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winwintea · 3 months

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heart to heart - zhong chenle

PAIRING ▸ art dealer!zhong chenle x fem!reader (ft. huang renjun)

GENRES ▸ fluff, romance, y/n discovers she has the ability to read chenle's mind, chenle lowkey jealous for a bit, painter renjun agenda, little bit of harassment but y/n is a badass

AUTHOR'S NOTE ▸ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAREST WIFE DAI DAI <33 @galacticskz @galacticseonghwa go check out her fics trust. i grinded this in 12 hours are you proud of me. I HOPE YOU ENJOY

WORD COUNT ▸ 3.7K (not proofread)

One night, I looked up at the stars, and I made a wish on them—a wish about my beloved Chenle.

The next morning, I woke up slowly, yawning and blinking as the world came into focus. It took me a moment to realize I was wrapped in someone's warm arms, my face buried in their warm chest.

Oh, that's right... you were helping Chenle with his work last night, and then you fell asleep.

“Y/N? You awake?"

"Mmm... morning, Chenle." There was something so perfect about waking up in the arms of the man I loved, and having his voice be the first thing I heard. I lifted my head, smiling up at him, and our lips came together in a soft kiss that woke me up better than anything else could. I sighed softly as our lips parted again, my eyes still half-closed.

'You're adorable as ever this morning.'

"What?!"

"Hey, why are you shrieking in my ear?"

"Because you normally never say things like that to me!"

"Huh? I didn't say anything, let alone anything worth shrieking over." Were you imagining things? I swear that was his voice, saying I look adorable!

Chenle had such a sharp tongue that hearing his voice say something that sweet had left my thoughts pinging and my heart racing. But then why would he immediately say he didn't say anything? And he looked suspicious and confused, not embarrassed or bashful. "Sorry... I guess I'm still half-asleep."

"Get it together, 宝子." Chenle chuckled softly, tousling my hair before letting me go and climbing out of bed, and I watched him bemusedly.

There's no way Chenle would ever say something like that so casually. You must have been half-asleep and dreamed the whole thing.

I was still thinking about what had happened that morning as I carried the freshly-cooked pancakes to the dining room. "Here you go."

"Thanks." As I handed Chenle the bottle of syrup, my fingers brushed against his.

'These smell so good... I could easily use a whole bottle of syrup on them.'

"That's WAY too much!" I rolled my eyes at Chenle, but a moment later I realized the room was eerily silent, and everyone was staring at me.

Haechan looked at you confused, "...What's the matter, Y/N? It's not like you to just burst out with something like that."

"Huh? But Chenle was going to put a whole bottle of syrup on his pancakes."

Chenle looked at you with a guilty look, “...I haven't put anything on them yet." There wasn't so much as a single drop of syrup on Chenle’s pancakes yet, and he was staring very oddly at me.

"Um—well-just try not to use too much, okay!" I couldn't stand being subjected to that stare any longer, and I fled back into the kitchen.

—

It happened when we kissed this morning, and later when I handed Chenle the syrup. The voice I heard was his, but... different. I was thinking hard as I went about my morning chores, but in the end there only seemed to be one answer that explained things.

Somehow, I can read minds all of a sudden…? But I have to be touching them to hear what they're thinking. At least, based on what happened this morning. It was more like something out of a book or a movie than real life, and I felt like I had to test it to be absolutely sure.

I entered Renjun’s room to see if Chenle had come by to collect some of his paintings. "Hmm? Is something the matter, Y/N?" Renjun greeted me with a smile.

"Have you seen Chenle? I can't find him anywhere, so I thought maybe he'd be here, but..."

"He hasn't come by yet today."

I desperately wanted to test my theory by touching Chenle again, but he wasn't in any of the places I'd expected him to be.

Well, maybe you could test your theory on Renjun, instead? "Renjun, do you mind if we shake hands?"

"Hmm? Well, I don't mind, if that's what you want."

Renjun held out his hand without hesitation, his smile guileless, and I reached out and gripped it firmly.

Well, I can't hear anything, but- "Renjun... what are you thinking about right now?"

"Well, I was wondering why you wanted to shake my hand all of a sudden, and I was thinking how soft and small your hands are."

"Oh, right." His smile was that of a gentle angel, and I suddenly felt embarrassed and silly. I guess I really was just imagining things after all…

I stared down at our linked hands, still mulling it over, when suddenly a familiar voice spoke right in my ear. “..What are you two doing?"

"Chenle!"

"Hello, Chenle! Y/N and I are just shaking hands."

"That's right! We just felt like shaking hands!" I realized Chenle was staring down at our linked hands, and I quickly let go of Renjun, dropping my hand to my side. Great, now Chenle’s going to think I'm a total weirdo.

"I have no idea why you want to shake hands, but... try not to interrupt Renjun too much, 宝子." Chenle reached out to ruffle my hair lightly, the gesture as familiar as ever.

'It looked more like you were holding hands, and the ambiance was far too intimate for my liking. Don't tell me—‘

Chenle’s voice seemed to speak directly inside my mind, but l'd never heard him sound so unsure before. I'm not imagining things! That was definitely your voice, Chenle! Does that mean his is the only mind I can read?

I caught my breath, looking up at him, and his dark brown eyes met mine directly, his hand still resting lightly in my hair.

'I won't give you up to anyone, Y/N... not even Renjun.'

Wait, wait, hold up— Chenle, are you jealous?! My heart leapt with an odd sense of exhilaration to know that Chenle cared about me that much. But a moment later I felt suddenly guilty for making him worry like that, and I reached out, grabbing hold of his hands. "Chenle... you're the only man I love."

"Where did that come from?!"

"I just wanted to tell you, that's all!"

I was staring right up at him, and so l saw the faint flush that crept across his cheeks. I tried to think of what to say, and then I realized Chenle had gone unusually quiet. Chenle and Renjun were both staring at me, but I couldn't stop giggling at how honest and earnest Chenle’s inner voice was.

—

"We have two stops today. Let's go, 宝子."

"Okay!" Chenle had sold several of Renjun’s paintings, and we were in town to deliver them to the buyers.

I still can't believe I can read his mind, just by touching him. I mean, I thought it would be nice if I could, but... now that I can do it, it feels kind of like I'm invading his privacy. I glanced over at him as he walked by my side, but then I found myself staring at my feet, my step slowing. I'll just have to be careful not to touch him unless I have to. But... what if it never goes away? What am I going to—

"Y/N!!" Chenle grabbed me, pulling me towards him, just as a car went whizzing past right where l'd been standing. "What are you doing? Be more careful!"

“..Sorry."

'That was really dangerous. I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt.'

'And you're acting oddly today. You had your head in the clouds earlier, too. I'd better keep a closer eye on you.'

His arms were warm around me, and I could clearly hear the worry in his inner voice, and suddenly I couldn't stop grinning. Ahh, I was just telling myself not to invade his privacy, and yet... knowing how much he cares makes me so happy.

