xaden and Dain all watching us with intent. I swear I see Xaden’s eyes widen as he takes in the map. Everyone else in the room seems confused.

Imogen nudges Violet and I. “This was your guys idea. Present.”

As Violet and I step forward, Markham and Devera stand, both their eyes wide and mouths hanging open as they realise exactly what he have grabbed and presented.

Violet clears her throat and gesture to the map held between Sawyer and Liam. “We have brought the ultimate weapon for our enemies. An up to date map of all current outposts of Navarrian wings, to include troop strength of infantry battlements. As well as the locations of all current skirmishes in the last thirty days. Including last night.” She says proudly as whisper ripple through the room.

”And how do we know this map, is in fact current?” Kaori asks, clutching a journal another squad had acquired.

I can’t help the smirk that appears on my face as I place my arm around Violet’s shoulders and pull her into my side. Garrick and Xaden going slightly pale as I lock eyes with them before shifting my attention to Kaori. ”Because we stole it from General Sorrengail’s office.”

Chaos breaks out around the room. Riders rushing the stage to congratulate us and try get a look at the map. I look up and see Dain still seated staring at us in shock. Before shifting my gaze to Garrick who is beaming at us and shaking his head as if he can’t believe what we’ve done. Even Xaden can’t hide his smirk and satisfaction at what we’ve achieved. All of us knowing we’ve just won the Squad Battle. And no other squad in history could top what we’ve just pulled off.

@riorgail @going-through-shit @fw-gt @bbkissme99 @xceafh @leptitlu @came-to-laugh-but-cried @onthewaytotimbuktu @daardyrnitta @lovemesomevesey @mxtokko @krowiathemythologynerd @callsign-blue @1islessthan3books @side-angel

#fourth wing fanfic #fourth wing #garrick tavis #garrick tavis x reader #garrick tavis imagine #garrick tavis x oc #fourth wing x reader #fourth wing x oc #fourth wing imagine

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dissociation-station123 · 2 years

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BenimaruXFemreader Friends to lovers? One Shot ENJOY!! 😉

-rough -degradation -praise -edging -shame -choking -impact play

You stretch your arms and let out a loud yawn rolling back your office chair. "Beni!!!" You shout noticing his office door was open. All the other staff had left for the day. So you didn't mind shouting across the room.

"What?!" Benimaru groaned, always in a state of annoyance. You sighed knowing he wasn't going to get up. You roll your eyes and make your way to his door. You're greeted by Benimaru's emotionless expression.

You have known him most of your life. Though he seemed unapproachable and grumpy you knew better. He cared deeply about the city you both had grown up in. So when he came to you for help on his campaign to run for mayor you instantly agreed. You hated politics with every fiber of your being but you knew he would do some good. He never expected to win, you knew the city loved him for how much he had always done for them. It came to no surprise to you when he won by a landslide.

"I'm leaving early." You said and Benimaru's eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Don't act surprised. I do have a life outside of this place."

"Yeah you have to rush home to your dog and binge watch the newest anime right." Benimaru grins, a rare expression. You were always glad when you could coax a smile from him.

"Fuck off." You flick him off causing him to laugh a bit. His usual dull expression is now full of amusement. "For your information I have a date."

"My Y/N... the cynical non romantic has a date." Benimaru says playfulling but his eyes lower a bit. "What poor soul has to deal with you for tonight?" This was how you interacted. He would say something about you and you would easily fire back. It was just how you both were.

"You're such a dick." You grumble, your hands now on your hip. "For your information it's the fire chef. Himbo energy is off the charts."

"Obi? Y/N you can't be serious?" Benimaru suddenly stands up. "That guy is an idiot." You scoff at his attitude.

You walk over to him with no fear even though he towers over you. "It's not serious. Honestly I just need to be broken in half. So he can be dumb as long as he knows how to..." Your eyes widen when Benimaru's large hand covers your mouth.

"Why are you always so fucking vulgar? This is a workspace." Benimaru no longer looks at you with amusement. A dark glint was in his eyes that you had never seen before. "What do you just need an itch scratched?" You nod your head not sure what has gotten into your close friend.

"Text him right now and tell him you changed your mind." Benimaru was deathly serious and you glared up at him in defiance. You shake your head no and he actually growls at you as you attempt to remove his hand.

Before you had time to think, Benimaru had you pushed against the wall. No matter how hard you struggled against him he was too large to move. He actually clicks his teeth at you, a rage begins to form. You bite down hard on his palm causing him to wince, his hand dropping. "What the hell Beni?!"

"The guy gets on my last nerve but he is a good person. If you generally just want to be fucked I can't let you go through with this. I have seen the way he looks at you. He wants something serious." Benimaru says not backing off, tensions were running high.

"What do you want to date him or something? How is this any of your business?!" You spat out your hand now pushing on his large chest to make him give you space. Benimaru laughs but it's not like the one from earlier it was condescending.

His hands easily wrap around your wrists and he pushes them to your side. "I know your ex's Y/N. Obi won't be able to break you the way you want to be broken. I know how fucked up in the head you are." You swallow heavily as he leans into you whispering into your ear. "He will touch you like you're fragile. I know that's not what you want. You want to be treated like a no good whore."

Your eyes widen in shock at the words your close friend just muttered in your ear. You could not think of a witty retort. This is a side of Benimaru you had never witnessed. You had no clue how to feel. He was using all of your complaints and discussion about your life against you. You knew he could be cold but this was pure aggression.

"Cancel your date." Benimaru growls and a shiver travels up your spine as he reaches around and pulls your cell out of your back pocket.

"Beni..." you cringe at how pathetic you sound as you call out his name. Benimaru looks down at you with a scowl.

"Now..." His voice was low. A sense of fear lingered in the back of your mind but you shake your no. You gasp when he lowers his face to yours, lips inches apart. "You just want a good fuck?" He asks and you bite your lip.

"Yeah..." you say almost breathlessly and watch as he closes his eyes clenching his jaw. "That's it."

"I'll scratch your itch for you. I know exactly what you want." Benimaru now pins your arms above your head almost painfully. "What are friends for right?"

You are so torn at this moment. You don't fight this time as his body is pressed against yours. You also kept thinking about how this would ruin what you all had. Like he said he would just be helping you out. Nothing serious. You look deeply into his eyes trying to get a glimpse of his thoughts. All that greeted you now was hunger. Such intense lust your gaze fell away to look at his feet.

"Y/N look at me..." Benimaru orders and you slowly look back up. "I need you to tell me this is what you want." You knew you were no longer thinking clearly. At this moment the atmosphere had shifted. A moan escapes your lips when his knee spreads your legs apart. "Well?" Benimaru waits patiently for your reply.

"Fuck me like a whore then." You whisper shocked at the words spilling out of your mouth.

"That's a good girl." Benimaru grins, his teeth flashing as he suddenly takes hold of your waist and lifts you up with ease. You feel so weak in his arms struggling to maintain the grasp on your cellphone as he sits you on the edge of his desk.

You watch as he walks to his door and closes it. "Are you sure?" Benimaru asks his hand on the lock and you nod suddenly all you could think about was how it feels to be railed by your best friend. With a cocky smirk he locks the door.

You take a shallow breath as he licks his bottom lip walking back over to stand above you. You shout out when he lifts you up, wasting no time pulling off your dress pants and tossing them to the ground. You cry out when his fingers run along your inner thigh. "Try not to be too loud." Benimaru says as he shifts your body forward and pulls off your lace panties. You blush when he spreads your legs and kneels in front of you. "The little slut is already so wet. You're so disgusting."

"Fuck...." You groan when he cups your ass dragging your pussy to his face harshly. You try to keep your moans down by clasping your hand over your mouth as you feel his tongue across your folds. Your mind is mush as he sucks greedily on your clit. Your back arches as he shoves a finger deep inside your cunt not giving you time to even catch your breath. He was merciless as he curved his finger just right. It wasn't long before you felt your body clenching. "Shit... I'm already about to cum..." you whine and just as you are about to fall apart he slowly removes his finger and looks up at you.

You stare back in disbelief as he brings his finger to his mouth and sucks your juices clean. "Call him and cancel. Then I'll let you cum." Your mouth is open, unsure of how to respond. He grabs your phone holding it up to you. With shaky arms you take it from him. You unlock the phone and pull up your contacts. You got to text him but Benimaru pinches your thigh. "I said to call him. Sending a text is rude."

"But..." you go to protest but Benimaru slaps your thigh causing you to groan. You try to gather your thoughts through the delicious pain of the strike. You bite your inner cheek as you click on Obi's contact and press call.

"Put it on speaker." Benimaru orders and you stare down at him nervously. You click the speaker with just one dark look from him. "Good girl..." You bite back a groan at his small praise.

"Y/N!" Obi's voice rang out full of excitement. You frown a bit at his cheery demeanor. Benimaru stares as you take a deep breath.

"Hey! Look, I want to apologize. I won't be able to make it tonight." You say and there is a small silence as you wait for a response. Before you could apologize again you feel your legs being spread and you look at Benimaru shaking your head no feverishly. He simply smirks at you as you attempt to fight his hold on your legs.

"Cute..." Benimaru whispers then attacks your clit with vigor. You clench your hand into a fist to keep your moans at bay.

"It's fine! We can reschedule right?" Obi says you hear that his usual positive tone had been brought down a bit. Just as you go to respond Benimaru shoves two fingers deep into your pussy as he softly bites down on your sensitive bud.

"Beni!!" You shout and hoped to whatever higher power it didn't sound sexual. Your eyes roll back as he pumps in and out of you.

"Ooo Beni are you keeping her late again?!" Obi asks with such sweet innocence it makes you feel even worse.

With one last good nibble Benimaru lifts his head up to respond, a sick enjoyment glints in his eyes as he watches your face. "Yeah per usual I'm the bad guy." You bite your lip hard causing the skin to tear as he curls his fingers and adds another.

"O my god..." you mutter and almost lose your hold on your phone. "Such an asshole..." you groan as your legs begin to shake.

"Hey Y/N don't be too hard on him. Though it may not seem like it, he is doing great things for the city." Sweet Obi says and Benimaru laughs almost sadistically.

"You're too kind Obi. Truly!" Benimaru says as he continues to show you no reprieve. "Don't worry buddy I'll make sure our Y/N has been taken care of." You try to glare at him but your body works against you as your back arches up.

"Thanks! Well I guess I'll figure something else out. You two have a goodnight! And don't overwork yourselves!" Obi says but you barely hear him. Your pussy clenches harshly against Benimaru's fingers and you know you're not going to be able to keep quiet. Just as your orgasm crashes over you Benimaru leans over and swallows your moan with his mouth, kissing your breath away.

"Shh..." Benimaru whispers and you whine. "Yeah goodnight." He takes the phone and hangs up for you as you shake from the aftermath. "You're so adorable like this." You are speechless as he brings his lips back to yours. His tongue laying claim to the inside of your mouth, your mind still hazy you give into him with no resistance.

Leaving you a panting mess he lifts up from the passionate kiss, you feel your cheeks flushed as he grins down at you. "Don't you feel like such a bitch right now. Letting me make you cum while poor Obi is none the wiser." You frown and he harshly pinches your chin. "You don't deserve him. Instead you deserve to have my cock shoved in your mouth. Now get on your fucking knees and let me use you."

You stare up at him defiantly, suddenly regaining some of your confidence back. "Beni... You said you would scratch my itch. Not the other way around." Benimaru's gaze darkens at your attitude. Before you could blink he lunges and grasps your throat.

"Don't act like you don't get off on choking on cock. Remember we know everything about each other." Benimaru groans as you let out a mewl as his fingers tightened. "Now on your fucking knees." Your fingers dig into his forearm as he blocks your airways. When dots begin to form in your vision he finally lets go. "Look at that... fuck you love it..."

Your entire body shakes as you take in heavy breaths, you still hold onto his arm for stability as you ride out the rush of tingles traveling from your head to your toes. "I-..." you try to say something but instead you can't help but just whimper. Benimaru simply watches you as you attempt to gain control of your limbs back, biting his lower lip. "Stop... mmmm fuck... looking at me like that..."

Benimaru grins and his gaze almost becomes endearing as you scold him. A foreign feeling overcomes you and your heart races. You huff to fight back the heat in your cheeks, "You look stupid!" You glare at him which causes him to cross his arms. A mischievous expression was evident on his face.

"You are beautiful..." Benimaru says out of thin air and you get a weird sensation to run away. You shuffle your feet and suddenly realize how exposed you are, your arms go to cover any bare skin.

"Fuck off Beni! You're such a dick for messing with me like that." You stand and go to shove him but he easily takes hold of your arms tugging you into an embrace. You fight against it at first but his overwhelming presence eventually causes you to give into him.

"That's it...." Benimaru softly hums and you bite the inside of your cheek. "Even brats like you deserve praise yeah..." You feel him chuckle his big body vibrating against yours. You look up at him about to curse him out once more but get lost in his eyes instead. Before you could speak his lips were back on your own.

This kiss felt different. It was just as quick and his tongue was just as forceful. But there was something so desperate and all encompassing. As if it was more than lust driving the action. "Beni..." you moan against it and he lets out a deep groan at the way you called his name. You pushed as much of yourself against him as you could wanting to be as close as possible.

"Fuck I need you right now..." Benimaru growls out, he roughly takes hold of the back of your neck. You make a strange feral sound as he positions you facing away, bending you over his desk. You heard him unbuckle his belt but your mind was in a haze. You no longer give any resistance as he positions you how he wants you. "It pisses me off you were going to look like this for a dumbass like Obi." A sharp smack across your ass causes you to flinch.

"Wait, are you jeal..." You went to mock him but your voice was cut short as his large hands gripped your waist from behind. Not giving you time to adjust his frame slams into you taking any thoughts from your mind within seconds. Your cunt clenched around him, overcome by his size.

"Fuck!!" You both shout in unison. You feel Benimaru's breath on your neck, he doesn't move. His hold on you tight as if he was trying to anchor himself. "Beni... are you ok?" You whisper your voice quivers. "Ngh..." you whine when his teeth bury into your shoulder.

Benimaru kisses softly at the flesh he had just pierced then lifts up his lips against your ear, "You feel better than I imagined you would..." His voice was raspy causing goosebumps to form along your body. Your eyes widen at his confession but before you could really comprehend what he had just said your front half is forced down aggressively, arching to him.

Your usual overthinking mind fades to a hum as he thrust back and then violently shoves back in. You claw at the wooden desk as Benimaru's pace is unrelenting. "That's it, just shut up and take it..." Ruthlessly he pounds into you and you can only scream. Your limbs become completely useless, his muscles strain to keep both of you upright. Your pussy accepts the rough treatment and you feel yourself falling quickly into another orgasm.

"Mmm keep clenching around me like that..." Benimaru groans, you no longer recognize your friend who's tone was usually always bored. He sounded a bit crazed. "You filthy... filthy... whore..." Your eyes roll back at his degradation, "I want to ruin you for anyone else..." You cry out when his pace increases even more. You feel tears at the corner of your eyes when his nails dig into your hips.

"Benimaru..." You call out his full name as your cunt pulsates around his cock. "Fuck... fuck... I'm cumming..." No fight remained in you as he fucked you through your high. "I... can't..." You tried to keep yourself on your toes but your legs were shaking. You look back and the wild glare that met you made you suck in a breath.

"Ooo sweet Y/N... I'm not done with you..." He smiles but it's almost cruel. "You wanted this..." You whimper when he grasps onto your hair harshly. "Now show me how good you can be for me, yeah..." You yelp when he lets go and you fall forward. Your cunt clenches around the air and you feel your cum slide down your thighs when he pulls out. Before you could respond his arm wraps around your waist lifting you up and turning to face him. Your ass landing on the cold wooden surface. Benimaru's fingers were back around your throat. "You should be ashamed of the lewd faces you're making for your best friend."

Benimaru's other hand slides up your thigh and his long fingers are shoved into your needy pussy, you blush at the pathetic sound you make. "Your... you're such an asshole..." You feel yourself crying and Benimaru looks down at you with such a sadistic expression your blood runs cold. You gasp when he leans down and licks the trail of wetness on your cheek.

"You fucking love it...." Benimaru actually laughs and you nod like a fool. "You are something else..." Benimaru bites your lower lip as he removes his fingers and yanks your thighs wider apart.

"Wait..." you timidly place your arms against his shoulders, lean forward to whisper into his ear, "I want to choke on your cock..." You see him swallow heavily at your words. Benimaru slowly steps back searching your face to make sure this was what you really wanted. You point to his office chair with a sloppy grin, "Sit."

"Yes ma'am..." Benimaru feigns submission as he casually takes a seat, his eyes never leaving you. You hop off the desk and saunter to stand in front of him. "Aren't you a little temptress..." Benimaru coos as you drop to your knees and look up through your eyelashes.

Benimaru wears a smug grin. You want to wipe it right off his face. Without dropping eye contact you lower your mouth onto his already throbbing cock. You hear him take in a shuddered breath as you sucked on the tip, his eyes now lowering. You stick out your tongue and take him into your mouth even deeper, feeling his body tremble.

You take your time and feel his frustration when his fingers go to grasp the base of your hair. You smirk and he glares down, not amused. "Fucking..." Benimaru groans as you take him deeper at a slow pace and swallow around him. "Brat..." Then his hold tightens and you lose what little control you had as he fucks your face aggressively. Your eyes filling with tears and drool coating your mouth, you ignore the discomfort. Turned on by how much he was affected by you choking on his dick.

You moan as you feel his cock pulsate in your mouth, knowing he was close to release. But as you prepare for it he shoves your face down into his lower stomach and stops moving. His whole body tense you could tell he was edging himself. "I want to cum deep inside of you..." He rasps out his deep tired voice makes you tremble. You whine as he removes himself from your mouth.

Struggling to breathe but somehow finding your voice, "You were inside me..." Benimaru rolls his eyes and the soft banter felt familiar to how you usually teased each other.

"Don't act stupid." Benimaru takes hold of your chin tightly as you still kneel between his thighs. You gave him a mischievous grin and before you could comprehend what was going on you were shoved back. You gasp as you try to catch yourself before falling on your butt. "Stupid and clumsy..." Benimaru had caught you by the throat before completely falling over.

You make an annoyed noise as he stands tugging you up with him. It was you turn to shove him away and he laughed as you escaped his clutches. "You're a condescending egotistical asshole." This makes him look over at you still wearing a sly smile. You begin to back up as he stalks towards you.

As your back hits the wall he surrounds you, "You like it. I mean we have been best friends for a long time. You're not a sunny walk in the park yourself." You glare at him and he laughs.

"How long have you wanted to fuck me?" You say sternly as his hands travel to your waist. Benimaru looks a bit shaken by your question, which was a rare sight. He easily recovers back to his stoic demeanor as he lifts you up and your legs wrap around his waist.

Benimaru rubs his cock along your still slick folds and a moan escapes your lips, your eyes lower and you begin to forget what you had said, craving for him to be inside you again. "The day you stood up to me and put me in my place. I've wanted to see you fall apart for me ever since."

