#how dare they leave us on a cliffhanger | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

xiakiyama · 1 year ago

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OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ARF ARF ARFA RF IM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO INVESTED OMFG AND HYUNJAE IS EXACTLY MY TYPE??????????????????????????

✮ play the game (i.)✮

TW: unedited, fluff, some angst, no smut but some smutty-type descriptions ?, CLIFFHANGER (i apologize), italicized words in this chapter indicate a flashback, the image in the center is not meant to depict reader's body type, or any physical appearance, it is simply for visual purposes!!

SUMMARY: while preparing for your upcoming wedding, trouble begins to brew. from your engagement being leaked to a mysterious letter, and an ex who has come out of the woodwork, determined to reclaim you—bada must navigate through it all—fall into your ex’s clutches, lean into the fire that is her conviction, and play the game.

WC: 9.7k

A/N: find more information about this au on my masterlist! here it is!! well, part of it. this is part 1 of 2 parts, the second of which i’ll hopefully be releasing soon. hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter, despite it leaving you on quite the cliffhanger :)

DISCLAIMER: all characteristics portrayed are purely speculation and fiction, they are not meant to reflect bada or team bebe’s actual character, values, or attitudes, and any reference to real-life establishments is completely fictional. please keep this in mind!!

Warmth is the first sensation you experience every morning. It’s a perpetual state of comfort—endless strings of sunlight and heat beating down on your chilly body. The pocket of warmth next to you presses closer to you, spreading the heat until every expanse of your skin is caressed by it.

This is what heaven feels like.

A feather-like touch against your neck makes you stir from your sleep, the small puffs of air you were releasing picking up their pace.

“Good morning.” Bada’s voice rumbles, a small rasp weighing down her tone. She drags her nose up and down your throat, making you let out a small, instinctive giggle. “Oh, that’s a nice sound.” She smiles against your skin, now placing small kisses on your throat.

“That tickles.” You mumble, blearily reaching out to wrap your arms around your fiancée’s neck.

“That’s the point, honey.” Bada laughs, placing one last kiss on your skin before pulling away. She stares at you with stars in her eyes and a wide smile, taking in your sleepy disposition–the way you flutter your eyes, trying to rid yourself of the lingering curse of sleep, the way you stretch your arms out ever so slightly, flexing them after their hours of infrequent use–you’re stunning.

“Bada.” You say, tilting your head to the side with a small smile. “Are you there?”

“Sorry, I was just admiring how beautiful you are.” Your finacée admits boldly.

Your smile turns shy as you look away from her, shaking your head. “You’re the beautiful one here.” Bada is beautiful. Painfully so.

Although she still hasn’t gotten up from bed, her long, straight hair is somehow knot-free, and cascades down her shoulders like a steady stream of crystal water falling from a fountain. Her pink lips are plump like they always are, stretched into a wide and fond smile. Her eyes sparkle under the dim lighting of your shared bedroom, pools dark brown alit with a passionate love you’ve never encountered before you’d met her.

And her body…it’s truly unfair.

Your finacée decided to wear a wife pleaser–as she so eloquently stated, “It’s not a wife beater when I wear it, it’s a wife pleaser”–the white clothing hugs her frame deliciously, outlining the sharp lines of her lean abs and showing her lack of bra, her nipples perking against the fabric. Not to mention the lack of sleeves allows you to ogle her arm muscles, the valleys of muscle fibers straining as she hovers above you. And below the ridden-up cloth of her wife pleaser is a pair of black boxers peeks over her matching black sweatpants, the strings untied, of course. They dangle between her legs tantalizing, almost putting you in a trance.

“I appreciate the compliment, although I’m going to have to agree to disagree with you,” Bada says cheekily.

“I can never win against you, can I?” You joke, twisting one of Bada’s locks between your fingers.

“In every other facet, you will always win against me.” Bada laughs. “But when it comes to this one, I’m going to remain firm.”

“Well, who says I’m going to give up?” You rise from bed, pecking your finacée’s lips sweetly.

“Oh, I know you won’t.” Bad pecks you back, placing her hands on your hips. “That is one of the many things I love about you.” Your finacée pauses, a thoughtful look crossing her expression before she shifts her attention onto you again. “I love you.” She says, leaning forward to place a kiss on your lips.

This had become a sort of ritual for you and Bada. Ever since she’d accepted and admitted her love for you, she made a promise to herself to always remind you just how much she meant those three words she’d uttered that cold night. A kiss and an “I love you” became mandatory in the morning–non-negotiable on your fiancée’s end.

“I love you too.” You respond with a sweet smile. “By the way, what time is it?”

Bada glances at her bedside table, locking eyes with a digital clock. “About eight-thirty.”

“We should get up then.” You move towards the edge of the bed and sling your legs off the side of it but you’re stopped by strong arms wrapping around your sides.

“It’s still early.” Bada mumbles, pressing her chest against your back and placing her head in the crook of your neck. “Stay in bed with me.” She slides her hands down your front, slipping them past the waistband of your pajama pants, cupping the heat between your legs.

You close your eyes and take a deep breath, summoning all your willpower not fall victim to your finacée. “You’re being unfair.” You huff, feeling her fingers rub circles against your panties.

“Am I?” Bada smirks, dragging her fingers up and down slowly–

“Alright, that’s enough.” You stand up, breaking away from your fiancée’s hold. She tumbles back dramatically, plopping onto your shared bed with a sigh.

“I can’t believe it. My bride-to-be doesn’t love me.” Bada says, wearing a fake hurt expression.

You roll your eyes playfully at your finacée, moving to brush away some strands of hair that’d fallen onto her face. “I’m making you get up because I love you. If I don’t get you to eat breakfast at a reasonable time, you’ll head straight to your office and pick at your food.”

"You know me too well," Bada sighs, casting one final contemplative glance toward the ceiling before gracefully rising from the bed.

"I do." you reply playfully. "Now, get ready. I'll be awaiting you in the dining room." Moving to your fiancée's side, you lean in, bestowing a tender kiss upon her lips. She responds with a smile, attempting to prolong the embrace until you gently withdraw. She pouts, seizing hold of your arm and lingering until you grant her another kiss before she lets you go.

"I love you," she calls out as you make your way towards the door.

"I love you too," you respond with a smile, departing the bedroom. Stepping outside, you turn to your left.

"Good morning," Hyo greets you with a brief nod.

"Good morning, Hyo," you acknowledge, walking down the hallway toward the kitchen, your vigilant bodyguard trailing behind.

Upon reaching the kitchen, you warmly greet the staff before assisting them in plating breakfast. The sumptuous meals are carefully arranged on the resplendent dining room table. The Bebe girls are already seated, engaged in lively conversation.

"Good morning, unnie!" Soweon greets you with a sweet smile.

"Good morning, Soweon," you reply, placing her breakfast before her and mumbling a gracious "you're welcome" in response to her cheerful thank you.

Similar fond good mornings follow from the rest of the girls as your fiancée enters the dining hall, still clad in her wife beater, now accentuated with a sports bra. Unconcerned, she hasn't bothered to secure her sweatpants—a playful tease.

"Morning, Boss," the girls collectively greet Bada, bowing their heads slightly in acknowledgment.

"Good morning," Bada declares, taking her seat at the head of the table, with your designated spot adjacent to hers. Placing her breakfast before her, you settle into your seat. "Anything to report?" your fiancée queries, nodding at Lusher.

"Nothing significant, just some... mail," Lusher stands, presenting a stack of mail before Bada.

Absentmindedly sifting through a few, Bada's attention is drawn when Lusher hands her a separate piece, already opened. With a puzzled glance, Bada takes the letter, and as she reads, her expression gradually hardens. Her eyes, cold and unwavering, fixate on the paper stained with inky black words.

Lifting your gaze from your breakfast, confusion courses through you. Before you can inquire about the contents of the letter, Lusher interjects.

"Ah, I forgot to mention that the article released a few days ago continues to gain more and more traction." She places her phone before you, displaying a familiar article on the screen.

The title reads, "Famed Chaebol Bachelorette Lee Bada Caught Sharing Intimate Moment with CEO of Asan Medical Center’s Daughter."

Bada scowls as she glances over your shoulder at the article. "Filthy reporters."

Over the past two days, an overwhelming surge of media attention has descended upon you. It all stemmed from a delightful date night with Bada that turned sour when you awoke to your phone inundated with notifications. The article delved into your family's "official" business, the largest and most prestigious chain of hospitals in South Korea. The reporter had been relatively generous in their depiction of you, highlighting your high rank in the esteemed private high school you attended. However, they pointed out your lack of a complete college education, concluding the article by questioning your worthiness of the seemingly untouchable and most desired woman in South Korea—Lee Bada.

For better or worse, that sentence remained etched into your mind, a brand seared into your brain matter. Bada had been quick to reject the article’s implications. “They speak of you like you are only your material achievements. You are more than just that–you are intelligent and beautiful woman–the only woman that I would ever desire to have by my side.” She’d stared at the words with sharp and distainful ireses, as if they were her greatest enemy. “They do realize that you have more college education than I do, right? Their idiocy never ceases to astound me.”

Nevertheless, the digital words spread across numerous news websites and social media platforms, catapulting you into overnight stardom.

Initially, the attention was positive. Curious netizens found your Instagram account, showering your posts with likes and leaving comments like, "She's pretty, I understand why Bada chose her," and "Her family is influential; they'd be a strong couple if they got married."

Yet, like an inevitable rain on a sunny day, the negative comments followed. They read, “This type of lifestyle will lead you down a path of gluttony. Find the Lord to escape your sins,” another said, “You’re kidding me? After all these years of rejecting countless marriage proposals, Bada finally decides to marry another snooty rich girl?” With so much negative and positive attention on you, it was natural you started to get overwhelmed. Still, you kept your Instagram public, refusing to yield under the harsh comments and criticism you were receiving, instead holding your head high. You are Bada Lee's fiancée, and no matter how much they wished to be in your shoes, they never would be.

"How are you holding up?" Bada's voice interrupts your thoughts. Her cold hand rests against the meat of your thigh, offering a comforting squeeze. "We're working on getting the article buried—"

"Don't," you interject. Bada looks at you with surprise, prompting you to continue. "I won't cower under their attention. I'm proud to be your fiancée, and I don't want to hide it anymore."

Time seems to stop for Bada. Your posture is confident and self-assured, your eyes free of fear, whispering a challenge. They say, "Look at me. Pick me apart if you must. I'm ready."

"Is it possible to fall in love twice with the same woman?" Bada wonders. Well, it must be possible because she just did. The way you boldly stand against criticism, claiming the title of her fiancée, makes her heart burst with emotion. How could she have ever thought she could hide her feelings for you? It's simply not possible. She will always fail. She will always succumb to you.

"I'm in love with you," Bada declares, she squeezes your thigh again, then places her other hand against your cheek, leaning in for a passionate kiss.

Surprised, you reciprocate the gesture without a moment's hesitation. Cheche and Kyma boo playfully, while Lusher, Tatter, Minah, and Hyo share expressions of contentment. Soweon, witnessing the tender exchange, releases a wistful sigh, harboring hopes of one day experiencing a love akin to yours and Bada's.

As you withdraw from your spouse, a shy smile graces your lips. "Not to interrupt your sweet moment, but your cousin should be arriving soon," Hyo interjects, concluding her breakfast and handing the empty plate to the staff.

"Oh!" You exclaim, offering your bodyguard a grateful look. "I almost forgot—"

"Your cousin, Miyuki, correct?" Bada suddenly inquires.

"Yes," you affirm. "She's visiting from Japan and will be staying here until after our wedding."

"Are you two close?" Bada wonders.

"We used to be," you admit. "My aunt wanted Miyuki to learn more about her side of the family, so she left for Japan when we were teenagers."

"You must be excited to see her, then," Bada observes, a warm smile gracing her features.

"I am," you respond, returning the smile. "But I should start preparing for her arrival." Standing from your seat, you hold your plate in one hand and place a kiss on your fiancée's cheek. "I'll see you all in a bit," you bid farewell to the girls still immersed in their breakfast.

"See you later, unnie!" Soweon calls out as you and Hyo exit the dining room.

Bada maintains a smile as she watches your figure in the distance. However, the moment you are out of sight down the hallway, her expression instantly transforms, the warmth replaced by a chilly demeanor. Retrieving the note from her sweatpants pocket, she tosses it onto the dining room table, prompting the girls to freeze and look up at her. Lusher, with a discerning expression, forms her lips into a thin line.

"Find out who wrote this letter," Bada commands.

The girls promptly rise, nodding in agreement and offering a slight bow. Lusher takes the letter and hands it to Minah. "We'll locate them."

"Now," Bada emphasizes.

Without another moment of hesitation, the girls exit the dining hall, a letter in their clutches.

"Miyuki!" you eagerly greet her at the doorstep of the Lee mansion.

"Hello," Miyuki stands on the cobblestone driveway of your home, her long, silky black hair cascading down her shoulders. She appears different from what you remember—Young Miyuki exuded a cheery, youthful glow at all hours. Soft pink cheeks and wide brown eyes defined her. The Miyuki before you now is almost ghostly pale, with dark clothing accentuating the lack of color in her cheeks and skin.

Miyuki nods, approaching you with a small smile. "It's been a while, hasn't it, cousin?"

"Only ten years," you joke, throwing your arms around her in a hug.

Surprised by your affections, Miyuki glances down at you awkwardly but nevertheless reciprocates your hug. "It's nice to see you again."

"It's nice to see you again as well," you say cheerily. "Come in; we have so much to talk about." You gently guide your cousin inside the Lee mansion, with Hyo holding the door open for both of you. "I hope you didn't have trouble entering through the gates, by the way."

"Checking my belongings and patting me down was a bit excessive, don't you think?" Miyuki comments, her eyes surveying the interior of your home—the gold embellishments, the sweeping spiral staircase, and the diamond-teardrop chandelier.

"I'm sorry, but it's a necessary precaution—safety reasons, I'm sure you understand—"

"But we are family, aren't we?" Miyuki pushes, stopping just shy of the door.

You give your cousin an awkward smile. "She's much different than what I remember," you think. "My fiancée, Bada, takes the security of our home very seriously."

"Where is she, by the way? Lee Bada, I mean," Miyuki asks. There's a concealed emotion in her eyes that you barely miss as you instinctively turn to look at the winding staircase leading to the second floor. "I'd like to meet my soon-to-be cousin-in-law."

"She's working right now but might take a break soon." You take a step forward, motioning in the direction of a split hallway. "I can show you around the garden while we wait."

Miyuki nods, trailing after you while Hyo maintains a discreet distance. However, Hyo's presence seems to pique Miyuki's interest—or annoyance—prompting her to turn to you with a raised eyebrow. "Why is she following us?"

"Oh, this is my bodyguard, Kim Hyo." You stop to point at Hyo, who awkwardly waves at Miyuki. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce her. I've just become so used to her presence—"

"It's alright," Miyuki interrupts. "Will she be trailing after us the entire time?"

"Yes," you answer, walking through the hallway with a quickening pace. Thankfully, Miyuki doesn't say anything else, choosing instead to stay quiet and follow you. Reaching the door to the garden, Hyo is quick to step up and open it, allowing you and your cousin to walk through. You thank her, while Miyuki says nothing.

Stepping into the garden, tall green hedges reach toward the bright blue sky, creating a path through the cobblestone laid in front of you like a tunnel. Walking forward, the hedges start to part, revealing a large white porcelain fountain—three tiers high. Crystal-clear water falls from the porcelain, dripping down in a steady stream, the soothing sound music to your ears. Near the hedges are patches of flowers on each corner of the pathway.

You step aside, motioning to the stone bench adjacent to the fountain. Miyuki quickly sits down while Hyo stands with her back to the leafy hedges.

"So, I'm assuming you've received the invitation to my wedding?" you inquire.

She hums, "It's in December, right?"

"Yes, has my aunt and uncle said anything to you about coming?" you ask.

"No, my mother hasn't," Miyuki shakes her head. "She's been very busy lately, but I'm sure she'll carve out some time to come, even if it is just the day before the wedding."

You turn to face the fountain, watching droplets splash into the water basin, becoming one with the large pool of water. "And my uncle?"

Miyuki remains quiet for a second, gazing at the water fountain as well. "Up to his usual business. Drinking and gambling our money away."

A deep-seated sadness blooms in the pit of your stomach as you shift your posture toward your cousin. "Miyuki..." you place your hand over hers, which are clutched tight in her lap. "I'm so sorry."

Your cousin doesn't spare you a glance, only eyes the garden in front of her, thoughts racing around her mind like a relentless storm, which only leaves wreckage and heartache in its wake. "It's fine," she says, but there's a noticeable shakiness in her voice. "My father has always been this way. There's nothing your sorry can do to fix it."

You close your eyes and sigh. "Still, I want you to know that I've always sympathized with your situation. Your father may be my blood, but I can never see past the things he's done to you and my aunt."

Miyuki looks to her right, briefly catching sight of Hyo who is standing a few feet away from you both. She suddenly removes her hands from her lap, instead moving them toward her hipbone, prompting you to stare at your cousin with a hurt expression. "So, what is the date of your wedding? I noticed the invitations had no date other than it being in December."

You clear your throat, recovering from her actions and take your hand out of her lap, instead placing it on yours. "The date will not be released until two weeks before the wedding."

Miyuki finally turns to look at you, now wearing a bewildered and confused expression. "You're not going to tell your guests the wedding date?"

"I know it sounds a bit ridiculous—"

"A bit?" Miyuki snorts.

"—But this is a necessary precaution. Bada proposed that no one should know until the day comes nearer, just in case someone decided to leak the information to the public—"

"What would that matter? I'm sure with Lee Bada's money, she could surely pay for some extra protection."

"It's not as simple as that." You start to argue back, frustration building in your gut. "I'm sure you understand that Bada's line of work is very dangerous, and she's made many enemies along the way—"

"It sounds to me like—"

"Sorry to barge in mid-conversation." You and Miyuki turn to look at the new voice that cut her off, both of you surprised to find Bada standing near the path to the garden, her black suit a stark contrast to the bright florals surrounding her.

"Bada!" You stand up, a wide smile naturally finding your lips. Mentally, you thank your fiancée for having divine timing and entering the conversation right when you were starting to feel a bit fed up with your cousin.

"Hello," Bada walks to your side without a second thought, her height almost matching the hedges surrounding the garden as she leans in to press a sweet peck on your lips.

"You're taking your break already? I must have not been paying attention to the time—" You ramble.

"It's four in the afternoon." Bada looks at you with a fond smile, taking your right hand into hers before running her thumb across the ridges of your fingers. "I looked around for you until I remembered that you said you'd be in the garden."

Miyuki watches you and Bada interact silently for a moment before she clears her throat. This grabs your and your fiancée's attention, your mood slightly souring as you face your cousin again.

"Right, I should formally introduce you both. This is my cousin—" You begin, but a voice interjects.

"An Miyuki." She takes a step forward, offering her hand as she stares at Bada through her lashes.

You close your mouth, choosing to say nothing.

Bada stares at Miyuki for a second, the smile she'd once worn settling into a thin-lipped, neutral expression. She takes your cousin's hand in a friendly handshake. "Lee Bada."

Miyuki shakes your fiancée's hand for a minute, and Bada begins to pull away, she holds on for a second longer, the action just barely going unnoticed by you.

Hyo, who'd been silently watching from the hedges, catches the movement with her sharp gaze. She cocks an eyebrow up.

Bada quickly retracts her hand, placing it behind her back before she turns to look at you, discarding your cousin's presence for a moment. The edges of her vision blur away; all she can see is you and your unreadable expression. "Before I interrupted, you were speaking about the wedding, weren't you?"

You clear your throat and wear a shaky smile. "Yes, we were."

"Will you and Mr. and Mrs. An attending, then?" Bada faces your cousin. A cool breeze passes by, making you press yourself into your fiancée’s chest. Ever attentive, she quickly rubs her hand up and down your arm, trying to relieve the chill ghosting against your skin.

Miyuki purses her lips, as if she’s in thought. “It would be nice to know the date of the wedding so we can plan accordingly.”

“That will not be possible,” Bada replies without missing a beat. “I apologize, but the exact wedding date will be withheld from all public and private knowledge. At least, until the wedding approaches. And I am more than willing to pay for a private flight so that your parents can attend.”

A hidden emotion flashes in Miyuki’s eyes before she releases a small sigh. “I would understand withholding the date from friends or acquaintances, but I am family–”

“And while both I and my fiancée wish to see you at the wedding, we will not be releasing the date.” Bada sees you shift in the corner of her eye, your pupils practically sparkling under the sun at her words. “Please understand.”

Miyuki remains silent for a moment before huffing an amused laugh. “You are exactly who I thought you would be, Lee Bada.” She takes a step toward you both, a smile on her lips. “I will speak to my mother and father about visiting during December.”

Bada bows her head politely, “Thank you.”

Miyuki says nothing, then glances at the entrance to the garden. “I should get going.”

“Oh, but you just got here.” You frown only with half-sincerity.

“I arrived in Korea just yesterday, I’m still quite jet-lagged,” Miyuki responds. “I hope to see you again soon, cousin.”

“Let me show you out–” you begin, but she cuts you off.

“It’s alright, I’m sure you want to spend time with your spouse.” Your cousin motions to Bada, who remains quiet, her inner thoughts concealed behind a layer of ice.

You open your mouth to say something, but Miyuki is already turning on her heels and heading in the direction of the entrance of the garden. You frown, your eyebrows furrowing as you take a step forward. “Mi–” You’re about to call out her name, but Bada holds onto your arm gently, stopping you from advancing toward her. You look back at your fiancée, confusion written all over your visage.

She shakes her head, then nods at Hyo. Your bodyguard glances at you hesitantly before she steps away from the garden hedges and trails after your cousin, making sure she finds her way out of the labyrinth that is the Lee mansion.

“She is…strange.” Bada suddenly pipes up, her words clipped as she zeros in on the end of the garden path and the doorway to the inside of the mansion.

You purse your lips, a melancholy feeling building in your throat and the pit of your stomach. “She was much different when we were children…”

“Every year added onto our lives tests our character,” Bada mutters, the words leaving her lips like whispers of archaic knowledge. Then, she glances down at you, noticing the storm of emotions behind your eyes. “Hey,” she places her hands on either side of your face, wearing a small, comforting smile. “why don’t we spend the rest of the day together?”

Like the flip of a switch, your expression immediately brightens, a large smile growing on your lips and your eyes widening. “Really? Don’t you have work to do?”

“I can get it done tomorrow.” Bada rubs her thumb against your cheek, mirroring your wide smile. “I’d much rather spend time with you.”

You press your cheek further into the palm of Bada’s hand, enjoying the small chill coming from her skin. Although the rest of your fiancée is warm and comforting, you’ve noticed that her hands run cold–or more accurately, her fingers carry a slight frost. Especially now that the seasons are changing, morphing from the bright life of summer to the path of rebirth that is autumn; shades of dusty brown, muted yellow, and fiery orange.