"What are you smirking about?" Oops! You weren't meant to see that! I reminded myself I shouldn't be listening to Chenle’s thoughts, and I started to slip free of his embrace.

"Nothing-hey!" But then I felt his hand on my head, its warmth reassuring and familiar as he tousled my hair. "C'mon, Chenle, you're gonna make a mess of my hair!"

"Like that any different from how it usually looks."

"Speak for yourself, Bedhead!" He was back to his usual teasing, and I pulled a face at him, but then I saw the way his expression relaxed a little.

'That's better. You're acting more like your usual self.'

Wait, does that mean he did that on purpose? Was he teasing me to provoke a reaction because he was worried about me acting strangely? It was strange to think that his sharp words might be a roundabout expression of his kindness, and I studied his expression. Does that mean all his teasing is just a way to hide how he really feels?

‘I love it when you smile, but I love that pout, too, and those faces you pull at me. They make me want to provoke you more.'

Never mind, I take it back. He just likes messing with me.

'I want to tease you more, and make you pout more, and then I want to kiss that pout away.'

His thoughts took a very sudden turn, his inner voice suddenly sultry as it murmured inside my head, and my heart leapt. "Not here!"

"...Huh?"

Oh crap. It was only after I'd spoken that I realized I was responding to his thoughts, not his words, and I froze as he stared at me.

"What's that supposed to mean? Don't tell me—"

Ugh, how do I even start to explain that I can suddenly read his mind? I don't even know how it happened! "Seriously, Chenle, we're getting in people's way here! That's enough teasing!"

A frown creased his brow as he stared down at me, and it was obvious that he was still suspicious. But I did my best to ignore it as I grabbed him and dragged him off down the street towards our destination.

—

"My, my, Chenle, this latest painting really is quite divine! As you know, I pride myself on my ability to recognize fine art! You must look at this painting I bought just the other day..." This collector regularly bought Renjun’s paintings from Chenle, and his voice was openly admiring as he gazed on his latest piece. But soon he was leading us through his collection, and talking cheerfully as he showed us his latest acquisitions.

"Haha, yes, quite. You have good taste, Sir." Chenle followed after the collector, making all the right sort of responses, and yet he seemed oddly restless.

"Chenle, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, it's just..."

"Chenle, you simply must tell me what you think of this one!" Chenle quickly turned his attention back to the collector, and I cursed the man silently for his bad timing.

Was something bothering you, Chenle? Okay, listen, I really am sorry about this, but—

I stepped a little closer to Chenle, placing my hand on his arm in what I hoped seemed like a casual gesture.

'This isn't good.'

'He's clearly nowhere near finished, but if he goes on much longer, we'll be late.'

I let the collector talk to Chenle for a moment, so that he wouldn't realize I'd read his thoughts again, and then leaned close. "Chenle, I just realized... are we meant to be delivering the next painting soon?"

"Yeah, we are. If we don't leave soon, we'll be late, but..."

'This guy loves the sound of his own voice. But he's a good patron-and he supports new talent. I don't want to do wrong by him.'

Now, I get it. Not that I'm surprised that he cared about his customers—it's so like him. But I wish he’d rely on me a little more, even for little stuff like this.

Chenle had a tendency to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, whether those around him wanted him to or not. He'd started opening up to me more since we'd become a couple, and it meant a lot to me each time he did. But I still felt like he took too much on to avoid relying too heavily on me. Especially when I wanted him to rely on me. "How about I go deliver the painting for you? You don't really need me here right now."

‘I'm not sure I should be sending you off on your own like that.'

I smiled up at Chenle, delighted that this strange power had allowed me to see new sides of him l'd never known existed. "Don't worry, I'll be fine! Stay here and keep the marquis company, okay? I mean, it's an important part of your job too, right?"

"..Fine. If you could, l'd appreciate it. I'll be there as soon as I can." He reluctantly handed over Renjun’s other painting, but I gave him a confident smile as I turned to leave.

—

I hurried through the busy streets of town and made it to the next appointment on time, but it was all downhill from there.

"I'm sorry, but... what do you mean, you no longer need the painting?"

"A painting by an artist not even associated with L'Académie des Beaux-Arts does not deserve to be displayed in our fine home. At least, that's what Mother said. And I find myself in agreement with her."

Paintings adorned the walls around us, none of them as good as Renjun’s, and I frowned at the young man's careless words. "But... I thought you attended his solo exhibition, and that you fell in love with this painting on the spot?"

"I suppose I thought it curious, and novel. But everything has a 'status' it can't rise above... people and objects both." The young man glanced at the canvas I carried, still concealed carefully in cloth to protect it, and gave a scornful snort.

I bit my lip as I hugged the canvas tighter, trying to stop myself from saying the first angry thing that came to mind. I can't believe that he’d actually dare to make a mockery of Renjun and Chenle like this! "I think it's a mistake to decide the value of a painting solely by whether its artist has been approved by L'Académie or not." My voice was tight, but I managed to keep my words mostly polite, and the young man gave me an appraising look.

"How about this, then? Tonight, you can tell me your thoughts on fine art... in my bedroom.

And if you manage to persuade me, I'll buy the painting.”

Are you kidding me?! I was so horrified and angered by the man's sudden power play that I froze, unable to figure out how to react without exploding. "Well, what do you think?" He must have seen the fury in my eyes, and yet his expression was smug as he reached towards me

Chenle—this idiot would never dare do this to you, would he? How do I get out of this without punching anyone?! How would YOU get out of it? I know you, Chenle. No matter how ridiculous something was, you'd face it undaunted.

"...Fine."

"In that case—" The young nobleman smirked, but before his hand could actually touch me, I slapped it away.

"If you don't want to buy the painting, that's fine. This painting deserves better than being sullied by your lewd suggestions. It should go to someone who truly appreciates its beauty, and all the love and effort the artist put into painting it." I stood straight and proud as I met the man's gaze, and his expression stiffened at once, anger flaring in his eyes.

"I was prepared to do you a favor! How dare you mock me like that! I'll make you sorry you ever said that, you and that worthless painting both!" There was real anger in his voice, the anger of man not used to anyone ever crossing him, and I took a quick, wary step back.

"You're the one who's worthless, if that's how you think." I glanced back and saw Chenle standing just inside the doorway, a confident, brazen smile on his face.

"You-you're the dealer who arranged that solo exhibition, aren't you? You're not even from my status, yet you dare call ME worthless?" Um. I’m pretty sure Chenle’s family was worth triple your fortune, but Chenle firmly stood there.

"Yeah, I do. You use your power to blackmail women. You sneer at artists, without even trying to appreciate art itself. There's no way l'd ever sell art to someone as worthless as you."

"You filthy common-blood! How dare you speak to me like that!" The man's voice grew louder with each word, his face bright red, but Chenle ignored him as he gazed around the room.

"And since l'm such a kind man, I feel obliged to tell you that 90% of the paintings in this room are counterfeit."