Benimaru groans as he shoves himself deep within you. Your head falls back and eyes close at the sweet sensation. "Look at me..." His breathy voice is stained, having you edge him a few seconds prior. You glance back into his eyes but you struggle to keep them open as he slowly begins thrusting.

"Beni..." You whine wanting him to move faster, your arms wrap around his wide shoulders as your nails caress his back. Benimaru's expression was intoxicating once you called out his name. It was like you could see to the battle in his mind to keep control.

"Fuck..." He moans as he maintains eye contact, both of you out of breath and needing more. "Trouble is seeing you like this..." He pushes deeper and stops, he leans in and whispers against your ear, "a broken mess..." You dig your nails into his flesh causing him to tense up, "has made me one to..." You scream out as his teeth dig into your neck.

"Fuck thank you!" You moan out as he slams back and fucks you harshly against the wall. In a delirious state both of you viciously kiss and suck on any flesh that you could reach. Your legs shake uncontrollably as you try and maintain your hold from his quick pace. Both of you were no longer able to hush the sounds escaping. You felt your orgasm building and his cock twitch as your pussy clenched. Both of you make a desperate moan as you reach climax together, Benimaru using the wall and your body to keep from falling himself as his muscles tighten.

Flushed and sweating you cling to each other for support from the strain. "If I let you down will you be able to stand?" Benimaru asked, his tone soft. You unwrap your legs but his arms stay around your hips as you feet touch the floor. You grip onto his forearm as they buckle beneath you exhausted.

"Shit... I'm pathetic." You laugh as he helps you to his chair and picks up your clothes.

"You know you don't have to be afraid to look weak in front of me. If you need help just ask." He then helps you dress and you are unsure of how to respond. "You are tough and assertive. I love that about you. But I see when you're hurting even though you hide it well."

You swallow heavily at his statement and watch as he puts back on his clothes. "You see me don't you?" Your voice quivers and you hate it.

Benimaru laughs and kneels in front of you. He cups your face in his hands and nods. "I've always seen you." You smile and something inside you opens up. You have always trusted him but this was beyond that.

"Beni..." You whisper and he looks so enamored. "What does this mean?" You nervously bite your lip. Showing him a weaker side of yourself. The side that always tells you you're not good enough.

"Whatever you want it to. If you want to pretend this never happened..." He glances away, unable to look at you, "I will accept that." Even though he tells you this, you see sadness. "But if you want to explore what this is a bit more. I am all yours."

#benimaru x reader #smut #best friend #spicy fic #fanfiction #anime fanfic #benimaru smut #rough smut #i like it rough #degrading language

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naanima · 1 year

Text

Oh dudes. I sometimes forget how not many of you remember or witnessed the whole Tyler Seguin as a Boston Bruins phase of hockey history. I gotta be honest I witnessed the whole thing from a distance because I was fully committed to the Flyers back then (all the heartbreak). The only thing I knew about him was that he was Bruins' hot young superstar who won the 2011 Stanley Cup with the team in his rookie year, and that he liked to party.

Dudes, the pics of him & Brad Marchand drunk & dancing on tables were legendary & amazing (below, you can Google for more on your own). Gods they were both so young.

But yes, from afar I couldn't help but like him bcos Tyler Seguin have personality in spades, and he just seemed so damn honest (so dumb). A young, talented, self aware himbo fuckboi ticked all my boxes, but I was starting to ease back from hockey due to some heartbreak. So I watched from afar, watched as his post rookie season didn't live up to the hype, watched him get skewered by the Boston media for being uncontrollable & a party animal, watched the rumours spread about how management had to post guards in front of his hotel room to stop him from making a run to get drunk & party.

It was a complete & utter shitshow bcos it was so public & must have been so humiliating for him. The Bruins organisation did nothing to protect him, they fucking let the rumours run rampant, let him be crucified. When the news came out that Boston traded him for Dallas I was shocked & angry, which took me aback bcos I wasn't even a Bruins fan or even really a Seguin fan. But the way everything went down, how front office decided on his trade (FOREVER curated on YouTube) , how the supposed last straw was him turning up to team breakfast late (I'm not even kidding - fucking breakfast? That fucking story kept on getting retold) left such a bitter taste in my mouth.

Despite all the shit that was said about him, despite the way the Boston Bruins handled everything, Tyler Seguin, the himbo has never publicly said one bad thing about the Bruins. My himbo prince might not be the smartest person, but he has always been receptive to feedback and is self aware enough not to be an asshole, in public at the least.

But honestly after Tyler's trade I only did a cursory look of his life there - he seemed happy, but didn't do further digging because I was on my way out of hockey completely.

A decade later I return to hockey, and I'm shocked that Seguin is still around, and still part of Dallas Stars. Looking back I'm fucking glad he got traded to Dallas. Bcos Dallas hockey fans fucking love him, and Seguin finally got a team of bros he can love & ho with proper. There will still be shits but Tyler Seguin went to Dallas as their superstar, as their great hope, they fucking love him. And in return he did everything he could - played the best hockey he could, broke his body, changed his playing style both physically & mentally - to get that team the Stanley Cup.

I don't know if Dallas Stars will win the Cup this year (🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵), but the Stars are in the second round of the 2023 playoffs (be ashamed that Pavs got a Dick Trick and you fucks still COULDN'T win). And it has been almost exactly ten years since the Bruins traded Seguin to the Stars - 4 July 2013. Hockey & I love its narrative.

So, dear hockey gods, I don't even know if you all exists, and I know exactly how it is all superstitious bullshit. However, it has been almost exactly a decade since the fucking trade, the Bruins has been knocked out of the playoff, and in Tyler Seguin you have the perfect narrative. Are you gonna fucking deliver for me & my himbo prince?

Dallas Stars, are you going to show them all?

(Or we get fucked over, and hockey proves once again that there is NO god, superstition is bullshit, and the team who can effectively exploit the opposing team's weakness, and you know, play actually good hockey wins.)

I AM PREPARED. WILL I BE JOYOUS and roll around in the NARRATIVE, or is this gonna be my Villain Origin Story? (I'm gonna fucking support the fucking Leafs or the Oilers if these fucks lose).

#Tyler Seguin #dallas stars #boston bruins #text post

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andywinter16 · 2 years

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Shapeshifting glaives - Nyx Ulric- Coeurl

He´s embodiement of cat in human skin, so when he changed nobody was that suprised it was coeurl. They would be more shocked if it wasn´t. So Nyx doesn´t have the typical coeurl colour, he´s more blackishly blue with silver spots and belly. Speaking of belly, Nyx adores belly rubs! But he´s little shit about them (just like every cat honestly), especially to Luche and Tredd (usually they get smacked by his paw, Luche is lowkey sad) Obviously Nyx´s much bigger than normal coeurl and heavier. He´s quite talkative kitty, let me tell ya. Nyx ultimately decided he would become a terapeutic coeurl. How that works, you may ask?

Let me explain: when some of glaives are too stubborn to relax and go home cough Titus and Luche cough. He devised a few techniques: The first one is being annoying,(which may include borrowing their stuff or just straight up lay on the stuff) the second one is jump them and lay on them until they gave up, if they do Nyx will happily purr. (Funny thing, Titus was especially stubborn once picked him up and carried him around like a furry baby, glaives had photos of this) If any of the glaives are feeling low, Nyx will lick their face and let them cuddle him. (Ladies often use him as heating pad for their cramps) In his coeurl form he also likes zip people with his eletricity (nothing harmful, he´s just playful boy)

Oh my, when Nyx changed, Luche swears he never saw such shit eating grin before. It happened during a lunch break, Nyx and the gang was happily chatting with Soni and Axis about the party that was planned for their captain when furious Tredd came to their table. “I swear to all the fucking Astrals, If Luche won´t come out of his office right now, I am tearing the fucking door down.” Nyx scrunched up his nose at that. “ Don´t tell me, he´s in that workholic mood again.” Libertus said angrily. “Fucking hell, Lazarus!” Nyx immediately got up and marched with Tredd into Luche´s office. They found there only poor Mat who almost dropped his documents at such abrupt entrance. “Guys damn it, please knock next time!” he sighed. “ If you´re looking for Luche, then he´s at training grounds. He looks like a shit, btw.” Both men hastily leave for the training ground, bidding Mat farewell.

Nyx could feel electricity running hot in his veins. His eyes started glow in the dimmed light, like a storms in Galadh. Nyx knew something was happening, but right now it wasn´t important. They were half way through when Tredd noticed Luche who was training with Tobul. Even from such a distance, They could see how pale and tired Luche was. The circles under his eyes looked purplish. “LAZARUS!” screamed Nyx, while throwing his kukri to Luche´s direction. That moment was so brief that people swore it was their imagination. When Nyx´s got from warp, he felt the magic wash over him in such intimate manner. It was overwhelming, eruption in every cell of the body. Nyx felt like so much emotions at once, like it stripped him into his bare core and reshaped it.

Luche was caught off guard when something heavy tackled him. It was beautiful black coeulr with silver spots, who was snarling at him. He was really out of it today. “ Nyx, don´t eat him! He would taste like a bitter shit.” Luche heard Tredd yell in somewhere in the background. “ Nyx, get of me this instant.” The coeulr let out a angry roar. “Nyx Ulric, let me up or I swear it would not end well for you.” Luche´s eyes changed colour into light blue. “ Nyx, I - ... Did - Did you just lick my face?” The grin that was plastered on coeurl was definitively answer. “ Stop ,hahahaha, stop it! Noo, that tickles, Nyx!” Luche started laugh so much it hurted.

Titus from his office witnessed the whole thing. “ I am fucking quitting this job.”

#ffxv #ffxv kingsglaive #shapeshifter #Shapeshifting glaives #nyx ulric #look at that happy face #coeurl #mentioned luche lazarus #mentioned titus drautos #mentioned libertus ostium #mentioned crowe altius #mentioned pelna khara #mentioned Sonitus Bellum #Mentioned Axis Arra #mentioned Mat Kishimoto from FFXV Comrades #mentioned Tobul from FFXV Comrades #how the heck it got that long #Titus is really tired

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aajjks · 11 months

Note

TPOL!JK

“i know and i’m sorry for ever doubting you. i sometimes feel like you could always do better, you know? you’re such a bougie guy and you deserve someone just as bougie. someone better than me” you frown but he just kisses all your worries away because you’ll never have to worry about something like that and you both will get to the bottom of it together.

it’s late at night and jungkook is the first to leave the penthouse but not without giving you a few kisses and reminding you of the plan he talked to you about earlier. right now, you’re wearing a robe while curling your hair and listening to the plan. you even tell jungkook to “play along” with the person that flirts with him and although he’s reluctant, you inform him that she’ll think something is up if he doesn’t.

“don’t look at me, don’t even give a HINT that you’re into me. you have to look like you’re pissed off at me especially since i showed up uninvited, y’know?” you say while pinning the curls up and you seem a little too deep into the plan but he agrees to play along.

he wishes he could stick around to see the look you chose but you rush him out of the penthouse because you want to surprise him when you arrive there. “love you” you say with a kiss to his lips before heading back inside to finish getting yourself together.

while at the charity event, ji-eun is dressed in a gorgeous alexander wang red dress with her hair in a half up, half down fashion. when jungkook arrives, he’s dressed in a fine black tailored suit with his styled neatly and ladies nearly drop to the floor when walks by. he smells and looks amazing and she notices that you aren’t around. ‘this is it’ she thinks to herself as she begins to head inside until she receives a text that you have arrived.

your hair is curled down your back and you’re wearing a emerald green dress with a slit up to your thigh with the straps around your shoulders and guess what? you’re sporting heels this time. you look unrecognizable and ji-eun is expecting you to find jungkook and stick by him the whole night but you don’t.

instead, jungkook and you are visibly distanced from one another. he even looks upset to see your face and ji-eun’s coworkers are shocked because he seemed so head over heels in love with you and now he looks like he hates your guts.

“hi, ji-eun!!” you say while giving her a hug.

“hey, you look stunning y/n”

“you look lovely yourself”

“care for a glass of champagne?”

“no thanks. i’m just here for the charity event”

“and a bit of revenge i see” chimes in another woman who you don’t recognize.

“revenge?”

“rumor has it, you and mr. jeon are dating yet you haven’t spoke to him once”

“oh…yeah…we, uh, broke up”

“BROKE UP?!”

“shhh. yeah, the asshat cheated on me and i wanted to come up here and show him what he’s missing”

“you look so out of place yet you fit in at the same time”

“how much do you even plan on donating? 10 won?”

and now you’re a little offended because both women continue to make fun of you and it kind of distracts you from the real reason why you’re here.

“don’t listen to her, y/n” says ji-eun but the other woman continues.

“please, you’re in a room with billionaires, y/n. i’m not shocked he broke up with you, honestly. he has a record for dealing with women and dumping them right after. you’re no different, well, except you aren’t a model but i can see why he’d go after you. you’re naive and gullible. people prey on people like you, so be careful next time and get in where you fit at”

“you said he dealt with a lot of women? models?”

“mhm” ji-eun rubs in. “he had one in the office recently”

“did he now? hm…i guess you’re right”

“sorry, y/n” ji-eun fake consoles.

“i’m leaving” you announce like you’re “broken hearted” and ji-eun takes the bait because you don’t come back for awhile which does concern jungkook until he’s alone and ji-eun shyly walks up to him to confess her feelings.

“m-mr. jeon?” she begins with a shy smile.

“i…i have something to tell you. i really, really like you. i know you just got out of a relationship but i’ve been harboring my feelings because you’re my boss and a boss dating his PA sounds weird but i don’t care what anyone else thinks. i would do anything for you and even if you don’t like me back, that’s okay because i’ll still support you no matter what”

He smirks as he clenches his fist in anger but then he remembers his own plan. He has the culprit right here.

He needs to play his cards right so you can see everything for yourself, he almost glares at jieun but he composes himself. “What are you talking about?” He shrugs. “Jieun… what do you mean?” He asks, crossing his arms.

He’s stealing glances and looking everywhere to spot you. He feels so nervous and angry. He needs to be calm and collected.

“So you like me?” Jungkook furrows his eyebrow, “but I’m seeing another woman, yknow the one in the office..” he resists the urge to smirk and he lies on purpose.

Just so she will correct his lie. “I cheated on yn.” He reminds her. He sees jieun start to laugh. He tilts his head to look for you and he realizes that you’re right behind him hiding.

“Aren’t you aware?”

#ask: tpol!jungkook

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okinawa-division · 2 years

Text

Ace's Thoughts on Katsushika Division

Akihisa Mashiro

Ace looks at the photo of the hitman, a somewhat shocked expression on his face. He then groans as he rubs his forehead, exhausted despite not saying or doing anything yet.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever see this man again." He then looks up at the screen, still exhausted. "I suppose that merits some explanation, correct? Well, I'll indulge you. But keep what I say under wraps. I do not want Kyler or, Lord forbid, my father, finding out that I spoke about this to anyone." He sighs.

"I don't know this man personally, but I do know of him. Akihisa Mashiro, the man they called "The Reaper". My... father actually did business with this man. He hired him, is what I'm saying. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to find out what for. My father wanted someone dead. Who, exactly?" Ace sighs, rubbing his forehead. "...The former president."

"...Yes, you heard me right. My father hired a hitman to assassinate the former president. Why? So he could become president. In fact, my father wanted both the former president and his VP dead so he could take over. My father was the Secretary of the State. And for those who don't know, if the current U.S. president and his vice president are unable to take office, then the next in line for succession is the Secretary of the State, i.e., my father."

"Unfortunately, it seems this man was discovered before he could complete his task. My father was incensed and wanted to renege on their deal, but... Mashiro explained why that would be a bad idea. He left soon after that. To get back at him, my father revealed the man's identity, which was stupid. Did he ever wonder what would happen if that man came back and killed him? No, he didn't. He never thinks!" Ace sighs, calming himself down, before shaking his head. "Sometimes I have to wonder what my mother saw in him..."

"Anyway, you all know the rest of the story. My father and the VP had an election, my father surprisingly won, and has been president for about two years now. Can you believe one of the requirements he gave me as ambassador was to convince Otome to release Mashiro into U.S. custody? Yeah, screw that. Even if he wasn't participating in this contest, I still wouldn't have asked. That old man wants Mashiro in U.S. jail so bad, he can have Kyler try to arrest him. ...Or better yet, he can come and get him, himself."

Touya Kisaragi

"When I read the file on this kid, I could hardly believe that he was an actual serial killer. But, like all things, looks can be very deceiving. Apparently, this kid is known as the "Sweetheart Killer", and was known for carving his victims' hearts with a knife. ...I'll say this now, kid or not, he comes within a foot of me, Evelyn, or Rashaad with a sharp object, and he's getting a bullet planted square in his head. And I mean that."

Rintaro Himura

"And last but not least, we have this guy, the terrorist. Why am I not surprised? After all, what would a gang of criminals be without a pyromaniac, right? And get this, this guy has no reason for what he does. He just likes to bomb and set places on fire because he wants to. Seriously? You like setting places on fire? You like seeing people burn to death? Then light your own damn self on fire, you fuckin' maniac! People like him make me sick to my stomach!"

Death Row Block

"...I'm starting to think the Prime Minister is losing her mind. What in God's name possessed her to let three dangerous criminals out in the open and into a tournament, for God's sake? And she honestly thinks a couple of bombs placed in their necks is going to keep them under control? People like them have no fear of death, lady. They'll gladly die if they get to take out as many people as they want with them. I hope you realize that before it's too late. Because trust me, if they see an opening to cause mayhem, they will take it. And I just know, you will be their first victim."

#hypmic #hypnosis mic #hypnosis microphone #hypmic oc #hypnosis mic oc #ace douglas #katsushika division #death row block #akihisa mashiro #touya kisaragi #rintaro himura

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fauxkaren · 2 years

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Beyond Evil - 9/10

Crime dramas are not usually my favorite genre, but now and then I get in the Mood and decide to check one out. And honestly, no regrets. Beyond Evil was one of the best crime K-dramas that I’ve seen. I think the show did a really good job of weaving the tapestry of secrets, lies and conspiracies in a way that revealed things slowly and were a bit surprising but never in a way that was like “lol ok that is bullshit and they were just trying to be shocking”. The surprises always made sense in retrospect and often could be figured out a bit earlier than the reveal if you were paying attention.

For me, what really elevated this drama to be one of my favorites in the crime genre is the secondary characters. A lot of time in these kinds of dramas, the secondary cast of characters feel like an afterthought, only there when they are needed to progress the plot. But in Beyond Evil, the secondary cast really contributed to building out the world. The relationships between them and the leads were well developed and added a lot to the show, making it feel like a more fully fleshed out world.

Beyond Evil is maybe the third drama I’ve seen that draws inspiration from the Hwaseong serial murders that happened in South Korea in the 80s and 90s, so it seems to me like those murders really imprinted itself on the public consciousness. Although, in this show, the serial murders are almost a red herring. Like they happen and they are they, but it’s not the actual solution to what is established as the central crime- the disappearance (and presumed murder) of the main character’s twin sister in 2000. Twenty years later and our protagonist, Lee Dong-sik, is working as a police officer in the same town he grew up in.