Before she touches you Bada always rubs her hands together and blows warm air into the palms of her hands, accumulating a small heat to run up and down your skin. Every few minutes she takes her hand back and blows more warm air into it until the frost blooms ebbs away into a comfortable temperature. But right now, standing in the brisk breeze of the garden, Bada’s natural chill comforts you.

“I would love to spend the day with you.” You whisper back, the subtle warmth in your cheeks contrasting your faincée’s frost. “What do you think about us going to a cafe?”

“A cafe?” Bada cocks her head to the side, a surprised look overtaking her features. “Is there any particular reason you want to go?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking about it recently…” you trail off for a moment, wearing a bashful smile. “we’ve been going to a lot of high-end restaurants and venues for dates–” you hurridly meet Bada’s eyes, quickly adding, “not that I don’t like them, by the way, I appreciate the effort you put into making reservations and taking me there, I’ve loved all our dates.” Carefully analyzing your fiancée’s expression, she shows no sign of taking offense, and is in fact smiling softly back at you, nodding. You take that as a sign to continue, “But maybe we could go to a cozy, small cafe instead of somewhere fancy?”

Bada wears a thoughtful look for a second, her eyes looking upward toward the blue sky before she speaks. “That sounds wonderful, honey. And I think know the perfect cafe.” She takes a small glance behind you, seeing Hyo finally walk back into the garden. “Get Lusher, and pull the car up.” She tells your bodyguard, making her pause mid-step, mutter a “yes boss,” and turn around to walk back into the Lee mansion and head towards Lusher’s bedroom.

“Oh, this is perfect timing!” You pipe up, your eyes lighting up in realization. “The wedding planner and I came up with some ideas that I wanted to run by you.”

Bada takes your hand, weaving her through yours before she slowly starts to guide you out of the garden, through the Lee mansion, and to the steps leading to the driveway. “Tell me all about it over coffee, baby.”

“The name of the cafe is Cafe Layered. It’s small but cozy, and I’ve heard that the pastries they make are made fresh every morning.” Bada shifts in her seat so she can face you better, the world outside blurring as the Porsche you’re in rolls through the streets.

“Oh, I think Jae has mentioned that cafe before.” You nod. “She spoke very highly of the desserts.”

“Then I’m sure we can expect equally as good drinks.” Bada smiles.

Silence overtakes the warm air permeating in the car. The atmosphere is sweet and comfortable–no words having to be uttered as the low hum of the Porsche’s engine buzzes in the back of your ears and mind. In that moment, you feel nothing but peace and elation. To be with your lover, spending the day with her rather than wandering the Lee mansion like a ghost, is the truest form of harmony you’ve ever experienced.

Until the car eases to a stop. A parking spot is conveniently open up right in front of Cafe Layered's entrance, which provides Hyo with a convenient space to park the Porsche. She does so with a smooth movement of her hands, pushing the clutch into the park feature. The rumbling in the background instantly fades away, and with it does your peace.

Bada quickly exits the car, swiftly circling it to open your door. However, just before she does, a subtle tension grips her, a fleeting sense of unease. Standing upright, she turns her attention to Cafe Layered's entrance. Peering through the window, she observes patrons indulging in mountains of delectable pastries, steam rising from the fresh bread. Everything appears ordinary, and yet...

"Boss?" Hyo stands on the opposite side of your car door, glancing inside to find you wearing a perplexed expression as you gaze at your frozen fiancée.

"Bada, why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" Lusher emerges from the car, scanning the street vigilantly, but there's no one in sight, the surroundings almost desolate except for the cafe patrons.

"Keep an eye out," Bada commands tersely, suspicion etched across her face. She places her hand on your door's handle, hesitating for a moment, then opens it, extending her hand to assist you in exiting the low-slung car.

Suddenly, chaos erupts.

Reporters and paparazzi emerge from behind parked cars and nearby corners, wielding their bulky cameras aimed squarely at you and Bada. A barrage of flashing lights ensues, the incessant clicks ringing in your ears. The paparazzi advance, nearly brushing against you before Hyo intervenes, scowling as she orders them to retreat. "Back up!"

Taking a more aggressive stance, Lusher extends her arms and pushes against the midsections of the reporters, berating one who refuses to step back. "What's your problem? Did you leave the house like that on purpose, or are you sleepwalking?" She scrutinizes the paparazzo's attire, prompting him to blush before fleeing down the street, presumably in search of his car.

While the girls try to hold back the paparazzi, Bada positions herself in front of you, shielding you from the cameras and the blinding flashes. She wears a look of pure anger and frustration as she glares into the void before her. "How did they know we would be here?" she snaps, but upon glancing down at you, her demeanor softens. "Are you all right?" She cups your face, forehead pressed against yours as she searches your eyes. "We can leave if—"

"No," you assert, your expression hardening with resolve. "I said I wouldn't be a coward, and I will not."

Bada scrutinizes your countenance, searching for any trace of hesitation or fear, finding only fierce determination in your eyes. She gives you one last, gentle look before pulling away, interlocking her fingers with yours. Bada takes the lead, stepping forward to face the onslaught while you follow a bit behind.

Initially, everything goes smoothly. Hyo and Lusher create a path through the crowd, allowing you and Bada to progress. However, as soon as you step through, the paparazzi swarm like vultures.

A reporter shoves a microphone in your face. "Can you tell us anything about how you and Ms. Lee fell in love?" Startled, you step back, narrowly avoiding the microphone. Bada steps in, forcefully pushing the reporter away. "Don't touch her," she warns, tightening her grip on your hand as she guides you, attempting to keep you close.

Despite the effort, the crowd surges forward, pushing into your side. "Back up!" Hyo shouts, attempting to maintain order.

Bada, evidently fed up, shoulders her way through the crowd, confidently striding forward. "Go straight inside the cafe and don't come out until they leave, okay?" she instructs, looking back over her shoulder at you, her words barely audible over the clamor.

You nod, signaling Bada to continue forging a path until the entrance to Cafe Layered is within reach. She opens the door, positioning herself behind you to block any potential shoves or pushes.

Entering the cafe, you hear the bell chime, announcing your arrival. Curious glances from customers meet your eyes, but they quickly avert their gaze, murmuring among themselves. Taking deep breaths, you attempt to steady your racing heart and nerves. While you expected some media attention, the chaos far surpassed your anticipation.

Allowing yourself a moment's respite, you take a step forward, spotting a vacant table with two chairs across the cafe. Outside, Hyo and Lusher continue their struggle against the paparazzi as Bada engages with the reporters.

"Ms. Lee, do you have a comment for us about your engagement—?"

"Yes, I do," Bada interrupts, her tone frosty with anger. "All I will say is this: leave my fiancée alone. Show her some respect, and stop harassing her or prying into her private life."

Inside the cafe, you manage to take a few steps toward an open table before someone bumps into you from behind. Stumbling forward, you barely regain your balance, turning to face the perpetrator.

It’s another paparazzo. He stares at you with a mix of nervousness and excitement as he balances an iced coffee in one hand, and his camera in the other. Intent on capturing a photograph, he lifts his camera, but a swift intervention comes in the form of a hand abruptly blocking the lens, and pushing his equipment onto the floor.

Instinctively stepping back, you gasp as the paparazzo's camera crashes to the floor with a loud thud. The man looks shocked, glancing at who had slapped the camera out of his hand.

A tall figure steps up, their dark brown suit blocking your view of them. "You should be careful of how you handle such expensive equipment," They interject, their voice low and raspy

Frozen in your spot, a chill runs up your spine. "That voice," you think, "I recognize it. But from where..." Hidden deep within your mind, dormant memories from years ago lie in wait, eager to be recalled.

The paparazzo's mouth falls agape in shock as he hurriedly tries to salvage his ruined camera, offering muttered apologies under his breath. "I apologize, Ms.–"

"Apologize to her," the authoritative figure sharply interjects, motioning over her shoulder at you.

You gaze at the back of their head in astonishment, the inflection of their voice so familiar yet just barely out of reach in your memory–

Then, the tall figure pivots to face you.

A scalding sensation courses through your entire body, as if touched by a burning flame. Finally, memories flood your mind–whispered promises, secret touches, and years of unfulfilled yearning. These are the moments that permeated the years of your adolescence, leaving you awake at night, pondering the haunting question, "what if?"

"Hyunjae?" you breathe, your eyes widening, a tempest of conflicting emotions stirring within their depths.

Her lips curve into a smirk – that infamous smirk unseen since that fateful night four years ago. She’s wearing a crisp, dark brown suit with matching dress pants covering her long legs—the white dress shirt under her shirt is unbuttoned, revealing a sliver of her pale skin. Strands of her glossy, long black hair cascade in front of her face as she tilts her head, looking at you from head to toe. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Princess?"

“Wha–” you struggle to form a coherent thought, much less a sentence when suddenly the paparrazo rushes towards the door of the cafe and bolts out of it, bumping into people in his wake.

Back outside, the humiliated man’s haste and inconsiderate actions cause him to bump into a woman who’d been innocently passing by, and trying to get through the crowd of media blocking the street. She stumbles forward, brushing shoulders with Hyo, who quickly turns around, grabbing the woman out of instinct to keep her from falling.

She whips around to stare at Hyo, her eyes wide and her breaths heavy. “Thank you.” She whispers, regaining her balance and standing up straight.

Hyo flounders, staring at the woman in front of her in wonder. Her medium brown hair cascades down her shoulders, he tresses almost reaching her elbow in length. Her skin is soft and pale, her cheeks dotted with hints of a pinky blush–and her lips are the color of a ripe peach, ready and waiting to be plucked from a tree branch.

The woman stares back at Hyo, admiring her silently as well. “I like your sunglasses.” She comments, her eyes sweeping over the dark shades.

“Oh.” Hyo reaches up to touch her sunglasses, a sudden rush of heat rising from her cheeks. “Thank you–” she clears her throat, trying to compose herself. “I like your…your hair—”

“Hyo, stop flirting and help me control these guys!” Lusher screams at your bodyguard, making the heat in Hyo’s cheeks reach the temperature of a burning furnace.

Hyo turns back to the woman, then looks down, realizing she’d been holding onto her the entire time. She quickly lets the woman go, apologizing. “Sorry, I have to—”

“Was that what you were doing?” The woman cuts off Hyo, her lips stretching into a small smile.

“Pardon?” Hyo says, a mix of confusion and anxiety written all over her face.

“Were you trying to flirt with me?” The woman clarifies, a small giggle falling from her lips.

The sound is like a ringing bell, a melody that pulls at Hyo’s heartstrings like a harp. Yet, despite the flurry of butterflies in her stomach, Hyo clears her throat and straightens up. “Were you trying to?”

The woman’s smile brightens, her eyes closing as she lets out a full laugh. “You got me.”

Hyo mirrors her smile, but then out of the corner of her eye sees Lusher struggling to keep a paparazzi from rushing into the cafe to get to you. Her smile instantly fades, and her mind screams at her for losing sight of her first priority. “I have to do crowd control, but please have a good day.” She says, her tone noticeably curt.

The woman seems to deflate at Hyo’s words, but she’s quick to recover. She grabs Hyo’s arm and lightly pulls on it, bringing her closer. “Thank you, you saved me from a nasty fall.” She whispers, looking between your bodyguard’s eyes.

Hyo licks her lips instinctively and nods. “You’re welcome.”

With that, they part, their hearts crying out for the other as the woman walks down the desolate street, and Hyo turns back to the crowd, helping Lusher.

Inside Cafe Layered, you face the ghost of your past.

“What are you doing here, Hyunjae?” You demand, your eyebrows furrowing so deeply a crease forms between them.

“Ouch.” She hisses playfully and touches her chest where her heartbeat is located. “Not gonna call me Hyunie anymore, Princess?”

“You lost the right to that nickname years ago, and you know that.” You snap back, eyes set into a harsh glare.

“Yes, I agree.” Hyunjae admits, her smile turning melancholy. “But I’ve come back to make everything right.”

You stare at Hyunjae incredulously, almost laughing in disbelief. “You think you can just come back after four years, apologize, and then suddenly everything will be okay?”

“I never said I was just going to apologize.” Hyunjae takes a step forward, ghosting her hand over your cheek, every part of her longing to touch you again.

You step back like her phantom touch burned you. “Don’t—”

“I’m sorry.” Hyunjae interrupts you softly, her voice filled with sadness, yearning, and regret. “Everything I said to you back then were nothing but lies.”

“That doesn’t matter now.” You look away from her, your eyes cast onto the floor as whispers of the words she’d said to you all those years ago echo in your mind. Internally, you weep for your younger, naive self. “I have a life, I have a—”

“Oh.” Hyunjae leans in close, and for a split second, you think she’s going to kiss you. But she doesn’t. Instead, she inspects the edge of your shirt, making you look down at it out of instinct. There’s a small blotch of liquid darkening your shirt that you hadn’t noticed. “That pap spilled some of his coffee on you.”

You frown, sighing at the stain but shift your gaze back to Hyunjae, who’s now reaching into her suit jacket pocket. She pulls out a white cloth—a handkerchief—and leans in close again, dabbing the area of the coffee stain on your shirt.

You stare down at Hyunjae in shock, but your shock only doubles when the bell to the cafe chimes, and Bada walks in.

She’s huffing, her expression incredibly sour as her eyes sweep over the cafe in search of you—

And when her eyes meet yours, the world stops. Her dark brown irises snap from your surprised look to the woman hovering over you, touching your shirt with her handkerchief. A fierce emotion flashes in Bada’s eyes as she advances towards the small corner you and Hyunjae are tucked into. “Who are you?” Bada snaps, stepping to your side and in front of Hyunjae.

Hyunjae doesn’t answer, she just smiles and continues cleaning your shirt until the coffee stain dissipates. “There,” she mumbles, standing up.

Now at her full height, she matches Bada’s stature, mildly surprising your finacée. But that doesn’t deter her glare. As Hyunjae folds her dirty handkerchief, Bada catches a cursive letter “P” sewn into the fabric before it’s tucked out of sight.

“Well, I think it’s time for me to go.” Hyunjae completely ignores Bada’s presence, instead staring at you like you’re the only woman on Earth. “I’m glad I got to see you again.”

Before you can say anything, Hyunjae quickly leans in again and wraps her arms around you in a hug.

“I’ve always loved you.” She whispers into your ear, her words inaudible to Bada who watches in surprise and unbridled anger. “Never forget that.” While Hyunjae holds you, tears of grief build in your eyes. You’re far too shell-shocked to move or respond, instead, your eyes move to your fiancée, who upon seeing your tears steps forward and pushes Hyunjae off of you.

“Don’t touch her.” Bada glowers at Hyunjae, making a point of holding you close to her side. “Who are you?” She repeats, but this time her voice is dripping with offense.

Hyunjae only smirks, shoving her hand in her pockets as she steps to the side, now shoulder to shoulder with Bada. “I’m an…” she trails off, her eyes sweeping over you, “old friend.”

Without missing a beat, Hyunjae strides towards the door of Cafe Layered, bumping shoulders with Bada as she passes by you both. Seconds later, the bell chimes, signaling Hyunjae’s exit.

Bada grits her teeth, her tongue poking at the inside of her cheek in irritation and fury. However, before she can stew in her anger any longer, she turns to look at you, grabbing the sides of your face, worry flashing in her eyes. “Did she hurt you? I can’t believe she fucking touched you—” Bada tries to control herself, but her words hold nothing venom. “Who really is she to you?”

You stare into Bada’s eyes, a single tear dripping down both of your cheeks. “That was Park Hyunjae. My ex.”

Bada stills, her eyes doubling in size. An ominous, almost looming fear scratches at the back of her mind—a foreboding feeling. The way Hyunjae had touched you—like the intimate touch of a lost lover—makes a bubbling envy invade your fiancée’s body. Venom, is perhaps what it is, an already mounting hatred for the woman she’d just met. “Your ex?”

“I haven’t seen her in four years, but then a paparazzo got in—” Your breaths become slightly labored as you struggle to form a sentence with your heart hammering in your chest. “I’m sorry—”

“Honey, it’s okay.” Bada places her hands on your shoulders, trying to calm you down. “As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters.”

Before you can respond, the sound of Bada’s ringtone fills the air, making her scowl. She digs into her pocket to grab her personal phone, using her other hand to grab yours and interlock your fingers together. She accepts the call without glancing at the caller ID.

“Hello?” She answers gruffly, her eyebrows furrowed as she stares at the floor.

“Boss!” Minah relieved tone calls out on the other line. “You picked up—”

“Minah, what is it? I’m in the middle of something right now.” Bada glances at you, sending you an apologetic look before she frowns at the crystalline tears dotting the corner of your eyes. She reaches over to carefully thumb them away while Minah starts talking again.

“I found out who wrote the letter.”

At her words, Bada stills, her gaze sharpening and her posture unconsciously straightening. She stands tall, exuding the same intimidating disposition she’d held with Hyunjae. “Tell me.”

“You have to come home.” Minah insists. “There was a problem with the newest shipment of…products.”

“What do you mean there’s a problem?” Bada presses her subordinate.

“Trust me, you’re going to want to see this.”

Bada inhales deeply, trying to calm the raging fire plaguing her mind. “Fine, we’re heading home now.”

You glance at your finacée in confusion, who only shakes her head in response. She takes your interwoven hand and places an apologetic kiss against your knuckles.

“I’ll see you soon, bye.” Bada promptly hangs up the call, then turns to face you. “I’m sorry, we have to go home, there’s been an issue—”

“It’s alright.” You cut in, trying to muster a smile to soothe Bada’s worries. “I don’t think I want to stay for coffee anymore.”

Your finacée wears a disappointed expression, the lines in her forehead creasing as she releases a sigh. “As soon as I’ve dealt with the issue we can discuss the wedding plans.”

You nod, quick to add, “Don’t worry about it, the urgent and more time-consuming parts have been sorted out—there are only a few things left for us to give input on.”

“Alright.” Bada glances at the door, relieved to see that the paparazzi and the reporters have left, leaving Lusher and Hyo standing by the doors, carefully examining each passerby. “We should go.”

Together, you and your fiancée leave Cafe Layered, hoping to leave behind the acrid taste Hyunjae had left on your tongues and minds. Still, even during the silent ride home, she looms over you all like a dark cloud, casting a shadow on the lingering echoes of unspoken words and unresolved tension.

“Boss!” The second Bada steps into the Lee mansion, Minah and the other girls stride toward her, their lips tugged downward into uneasy frowns. “We have a lot to show you.”

Bada eyes the girls, then glances at you, a sigh leaving her lips. “I have to—”

“Go.” You give your fiancée a light push, and an understanding smile. “I can tell it’s important.”

Bada takes one last look at you and pecks your lips before nodding at the girls. Her, Lusher and the other girls take fast strides towards the spiral staircase, their footsteps echoing eerily through the hallway when they reach the second floor, you and Hyo staying behind.

“Debrief me.” Bada demands, her face cold and expressionless as they approach the armory room.

“Well, while I was tracking down who wrote the letter, Kyma and Soweon went to check on the shipment were meant to be delivering to Hanwha Aerospace, but when they opened the crates—” Minah stops in front of the armory room and punches in a code into a keypad, scans her fingerprint as well, which makes the airtight vault’s door pop open. She takes the handle and gestures into the room, looking apprehensive. “You should see for yourself.”

Bada walks into the armory without a second thought, catching sight of an open crate in the middle of the room. She approaches it with a slightly raised brow, leaning her tall frame forward so she can see inside.

The sides of the crate are packed with black cushioning, which prevents the guns from moving around—but the pistols inside are what grabs Bada’s attention. She picks one up, examining the weight of the gun in her hand—playing a little hot potato with it as she shifts the gun back and forth from the air to the palm of her hand.

On one of her toss ups, she suddenly and swiftly grabs the gun, clicking off the safety and pulling the trigger at the wall, her eyes narrowing when she feels resistance.

“The pin.” Bada states, lowering the gun and scrutinizing every inch of it under her heavy gaze. “It was sabotaged.”

“We noticed right away.” Soweon speaks up, her lips set into a deep frown.

“Are all of the guns like this?” Bada flips the gun around a few more times, looking for any further indication of sabotage.

“Yes.” Kyma answers.

“I checked all of them for fingerprints but nothing came up. Whoever did this are professionals—”

As the last word leaves Minah’s mouth, Bada dissembles the gun by sliding out the magazine, when something catches her eye. There, engraved into the metal, is the letter “P”.

Bada’s mind immediately goes back to the cafe, remembering the “P” sewn into Hyunjae’s handkerchief, and your words, “Park Hyunjae. My ex.”

“We still have no idea who did this, but—”

“Don’t waste your time investigating.” Bada cuts in, her voice full of irritation and anger. “I know who did this.”

The girls all glance at each other in confusion before Lusher steps up. “Who is it?”

Bada drops the ruined gun into the crate, then turns around to face the girls. “My fiancée’s ex.”

Finding Park Hyunjae was easier than it should have been. One search of her name in the database, and her address was revealed to Bada and the girls. Clearly, she’d made no attempt to conceal her existence, which meant that they were more than likely walking into a trap.

And yet, with a bold display of confidence, the Bebe girls and Bada stand outside the door of Hyunjae's mansion. The lack of outside security isn’t lost on the girls—yes, this was most certainly a trap.

“The door.” Bada points at the doorknob, and motions for Tatter to step up. While Tatter gets out her lock pick and gets to work, Bada turns to look at a building across the street, seeing Lusher sitting at the top of it with her sniper rifle sweeping through the windows of Hyunjae’s mansion.

Bada holds up a fist and then one finger, which grabs Lusher’s attention. She moves away from the sniper rifle and holds up a fist, a confused look on her face.

“How many?” Cheche asks, noticing Bada’s furrowed eyebrows and deep frown.

Bada looks at her, eyes relaying absolutely no emotion. “Zero.”

The girls still in their spots, all turning to look at their Boss.

“They’re waiting for us.” Kyma clicks her teeth.

“Has that ever stopped us?” Tatter objects, continuing her job on the doorknob.

“No.” The girls call out in unison.

“And this will not be the first time.” Bada nods. “She fucked with our business and my finacée. She needs to pay.”

The girls nod firmly, each of them picking up their guns and standing at attention, ready for the upcoming battle.

And when the sound of the doorknob clicking fills the muted air, it’s like the battle cry that signals the girls to charge forward. Tatter goes first, pushing the door open with considerable force—the rest of the girls following after—Bada being the last one in.

But when she steps onto the cold stone flooring of Hyunjae’s mansion, she sees something she never expected to.

Lined up like soldiers, rows of men and women stand before the stunned Bebe girls and Bada. They stare forward, completely disregarding the sight of the girls. It’s an eerie display of power, something that for the first time in years, makes a prickle of alarm run up Bada’s spine.