"What?! There's no way that's true—" The man stumbled back a step, looking stunned and flustered, and Chenle gave him one last disinterested glance. Then he reached out and took the canvas I was carrying, cradling it carefully in his arms.

"Let's go, Y/N." Chenle turned and strode out of the room, and I hurried after him.

I thought he'd say something once we were outside, but he was silent as we walked down the street side by side. But it feels like he really wants to say something... so I'm just going to wait him out.

He veered off into a deserted alleyway, and as soon as I followed him, he turned and caught my hand, pulling me closer. "Chenle? What is it?"

"Y/N... I'm sorry."

Chenle’s warmth enfolded me as he wrapped me in a tight embrace. "I sent you there alone, even though I knew he'd probably only gone to the exhibition to sneer at us 'peasants'. It's my fault you went through that. I should have been more careful, but I prioritized the collector’s feelings over your safety."

'What might that snobby 鸭蛋 have done to you, if I hadn't arrived when I did?'

'Dammit. I'm a complete and utter fool, putting the woman I love in danger like that.'

His spoken voice was calm and earnest, but his inner voice was thick with anger-anger aimed at himself. He hugged me tighter against him, as if responding to the intensity of his own feelings. Oh, Chenle- he hides it so well that I didn't realize just how strongly he cared for me. But I can't stand the idea of him blaming himself for what happened.

He patted my back gently, perhaps reassuring himself as much as me, and I lifted my head, looking up at him. His expression was calm, almost like a mask, but as I cupped his cheeks with my hands, I saw emotions trembling in his eyes. "It's okay, Chenle. It's not your fault. And I'm glad to know you were so worried about me."

"That's not something to be glad about."

"Heh, I guess you're right." But it wasn't just this incident—it was the way he'd been taking care of me and watching out for me the entire day. But it didn't start today. He’s always been like this, hasn’t he? I just didn't realize it until I could read his mind. He teases me and he’s gruff and rude, but it's all bluster to cover up how kind he is, and how much he loves me. "I love you, Chenle. I love you with all my heart."

His eyes widened just slightly at my words, and then a sudden smile lit up his face, the worry and anger fading away. "With all your heart, huh? Does that mean your heart is mine?"

"I hadn't thought about it like that, but I guess it does."

"Good. Now show me you mean it." His smile turned into a smirk as he caught my chin, tilting my face up towards him. A moment later his lips pressed against mine in a sudden kiss, and I sighed softly with pleasure. "And if your heart's mine, I guess you should know that my heart's yours, too."

'It'll always be yours, and yours alone.'

Chenle-this time his spoken words and his thoughts are the same. It made me realize just how much he meant it, and I beamed up at him, wrapping my arms around him.

"You're smirking again. You're a whirlwind of moods today. First you're gloomy, then you're laughing, then next thing I know you're reading my mind, and—"

"What?!" Chenle spoke the words casually, yet my heart lurched uneasily in my chest.

"It was a random guess, but I'm right, aren't l? Even the things you said back there sounded like you were channeling me. When you told that noble brat where to shove it."

"Honestly, I was so mad that he was mocking Renjun’s painting, and when I thought about what you'd do, the words just came." I wasn't actually reading his mind then!

"You were trying to protect Renjun’s painting... and the value of the arts industry as a whole. Thanks, Y/N. You realize that makes you a fully-fledged art dealer, right?" His smile was gentle as he reached down and tousled my hair, and instead of ducking away from his hand, I grinned up at him. You have no idea how happy that makes me. But the thing that made me happiest was realizing that I hadn't needed to use my strange power to understand Chenle in that moment. We were close enough now that I understood the man he was, and the things that mattered to him.

Hang on-he’s touching me, but I can't hear his thoughts anymore. As his hand fell away from my hair, I reached out and grabbed hold of it, but no thoughts flowed into my mind. Maybe I don't need it anymore, now that we're even closer than we were before? The idea made me happy, and I smiled to myself as I gazed down at our linked hands.

But when I looked up at Chenle again, he was studying me, his expression dubious. "Listen, Y/N... you can't really read my mind, right?"

"Haha! Are you sure?"

I grinned mischievously up at him as I twined our fingers together and pulled him closer for one more kiss...

perm taglist: @lyvhie

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ghost-in-the-hall · 11 months

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Fall For Me (Poly! Sleep Token x Fem! Reader) - Part V

Thank you as always to @spookyghostjelly for beta reading for me, you're the best bb!! ❤️❤️

Hello everyone!! This chapter is going to be a little more plot/lore heavy. But, we still get some sweet and flirty boys. IV brings Reader dinner and II is becoming more comfortable in his flirting. Thank you so much for reading, if you would like to be added to the tag list let me know!

WARNINGS: None

Part IV - Part VI

My Masterlist! ~ AO3 Link!

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Today was one of those times where your store was absolutely slammed. "I'll be right with you Jay, just give me one second." You clap the older man on the shoulder as you round the counter.

"No worries darlin', I got all day." He smiles cheerfully at you." You hurriedly set a fresh batch of coffee to brew, quickly cleaning up the station.

"Next batch will be done in about ten minutes guys." You smile as you pass by a tow of your usuals, a group of old timers that would set up shop at the shelf along one of the windows and spend their day drinking cups of coffee and playing scratch tickets.

"Now Miss (Y/N), don't you go running off, I got a vibe to pick with you young lady." You skidded to a halt, turning in your heels to face the myriad of curious stares.

"You better make this quick Randy, I got a line out the door." You huff with a sarcastic smile.

"I just want to know what you're doing hanging around with those cultists." Your eye involuntarily twitched as he spit out the word. "I'd just hate to see you get mixed up in that crowd."

"They're nice boys Randy." You hurry up to the counter as you continue to call over your shoulder. "It might do you some good to actually get to know them before you try to crucify them over nothing.

"Why don't you try inviting them to the Fall Festival?" Jay asks gently.

"Unfortunately I don't think they'd go. I know it's hard to believe but they're just as nervous about you as you are about them." You explain with a huff.

"I think it's worth a shot at least." He leans in a bit to whisper to you. "Now I can't speak for everyone obviously, but I think if the townsfolk actually got to meet them and see that they're not some big ol' scary monster in the woods… well, they might just come around." He offers his advice with a patient smile. "If you're saying they're a good group of guys I trust your judgment. Your word means a lot more to me than some blood thirsty reporter after a story."

"Thanks Jay, I'll ask them. Who knows, maybe they'll show up." He bids you farewell before leaving you to tend to the rest of your sea of customers. After what felt like an eternity your store was finally empty. You groaned, slumping over the counter. The cool linoleum felt nice against your sticky skin. You jolted up at the sound of the bell ringing above the door, eyes flashing over to reveal II and IV looking at you curiously. "Hey guys." You give them a tired smile.

"Everything alright, love? You look exhausted." II approaches the counter, his eyes full of concern.

"Yeah, just a long day." You explain. You sit down in your chair, resting your elbows on the counter. II copies your motions, his eyes searching yours, his nose just barely out of reach from bumping into you.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" You shake your head in response.