Our second lead is dropped into this same small town. This is Han Jun-won who is the son of one of the highest ranking police officers in the country, who is hoping to be made the General Commissioner. Jun-won has been sent out to this rural station sort of as punishment but definitely to keep him out of the public eye for a major fuck up of his. He ran an unauthorized sting operation, using a civilian as bait, and things didn’t go well, resulting in her murder.

Both characters have an intense desire to find the truth and to get justice. At the start of the series Jun-won is very much a ‘by the books’ type of cop (definitely as a result of his unauthorized sting going south), but as things get complicated he begins to take more risks. Dong-sik is DEFINITELY a wild card type character. He will absolutely bend the rules and maybe outright break some of them if it will get him the answers and justice he is searching for.

If you’re going to watch a crime drama, I think this is definitely a great one to start with. Solid, all around!

#karen watches kdramas #beyond evil

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silentmoths · 3 years

Note

soooo, genshin men with an s/o who has that intense. blanked face and unblinking serial killer stare but in actuality they're actually a nice and dare i say funny person on the inside who's VERY socially awkward and quiet. the embodiment of "i want to friend but i don't know how to friend pls help".

bonus points if they're smol because that would make it even funnier. like you're afraid of this tiny ass gremlin? what's up with OH MY GOD WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT LOOK ON YOUR FACE-

bonus BONUS points if they're touch starved because the pandemic fucked us up and we all need a hug.

how dare you know me so well that I couldn't resist, because I too am a resting blank face, touch starved bitch lmao. lessgo~

Ft: Diluc, Zhongli and Childe (I would have done more but it's been a very long day)

I may have also had a fair bit to drink at the work party so forgive any horrible spelling mistakes screams

Diluc

¤ He found your lack of expression somewhat refreshing actually, it meant that when you did actually crack a smile, it was genuine, and there was always a great pride swelling in his chest whenever he manages it.

¤ He doesn't mind that you're not social, heck, neither is he, two birds of a feather, with equally terrible, sometimes dry humor.

¤ your similar sense of humor actually came as quite a shock, the first time you cracked a joke, he very nearly missed it, until he did a double take, replaying what you'd just said in your head and ends up half leaning on the counter trying not to wheeze.

¤ Not to mention, your thousand-yard stare could dissuade just about anyone, and he was always greatful that you were able to pick up on when Diluc wanted someone to leave him alone, and would activate said stare.

¤ However his favorite moments are always those in private, after a long day's work, his favorite thing was you pushing your face into his chest, whether it be when you're lying in bed together, or if he's stuck staying up late in his office looking over documents; you'd either lay beside him, or he'd shift his chair out just a little to make space for you to clamber into his lap and rest your chin on his shoulder, either way it always ended with you dozing happily with one of his arms wrapped around you.

Zhongli

¤ He won't lie to himself, at first he thought your stare was somewhat unnerving, even to his 6000 year old ass, but the longer he'd spent around you, the more endearing he found it.

¤ this dude is the smooth motherfucker who can tell your mood simply from the way you stare, the subtle crease of your brow or the faintest squint, to anyone else you're fucking horrifying sometimes, but he could take one look and discern that no, you were not angry, you were hungry and wanted a hug.

¤ In a way, he's somewhat glad for it. Being able to understand your needs likely before even you realised you needed them was a blessing, a silent communication that mean't he could be a steadfast and attentive partner, even if at times you told him it was eerie how easily he could discern your face.

¤ He would also never admit it to anyone but you, but your deadpan delivery of the occasional joke you did crack was amazing. Especially whenever you did it near Hu-Tao, the directors confused and somewhat shocked face always filled the archon with an unspeakable sense of satisfaction

¤ It came as a shock when he realised just how much affection you craved, if it wasn't for busy work schedules between you both, he's sure you'd spend the entire day clinging onto him, which he certainly wouldn't mind...especially when he got to watch your expression melt into something truly content, yes that was definitely his favorite part.

Childe

¤ This idiot LOVES the face honestly. Relishes it, in some aspects he makes it his life's damn goal to try and make you crack a smile wiht every interaction, but he feels like it's a hard won battle when he gets you to wheeze with laughter.

¤ He also likes to take you along with him on 'debt collections' because if a fatui harbinger wasnt scary enough, the bitch behind him staring at them with death in their eyes sure fuckn was.

¤ He know's it's not your favorite thing to do, but on particular collections where the bank has specified no killing, he really did appreciate having you there.

¤ and he pays back in your favorite ways; fingers running softly through your hair, a hand resting on your waist, effectionate nuzzles into your skin, all the good shit.

¤ one of his favorite passtimes is staring contests, mostly unknowing staring contests. however these almost always end with one of you breaking and snickering or wheezing. honestly you're both hopeless.

#Genshin impact #Genshin impact scenarios #Genshin Zhongli #Genshin Childe #Genshin Diluc #Diluc x reader #Zhongli x reader #childe x reader #silentmothwrites #silentmothasks

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astaroth1357 · 4 years

Text

Demonic Pregnancy (But It Makes the MC… Problematic)

Okay, so hear me out. I know the prevailing idea is that a human getting pregnant with a supernatural kid would sap their strength and what not… But what if the opposite happened? So basically, getting pregnant by the brothers would make the MC physically stronger, but more susceptible to their sin… Oh this is going to be fun. 😈

Trigger Warning: Pregnancy

Lucifer

First noticed something was up when the MC came into his office to bring him coffee and casually ripped the door of its hinges… with one hand… by the handle…

He didn’t even have time to be mad about it because he was already frantically texting Diavolo and Barbs that there was something very wrong with the human. They’re not supposed to do that.

Meanwhile MC is in the background marveling at the newly freed door in their hand… They hadn’t even thought about it! Is this what having power is like?? Are they actually dangerous now??? Better not let it go to their head…

*it is totally going to go to their head*

Lucifer learns two things pretty quickly, (1) The human is pregnant with his child and (2) They’ve just been given access to a whole lot of power and they’re mind is set on one thing: Domination.

The next nine months for him are spent practically having to leash the MC or else they’ll go out to pick fights with anything that moves to prove their “superiority”… His brothers and even Diavolo included!

It wouldn’t be so bad if their body wasn’t still very human and very breakable… and also they’re PREGNANT, so please STOP!!

This baby, honestly, could not come fast enough… Good thing demons don’t develop grey hairs… Poor guy…

Mammon

Noticed something was up when they were chatting out at RAD and they dodged a stray ball from Beel.

They dodged a ball. From Beel. And he throws at, like, Mach 7 speed… And it didn’t even look hard!

… But being the dumbass that he is, he just thought they had gotten a lot better at their magic. It was Lucifer who saw something wasn’t right when the MC was actually holding their own against Mammon and Beel in a race.

Was thrilled by the news at first but then quickly learned that he must have infected them with Greed somehow…

They wouldn’t stop begging for new stuff! Sometimes for him or the baby, but mostly just whatever struck their fancy the second that they saw it.

He’d try to tell them no but then they’d look all sad or whine about hard it was to be pregnant and how they couldn’t do things like tie their shoes or stand for long periods of time or…

(Never mind the fact that they could bench-press Beel if they wanted to, no no, that didn’t matter.)

His nine months were pretty much spent pandering to Lucifer and Levi for more loans to keep his MC happy… and praying they’d snap out of it after the baby finally came because he CANNOT keep paying for their crap…! 😥

Leviathan

MC and Levi playing games in his room and one of their online matches got particularly heated… The MC may or may not be prone to gamer rage, but that night they got so frustrated that they snapped his controller in half like a toothpick…

They were too busy trying to frantically apologize to take notice of their sheer strength, but HE did. And he was thrilled!!

Like, sure, it sucks that he’d have to buy a new controller but that was So. Cool. Their strength was like something out of a shonen!! He was honestly fanboying too hard to question, “Wait a minute, how did they even get that strong??” The MC later went to Lucifer themselves to get it all got sorted out (really Levi was no help whatsoever) and man was he shocked by the news…

Though he was even more shocked by the sudden spike of jealousy that they seemed to exhibit afterward… Like, extreme “You better not leave my sight” level jealousy… 😣

One the one hand, he’s kind of into it because being alone with the MC is all he’s ever wanted!… but on the other hand, dude really wants some space…

He tolerates the next nine months for three reasons: (1) He does honestly love the MC, (2) Watching them break (other people’s) stuff and fight demons with their bare hands will never stop being cool, and (3) He’s somewhat afraid of what they’d do if he tried to leave so… 😥

Let’s hope the effects are temporary…

Satan

Found out something was wrong when he and the MC went to the park. He saw an old acquaintance of his and left to go say hi but came back to find that the MC had uprooted an entire park bench to squash a nosy lesser demon…

Nothing, absolutely NOTHING, he’d ever read about humans told him that they were capable of that!

Figuring this has some kind of magic origin, he doesn’t bring them to Lucifer but to their resident human sorcerer instead, Solomon…

…and THAT bright idea ended up getting the MC magic tag-along throughout their pregnancy since Solomon wanted to make "a few” observations, the lying bastard… 🙄

Even more unfortunate though, is that the introduction of Wrath into their system also gave the MC an utterly monstrous temper which didn’t help their newfound strength at all…

Poor Satan gets saddled with caring for what amounts to a hair-triggered glass cannon… (though really it’s less protecting them from the world and the world from them 😣).

Needless to say, he’s lost quite a few bookcases over the next several months…

Asmodeus

It was another night with Asmo, so another night out clubbing. He and MC were together for most of the time, but they had left him briefly to get another round of drinks… and somehow got dragging into a straight up brawl in the process.

And they WON…

Asmo brought them right to Lucifer after that. Like, he loves you sweetie, but there were like ten lesser demons there and no way a little human like yourself could pull that off without something being up.

Oh he was overjoyed by the news, but the real test was yet to come… Who would give out first? The Avatar of Lust or a very, very, astronomically horny MC…?

In truth, no one in the House ever wants to talk about what happened for those next nine months ever again… The things they saw… The things they heard… Filthy, filthy things….. 😖

And more broken beds than anyone could care to count…

Let’s just say that they’re all happy the MC was already pregnant, otherwise they’d be dealing with a LOT more demon babies running around… What a hellscape that would be…

Beelzebub

The MC was helping him move some of his weights between rooms. They were only supposed to carry the lighter ones (which really weren’t that light) but they were carrying them so easily that the two got suspicious… They tried to lift one of his heaviest barbells and, to their amazement, they picked it up even easier than he could!

They both just kind of stared at each other for a few seconds before calmly agreeing to go find Lucifer. This probably wasn’t normal…

What pregnancy even was had to be explained to Beel since he doesn’t really understand humans and he only needed one thing confirmed…

So, they’re eating for two now?

And boy did they act like it! The MC’s appetite practically tripled as the months went on and he did his best to keep up for them. He even missed a meal or two for the first time in his life because he was so preoccupied making sure his MC had enough to eat… 😣

Their tastes also got weirder as time went on… At one point they asked for Solomon’s cooking which nearly had him “Nope-ing” out of the relationship right there. He stuck through it to make them happy, but he couldn’t watch them eat it… Even he has his limits, MC… 😟🤢

Wants the baby to come out already if for no other reason than he can finally go back to being the biggest eater of the House again. Having to work around two is a nightmare for everyone…

Belphegor

Would you believe he straight up didn’t know for weeks?

Like, they told him they were pregnant a while ago but all the pregnancy seemed to do was make them really sleepy…

Combine their naps with how often he’s dead to the world and it just never got brought up. 🤷‍♀️

That was until the day it was his turn to vacuum the common room and the MC was resting on the couch…

“MC, can you move? I need to get under there.”

“Hm? Oh, sure. Let me help.”

They then proceeded to get up and lift the couch with one hand like they were Beel or something!

He was, perhaps, slightly miffed that they didn’t think it was necessary to mention they had gotten a butt ton stronger for like a month, but you know…

Belphie has probably the easiest time managing his MC anyway because ALL they want to do is sleep. At most he just has to take on the responsibility to remind them to eat and move around a little.

Lucky bastard always gets off easy… 😖

#obey me #obey me shall we date #shall-we-date-obey-me #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #obey me headcanons #obey me scenarios #obey me imagines #tw: pregnancy

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westanthewaterman · 2 years

Text

Friends and Old Flames - 1/4

Characters: Damien, DA, Actor!MArk

Pairings: DA/Actor!Mark, Damien/DA (unrequited)

Summary: The DA learns of Celine and William’s affair and goes to confront Damien.

Word count: 700+

Rating: SFW

AO3 One (you’re here) Two

There is only a single light on in City Hall, illuminating the dark hallway outside the mayor’s office. Everyone else has gone home for the weekend, but Damien is still hard at work, always the last to leave.

The District Attorney pushes open the door to his office and steps inside quietly. The only light in the room is that of a small lamp perched on the corner of Damien’s desk. In the corner of the room, a gramophone fills the air with a soft melody. Damien, so lost in paperwork, doesn’t even notice that he has company until the DA clears their throat.

“Burning the midnight oil, I see.” They set their bag on one of the chairs in front of his desk.

Damien jumps lightly at the sound of their voice, blinking up at them. “Old friend, what’re you doing here? It’s the middle of the night.”

“I could ask you the same question. Dying from overworking yourself won’t help your approval ratings, you know.”

“There’s so much to do and not enough time.” He sets his pen down and smiles up at them with tired eyes. “What brings you by this late?”

“I went to see Marc.”

“Oh? How is he doing? I know the divorce hasn’t been easy on him.”

The DA crosses their arms, eyes dropping to the floor. “He’s been drinking, even more than usual. I know Benjamin is doing his best to look after him, but I’m worried. What if he can’t come back from this?”

“Marc always bounces back. He’ll be fine, it will just take time.”

Damien stands and crosses the room to the small dry bar next to the gramophone in the corner of the room. He grabs a tumbler and pours himself a drink of something dark and expensive, gesturing to them. The District Attorney shakes their head and he returns to the desk, sipping slowly.

“We’re all very worried about Marc, believe me, but tell me why you’re really here?”

“He told me…he told me about Celine.”

“Yes. It was quite a shock. I’m very displeased with her and William. I would’ve thought she’d have the decency to leave him before she replaced him, but I suppose Celine always has been a heartbreaker.”

“Damien, you knew. You knew and you did nothing. You didn’t say anything to him.”

The mayor purses his lips, refusing to meet their eyes. “Their relationship was none of my business, as it should be.”

“He was your best friend, Damien. We all grew up together. You don’t think you owe him honesty?”

“Don’t patronize me. Marc is a grown man. He should’ve known something wasn’t right! He doesn’t need me to hold his hand.”

The District Attorney threw their arms up in the air with a loud huff, a frown etched onto their face.

“Oh please, you didn’t say anything because you wanted them to separate.”

“And why on Earth would I want that?”

“You never wanted them to get married in the first place. And ever since the election you’ve practically been giving him the cold shoulder.”

“What does the election have to do with anything?”

“We all know you wouldn’t have won if he hadn’t gone to the press and given his support. You’ve been bitter about it ever since.”

Damien shoots up and slams his hands down on the desk, his chair shoots backward against the wall behind him.

“I didn’t need his support and I certainly don’t need your judgment!”

“No, of course you don’t.” The District Attorney scoffs. “Because you’re better than everyone else, aren’t you? I always forget how self righteous you can be.”

“Oh honestly, I know why you’re on his side.”

“Because he’s my friend? Because he hasn’t done anything wrong? Please, enlighten me, Damien!”

“You went crawling back to him because I didn’t want you!”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, they both fall silent. The District Attorney turns away, tears stinging their eyes. They grab their bag and start to head for the door.

“Wait.” Damien crosses the room and puts a hand on their shoulder. “I…I didn’t mean…”

“It’s fine, Damien. I appreciate you being honest with me for once.” They look at him over their shoulder. “I should let you know I’m going to be representing Marc during the trial. I wanted him to know his friends haven’t all betrayed him.”

“I…I will see you at the courthouse then.”

“Yes, I guess you will.” They shrug off his hand. “Goodnight Damien.”

#who killed markiplier #wkm #actingattorney #mayor man #damien #actor!mark #the da #actor!mark x the da #the watcher #drama king #sfw #friends and old flames #mine #west writes

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drawlfoy · 3 years

Text

detention, retention, and draco malfoy being a little shit

masterlist request guidelines

pairing: draco x reader

request: no not really

summary: golden trio friend y/n y/l/n tries to extract information out of draco malfoy after being placed in detention together.

warnings: swearing, panic attack kinda stuff, just the dark war things that would come w having the task that draco does

a/n: ayo so i started this as a fic i was originally planning on writing in a week. i discontinued it bc i didn’t think anyone was that interested, but i’ve written for it on and off. it’s about 16k words right now standing, but i’m reposting this as a 2 part series. here are the first ~12k words....enjoy :) IMPORTANT: if you’re like “hey i started reading this in october why tf are you reposting the first two parts” just keep reading ok lmao i promise there’s more there’s about through part 6 in here hehe. i just wanted new readers to be able to pick up on it without being turned off by the fact that it was part 3. this will b e 2 parts and at least 20k words

word count: 11.6k

taglist: @gruffle1 @missmultifandommess @cleopatera @hahaboop @accio-rogers @geeksareunique @eltanin-malfoy @war-sword @cams-lynn @itsivyberry @ayo-cowbelly @nerd-domland @yesnerdsblog @shizarianathania @evanstanfanatic @strawberriesonsummer @hariosborn @night-ving @straightzoinked @imintoodeeptostop @naiomimoonshard @jejegu @ophelia-enthusiast @alwaysbeanunknownfan @nearly-memories @litty-dumb @callieclearwater @malfoy-wife15 @charlenasaxen @belladaises @fiantomartell

happy reading y’all

For legal purposes, the york pudding she lobbed at Pansy Parkinson’s head on Monday evening was simply meant to be a joke. She didn’t know that her aim was bad enough that it was going to get in Snape’s hair instead--honestly, it wasn’t even supposed to get past the Ravenclaw table, much less veer to the left to make a beeline for the professors--but no matter how much she tried to explain this to McGonagall, her sentence remained the same: detention every Friday. For two months.

Her life was ending for sure.

“I honestly don’t know what you were expecting,” Hermione told her as she gently wiped off the nib of her quill later that night in the common room. “Even if you had hit your mark, that’s still technically assault.”

“Did you even hear what she said to me? She told me that I looked like the type of kid that bit people in primary school,” complained Y/N. “I didn’t even think she knew what primary school was!”

Hermione snorted. “How long ago?”

“Two days. I’ve been waiting until there was something throwable on the dinner table.”

“How very analytic of you.”

“I’m going to hit you.”

“And you wonder why you’ve got detention.” Hermione tsk-ed at her, her face stone serious but her tone light hearted. “Maybe take this as an opportunity to, I don’t know, do your homework for once? So you won’t have to have a breakdown over the next Potion’s essay and beg me to write it for you?”

“I’m going to go to sleep and think terribly mean thoughts about you.”

“Have fun.”

Detention.

Something that Y/N wasn’t completely unfamiliar with--she’d done her time organizing Snape’s cabinets, just like every other Gryffindor--but it was different when it came to McGonagall. An impressive old lady, she thought that McGonagall saw something in her. She was always the first to chuckle at Y/N’s jokes and hesitated to reprimand her stupid behavior. And she never gave Y/N detention.