“You made it.” Hyunjae steps up from behind one of her men, a relaxed smile on her lips. “I expected you to arrive sooner, but—”

“What do you want from me?” Bada interrupts, stepping forward so that she’s as close as she can be to Hyunjae.

Your ex stares at Bada in silence for a moment, before her lips curl into a smirk. “Everything.”

Bada glares at Hyunjae, her grip on her pistol tightening.

“I’m getting ahead of myself.” Your ex starts walking away, turning her back to her enemies with complete disregard to her safety. When Bada doesn’t make a move to follow her, Hyunjae pauses, turns around, and looks at her, now frowning. “Are you just going stand there?”

Bada remains silent, contemplating her options.

“They won’t do anything to your lackeys.” Hyunjae nods at her men. “…As long as you come with me.”

Your fiancée glances at the girls, who all give her hesitant looks. Deep down, Bada knows her best bet is to start a shoot-out with Hyunjae. She could take her chances and finish her here and now—stop her from laying a hand on you—but a nagging curiosity eats away at her being.

Just how serious had you and Hyunjae been? Why has she decided to show up now? Why? Why…?

Bada takes long strides toward Hyunjae, now standing in front of her. “Let’s get this over with.”

Without wasting another moment of precious time, Hyunjae takes the lead and walks down the proceeding corridor. Bada keeps a safe distance from her, paying close attention to every turn and curve they take.

Eventually, they arrive at a door, which Hyunjae quickly opens and enters, Bada close behind. The door swings shut after them, keeping them hidden away from the lackeys and the girls at the entrance.

“Lee Bada—”

“Stay away from my business, and most importantly, my finacée.” Bada snaps at Hyunjae, her words sharp like a blade which cuts deep wounds into Hyunjae’s skin. “I have nothing more to say to you.”

Your ex chuckles under her breath. “So the rumors are true. You are engaged to the love of my life.”

Bada’s expression hardens. “My finacée.”

“My first, and only love.” Hyunjae runs her digits along the desk in her office, feeling ridges of the sleek wood catch against her fingertips. “Did she tell you how we met? How we fell in love?”

Bada remains quiet, her lips thinned into firm lines. She stands tall and proud, although somewhere in the hidden confines of her heart, their strings are being pulled and tugged, played like a cruel harp with every utterance Hyunjae releases.

Your ex smiles down at the floor, taking Bada’s silence as an answer. “I expected as much.” She circles around her desk and sits in her chair, spreading her legs wide to get comfortable. “We met in high school. She was a year younger than me, but thrice as wealthy.”

5 years ago

The air is hot and sticky, filled with giggles, screams, and whispers. There’s hardly any illumination in the living room, save for the strobed red lights that cast a lustrous shadow on the bodies of partygoers. Surrounded by a sea of well-dressed attendees, Park Hyunjae sticks out like a sore thumb.

In her worn-out leather jacket and unbuttoned black dress shirt, she clings to the walls of the living room, observing the “jewels” of Seoul float around like dying embers.

But if they might be dying embers, Hyunjae would be their ash, which wishes and yearns to become coal.

“Not a party person?” A voice fills Hyunjae’s ears, a symphony like no other.

She startles, turning to face the girl beside her.

…Amongst many imitations of fine jewels, one precious stone shines bright.

“Sorry.” You offer Hyunjae an apologetic smile. “I saw you standing here alone, so I thought—”

“You thought wrong.” Hyunjae cuts you off harshly.

“Did I?” You smile brightly at her, despite the stoking fire inside the stranger standing beside you. “Should I go, then?”

Hyunjae stands stock still, allowing a long pause of silence to pass between you two.

“I’ll stay.” You place your shoulder against the wall, the light in your eye twinkling. “What’s your name?”

The following two words sealed your inevitable love. “…Park Hyunjae.”

taglist:

@aericrys, @somerandomtinyperson, @bluebada, @dallaji, @luvjanexx, @hyejuwu, @diana-rose-25, @jjlovesbada, @prilux, @youknow1234, @fae-the-wanderer, @mightymyo, @aein-tings, @badasgirlfriend, @onlyyou-metanoia, @wiselight, @badasoneandonly, @multiliker, @badabonita, @randomhoex, @justaharmlesspotat0, @sporadicfacebasement, @4bada, @seungxstar, @urlovebot, @neuftaeng, @hyunsllvr, @aixicl, @itzmy, @badasgff, @mikaleialt, @tthe-dark-ssoul, @m0r0s1111, @phoxey, @taruusmoon, @lovebtsforever24, @moonsvrse, @onlyuyu, @badaspookie, @tigerflower23, @princhii, @haebragi, @nimxie

(if your name is crossed out i wasn't able to to tag you)

want to join the taglist? send me a message or comment saying you'd like to be on it (or be removed from it), and i'll do so immediately!

#bada lee x reader #bada x reader #bada lee x reader fluff #bada #street woman fighter 2 x reader #swf2 x reader #GOT ME PERFORMING BACKFLIPS #protective soft spot bada is making me UGHHHHH #EURGHHHHHHHHFDIDHFKLUHGKU */froths at the mouth #how dare u leave us a cliffhanger😞😞#turned into a furry for a moment there 😧#saur excited for 2nd part

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ningvory · 10 months ago

Note

hi, can i reqs (g!p)itzy!reader being mentored by twice’s sana. and as they grow closer sana realizes reader is a bit oblivious and innocent to her flirty attempts and gets excited to corrupt the younger woman?

you can add other things if my reqs was too vogue, just no omorashi please.

parings — mentor!sana x itzymember!innocent!gp!reader

warnings — corruption kink, public sex,unnie kink, riding, handjob, teasing, sana’s lowk mean, choking, degrading, pet names, uhh lmk if i miss anything, half asleep so not proofread but lmk if you guys want a part 2 since i did leave it on a cliffhanger..

word count — 1k (1,026)

having the sana as your mentor was literally a dream come true for you! ever since twice debuted she’s always been someone you look up to.

when you first got the call from your manager that sana was gonna be your mentor for the next few days, you almost fell outta your bed from the shock! you and your group were quite close to all the girls, so it was okay for you all to call the twice girls unnie.

today was the day where she would start mentoring you. when you walked into the red practice room, sana was already sitting on the black leather couch provided for the idols and trainees under jyp.

when sana finally notices you she thought you were the cutest! the way you kept stuttering over your words and giving her awkward smiles had her grinning and letting out a few chuckles. she’s watched a few of your fan cams and you’re a whole different person when you’re not on stage.

once you two actually got started sana couldn’t help but flirt with you from time to time, from brushing over your cock with her pretty manicured fingers to groping your body in different areas. but you just seem clueless to what she’s doing, not daring to speak up or even push her away from you. of course this made the older get excited to see how well she can corrupt you into her obedient lil’ toy!

on the next day you thought things were gonna be the same as the previous, but sana had you going full out and trying out various of difficult choreos, it almost seemed like she wanted you to exhausted today.

it had been about 5 hours of nonstop dancing which was normal for you but it always had you exhausted. you were limp on the floor catching you breath. you had to take your shirt off so you were left with your sport bra along with your gray sweat pants and your white air forces.

“great work today, princess.” sana says as she began walking to you direction.

she’s suddenly hovers over you, one leg beside both of your legs. she slowly sinks herself down, sitting right on your clothed cock.

“wha— unnie what are you doing?” you start to say, raising your upper body up and resting your weigh on you arms.

she clasps her hand over your mouth, making you stop talking. doe eyes looking into hers waiting for her to talk.

“shh. let me use you, you don’t wanna leave me hanging, right?” she looks down at you, full on expecting you to not your head and of course you do. you don’t wanna leave your unnie wet and needy! :((

so of course your cock grows hard, why would it not when you have a pretty lady slowly rocking her hips along your clothed cock. “aw~ is unnie getting you hard from just a bit of rubbing?” she teases you making you let out a little whimper.

she starts to kiss you, to muffle your moans. her tongue easily wins for dominance as she raises her hips up to her bottom half and your sweatpants and boxers, angry cock laying flat on your tummy.

she parts her lips from yours, watching how the string of spit connects to your lips until it breaks from her moving too far from you. sana wraps her hand around your cock, stroking it up and down slowly, wanting to savior the view of you falling apart from her hand alone.

“u-unnie! please—please more!” you managed to whimper out, tears in your eyes daring to fall down as you sniff from the overwhelming teasing.

“you want unnie to go faster?” sana grins, looking down at your angry cock that’s leaking with precum before looking at your pouty lips.

“how can i say no to my baby when she’s been such a good girl f’me?” she coo’s speeding up the tempo of her hand, watching how your hips start bucking up mindlessly in her hand before thick spurts spew out of your cock, landing all over her hand and you tummy.

“did i say you could cum? just thinking with your cock, huh?” she says before pushing her fingers into your mouth, forcing you to taste yourself.

“since you wanna cum without permission from me, let’s see how many times you can cum inside me.” she pulls her fingers covered in your spit out of your mouth. and straddles your hips, sinking down on your sensitive cock.

high pitch moans leave your mouth, her cunt was squeezing your cock so tightly you couldn’t help but begin crying! tears falling from your eyes that were crossed and back arched, hands gripping her hips.

“w-what do you say to unnie for letting you inside me?” sana moans out, ass checks smacking down on your heavy balls while she goes to grip on your neck.

“t-thank— thank you ‘sho ‘mush u-unnie!” you choke out, incoherently you try your best to match her unforgiving pace but to no avail! her cunt was just squeezing your cock so tightly and her hand cutting off your airflow had your brain fogged up, letting out incoherent babbles and mindlessly thrusting up into sana.

she once again kisses you but more deeply, muffling the mixture of both of your moans. it had your cock throbbing from the sounds of her moans and sounds of her bouncing on you.

she started moaning more louder and pulled away from your lips hips were getting sloppy as she got closer and closer to release until she began squirting all over your pelvis and lower tummy.

“p-please! unnie—can i cum, can i cum? need to cum so bad!” you cried, begging the older to let you cum, placing your feet on the ground and pounding up into her, desperately not wanting to ruin your high.

“cum for unnie, whore.” sana says in a low and sultry tone. and it has you shooting your load into her. you cum so much it starts leaking out of her warmy cunt.

“don’t think we’re done, slut. it’s only just the beginning.”

#ningvory #♡.nabi’s asks #♡.nabi’s anons #kpop smut #wlw smut #g!p #twice smut #twice x fem reader #twice sana #minatozaki sana #sana smut #sana twice smut #sana x reader #♡.sana

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justmeinadaze · 7 months ago

Text

Secret Underneath Part 6 (Steddie X Plus Size Reader)

A/N: No cliffhanger this time, I promise <3.

Warning: Older (Mid thirties) Sugar Daddies Steve and Eddie/ Young (Early to mid 20s) Baby Fem Plus Size Reader, No smut in this one today, ladies and lads. I didn't feel like it worked with this chapter. I was going to make this one long chapter but I thought it better to split it :)

ANGST, Y/N confronts them about the events of the last chapter. Insecurities get in the way of them and that is explored a lot more in this chapter with mentions of their dads as well as Gina hurting them. She is sullying their image by saying lies (mentions verbal abuse and comments on how the plus size reader is "probably being used" by them because of how she looks) , she does have an incident at a bar with a guy being a dick, they defend her.

Word Count: 4853

Series here/ Donate to Me :)

You broke a rule.

You went on Google and searched for their lawyer’s information through news outlets spouting anything they could in regard to this case. After finding what you needed, you charged into the building and past a secretary who was shouting for you to come back as you opened the door to a conference room where many sets of eyes including their shocked expressions landed on you.

“Excuse me, gentlemen, but I need a moment alone with these boys for a moment.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Wilson, she just stormed right past me—”

“No, no. It’s alright, Crystal. Um, let’s take a breather and we’ll be back in a moment.”

As soon as everyone had filed out, your angry eyes burned into them as you slid your phone across the table.

“That thing hasn’t stopped going off since Gina released your names and quite frankly I’m afraid to look at it.”

“How did you find out where we were?”, Steve asked as he rose to his feet.

“I googled your lawyer’s name.”

“Well, so much for that promise.”, Eddie sassed as he leaned back in his chair.

“And so much for your promise to take care of me!”, you screamed not caring if anyone heard. “Did you really fucking think that I could stay out of this?! Did you think after what she said people weren’t going to wonder and dig into why I was with you at that party?!”

“You wanted to go and we warned you of the risks of being seen with us.”

“Don’t you dare do that! Don’t you fucking dare place blame on me! I don’t care about being seen with you or if people know that we’re together! What I care about is my job, those kids, and you two!! How can I properly help and protect myself if I don’t have all the facts?! Do you know what she’s saying? She’s saying you two promised to take care of her if anything ever happened. That you were verbally aggressive with her and--”

“Yeah, Y/N, we’re aware of she’s claiming.”, the mogul growls. “Since you’re doing your own research did you go on her social medias? Oh, a lot of fun material there. Now that a fucking judge allowed her to talk about us she’s been posting nonstop about how Eddie would demean her and make her feel ugly. That I apparently offered her money to get plastic surgery to make her look ‘perfect’.”, he sarcastically laughs.

“You should have told me.”

“Because you think we did what she claims?”

“No, Eddie! Fuck, so I can prepare. What if parents suddenly feel like I can’t teach their kids because of the company I keep? What if the school decides that my association with you isn’t worth the attention? Now that this has come to light I need to be aware of what’s going on!”

Neither man said a thing infuriating you more.

“Did you not tell me because you thought I wouldn’t want to be with you? Or did you think I’d hurt you like she did?” You laugh as you shake your head. “Jesus. I thought you two were different but you’re just like every other scared little boy. I thought I had given you enough reason to trust me but I guess not.”

“Yeah so why don’t you fucking leave then, you little brat.”

You weren’t sure if they saw it in your eyes but you definitely felt your heart break. Wrapping your arms around yourself, you back away towards the door.

“I’m so stupid.”

When your teary eyes met theirs, you could tell Steve regretted his words but he couldn’t take them back. They couldn’t take any of this back. Furiously, you reach into your pocket and throw their apartment key across the table before leaving the way you came.

##############

Instagram:

IHateithere: “Oh my god. Poor Gina!”

NeverHave_IEver13: “She’s so sweet and deserves better.”

CorrodedGirl28: “Fuck Gina Frost. This isn’t the first time she’s made claims against a partner! I met Eddie Munson backstage at one of his concerts and he was so sweet.”

E!News: Mystery Woman seen at the Charity Event with Steven Harrington and Edward Munson has been cited by the men’s lawyers as ‘just a friend.’

Twitter:

ElderEmoKid91: That poor friend of theirs. No matter what people will think they dated because of Gina.

ChaosRains: ‘Their friend’? Yeah right. Probably as much of a whore as Gina Frost!

JusticefortheUnheard: I bet if this was a man with two women he’d be slated as a ‘hero’ but because it’s a woman with two men she’s a whore. Grow up!

Steve Harrington: Eddie and I are saddened to hear that not only has our privacy been violated but Gina Frost is allowed to continue spreading her lies until we get this matter resolved. We never once raised a voice or hand to her and took care of her like any boyfriend would which she constantly took advantage of…

Steve Harrington: In regard to the young lady that came with us to charity event last Saturday, she is a friend we’ve known for a while. We ask politely that you respect her privacy as what is going on between us and Gina…

Steve Harrington: doesn’t involve her. Thank you for your understanding and we will speak more on this situation when we are finally able.

TMZ: Steve Harrington and Eddie Munson release joint statement regarding ‘friend’ and how they feel about Frost ‘spreading her lies’!

YouTube and TV:

CBS: “Gina Frost, thank you so much for speaking with us today. Before we let you go, what are your thoughts on the young lady they were seen with? Do you have any advice for her in regard to Mr. Harrington and Mr. Munson?”

“Run, girl. Get as far away from them as you can. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they started ‘hanging out’ with a girl like her because of our case. They always wanted me to be perfect. To look like the woman they thought would be equal to them and their status. She’s the complete opposite of what they wanted me to be so dating, or excuse me, being friends with her makes them look good.”

***

You wiped the tears that fell with your knee as you browse Daddies on your computer. Your phone was still dinging constantly so you kept it hidden in your bedside table drawer. Since winter break had started you didn’t have to deal with work and for that you were thankful.

Your identity hadn’t been officially confirmed but it seemed to be common knowledge at this point; everyone knew it was you.

Not wanting to be alone, you ran home into your parent’s open arms.

“Baby! Are you ok? What’s going on? Tell us everything.”

“I’m so stupid, mom.”, you cried.

“No, you’re not, honey. Come on. I made some coffee. Let’s sit down and talk.”

You told them everything minus the exact way you met them but you did tell them that you had been dating them both and how much you cared about them. When you were met with nothing but love and zero judgement, you cried harder.

Having fully settled in, you felt yourself getting antsy. After everything, you didn’t want a new relationship, just something casual but after having been with the guys you felt yourself cringing more and more at the stupid flirting that hit you.

“’Sup, pretty girl? Fuck your gorgeous. Wanna suck my cock?”

“Hey babe. You got an attitude? I bet I can fuck it out of you.”

“What are you doing, Y/N?”

Your head straightened at the message from Mogul/Rockstar. You hadn’t heard from them in over two weeks. What were they doing on this site? You couldn’t help the jealousy that flowed through you even though technically you were on the site first.

2:13am: What do you want, Steve?

2:14am: I want an answer to my question. What are you doing on this site again?

2:15am: What are YOU doing on here?! And why do you fucking care? You told me to leave remember?

2:17am: We’ve been calling you for the past couple of weeks but you don’t answer. We got worried. Steve thought maybe we could reach you through here but I thought naw. She wouldn’t get back on here so fast. Guess we were wrong.

2:20am: Don’t you dare, Eddie. Don’t you turn this around on me. You have no idea what I’ve been through! I still can’t believe you didn’t talk to me. You really expected me to sit at my apartment while you handled all this alone. Did you really think she wouldn’t pull me into your thing?”

2:21am: Now because of all the secrecy I can’t help but think what I’m hearing is true!

2:22am: Like what?

2:25am: Answer. Like what?

2:26am: That you only dated me so it seems like you didn’t want her to be the ‘ideal woman’.

You hear your phone vibrate against the drawer it’s nestled.

2:28am: Answer the phone.

2:28am: No.

2:29am: Now, Y/N. We need to talk.

2:30am: Oh now you want to talk!? Go fuck yourselves!

2:30am: Mogul/Rockstar has invited you to a video chat!!

2:31am: CurveybabywAttitude declined your invitation to video chat.

2:32am: Y/N. Answer the fucking phone.

2:38am: Y/N, sweetheart, please.

2:44am: Baby…

2:44am: Please…

2:45am: We love you.

2:45am: So much.

Uh oh! It looks like this Baby can no longer receive messages from Mogul/Rockstar! This means you have either been blocked or the Baby has deleted their account.

###################

“Jesus what assholes.”, your best friend sighs as she takes a sip from her glass. “If they loved you then why did they push you away?”

“I don’t know, My. Let’s stop talking about them and dance!”

To get your mind off everything and let go, you met up with your best friend who took you to a new bar that had been built while you were away from home. Dressed in your tightest black dress and black heels, you grabbed your own drink and danced away the pain.

Your friend took photos, tagging you together with men in the background casually touching your arm or waist. Your limbs found their way around a cute boy you had been talking casually to and allow him to kiss you. You hated the taste, missing Eddie and Steve even more but you pushed down the feeling as you pulled him tighter against you.

“Take me home.”, you slurred, making the young man immediately jump to his feet. When you tried to do the same you fell backwards.

“Whoa, Y/N. Maybe, you should let me take you home.”

“Naw, Mya. I-I-I M’fine.”, you assured as you lightly pushed her to the side and stumbled out the front door. When you tripped again the man wrapped your arm around his neck and began leading you to his car. “Wait—Wait. I’m…I need a minute.”, you whine as you take a seat on the brick wall behind you.

“Come on, baby. You can rest at my place.”, the man cooed in your ear causing you to cringe. “Look we don’t even have to go. We can just fuck in my car real quick—”

“Oh, that’s romantic.”

As you stood up and started to walk away, he grabbed your wrist a bit to roughly and in return, you smacked his cheek before stumbling to the concrete.

“Ow! Fucking bitch—” As the man began to step forward, someone intercepted, abruptly grabbing his collar and lifting him off his feet.

“Eddie, let it go, man. Not right now.”, Steve whispers before kneeling down beside you to try and help you up.

“Get out of my sight.”, the rockstar growls, pushing him away from you.

“Y/N, stop. I’m just trying to help you stand—”

“I don’t need your fucking help!”, you shouted as you shoved his hand away. “I don’t need anything from you!”

Trying to push up onto your knees, you became dizzy and fell over again causing Steve to try and steady you while blocking your shoulder from scraping the wall beside you. Your hair was blocking your face but when they heard you sniffle, Eddie crouched down to balance on his heels and tenderly reached out to move some of it behind your ear.

“I did everything you asked… I didn’t push when it came to your past or dig into your information online. I-I-I respected the anon-ymity and privacy when we first met and took a leap of faith going to that party with you. I flew to visit you anywhere you were and didn’t complain when you were gone for weeks at a time. I made myself vulnerable…for you…but still…you don’t trust me.”

“Y/N, sweetheart, we are so sorry—”

“I want to go home, please, Daddy.”

The way you said that shattered them in two. Just in your voice alone they could hear how much pain you were in yet even in your inebriated state you still yearned for them. Selfishly, it gave them hope.

“Y/N, sweetie! There you are.”, your best friend shouts in relief as she runs to you and helps you to your feet. “Get the fuck away from her. Haven’t you done enough damage?!”

“We just want to talk to her.”

“Fuck you! You had your chance to talk and—”

“Mya, please. Sleepy.”, you whine.

When she tries to lead you away from them towards her car, you stumble over your feet again but Eddie swiftly catches you and lifts you into his arms.

“We’ll help you get her to your car.”

“Why? So you know which one is mine and follow me back to her house?!”

“No, so we can help you get her situated and back home so she can rest.”, Steve growled.

Mya blinks, taken a back slightly by their protective demeanors over you. After taking a moment, she finally nods and guides them towards her vehicle, watching carefully as they place you in the passenger seat. The mogul buckles your seatbelt and gently puts your bag in your lap.

Your half-lidded eyes scan his worried face as your head lulls towards him.

“M’not her.”

“Who, honey?”

“Gina.”

Flashing you a soft smile, he begins to reach out to pet your head before forcing himself to stop and rise to his feet.

“We’re staying at the hotel by the highway; room 118. When she wakes up tomorrow, if you could tell her that, we’d appreciate it.”, Eddie conveys as his sad eyes stay on you.