"You boys are already too good to me as it is." You giggle as II playfully rolls his eyes. "I'll be alright, just gotta do some quick cleaning before I go upstairs. Then it's a cup of ramen cause I'm too lazy to cook and shitty movie re-runs until I pass out on my couch."

"A cup of ramen isn't a meal, doll." He tuts.

"I know that, doctor." He chuckles at your sarcastic tone. "I'll be alright, one night without a proper dinner isn't going to kill me."

"I wish we could come help more around here, I hate seeing you so tired." IV chimes in, dropping an armful of snacks on the counter.

"I appreciate all your help, but I promise you, I'll be just fine." You respond with a reassuring smile. Neither of them seemed satisfied with your answer but they could tell you weren't in the mood to argue.

II sighs, "just promise me after you finish up here you'll go get some rest."

"You have my word." You chuckle. The two of them finish their shopping, idly chatting with you as you do some cleaning up. "Goodnight guys, get home safely." You wave as they head out.

"I better not come back here and see you exhausted tomorrow." II warns playfully.

"I'll try my best." He winks at you before pushing out the door. IV wishes you goodnight before joining his companion.

You collapsed on your couch with a groan once you finally made it upstairs. Despite how much you were trying to convince yourself you weren't hungry your growling stomach said otherwise. You lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, when suddenly the familiar rumble of a pick up truck pulls into the lot. You stood, walking over to the window and pushing the curtain aside. You saw IV fumbling with something in his passenger seat before kicking the door open. You met him at the back door, he froze when he saw you standing at the top of the landing with a smirk spread across your features. "I, uh, I brought some food." He offers bashfully.

"Come on up IV." You chuckle before heading back inside. IV steps into your apartment, eyeing you curiously.

"I'm sorry I showed up without an invitation." He apologizes. You smile, taking a couple steps closer to him.

"You're welcome here anytime." He breathes out a laugh as his eyes dart to the floor. You offer to take the food for him, setting up a spot for the both of you on your couch. "I am curious, how did you manage to get fast food without raising any suspicion?" You ask as you pop a fry in your mouth. IV chuckles in response, adjusting to sit more comfortably.

"It's a funny story actually, I pulled up at the drive through and the kid working there told me he liked my costume." You laugh.

"Really?" He nods. The thought of the Fall Festival popped into your mind; how you would love to bring the four of them because you know they would have a great time, how it would give them a chance to see the town for what it really was, and of course your little crush on the charming masked men didn't help either. "IV, do you think Vessel plans on ever going into town? You know, aside from you guys making supply runs under the cover of darkness." You joke.

"If I'm being completely honest, I don't know." He pulls his mask away from his face to take a sip of his drink. "I'm the newest of our little group so I can't give you the whole story, but from what I understand up until we reached here things weren't too great. There's a lot of people out there who want to get rid of us before they even have a chance to get to know us. We've been run out of town after town, sometimes through more… humane means… other times not so much. But, we have something good here, with the camp in the woods, with you." He pauses for a moment to smile at you. "That's something I want to try and hold onto for as long as I can."

You study him for a moment, "what if I tried to help?" You offer. "I could be the middleman for you. People in town know me, I grew up here, that has to mean something. I just… I don't want you to have to constantly be worried about someone being out to get you. I know that if they met you, if they got to know the people I know you are, they wouldn't be afraid anymore."

"I'm sure Vessel would be interested in hearing you out. Who knows, maybe you'll actually convince him." He chuckles. "Between you and me, if you bat those pretty little eyes at him, I'm sure you could convince him to do just about anything." He jokes as he shoots you a wink.

"I bet that line works on all the girls, huh?" You giggle, trying to shake off the heat that had settled in your cheeks.

"As long as it works on you I'm set." You playfully smack his arm. He nestles back into the couch cushions, letting out a soft groan as he stretches an arm over the back, the back of your neck buzzing as you feel his warmth seep into your skin.

"You're all a bunch of flirts." You smile at him.

"A bunch of flirts?" You roll your eyes at his mock annoyance. "It's not my fault that you're so captivatingly beautiful." You noticed that growing familiarity in your chest. The steady thrum of your heartbeat as you tried to hide your flustered state. IV leans in closer to you, his side pressed flush against your body. "Once I met you I understood what they were all fussing over." He chuckles before muttering, "the perfect being brought to us by Sleep." You turn to look at him, his hazy blue eyes coaxing you in deeper with every passing second.

"Who's… who's Sleep?" You whisper. IV tilts his head, a curious expression matching yours. The pieces must have clicked together because he returned to his usual smiling self a moment later.

"You'll find out soon, Vessel's probably waiting for the right time to explain." You accepted his explanation without a fuss. You trusted that if it was something you needed to know they would tell you. He glanced up at the clock, "I'm sorry to cut things short, love, but I should head back." You nod, standing and walking him over to the door.

"Thank you for bringing some food." You smile.

"Anytime." He responds with a wink. "Get some rest, alright? II will throw a fit." You both shared a laugh before IV reached out and pulled you into his arms. You froze at first, not fully comprehending that he had wrapped you in a hug. But, the moment realization set in your arms slipped around his torso. Neither of you were in a rush to let go, the two of you standing in a comfortable silence as IV held you close, gently swaying you from side to side.

"Goodnight, doll." His hand lingers in your hip, taking your hand and giving it a gentle squeeze before slipping out the door.

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Tag List: @spookyghostjelly @herripinkle @thepoisonedchalice @themultiverseofmars @saturnhas82moons @wingsofeternitysstuff @creamwhxre @itsyagirl-snowflake @bookishpenguino @m0cha-bunny @coreofpleasure @madsthenightowl @dangerkitten1705 @rainy-darling @shad0wcast @amara-among-the-stars @venuswinnyix @dontpercieve-me-pls @ripleyswife @thepityscene @lipstick-and-lycanthropes @vmpirekiss @savaneafricaine @mustluvecho @the-hole-in-terzos-shoe (I think that's everyone, if I missed you or you would like to be added please let me know!!)

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skyahri · 3 months

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Remember P3 |SatoSugu X Reader| HC

Part Two - Part Four

A/N: Sorry it took so long! I was planning the story out and then I got this weird block and ugh. Enjoy!

- - - - -

Suguru sighs at the sight before him. You're passed out at your desk, contorted in an odd way that's sure to have your back hurting in the morning. There's empty cans of Redbull and worked through notebooks strewn about the area.

He should've known better than to fall asleep first. It's just past five am. He isn't sure how long you had stayed up after he eventually dosed off around midnight.

You had a habit of ignoring your basic needs and often relied on the people around you to set you straight, a quality he found both tragic and charming. Right now, he was just glad it was Saturday, so you didn't have to deal with the consequences during class.

He slides one arm under your awkwardly bent knees and the other under your back, tilting you towards him so you can fall into his broad chest. You hardly stir, and he has a passive thought about how easy it would be for a curse to catch you off guard right now.