Until now, she supposed. 6th year was changing a lot of things--even their Potions professor--so McGonagall turning a new stone shouldn’t have been anything shocking.

At least, not as shocking as the first thing Y/N saw as she walked into her house head’s office.

“Malfoy?” she spat.

The platinum blonde didn’t even bother to look up from his desk.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Professor McGonagall chided. “I think we would all prefer if you restrained yourself from getting into any more physical altercations with Slytherins.”

She huffed, plopping down in the chair furthest away from that foul git and reaching for her satchel.

“I’ll be back in two hours,” said the elderly professor. “If I hear anything, and I mean anything, other than the sound of studying, consider your sentence doubled.”

With a swish of her robes, McGonagall was gone, leaving her with Malfoy.

“So what’d you do to get in here, huh? Did the administration finally get a hold of that video of you licking Voldemort’s toes?”

“What the fuck does that mean?!” he snapped, whipping around to glare at her.

“‘s just a joke,” said Y/N. “Like--how everyone says your family houses him and everything--but whatever. I can tell it’s a sore spot.”

His gaze, never withering in intensity, remained trained on her face. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Apparently so. What’re you here for?”

He exhaled sharply. “If I tell you, will you shut up and let me think?”

“No promises, but maybe.”

“Late work. I forgot to turn in the Transfiguration exam last week.”

She made a tutting sound as she lazily shuffled through the crumpled parchment in her satchel. “I expected more from you. Aren’t you gonna ask me how I wound up here?”

“No. I am going to ask you to stop talking now, though.”

“That’s terribly unfortunate,” Hermione said over breakfast the next morning. Ron and Harry were nervously chit chatting at the other side of the table over the Saturday Quidditch game against Hufflepuff--supposedly it was supposed to be quite a high stakes match. Not like Y/N cared much, though.

“Yeah! And the worst part was that he won’t even tease anymore. Like, he just sits there all broody and woe is me. We’re all witnessing our nation’s descent into war--he’s not special!”

“Who are you talking about?” asked Harry.

“Oh, just Malfoy,” said Y/N. “We have detention together with McGonagall. He’s such a nasty little greaseball, don’t you think? I mean, look at him right now, glowering over his cereal.”

“Wait! That’s it!”

“What’s it, Harry?” Hermione asked.

“It’s genius, really,” he said. “Y/N has to spend time with him alone every week, and we know that something is up with him. Malfoy is absolutely a Death Eater and has connections to You-Know-Who, but I just need to find a way to prove it.”

“I vaguely forecast where this is going, and I hate it already.”

“Listen, Y/N. It’s not for that long, and it’s for the health of the wizarding world. If you just get to know him--”

“Ick!”

“If you just get to know him, maybe get him to trust you and find out his secrets...we’d finally have enough to turn him in and throw him out of Hogwarts for good.”

“Is that really necessary, Harry?” Ginny butted in from her seat further down next to Dean. “Malfoy’s probably just exhausted like the rest of you. 6th year is difficult, and we have no solid evidence that he’s a Death Eater. I’m sure being stuck in a room with him for 2 hours is hard enough without pretending to be nice to him.”

“But what if Harry’s right?” said Y/N. “What if he is actually a Death Eater? What if he’s an active danger to the student body?”

“Exactly!” The joy written across Harry’s face at the prospect of someone else finally agreeing was infectious. “So will you?”

“Er…” She dragged her spoon across the top layer of her porridge. “In theory, sure. In actuality, I’m not sure how I could do it. Malfoy doesn’t want anything to do with me, either.”

“Love potion?” offered Ron.

“I don’t care how much of a prat he is, I’m not roofying him.”

“I rarely agree with you, Y/N, but I think you’re right. If you want to do this, you need to get him to trust you for real.”

“Your back-handed compliment skills never disappoint, Hermione. Do you think you could help me out with a plan?”

A slow smile spread across the girl’s face as she nodded. “That’s my strong suit.”

The plan they laid out over the remainder of the day was ambitious but at least do-able. Each week was split into different subtasks, the end goal being a somewhat tentative friendship between the two.

“If you can flirt with him and get him to have a crush on you without scaring him off, you’d be in the best possible position,” Hermione told her as they walked back from the Quidditch pitch among the screaming Gryffindor fans. They’d won--yet again. “Obviously I don’t foresee that being likely, but if you pull it off somehow he’d probably be willing to tell you anything. The fact that you’re a pureblood is going to carry you through this whole ordeal. He’ll at least be accepting of your existence in the wizarding community.”

The bitter edge in Hermione’s tone made Y/N’s blood boil. There was no reason for Malfoy to be as prejudiced as he was--he’d spent his adolescence in Hermione’s academic dust. She was obviously smarter than him.

“You got it, ‘Mione,” she said. Her voice barely carried over the cheers of her peers as they ascended the steps to the common room. “We’ll take this little ferret down. I can’t wait.”

“Don’t get too cocky, now.”

The Gryffindor after-party was crazy...per usual. The charmed self-filling goblets, the blasted playlist of Wizpop pumping through the air, and the buzzing energy of the room was giving Y/N a giant headache. She stood with Hermione and Harry by the edge of the crowd, watching Ron get hoisted up on the shoulders of the chasers.

“No wonder the Slytherins think we’re Neanderthals,” Y/N mused. For once, Hermione didn’t respond. “Hermione? Is everything okay?”

The second she turned away to look at her best friend, gasps and whistles filled the room. She whipped back just in time to see Lavender Brown, a sweet but slightly ditzy girl in their year, pull away from a kiss with Ron.

“Oh shi--Hermione!”

Harry and Y/N shared a glance before darting after the witch--who had impressively already made it to the door.

“Hermione, wait!” Y/N called as they jogged after her, throwing open the common room entrance and finding her sat by the tapestry on the other side of the hall, knees to her chest.

“‘Mione, what’s wrong?” asked Harry.

“Don’t be daft, Harry,” said Y/N. “You saw exactly what the rest of us did.”

“I don’t understa--”

“Harry.” Her voice was taut. “I know you’re just trying to help, but I think that it might be best if you let us be. Go back and enjoy the party.”

He gave her a tight, grateful smile before darting back through the door. Y/N wasted no more time in walking over to Hermione and throwing her arms around her shoulders.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, hugging her tight. Hermione made no move to detach them, so she continued. “Ron is an idiot. You deserve so much better--your first kiss was Viktor fucking Krum, after all. You’re hot stuff and this place is just unfortunately running dry of men who are impressive enough for you. Once you’re out of here and working in the Ministry, you’re gonna have the time of your life with men actually in your league.”

Hermione managed a sniffly laugh as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “It’s just so fucking embarrassing, you know. Like, I have a crush on him because I think he understands me and I smelled him in my Amortentia and I thought he’d like me back, but…” She hiccuped. “Then he goes off and kisses Lavender Brown, of all people. There’s nothing particularly wrong with her or anything, but she’s so different...I’m so bookish, and she’s so girly and everything I’m not…”

Y/N took the opportunity to tuck a lock of Hermione’s hair behind her ear as she listened.

“And it can’t help but make me think--was I ever anything to him but a friend? If the girl he ends up choosing is the opposite of me?”

“Girly, don’t think like that,” murmured Y/N. “He’s a teenage boy. They don’t think of love the way that we do--to them it’s a game of availability, not of choice. At least for Ronald. You intimidate him, and by extension, you’re not available.”

“That shouldn’t matter!”

“You’re right. It shouldn’t.” Y/N drew a long breath. “So you should find someone who always has you as their first choice--someone who isn’t intimidated by your intellect. They’re out there. I promise.”

Hermione managed a shaky smile. “Thanks, Y/N. I mean it. Do you mind if I have some alone time? I don’t think I’m ready to go back to the party but I just want some quiet.”

“Of course. Let me know if you need me,” she said, brushing herself off and making to walk down the hall.

“You’re not going back to the party?”

“Nah. It hurts my head and I want fresh air. If I’m not back here in a half hour, assume that I’ve been kidnapped.”

With that, she started her walk. She wasn’t planning on going on a long stroll--there was a small balcony that she often went to when she needed to clear her head. It was beautiful, especially on a snowy night like this.

But the walk was creepy.

There was only one way in and out--a narrow, damp hallway that had absolutely no light fixtures. If Y/N really wanted to, she could cast a quick lumos, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to see what lived on the walls. The stairs were steep, too, but she managed to bound up all 40 of them in record time.

“Who’s there?”

The sudden voice ripped a scream out of Y/N’s throat as she reached the top, catching a glimpse of the shadowy figure at the edge of the balcony that spoke. She clasped her hand over her mouth and she crept forward to the opening, getting a better look at the person that was in her secret spot.

The clouds shifted in the sky to allow more moonlight to cast a soft glow on Malfoy’s face, hardened with irritation.

“Malfoy?” Y/N asked, rather dumbly.

“What stellar observational skills,” he drawled.

She felt her cheeks grow hot. “What are you doing here? This is part of the Gryffindor tower. Shouldn’t you be...I don’t know...playing hide and seek with the sewer rats in the dungeons?”

“Very funny.” His flat tone exposed the fact that he did not, in fact, find it very funny. “There’s no rule barring me from coming up here.”

“But why? This is my spot!”

“Because I wanted to get out. Now, I was here first, so unless you want your detention extended, I suggest you leave.”

Y/N bit the fiery comebacks on the tip of her tongue as the memories of her plan with Hermione began floating back to her.

Week 1 -- Hold one neutral, civil conversation with Malfoy.

“I’ll be quiet. You won’t even know I’m here,” Y/N decided upon. leaning up against the balcony. The rogue snowflakes that made it past the overhanging roof melted on her cheeks.

“That isn’t a suggestion,” said Malfoy. “I’m demanding you leave.”

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Y/N asked, pointedly ignoring his words. “I’ve always loved the snow. It’s so quiet.”

“And it would be even quieter if you left.”

“Aren’t you the conversationalist?” said Y/N.

“If you don’t leave, I will hex you,” Malfoy told her through gritted teeth.

“I just love how the moonlight reflects off of the snow,” continued Y/N. “It’s so...pure.”

“Please leave.”

On her walk back down the dank stairwell, she allowed herself a little smile.

Task 1? Technically done.

The first week went largely as planned. Malfoy was cold and certainly suspicious of her, but he wasn’t completely venomous when Y/N asked where he got his quill from in Potions. It was silver, charmed to shimmer with flecks of forest green. He told her Barnaby’s in France, and that was that. She walked away from his table with all of her limbs attached. Perhaps that was all the progress she was going to make in the next few weeks, but the task at hand certainly made the prospect of her lost Friday afternoons more bearable.

Harry was going completely batty, rambling on about how Malfoy was behind the mysterious cursed objects that had been floating about the castle without explanation.

“And why would Malfoy bring cursed objects to Hogwarts if he has aspirations other than being expelled?” Hermione would ask over their books.

“You don’t understand, Hermione! You girls need to be careful walking around at night--especially you, Y/N. I don’t want you going missing after detention because of that slimeball.”

Y/N always gave him a laugh, berating him for his slight misogynistic commentary and turning back to whatever her task was, but the truth was that she was worried for him. The mental weight of the impending war and the fact that he couldn’t do anything about it was certainly getting too difficult for him to bear. It was heartbreaking to see the vivacious boy she’d grown up with crumble under the responsibilities of something he should never have to worry about in the first place.

Friday came much sooner than expected, and Y/N reluctantly left her friends in the common room to trek to McGonagall’s office. The walk was frigid and the wind bit at her cheeks as she rounded the last outdoor hall.

Why was this castle so dark?

A thump behind her made her jump, and Harry’s words came floating back to her.

Remember all those cursed objects? What if there’s someone just...stalking the school grounds, waiting for someone like me to snatch?

She shivered, throwing herself at the office door and slamming it behind her.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Professor McGonagall greeted, her eyebrows raised in amusement. “Something giving you trouble?”

“No, Professor,” she answered, setting her bag down on the desk next to Malfoy. He sent her a curious look as well. “It’s just cold outside.”

She chuckled. “I need to go speak to Headmaster Dumbledore. I expect that, upon my return, you both are in one piece and alive.”

“I’m not sure if I’m the one who needs to be given that speech,” said Y/N, bored and testing the waters.

“She’s right, Professor,” added Malfoy. “There’s no projectiles here.”

McGonagall exhaled a long, shaky breath before brushing herself off. “Please. Behave yourselves.”

“You got it, boss,” she said as she watched her Professor walk out the door. “So, Malfoy. How was your week?”

“I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’d way prefer if you didn’t speak to me,” he said, refusing to make eye contact.

“I’m not up to anything! We’re in detention together and, I dunno, since I see you sometimes at balls, I thought it’d be nice to be on good terms.”

“Good terms?” He scoffed. “You’re a Gryffindor. I’d rather you be a bloody Hufflepuff.”

“How about neutral terms?”

Even though he wasn’t looking at her, she could catch a glimpse of him rolling his eyes. “If neutral terms mean you being quiet, then, yes. Please.”

“I’ll be plenty quiet. After I hear about your opinion on what happened in Potions today with Brown and Weasley. When Snape yelled at them for holding hands.”

He let out a sharp sigh. “Believe it or not, I actually have better things to do than keep up with whatever stuff your house does.”

“But…?” Y/N pressed. She may not’ve spent her time at Hogwarts as Malfoy’s best friend, but she had grown up with the boy, and she could tell when he was holding back.

He stared blankly at her.

“Come on. I’m literally the only person in my house who’ll openly admit that they’re disgusted by that dynamic. I’m begging you.”

She wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but she thought she saw a flicker of amusement dance across his face for a moment. “Your house sounds more like a cult than a student group.”

“Oh, says the one from Slytherin,” said Y/N.

“We only act like that because our families are close. What’s your excuse? Hormones and Quidditch culture?”

“Touché.” As much as she wanted to fight back, she bit her tongue. Whatever she was doing was making progress, and quicker progress than she was expecting. Her next task was to make him laugh, and she was emboldened by the fact that she could potentially be able to kill two birds with one stone.

They sat in silence for a little bit, but this time, it was a comfortable silence. Malfoy wasn’t staring at the clock on the wall or rolling his eyes at her every move, so she had time to plot.

On one hand, she could make a fool of herself--drop her inkwell, say something stupid in class, fall down the stairs--but she had a sneaking suspicion that her sorry attempts at slapstick humor wouldn’t land well with Draco anymore. He’d become so serious lately, so solemn. This was the most light hearted she’d seen him, even compared with how he acted with the rest of his Slytherin lackeys.

On the other, she could try to sell out her friends. She could confide in him how “big” Hermione’s teeth were (they weren’t even big) or tell him that Ron smelled of eggs (true, but that was a low blow). Something told her that this would be much more successful, but she wasn’t willing to turn to that so quickly--she was already a week ahead as it was.

“What is it?”

Malfoy’s bored drawl cut through her flurried thoughts. Her cheeks turned pink as she blinked, noticing that she’d been staring at him for far too long. “Nothing. Sorry. I just spaced out.”

“Sure,” he mumbled, giving her another suspicious look before turning back to his work. “Can you maybe space out somewhere other than my face?”

“Where’s your vanity, Malfoy?” she pressed as she leaned back in her chair, hair swinging over the back.

“Shut up,” he snapped. She could tell that whatever connection they’d had in the fleeting moments beforehand was being burnt by the second, but her embarrassment and pride drove her forward.

“Merlin, what’s got you so wound up?” she prompted, noting how deliciously unraveled he looked at this. “Where’s my cool, collected Slytherin?”

He slammed hands on his desk at this, whipping around to glare at her. “What’s your angle, Y/L/N?”

“What?”

“Why are you bothering me?”

“Because I want to.” She beamed.

Malfoy ran his fingers through his hair, mussing up the usual neat manner in which it normally laid on his head. “Compelling. What do you want from me?”

“What do I want…?” She tilted her head at him, narrowing her eyes. “What?”

“You never talk to me,” he explained. “Obviously, I prefer it like that. I can’t help but wonder why suddenly you want to be making small talk. So, what is it you want from me?”

“Malfoy,” she said. “I think you’re a spoiled prick who thinks far too highly of himself and drives me insane. But I also think that you’re funnier than what my friends give you credit for. Granted, you’ve always been annoying, but I don’t want anything from you. I just want to, I dunno, make these next few months less insufferable.” Somehow the lie slipped through her teeth easier than any of her previous bluffs.

He frowned, his mouth opening once before firmly screwing shut into a scowl. “Oh.”

“No offense, Malfoy, but what else can you offer me other than your dazzling personality?” she teased. “You know my family. I don’t need to blackmail you to pay for jewelry I’ve had my eye on or anything.”

He scoffed. “As if I’d say yes.”

“Exactly my point. It’d be fucking weird. Merlin, I’m not trying to butter you up to buy out Borgin & Burkes for me. Do I give off gold-digger vibes? Is that what this is about?”

“Fucking hell.” Malfoy turned to her in disbelief. “Do you ever shut up?”

“Answer my question. Or better yet, pull out your wallet. Wait, did I say that out loud?” She mimed surprise and covered her mouth. “Oh no! What will my mother say now that I’ve squandered my last chance of hitching you? There’s no way I can go home for Christmas break now.”

He rolled his eyes so hard she found herself worried for a moment that they were going to just permanently get stuck in the back of his head. “Hate to break it to you, but you didn’t really have a shot to begin with.”

Ouch.

She huffed and dramatically flopped over the back of her chair, hoping he couldn’t see that she’d flinched. “So you don’t think I’m pretty??”

“Y/L/N,” he snapped, his voice a low warning. “Can I please just work? What is with you today?”

Y/N sent him a sour look before giving her Charms work another look. Malfoy was awfully quiet, and when she snuck any glances at him later on, he was angled to face away from her.

Why did she feel like such shit all of a sudden? She cataloged the past events, trying to pinpoint the exact moment that her stomach dropped. It all made sense when the words “You didn’t really have a shot to begin with” echoed around her head once again. She’d failed Harry. She’d failed Hermione. There was no way that she was going to be able to get him to reveal his secrets now--it’s not like he was confiding in even his closest friends as Harry made apparent when he explained how vague his statements were to his fellow Slytherins on the train. Her only chance would’ve been to somehow get him to fall for her, and that wasn’t going...great. And it had been a pipedream to begin with.

When McGonagall swished back into the classroom to dismiss them, Y/N shot out of there without even looking at Malfoy again. It felt like something was lodged in her throat and she was not going to cry in front of him. No, no. She had to make it to Hermione to tell her what was going on.

“Y/L/N?”

Malfoy’s voice made her pause in her flee as she nearly rounded the corner in front of her, but she refused to look back. It was far enough away that it was possible she didn’t hear him.

“Wait!”

She was up the stairs and speed walking as fast as her legs could carry her to the Gryffindor tower before he even saw which way she went.

“I don’t think you understand,” Y/N wailed by the fire as Hermione rubbed her shoulders and Harry sat awkwardly perched on the couch. “I can’t do this. The only way this was going to work was if he had a crush on me, and I don’t think he ever will. I fucked it up! The one time you guys need me, I fuck it up! I let you down!”