“Your fuckers, you know that?”, Mya shouts their way as they start to leave. “Like so much so that I don’t even know where to begin. She used to call me every other day and talk about these new guys she was seeing. She never told me your full names but she told me everything else. ‘Oh Mya, they are so sweet and funny. Steve is amazing at his job and works to hard to make sure everything gets done while still being able to be there for me. I love watching Eddie play on stage. He gets so into the songs and his face lights up when he hears the fans singing along. Falling asleep in their arms is my new favorite place. I finally feel safe.’”

“When the news dropped, I called her but she didn’t answer. I wasn’t worried at the time because the way she described you, I thought ‘Thankfully, they have her and she has them.’ Then she came home and told me about you expecting her to hide in her apartment with zero information on what was happening. How you yelled at her and called her a fucking brat when she called you out.”

“Oh, and the icing on the cake? You tell her you love her for the first time over a dating website AFTER ALL THIS BULLSHIT YOU PUT HER THROUGH! Holden wore his asshole behavior out in the open for all to see. You made her believe you were different, leading her on before breaking her heart. After the stuff I read, I’m starting to believe Gina Frost.”

Both men absorbed what your best friend was saying, different emotions painting their features before finally landing on anger; not at her but themselves.

“Your right.”, Steve replied in a sullen tone. “We fucked up. Hell, we did more than fuck up…”

“We’ve never cared about anyone the way we do her and that terrifies us. Not just because of our status or who we are even though that’s why Gina used us but…”, Eddie added. “The men underneath the fame and money are incredibly flawed.”

“Gina made us afraid of her hurting us but our own personal bullshit made us afraid of hurting her.”

“So this is better?”, Mya asked.

“My…where…where your phone?”, you slurred as your hand lazily reached in her direction.

“Y/N, I’m taking you back to your mom’s, honey, you don’t know need to call them.”

“No…not mom…Eddie…Steve…I need to make dem come back. They were here an’ an’…”

“How about you call them tomorrow morning, ok? It’s really late and—”

“I don’t want dem to leave again. Mya…please…”

“Hey, hey sweetheart, we’re right here. We haven’t gone anywhere.” Tears start to run down your cheeks again and the rockstar cups your face in his hand. “We’re right here and we’ll be here when you wake up. Just let Mya, take you home and get you in bed. Tomorrow you can call us and we’ll talk then alright?”

After you nod, Eddie adjusts your body again before closing the door.

“You guys should get going.”

“Do you really love her?”, your best friend asks.

“Yes.”

Again, Mya takes a moment to gather her thoughts as her eyes shift between your now sleeping frame and them.

“Her parents house isn’t far. You can follow me there.”

***

“Why are they here?”, your father asks in an annoyed tone as he eyes the men up and down.

“It’s ok, Mr. Y/L/N. They just wanted to help get her situated and then they’ll be on their way.”, Mya answers in equal measure.

“Is her room up here?”, Eddie inquires as he gestures towards the stairs.

“Why don’t you come with us so you can get her changed into something comfier.”, Steve follows when your friend nods.

“Why? You’re her whatevers right?”

“I don’t think it would be appropriate right now for us to do that.”

“I can help you.”, your mom responds out of nowhere. “Come on, gentlemen.”

After they get to your room, your mother turns on your bedside lamp as Eddie gently places you down on your bed. Taping the rockstars shoulder, she hands him an oversized shirt with your college insignia on it and some shorts.

“Maybe you should…”

“I trust you, Mr. Munson. Plus I’m right here.” Her eyes studiously watch them as both boys work to change you out of your tight garment doing everything they could to not have to look at your body. Steve’s palm carefully cradled your head to make sure they didn’t jostle you around too much as you soundly slept.

“Do you have a washrag or wipe or something for her makeup?”

Her head tilts at his question, impressed he even thought of that. Disappearing into your restroom, she came back with wet wipes, and Eddie thanked her as he took one and gently cleaned your face.

This was a bit harder to accomplish without moving you as your face scrunched and you whined.

“Steve…stop…”

“That’s it, sweetheart. Blame him. That way if I don’t do this correctly it will be his fault.”, he teased making you sleepily giggle.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”, Eddie whispers.

“Thank you, ma’am, for letting us do this. We just wanted to make sure she got here safely.”

“Hm. You wanted to make sure she got back home in one piece but didn’t think to do that when it came to all this chaos you brought her into?”, you mom scolded as she folded her arms.

“We did warn her—”

“No Mr. Harrington. You may have warned her about your lifestyle but you didn’t do anything to protect her when the fallout of that lifestyle presented itself. Holden ‘warned’ her about what life in New York would be like but when things got hard he abandoned her instead working with her. Like him, you left her alone.”

Nodding, their heads hung as they began to head towards the door before stopping.

“I’m afraid.”, Eddie announces. “My mom died when I was young, my dad went to jail, people around me told me I’d never amount to anything, and then our ex did what she did. When we met Y/N, fuck, I thought she was perfect… and that scares me. I don’t want to lose her but I also don’t want to be the reason that spark inside of her dies.”

“Seems like a lose/lose, Eddie. But let me ask you something… what if your relationship with her had a happy ending? What if she didn’t hurt you like your ex and you don’t hurt her like people in your life?” She smiles softly as she pats his shoulder. “It’s a risk, boys, but you just need to decide who is worth taking that risk for. You’re more than welcome to stay in our spare bedroom if you would like.”

####################

When you woke up the next morning, you had a splitting headache, thankful that your pain reliever was still in your drawer by your bed. The sound of soft breathing startled you a bit and when you leaned over your bedframe, you were surprised to see Eddie asleep on your floor using his jacket as a pillow. Steve had placed himself in the reading chair you had in the corner with his head leaning against the wall.

You didn’t realize how much you missed them till you saw their faces and you took the opportunity to refamiliarize yourself as your eyes scanned over them. The mogul was in jeans and a polo making you smile softly while silently missing the sleek suits that hugged him perfectly. The rockstar was still dressed the same as he usually was but his whole demeanor even while sleeping seemed heavy.

Your heart broke for them until the last couple of weeks caught up with you and you remembered why you were here.

Reaching for one of your pillows, you threw it their way, hitting Eddie’s chest before it bounced and hit Steve’s lap.

“The fuck?”, he grumbled as he rubbed his eyes.

“The fuck indeed. Why are you both here? How did you even know where I was?”

“Your best friend was posting pictures of you and tagging your location on Instagram. You weren’t answering your phone—”

“Yeah, Steve, for a reason. That doesn’t give you the right to come down here.”

“Thank God we did because some asshole was harassing you and Mya was having trouble getting you to her car to take you home.”

“No, Eddie. You playing hero doesn’t absolve you of what you did. You have no idea what I’ve been through!”

“We tried to call—”

“Oh, fuck you both!” As you start to get up to yell at them, a sharp sting runs through knee causing you to wince and sit back down.

“Shit. Didn’t see that last night. Um, do you have a first kit or anything thing?”

When you don’t answer, the mogul goes on the hunt himself as Eddie kneels in front of you to look at the scrape on your knee.

“Yeah, you fell on the concrete outside of the bar with some asshole trying to… I told him to fuck off.” Sitting on the bed beside you, Steve opens the little white box and starts to open a Band-Aid before his friend stops him. “Dude, you have to clean it first. It’s like you’ve never been in a fight before. Gimme this.”, he chuckles lightly as he takes the box and pulls out the antiseptic.

“You don’t have to do this. I’m not… I don’t belong to you anymore.”

His movements only halt for a second before Eddie continues taking care of you.

“I don’t mind doing this. I like taking care of you.”, he murmurs. “Unless you want me to stop.”

“I don’t want you to but I didn’t want you to cast me aside either.”

“We—”

“Don’t say you didn’t, Steve, because you did.”

“We did.” His response surprised you as you turned your head in his direction. “We talked to your mom last night. She’s a very wise woman.”, he smirks as he watches Eddie continue his task. “Y/N, I worked so hard to get where I am and I don’t just mean taking over my dad’s company and doing the deals I do. When I was growing up, I was never enough for either of my parents but especially my father. In his eyes, I could always be just a little bit better.”

“I could shorten my time by one more second in the pool or get one more minute on the court. My grades could have been one point higher or I could have gotten three grand more out of a deal. He wanted me to be perfect but I learned after I graduated high school that bar was always changing.” When his eyes finally met yours, you saw the pain behind them. “Gina knew all this… that’s why she’s saying that about me. She knows it hurts me…people thinking I’m like my father.”

Eddie finishes placing the Band-aid on your skin and leans back against the wall across from you.

“My dad was a dick…to me and my mother. He cut us down all the time verbally but after she died it got worse. He would tell me I was stupid and a freak just like the people in our town. I left my house with more bruises than I could count on numerous occasions but his words, babe. I carry those everywhere even now. I never once, no matter how angry I was, called her anything demeaning even though I fucking wanted to. She would call us every name in the book but we never once belittled her or laid a hand on her.”

“When we met you, Jesus, I swear there was no girl we had ever met like you.”

“Beautiful, sarcastic, kind, understanding…”, Steve clarified when your eyebrows furrowed. “Y/N, you are everything we’ve ever wanted.”

“Stop…”, you whimper quietly.

“I feel like somehow she knows that. That’s why she’s saying that stuff about us choosing you because you’re everything she’s not. We wouldn’t change anything about you. Not one thing, princess. But we are so fucking scared of getting hurt again.”

“And we’re afraid of hurting you.”

“That’s not fair.”

“What isn’t fair, honey?”

“Do you think trusting you was easy after what Holden did to me? I upended everything I knew to follow him and he broke my heart. I was terrified of starting over in any relationship let alone with two people but I got to know you and allowed myself to be vulnerable for you… you should be able to do that for me to.”

“You’re right, baby, and we are so sorry. We’re willing to try.”, Eddie pleaded as he leaned up to grab your hands. “We don’t even have to be in a relationship again or do anything sexual. We can start slow and go from there. We just miss you so much, Y/N. The way you smell, your sense of humor, the way you play with my hair when we’re lying in bed or watching tv.”

“The way you listen to us when we talk even if it’s about work.”, Steve chimes in. “Your cute little laugh and the way you wrap your arms around me like you haven’t seen me in years when it’s only been a few hours.”

“Ah good morning, gentlemen and my hung over child. How are we today?”, your mother teases as she grins your way.

“We’re fine thank you but if you could lower your voice a smidge that would be nice.”, you sass back making her chuckle as both men grin softly.

“Your dad made breakfast if you and your guests are hungry. Just don’t throw it up or you’ll hurt his feelings.”

You smile as you playfully wave her off before turning your attention back to them.

“Do you have to go back home for work or anything?”

“No, ma’am. We’re all yours.”

“Unless you want us to go back home.”, Eddie adds with sad inflection in his voice hoping and praying that you don’t.

“Ok… I’m going to change and then head downstairs. You, um, you should stay for breakfast. Knowing my father, if my mom told him you were staying he probably poisoned something but…I’m sure you’ll be fine.”, you joke as you get up and head towards your closet, tossing them a little wink before collecting some clothes and closing the bathroom door.

####################

@aol19 @paradisepoisons @paleidiot @dashingdeb16

@lilaclazer @joannamuns9n @thwippyparker @emotionaldreamer

@aactuaaltraash @alastorssimp @mygirlchaos @starksbabie @imagine-all-the-imagines @nailbatanddungeon

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thyme-in-a-bubble · 1 year ago

Text

the diamond

lilac, chapter seventeen

a/n: idk if I should say i'm sorry or you're welcome. i guess it depends on what kind of day you're having as you read this.

summary: “did you really think a little bit of paperwork could stop me? Could stop us from being together?”

warnings: lumberjack!frank castle x reader, dark, angst, lumberjack AU, past domestic violence, crazy ex trope, kidnapping, crying, violence, cliffhanger

word count: 1717

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You didn’t recognise the opulent apartment you now found yourself in. Not that it really came as a shock. You properly only knew of a fraction of the properties Preston’s family owned.

With gilded details and tall windows, you did however recognise the view as the familiar twinkle of the New York City skyline sparkled back at you.

Scarcely breathing, you didn’t dare to even shift as you sat on the edge of a bed, its red silk sheets burned the nerves across your legs and worsened the nauseating sting at the back of your throat.

Turning back to face you, Preston stepped up close and said, “Let’s get this off of you, shall we?” before he slowly peeled off the tape covering your lips, but as soon as he had rid you of it, you reeled forward slightly and spat directly in his face. The angry dollop slid down across his forehead and over the still freshly pink scar that split his dark eyebrow. But, to your horror, instead of getting angry, all your action did was conjure a dark chuckle deep within his chest, “I missed you too, doll,” you watched him reach up and wipe the saliva away before his fingers drifted down into his pocket and produced a switchblade that he promptly popped out with a flourish. Sucking in a sharp breath, you braced yourself, expecting for him to strike, only he didn’t. The knife instead sliced the tape constricting your ankles and then through the ones at your wrists, “there,” he shot you a bone-chilling smile, “much better.”

Glaring back at him, almost in disbelief at the measures he’d evidently be willing to take, you shuddered, “I-I have a restraining order against you.”

“You do,” he nodded matter a factly, “why, did you really think a little bit of paperwork could stop me? Could stop us from being together?” your frame jumped jaggedly as you felt his touch slither up your sides, “we’re soulmates, you and I. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can keep us apart,” he breathed as he leaned in closer and pressed his lips to yours. Staying as still as you possibly could, the sting of tears rolled down your cheeks as he soon leaned back, a sour look now tainting his features, “kiss me back,” he growled through gritted teeth, “we haven’t seen each other in two months, so kiss me the fuck back. Show me how much you’ve missed me.”

Choking down a sob, you willed your lips to meet his again, trembling fretfully as you gave him what he wanted, the forceful feeling of his tongue invading your mouth forced a petrified whimper to escape your lungs, one that he mistook as praise as one of his ring adorned hands came up to clasp your jaw possessively.

When he finally pulled back, leaving just a sliver of air between you, a question left your quivering lips.

“Preston, where are we?”

“Nowhere important,” his dark eyes trailed one of the tears rolling down your face, “don’t worry, this is just temporary till the morning. Gosh, you look so beautiful when you cry…”

“W-what’s happening in the morning? Where are we going?”

“To this little island my dad’s got in the Caribbean. You’ll like it, trust me. It’s got some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen,” he smirked before briefly turning his head to the rough-looking man posted by the door as a guard, “hey, go fetch me a drink.”

“Right away, sir,” he complied.

As Preston turned his gaze back to you, his head began to shake as it washed down the length of your body, “what is this dress you’re wearing? You know I hate you in green on you.”

“I-I’m sorry. I could go change if you–”

But your sentence crumbled into nothing as you felt the cold tip of his knife trail up your leg, “oh, there’s no need for that, doll,” the blade scraped over your skin, up the slit where your wrap dress had parted like a curtain over your thigh, never hard enough to actually draw blood, but just enough to rip up a layer or two of flesh. He continued after he reached the top of your thigh, dragging it up your velvet dress till he slipped it under the knot that held your garment closed, and cut clean through it. The slash didn’t automatically cause the dark green fabric to fall open completely, but Preston didn’t hesitate to unwrap you like a birthday present, “damn..” he groaned as he pushed the dress open, revealing your lack of undergarments beneath, “would you look at that… you’re not wearing anything underneath this… ” you squeezed your eyes shut as he then grazed the tip of his knife over your skin, from the peak of your breast to low down on your stomach, he trailed it like he would his wicked tongue, in some sick and twisted up way caressing you with the weapon, “tell me, doll, just why aren’t you? I’d love to think this is all for me, but you didn’t know we’d be reunited tonight, so who is it for?” rage gradually began to harshen his tone, “who?” as you found yourself unable to form any words at all, “is it that guy? What did you call him… Frank? Have you been whoring yourself out to Frank? Not wearing anything underneath your dresses and making it easy for him to just slide in and use what belongs to me?” nicking the curve of your waist, he then shook you as he barked, “answer me!” successfully drawing a shrill scream from your lungs as you squeezed your eyes shut even tighter.

Just as you feared he’d give you more than just a shy scratch, the double doors to the bedroom creaked open and in stepped the guard. Without another word, Preston’s presence disappeared.

Cautiously fluttering your bloodshot eyes open once more, you saw as the guard settled back into his place and Preston clutched a stout crystal glass, hastily downing the dark amber liquid before slamming it onto a side table. Trying your best to cover yourself back up, you watched as Preston folded up the switchblade and stuffed it back into his pocket.

Letting out a deep sigh, he then dipped his fingers into his dark suit jacket, and from an inner pocket, fished out a small velvet box.

“I got you a new ring, by the way,” he huffed, opening it up as he stepped back to where you sat, “this one’s bigger, like I promised.”

Sitting down on the crimson sheets beside you, he seized your trembling hand and slid the extravagant band into place, gripping your palm painfully as you glanced down at the massive diamond hauntingly glimmering back at you.

“You like it?”

The silver felt as if it burned your finger, like it had been dipped in hot searing acid mere seconds before sliding into place over your knuckles. But still, you just offered him a shaky nod as more tears dripped from your chin.

Lifting your glare from the colossal rock, you looked over at the guard and attempted to subtly catch his eye.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Preston swiftly noticed as his gaze never strayed far from you, “are you really so stupid that you think one of my guys will help you get away from me? Seriously? No amount of crocodile tears can get them to betray me,” locking his fingers around your jaw, you felt his hot breath graze the shell of your ear, “they’re loyal to me, to the Humphrey name,” casting his glace towards the guard, he snapped his free fingers, “hey, you! Look at my fiancé,” and to your horror, parted your ruined dress, “isn’t she beautiful? Answer me.”

“Yes, sir,” his reply had a military, nearly robotic lack of feelings to it, but nevertheless managed to still scratch Preston’s itch.

With his right, inked hand, Preston groped your breast firmly, “these gorgeous tits,” before sliding his unwanted touch further down your trembling body, “this round ass and this tight fucking cunt, all belongs to me,” he growled, before stretching his palm out towards the guard, “give me your lighter,” to which the harsh man swiftly obeyed, “I want everyone to know so, no matter what happens, no matter if you lose your ring again or what, I want everyone to know,” peeling his extravagant pinkie ring off, the swirly H that was embossed on it indicated it was his family ring that he now held in his grasp, harshly commanded the guard, “hold her still,” before he flicked on the lighter and held the flame under the seal, heating it up till the metal nearly glowed. Tuning out your screams of searing agony, Preston pressed the scorching crest to the very top of your exposed thigh and branded you like you were just a stock animal, “there,” he waved a hand for the guard to let go of you, “that should do the trick.”

As you shuttered in pain, Preston drew you in so close that you ended up in his lap, your spine pressed up against his chest and a horrifying hardness determined beneath your bottom.

“What do you think, doll? Should I let him stand there and watch us fuck?” he rocked selfishly below you, “maybe tonight will be the night I finally knock you up–”

His vile words were cut short as a series of gunshots suddenly went off on the other side of the door.

“You,” Preston waved to the guard, “go see what’s going on.”

Pulling out a gun, the man then slipped out only for the symphony of struggle to fill the apartment further.

“Shit,” you heard Preston mutter in alarm before he conjured his knife once more.

But when the scuffle abruptly stopped and silence washed over the luxurious apartment, only a moment passed before the grand double doors slammed open and in the threshold, with a gun firmly trained in Preston’s direction, stood the blood-soaked visage of Frank.

Moving just as fast, Preston shifted behind you, hauling you up to your feet and holding you to him like a shield as you felt the razor-like edge of his blade press against your throat.

#lea’s writing #lilac series #lumberjack!frank castle #frank castle x reader #frank castle imagine #frank castle x you #frank castle x y/n #frank castle x female reader #frank castle x fem!reader #frank castle fic #the punisher fic #frank castle fanfiction #the punisher x reader #frank castle series #lumberjack au #frank castle hurt/comfort #frank castle angst

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adesqueen · 14 days ago

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“About knowledges and feelings”

Pairing: Sebastian x F!Reader

Hi everyone! This is my first attempt at writing a fanfic, and also my first time writing something in English, as it’s not my first language. I hope you all enjoy it! _________

“I should’ve known this was a chance. I’m so sorry.” “It was my choice to stay and help pick up. You hosted us, after all. And it’s not like you can control the weather, can you?”

Sebastian reassured you with his calm voice. The heavy snow seemed endless in its fall, a white hug to the quiet town, a cold reminder that winter wasn’t over.

“I know. But now you’re trapped here. Maybe you should’ve gone when Abby and Sam decided to leave.” “Am I… like, bothering you or something?” “Oh, no, I… I didn’t mean that. I didn’t mean to say something like that,” you stuttered a little. The only thing uncomfortable was that insane speed your heart seemed to activate every time you dared to look at the ivory-skinned guy in front of you, especially when those dark, infinite pits he called eyes stopped on you. “I just want to be sure… I just want you to… be comfortable, I mean.”

The ghost of a smirk appeared on his face while he poked your cheek, saying he was fine. Damn, that was weird. Everything was since that Solarion Chronicles game, when you shyly healed his character to defeat the dark wizard. Your blushed cheeks, his hard swallow (was it? Was it just your mind? It could’ve been your mind. The world knows it hasn’t functioned properly since you first saw Sebastian), Sam’s face, Abigail’s gasps, the way time seemed to slow for you. And everything felt even weirder when you headed to the saloon after the game to clear your head a little.

“What’s the matter, (reader)? You seem… worried?” “Oh, just a little… introspective, I guess.” “Do you need to talk about something? You know you can count on me, right?” “I do. Thanks. Uh, actually, I… Can I ask you something?” “Sure thing!” “Let’s say you’re doing something with friends, you know? Like bonding. And it’s funny and chill. But one time, you look at one of your friends and it feels… different from the others. Like time’s flow and goosebumps different. What would you do?” “I think I would be honest with myself,” Emily started with a soft voice, her eyes full of compassion and affection. “And admit that this friend is something… more intimate to me. Or at least that something inside me is craving that.” “You think I’m in lo… You think you'd be in love with said friend?” “Love is such a strong, powerful word! Don’t you think?” “May I say something?” Gus asked. “Sure,” you said. “Bring your insight. God knows I need it.” “I believe you should think about all the moments with, let’s call this friend Said. How long have you known Said? How much time do you spend together? How exactly do you feel? And how do they see you? Not in endearment or social relationship terms. What do their eyes say?” “I don’t know,” you sighed, defeated. “He’s so reserved.” “Oh, so, it’s a he,” Emily smiled. Gus smiled too, but the door of the saloon interrupted him. The first clients of the night had arrived. Better leave the talk for another day.

But their words got stuck in your mind.

“… to do.” Sebastian’s voice brings you back from the flashback. “What? Sorry.” “I said I was good, and in the meantime, we can find something to do.” “Um, sure. I don’t really have much to do around here, but I’m sure we’ll find something. Errr… want some coffee?” “Yeah, that sounds fine.”

“His smile could really enlighten an entire room,” you think, while walking to the kitchen.