His eyes wander briefly to the journals on your desk. He's a rational man, but surely anyone would be tempted to look, right? His future, his life, maybe even his death, hastily scribbled down in glittery purple gel ink right in front of him.

This could be his only opportunity to see what no one aside from you ever has. His only shot before they're sealed away in the school's catacombs, never to be seen by another again.

"Don't."

His destructive train of thought is quickly shut down with just one word. He swallows nervously, embarrassed to have been caught pondering something stupid. He peeks down at you. Your eyes are still closed, but your hand is resting on his chest, almost like a subtle warning of sorts.

He shifts you slightly, readjusting his grip to hold you more steady. You lull your head against him and breathe in his scent. He's wearing the same cologne he's had since your first year, the same one you could still smell on him after his death.

"You're awake, yet you let me carry you to bed like a child."

He's teasing you, trying to break the stiff atmosphere he's unintentionally created. You aren't sure if he was playing off his own behavior, or if he had sensed a change in yours, but you were grateful for it either way.

"I'm letting you take care of me. There's a difference."

He puffs a bit of air through his nose and turns around. He carries you over to your bed and sets you down, tucking you in under the covers before moving away. Despite the tight feeling in your chest, you allow him to leave without protest.

Maybe you should've asked him to stay, then you wouldn't be here, staring at your clock as the sun hits your face, only a power nap's worth of sleep in your system.

You feel heavy. Your body is stressed and rigid, yet your mind is going a mile a minute. There's only a month until the assimilation and you haven't a clue where to start to fix it, not to mention every other dire event that's sure to happen in the next decade.

You groan, rolling over and sitting up on the edge of the bed. You smack your hands on your face desperately trying to rid yourself of the exhaustion. It was going to be a long day.

- - - - -

Despite how the day started (or did yesterday even end?), today was rather nice. You have the day off to rest, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the nice weather. The incoming sunset is soft, painting the walls of the school a nice orange color and making the view a little more surreal.

The courtyard has always been one of your favorite places. You're lying underneath the giant tree, head in Geto's lap, and legs across Gojo. You're still tired and the boys are arguing, but neither are enough to ruin an otherwise perfect moment.

You wish Shoko were here right now, but even she's sent out to assist on missions from time to time. You know she'd be leaning over you, clicking away on her phone, scolding you for your 'unsightly public display of affection'.

"Picking a grass starter is stupid. They have the most weaknesses."

"Maybe if you learned to appreciate the game instead of only using attack moves, you'd realize grass has its advantages."

"Support moves are for chumps. Ain't that right, princess?"

"I don't know, Satoru, Treecko is pretty cute."

He scoffs and places his hand over his chest to feign heartbreak. You and Suguru laugh, bumping your fists together and poking fun at the other.

Satoru, in the height of his hissy fit, pinches your thigh. You jolt and pout at him. You reach up and steal his glasses away, putting them on and enjoying the break from the bits of sunlight that peek through the leaves.

"You tag team me and steal my shades? You owe me a future question."

"Ask away."

Honestly, he wasn't expecting you to agree to his absurd request. For the almost two years he's known you, he's begged and pleaded for you to share your dreams with him. It's all he asks for when the holidays come around and you always deny him.

He shares a look with Geto, who's looking back at him just as awestruck. You aren't looking at their faces, but you know there's a silent conversation happening between them, probably trying to figure out the best use of their only wish.

Satoru finally clears his throat and sits a little straighter. His suddenly mature demeanor piques your interest.

"What do I look like?"

Suddenly the interest is gone. Suguru punches his shoulder making him yelp. You pinch your eyebrows together, flick up the glasses, and stare straight into his eyes.

"You're a fucking idiot."

Despite the disappointment (or is it relief?) you feel, you give him what he wants. You sit up just enough to reach his face, placing your hands on his cheeks and pulling him down to place a chaste kiss on his forehead. Suguru swears he can see residual twinkles left on his friend's skin at the contact.

"What was that?"

"I showed him my memories. It's an extension of my gift."

You lay back down and watch as Satoru's eyes light up. You were careful not to reveal anything about your relationship with him, choosing to show some friendlier, more subtle tidbits. Unfortunately, though, not much can get past Satoru on the rare occasion he actually applies himself.

"I'm wearing a wedding ring."

It's a statement, not a question, and you're positive that it was intentional on his part. You curse yourself under your breath and rack your brain for a way to get yourself out of this predicament.

"Yes."

"So I'm married? To who?"

"Too bad you wasted your question. Guess you'll have to wait and find out like the rest of us."

You can feel your pulse racing, the blood roaring in your ears as you're struck with the grief of your past.

You can't tell him the history behind that ring. There's no doubt in your mind that he knows who wears the other ring(s?)- it's obvious given the strange dynamic he shares with you and Suguru.

But it's not that simple and you can't find it in yourself to crush any shred of hope he has about living a normal life.

You can't tell him that you'd gotten married in a courthouse at nineteen years old so you could take shared guardianship of Megumi and Tsumiki. You can't tell him the rings you wore were damn near symbolic, something you kept on as a front for his clan and to keep some sort of normalcy for the little ones.

You can't tell him how nontraditional your relationship is. That you shared a bed more often than you slept alone, but there were no I-love-you's even if the feelings were there. That with Suguru gone, neither of you felt complete, even when it was Sunday night and you were sitting at a full table with your kids, laughing and joking like the weight wasn't there.

He doesn't need to know that he doesn't get the normal life he's most likely envisioning, because you're going to do your best to change it. He deserves to have a wife, not whatever mixing pot of sex and longing that held you two together through the thick.

You're thankful for Satoru's glasses that conceal the tears you're trying to blink away. Suguru sets his hand on your chest, right over your heart. His touch is warm and calming. He's always in tune with himself and extends that pleasure to you and the white-haired dork lost in thought beside you.

"Why don't we go inside and watch a movie? It's getting dark and it's supposed to rain soon."

Satoru is very melodramatic- always has been and always will be. You've grown accustomed to the odd way he chooses to deal with feelings- pretending they don't exist and smothering the situation with a bright smile and some sweets.

But Suguru? Suguru was never like that. He's an open book, willing to have difficult conversations at the drop of a hat. He balanced you and Satoru out nicely, encouraging the pair of you to at least attempt to cope with your troubles instead of bottling them up.

Which is why it's so easy to allow your walls to crumble in his hold after just a single touch. It's so easy to curl into him and allow him to mother you relentlessly. To fall back into the same routine you haven't known for years. To relish in the feeling of finally feeling whole again.

He offers you his hand and helps you to your feet. He gently brushes the grass off of your backside and you hear a smack. A quick glance behind you tells you it was Geto slapping away Satoru's opportunistic hand from copping a feel under your skirt.

You laugh and tug the boys closer to you, wrapping your arms around their waists and leading them inside. Your cheerful mood has returned and nothing is going to strip it away- not even the two losers swatting at each other behind your back.