Hermione’s left hand stopped its rubbing to rest firmly on her shoulder. “Please don’t be upset. You didn’t let us down. Plus, you’re only, what...two weeks in? You don’t need him to like you to make it work. Just getting him to trust you will be enough, and you’re good at that.”

“I don’t think so,” continued Y/N. “Harry said that he wasn’t even that open on the train when he overheard him talking to all of his friends. And those are purebloods that he likes! That he’s trusted and known for years and years! I’m a friend of you guys, and he knows it. I think he’d figure it out quick.”

“We should take every chance we can get,” said Harry from his spot a few feet away, his eyes lazy and unfocused on the fire crackling in front of them. “You won’t let us down if you can’t get anything, Y/N, you know that! But if you got anything from him, it’d be incredible. It’s a win-win. I don’t understand why you’re so upset.”

“I’m not upset,” she said, her tone becoming defensive. “I just...don’t want to mess this up. I know how much it’d mean if I succeeded.”

“So just try!” Hermione said. “There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m sorry he was kind of mean to you today, but I don’t think that should bother you too much. He should be more afraid of what you’d say if you didn’t care about being a good person.”

“Fucking right on there,” she said, wiping away the frustrated tears. “If I was honest with him, he’d leave crying. He should be grateful that I’m taking this bet so I actually have to be nice to him.”

“That’s the spirit.” Harry leaned over to smack her back like he did his Quidditch teammates after a winning match.

After they’d parted their ways with Harry, Hermione and Y/N made their way slowly up the stairwell to the girls’ dorms.

“Y/N?” Hermione asked, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?”

“Do you think, er…” She paused. “Do you think you were really upset about failing us today? Or was it something else?”

“What do you mean?” Y/N furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t see what else it would be.”

“I’m sorry,” responded the bright witch. “Forget I ever asked. It was a stupid thing to wonder about.”

“Weirdo,” she teased as she waved her a goodnight and made her way to her dorm.

The next morning, Y/N busied herself with revising her Charms essay over her breakfast--a cup of tea and a half-buttered piece of toast--while Hermione leaned over her shoulder, nodding or grimacing at the corrections she made.

“Did you work during detention? Like, at all?”

“‘Mione,” moaned Y/N. “It’s too early for this. I don’t want a lecture. I just couldn’t focus.”

Her warm brown eyes narrowed as they bore into Y/N’s face. “Why were you distracted?”

“Oh, I, uh…” She stumbled over her words as Hermione drew closer. “Merlin, Hermione. I told you last night. I just felt like I was letting you all down.”

“Mhm,” was all she got in response before her best friend tilted her head back down to the parchment in front of her.

Y/N sat, completely puzzled. What was Hermione on about? She’d been straightforward with what was hurting her--she didn’t want to mess up the only task the Golden Trio had ever given her--and, even if she hadn’t been, Hermione was smart enough to deduce things for herself. So what was she thinking about?

Her eyes drifted over to the Slytherin table where the usual 6th year pureblood gang loitered about, drinking black coffee and sulking--but Malfoy was not to be seen. She jumped when her eyes met Parkinson, her dark eyes burning into her soul as a deep scowl was written across her face.

“Malfoy, what the fuck do you want?” Ron’s voice pulled her back to reality to see him glaring somewhere behind her.

“I wasn’t here to talk to you,” a familiar voice drawled.

She turned to see Malfoy standing behind her, a sneer written all across his stupidly pretty face.

“Miss me already?” asked Y/N as she raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side.

“For fuck’s sake, stop doing that,” he mumbled, reaching into his pocket and throwing a box at her. “You forgot your quill. I took the liberty of properly storing it, because it seems like you lot like to just throw them in your bag. Makes me physically ill to watch.”

“Oh.” Y/N studied the intricate box in her hands before tucking it away in her knapsack. “Thanks? I guess?”

He nodded curtly, contorting his face into one last scowl to send to Ron before turning and leaving,

“So,” Hermione began, cutting her omelet at a much brisker pace, “I think we need to have a little chat. About...all of this.”

“Why?”

“Not right now,” she said, her voice low and her eyes flicking at Ron and Harry sitting across from them. “I don’t think it’d benefit us for them to hear.”

“Ok?” She cautiously took a bite out of her toast and continued staring Hermione down. “You’re scaring me.”

“It’s...I don’t know. I thought I was crazy for thinking this, but it seems like we need to talk about it anyways. For this little mission of yours to work, we need to be totally open and honest with each other.”

“Sure.” Y/N took another bite. “I honestly have no clue what’s got you so on edge, though.”

“Who’s on edge?” Harry asked, leaning over the table and stealing the croissant on Y/N’s plate.

“Hey!” she exclaimed. “Do you not see the entire plate of them over there?”

He laughed, sending her an easy grin and dunking a piece into the hot chocolate in his mug. “Finders keepers. Say, Y/N, are you busy next weekend? Ron and Lavender are going to Madame Puddingfoot’s together, and I know Hermione isn’t going to want to take a weekend off studying to go to Hogsmeade, so I thought that maybe we could go cause some trouble at the Cauldron.”

“If you stop stealing my food we can talk about it,” replied Y/N, the corners of her lips tugging up into a grin.

“Deal.”

Hermione tugged at her arm. “I just realized I need to get something out of my room before we watch the Quidditch game. Will you come with me, Y/N?”

“Sure!” said Y/N. “Gee, I’m rolling in invitations today.”

Once they exited the dining hall, though, it immediately became evident that they were not actually heading up to the dorms. Hermione dragged her into the nearest bathroom before casting a quick silencing charm.

“Myrtle! Are you in here?” Only when she was sure silence was the only response to her question, she seemed satisfied to turn to Y/N and begin talking. “When were you going to tell me that you have a thing for Malfoy?”

“I’m sorry, what?” Y/N felt the heat that had risen to her cheeks from the last quill-encounter re-emerge.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” said Hermione. “Are you seriously going to expect me to believe that you nearly sobbed over some random pureblood git telling you you never had a chance with him because it might slow down your progress with helping us? Actually? I’ve seen you look more ecstatic about hearing that your dear granny passed away.”

“To be fair, she had really good life insurance,” Y/N cut in. “And she was an old hag. Never had a nice thing to say to me.”

“Life insurance or no life insurance...you can’t seriously expect me to believe that you were just upset about not being able to help us as much. That was ridiculous. I don’t buy it. And the way you blushed like crazy when he came over to talk to you--the way you try and pretend like you can flirt...please. Y/N, it’s clear as day. I know you, and I know you have a crush on him.”

“Hermione!” hissed Y/N. “You have no clue what you’re talking about!”

“Yes, I think I do,” she pushed. “And you need to be honest with me if you want to be of any help right now.”

Her bossiness lit a fire of rage in Y/N’s chest, but she sucked in a deep breath, shutting her eyes before releasing it. “Believe me when I say I haven’t ever acknowledged any feelings I may or may not have towards him.”

“Ok.” Her face softened. “I know it might take time, but I honestly do think I’m right. Please just...be careful. This is a really odd situation to get caught up in if you actually have feelings for the other person. You’re trying to manipulate him, for Merlin’s sake.”

“And if I have these feelings for him, I’ve done a pretty damn good job of suppressing them for however long they’ve been here.”

Hermione sighed. “That’s true. I’m just saying that spending this much time with him is probably only going to make things worse. Will you please tell me if anything changes between the two of you?”

“Anything changes?” Y/N’s voice was dripping in disbelief. “You’re joking. Even if I was obsessed with him I don’t think there’s ever a chance of hell in anything ‘changing’ between us. He said it himself.”

“You know what I mean, Y/N,” responded Hermione. “Just promise me, ok?”

“Ok,” said Y/N. “I promise.”

That seemed to satiate Hermione as she nodded approvingly at her friend. “I think it goes without saying that Ron and Harry shouldn’t hear about this.”

“There’s nothing to hear about, but yes.” She shuffled her feet before meeting Hermione’s eyes again. “Er, I’m sorry for this being a weird question, but would you mind coming along with me and Harry to Hogsmeade? I don’t really see him like...that...and I don’t want to read into it too much and reject him if he is doing it just platonically, but just in case. Y’know.”

“Sure,” said Hermione, even though her face took on that curious expression yet again. “Anyways, you actually did forget something--you’re not wearing a single piece of Gryffindor colors for our game today. You should probably run back to your dorm before Harry and Ron notice.”

After they said their goodbyes, Y/N found herself turning over the things Hermione had said to her in her head. Did she like Malfoy? No, no fucking way. But a part of her really did think he was funny. And of course it was natural to feel rejected when anyone insinuates that they’d never consider you as a romantic interest without jest.

Once she’d made it up to her room and grabbed a few scarves, Y/N made to put her red cloak into her satchel. Her fingers ghosted over the box that Malfoy had given her and scoffed once she saw the Malfoy crest engraved into the rich wood.

Narcissistic snot.

Her curiosity got the better of her as she reached over to open up the elaborately decorated box. What met her was not just one quill but two--one of which was most certainly not her own.

She took them both out, tossing the old one in a pile with her other trusty familiar white feather quills and picked up the other one. It looked familiar--identical to the quill that she’d complimented Malfoy on in Potions about a week ago. Butterflies began to flutter like crazy in her stomach as she turned it over in her hand, watching the gray and green glitter together and the magic sparkles cast a gentle light over her bed. She generally avoided dipping into her family’s pockets to get school supplies any more than she had to--it’s not like it made her friends feel good about themselves when they were reminded how rich her family was--but this might be what she could consider to be an exception. She hadn’t even liked his quill all that much when she first saw it in Potions--but it was one of those things that was so noticeable that it made sense to compliment him.

She gave it one last look before tucking it back away into the elaborately decorated box. Perhaps she had spoken too soon when she’d told Hermione all hope was lost.

When Monday morning Potions class with the Slytherins rolled around, Y/N wasted no time. Malfoy was alone--even his Slytherin lackeys seemed to know not to bother him. Just what she needed.

“Malfoy,” she greeted, setting her bag down on his table and looking him dead on. He raised to meet her eyes, his eyebrow raised.

“Can I help you?”

“I just wanted you to know that I also really like your immense fortune,” she said. “And your manor.”

“Well, a lot of people do,” he mumbled as he looked away to dig through something in his bag. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve thought he was blushing.

“I’m just letting you know,” she continued. “In case you were wanting to give them away. It worked for the quill, so I thought, well, why not?”

He exhaled, a deep and annoyed sound escaping his lips as he rolled his eyes up to the ceiling. “I knew I shouldn’t have done that.”

“You really didn’t have to.”

“I was getting sick of it,” he told her. “I never can stick with one quill for too long, and I thought it’d be a shame to toss it. I thought it’d be better to be charitable--it’s not like your family could get an appointment at Barnaby’s if they tried.”

“Hey!” Y/N said indignantly. “You don’t know that!”

“I’ve heard your parents try to speak French,” he said. “If you’re anything like them, you'll be barred from ever entering the country.”

“Malfoy!”

His lips turned up into a smile, a soft laugh escaping his lips. Y/N suppressed the urge to grin in return. Task 3? Done. “What?”

“I can’t even argue with you,” she said. “It’s tragic.”

She stared at the empty stool next to him, wondering if she should just take the leap and sit with him. Malfoy seemed unbothered by her presence as he opened up his Potions book and set it next to his cauldron. “Do you want a partner?” The words left her lips before she could stop them.

He cast her a curious look before glancing at the empty stool. “It depends. Are you going to be annoying?”

She gasped in faux-offense. “What makes you think I could ever be annoying?”

“On that note, I think you better get back to Potter.” He motioned with his head towards the side of the room where most of her Gryffindor friends were chatting. Harry was staring at her, his fists clenched by his side.

Y/N smirked and sent him a wink.

“On that note,” she said, careful to imitate Malfoy’s drawl and sending him a smug grin, “Maybe I better sit here.”

“Hm.” He awarded her one more uninterested look before rolling up his sleeves and setting out the ingredients for the potion they were brewing--Amortentia.

She tried not to make it too obvious that she was staring at his left arm, but there was nothing on it like Harry had told her. It was just pure, unblemished pale skin that shimmered under the light. Before he could catch her looking, she quickly sat down and started pulling out her own things. After a short pause, she decided to take out the silver quill. She’d left his box back in her room--she wouldn’t be caught dead with something that had the Malfoy crest on it--but she’d wrapped it in a pouch with her own family’s emblem on the front, shimmering in gold and red.

“Why don’t you just buy your own charmed quills?” asked Malfoy after they had chopped all of the gillweed.

“You already know. We’re an abomination to the French. We aren’t allowed entry.”

“That’s not what I mean.” His tone was meant to read as exasperated, but his words still seemed good-natured.

“I...well.” She frowned. She’d never confessed this to anyone, but she supposed that Malfoy wasn’t going to find a way to use it against her. “I don’t like to flaunt my family wealth. I think it makes people, at least in Gryffindor, like me less. I learned that pretty early on.”

He hummed something in response before sliding all the gillweed into the cauldron, turning the clear liquid into a bubbling forest green.

“Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?” she asked.

He took his time finishing the note he was jotting down before he answered. “I’m not being nice. It’s just called being civil. You said it yourself, we see each other at balls sometimes.”

“We probably won’t anymore, though,” she mused.

Malfoy’s eyebrows shot up, but his voice remained low and steady. “No. I suppose that we probably won’t. Is your family part of the Order?”

“Hm. Are you a Death Eater?” she asked brazenly. He had no business asking her something like that, and he knew it. Especially not with his family connections.

“What do you think?” he drawled, waving his bared left arm in front of her face.

“Bullshit. That doesn’t mean anything after we learned Glamour spells last year.”

“Guess you’ll just have to trust me, then,” he responded, focusing intently on the bubbling liquid in front of him instead of her face.

“I guess so,” she replied. The weight of her Glamour comment began to sink in--she was right, after all. How had she not thought of it before?

But he was right when he told her she just had to trust him. Could she? Y/N rested her chin in the palm of her propped hand as she watched him work. A piece of disobedient moonbeam blonde hair dangled over his forehead as he diced up the unicorn tail, his eyebrows furrowed in focus.

“Is this why you want to be my partner?” he finally asked after a few moments of silence. “So you can just stare at me while I do all the work?”

“There’s the vain Draco I know,” she said, grinning as she leaned over to punch his shoulder.

He rolled his eyes again, scooting out of arm's reach before flipping back to Amortentia in his book. “You’re insufferable. And it’s Malfoy to you.”

“Fine, fine, Malfoy,” said Y/N. “What do you want me to do, then?”

He shoved his cutting board towards her, the half-diced unicorn tail staring up at her. “Finish dicing this and then stir it in. 9 times clockwise. I did almost all of the work, but it should be finished after that.”

Y/N sent him another glare before doing as he said. The glittering quill kept catching her attention from the corner of her eye, and she couldn’t help but notice that Malfoy was writing with just a plain white quill for the time being. HE really did just give it to me.

After the final ingredients were diced, she began to stir, each rotation around the cauldron turning the potion to a different color. It began as the bubbling green, then a deep sea blue, then a royal purple, a crimson blood red, a glimmering gold--before settling into a pale silver.

“Wow. It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “It’s like...liquid starlight.”

“All thanks to me,” said Malfoy. “You didn’t even have to crush the Mandrake root.”

“You’re such a gentleman, Malfoy.” Her voice dripped in fake sincerity. “So, what do you smell?”

Y/N was expecting him to scowl at her and tell her that it wasn’t any of her business, but he actually leaned over the cauldron and shut his eyes.

“I’ve never been good at explaining what things smell like.”

“Fair.”

Once he leaned back, she took his place, shutting her eyes and breathing in a tendril of the beautiful potion. “Whoa.”

“What’s it for you?”

“I don’t...know,” she admitted. “It’s not something I can describe note by note. It kind of reminds me of something, though.”

“Something with Potter, I presume?” he said, casually twirling his generic white quill around his fingers.

“No,” she answered, surprised at how honest she was being. “It’s…I’m trying to think. Er, it’s very lavish. It reminds me of when I was younger and my parents would drag me to galas and balls and whatnot.”

He stared at her in silence.

“What about you? Does it remind you of anything?”

“Yeah.” Malfoy reached forward to put a lid on the cauldron, effectively shutting out the steam from reaching either of them.

“Ooh, have you figured it out yet?” she teased, crossing her legs and turning to face him head on. “Let me guess. Is it someone like…”

She paused, a wicked smile stretching across her face. “Oh my god, is it Hermione? Or Luna? Or...help me out here!”

“No.” His voice was sour.

“Ah, it’s Parkinson then, isn’t it? Tell her I’m sorry for throwing food at her if you ever have the chance. Make sure to add the part where I’m more sorry that I missed.”

“Y/L/N!”

“It’s okay. I’d be a little let down, too.”

“Can you please just…” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Please just stop. I haven’t figured it out. Okay? Happy now?”

“I’ll leave you alone,” said Y/N. “Under one condition. You give me a hint. I’ve given you everything I know! This isn’t fair.”

“This doesn’t have to be fair,” he hissed.

Y/N kept the easy smile plastered on her face while she waited, her eyebrows raised in anticipation.

“You’re not going to let up until I tell you, are you?”

“You’d be right on that,” she said, sugary sweet.

“Fine. It’s something kind of floral.”

“How descriptive,” she snorted as she slumped back in her stool, thinking hard. Where had she smelled it before? Y/N shut her eyes, leaning her head back and trying to immerse herself into the memory that had surfaced. It smelled like grandeur, like an open ballroom full of guests wearing expensive perfumes. She could feel spinning, spinning like she was with a dance partner. Who was it? She couldn’t quite remember--the last ball she’d been to had been years ago--but after she leaned forward and smelled the Amortentia once more time, she came to a conclusion.

“I had to have danced with him at a gala before,” she announced to Malfoy, who was looking quite unimpressed. “So I know it’s no one from Gryffindor.”

“Interesting,” was all he said before turning to his parchment and jotting something down.

Late that night, while Y/N was settling into bed, a strange idea struck her. Sure that the thought that was nagging her was completely fruitless, she had no trouble with reaching into her desk and pulling out the Malfoy box. She just had to check if she wanted to sleep well.

Here goes.

She closed her eyes, imagining the expensive scent of her Amortentia. Then she opened it, stuck her nose into the fabric, and breathed in.

Well, fuck.

The internal debate going through Y/N the next day at the breakfast table was intense. On one hand, she really, really wanted to just tell Hermione that Malfoy had been in her Amortentia and she was completely fucked, but on the other…

She glanced at the witch next to her as she methodically sliced her toast into perfect, equivalent squares before dunking them in jam. Y/N liking Malfoy was not going to fit into her toast cubes. If she said anything, she would lose her excuse to talk to her about him. And her excuse to try and get close with him.

Perhaps I can figure it out tomorrow.

When tomorrow came, she still hadn’t made progress. Y/N was beginning to think that her so called “revelation” after they brewed Amortentia was truly just complete and utter bullshit. So what that his quill box smelled like it--all rich people kind of smelled the same at some points, and so did their houses. There was a reason why she couldn’t immediately pin the scent to anything--it wasn’t like she even knew what Malfoy smelled like.