“You know, I was about to bring the game, but since we ended on a cliffhanger last time, I thought a one-shot or something might get confusing, so I opted not to. It’d be better if we finish the current adventure first.” “Oh, yeah,” you smiled. Cool, this was neutral talk. You’d survive. "Do you think Abby’s character will confess her love to Sam’s?” “I’d gladly pay to see it,” he laughed, “only to see Sam’s reaction. Especially now that he’s getting into something with Penny. We should invite Maru next time. Then Abby would confess, you know, properly.” “Then I’ll be the one paying, for sure! And speaking of Sam and Penny, I caught them hiding at the top of the tree near Sam’s house. Like teenagers, you know? Must be funny to feel like that again.” “How were you as a teenager?” he asked suddenly. “Boring,” you simply smiled. “I was kind of lonely, and since my father left, I put the weight of the house on my shoulders so my mom could work to feed my siblings and me.” “I didn’t know you had a bigger family.” “I kind of don’t. We… went no contact some time ago. I received some letters from my dad… stepdad when I just moved. But that’s it.” “I… I’m sorry, (reader). I didn’t mean to make you remember something hurtful. I know how it feels to be an outsider in your own family.” “It’s okay. You didn’t know. Now you do. And I’m not hurt. Things… just work as they should, I guess. And it felt nice to be able to tell you.” “I’m glad you feel that way.” Why were his eyes so bright? Why did his expression seem to… soften? “You… you’ve been there for me in hard moments, and I’m here for you too. You’ve been a great friend.”

“Friend.” Why did that hurt? Was Emily right? When his smile cheered you up so many times, when the wind brought you the forest scent and you smiled thinking about him, when he tried to teach you to play pool and your skin seemed to burn under his touch while he aligned your shot… You gave him a quick glance. Emily was right.

“Yeah, that… thanks. So… how’s work anyway?” “Oh, it’s fine, actually. I just finished this big project, you know. It was a lot of work, but the payment was worth it.” “Good for your savings. You’ll need it in the city.” “I guess…”

His eyes seemed to elude you abruptly. He started fidgeting with the cord of his hoodie.

“Is everything okay? Did I say something?” “I… I’ve been thinking, and I’m doubting myself about moving to the city.” “What do you mean?” you asked, while pouring the coffee. You always gave him your favorite cup. “Well, I’ve been thinking about what you said, the city being so noisy, crowded, smelly, and… gray.” He seemed ashamed with that last part. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle it.” “I didn’t mean to crush your dreams.” “Don’t be silly.” “Seriously. I didn’t…” “It’s nothing like that. I… maybe I wasn’t, like, really dreaming about moving to the city, but just… leaving.Being here last night, with our friends, in the silence of your farm… I don’t know. It felt… right. I doubt I’ll be able to replicate that feeling in Zuzu. Or anywhere.” “Well, Sam won’t be there. Neither Abby. So, yeah, it makes sense.” “Neither will you.” “Oh, God, no.” “You really hate the city, don’t you?” “I mean…” “I’m starting to understand, anyway. It feels better. I mean, here. But you were lucky enough to get this, your place. Although, I’d never call someone in your very first place lucky. You really left your soul working here. And… it shows.”

His smile as he recognized your hard work was something you thought you could only dream about. Your heart drank every word, dumb with love for the man in front of you.

“Thank you, Sebastian. I was lucky, though. The land is good and generous, people have been nothing but kind, maybe a little hard at first, but I don’t blame them. I kind of felt for this place.” “It’s a shame you can’t put a mermaid pendant on the foundational documents that Gunther has.” “I mean, I can try.”

You both laughed. Maybe you were in love, maybe he wasn’t, but moments like this were worth the effort to hold your feelings.

“What about you? How were you as a teenager?” “I’d love to say I was different.” and you both laughed again. “They dance,” Sebastian thought. “When she laughs, in the light of the fire, her eyes dance. How can she be so beautiful? My heart is killing me. What am I gonna do? And, why does it feel so good?”

“I guess Pelican Town doesn’t give that many options.”

You both got back to the couch in front of the fireplace and talked. And talked. The hours passed, and every word was easier than the last; your lives before you met each other, frogs, the farm, life itself, even the people of the town. You were quite shocked at how invested was in gossiping someone who wasn’t particularly a fan of people, as he was.

“You know, (reader)? This has been one of the funniest nights of my life. I didn’t know I needed to talk about all of this.” “You needed to talk about the lovely middle-aged woman who lives on the ranch’s love life?” “I still think she should give Marlon a chance. But, besides that, I really felt comfortable tonight. And I appreciate that.” “I’m glad you did. I was afraid that being trapped here would make you feel bad.” “You… Look, this is… awkward.” He was fidgeting with the blanket on your lap. “I mean, yeah, maybe when we just met, but now, I feel… I feel good here. I’m sorry, this is your house, I shouldn’t make myself so comfortable around you.” “I hope you do, actually. I like when you’re around.”

Something in his stutter, in the flush of his cheeks, in the soft sigh of his eyes, in the candid smile. Maybe it was something in Sebastian’s voice. But it felt right. It was more than that. Both heart and brain were on the same page. You knew it was right. You felt it too. Then, it happened. A force above you, maybe fate, maybe God, maybe simply being honest with yourself. Maybe all of that? Whatever it was, your hand, on its own, reached his, rubbing Sebastian’s hand with your thumb. It was just a second, but it felt like an eternity. The soft skin, the warmth, the wind howling outside, the melody of the fire, the soft snore of your pet. You were suddenly conscious of all of this, your memory trying to etch this moment forever. It was like a slice of the cake of time being served just for you. Sebastian smiled, and his fingers laced with yours.

“Do you understand what you’re asking for?” “Do you know,” you smiled back, “when people talk about a home? About how it feels, what makes one?”The eternal weight on Sebastian’s shoulders seemed to disappear. All the anxiety, all the fears, all doubts leaving his body. It was then when you realized, as his affirmative answer caressed your ears, and he gently pulled you toward him, settling you on his chest, while the moon shone in all of its splendor, celebrating you. You knew everything about home.

#sdv #sdv sebastian #sdv bachelors #sebastian sdv x reader

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arcadia-of-pluto · 5 months ago

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Twist of Fate; Chapter Seven

Pairings; LADS OT4 X reader

Word Count; 2,876

Themes; isekai, eventual smut

Rating; 18+ for swearing and some mature context

Notes; you have a slight existential crisis, a kiss (but it doesn't get too intense unfortunately), another Xavier-centric chapter with a small cliffhanger, also a reminder that 💛 is Xavier! Also, I accidentally posted this so I guess y'all are getting this chapter early 🤷🏻‍♀️

Prev || Next

Masterlist

I would also like to mention, once more, that the reader isn't aware of anything relating to Sylus. Just his looks, the appearance of his evol, and all of that. Think of her as all of us during Sylus's trailer release! Even though she doesn't know anything, the story will go as it does in the original story. I'm definitely not creative enough to change any of that, but there will be major differences after we finish the final chapter (in-game, chapter eight)!

You have one more day of freedom before you enter the Nest as bait. How will you spend it?

You woke up a bit later than usual, wanting to spend as much time with Estelle in bed as possible before you had to leave her for an unspecified amount of time. You hope she remembers you. After you make yourself something to eat and give Estelle her food, you check up on your flowers. The bluish pink flowers sat in a vase you had made at a pottery class with Zayne. Your thumbprints in the shape of a heart and the vase was glazed in the colour arctic blue, which was a beautiful light blue. The vase was sitting next to the fox Xavier got you and the painting Rafayel made for you.

You decide to lounge around the apartment today, unwilling to go outside and do anything since you knew today would be your last day of freedom. You were honestly worried, after tomorrow you were in the dark on what comes next. Your gaze flitting across the notes you made of the past and near future, hoping to come up with a nice game plan for your next decisions. You could tell the other guys you know about your past lives, but if you don't know everything then what's the point? You knew Rafayel would throw a fit if you didn't remember everything. Zayne doesn't really remember or, at least, you're not sure. Most of Zayne's past life you're in the dark about since you never got his cards. For Rafayel, you know two specific instances of past lives but the bigger one where he was the god of the sea? You only know part of it. You never got those cards either. With Xavier, you know of both lives- one more so than the other. You know he's Lumiere, the man who saved the main character as a child and protected Linkon during the Chronorift Catastrophe..you also know he's quite jealous of himself. Any time Lumiere is mentioned, he gets jealous.

But Sylus? Nope, you know nothing. Besides his looks, that he's the leader of Onychinus, and what his evol looks like. That's all you know. And you think you remember a crow, but you could be mistaken because of meeting Mephi at the animal shelter.

You know you need the aether core at the auction, but you don't recall why. Maybe to help your heart? You don't dare ask because it would look weird if you were intent on finding something, but forgot why you needed it. And after that? You assume winning Sylus’ heart like you have with the others. So he can't be a real bad guy if he's a love interest. You've read theories that the Ever corporation, which is the biggest company in the world- branching from biotech to aerospace to evol energy and even international trade- might be evil or working with Onychinus, but that's the only lead you have. You'll just have to figure it out as you go along.

You put on the TV and laze around with Estelle for most of the day until you step outside to sit on your balcony to watch the sun set.

Your phone buzzes and you look down to check it, seeing a text from Xavier.

💛 :”whatre u doing outside this late?”

A smile tugs at your lips and you tell him that you're watching the sunset to which he doesn't respond. Instead his response comes in the form of a figure hopping down from the floor above you and grabbing onto the concrete wall of the balcony. “Watching it together would be better than watching alone.” He says, reaching out toward you and you grab his hand, tugging him fully onto your balcony.

“You scared the hell out of me, Xavier.” I say, looking up at the sky. “Give me a warning next time, please?” “I'll try my best.” He smiles, propping his arm up on your shoulder. “Aren't you nervous about tomorrow?”

“Ah…a little bit.” You look down at your feet with a small sigh and decide to sit down in a chair. “I'm nervous, but also anxious, but also I don't know what to expect. I have a plan and I know it'll work, but I'm unsure of where to go from there.”

“Well instead of worrying about it, how about you just go with the flow?” He crouches down next to you since you only had one chair, he rests his chin on your knee as he looks up at you. “Don't stress about what hasn't happened, just focus on right now and you can worry about the future when it comes.” You rest your hand in his hair and smile, tilting your head back to look up at the sky. “You know, you talk like an old man.” Your thumb brushes against his forehead, “but…I don't mind it.”

“Besides watching the sunset, I know of another way to calm down. Do you want to hear about it?” Xavier asks, his hand reaching up to cup your cheek. His thumb gently brushes against your fully healed scar and your eyes flutter closed for a moment. “Have you tried it with other people and that's how you know it works?” You tease with a raise of your brow. “How do you know it'll work, huh?”

“Well… you won't know unless we try.” He stands back up, resting one hand on the armrest of your chair. His other still on your right cheek as he leans forward to rest his forehead against yours. “May I?” He asks and you go to nod, but remember before that he told you to speak. “Yes,” you say before adding softly under your breath, “please.”

Xavier's eyes close as he closes the distance between you, his lips gently brushing against yours before fully connecting. He doesn't try to deepen the kiss, leaving it as a soft, yet intimate moment between you both. After a few moments, he breaks from the kiss and leaves a few scattered kisses across your face. His final stop was at your scar, his lips brushing along the scar from the top of your eyebrow all the way to your cheekbone. Your body immediately jerks in surprise at the touch since you realized your scar was rather sensitive. “Better?” He whispers, going back to resting his forehead against yours. His ears as red as yours probably were.

“Thank you.” You say softly, cupping his cheek and you rub your thumb back and forth across his cheekbone. A loud meow coming from behind you both finally breaks the moment and allows Xavier to pull away from you. “It seems like Estelle was jealous.” He chuckles, picking up the large cat with ease. “It looks like she's worried about her mommy.”

“She'll be fine because she'll have her daddy looking after her while I'm gone.” You say nonchalantly, not noticing the blush that spread across Xavier's cheeks or the way he buried his red face into Estelle's fur. “You really have a way with words.” He chuckles, shaking his head.

“We missed the sunset!” You realize, quickly standing up as you whine. “Damn it.”

“We might've missed the sunset but didn't we make a better memory in place of it?” Xavier muses, glancing over at you with a soft smile. “I guess we did.” You reach over to pet Estelle behind the ears and Xavier takes the chance to say, “Be safe tomorrow. Promise me.”

“I can't make any promises, Xav. You know that.” You sigh, hugging both him and Estelle. “But just know I'll do my best to come back in one piece. I can promise that. I'm not going anywhere any time soon.” You murmur into his chest and rest your forehead against it.

“That's…” Xavier lets out a heavy sigh and gives you a forced smile before he nods, “That’s enough for now.”

D-Day

Finally, it's Hunting day. Your last day of knowing what comes next. You spent most of the night tossing and turning, mulling over what would happen and worrying over getting hurt, but you felt a bit better now. Especially as you changed into your clothes for the day. In the game, the main character showed up at the Nest in her uniform and while that would be the best kind of bait, it seemed impractical. If you're trying to be bait, wouldn't being obvious bait deter people? If you're too on the nose, people might think it's a trap. So instead, you opted to put on a strappy, red ruffled shirt that was tucked into a white skirt. You added a belt and you set your red low heels by the door. You spray some perfume and spend a few minutes getting ready to look your best.

A stylish outfit is a good weapon for a woman. That and your actual weapon in its holster under your skirt. You shrug on an expensive black jacket, one of the only things you own that wasn't in game, to hide your obvious weapon. You weren't sure when the right time would be to leave so you decided to have your last meal. Well, it wouldn't be your last meal but it definitely felt like it. After you ate, you'd leave for the Nest to meet up with Rafayel. Your last message to him being ‘Meet me at the Nest and show me how to fish.’ to which he replied that ‘the biggest fish come out at night.’ So you assume 10-11pm would be an appropriate time to leave?

You still have time today so what were you going to do?

You took a few more notes on what to expect after and made sure the tiny tranquilizer was in your pocket. The antidote vial sitting on your kitchen island ready to take before you leave. You double, no triple, no quadruple checked that you have everything and spent a few hours anxiously pacing back and forth and petting Estelle. You were never good at waiting, especially when you were anticipating something.

You decide to leave at 10pm, giving you an hour to get to the Nest, which makes sense since you'd be walking. You down the vial, tossing it in the garbage as you head toward the door. You slip your shoes on and lock the door behind you after feeding Estelle for the night.

Honestly with all this walking, you should probably just bite the bullet and learn how to drive since you already have a license in this world. But driving is scary and you have bigger issues to deal with right now so that'll have to come later.

As you walk through Azure Square, you pin your ‘family’ crest to your jacket, trying to make sure that not all of Jeremiah's hard work went to waste and even though you have your hunter's watch on, it is covered by your jacket sleeves so you assume it'll be fine. A pretty bait is what you're planning to be tonight, no need to go too overboard with it. You enter the Nest and it just looks like your average nightclub. People were standing and drinking, some slightly dancing to some music or talking amongst themselves, not many people were at the bar though, besides the bartender.

As you look around, your vision is blocked by someone stepping in front of you. “Hey there,” the man’s eyes glance at your crest as he continues, “Actually-”

“Isn't it a bit weird to do business with newcomers?” Rafayel steps into frame, practically shoving the other man out of the way as he fixes his sleeves, not even sparing the man another glance. “Come.” He loops a finger with yours as he pulls you up to the bar. “So…do you have your bait ready?” He asks, leaning his chin onto his hand.

“Mmh, I'll play their game and allow myself to be caught. Act like a clueless little worm on a tackle.” You say, nonchalantly. Not mentioning the N109 Zone since you didn't want to catch others' attention just yet. “You'll still need to cast your line though…that should be easy enough.” Rafayel drums his fingers against the bar counter before he hands the bartender a coin. He picks up an embossed card, sliding the blank side over to you. “Go ahead. Write down what you're looking for.”

You take a deep breath, nodding your head as you grab the black feathered pen that was sitting in a nearby cup. You write down ‘aether core’ and the ink disappears a few moments later. Rafayel scoops up the card to hand it to the bartender who nods and disappears into the back. “Who's he going to tell?” You ask, turning your body to face the well dressed artist. “Doesn't matter. If they're interested, you'll know.” He muses, moving his hand over to trace random shapes on the back of your hand.

“Rafayel?” He's still silent before he takes your hand, kissing the back of it. “Now, we wait for the fish to bite.” “How long?” You ask after he lets go of your hand. “Hmm..not long. The Nest lives up to its name, you know? An underground intelligence network that's well known to match supply and demand.” As Rafayel finishes his sentence, the bartender comes back with a shot glass. He places it in front of you before stepping away once more.

“And this?” You ask before assuming this means a fish has taken a bite so you reach out for it and Rafayel suddenly grabs your wrist. “Think about it first. The glass is black, that means you'll have to pay a high price and if it doesn't go smoothly, you'll be the payment instead.”

“Well, being the payment is better than sitting here and doing nothing.” You shrug, downing the shot in one go. “Since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you.” Rafayel chuckles, placing his hand on top of your head to ruffle your hair. “I hope you find the answers you seek.” He stands up from the barstool and doesn't look back as he walks away, just puts his hand up as he waves.

“Alright, I guess let's look around until the hunting starts.” You murmur to yourself, rising to your feet as you walk around the bar. You notice a board off to the side, a wanted board. You see a head shot of Lumiere who looks obviously like Xavier except with a white mask and an outfit you've never seen before. A small chuckle leaving your lips before you notice how much he's wanted for. “100 million? Geez, what did he do?” You step a bit closer to look at the other wanted posters and you only catch a glimpse of purple hair on another poster before someone runs into you.

“It's starting, it's starting.” The drunken man excitedly mumbles to himself as he walks further into the crowd.

The lights suddenly shut off and a modified OTTO patrol bot rose up from a podium in the center of the room. The circular robot flies high until a voice booms from it, “There's a price to pay when a wish is granted! Will you be the hunter or the hunted tonight?” The robotic screen was a deep shade of red, the camera on it shaped like an eye. “Hunting day will now…commence.”

As your gaze lands on the eye, you feel your blood run cold. This…this reminded you of the red eye from your nightmares but you couldn't put your finger on how. You decide to play it safe and try to find a place to hide but honestly, where can you hide? You're in an unfamiliar, crowded place so you're not even sure where the bathrooms are and why would you hide if the plan is to be caught in the first place?

Your thoughts are cut short as the voice says one last thing. “Now.” It's red gaze lands on you, effectively spotlighting you to everyone in the crowd. “Shit.” You mutter to yourself as a few people in the crowd walk toward you.

“There she is…we've been looking for you.” One person says and another one chimes in, “This is the prey.”

You're a tad bit overwhelmed as people close in on you and as you try to dip out of the crowd, you feel your breath leave you as you're hit in the back and your knees hit the ground hard. “Hey-” you say, trying to turn toward the person and elbow them in the gut but they grab you by your hair and hold a vial in front of your face. “C-003, a neurotoxin. If you're smart, you won't put up a fight.”

You sigh, head hanging down and your hair covers your face to hide your smile. At least everything still went according to plan. Now what comes next is a complete mystery. Your smile leaves your lips as you feel the butt of a gun hit your head and you fall to the ground.

I'm keeping the extra spaces in this chapter to show a comparison, so just let me know which you prefer and I'll keep doing it for the up-coming chapters! Also, this won't be a cliffhanger for long since I'll also be posting chapter eight today. I decided to spoil y'all 🩷

I do want to add that I change up mc's dialogue compared to what she says in-game sometimes because I don't like how it's worded or I don't like specific actions she does (like shaking Mephisto, you'll see). I also make comments on her stupid actions- like her trying to hide in the original chapter or wear her hunter's uniform as if she wants to scream to the Nest, "I'm a hunter!! Please, take me!" Instead of being more low-key and under the radar.

Taglist; @orphicmeliora

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chiliechicken · 6 months ago

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𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐊𝐈 𝐊.┊★ dude, i'm just not into you! Denki Kaminari x GN!Reader, Angst, OOC, Ex!Denki, Cliffhanger(?) oops

PT 1 — you're seriously crying?

Crying in your dorm room isn't what you expected to do after you broke up with that dweeb you used to call the love of your life. You spent hours sobbing into your pillow that you completely forgot to do your homework, better yet eat dinner with your classmates. They felt awful for you ever since they heard about the breakup. In fact, nearly every second year heard about the breakup.

The news spread like wildfire all throughout your grade and you couldn't feel anymore embarrassed about all of this. Students gossiped like there's no tomorrow, making sure that they and their mommas knew all the drama that surrounded yours and Denki's name.

You don't understand what's so interesting about your situation. I mean, it was just a simple breakup, it wasn't like two celebrities got a divorce after the one found out the other cheated. Even then, that news wouldn't spread this quickly in U.A.

You groaned and rolled over in your bed, wiping your tears away with the back of your hand. You turned your phone on and looked at the time, it read 8:45 P.M. "Goddamnit, shut up..." You sighed and stared at the screen as you watched the notifications continue to pour in. The wall of your school's official group was filled with the news. You furrowed your brows and turned off your phone before throwing it on the other side of your bed.

So what's so entertaining about all of this? Well for one, you and Denki have been dating since freshman year and have been well-known to be a power couple during your first year.

While Denki was friendly, open and talkative, joyful, flirty and funny, you were reserved, cold, usually preferred to be alone, and a little violent. Sometimes you'd be lashing out at the smallest of things, hitting anyone who even dares to look your way on a bad day. Even in your friend group everyone described you as timebomb, waiting to blow up at the perfect opportunity, or a balloon held over a sharp pin beside a war veteran. You were always ready to cause chaos and disaster.

Your presence was well-known as the 'violent kid that could kill you with one look alone', a reputation that rivaled Katsuki Bakugo's own aggressive nature. You were the complete opposite of Denki, so it surprised people when the goofy-goober, high-energy (literally and figuratively), good boy of the prestigious Class-A managed to pull you out of your little box and get you to open up, completely giving your personality a full-on makeover when you two began dating.

People often call the two of you the embodiment of opposites attract. The sun and the moon, the black cat and the golden retriever, the flower and its thorn, all that cheesy stuff you would rather rip your skin off than associate yourself with.

Your phone vibrates as your friends and classmates bombard your messenger with texts asking how you were doing, what's the tea, did you want to get drunk, why is Denki outside your Heights Alliance building—

"[Name]? Someone's looking for you."

Ugh, seriously?

You groaned audibly and threw a stuffed toy at your door, urging your classmate to leave you alone. She didn't listen since she continued to knock and even tried to turn the handle, yelling for you to come outside, "Come on! I know you don't want to go but he won't leave us alone! It's getting annoying and it's movie night."

What the hell could he want, now? You stood up from your bed, bit groggily, and hesitantly opened your door. You came face to face with your classmate who already had an irritated look on her face, as if the irritation in her voice wasn't enough.