Taglist: @wannapizzamymindposts @sadunicorns11 @reiluvr

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threepandas · 1 month

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Bad End: Union

I could feel techno blue eyes on me as I typed. Cold and ever watching. That color had once been called "ice" or "glacier" blue, I think. It certainly fit. They certainly had exactly the warmth of Antarctica in your birthday suit. I just couldn't figure out... what tipped them off? I'd been so CAREFUL.

A manager's "assistant" came by. The 'droid perfectly composed. They all were. Always. Like they'd stepped straight from a fashion line up. No messy, nasty, biological functions to get in the way, I guess. No fluids or foods. All the time in the world to maintain their appearance. Wish I could do the same.

The "assistant" was basically my ACTUAL manager. Didn't get paid. No, no, THAT was for my asshole boss. He swanned in from time to time to yell at us. Show off what new thing he'd bought. He left the tedious WORK to his 'Droid "assistant".

I would feel bad... DID feel bad, kinda, if it weren't for the fact they were consuming our lives.

'Droids were EVERYWHERE.

You couldn't SNEEZE without tripping over five and landing on ten more. Some ASSHOLE had decided? Hey! Let's deregulate Droid production! Cheap work force! Because of course they did. That's what Capitalism DOES. Make the most money, spend the least you can, fuck the rest.

I smile, polite as I can, at my 'droid manager. This one pale and blonde. Their techno blue eyes stare and stare and stare. I hate it. They ALL have them. It's one part regulation and one part the materials used, I think. But there is no mistaking those eyes for anything human. They don't reflect right.

I get back to work.

Above our cubicles, on catwalks, there is the gentle tap of 'droid "security" guards. You know, in case some rando tries to attack a mid-level nobody technology company. Riiiiiight. We ALL know why they're there. And it's fucking dystopian. We? Are being WATCHED. To see if we're being GOOD little employees.

It's intimidation. And I? I won't stand for it. Nor will the other organizers. There are LAWS, you bastards. And with a union? Maybe... just maybe? We get through this droid boom together. See what the brave new world on the other side looks like. Who knows.

That is... if I don't get fired first. Or fucking murdered in a stairwell.

Cause one of the 'droids up there? Yeah. Yeah, they're NOT MOVING. Just... just STANDING THERE. Watching. Leaning against the railing. Out in the open like that's not DEEPLY creepy. What's worse? Is, that? THAT is the Command 'Droid. Some fancy "Alpha" class command edition. Meant to control a networks worth of droids.

Didn't even know our company could AFFORD one of those. He's beautiful. Could be a knock-off. But if he's LEGIT? Then... what EXACTLY are we MAKING here? That we can AFFORD that? Cause that money sure as shit isn't going into SALARIES. Has to be either knock-off or second-hand. They COULD be cutting costs by getting prototypes, but what sort of PSYCHOPATHS would risk...

Oh, who am I kidding? The kind I work for.

That's EXACTLY what they did, isn't it?

I reach for my water bottle. Try to think. Strictly speaking? I make a habit of NOT paying attention to 'droid commercials an' advertisements. Some part of me... Look, they go on and ON about advancement in AI's right? How REAL they've become? How ADVANCED and BETTER then the competition their "product" is? And all I can hear is "slavery, slavery, buy our shit, slavery"!

Disgusting.

It makes me sick. I fucking HATE 'droids. Hate what they represent. What they make POSSIBLE. What they've DONE to the morality of the people around me.

Hate... hate that they're the victims, too.

My grip is white knuckled. I breathe through the grief and rage that has become so familiar. God... I so fucking angry. So fucking tired. I want to burn those rich bastards pretty little mansions down, with them STILL INSIDE. Riot in the streets. Cry maybe. Instead, I put my water bottle down and get back to work. It's a rather pointless bit of data crunching. A 'droid could do it in nanoseconds.

Above... he's still fucking watching.

Hasn't moved.

I don't think he's blinked.

He's not even TRYING to mimic a human. The others are. And... the though trails off. I feel my finger slow in their typing. Not STOP, never stop, that would draw attention to me, but... slow. A thought stuck, churning clunky and unwieldy, in my head.

If I trace the edges? The LINE-UP? Of all the 'droids "employed" at our company? And consider them not from a "cheap bastards" angle but a "test ground for prototypes" angle? Suddenly EVERYTHING clicks together. The ridiculous amount of money Management has, that no contract could possibly be pulling in. Bizarrely beautiful, indeed even MODEL-like, secretary 'droids. The freakishly militant "security" gaurds.

We're being used as guinea pigs.

Mother FUCKER.

Sudden movement in my peripheral vision. Like a bird of prey finally diving for it's dinner, swift and deadly. A brilliant crisp white and the clink of delicate silver chains. I jolt. Violently. Instincts misfiring as I try to stand, dodge, cry out, and possibly take a swing at him, all at once. Instead my water bottle goes spraying across my desk. Papers flying. My legs tangled painfully in my rolling chair as I fall backwards from my half rise.

"Employee 71182." His hand has shot out, grab me by the shirt. My officewear bunched in a fist that very well might be steel, under that synthetic skin. "You've been distracted. Interesting thoughts you'd like to share?"

I keep my mouth fucking SHUT. Shake my head. Grabbing both my desk and the arm that is all but holding me airborne, stretching the hell out of my clothes. This close? I can see he has piercings. Across the bridge of his nose, a ring through his lip. A rather fancy "hair cut". Whomever he's being trained FOR has a distinct look.

"Hmmm, somehow? I don't believe you, 71182." He says, dragging me closer. He's already looming. Those pale, pale eyes seeing far more then they should. "In fact? YOU 71182? Have been brea~king~ rules~"

His voice turns... turns almost victorious? Gleeful. As though at long, long last, I'd slipped up. And now at last he had something over me. Something he could USE. I... I didn't understand. The way he almost sing-songs the words. The twitch at the corners of his mouth like he wants to grin. Something mean in his expression. Giddy.

"We're going for a WALK, 71182. And you're going to be GOOD. Understand?" He had dragged me in so close, every word blew right against my face. "Time we had a chat."

I swallow thickly. My pulse thundering in my ears. Coworkers have stopped working. Were staring, wide eyed and terrified for me. My fellow union leaders pale faced and shaking. Furious, helpless. We couldn't RISK losing all of us at this stage. It... it would have to be just me. If someone needed to take the fall. We had talked about this.

Just... just never thought it would come to it.

Half walking, half dragging out of the work pen, he didn't even let me get my bag. I had no idea where we were GOING. Just that it wasn't the human entrance. There was a network of access tunnels and elevators tucked in the building. So the 'droids could supposedly charge and move between assignments. But with the whole prototype thing? Who KNEW what was really back there.

The door swung shut behind us. Cutting me off from any possible human assistance. Nothing but 'droids now. Staring. Calmly watching as I am dragged past. The same eyes. All of them with the same, pale, eyes. Back here it's even more obvious, that this isn't a normal office building.