But the truth remained that she was still attracted to someone who happened to be a rich Slytherin--so naturally, her mind began to wander. There’s no way it was Zabini--his mother owned a fragrance line, and she would’ve instantly recognized the cologne that she knew Mrs. Zabini made him wear--and there was absolutely no way that it was Crabbe or Goyle, so the only other Slytherin it left was...Nott? But that didn’t make sense either--she’d never spoken to him before in her life, even less than Malfoy. So perhaps it would be better if she didn’t think on it.

The next day of potion brewing came on a stormy Wednesday. Malfoy and Y/N worked silently together to brew a Draught of Dreamless Sleep. She was surprised to see how practiced his movements were--he didn’t even have to reference the book to recite the exact measurements and directions.

“Do you have bad dreams or something?” she asked, mostly as a joke. He didn’t seem to pick up on the light-heartedness and stiffened up.

“No?”

“Gee, you’re talkative today,” Y/N said, trying to ignore how her hand brushed his by accident when she added the scoop of anjelica.

“Excuse me for not entertaining you,” he drawled. “I wasn’t expecting to have such a needy potions partner today.”

“I am not needy!” she gasped, smacking his arm. “I’ve sat in silence for a full hour!”

He rolled his eyes (he was always rolling his eyes) and gave the potion one more final stir before setting the lid on the cauldron. “Think you can do that again? It needs to simmer for that long.”

“Just because you’re so sweet to me,” crooned Y/N before pulling out a heavy book from her satchel. Her Charms exam was tomorrow, and, naturally, she had decided to save all of her revising work until the night before. The textbook stared back at her as she jotted a few notes onto a previously blank sheet of parchment. The quill in her hands was light and glided across the paper like the tears of Merlin, something that she had forgotten quills could do. All of her familiar basic quills were okay, but they were prone to skidding and breaking. This nib hadn’t worn down in the slightest, still at a smooth and defined peak.

Y/N couldn’t believe that, out of all people, the person to give her such a thoughtful gift was Draco Malfoy. She tried to sneak a glance at him then, moving her curtain of hair away from her face. It took all she had in her to not be startled at the fact that he was already looking back, a slightly concerned expression etched into his face.

“Is something wrong?”

He snapped out of it the moment the words left her lips, his face hardening. “No.”

“Forget I ever asked,” she responded, turning away from him for good and focusing on her textbook. No, there was no way he could be what she smelled in her Amortentia. She liked to think that her subconscious wasn’t secretly a masochist.

Friday evening swung around again, much to Y/N’s dismay. She’d had a talk with Hermione later on in the week, confirming that no, she did not smell Malfoy in her Amortentia, and that yes, she was still abiding by the plan that Hermione had so carefully laid out for her. It did bother her a bit that she could be lying to her on both fronts--but at the end of the day, she was going to get the answers that Harry wanted, no matter what.

She just had to get through the scary ass castle first. She’d forgotten how spooky Hogwarts was after her previous sprint to the door, and this time she was positively trembling by the time she turned another dark corner on her way to McGonagall’s office. Yet another cursed item had been found in the girl’s lavatory on the 3rd floor, right by some of the classes that she had taken earlier in the week. The fact that whoever was out there was capable of dark magic and actively wanted to hurt people terrified her, all that Gryffindor bravery be damned.

So when she heard footsteps suddenly right beside her, it was no wonder that she jumped feet in the air.

“Fuck!” she sputtered, turning to see a very familiar blonde in Slytherin robes. He was frozen in place, curiously looking her up and down.

“Am I interrupting something?”

“Malfoy,” Y/N said, resisting the urge to melt into a puddle of relief at the sight. This wasn’t right--wasn’t he a suspected Death Eater? “You scared me.”

He scoffed, digging his hands into his pockets. “You’re supposed to be the brave ones, right?”

“Huh?”

Malfoy motioned to her Gryffindor jumper.

“Oh.” Heat rushed to her cheeks as she realized what he meant. “I dunno. I just get jumpy around the castle at night.”

“No shit.” They’d begun to walk now, side by side. Y/N couldn’t remember ever walking with him before--she’d always been late. “Do you think I forgot the way you screamed when you saw me at the tower?”

“Shut up,” she grumbled, reaching over and giving him a healthy shove.

They walked in silence together. Malfoy moved noticeably slower than he normally did so he wouldn’t leave Y/N’s shorter legs in tow. McGonagall seemed pleasantly surprised to see Malfoy hold the door open for her.

“I’m glad to see you two getting along,” she said, giving Y/N a hesitant nod before grabbing the stack of papers on her desk. “I’ll be back momentarily.”

After she exited the room with a swish of her deep maroon robes, Malfoy turned to her. “Are you scared of the dark or something?”

She turned, ready to send a biting retort his way, before she noticed how gray his pallor looked...and how big the circles under his eyes were. “You look like shit, Malfoy. Is everything okay?”

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t change the subject.”

“Oh. Um…” Y/N pause before deciding that the little tidbit of information she was about to reveal wasn’t that important anyways. “I’m just on edge at night at Hogwarts is all. Especially with all that weird shit going on with all the cursed objects. So I kind of hate walking to and from detention.”

Malfoy let out something that sounded like a strained laugh.

“You didn’t answer my question. Is everything okay?”

“None of your business,” he snipped. “I just had a bad night.”

“Do you have trouble sleeping?” she asked, unable to keep herself from prying.

“Something like that.”

“Have you tried lavender?”

“I’m sorry?” He frowned.

“Lavender. Like the essential oil. It’s nothing magical,” she explained. “I just like to spray it in my bed sometimes before I sleep. Or I’ll use a few drops in a diffuser. I have trouble sleeping too, all the time, actually.” She shut her mouth before she had any chance to ramble further.

“It sounds a bit too floral for my taste.”

“Here.” Y/N dug around in her satchel, searching for the tiny spray bottle she kept with her at all times. “Borrow this and spritz your pillow with it before you sleep, and then tell me it’s too floral. I promise it helps.”

He glared at her. She extended her hand with the white bottle that was covered in purple decor, raising her eyebrows expectantly. “I won’t tell anyone that you have it if that’s what you’re worried about or whatever.”

“Fine,” he snapped, snatching it from her hand and dragging his fingers over her palm for just a second. “Don’t expect me to actually try it, though.”

“Just give it a sniff.”

He huffed, but to her surprise, he actually uncapped the top and held the spray hole up to his nose, inhaling in once.

The effect was immediate. Malfoy’s face completely drained of color, becoming even grayer than he’d been when she first saw him under the light. The briefest expression of surprise fleeted over his face before he wiped it off, replacing it with something unreadable and tossing it back at her. “I’m not using this.”

“Why not?”

“Not quite my taste,” he spat.

Y/N was shocked by the sudden outburst, watching as he continued to glower at his desk. “I don’t understand. It really does help you sleep. I know it seems stupid, but I...really think you should try it. Just once, if anything.”

“Why does it matter so much to you?”

“Because I--” Y/N stopped herself before she let her mouth run without check. “I know what it’s like is all. I feel like shit if I don’t sleep. Plus, I have to spend time with you every Friday. I imagine that you’ll be slightly more tolerable if you sleep more.”

“Hm.” He sent her a particularly venomous glare. “Thanks for your concern. Consider me uninterested, though.”

“You break my heart,” she teased, pulling back her hand and placing the bottle on the corner of her desk. An idea struck her.

“And just what are you smiling about?” Draco said. His lips were turned into a sour frown.

“Nothing, nothing,” she responded, her voice adopting a sing-song quality. All she had to do now was wait.

He exhaled, a deep and exasperated sound. Then he turned back to whatever was in front of him.

McGonagall entered the room a few minutes later, nodding cordially at the comfortable silence the two students were in. What she didn’t know was that Y/N was waiting, just waiting for Malfoy to dig through his satchel and stop paying attention to his quill.

She got her opportunity a few minutes later, when McGonagall called him up to look over his latest Transfiguration homework.

“Mr. Malfoy, I’m happy to see that you’re taking more initiative in getting your assignments done...I have to say that you had me a bit concerned…”

While her professor kept Malfoy occupied, Y/N darted over and grabbed his quill.

Ha.

Malfoy frowned down at his desk when he returned, giving Y/N a suspicious look.

“What is it, Malfoy?” she said, hoping her voice conveyed nothing that might hint that she took something of his.

“Nothing.”

“Hm.”

The rest of detention passed without any more discussion. Y/N was eager to run up to her dorm and set up her plan to be carried out the next morning, but she calmed her bouncing leg and forced herself to keep a straight face when McGonagall dismissed them.

“Got somewhere to be, Y/L/N?” Malfoy’s voice called after her as she sped down the hall towards the Gryffindor tower.

“What’s it to you?” she fired back.

He didn’t respond. Instead, he picked up his pace until he was walking next to her.

“Aren’t the Slytherin dorms the other direction?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Are they?”

She allowed herself to be amused by the way words flowed out of his mouth when he was slightly out of breath. “Why are you walking with me?”

“You said it yourself.” He kept his eyes cast on the cobblestones below them. “You don’t like walking alone at night.”

“Uh...oh.” Against her will, her feet froze and she was glued to the ground. “You’re joking, right?”

If the lighting wasn’t so dim, Y/N would have good reason to believe he was blushing with how intently he was studying his fingernails. “By all means, I can be.”

“No! No, I didn’t mean it like that,” she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth. “Er...I’d like you to. If you want to, that is.”

He shrugged, an elfish expression spreading across his face as he took in how nervous she was. “Well, come to think of it, you didn’t ask me to. I suppose I better get back to the Slytherin dorms anyways. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near the Gryffindor Tower right now.”

“Why?” she squeaked.

“Oh, you know, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that most of the cursed things showed up on your side of the castle, yeah?”

She gulped.

“I gotta get going. Don’t want to stand around here too long. This place gives me the creeps.” With that, he turned and began walking away.

“Malfoy?” She hated how timid her voice sounded. “Consider this me asking you to walk with me.”

He slowly faced her, a sly grin plastered all over his face. “Oh? Did I hear that correctly? Do you want me to?”

“I’m only going to say this once,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and trying her best to look intimidating. “Walk with me. Please.”

“I guess I’ll take it.” Malfoy glided down the hallway to her in just a couple steps, sending her yet another smug look.

“You made up that whole ordeal about Gryffindor Tower being targeted, didn’t you?” asked Y/N as they rounded the corner to reach the staircase leading up to the common room.

“You bought it, didn’t you?”

“Who says I didn’t just want you to walk with me?” pushed Y/N. This was as close to flirting as it would ever get for her--but it looked like, somehow, things were falling into place. The heat in her cheeks must’ve been from the excitement of making progress.

Malfoy’s toe caught on the first stair and, if it weren’t for Y/N’s steady grip on his arm, would’ve made him go sprawling across the stone steps.

“Merlin, Malfoy,” she said, immediately dropping her grip from his shoulder. “What’s gotten into you?”

He responded with an unceremonial snort and a withering glare. The rest of the walk was done in silence, and Y/N noted how careful his footwork became around the Gryffindor steps.

“This is me,” she finally said once they reached the tapestry for the Gryffindor dorms. He seemed surprised, and only then did it strike her that he’d probably never seen the entrance himself before. “Thanks for being such a gentleman.”

“I live to serve,” he drawled.

And just like that, he was gone.

Her plan was simple. She had located an extra monogrammed pouch in her cabinet, a rich mahogany color with her family crest in a vivid gold, and placed both his quill and the lavender bottle. She would corner him after breakfast or follow him out of the Great Hall and show him then.

However, it was becoming increasingly obvious that Malfoy was not coming to Saturday morning breakfast. Many people didn’t, but Y/N had never known him to miss it. His normal spot was vacant, and it certainly wasn’t a house-made decision as all of his Slytherin friends were present and accounted for. Y/N couldn’t say for sure, but she could see Parkinson turning her head to the entrance every time the doors thudded open before glancing back to Malfoy’s empty seat when it turned out to be someone else.

Where was that loser?

“Excuse me,” she said to the trio as she stood up and brushed off her skirt. “I think I’m going to go get some fresh air. I have a bitch of a headache.”

Hermione and Harry expressed their sympathies while Ron gave her a characteristic mumble through his mouthful of bread, and she was off with the pouch secured in her cloak pocket.

It was a clear November morning, clearly Mother Nature’s attempt to slowly move the world from the crisp autumn to a cold winter. The sky was clear and the sun’s rays warmed her skin at a slanted angle, casting weak shadows across the courtyard.

If I were Malfoy, where would I go to sulk?

The obvious answer was either the Slytherin common room or his own dorm, but that was without a doubt out of question for her. She wasn’t even sure if she possessed the knowledge to guess which corridor the entrance was in, much less work out the password herself. Beyond that, just getting into the common room and waiting would be...She shivered. It would be a terrible idea while she was clearly wearing a cloak in Gryffindor red and gold trim.

As she continued her aimless wander around the castle, she heard the slightest sound from the girl’s bathroom on the second floor. It wasn’t ever really in use--no one came in there to actually use the loo unless they wanted Myrtle to materialize and tell them her supernatural troubles while they were in the middle of their personal business--but it was often the source of strange happenings.

Like the cursed objects she thought to herself, her nails digging into her palms. But did she care about that right now? Surely cursed objects seemed somewhat...suspicious. Dark magic was difficult to hide, and to a pureblood eye that grew up around magical objects, cursed things shouldn’t be impossible to spot.

And, plus, it was Malfoy she was looking for. None of the students had died from the curses so far, and if she was able to break through and learn something, or at the very least gain his trust, the reward to the Order would be more than worth it.

She stepped in, expecting to see an entirely empty bathroom with perhaps a ghost rattling around at the sink. Instead, a different sight awaited her.

Draco Malfoy was clutching the edge of the cracked sink basin in front of him, rocking himself back and forth and shaking. From her vantage point, she could see that he was dressed in his normal garb--a black ensemble--but his hair was unruly and messy, sticking up in the back like he’d hurriedly tugged something over his head.

A strangled gasp grounded her and halted her curious observations. Malfoy began to make these awful sobbing sounds, like he could barely manage to breathe.

Y/N was frozen in place as she surveyed her options. If she stayed and tried to talk to him, he might react in anger or hurt her. But if she just left him, like this, all alone...She swallowed once before stepping forward.

“Malfoy? Are you okay?” Obviously he’s not, you bint said a voice deep in her brain. She pushed it aside as he swung around, his wand raised and his eyes blazing. “Whoa! I’m not going to...Put your wand down!”

He stared at her, his eyes wide with horror as he continued to shake, so much so that his wand slipped out of his hand and clattered to the floor. Without thinking, Y/N reached into her pocket and flung her wand away, holding her hands up.

“I’m not going to try anything. I promise.”

As she drew closer, she could see the remnants of tears on his wet cheeks and the way that his silver eyes were rimmed with a bloodshot red.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he hissed, his voice weak and cracking.

“Neither should you. This is the girl’s bathroom.”

final a/n: ok so lmk if you guys wants me to continue. i really did not edit the last half fjkdsal;f also kinda made this an au where malfoy tried to assassinate dumbledore. with more than one cursed object but dw it’ll all make sense ill clear that up 😭

#draco malfoy #draco x reader #draco malfoy x reader #draco imagine #draco malfoy imagine #draco x you #draco #draco malfoy x you #draco x y/n #draco malfoy x y/n #draco x oc #draco malfoy x oc

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moonrazeeclipse · 3 years

Text

Day at the Amusement Park.

The last time I went to an amusement park was when I was 12 years-old. My memories have been mostly shaky, but what I can remember was the happiness and joy I felt with my mother and father.

It’s been tough for me to have fun these days. Being a 23 year-old working a typical nine-to-five shift made it difficult to have time for myself. Stressed about the quotas, the numbers, job stability, and everything else in between. Good sleep has eluded me for months.

Then I look at my girlfriend, Nicha, and my hope has never been brighter.

Ah, Nicha. Everyone else knew and recognized her as Minnie, but the closest to her called her by her real name. If I thought an average office job was a grindfest, then hers was a gauntlet. Idol life meant she had to be up as early as 3 A.M. and she’d run through several sets of makeup, practice, interviews, and appearances. During one of her off days she and her members visited my building while I just so happen to be on coffee break. One funny stare and the next thing I knew, we were hiding our relationship from the whole world.

No matter how exhausted she got, she kept that same positive, happy energy as if she had unlimited battery life. Each occasional glance as I drove to the old amusement park, she was beaming, singing along to the songs on the radio, like she were a child. This was one of her rare off days where they didn’t have any schedules, so maybe that’s the reason why she’s extra joyful too.

The park itself hadn’t changed much since I last visited all those years back. The entrance looked rusted and devoid of any life or color. There seemed to be way fewer people visiting as well. Nicha offered to take me to that newer park with those virtual reality simulators, but I turned it down with a chuckle, saying that I wasn’t making enough money to spend a day there. Regardless, we entered the place, her hand holding mine, dragging me with the brightest smile on her face.

Whatever she wanted to do, I followed along. Nicha ran ahead of me, acting like a child and not a famous, recognizable idol. Being around me must be freeing for her; she could be herself when I’m with her. None of the rides were renovated or refashioned, which gave me that nostalgic feel. Because there weren’t that many visitors, waiting only took less than ten minutes for each ride. Despite my motion sickness, I powered through the first roller coaster without a problem. The second one? I recalled hurling up minutes after getting off that one as a child. Nicha screamed her heart out on the first coaster, but was overcome by fear on the second. She leaned into my chest while I was fighting every urge not to puke mid-ride. I sought a barf bag once we got off, making her laugh.

“Ahaha! You look hilarious!” Nicha mocked.

“Why are you gloating? Don’t act like you were hiding your face on my chest.” I retorted. She blushed in embarrassment before pretending to run away. No matter how much she loved to make fun of me, I couldn’t get upset. Her wholesome smiles made her a great person to hang out with.

Walking along the park, we came across a row of booths. These booths offered challenges in exchange for prizes. Dad won me a basketball as a reward back then. Even with age, one of the game masters somehow recognized me by my eyes.

“Hey, hey! It’s been a long time! You’re all grown now!” He said, calling my attention.

“Oh, hey. How did you recognize my face?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You have your father’s eyes, that’s why! How’s he doing?” He changed the subject.

“Umm, great I guess.” I honestly didn’t know how to answer, since I haven’t spoken to him in years.

Nicha suddenly came in from behind and hugged me. The game master’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Oh! Is this your girlfriend? Why don’t you step up and show her your father’s talent?” He challenged me on the spot. I sighed as Nicha moved right next to me. Her beaming eyes and bright smile gave me more pressure to do well.

I was poor at sports, so I wondered how bad I’d mess up at ring toss. I didn’t have deft hands like my dad, and I wasn’t practicing at all. I’m better with keyboards, I murmured under my breath as he gave me the rings. First toss. The ring hit the bottle. My eyes widened. Second toss. The bottle was a little more distant than the first. I threw the ring and to my surprise, it hit too. Shock drowned out my girlfriend’s cheers and the yell of the game master. One more ring, one more toss. The bottle was placed at a greater distance compared to the earlier ones. I was doing better than I thought, so maybe my luck would run out on this turn. I flung the last ring, and time seemingly slowed down as I released it from my grip.