You furiously wiped away your tears as you followed her back down to the common area. Thinking possible scenarios and outcomes wasn't really helping you calm down in this situation. In fact, you were feeling even more anxious, your footsteps thudding against the floor as you headed towards the couches. You took a deep breath and pushed through your classmates to get to Denki.

"Outside." You seethed out while gritting your teeth and grabbed his arm firmly with your fingers digging into his skin. Denki winced, stumbling on his own two feet as he followed you out of the building. Once out of view from your nosy classmates, you turned to look at him, your expression that of frustration. You crossed your arms and narrowed your eyes, waiting for him to speak up before you lose your patience and rip him to shreds.

Denki let out a deep breath, one he didn't realize he was holding, and looked up to meet your gaze, determined. Albeit he flinched when your eyes were practically burning into his own.

"Take me back—?" You smacked the shit outta him as soon as he opened his mouth to say those words. Wincing and yelps of pain were heard from inside the building.

You glared at Denki, your palm stinging with pain as it began to warm up. You honestly couldn't believe the nerve of this.. boy. After the shit he put you through, he had the audacity to ask for your hand again?

"W-What the hell's that for?!" Denki cried out as he held his red cheek. God, that stung his feelings more than his skin. He frowned and stepped closer to you as he reached his hand out to hold yours, "You didn't have to do that! W-We can just talk, y'know?"

"I don't wanna hear anything from you." You snapped back almost immediately and leaned away from him, "Why are you expecting me to listen to your bum-ass words when you didn't even spend a second to listen to mine? I gave you so many chances to help me mend our relationship, but you never took the time to do so!"

You ran your hand across your face frustratedly, your other hand perched on your hip as you narrowed your eyes. "Just fuck off, Kaminari. I'm so done with you."

You turned around and began to walk away from him, trying to calm yourself down.

Denki sighed. He expected you to get mad, yeah, but you were really leaving him? He thought you loved him as much as he loved you. With a huff, he caught up with you and blocked your way. "I'm never gonna give you up."

You scoffed and pushed him away, "Haha, that is so funny. I am so hysterically laughing right now." before continuing to walk. He groaned in frustration and grabbed your arm, pulling you pack towards him. "I'm serious! I'm never gonna give you up no matter how much you hate me."

Denki looked at you as his gaze softened, "Please, [Name]. We've come so far together, why stop now?"

He gripped your arm tighter and momentarily looked away, trying to find the right words to say without possibly angering you. "I know I was kinda a d-dick in our relationship, but I promise you I'll do better! Give me a chance, please. You're my first real relationship, I-I can't lose you!"

You opened your mouth to speak, only to close it back again. What do you even say to this fool? You already said what you wanted to say to him earlier, you're satisfied with how things turned out. Right? You averted your eyes and clicked your tongue; fuck, you're really doubting your decision now?

With a sigh, you looked back at him and furrowed your brows. "What do you want from me?" You asked, your tone genuine. Denki raised a brow and tilted his head to the side, "I mean—isn't it obvious? I want you."

"No, idiot! What do you really want from me? Why do you want to chase me so bad? What is it about me that's so interesting that makes me so worth it?"

Denki frowned further and pulled you closer, "That's my answer. You. I want you." He spoke before he loosened his grip on you slightly, "It's as simple as that. Nothing more, nothing less, babe."

"Don't call me that." You sneered at him before pulling away, crossing your arms over your chest. "Go find someone else to fuck over. I can't believe I wasted half a year on someone like you." You stormed past him, bumping your shoulder against his, as you went back inside the dormitory.

"No, wait! Baby, please—!" He tried to call out to you, but you already disappeared behind those large doors.

Denki stood there, motionless for a moment as he processed what just happened. He sighed in frustration, running his fingers through his hair as he stared at the ground. "Fuck." He breathed out and walked back to the Class-A Heights Alliance, utterly miserable and defeated.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck..."

Wanna know how he spent his night? Same as you, crying himself to sleep until he passed out on a pile of half-eaten chip bags with a cheesy romance movie playing in the background.

Match-made in heaven!

★┊gyehehehehehehhhhh HAUAJHA I'm going insane, I don't have any motivation to write at all

This one isn't as long as the first part, why? I'm not in the right mood to write angst MEANING I'm feeling really happy today since I'm all alone right now

Which reminds me that I'm lonely

I need a girlfriend

#mha #bnha #mha fanfiction #bnha fanfiction #denki x reader #mha denki #bnha denki #denki kaminari #x reader #xreader #mha x reader #mha x you #bnha x reader #bnha x you #mha angst #angst #ooc

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arthurflecksgirl · 3 months ago

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Conversations with Arthur

Arthur comforting reader after watching Folie a deux

This is for all of you who love him

Word count: 2000

Warnings : None really. Slight mention of a panic attack

Genre : Comfort

Your eyes avoided the screen quite some time before credits started rolling. Arthurs comforting voice echoed from the speakers of the theatre, singing promising words about the future. How could they? How dare they to play his voice in a hopeful tune after what you just saw? You kept your red face, swollen from crying so hard buried inside your shaking hands. You didnt wanted to catch any attention from the people who still remained in their seats. They must think you're crazy. And at the same same time you didn’t care anymore.

You didnˋt care about the fact that your crying must have been louder than Arthurs soft voice singing. You didnˋt care about anything anymore. The one thing you cared about most had just been taken away from you. That one person who helped you making it through the past 5 years of your life. Arthur Fleck. He who understood you the way you understood him. He who comforted you during your worst days and ugliest breakdowns. Your love. Your light.

They dared to blow out his candle which was the only fllicker left inside of you. They took him away, making it seem like nothing but a bad punchline. He who deserved so much better. Who still belived in love after all he had been through. Arthur, the man who finally came to terms with who he is. Was that the price he had to pay for being his sweet self? Was that the price you had to pay for loving a man who needed love more than anything in his life?

„….but how can it recognize you, if you donˋt step ot into the light, the light…“

It was the first time ever his voice couldnˋt make you feel better. Even though it sounded like a distance whisper from heaven itself. True love will find you in the end.

He is your true love. And you long to be his. Whatˋs left to do now? Left to cling onto? Arthur….please stop singing. I love you so much. I need you here. I need you here physically. I need your tiney body in my arms. I need to feel that you are real. Donˋt sing unless your mouth is forming these words right beneath my ear. Donˋt sing unless you see in how much pain I am griefing you. Donˋt sing unless I feel your breath on my cheek.

You still heard his voice after the curtain had closed. It was time to stand up and leave the cinema minutes ago but you physically couldnt . Moving seemed impossible, opening your eyes seemed like a violent act. The speakers didnt play any music anymore but you still heard him. „Donˋt be sad I know you will….but donˋt give up until...“

It was getting harder and harder to breathe. The dizziness coming over you was overwhelming. A panick attack was setting in. You wanted to leave this place but…No you didnt. You had to stay. There must be another scene after all. Another ending. This is nothing but a bad joke. The red curtain will open and the screen will reveal the real ending of the movie. It has to. You cannot go home like that and accept what you just saw. This man deserved to live. To live a better life. To reveive support. To be seen and loved.

Arthur!

Please stay with me. I

I know you are still alive. Credits rolled way too quickly…..They tricked us real bad, didnt they? A cliffhanger…itˋs just….a deusion….the title of the movie is Folie a deux after all.

Amd then you blacked out .

A bright light lulling you in as you opened your eyes. The curtains of the cinema changed their colors to blue, red orange and yellow. The curtains of the Murray Franklin show. The colors Arthur imagined the black umbrellas to be.

The room was empty except for you and…..

Arthur????

You must have hallucinated. Arthur was sitting on the seat beside you. A concerned look on his face, as he tendlerly layed his hand on your knee „Y/N“ he whispered. „Donˋt be sad….I donˋt want you to be sad“.

You shifted within your seat to face him as you tried to catch your breath. „Thats….thatˋs not….posssible…“

Arthur pulled out a handkerchief with the words „Worldˋs best comedian“ stitched on it. For a quick moment you felt almost happy about that fact that someone must have given it to him , which means that he is appreciated by someone who thinks heˋs funny. You always thought that he was funny in a adorable and unique kinda way. If only you could make him happy by laughing about his jokes.

You took the handkerchief and felt bad about wiping your face and cleaning your nose with it. It must be so precious to him.

„Arthur….I ….“

It was impossible to form words. Impossible to say anything. Your only instinct left was to take him into your arms. To feel if he was real. If he was a body made of flesh and bones. If he had physical form that would have a weight to it. You wanted him to exist so baldy.. Somehow you always knew that he did.

You looked into his eyes for the very first time and not into a screen. It was him and every single line on his face was him. It was his curls stroking your cheek softly when you finally out your arms around his fragile body. It was his arms crossing behind your shoulders, letting you sink deeper into his embrace.

Arthur

It was Arthur

And he was so much realer than he was on screen.

You never wanted to let him go. You wanted this to be your final moment. Let the curtains close here. Let the curtains of your own story close right at this moment. You didnˋt need any moment to follow after this. Let his arms around you be the final act.

It was uncertain who loosened the embrace fist but it didnˋt felt like it loosened. It only did so you could look into each others eyes.

He looked at you in silence. Arthur never was a man of many words. The expression of his face spoke volumes. He felt your pain. He empathized. You were the same.

„Arthur….how is that even possible? Am I hallucinating?“

Arthur pulled out a cigarette, lit it and too a deep drag. His left hand searching for your own hand, covering it like a protective shield. „What does it matter?“ he shrugged slightly „I am with you anyways….I always was.“

Your teary eyes observed his beautiful sillhouette. Arhur was so much stronger than it seemed. You could have sworn that a bright aura surrownding his figure. Almost like a protective shield.

He was save. Arthur was save.

„I always feel your presence, Arthur…“

He blew out some smoke, making intense eye contact „Thatˋs because Iˋm with you“

„Really? I thought I was just….daydreaming. You know…wishful thinking“

„Well….“ Arthur chuckled „Thatˋs how itˋs always starting, isnˋt it?“

He closed his eyes as he leaned back into the seat „As some kind of dream I mean“

You coudnˋt take your eyes off him. Arthur was even more handsome in person. From his soft curls, to his strong eyebrows, the shape of his nose, the scar on his upper lip….

Your hand reached out to touch the fabric of his brown cardigan, to see if it felt real.

Arthur finished his cigarette ,laughing as you pulled your hand away out of nervousness. You spent the last five years loving this man and yet you werenˋt sure if it was allowed to touch him as you wanted to.

„Itˋs okay Y/N….you can touch me. Come here!“

He shifted in his seat, took your hand and put it on his face . Hs skin was soft, freshly shaved. „See? Iˋm real.“

He grinned. „Funy isnˋt it? I never thought I could say this with such confidence. I am real. I never felt real for most of my life“ . Arthurs voice dropped for a second „Sometimes I felt like other people made me up in ther minds and I am just a fool playing out their fantasies like….“

„Like what Arthur?“ you caressed his shoulder softly.

„Like in this movie…“

You immediately felt a lump in your throat as he mentioned it. Your mind went back to what you just saw. Arthur on the ground.

„But you know what?“ he sighed „They make movies about me all the time. I mean. There is a movie within the movie.“

He put his hand on your hand which still remained on his shoulder „There was a cartoon even. Do you think it was funny?“

You didnˋt knew what to say. The last thing you wanted to talk about was the movie you just saw. All you wanted to concentrate on was that Arthur was sitting right beside you and he seemed pretty much alive.

„Um…nevermind. Just sing a song with me okay? It will make you feel better….“

All of the sudden he twitched. His hand touching his stomach.

„Arthur, are you okay?“

„Yeah…“

„Are you sure?“

You lifted his cardigan to check. You felt that he was more than okay with that.

His skin was unharmed. Not only that but a bright, green light was coming from his belly.

„Itˋs just an echo from different timelines…. Nothing the healing light of archangel Raphael canˋt fix“ he smiled. „You know….they are with you, Just like I am. The angels I mean….and let me tell you. They know some good jokes. Sometimes they even laugh at my dark humor but donˋt tell anyone“.

You placed your hand underneath his belly button.

„The angels healed you?“

Arthur chuckled in a shy way „And your love did“

He reached out to touch your face but wasnˋt confident enough to do so.

„Itˋs okay ,Arthur…..you can touch me. Itˋs more than okay. In my dreams we touch each other all the time“ you felt yourself blushing.

Arthurs fingers traveled over your face as if he was reading braille.

„Itˋs good to know that you are real,too“ he said almost to himself.

„I always was…but I think I became more real after loving you,Arthur“

„So letˋs make each other real, huh?“ he mumbled.

„You are not just imaginary, like they said in court….“ He added. „Not just a fantasy in my diary…“

It was only now that you realized that you still had Arthurs handkerchief.

„Oh, I am sorry I still have your…“

„You can keep it.“

„No…..Arthur….that must have been a personal gift from someone special….WORLDS BEST COMEDIAN…itˋs yours!“

He took it, only to put it in your pocket „You are right. It really is from someone special. I never forget the day when you gifted it to me for my birthday. Remember, darling? When we first found out that my birthday was really my birthday? That was kinda special….“

He stood up from his seat, one hand rubbing his tummy. Everything was fine.

„What….what do you mean, Arthur? I gifted it to you?“

The worldˋs best comedian bend forward to give you a tight hug „You know there is a timline where we met decades ago and movies are made about our love and they all have a happy ending. This is where I am going now.“

He kissed your cheek and you felt like youˋve been marked with bliss.

„Iˋll meet you there, darling“ his voice echoed through the cinema room as the light around him grew bigger.

„Besides…I totally forgot to sing you the song….“

You felt a smile crossing your face. No movie could take that away from you. No movie could take him away from you.

„I love you, Arthur“ you whispered.

Arthur faded into bright light as he smiled back at you and sang

„Whippoorwills call, eveninˋ is nigh

Hurry to my, blue heaven

Turn to the right, thereˋs a little white light

Will lead you to my, blue heaven

Youˋll see a smiling face, fireplace, a cosy room

Little nest that nestle where the roses bloom

Just honey and me, and the baby makes three

Weˋre so happy in my, blue heaven“

#arthur fleck #joker #joker movie #joaquinphoenix #joaquin phoenix joker #joker folie a deux #arthur fleck fanfiction #arthurfleck x reader #arthur fleck comfort #arthurmyoneandonlyperson

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watchtowerindistress · 1 month ago

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the empath and the eldritch horror (5/5) - sparrow!ben x empath!reader

Summary: Ben and Eight have breakfast together. Diego is being weird-er than usual. Two manipulators (more or less) have a heart to heart. Ben and Eight have the best and the worst day together.

Word count: 5.6k

Warning: language, mention of smut, angst (kinda?)

Author's note: Yes, this ends on a cliffhanger note, but that's only because the finale episode will be used as a recap in the new series, so you'll be picked up for the next ride. The Ben/Eight scene during the one hour reprieve can be read as a deleted scene since I couldn't just leave that out.

Just so you know, if you're interested in the sequel series for S4, you can already enter the taglist. Just access the series masterlist, the rest is gravy. 😘 I'm going to take a break after this since I'm getting mentally tired - maybe I depleted all there was for this character for now.

Dear me, thank you for 1.8k. Remember guys, reblogging and writing a small comment is love. Let me know if you even liked this.

Series masterlist

There was just so much to choose from, you realized, when you were standing in front of the buffet, admiring the breakfast collection. Your stomach emitted a rumbling noise to signal its craving for food. You just started filling your breakfast tray when Ben joined your side.

“Here, have some vitamins,” you said, popping a pineapple cube into his mouth.

A grunt left Ben’s mouth. He paused awkwardly before he slowly munched on the fruit. Ben wiped his mouth. “You’re lucky I—you’re alright. You do remember me punching your brother for wanting a hug, right?”

It felt surreal to have him not being his snarky self. Without him hissing at every turn. Ben’s behavior in the elevator should’ve been indicative enough of how the morning after was treating him.

“Is this the hangover talking or are you losing your touch? Because I remember you being way more hostile when you want to be.”

Ben groaned loudly at being caught unawares. “Just give me a few minutes with a cup of coffee, alright? Then I’m back to insulting your whole family.” The corners of his mouth tensed until he managed a smirk.

Your eyes widened comically, clutching your throat. “I was getting worried for a second there,” you retorted before taking a sip from your cup of tea. Feeling satisfied with your yogurt and selection of fruits and cereals, you playfully brushed your shoulder against his and strolled to the dining area.

You chuckled quietly to yourself when you felt him inquisitively turn his head towards you.

Okay, fine. You were kinda flirting with Ben.

But sometimes it was just fun to tease him and to ruffle his feathers a bit since that guy was all about control.

You pulled out the chair at a long banquet table which was covered by a white tablecloth and took a seat with a small sigh. The sweet taste of a juicy strawberry was barely in your mouth before you were reintroduced to Ben’s company who seated himself next to you. He dropped his chin on the palm of his hand, suffering in silence. Which didn’t actually sound like the Ben you knew.

Maybe this was Ben’s idea of a small pity party. Not needing another convincing of him, you touched his forehead without averting your eyes from your food.

Ben groaned while closing his eyes. Bit by bit, he managed to regain his energy. “Oh damn, that’s nice.”

“It was starting to distract me,” you calmly let him know. As soon as you felt him slowly being himself again, you dropped your hand next to your cutlery.

Ben stared intently at you. “Oh, my mistake. How could I dare for having a hangover, right?” He smirked sardonically before he drank from his coffee. “And here I thought you were being all altruistic. Maybe you’re just like me after all.” He inclined his head, like he knew something you didn’t.

The moment when you stirred your cereals into the fruit yogurt, something else crossed your mind. Ever since this morning his mind was preoccupied with morose thoughts. Something must have gotten to him in the wee hours.

You exhaled unevenly. “What’s wrong?”

“Why would there be something wrong?” Ben settled his arms on the table, turning his head towards you with a small smile on his face. Despite the energy surge, Ben’s eyes looked tired.

“Well, if it’s not your emotions revealing themselves, it’s certainly that look in your eyes,” you said softly.

Ben grunted low in his throat. There was something he hadn’t been able to forget, as much as he tried to bury it to the back of his head.

“Ah, classic defense mechanism. Pushing away the people who care about you the most. Just like Dad.”

Ben inhaled deeply and spoke almost absentmindedly. “Klaus said something.”

Remembering one of the first words he uttered while in the elevator, you nodded. Wondering what it was that Klaus said that would make Ben feel so uneasy.

“It really must have gotten to you, huh?”

“Enough to make me want to punch him in the face.” Ben smirked faintly.

“But you didn’t. That has to count for something.” The semblance of pride remained in your voice at the minimum of self-control.

~ Diego POV ~

From afar, Diego and Lila observed Ben and you having breakfast together. Almost in slow motion, Diego’s eyes followed your hand movements when you reached forward to cover Ben’s forehead, swiping his hair to the side while doing it. Barely even noticing the golden shimmer under her palm.

The serene and blissed-out expression on his face made Diego frown. “What the fuck?” Diego muttered under his breath, stalking towards the two of you.

He felt Lila’s fingers clench around his bicep. “Easy there, tiger. Your sister doesn’t have time for your testosterone bullshit,” she calmly whispered into his ear, trying to be some sort of voice of reason. A deed which didn’t sound right in his head. Lila wasn’t exactly known for being reasonable or calm.

“It’s not bullshit if mean Ben just wants to get his tentacles into my sister.” Diego waved towards the little shit. He felt the twitching in his fingers, as they reached for one of his knives in the holster around his ribs.

Lila leaned her arms around Diego’s shoulders, muttering quietly. “Overprotective Diego is kind of a turn-on,” Her voice turned normal again. “Come on, just let your sister have a wee bit of fun for once. I mean, are you behaving like such a controlling, big brother that you don’t even want your sister having a good shag?”

Despite Lila’s flirting or intimate gestures, Diego felt far too tense—not to mention, he was way too in his head—to react accordingly to his girlfriend’s needs. He whipped his head around, feeling slightly nauseated at the mere thought. “What did you say? You think they’re having sex?”

“I’m saying I don’t know. Why?” Lila pulled her head back, slightly befuddled. “What did you mean?”

“I meant that he’s still Dad’s kid. A damn Sparrow. Strategic power move, you know? Keep your enemies closer and whatever. I mean, since when are those two so chummy?”

“Diego, calm your tits.” Lila implored him with a soothing tone, widening her eyes. She enunciated her next words with a deep voice. “We don’t know what’s going on. Is it that surprising that your sweetheart of a sister makes friends with literally everyone? I thought everything was cool.”

Diego’s hard glare met Lila. “That was before, Lila.” Squaring his shoulders, he stalked briskly towards you. Something flashed in his eyes. “Let’s find out.”

She whisper-hissed, “What do you mean let’s find out? Diego!”

“I’m proud of you,” you added with a tad of mischief and gentleness shining in your eyes.

Out of nowhere, the chair opposite of you was pulled out by Diego, rendering you both silent. With a loud grunt, he sat down, bracing his arms on the table. “Hey, what’s up with you two?” Diego’s gaze alternated between Ben and you, it was almost the scrutinizing kind.

You paused from eating your yogurt, feeling stumped by the nature of the question. “Having breakfast?” You arched your eyebrows, speaking slowly. “What are you guys doing?” The question was uttered more out of courtesy, getting the feeling that Lila didn’t intend to take up more of your time. Despite that you watched her tentatively take a seat next to Diego. You didn’t think it was possible for Lila doing anything tentatively.

“Same as you,” Diego said, taking a sip from his cup of joe while keeping his gaze set on the two of you.

“Someone’s being serious,” you muttered before leaning towards Lila, needing something to lift the mood. “I heard the two of you were being some horndogs.” You wiggled your eyebrows.

“Oh, Y/N, you know, a lady never does kiss and tell.”

You smiled, provocatively tilting your head. “And what would you call yourself then?”

Gasping mockingly, Lila guffawed with laughter.

“Care to tell what you guys did once the party was over?” Like a bucket of ice-cold water drenching the atmosphere, Diego interjected.

Before you could react, Ben answered for you. “What do you care?” He braced his arm around his chair.

Diego smirked sarcastically, trying to get under his skin. “And here I thought we were becoming best buds.”

You tilted your head. If anything, Ben got to Diego before you could’ve said your piece. “No, I’m kinda with Ben here. Why are you in detective mode?” Widening your eyes, you inquired with both parts levity and earnest fascination. “Wait, did someone actually die?” You kept weaving that hypothetical scenario in your head.

“Nobody died, I think,” Lila threw in. After throwing a secondary glance at Diego, she affirmed stronger. “Nobody died. Don’t mind Diego,” Lila replied, soothingly stroking his shoulder. “He didn’t get much sleep last night. Didn’t you, love?” Lila articulated with a firm tone, intending to jog his memory.

“I told you, babe, this is important,” Diego retorted forcefully.