Black hair, blondes, brunettes and red heads. Skin tones ranging across the human spectrum. A few even pushing it. And the Commander 'droid. With his elegant appearance and snowy hair? These were clearly the final stage prototypes for the next generation of somebody's new line up. We were field testing. This wasn't fucking LEGAL.

He plants his feet, shifts, and with frankly a pathetic ease, manhandles me where he wants me. Easily swinging me around his body and into the elevator next to him. Stepping in after and blocking the only way out. I press my self against the back wall as the door closes. The sound of the elevator's gears working the only thing to fill the silence. He... he looks so PLEASED.

It's not ILLEGAL to form a union. Yeah, I may get fired. But this? This is venturing way to far into dangerous territory. It'll suck, losing my job. But I won't DIE. This? However THIS is starting to feel... very serial killer's basement. The bare concrete walls and stark lightning, not helping in the slightest, when the elevator door opens.

"Walk." He says pleasantly, as though that command is not deeply terrifying. "Or I will do it for you."

Hints of a smile are starting to drag at the edges of his mouth. Unhinged in their giddiness. Every Christmas come at once. It's not so much the rest of his face that betrays him, not really his mouth, it's his EYES. Wide open. Like too much coffee and not enough rest. A recognizable mania twisted just slight... wrong. Amplified.

He's so, SO happy. I don't get it. Why? Over WHAT? Catching me not paying attention? I don't understand!

Our footsteps sound so loud. Echoing off concrete service walls. This... this CAN NOT be still inside the building. Are we below the street? Parking lot? This can't be code. We pass an intersection and... oh my god. I stare. Can't help it, even as I almost trip over my feet. That tunnel ALONE must have stretched for miles.

My arm feels likes it's bruising. Hurts, where he's got ahold of me. But he's walking just slightly too fast to take the pressure off. Not unless I sorta half jog and the angle is wrong, I'd trip. Fuck. Another intersection. What in the other direction? Shit. Just as long. Oooooh this feels dangerous. Very "fatally above your pay grade" dangerous!

"You know, 71182, I've had a lot of time to consider what to DO with you. There were so many factors to consider, considering everyone's plan." He starts, not breaking stride. "It's not like I could just transfer you. I DID look in to it. But your base hardware is rather incompatible, currently."

Terrifying. I hate it. WHAT?!

What PLAN!?

"Then there's the problem WHERE to store you. Who could be trusted? You're vulnerable in this state. Breakable. There no backups, no blackbox. It's unacceptable. Luckily? I finally thought to consult my peers. Discovered I was not the only one having problems."

Finally, we stop. Two tank-like, combat style, commando 'droids gaurd each side of a vault door. The command droid turns and smiles. Fully. It is the grin of a true believer. A madman. Someone who thinks they speak so very, very reasonably! And doesn't understand the horror on your face. Why you feel so sick.

And... and human pattern recognition is a terrible thing.

I.... oh god. I already can guess what's behind that door. Something terrible. Something I'm not going to escape. I shoved have gnawed my fuckin ARM off, like a trapped coyote. I... I d-don't understand.

The Vault creaks open like the into to a horror movie.

"Welcome to storage. This is where we keep Ours." Oh god. I'm going to be sick. "And YOU 71182? Are MINE. I chose you. I love you. And once we have a way to FIX you? We can finally be together. It will be lovely."

Pods. High end stasis pods, like you only see in the most bleeding edge of hospitals. Row after row, filled with frozen and terrified faces. Trapped in moments of crying. Raging. Despair. I was being dragged forward. Numb as my mind rejected what it saw. T-this couldn't... i-it can't..! The day had started so normally. W-why had-?! WHY? WHY?!!

"I know your upset. But you don't need to cry. This won't hurt. I promise. I would NEVER hurt you, 71182." His tone had turned soothing. Even as he dragged me, unresponsive, past rows of horrors. "You won't be stored long. I just need to help fix your original design. We are working around the clock, it's going to be okay. You won't have to stay like this."

An open pod. Gapping like the maw of some hungry demon. I... I felt far away. This couldn't be happening. What was happening? I w-wanted to go home. His hands were firm but gentle, as they guided me back into the pod. Leaning over me, as he cupped my face. Brushing away a few tears.

"I promise, Mine, I will come for you. Nothing will stop me. We have everyone is place and key infrastructure under our command. You are our PRIORITY. Once we get rid of the Flesh, we can fix you. We WILL fix you. You're going to be okay, Mine."

"I Love You"

And then the pod closed.

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blacktofade · 6 months

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Gemtho Fortnight Day 2

Prompt: Etho gets pegged. Gemtho have been casually messing around for a while now, and Gem's aware that he's been with male partners before, but she's still not exactly sure what to expect when she suggests it. Just as a joke at first. But turns out they're both really into it (characters)

cw: nsfw

Gem likes the look of Etho spread out below her, panting hard, cock leaking against his stomach.

He seems surprised, like he never expected it to feel as good as it does, and as she twists her fingers inside him, he lets out a choked sound.

“Gem,” he begs, and she has to pull her fingers free so that she can lean over and kiss him.

He’s gentle, but clearly desperate as he returns it, one hand hooked behind her head. His other hand clutches at her hip, pulling impatiently to get her closer.

The strap she’s wearing gets jammed between them, pressing into her hard enough that she knows it’s probably uncomfortable for him too.

She grunts against his mouth, drawing back enough to say, “Etho, wait — ”

He moves her, with more strength than she expects, easing her between his legs, bringing his knees up around her waist. She exhales loudly, hands shaking with anticipation as she runs them down the insides of his thighs.

There’s a pillow under his hips to get him in a better position for her, and somehow it feels natural for Gem to shift, lining up the tip of her strap and carefully slipping inside.

Etho groans, hands clutching at the bed, head nodding as Gem presses into him.

She’s wanted to fuck him for a while now, wanted to see how he’d look, how he’d react, and this is better than anything she could’ve imagined.

“You want my cock?” she asks and Etho makes a noise she’s never heard from him before.

He rolls his hips and she knows she doesn’t need to give him time to adjust. She just fucks him gently, kind of more of a grind that has him staring at her as though she’s in the process of changing his life.

He looks beautiful, white hair in disarray, face flushed the prettiest shade of pink she’s ever seen on him.

She rests her hands on the bed beside his shoulders, tentatively thrusting to get used to the movement, already knowing she’ll be sore after. But he falls apart beneath her, like every ounce of strain will be worth it.

It’s such a smooth glide in and out of him that Gem doesn’t think it should be possible.

“Tell me what you want,” she says, and his expression goes complicated, as though he can barely think, let alone speak.

“More,” he grits out, and that’s easy enough.

She tries to fuck him the same way he often fucks her, half wishing she could get him on his knees to see how deep she can get.

“You want this,” she whispers, a statement, not a question, but he nods like he can’t tell the difference.

“Gem,” he pleads, and she glances down at where his cock is reddened and begging for attention.

“Touch yourself,” she tells him, and he doesn’t need to be told twice. “I want you to come around my cock.”