One, two, three, four, five. Bingo.

Nicha hugged me in celebration. I made all three tosses as the game master applauded me. Wow. Honestly, that may have been divine intervention, considering how awful I am at these games. It must have been five minutes before I moved because I stayed frozen in place, unable to let my victory sink in.

“You do have your father’s genes in you after all! Go ahead and pick a prize.” The game master said, snapping me back to reality.

I turned to Nicha, implying that she could choose the prize. She took the hint and pointed at a gigantic brown teddy bear. The game master grabbed it from the shelf and handed it over to me. I gave the stuffed animal to her, and she buried her face on its belly.

“Aaahh it’s so fluffy! You’re really good at this, Minki!” She cuddled the bear as I just chuckled and waved goodbye to the game master.

The rest of our day at the park was just riding the rest of the attractions and eating an ice cream sandwich along the way. Nicha and I had so much fun together, refusing to let go of the teddy bear. The sun had set and nightfall came, and our time was almost up. But before we left, there was one more ride we hadn’t gone in. The ferris wheel.

The passenger cabins were suited for four people, so we hopped on one, including our stuffed animal. She placed the bear next to her as the wheel began moving. From where I sat I could see the bright lights of the highway, overlooking the specks of people thousands of feet in the air. Nicha looked out the window before turning to me, taking my hand.

“I’ve had so much fun with you today,” she said, caressing my hand gently and pecking it. “Thank you.”

I gazed into her eyes, gleaming brighter than the stars in the night sky. She stared back at me, looking at me the same way. Then something sprung in me to lock lips with her. Nicha sunk into the kiss, pulling me close and our tongues swirled with each other. She was sweeter and tastier than dessert. I cupped her cheek and she placed her palm on mine, running it across her face.

She broke the kiss and slowly spread my legs. I panicked a little because of the situation we’re in. Nicha feigned ignorance and unbuttoned my pants, pulling them down alongside my boxers.

“Nicha! We’re still in public, remember?”

“Your cock says otherwise,” she replied, slapping my hardened cock with her hand. “I’ve been missing you so much. I can’t help myself.”

She seized my balls, giving them a rub. “You’re full. You’ve been missing me too.”

I groaned as she kissed me from my balls, making her way up to my tip. Her soft lips felt so good on my shaft. She looked at me with widened eyes, satisfied with the pleasure she’s giving me. I slumped into my seat and closed my eyes, allowing the euphoria of her swirling tongue to override my brain. If that wasn’t enough, she added her sensual moans into her slurps, giving me tingles up my spine.

My hands flowed through her black locks, while the rest of my body just numbed in pleasure. I didn’t realize she took me in her mouth, hollowing her cheeks. Nicha bobbed her head back and forth, coating my shaft with her saliva. We didn’t care if anyone caught us in the lewd act. Nicha had her way with me and my body happily fell under control.

Pop. She released me from her mouth after blowing me off for a while. I was really sinking into that excitable feeling too. Appropriate timing too, as she finished up just as the car was about to reach ground level. I quickly buttoned up my pants as she pretended like she didn’t suck my cock leaving the pod.

We reached my car just as the park was closing, and she gave me a few pecks on the cheek. “When we get home, I wanna fuck you so bad.”

“Sure, baby. I’ll let you fuck me wherever you want.” The thought of her splayed body already riled me up and I couldn’t be any more excited to drive home.

I turned the key. Rough gruffs roared from the engine. Again. Gruffs. In frustration I slapped my hands against the steering wheel. The car couldn’t start. Fuck.

“I just had it checked last week,” I grumbled. It was second hand but I didn’t have any excuse. Nicha giggled. She was still smiling as she watched me suffer and curse my car out. Oh, no matter how terrible a day gets, you’re always the jovial one.

Conveniently there was a subway station nearby whose line started and ended at the park. We both got out of the car and decided to take the train home. Nicha still refused to let go of the teddy bear.

Entering one of the cars, we sat at the back end of the left row. All the walking wore our legs out, so I slumped down in my seat. Nicha set the bear at the corner chair before sitting beside me. Drowsiness began kicking in and soon enough, I fell into a deep sleep holding my girlfriend’s hand tightly.

I felt a sensation below my chest that woke me up. My eyes opened slowly, vision blurring my sight. I looked to my left and saw only the teddy bear. She probably went to the bathroom, I thought. I tried going back to sleep, but I felt that twitching in my stomach again. I looked down and to my surprise, my pants were on the ground. Nicha was on her knees, sucking my erect cock.

“Nicha! What did I say about doing this in public?” I whispered, trying to avoid causing a disturbance with the nearby passengers.

She responded by taking more of me into her mouth, making me moan with her humming sounds. “Mmph, I can’t help myself. Your cock rubbed on me as we slept.”

It took all of my willpower not to submit to pleasure, but I was able to scout the area. There weren’t a lot of people on this late train ride home, except a man wearing a business suit calling someone on his phone seated on the opposite aisle.

I slowly hopped from one chair to the next using the rail, keeping Nicha busy on my shaft without her letting go into it. My free hands lifted the stuffed bear from its seat and placed it to where I was sitting. The prized toy was huge enough to act as camouflage from unsuspecting train-goers.

“Yeah. Let’s discuss the business trip to Japan at the cafe. I’ll move up so you can spot me as I get off,” the man said as he stood up from his seat and trudged to the front.

I sighed a breath of relief, but that was only a temporary win. I looked below to see how Nicha was doing and my eyes widened. She stripped off her overalls as her bare legs were now exposed.

“Nicha!” I almost screamed, panicking at the situation she’d got us into. She giggles at my reaction before kissing my tip with her soft lips.

“While you were busy covering us up I took my overalls off. I really can’t wait for you to fill me inside.” She said matter-of-factly.

I groaned in annoyance but I couldn’t help myself. She was opening herself and I guess my patience ran out too.

“We still have a few more stops to go before our stop,” She added, stroking me with her fingers.

My psyche crumbled under her control again. I resisted her lips, but not her hands rapidly pumping my cock. I threw my head back and allowed the pleasure to jack my brain, grazing my hands on her hair again.

I must have drowned deeply to the delight of Nicha’s handjob that I ignored the dings and voice of the operator over the speaker indicating the train’s destination. My eyes, struggling to open, somehow caught a glimpse of a few new passengers entering the car. Quickly I bent over and took her overalls as well as my large coat and veiled my crotch. She continued jerking me off under the covers, eager to get me to orgasm. The commuters gave me either weird or neutral looks as they walked by. I gave them a gaze of exhaustion, pretending as if I was ill. I just hope they didn’t notice the suspicious bulge below me.

Most of the travelers moved onto another cabin but some of them sat a few rows behind or ahead of ours. Thankfully none decided to sit in the same aisle as us. My hands, which were positioned on my lap, were grabbed by Nicha. She led it down to her clit and I felt her wetness. Even with some bush she was clearly dripping.

“Fuck me, please,” She whispered, each word laced with lust. “I’m so wet for you, babe.”

I hoisted her from the floor and she wrapped her legs around my waist as I rose for a minute before sitting down with her on me. I carefully lined my shaft against her crotch before burying my cock in her walls. She let out a lengthy, low moan as I started ramming into her tight pussy. My hands snuck through her shirt, pinching her taut nipples, making her squeal.

I could feel her juices cream my hair as I grinded back and forth, making sure she feels every inch of my length. One hand escapes her shirt to cover her mouth, preventing her from letting out wild screams. I pulled her face close to mine, her features indicating pleasure as our lips met for a shaky, passionate kiss.

As we continued making out my eyes caught a glimpse of a stewardess slowly making her way across the cabin, punching passengers’ tickets. I broke the kiss off and drove Nicha into my chest, bundling our bodies with her overalls and my coat. The attendant reached us, her formal smile shifting to a confused look at the weird image ahead of her.

“Oh I’m sorry, is she okay?” She asked matter-of-factly.

“Y-yeah. She’s just a little ill, so I’m warming her up, that’s all.” I answered, nodding repeatedly.

Nicha sold my act by freezing in my arms. I reached into my coat and pulled out two tickets. She punched them and smiled as she walked by, believing my lie.

My girlfriend looked me in the eyes, lust ridden over them. I squeal as her finger reaches my cock, still buried in her soaked cunt, stroking me off. Through the pleasant sensation I managed to keep my eyes alert, watching the passengers slowly leave one by one at the next stop. Now it was just the two of us in this cable car.

“We’re alone. Fuck me,” She said as the train started moving again.

Perhaps her eagerness drove me to thrust into her a lot faster than I thought. I rocked back and forth on the chair, drilling her with my shaft. Nicha closed her eyes and let the pleasure fill her, her mouth making a wide ‘O’ shape. At this point we ran out of care for our surroundings, made clear by our audible moaning. Her hands claw my nape and hair deeply, her slender figure bouncing up and down my lap.

The tightness of her pussy, as well as her soft, seductive moans made it hard for me to keep control. I was losing another round to her lewdness and this one would be the hardest of them all. I was all but ready to climax, only slowing down my pumps to keep the euphoria last longer.

“F-fuck, I’m going to cum,” I whispered.

“On me. Fill me, please. Fill me with your cum.”

One. Two. Three. With a heavy groan I reached my peak. I felt shots of warm semen fill her womb. I pumped through my orgasm, shooting flecks of cum in her until I was drained. My hips stopped grinding. I put my head down in exhaustion over that intense, risky session. She cupped my face then kissed me on the cheek.

“T-that was s-so g-good. I can’t wait until we get home for more.”

There’s a clear trail of white on my chair and on my pants. My cock slipped out of her slit as I set her down on the ground.

“This is the last station! Thank you for riding with us.” The operator announced over the intercom. We’re almost at our destination.

I pulled her overalls off my coat and threw it at Nicha. “Put these on, we still have to walk home.”

“I don’t wanna,” she pouted. “I want to go home with your cum dripping down on me.”

I sighed. Nicha decided to be bratty on the way home, when everything was almost perfect and after all we’ve been through. But what else can I do?

I gave her my coat as I took her overalls and placed it in my bag. We got off the train with her wearing my coat, our mixed juices still running down her legs. We enjoyed our little walk home, having forgotten the prized teddy bear that she was attached to all day long, but that didn’t matter. As soon as we reached home, we stuffed our bodies into each other throughout the night.

—————

And that’s my first work done. I didn’t do a lot of editing as I was excited to publish this one. I finally decided to jump into the world of smut writing after being inspired for a while now. Thank you for reading!

#kpop smut #smut #g idle #minnie

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drwcn · 3 years

Text

NEW!

《 Without Envy 》 storyboard 11 - concubine/sleeper agent!wwx & prince!lwj

Other snippets and storyboards can be found on [Master List]

Lan Wangji knew his Uncle and the imperial court and the elders of the royal family were never going to be okay with him making Wei Wuxian one of his concubines. The servant status is one thing, but that's not the crux of the issue. The issue is that there's already a rumour circulating about how WWX is a wily fox whose sole purpose in life is to seduce and befuddle the prince. Xue Yang: quite a reputation you've cultivated for yourself. WWX: *kuzo's meme*.........ah yes, everything is all coming together now.

Lan Wangji is a smart boy though. He knows how to get what he wants. As Wei Ying inched towards full recovery from his whipping, the autumn hunt is upon them.

The autumn hunt in the royal hunts ground was a competition. Anyone invited could compete if they chose to, and of Lan Wangji's household, Jin Ziyan, Luo Qingyang and himself were in attendance. Mianmian, being his concubine and a woman, had two escorts/chaperones accompanying her for propriety, but flashed him dazzling smiles of gratitude upon her horse.

"I'm very grateful, dianxia, for your allowing this indulgence." "Of course," replied Lan Wangji from his saddle. "My Luo-furen should have what she wants." "Dianxia, ce-wangfu." Qin Su approached them and curtsied in proper form. "I wish you all best of luck in the hunt." Then to Mianmian, she said quietly, "Be careful, Qingyang." Jin Ziyan paid the two women no mind, but Lan Wangji saw the hand Qin Su had clandestinely wrapped around one of Mianmian's booted ankles. Oh...well, this is certainly a positive development.

The rest of the noble women not participating in the hunt rested in their tented pavilions, with Meng Yao as their hostess. They drank tea and ate sweets and enjoyed their free time to themselves. Meng Yao noted Wei Wuxian's absence from Jiang Yanli's side, as did several other noble women, but Jiang Yanli only smiled and said, "A-Xian has been living at my father's manor for several years and is an excellent marksman. Dianxia thought it a waste if he were kept from participating."

The truth of the matter is like this: when Wei Wuxian cheated and lied his way into Jiang-fu, he'd told Jiang Fengmian and his family that he'd lived most of his life by the charity of a hunter's family, and so had trained to hunt game in the wild. After the hunter's family died of some infectious illness that plagued the region, Wei Wuxian had supposed made his way into the city and found employment as a shop boy. He couldn't reveal that he'd been trained in martial arts, but there is no need to hide his skill as an archer. At first, it was so he could use archery as a common interest to get close to Jiang Fengmian's son Jiang Cheng, but Wei Wuxian soon realized that it could also be used as a way for Lan Wangji to cultivate further interest.

"Lan Zhan..." Wei Wuxian stroked the snout of Lan Wangji's beloved ferghana horse and grinned. "You really want me to ride him?" "Mn." "You...won't be mad then, if I win?" Wei Wuxian's grin turned slightly wicked. "If I beat you?" Lan Wangji's brow twitched with interest, "Not at all. That's rather what I'm counting on." "Yeah? And why is that?" "Because while I can claim victory with the sword -" "- Very modest, you." Wei Wuxian teased, grinning, which earned him a subtle little glare. "- amongst my cousins, my marksmanship is not unrivalled. You may have a greater chance of winning with him. Huangxiong promised that whoever wins today's hunt will be granted one wish." A wish? Wei Wuxian mulled over this information. His own mission turned and circled in his mind. If I could but gain access to... ... Of course, Wei Wuxian glanced at the prince and the saw the light in his eyes. Lan Wangji is probably thinking of something entirely different.

And so it was inevitable that went the count of the hunt came in, Wei Wuxian's name was at the top. Lan Qiren's little mustache just about flew off his face the way he scrunched it up in displeasure.

Gentries, nobles, dukes and princes watched with envy and shock as a servant came forth to accept the Emperor's reward.

"Jiang-xiong," Nie Huaisang leaned close to Jiang Cheng while they watched from the sidelines as Wei Wuxian bowed before the Emperor. "Why do you look so smug?" Jiang Cheng played with the end of an arrow with an air of mock innocence, "I don't know what you're talking about?" Nie Huaisang pulled at the leather of his riding attire in discomfort - this was so not his style - and tsked, "I know you, Jiang-xiong, you're not subtle. What did you do?" "I was the one who told Lan Wangi that Wei Wuxian is an excellent archer when I went to visit Hanguang-fu." Nie Huaisang understood instantly, "Oh....oh I see..." "What? Don't judge me! You know what they did to him. String up like some unruly animal and whipped. I never agreed with my mother's plan to send him along with my sister anyway. Wei Wuxian may be lowborn but..." Jiang Cheng scowled. "He's too good for them. For Lan Wangji. He's clearly not going to do right by Wei Wuxian. I won't stand to see a perfectly good man wasted as some prissy prince's concubine instead of being where he could put his real skills to use." "Shhhhh, ancestors, Jiang-xiong, keep your voice down! Words like that are a great dishonor against bixia, you'll lose your head!" Jiang Cheng shrugged.

Xue Yang *at a later times*: so lemme get this straight, you won the Hunt, and then Lan Xichen asked you what you want as reward - WWX - as a good little servant I said "I want for nothing that wangye and Jiang-zhuzi hasn't already provided me" - XY *rolls his eyes* Right. And then Jiang Wanyin came out of nowhere and said - "陛下，魏婴乃微臣之家生子，是前管家魏长泽的独子，因幼年时父母过世一直遗留市井。上天庇佑，几年前父亲将他巡回。魏婴为人端正淳厚，虽未上过学堂，但头脑机智。陛下也看到了，他弓发出众，是。。。如能加强训练，以后必会为我姑苏所用 - " Bixia, Wei Ying is this subject's home-born servant, the only son of our previous head of staff Wei Changze. Due to the unfortunate passing of his parents in his youth, he has been getting by doing odd jobs in the capital. Heavens be willing, Father was able to find him after these many years and brought him home. Wei Ying is kind and righteous; though never have been taught by scholars, he is sharp of mind. As bixia has seen, he is a great marksmanship, is ... If he could be granted proper training, he would be a great asset for Gusu in the future. - And what a waste it would be if you were left to twindle away within the confines of a harem. I bet Lan Wangji just loved that. The balls on Jiang Wangyin - I do love his style. WWX You're the only one. Jiang-shushu just about had a heart attack when Jiang Cheng dissed Lan Wangji in public. Madam Yu nearly popped a vein too. XY: Yeah well, he's got a point. You may be Jiang Yanli's companion, but you're not Lan Wangji's concubine, you're just a servant with a skill. Honestly why shouldn't they put you to better use than waiting to maybe spread your legs for a prince who might just as easily toss you aside after the newness fades. WWX *slaps him up the head* Rascal! I'm your shixiong. Don't be so rude. Anyways, Lan Zhan, he - he was willing to let me go. I think he loves me you know - XY: He what now - WWX: He said - Lan Wangji came to kneel beside Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin and bowed to his royal brother, "Huangxiong, Wei Ying is the peijia of my Jiang-furen, a servant of my manor. I... I long knew he is an excellent marksman and should have submitted his candidacy for the ranks but -" Lan Wangji looked at him then, eyes huge with something unreadable. "Jiang-xiao-jiangjun is right. Wei Ying is good, his mind is bright. He would be more suited to militia than...than within the walls of the inner court." "Wangye, have you....have you grown tired of Wei Ying -" "Wei Ying, no -" XY: Oh barf. So please tell me you chose to go to bingbu (ministry of war). WWX: Going to bingbu was never the assignment. If yifu wanted me in the ministry of war, I would've infiltrated them from the start. I refused. And it had the intended effect. "No?" Lan Xichen leaned forward curiously. "Joining the ranks will elevate your rank to that of a subject of the imperial government, and if you are truly as skilled and talented as my brother and Jiang-xiao-jiangjun say, you may rise yet to stand in my court as an officer of the imperial military. You will have your own commission, your own manor, marry, have children - all things which will be forbidden to you if you remain as you are now. As you are male, you cannot provide for Hanguang-fu any offspring, and your low-born status has precluded you from the position of consort or even vice-consort. Have you considered your options carefully? " "I understand bixia, and my decision is made. Nothing would please me more than to stay by wangye's side. I regret nothing." XY: >_> And A this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact you're increasingly horny for Lan Wangji? WWX: Of course not. Because of Lan Qiren, I couldn't advance in Hanguang-fu. But now that Lan Xichen had given me his royal decree, I am Lan Wangji's sanctioned mianshou. XY: *insert eye emoji* So...y'all fucked? WWX *wistful, thinking about the night he spent at the autumn palace after the hunt* : We did, you pervert. Ya happy now? *WWX sighed* But I know who we are and what I must do. Yifu needs me by Lan Wangji's side, for what reasons I do not yet know. No matter how he and I are now... one day it will

all end. XY: *stares into the camera like he's on the office*

Note: yifu = Wen Ruohan, WWX's adoptive father.