“And I’m telling you, you’re behaving like the weirdest guy ever. Now is not the time. Now, come on, let’s get moving before I change my mind.” She shook Diego’s shoulders from behind when he didn’t move a muscle. “Diego, I’m serious. Move your cute bum.”

With great reluctance, Diego finally relented. But not before sending you two a meaningful glance.

“What was that all about?” Ben asked almost boredly once the both of them walked away. Or more like Lila dragged your brother away. Ben sank his teeth into a cucumber with relish, emitting a delicious crunch as he stared after them.

“That’s Diego in detective mode for you. My theory with a whodunit still stands, you know?”

Ben hummed. “And what a tragedy it would be if someone didn’t wind up dead,” he said with a sardonic smirk.

You merely threw him a dry expression at Ben’s idea of a good time.

“So, you heard about that family meeting dad called in?” Ben inquired and continued speaking when he heard you sigh wearily. “You going to show up?”

There was something about Reginald calling in a meeting that felt like more of an emotional chore to pull through. Your eyes looked into the distance. “He probably has some sort of devil’s advocate favor to ask.”

Ben arched an intrigued brow. “So, you’d rather he influenced the rest of your family instead? Klaus doesn’t seem that opposed to gaining his favor.”

With your eyes narrowing, you saw right through him. “Don’t manipulate me.”

He shrugged without a care. “It’s not manipulation when you know it’s a manipulation.”

You tilted your head in consideration. “I don’t think that’s how it goes.”

“Just saying, you don’t think there are a few other people who would join his side if given the chance?” Ben probed even further, “Maybe Allison or maybe even the dynamic duo we just had over?”

A gleam was shining in your eyes when you pursed your lips. “You do realize I was going to show up either way before you decided to confront me with your sales pitch, right?”

Ben lost all the fight in his body when he leaned back in his chair with a huffing exhale. “Why do I even bother with you?”

Five was the last to join the family meeting when Reginald and him entered the lobby. The younger Hargreeves was confronted with boisterous applause when he went across the carpet to sit on the armchair by the wall, sending you back to drunk Five during the wedding.

Klaus clapped his hands. “Woo! Five! Yeah!”

A sarcastic Diego agreed by mentioning, “That speech last night! Wow!”

Lila joined the spectacle. “Brought me to tears, you big softy.”

You sat between Ben and Klaus on the round mustard-colored sitting area when Ben impatiently covered his forehead at everyone’s antics.

Five waved a hand. “Okay. Enough. It was the booze talking. In the light of day, you’re all still deplorable.”

“And your day’s about to get worse,” Reginald added ominously. Your inquisitive eyes met him anchoring a thickly bound journal to his chest. “As a boy, I heard the legend of the eight bells. All these stories are the same. The village is under threat by flood, by fire, by a night that never ends. A shaman brings his disciples to a sacred cave.”

Lila laid with her head in Diego’s lap. There was something in her eyes which told you she didn’t fully believe the tale yet.

“He tells them if they can ring the magic bells, the village will be saved and all will be restored just as it was. None of you can deny what’s going on around us. All of existence will be gone by the end of the day, but whoever or whatever wove together space and time, they left a way to put things back together if the universe ever faced total annihilation. There is a portal in the universe. I built this hotel around it, and on the other side is the answer.”

Luther voiced your inner thoughts. “And… we’re supposed to, what? Just stroll in there, ring some bells, and fix this shit?” Sloane leaned against him, seeking comfort while her hand slung around his arm.

“Sarcasm aside, you are mostly right. Except for the guardian.”

Viktor filled the tense silence. “What kind of guardian?”

With a calm voice, Diego explained, “Kinda guardian that does this. He had a sword.” He held up a hand which had two fingers missing.

Eyeing the missing appendages, you spoke dryly, “Sounds like the stakes are pretty low then. Not to mention very convenient.”

“It is a force to be reckoned with,” Reginald assured fervently.

Still, Viktor remained cautious by this reveal. “Why would the builders of this ‘back door’ need to have a guardian?”

Sloane raised a hand, speaking all too eagerly, “Ah! To protect it from people who want to use it for nefarious means.”

There was something about Reginald’s agenda which irked you to no end. Especially with some sort of guardian protecting this reset device. “Guess we’re gonna be the ones who will use it for nefarious means,” you retorted sarcastically.

If there was one thing you could trust about Reginald, it was that he couldn’t be trusted. So, you wondered what he wasn’t telling everyone since this whole story seemed way too convenient for already offering a way out of this mess.

It was obvious where Allison stood with all of this. “So it’s gonna take all of us to defeat the thing protecting the bells.”

Like he already made up his mind when he came to this gathering, Ben stood up and positioned himself next to Reginald. Despite the unwavering loyalty being drilled into him at a young and impressionable age, uncertainty still simmered under the surface. “I’m in.”

Diego followed. “Me too.” Lila winced when he left her side abruptly, making her jolt her head on the sofa.

Your eyes scrutinized Ben’s unhesitating willingness, especially with Diego joining the mix—all too willing to go all Batman again.

“Well, I say we vote,” Viktor offered diplomatically.

Ben glared at him. “This isn’t a democracy. Dad’s calling the shots.”

“I’m with Viktor,” Five agreed. “We vote.”

“The world is ending, and you want to count hands?” Reginald exclaimed in incredulity. With Ben silently agreeing with him who wanted this to get done as quickly as possible.

“You’re asking us to risk our lives,” Luther—ever the mediator among the family—threw in. “I think it’s only fair you give us time to discuss it. Privately.” After hearing Reginald make an indignant huff, he continued, “Why don’t we meet back here in an hour?”

After a tired sigh, Reginald brushed his hand against Ben’s shoulder as he passed him by.

“Agreed,” Five added.

You didn’t need the extra hour to make up your mind. You tasted the cold dessert in your mouth while your back leaned against the balcony on the roof top.

“So, it’s a portal, right?”

Ben sighed, digging with his spoon into the tub of ice cream between you. “Yes, it’s a portal from where I can summon eldritch monsters.”

“Then, if you had the choice what other monsters would you pull through your body?”

Ben groaned loudly at that. “You know, I didn’t have that in mind when you said we’d have some fun.”

“Come on, this is fun.” You giggled, waving your hand towards the sky. “These are some front row seats to the apocalypse. I’m trying to get to know you with these questions. Ergo, a fun time.” You pursed your lips. “I’m thinking probably a creature who has the skin of a snake, lots of eyes. Maybe some sort of Medusa, you know?”

Ben nodded indulgently. “Definitely.”

“It’s your turn.”

Ben exhaled. “Do we have to turn this into a game?”

“It’s called a two-way street. Otherwise, I would just be the one talking which I don’t mind—to a certain degree.”

“Of course.”

“This way you could divulge what interests you in return.”

“What is that called?”

“An interaction, you dork.” You chuckled, brushing your shoulder against his. “Can be anything. Favorite foods, cereal first or milk, favorite sibling.”

“How do you see the auras?”

You turned your head. “That’s your first question? You want to talk about powers?”

Ben shrugged his shoulders in justification, exclaiming, “You were the one who did this first. Besides, I already know who your favorite sibling is.”

“Wait, what?”

“So, let’s get back to power talk.” Ben continued when he heard you grumbling, “How do you see them? You keep mentioning clouds.”

You finally sighed, making up your mind. “Every person has some sort of smoky cloud following behind in a specific color. All those colors just have a different meaning.”

“What’s mine?”

“What do you think yours is?”

“Let me guess, anger?” Ben smirked, having speculated from all your conversations.

“And green.” You looked at him with a serene expression.

“What’s that?” He arched an eyebrow, smirking mockingly. “Hope?”

“It’s willpower.”

Ben averted his gaze before he hid his smile. “Oh wow, you really know how to build a guy up.” His dark eyes met yours again. “Have you seen yours?”

You could remember the handful of times you saw the familiar colors while passing reflections. “Yellow and violet. Fear and love.”

“Fear and love—” Ben quietly repeated to himself. “What’s that like?”

“Haven’t you ever loved something so much you were afraid you were going to lose it?”

There was hesitation in his eyes. “… Can’t say I have.”

You felt your mind wandering elsewhere as you leaned with your arms against the railing overseeing the lobby. The others had withdrawn for some peace and quiet to make their choices. It was barely half an hour left before the rest would have to reconvene.

Tensing your shoulders, you reared your head. Needing a moment for you to breathe mindfully again.

“Are you here for some peace and quiet?”

If there was one voice you didn’t expect to hear, it was Allison’s.

You didn’t bother turning your head, hoping that Allison could read your disposition that you weren’t good for company. At last, you murmured, “I thought some solitude might do the trick, but I guess that’s out of the window now.”

Her long suffering sigh could’ve bridged the distance. Allison was torn between staying or going before she seemed to make up her mind. She exhaled deeply and took her time in joining you at the banister. “Here we are … another day, another apocalypse. Who’d have thought we’d be here again, huh?”

You had already gone tired from any affectation. “Why are you here, Allison?”

A reminiscent smile tugged at her lips. “You know, there was never any bullshitting with you. No pretending. I kinda loved and hated that about you at the same time. That day at the Sparrow Academy, you saw me. For what I really was. When everything was out in the open, when the others saw what I did, I was … afraid that you would try to influence my emotions and then I was almost anticipating you to when you didn’t.”

Something akin to disappointment rose in you at this recurring notion.

“That’s not who I am. I won’t be subjected to being a painkiller you can just take when you can’t deal with something.” As soon as you said it, you remembered who you were talking to and that there was a 50/50 chance that she would misunderstand and think you meant the reset of her daughter and not anything in general.

Before you could clarify, Allison beat you to it. “I know that now.”

There was hesitance in your eyes when you chose your words carefully. “Why is it exactly you’re wanting to talk to me?”

“You’re probably one of the only people in this family who doesn’t want to kill me … yet.”

It still came out of left field that Allison said that out loud. Despite that you raised your eyebrows at the astute observation of your siblings. “Yet. With some exceptions.” With an exhale, you averted your gaze. “As much as I understand and feel what you’re going through, I can’t cross the line into your darkness.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“Then tell me you’ll be satisfied—happy when all of this is said and done,” you implored.

“I don’t know. I hope so. This rage … it’s all I have left. I’m scared I would fall apart if I just let myself feel things.” With her eyes shining wistfully, Allison continued, “What do you see when you look at me? The truth, please.”

You didn’t need to look at the wisps of smoke to discern the black and red colors surrounding her like an ominous beacon. “Pain,” you inhaled, feeling your chest tightening. “… and rage.”

Allison’s laughter echoed with a choked voice. “True.” She sent you a cursory glance. “Isn’t it strange that with our powers being so similar, our paths still deviated?”

“Well, our powers don’t shape us. We are the ones who choose how we use them.”

“That’s a very black and white perception to have.”

“Only when you’re telling yourself it’s the power making you do bad stuff, instead of the other way around.”

Allison shook her head. Perhaps a part of her felt rattled that you didn’t take the bait and rather painted her in such a light that it was her own doing for becoming a cunning person for misusing her powers like that. “I just don’t get it. How you could remain untainted by all of this. You have no idea what it’s like having someone like you grow up beside us.”

“It’s not like you ever gave me a shot, did you?” You replied monotonously. “Found someone else to blame other than the obvious culprit?”

If it was possible, Allison’s huffing breath elevated her level of frustration even more. “I get it, I’ve been a shitty sister.” Her gaze wandered around in thought. “The thing is, we don’t have a lot of time. You always struck me as this sensible and sorta neutral person, so I guess, I wondered on which side you fell on?”

“The unsurprising one. You’ll find out like the others, don’t worry.”

Not satisfied by that answer, Allison clenched her jaw and licked her lips before she accepted your words with a small nod. Your gut was telling you that she intended to mentally join her side. Her back was already turned to yours when you threw one last shot.

“To answer your question, I never wanted to hurt people with my power. That’s the difference between us. So, either tell me, you know what you’re doing and that you’ll draw the consequences from your actions or promise you’ll find a way back to us.”

There was an added layer with the tension in her body when Allison stopped in her tracks.

“I promise.”

It was unsurprising how fast an hour could pass when time was of the essence. The moment of truth called as soon as the question was uttered whether the other side should be crossed. You sat between Viktor and the just married twosome of Luther and Sloane on the stairs, calmly waiting for Allison to finish her take.

“-which way I’ll be voting. We’ve all been through a lot. We’ve all lost people.” She sent an awkward glance towards Five who leaned against the illuminated pillar. “Mannequins… But their deaths have to mean something. Which is why I’ll be voting to go with Dad.”

Lila’s quiet muttering to Diego, “What she said,” wasn’t as muted as she wanted to believe when your eyes met the two over your shoulder. She hollered, pumping her fist while following Allison’s example when she sauntered to Reginald’s side. “Let’s go save the bloody universe!”

In turn, Diego moved away from the pillar and decisively walked towards the stairs with the rest of us. “All right, well, since she said yes, I vote stay. How’s that for nice?” Diego stared with defiance at Lila, offering a shallow smile.

“I am with Father.” Klaus spoke with a low dramatic voice. He waved his hand at the aforementioned man, with a flower in his palm.

Ben offered Reginald an indiscernible nod at Klaus’ reaction, making you frown.

Sighing at Allison’s gaze, Viktor spoke softly. “Look, I want to believe, okay? I really do.” He waved his hands. “I just can’t shake the feeling we don’t know what we’re getting ourselves into.”

The thunderclap echoing in the distance was a dire warning that time was a rare currency you didn’t have.

Allison crossed her arms, stubbornly refusing to accept his stance. “No, but we know what we’ve got if we don’t. We have to go into this together.” Her imploring stare switched over to the rest still sitting on the stairs. “Viktor.” She smiled softly. “A family.”

Viktor’s body language turned weary and incredulous. “You can’t just keep throwing the word ‘family’ around. It isn’t enough. I vote stay.”

Hugging Sloane from behind, Luther’s hands brushed against her shoulders, gazing at her from above. “Um… Sloane and I talked, and-”

Offering her silent support, Sloane covered his hand comfortingly.

“Well, we’re out,” Luther continued, “Look, we wanna spend whatever time we have left together, and not fighting some guy with a sword and ringing bells and stuff. So…”

“Four in, four out,” Viktor summarized.

“I saw the future, and it told me to sit this one out. I vote stay.” Five arched an eyebrow at Reginald. “It’s time we accept our fate.” Slowly, his head swiveled around until his green eyes met yours. “The moment of truth,” he mumbled as encouragement.

Absentmindedly, you licked your lips in consideration. “We jump from one apocalypse to the next. Maybe I’m tired of jumping into the next one.” You shrugged your shoulders. “Maybe this is supposed to happen, who knows? I’d rather we choose to live or die on our own terms than face something we aren’t prepared for. So, I’d rather stay.”

“This is insane,” Ben exclaimed, waving a hand. “So, you’d rather give up than to even try fighting?”

“Sounds like a great idea—confronting an enemy we know nothing about except it can chop off digits. Sounds like someone to be reasoned with.”

Ben shook his head with a grimace. “You didn’t strike me as a little scaredy-cat. There’s something called strength in numbers, you know?”

His adamancy in trying to change your mind made you frown. “You actually expected me to go pro-Reginald? In what world?”

“Maybe I expected more from you,” Ben hissed in a whisper.

The others revealed a mildly astonished expression at Ben’s reaction to your line in the sand, throwing each other furtive glances.

Diego crossed his arms, wasting no time in standing close to you. “Dude, she said no.”

Ben pointed at Diego as his shoulders tensed from the protective gesture, itching to go toe-to-toe with him. “Don’t call me ‘dude’.”

“I reckon this is final then.” This time it was Reginald who spoke up ever since you offered your perspective.

Once the word final was uttered, Allison scoffed. “You’re all pathetic,” she said, strutting away.

“Why can’t we go in there, just the four of us?” Ben pressed quietly on the subject.

“That would mean certain failure. There must be eight.” Reginald answered. He faced the others in one last speech. “Children, I can’t say I’m happy with this. But I see now the blame falls on me. I failed you when you were young, and I have failed you now. And in doing so, I have doomed the entire universe. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the courtyard… awaiting the end.” With that, it was almost with a pitiful air in which he walked away.

Ben’s hard glare haunted you when he followed his father’s example. “Idiots.”

“Was that a real apology?” Viktor inquired in uncertainty.

Luther remained steadfast, no matter what. “The man’s never apologized for anything in his life.”

With his arms laced together over his abdomen, Diego admitted quietly, “I actually feel bad for him.”

Hearing him offer sympathy compelled you to send him an admonishing, but weary glance. “Don’t.”

Five reinforced the notion. “Don’t worry. It’ll pass.”

The elevator let out an ominous ding with its arrival from your side while you were unlocking your room when something else caught your attention.

“Oh, great work out there.”

Enormous dread made your body freeze, as much as those words of utter sarcasm were to be anticipated. Ben wasn’t the type to just take it without complaining the whole way through. Dropping your head with a sigh, you already let yourself in. Expecting him to barge in anyways.

Not bothering to close the door, Ben started with his rant. “I especially liked the part when you admitted to just accept fate and-” He dramatically spreads his hands in a final gesture, “just give up. Very moving stuff.”

You exhaled heavily, turning around until you were facing him. “What do you want from me, Ben?”

“I want you to give a shit. We had this one shot to come together and face whatever there was on the other side.” Choosing to dip the knife deeper, Ben smirked darkly. “But instead, you decided to blow it.”

“Wait.” You tilted your head when you brought to mind the last few hours. Allison doing her little shtick was one thing but… “You actually—A part of you expected me to go a different route. That’s what you were trying to do before. By going for an Allison maneuver?”

“First, thanks for the compliment. Being compared to the schemer of your family? Not exactly the insult you think it is. Second, I just can’t believe you’d willingly waste the rest of your given time before the apocalypse. Truth be told, I thought you’d pick the smarter choice. Guess I pegged you wrong.”

Your skin started to heat up. The first petals started to fall from the flowers in the vase on the windowsill. A few breaths in and out later, you shook your head.

“Because I don’t see it like you? Because I don’t trust your father? Because I don’t want anyone to die just for his whims?”

Ben’s eyes were blazing with fervor. “He’s been training us for this our whole lives. It has to mean something. This didn’t just fall into my lap. I was chosen for this. To be a Sparrow.”

You chose to confess what was on your mind, as much as it pained you. “You’re breaking my heart. To willingly offer your loyalty to someone who will always have conditions bound to that. You want Reginald to see you?”

You shook your head. “He won’t. As much as it takes me no pleasure to say this, but … he won’t accept you as his equal. No one could ever measure up. Your Dad sees himself far too superior for everyone else. That man follows his own agenda.”

“You think you’re so damn smart, don’t you?” Ben harbored a narcissistic expression. His arrogance and destructive second nature felt like a familiar sting. “Your family is the reason we’re in this mess in the first place. You think I’m just going to accept it when all of you are just wreaking havoc regardless of the consequences? At least our father is actually trying to fix this.”

“I’m just saying, you need to take a step back and listen to your gut instinct.” Your hands hovered in front of you, almost close to touching him. “Reginald does not deserve your undying loyalty when it’s not even warranted. In every universe so far, he doesn’t care about anything other than achieving his own goals. Do you think he would actually lay down his life for you or for Sloane? You deserve more than this. I care about you, Ben. Your sister cares about what happens to you. That has to mean something.”

With his eyes softening, it felt like Ben would step closer. For a few seconds you thought you got to him. Until he clenched his jaw.

“You’re so pathetic,” Ben hissed, shaking his head in derision. “For thinking your opinion matters to me.” His face hardened. “You’re the damn replacement. You probably wouldn’t have been even able to save your Ben, if you had the chance. So why don’t you lie down like a good little corpse and wait for the Kugelblitz to take you. See if I care.”

Tagging: @cherryinsalemverse @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @blackmagicwoman @lelaamela @kit-k4t @callsignwidow @gordorio @rinaarii @mencantaleer @lumpyspaceprincess05

#steph writes #watchtowerindistress #ben hargreeves x you #ben hargreeves x reader #sparrow!ben x you #sparrow!ben hargreeves x reader #sparrow!ben hargreeves #sparrow!ben x reader #the empath and the eldritch horror #tua imagine #the umbrella academy imagine #tua x reader #tua x you #tua x y/n

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whenyuuwish · 4 months ago

Text

answer what i want to hear...

✦. ❝ 𝗶 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗶 𝘀𝗲𝗲. 𝗶 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱'𝘃𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹. 𝗶 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲…

warnings: fluff to agnsty, oc x canon, cliffhanger (is that a warning?)

tagging: @midnightmah07 @screamintoad (ask to be removed or added!)

As Grim stormed out, grumbling about the unfairness of the game, Ace found himself alone with Whitney. The air felt heavier now, the room quieter, and the space between them a little more charged. He sighed, unsure of how to navigate the conversation with his friend—though, if he was being honest with himself, the way he felt about her wasn't quite friendly anymore. Still, why had it become so hard to talk to her? Why did this stupid little crush make everything so much more complicated?

"So," Ace started, trying to sound casual. This was his chance—they were alone, after all. Maybe he could get something out of her, indirectly. "Let's play a game. You know ‘10 Questions,’ right?"

Whitney tilted her head, humming thoughtfully before shaking her head. "I’ve never heard of it, but I think I can guess—it’s a game where we ask each other things, right?"

"Exactly!" Ace exclaimed, glad she was playing along. "You ask me a question, anything you want, and after I answer, I ask you. Sounds fun?"

Whitney nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Alright, Ace... let me think. Hmm, what’s the craziest dare you’ve ever accepted?"

Ace grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, back in high school, I once agreed to use sleight of hand to pickpocket a key from the teacher so we could steal a look at the exam before it happened... He didn’t catch us, though!"

Whitney gasped, half-impressed, half-scolding, before playfully slapping the back of his head. "I’m amazed... but still!" she laughed. Ace rubbed his head, but the sting didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was impressed—by him.

"My turn," Ace grinned, eyes narrowing slightly as if preparing for something big. "Why is blue your favorite color?"

Whitney's expression softened, and her smile turned almost wistful. "It was my mother’s eye color..."

Ace froze, instantly regretting the question. "Oh, I’m sorry," he stammered, but Whitney chuckled softly and put her hand on his.

"It’s just a game, Ace. It doesn’t bother me," she assured him, her smile lingering, her hand staying on his longer than he expected. The touch sent a rush through him, and his heart raced at the contact. When she finally pulled it away, Ace felt the absence like a sudden chill.

"Alrighty," she said, straightening up and flashing him a brighter smile. "Your favorite joke?"

Ace puffed out his chest proudly. "Why did the magician break up with his assistant?"

Whitney blinked in confusion before shrugging. "Why?"

"Because she kept disappearing every time it was time to clean up!" he declared with a proud grin.

Whitney tried to stifle her laughter, snorting before clapping a hand over her mouth. "That’s terrible!" she managed, her laugh barely contained.