#cql #the untamed #wangxian #wei wuxian #lan wangji #xue yang #without envy #cql ficlet #corie fics

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zintranslations · 3 years

Text

Kaleidoscope of Death, Ch. 132

Kaleidoscope of Death by Xi Zixu Link to Chinese / Novel Updates

Chapter 132: By Day, By Night

After hanging up, Lin Qiushi got out of bed. He went to the living room to check on the door and television, making sure both those things were still the same as they had been during daytime yesterday.

After that, Lin Qiushi left the apartment in a hurry. Halfway out he even got a call from Wu Qi, asking why he wasn't at work.

"There's something I have to do." Lin Qiushi was already in a car and had honestly completely forgotten about going to work. He tried to wheedle: "Ask for time off for me."

Wu Qi, "okay, how long should I ask for?"

Lin Qiushi, "half a year?"

Wu Qi, shocked, "…half a year?? Are you planning on resigning?"

Lin Qiushi glanced at his watch, not thinking of work at all.

"Or yeah, you can just resign for me."

Wu Qi seemed like he had something to say, but whatever words were on the tip of his tongue never made it out—he only sighed: "Fine, I'll get time off for you. If there's something going on you've got to tell me, alright? Don't carry it all on your own."

Lin Qiushi made a noise of agreement, expression still pensive.

The car continued on, and over an hour later, it arrived at where Lin Qiushi wanted to go. Lin Qiushi got off, went upstairs, and knocked on the door—every motion done in a single smooth breath. The truth was, however, that these few simple motions were only possible after extensive emotional preparation done during the car ride.

The door he knocked on opened after a bit, revealing a beautiful middle-age woman—it was Ruan Nanzhu's mother.

Because before they'd entered the door, Ruan Nanzhu had taken Lin Qiushi home. Now Lin Qiushi had a clear memory of where Ruan Nanzhu's old house was. Coming here this time was simply to confirm one thing…

"Hi Auntie," Lin Qiushi greeted politely.

"Hello." The woman watched Lin Qiushi with curiosity and asked, "is there something I can help you with?"

"I wanted to ask, do you know who Ruan Nanzhu is?" Lin Qiushi asked carefully.

"Ruan Nanzhu?" The woman's tone of doubt sent Lin Qiushi's heart sinking, and the question on her face only grew stronger. "Sorry, I don't know who that is."

"Then do you know Ruan Baiye?" Lin Qiushi brought up another name—this was the name of Ruan Nanzhu's older bother.

"Baiye? He's my son…" Mama Ruan said. "He's not home right now, but he'll be back later tonight. Are you looking for him?"

Lin Qiushi, "ma'am you…only have one son?"

Mama Ruan nodded as the way she looked at Lin Qiushi got stranger and stranger. Which was fair. Suddenly coming to her house and asking questions like these, Lin Qiushi didn't seem like a normal person at all.

Lin Qiushi had no idea what else to say either. After bidding Mama Ruan goodbye, he rushed back downstairs and hurried off to another location.

Ruan Nanzhu's existence had been completely wiped. There was nobody in this world named Ruan Nanzhu, not even to his parents, and even Obsidian, the organization that he led, had stopped existing…

This time, Lin Qiushi's destination was Li Dongyuan's White Deer.

When he arrived at White Deer headquarters, Lin Qiushi discovered that the building that once belonged to White Deer was now commercial offices, labeled with the name of XX Bank. Lin Qiushi was standing in the doorway contemplating how to sneak upstairs when he saw a familiar face leave the building. That person was wearing a suit and speaking to someone beside him; judging by appearance alone, he was that baby-faced Li Dongyuan that Lin Qiushi knew.

Seeing this Lin Qiushi hurried forward and called, "Li Dongyuan!"

Li Dongyuan's feet stalled, and he glanced in Lin Qiushi's direction. With eyes both cautious and distant, he asked, "who might you be? If you'd like to discuss something please book an appointment with my secretary first."

"I—" Lin Qiushi said. "Do you know me?"

Lin Qiushi lifted an eyebrow and didn't speak. His expression though, gave Lin Qiushi an answer—he did not know Lin Qiushi, and even thought Lin Qiushi's question odd.

"You don't recognize me?" Lin Qiushi also couldn't quite convey how he was feeling just then.

"Should I recognize you?" Li Dongyuan smiled a smile that wasn't quite a smile as he scanned Lin Qiushi up and down.

Lin Qiushi suddenly recalled something else. He said, "then do you know Zhuang Rujiao?"

Li Dongyuan didn't answer, and still seemed unfamiliar with the name.

"What about Jin Yurui?" Lin Qiushi tried again.

"You know her?" Li Dongyuan's smile, however, faded. "You're one of hers, then?"

Lin Qiushi could finally be sure why some people didn't exist in this world—because they were still alive. If they still survived in the world outside the door, then they did not exist inside this door. Both Li Dongyuan and Jin Yurui were dead, so they had new identities inside this door.

And, those who had died inside the doors aside, the people who were competely unrelated to the doors did not seem affected by this rule at all. They existed both inside this door and outside it, and had nothing to do with living or dying.

"Is there anything else?" Eyeing Lin Qiushi, who was deep in thought, Li Dongyuan lifted his chin with a cold expression. "If there's nothing else why don't you take your leave? This is a place of work."

Lin Qiushi took one last look at him before turning to go.

"Who is that?" the person standing beside Li Dongyuan asked as they watched Lin Qiushi leave.

"I don't know," Li Dongyuan said. "Looks kind of familiar though. Never mind, bring me that data and let me confirm…"

Lin Qiushi left White Deer headquarters and glanced at his watch. It was already twelve noon. An idea surfaced in his mind, and Lin Qiushi got out his phone to book a roundtrip flight for C City the next morning.

There were some matters he wanted to confirm in C City; it was already too late to go today, so he could only hurry there tomorrow morning and try to make it back in one day.

Fact of the matter was, Lin Qiushi didn't want to try spending the night on an airplane. Hell knows how terrifying that would be.

After taking care of lunch at a random spot in town, Lin Qiushi returned home and took a nap. As he thought about what would happen later that evening, Lin Qiushi thought he wouldn't be able to sleep. But in fact he slept quite well, passing out the moment he hit the bed. When he woke it was already five in the afternoon. Chestnut sat by his side, meowing, looking to be hungry again.

Lin Qiushi got up and, after fixing up some food for Chestnut, called some delivery for himself. He ate while watching TV.

He saw the trailer for Tan Zaozao's new movie. From the language of the advertisement, Lin Qiushi figured out that Tan Zaozao had already won the award. The award-winning movie was exactly the same as it had been on the outside, only the director was a different person this time and not Zhang Yiqing.

This world was so very similar to the world that Lin Qiushi lived in, but there was one fundamental difference—Ruan Nanzhu, the person Lin Qiushi most wanted to see, was not here.

Good thing that was so, actually. This door, for a lot of other people, would likely be of insurmountable difficulty. Like Zhuang Rujiao. Or Cheng Yixie for that matter. That was because here, they could once again see their most beloved person…

The night deepened, and Lin Qiushi got everything ready.

Around ten in the evening, it suddenly began to rain outside.

Water came down as if tossed from a ladle, washing clean the earth scorched dry by the sun. Lin Qiushi stood by the window, watching as passersby scampered home along the sidewalks until only streetlamps were left on the empty streets, with only the occasional car passing by.

Chestnut fell asleep sprawled out on the couch. The atmosphere grew quiet. Some senseless program played on TV as a queer sort of silence began to crawl out inside the house.

Lin Qiushi smelled petrichor. He used to be quite a fan of this smell, until he encountered a particular door. After that, this tainted scent of rainwater became something a lot more unpleasant.

The hour hand turned bit by bit, and twelve o'clock was nearly here.

Lin Qiushi sat in the living room, as if a spirit waiting for the death god's verdict. The switch from day to night came, and the clock hanging on the wall finally began to ring: ding dong, ding dong, ding dong…Twelve chimes heralded in another world.

The moment it became twelve, someone was immediately knocking at his door once more. Backpack on, Lin Qiushi came to the door, and through the peephole saw a woman standing on the other side, smiling at him.

He remembered the woman's name. It was the NPC hidden among the crowd in the Sister's Drum door, Xu Jin.

"Hurry up and come out already," Xu Jin told Lin Qiushi. "Come out already, my sister's coming to find you."

Lin Qiushi didn't open the door. He heard a soft noise from the window, however, and when Lin Qiushi turned, he saw a figure pressed against the glass.

It was a person with all her skin stripped off, her body a mess of blood and flesh from head to toe. The bloody face pressed against Lin Qiushi's glass and her mouth split open, showing Lin Qiushi her stark white teeth. It looked like she was trying to open up the locked window, and judging from her motions, she seemed close to succeeding.

Opening the door looked to be the only option right now. Gritting his teeth, Lin Qiushi twisted open the door handle and faced Xu Jin, standing on the outside.

Xu Jin clearly knew what Lin Qiushi was worried about, and began to chuckle.

"How could I bear to hurt you?" A pause, as her gaze lingered on Lin Qiushi's backpack. "My diary is still in your hands. Did you give it a good read yet?"

Lin Qiushi, "…" Why did he feel like he was being teased?

But there wasn't time for him to worry about that, because Xu Jin's sister was about to come in though the window. Xu Jin grabbed Lin Qiushi by the arm and ran. The two made their way down the hall and came to the elevator.

"Go on inside, but watch out," Xu Jin said. "There are other things that want you dead."

Lin Qiushi asked, "what about you?" He recalled that Xu Jin didn't have a very good relationship with her sister.

"Me?" Xu Jin’s eyes curved up in a sudden smile. "How do you know that I don't want you dead?"

As soon as she said this, the skin on her body began to fall off patch by patch. The startled Lin Qiushi rushed into the elevator and pressed a number.

Xu Jin was chuckling again, and though her laugh was bright like silver bells, her terrifying appearance struck a sharp contrast.

Even though she now looked scarier, she didn't seem keen on pursuing Lin Qiushi.

The elevator started. In theory, Lin Qiushi ought to be safe, but that weird sense of danger once again assaulted the top of his head.

Lin Qiushi looked all around him, and when he spotted a certain something hanging in the elevator, goosebumps appeared all over his body. He'd spotted behind him, on what should have been an empty elevator wall, a huge black picture frame. There was nothing inside the frame, but the frame was pointed at exactly where he was standing.

Lin Qiushi reacted swiftly, hitting the button for the floor closest to him. At the exact same time, black water stains began appearing on the white paper inside that frame. First there was only one drop. Then it began spreading on the canvas paper.

He watched as the shape of that stain began to look more and more like a woman. It dispersed across the canvas and, in a short amount of time, managed to coat the entire large canvas.

Luckily it was then that the elevator reached the nearest floor. Lin Qiushi immediately took off, and the moment he cleared the elevator, a pair of pale white hands burst out of that canvas paper, searching around like it was looking for something to grab hold of.

Lin Qiushi was currently on the sixth floor. The moment he was out of the elevator he turned for the emergency exit right next door, bounding quickly down the stairs.

It was dim in the stairwell, with just enough light to see the path beneath his feet. Lin Qiushi ran down two stories before feeling something was off. He took a closer look, and discovered that he'd been turning round and round on floor six.

The stairs seemed to have become a mobius strip—up, down, backward, forward, it all came back to the sixth floor.

Lin Qiushi's feet screeched to a halt. He took in his surroundings, and noticed, on the white stairwell ceilings, little black spots of water appearing. That chilling stench of rain too was spreading through the air.

The thing had found him. Lin Qiushi made an executive decision and left the stairwell, stepping out onto the hallway. But back in the hall, Lin Qiushi discovered that the corridor had underwent a terrifying change: black frames hung on both sides, and inside each frame was a human head with its expression all twisted up. As for the ceramic tile floor, there was now a new carpet, thick and black—the pattern on it looked the same as in a door they'd encountered before.

Lin Qiushi looked up and saw, on the other other end of the hallway, another painting hanging. That painting was a woman in black with a long, sharp hat. Her eyes were half closed, but it felt like she was staring right down the hall and meeting Lin Qiushi's eyes.

Lin Qiushi wanted to leave the hallway, but when he glanced back, he found that the stairwell he had just came from had disappeared. The length of the hallway too seemed to be slowly shortening; Lin Qiushi could sense the painting of the woman getting closer and closer, closer and closer…

At that moment, a drop of water fell onto Lin Qiushi's forehead. Lin Qiushi gave it a wipe, and realized that it was blood. On reflex he looked up—a black hole had appeared above his head without him noticing, and blood was dripping from its edge onto his head. A pair of black eyes glimmered faintly in the dark, and then right after, a pair of pulpy, bloody hands reached out of the hole for Lin Qiushi.

Lin Qiushi's instincts were to back away, but the strange thing was, the hands stopped when they got to him. As if a miracle, he sensed no animosity from this pair of hands.

The hallway was still getting shorter and shorter, as if it were becoming a cage keen on trapping Lin Qiushi inside. With a clench of his teeth, Lin Qiushi reached up and grabbed the fleshy mess of those hands, and then felt a sudden force as he was brought out of that shrinking hallway.

"Aiya, looks like you can't manage without me after all."

The voice belonged to Xu Jin, but from appearance alone, he couldn't tell it was her at all. The skin on her body was completely gone, leaving only scarlet flesh and blood. She was grinning brightly at Lin Qiushi, and the contrast between her smile and appearance was strange, but Lin Qiushi didn't find it scary at all.

"Thank you," Lin Qiushi said to her.

Xu Jin didn't speak. Her gaze instead leaped over Lin Qiushi to look behind him.

Sensing something, Lin Qiushi too twisted around, and spotted on the other end of the darkness a pair of glowing red eyes.

"Meimei, my sister."

The owner of those eyes was also a skinless monster. She didn't have any legs and could only walk on her hands, but that didn't mean she was slow. She glared at Lin Qiushi with vitriol and bared her teeth; like a hyena hunting its prey, the sheer amount of hatred in her eyes was strong enough to materialize.

"Why did you betray me?" she said. "Do you like him that much? Since you like him so much, why don't I keep him here for you?"

Xu Jin tilted her head, and also smiled.

"But Jiejie, even if you did that, I still won't like you."

After that, she told Lin Qiushi to run, and threw herself at her sister. The two monsters clashed and tangled together.

Lin Qiushi got up and sprinted in the direction of the light. By the time he reached its source, he found that he'd already escaped from the apartment building, and was standing in the yard of the residential block.

It was still raining outside. Lin Qiushi pulled an umbrella out of his backpack and slowly pushed it open, stepping out into the curtaining rain.

The rain came down in sluicing torrents, and the streets were completely empty, with only water splashing along the ground. The rain ought to have been noisy; but at a time like this the loudness of the rain only made the world sound more silent in comparison.

"Help me—help me—"

There was a sudden cry for help. A silhouette came stumbling out of the rain, and Lin Qiushi could just make it out: she was a pitiful-looking young woman, staggering through the rain in a long dress. It looked like she was being pursued by something, and when she spotted Lin Qiushi standing not too far away, it was like she'd found an oasis in the middle of a desert—she came running immediately.

"Help, help!! Please, I'm begging you please help me, something wants to kill me…" She fell to the ground, looking up pathetically at Lin Qiushi. "You're also someone going through the doors, right? So am I, this door is so scary—"

Had this been reality, Lin Qiushi would've definitely helped the young woman up by now. But at this stage he wasn't moving, and a light furrow had appeared between his brows. The truth was, he found the person before him a bit familiar—more specifically, everything that appeared at night now was familiar, and he was certain he'd seen this person somewhere before.

"Mister, mister." The woman collapsed in the rain saw Lin Qiushi unmoved, and slowly crawled forward. She wiped at the rainwater on her face and said, shakily, "I know a safe place, and I can bring you there. Do you want to come with me?"

Lin Qiushi said, "do I know you?"

The woman said, "we met once in the door, and you even helped me out." Her lashes lightly trembled, looking vulnerable as anything. "But I didn't deserve that mercy, I still didn't make it."

"We met inside a door?" Lin Qiushi now found the shape of her eyes familiar. "Which door?"

The woman approached Lin Qiushi, saying, "you know, that one."

As Lin Qiushi watched her, he suddenly spoke: "There's something behind you."

The woman halted.

"A giant picture frame," Lin Qiushi said. "She's here."

The woman wheeled around in fright, but when she didn't see anything behind her, she suddenly realized that Lin Qiushi had recognized her. What had been a pitiful expression immediately went cold.

"It's been a while," Lin Qiushi said, "Yang Meishu."

The woman chuckled coolly.

"You still recognized me?"

Lin Qiushi shrugged. "I didn't want to, but I can count the people who wanted me dead on one hand. Since you're not a ghost, you must be somebody who hates me…"

He paused, and quickly announced, "she really is here."

But Yang Meishu didn't believe him. She said, "do you really think I'm that dumb? You've fooled me once already, you think you can do it again? I—"

As she spoke, getting more and more agitated, she felt a sudden breeze behind her. Yang Meishu glanced back, and found the woman in black standing right behind her. The woman's white face was impassive, and in her hands was a black picture frame that she swung right at Yang Meishu.

Yang Meishu knew this was likely it for her, and a terrible scream came out of her mouth. Right after she screamed, she became a portrait in the hands of the woman; soaked from head to toe, her expression bore both fright and a lively, vivid resentment.

Lin Qiushi took the opportunity to run further away. The woman didn't seem intent on chasing after him either, only watched him go with an icy gaze.

The rain came down in torrents, and Lin Qiushi was completely soaked. In such a strong rain, the umbrella was practically useless. As he ran, he fished out his cell phone and sent Ruan Nanzhu a text.

How are things on your end? After some thought, Lin Qiushi added: I'm fine over here, don't worry about me.

After the text was sent, he didn't get a reply for the longest time. It wasn't until Lin Qiushi found a place to hide from the rain that the message notification dinged, displaying four simple words: I'm good, don't worry.

Seeing the message, Lin Qiushi huffed a bitter laugh. Because how could he not know? Had Ruan Nanzhu truly been alright, the text would not have been so short. Ruan Nanzhu had trained his way through so many doors, so god only knew how many malicious NPCs and dead people from the inside he would meet at night. From what Lin Qiushi understood of him, if he had everything under control, he would've definitely sent a message first asking about Lin Qiushi's situation. Now, even his text message was so short. The situation on his end could not be good.

He wanted so badly just to be by his side—Lin Qiushi clenched his phone and thought bitterly. Whatever he had to experience would be fine, as long as he could be by Ruan Nanzhu's side.

[Ch. 131] | [Ch. 133]

#kaleidoscope of death #xi zixu #cnovel #chinese translation #死亡萬花筒

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