"Whaat? No, it’s not!" Ace protested, though he couldn’t keep the smile from breaking through his fake pout.

"Okay, okay," she giggled, regaining composure. "Favorite food?"

"Blueberry muffins," Whitney answered immediately, hands on her hips with a proud stance as if daring him to question her choice. Whitney smirked. "My turn again! So, Ace..."

The game continued, the questions flowing easily between them as they laughed and learned little things about each other, the air around them growing more comfortable. It wasn’t until the questions had dwindled down that the tension started to creep back in, the game nearing its end with only three questions left.

“My turn…” Ace muttered, scratching the back of his neck as he shifted his gaze away from her. His heart raced, the words stuck in his throat. “Do you really want to leave Twisted Wonderland?”

Whitney’s eyes widened at the question, caught off guard. “I have my brother back in my world,” she replied, her voice quiet but firm. The tension in the room thickened, both of them suddenly aware of how heavy this conversation had become.

“But—” Ace started, but she cut him off quickly.

“I still have to ask my question first.” She tried to steer the conversation back to the game, her tone lighter but not enough to dissolve the weight hanging between them. “Favorite shape?”

Ace blinked, feeling the shift. “Heart shape,” he answered without thinking, though his gaze drifted towards the door, half-expecting Grim to come barreling in and interrupt the tension swirling between them.

“Is there any reason why you would stay?” he asked, bringing the conversation back to where it mattered most. His voice was softer now, and the stakes felt higher.

Whitney paused, not meeting his eyes. “I… there is,” she said, her words uncertain. Ace watched her from the corner of his eye, searching her face for a clue, for any hint of what she might really mean.

“Favorite type of movie?” she asked, keeping the game alive despite the growing tension.

“Heist or con artist films,” Ace replied, though his mind wasn’t really on the game anymore. He felt like he was inching closer to something important. “If your brother was here… would you want to stay?”

“Yes,” she admitted, her voice softer this time. The word hung in the air between them, and Ace realized he had just one question left.

He took a breath. “What was the first thing you noticed about me?”

Whitney chuckled, the tension breaking for a moment. “Your talking cat companion,” she said with a small laugh. But the lightness didn’t last, and soon enough, the weight settled back between them.

Ace's heart thudded in his chest, his final question burning on his tongue. “Why… what’s the reason you would stay?”

Whitney opened her mouth to speak, and for a second, Ace held his breath, hoping—praying—that her answer would be you.

But before the words could come, the door burst open, and Grim rushed in, panting with wide eyes. “I AM NEVER WALKING AROUND THIS SCHOOL AGAIN!” he yelled, darting over to Whitney, seeking comfort from whatever terror had chased him.

The moment shattered. The question remained unsaid, and Ace could only hope her answer was still hanging in the air, waiting to be spoken.

#. ݁₊ ⊹ . bluecherry #my writting | 𝐛𝐫𝐛𝐬.

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autistook · 9 months ago

Text

DAISIES - pt 12

Merry Brandybuck x fem!hobbit!reader / soft oc

Words: 4.4k

Summary: You are missing your brother's birthday, and Merry has gone to help him move. It's taking him quite long, and you begin to wonder if everything is okay.

AN: A shoutout to this fic for inspiring the hot butter and salve part, and for providing me with the word "swatting" and how to write dodging it. Overall a shoutout and a thank you for a few parts of this chapter!

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

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You were sitting on the grass, rustling and colorful leaves around you, and a book in your hands. The air smelled sweet, and you were wearing a dark-red cloak to keep you warm; the weather was getting chilly again.

You turned the page in a fully captivated state, the book swallowing your whole attention. Every twist and turn in the story made your toes curl, and the biggest twists made you gasp out loud.

There was quiet crinkling as your fingers rubbed the dry brown leaves on the ground and turned them into dust. There was guilt lingering in your body, for it was your brother's birthday the next day, and you would not make it.

A few days ago when you got the work schedule from the Brandybucks, you smiled and thanked them, but internally a wave of disappointment rode through you. The day of Frodo's birthday and several days after that, you were assigned more tasks at work than usual; even preparations for another celebration thrown by Esmeralda Brandybuck was put on your shoulders. You were to plan most of it, decorations and all. It was still a few weeks away, but she wanted the planning to be done as quickly as possible.

You were not thrilled to miss the quiet birthday celebration of your beloved brother, and you had desperately craved to see Bag End one last time before the Sackville-Bagginses got their nasty fingers on it. But it was no use; you had work to do.

Merry had let Frodo know you would not be able to make it, and the word soon got to you that your brother was not angry, but you still felt guilty; he must have been at least a little disappointed.

The book ended on a cliffhanger so intense, you almost choked on your own spit when you saw that there were no more words left, no matter how many times you went through the last pages in hopes of finding more.

You were still sitting on the grass when Merry sat down next to you and grabbed the book out of your hands.

"Hey!" you yelled playfully, your heart warming up at the sight of him.

Merry smiled at you, and started flipping through the pages. He read some words here and there, before he handed the book back to you.

"That seems interesting," he said in a teasing tone; clearly he found the book ridiculous.

"It is quite adventurous, actually, so yes, it is interesting!" you huffed, gently swatting at him with the book. Merry chuckled and tried to dodge your swatting.

"I haven't really seen you today," said Merry, resting his chin on your shoulder and looking at you with admiration. You felt his gaze piercing you, but you just smiled and looked forward into the horizon.

"I just wanted to enjoy a good book before the heavy lifting started," you responded with a sigh.

"Do you really have that much work ahead of you?" Merry asked.

"Unfortunately," you said, disappointed. "I really wanted to see Frodo."

"I know," Merry responded and gave your back a gentle rub. "But he understood."

You nodded, not believing his words entirely. You gently rested your head on his, which pressed his chin deep into your shoulder, making your face flinch a little, but you didn't mind the uncomfortable pressure; it was from Merry being close to you, after all.

"How about you?" you asked, and Merry took his head off your shoulder, but he was still leaning close to you as the two of you sat there.

"What about me?"

"What are you going to do when you get to Bag End?" you asked.

"I am thinking of stealing the gift you have for him and giving it to him," he smirked. "And claim it's my own!"

"Don't you dare!" you cried in a loud giggle. Merry put his arm around you and pulled you closer, laughing with you.

"In all seriousness, I am going to take a pony and the carriage. I promised him I would help him move."

"Will it take long?" you asked, still leaning against him in his arms. You had butterflies in your stomach, and they were fluttering their wings so aggressively you felt like you might throw up on Merry.

"A few days, I suppose," he answered. "I will start bringing some of the furniture to Buckland as soon as possible, and there's bound to be a few trips there and back."

"Are you going there tomorrow?" you asked, and Merry shook his head.

"I'm actually going to go over there tonight," he said. "Frodo celebrates tomorrow, but I have promised to help him arrange some last minute things."

"I see," you said and smiled against his collar. "You're a great friend."

Merry took a deep breath and started slowly stroking your hair. Merry's aura was sad, but at that moment you figured it must have been because Merry would not see Frodo and Sam for a while either when they were to go on their adventure, and follow Bilbo for a while.

"Merry?"

"Yes?"

"When do you have to leave?" you asked quietly. His fingers were brushing through your hair in soft movements, and his heartbeat close to your ear was calming and making your head fuzzy.

"Not for a moment," he said quietly, taking deep breaths. You looked up at him, and he smiled down at you, but his eyes were sad.

"Is everything alright?" you asked him.

"Everything is alright."

You nodded and smiled, before wrapping your arms around his waist and holding him more tightly. He pressed his chin on the top of your head as he looked to the distance, and as you were filled with warmth, he was feeling suffocated by his own guilt and sadness; although you didn't notice.

You sat there with him for a few hours, talking about everything between the grass you were on, to the sun in the sky.

You both laughed so hard that tears fell from your eyes, when you looked back at the time you were baking bread together and got into a fight over the only good measuring cup. You were both covered in flour, throwing it at each other like you were at war. The memory of it made both of you feel at ease and your hearts swell with happiness.

The sun started to go down, making the sky a gradient of pink and orange. The clouds looked like they were painted in the sky, and the colors were so vibrant you could not take your eyes off of it. Merry was not staring at the sky, but at you. He was looking at your ears, your chin and your eyes.

His eyes were tracing your jawline, and his heart was beating fast as he admired your smile and lips. The child-like giggle you let out when you pointed at the cloud shaped like a pumpkin made his heart drop to his stomach, and the way your eyes were sparkling when you admired the sky made him smile faintly; but apathy was still slowly taking over him.

"I need to go now," he said, and slowly stood up, brushing the grass and bits of leaves off his trousers. You stood up after him, and picked up some grass out of your hair.

"Let me know when you get back, alright?" you said to him. Merry gave you a faint nod, and wrapped his arms around you.

He lingered there for a while, and you were slightly taken aback by how long he hugged you. His face was buried in your neck, and his heart was beating against you. He breathed in your scent in silence and without you noticing, and he swallowed his sadness and put on a weak smile. He pulled away from you, his gaze traveling across the features of your face.

"I hope you don't have a rough day at work tomorrow," he said with a quiet chuckle.

"I hope so too," you laughed. "I should go to bed. Are you coming inside before you leave?"

"No, I really should go. I have a pony waiting for me."

"Alright," you responded, smiling with your teeth as you could no longer hide how happy it made you when his eyes were on you.

"I hope you sleep well," he said, his hands in his coat pockets.

"I hope so too," you smiled. "I could use a good night's sleep. Good night, Merry."

"Good night," he responded, and the two of you started walking in opposite directions. You to your room, and Merry to where he was keeping the pony and carriage that he was to take to Bag End.

You stopped by Merry's door and knocked on it in hopes that he had already returned. There was no answer, but despite that, you opened the door. It was relatively dark, but some of the last rays of sunshine were still lighting up corners of the room. His bed was made, and it seemed like he had taken some of his personal stuff with him for the stay at Frodo's.

You decided to go into his room despite him not being there. Slowly closing the door, you made your way in. There were some maps lying around, and the birthday present you had for Frodo was gone. It had been two days already, and you couldn't help but wonder what took him so long. He had said it would take a few days, but he also said there would be back and forth movements; why had he not visited his home at all?

Your brother's birthday was the day before, and you were trying to figure out if they just needed a few days to settle into Crickhollow. In hopes of seeing him coming back on his pony, you peeked outside the window; but there was nothing, except some trees and a patch of dried flowers. With a deep sigh, you exited his room and got back to work. You still had plenty of things to do, and you wanted to get the list of chores done as fast as possible.

You were watering the flowers in the hallway, when you heard a few Brandybucks talk about Merry. Your ears perked up, and you tried to be discreet with your eavesdropping.

"Why did he take so many ponies?" asked the other Hobbit, slightly taller than the other, with dark brown curls and striking green eyes. The smaller Hobbit shrugged his shoulders.

"Merry just said he needed them for something, and I didn't ask many questions," he responded. Your gaze narrowed, and you glanced at their direction.

"Probably as a gift to Frodo Baggins," chuckled the other. Both nodded in agreement, clearly making fun of your brother, adding to the rumors of him running out of money. "He needs some aid at this point. Poor fellow had to sell Bag End and everything."

Warmth spread in your body, and you felt an urge to snap at them. You wanted to yell at them for saying such things, but your mind was buzzing, and you could not stop wondering; why on earth did Merry take so many ponies with him? And when he had returned for a moment, why did he not come say hello?

The next morning was cold, and the first thing you did was check up if the ponies and Merry had returned yet. They were still seemingly at Frodo's new house, much to your disappointment.

The outside was foggy, and you could not see far ahead. The few ponies that were left at the stable looked almost mystical in the smoke-like fog around them, but somehow the surroundings that morning felt threatening, and not being able to see properly ahead was making you feel uneasy. You fed the horses, and made your way back inside as quickly as possible. It felt like there were eyes on you where you could not see them.

Inside you watered some flowers which you did not have time to water the day before, and couldn't help but notice one of the prettiest orchids had withered. You pouted slightly at the sight, and carried the dead plant outside to the compost before you went back in the house, as the weather outside was still making you nervous.

You were mixing the pancake batter quite furiously. The spatula made a loud noise as it hit the edges of the bowl, as your growing nervousness was making you anxious. You heated up the stove, and poured some of the batter on the hot pan.

As you baked one pancake after the other, your increasing anxiety made you pour the last patch a little too strongly, and some hot, melted butter splashed on the kitchen surface and your arm. With a small grunt you finished the last pancake, and soon afterwards dunked your arm into a bowl of cold water. As you sat there waiting for the burning sensation to stop and the pancakes to cool down, you thought of your brother and how much you were going to miss him. You weren't sure if he had already left, but judging by Merry's absence, he must have not made his way out of Crickhollow yet.

The pancakes were quickly consumed by the little Hobbits you had prepared all the food for, and one of the youngest girls thanked you by hugging you so tightly you felt like you might run out of air. You lifted her in your arms, and smiled at her fondly.

"Thank you for the pancakes, Miss!" she said again with a cheerful smile.

"You're most welcome. Now go play," you said, tickling her from her side. She giggled loudly, the beautiful and innocent laugh echoing around the small kitchen. You couldn't help but smile, and put her down from your arms and gently pushed her to the direction of the other small Hobbits who were now running out of the kitchen, cheering and laughing.

The innocent nature of them made your heart feel full, and you hoped they would stay that way forever. You still had some child-like wonder and innocence in your heart, but growing up had of course taken some of it away. You hoped you could stay like that forever.

Your arm was no longer stinging as much, as you had applied a salve on it that Merry's mother provided you with when she visited the kitchen to see how you were holding up.

Your hands were deep in the warm, soapy water as you tried to wrap the slimy wet food between your fingers. You scrunched your nose, disgusted at the sight of a soaked piece of moldy bread. With a small gag you threw it in the trash can next to you and kept doing the dishes.

You kept thinking about Merry, and a smile lingered on your face for long. Now that a few days had gone by without his presence, you realized just how deeply you felt for him. You decided to finally gather your courage and tell him how you really felt, hoping he would return your feelings. Just the thought of wrapping your arms around Merry again filled your belly with butterflies, and the image of his face in your head was making you blush as you scrubbed the plate in your hands.

"Are you doing alright sweetie?" asked Esmeralda, snapping you out of your dream-like state.

"Yes, thank you," you responded, not aware of just how wide you were smiling and how red your face was. Esmeralda smiled knowingly, and walked beside you to help with the dishes.

"I appreciate all the work you have done these past few days," she said warmly, rinsing the plates and cutlery you had put aside.

"It's no trouble," you said, though still upset about not being able to see Frodo for his birthday. "I do like my work here a lot."

Esmeralda smiled, and in silence you kept doing the dishes. Merry's mother broke the silence after a while when she glanced at the burn mark on your arm.

"Did the salve help?" she asked. "It's a recipe that has run in my family for generations, and for me it has always worked wonders."

"Oh, it helped plenty," you answered, a plate dropping back into the water from your slippery hands. You picked it up and checked for any cracks in it. Luckily it was not damaged, and you kept scrubbing it.

"That's good," she said and took the plate from you gently, rinsing it and drying it with a kitchen towel. "You know, I have to say that I was very surprised with the amount of work you have already done. I feared it might be too much."

"It has been quite a lot, but not at all too much."

"I was just surprised that you did not want to attend your brother's birthday."

You stopped everything for a moment. Her words confused you. They were not true at all, and the idea that she might have started to lose her memory crossed your mind.

"What do you mean?" you asked, puzzled.

"Oh, don't get me wrong dear!" she said, still actively washing the dishes before she noticed you had stopped. "It's just that when Meriadoc told me that you wanted to be busy with work for a few days, I was surprised, that's all. I understand if you are mad at your brother for selling your home, but I do hope that it is not the reason you wanted to miss his birthday party."

"What?" you asked, filled with confusion. Why had Merry said something like that?

"I didn't mean to offend you, dear. I just-"

"Oh! You did not offend me at all," you interrupted, and softly put your hand on her shoulder. You hid your confusion behind a confident, reassuring smile. And so you lied: "It just felt like a lot. I'm sure I'll be seeing Frodo soon."

Esmeralda smiled fondly, and the two of you did dishes quietly for thirty more minutes before you moved to other tasks.

You could not focus on your work properly. Mopping the floors felt like an exhausting exercise as your mind was overwhelmed with so many questions of Merry's intentions. The worry inside you grew; why did he want to keep you so occupied?

After mopping the floors you went to Merry's mother, and claimed to have a throbbing headache. She put her palm on your forehead to check your temperature, and despite the fact that you were lying, she was convinced you were running a fever. She told you it was alright to end work early and go get some rest. And so you did.

You were laying in your bed restlessly, tossing and turning, eyes wide open and your breathing unsteady. You kept fiddling with your pillow, hugging it tightly and stretching the fabric of it in anxiety. You tried to come up with a reason for Merry's lies, and a hundred different scenarios were running through your mind; maybe he was tired of you? Maybe there was someone else and your feelings were one-sided? Maybe he was ill and didn't tell anyone?

You stood up from your bed while taking deep, calming breaths. You exhaled shakily, and took your red cloak from the chair beside your desk where you had tossed it that morning. It was like a warm, comforting blanket wrapping around you, and so you made your way outside.

It was already dark, and you were walking through the small field, admiring the stars. You had heard of strange folk walking near the Shire for the past few days, and you feared Merry might have come across someone who could have hurt him. You tried to shake these thoughts off, when you heard some rustling of leaves. Your heart began to pound, and you wondered if it was the same pressuring gaze approaching you that you had felt through the fog.

But to your relief, Merry approached you from the dark. You skipped over to him and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Well that took you long enough!" you chuckled, relieved and filled with happiness. It felt like everything in the world would be alright, and his warmth made your fears wash away; for a moment. He hugged you, but not as tightly as he normally did. You pulled away from the hug, and looked at him with concern. You could tell he was not feeling alright. "Is everything alright?"

Merry did not answer immediately, and your heart sank with fear. Did he have someone else? Was something wrong with Frodo?

"I'm sorry I didn't come here earlier," he said in a low voice, looking at you with pity.

"You're here now, that's what's important," you said, smiling. Your smile faded away quickly as you saw that he was clearly struggling with something. Your fear grew again. "Merry, what's wrong? Is Frodo alright?"

Merry did not answer immediately. He took your hands in his gently, looking down at them quietly. His thumbs were brushing the backs of your hands tenderly, and he was struggling to get the words out of his mouth.

"Frodo is alright," he said, a small relief washing over you. "But I need to go. We need to go. Pippin, Fatty and I."

"Go where?" you asked, and the relief in your heart was replaced with dread.

"With Frodo and Sam," he said hesitantly, squeezing your hands softly, not looking at you.

You felt a wave of sadness. Merry was leaving for a few months to go after Bilbo, and you felt offended he had not asked you to come with him and Pippin.

"Oh," you responded, disappointed. "When are you coming back?"

Merry did not answer. He swallowed, still avoiding your gaze. He held your hands tightly, taking heavy breaths. His hands started to tremble. Your heart began pounding. You softly called his name two times before he answered.

"I'm not sure if I'll be coming back," he said with a shaky voice. Your heart dropped. "I'm not sure if... if any of us..."

"Merry, you're scaring me."

Merry's eyes were watering, but he was trying not to fall apart. He swallowed his tears and finally looked you in the eyes, still caressing your hands with his thumbs.

"We have planned to go with Frodo for some time, and all of this has turned out to be more dangerous than we thought. He needs me. He needs us with him, and..."

"Wait, I don't understand," you said, confused and voice trembling. "Frodo and Sam are going to follow Bilbo for a while. Why would that be dangerous?"

Merry didn't answer. You stared at him in silence, hands shaking as you waited for him to answer you.

"That's not exactly the whole truth."

"Then what is the truth, Merry?" you asked, and Merry went quiet again, avoiding your gaze. "Please, Merry. He's my brother and... I need to know if there's more going on."

"I can't tell you."

"What do you mean you can't tell me?" you asked, irritated by his secretive behavior.

"It's too dangerous, and I have made a promise to not say anything. I just wanted to see you before I left. I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.”

Your heart was beating so rapidly you were barely hearing what he was saying. He really was planning on leaving, and seemed like he was not going to ask you to come with him; but that was not alright with you.

"You were going to leave without saying goodbye? No. And I'm coming with you."

"No. I promised Frodo I would keep you safe. And the best way to keep you unharmed, is to tell you as little as I can and to keep you here. Buckland and the Shire are the safest places for you, and-"

Your legs felt weak and it felt like you were going to explode from anger, confusion and grief.

"I'm coming with you," you repeated, voice trembling, ears heating up. "I don't care what it's about. You can't leave me. Not when I was just about to…"

Merry looked at you again, his heart filled with sorrow. Tears were in his eyes, and he was doing everything to hold them back again. He was shaking more as he held your hands in his.

"I'm so sorry. You're my best friend, and I-"

"Stop with the bullshit, Merry. We both know this is more than that!" you cried angrily. He had to know this was more than friendship. He was not allowed to leave; not now when you had just decided to tell him how you felt.

Merry kept quiet, your words deeply impacting him. His guilt was starting to overwhelm him, and the grief of leaving you behind was breaking his heart in a million pieces.

"I have to go. I'm sorry."

"Merry, please," you cried, tears in your eyes, your voice breaking. "Tell me you're going to come back. Promise me."

Merry swallowed his tears once again, his hands trembling as he loosened his grip.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice cracking as he let go of your hands and turned away.

You lost all control and tears started flowing out of your eyes as you clung onto his arms.

"Merry, please don't go," you sobbed desperately. He said nothing, and did not look back, holding his pain inside. He was still doing everything in his might to keep himself together, and not give in and take you with him. After a moment he was already walking away and you were no longer holding onto him; you were standing where he left you, begging for him not to leave. "Merry, please. Don't leave me. I need you here. You can't leave me behind. Please, don't go!"

But Merry walked away. He disappeared from your view into the darkness, and you fell on your knees. You held onto your stomach as it felt like you were going to vomit from the pain and heartache. Your heart had been ripped out of your chest and all of your friends were gone. Your brother was gone. More than that, Merry was gone too and you did not know if he was ever going to come back. You didn't know if you were ever going to see him again.

There you stayed, crying. You sobbed uncontrollably, panic and fear taking over your body. You were left there on your hands and knees, begging for him to not go. But Merry was long gone, and so was your brother and all of your friends.

And you were left behind.

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NEXT CHAPTER

@chatteringfox @shiinata-library @ahobbitsjourney23 @mayo-advance @datglutengoblin @mourntheantagonist @channiesbedbug

#lotr #lord of the rings #daisies #merry x reader #the lord of the rings #merry brandybuck #meriadoc x reader #Meriadoc Brandybuck #lotr fic #fanfic #lotr fanfiction #lotr fanfic #Middle-Earth

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