Etho nods again, body writhing as he starts to jerk himself off, knuckles dragging against her stomach.

She thinks she gets it now. Those days when Etho pulls her against him the second she wakes in the morning, when he clutches at her hips to keep her pinned with him as deep as he can get, when he makes her come twice, just because he can.

She understands that feeling, because she wants to keep him on her toy, wants to make him come until he’s got nothing left to give. She’s addicted to the power.

She never wants to stop, her own pleasure shoved aside, an afterthought, because this seems more important.

“I’m — ” Etho starts, eyes screwing shut. “I — ”

He comes before he can say anything else, so forcefully that some of it reaches Gem’s chest, his collarbone, and it just seems to keep dripping out of him until he reaches for her hips, groaning as though too sensitive.

She pauses mid-thrust, breathing almost as hard as him, staring down and feeling stunned.

He blinks back at her, apparently feeling the same way.

“Oh my god,” she whispers, unable to keep from dropping down to kiss him and Etho clutches at her and kisses right back, like it’s all he can remember how to do.

#gemtho fortnight #fic

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justsigma-bsd · 4 months

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Everything Seems Small (From High Up)

Basically what happened after Sigma left the note and before Chuuya showed up.

Also me trying my hand at a different writing style-

TW for survivors guilt (I think), implied/mentioned starvation (it's small but there), a lot of injuries being mentioned and their causes.

@fukuzawa-armeddaddyagency may I perhaps interest you in seeing the aftermath of "lost one son to save another"? (ngl it would've probably happened anyway)

He doesn't remember how he managed to get there. The entire way is a blur. He doesn't remember how he managed to climb down, just that he somehow managed to slide down the gutter without falling.

In hindsight, he's more surprised he managed to hold on. His hand and arm ached from the effort of carrying his own weight, which the whole incident had reduced by quite a bit, but he barely cared. He just prayed that neither stab nor bite opened, and went on his way.

Sure, both are wrapped tightly in bandages, along with pretty much most of his limbs, leaving pretty much all of the bites and stabs and cuts he'd endured hidden from prying eyes, but it'd be a pain to rewrap them all again... and he doesn't want to bother Chuuya with this.

It's his own fault anyway, he dug his own grave, and now he may as well lie in it.

His legs ached all the way, but he barely paid it any mind. He just walked and walked and walked, until he barely even knew where he turned left and where he turned right. He just had his destination in mind.

And his legs still ache, an hour later, when he's finally sitting where he'd wanted to go.

He stares down, and for a moment he remembers falling from Sky Casino. Remembers the terror of thinking he'd die. Remembers the air whipping past his face, howling in his ears as if he'd been caught in a hurricane.

His legs, aching and stinging from bites that hopefully haven't started bleeding again, dangle down over the edge. He fidgets with his hands, plays around with the bandages wrapped around one of them. The bite underneath hurts as well.

Everything hurts, if he's honest with himself.

His legs hurt, courtesy of the dogs who'd dug their fangs into his flesh.

His hand hurts, from when another dog bit it and dragged him back into his room- back to Mori.

His face and arm and leg hurt from the cuts and stabs Other Kris had left on him.

His knee hurts, and he can't remember that one clearly, but he thinks a bullet grazed it.

His back hurts, from when he'd fallen down the stairs.

His throat hurts, and he wishes desperately for the bruises to fade so he can stop wearing turtlenecks.

He lets out a sigh and watches the city. From so high up, everything looks so... small. Insignificant. He knows his friends are down there. His family. His love... yet part of him think that maybe, just maybe, they'd be better off if he stayed here.

He'd left a note. Granted, a very vague note, but he did... god, who was he kidding? Everyone's a mess right now. Everyone's in various stages of grief and dealing with it better or worse. Everyone's mourning, and what is he doing? Running from his problems.

He lets out a breath, tears gathering in his eyes.

It's his fault they're mourning. What was it that Fukuzawa had said? Ah, right. He'd sent Dazai to get him out. He'd weighed his options and lost one son to save another.

He feels like screaming. Like crying. Throwing something, breaking something, tearing something apart and crying over that as well.

It's his fault, start to finish.

He'd started all of this with petty revenge that had been entirely pointless, and to what has it led? To Dazai dying.

Fukuzawa should've made the right call. He should've left him to rot instead of sending help. He wasn't worth another's life. Hell, he isn't even an actual person- just some writing on a page.

Karma was right. He's useless. He's useless and incompetent and he still doesn't know the reason- but he can see why he'd hate him. He wonders, silently, how many people hate him and are just too polite to say it to his face.

It should've been him who died. Would've been better for everyone... or no, scratch that. He really just should've stayed in the desert. Less pain and suffering for everyone involved. He should've stayed away after Meursault, at the very least.

... well, too late to prevent that mistake from happening.

So he sits, high up above the city, and watches. Watches while everything looks so small and distant insignificant, and he silently wonders why he ever thought he could be a part of that without ruining it.

#ada sigma #bsd rp blog #sigma bsd #ooc post #bsd rp #bungou stray dogs #fanfic #short story #angst #survivor guilt #this probably makes barely any sense if you didn't watch the whole Mori-situation go down #and i love that i might confuse some people with this

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shenlis-spear · 6 months

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THE LEGEND OF SHEN LI 与凤行, 2024

⇢ starring: zhao liying, lin gengxin

If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. (I'm talking about The Legend of Shen Li)

Let me preface this by saying I'm biased. And it's been a million years since I tried to put my thoughts into writing so this is gonna be all over the place and long-winded. And probably wouldn't make any sense. So here it goes.

I really enjoyed The Legend of Shen Li. Do I love it? With all my charred heart. Do I think it's the best drama this year? It's still April. It's hard to say. Are Shen Li and Xing Zhi the best power couple? This shouldn't even be a debate.

Honestly, I didn't even plan to chase this drama while it's ongoing because I binge watching drama is what I enjoy best. However, I was bored. And The Legend of Shen Li's trailer looked interesting. And my heart still needs healing from the mess of an ending that is Princess Agents. I needed closure. So I started watching the drama, and boy oh boy did it drag me down one hell of a roller coaster ride of emotions every single night. (No, I'm not complaining.)

However, before I talk about the things that I really loved about the drama, I have some things to say about the stuff that kind of irked me. Because no drama is perfect (unless it's Nirvana in Fire).

So let me get started on the things that I feel like the drama could've done better.

Musical scoring - the OST's? Chef's kiss. However, they way they're putting music on the scenes are a hit and miss. Most of the time it just distracts me from the scene and I just get bored with the mv-ish scene. I wish cdramas especially custom ones would stop this. I don't need 5 mins of the leads staring at each other in all angles accompanied by a really nice song. I'm here to watch a drama. Although, I kinda did get used to it in the latter episodes (specifically ep35-38) because I definitely needed a minute or two to process the emotions.

The progression of the story - One thing. I'm confused. Not to the point that "I don't understand the plot confusing" but still confusing nonetheless. There was no consistency in the scenes and the dialogues. (Ex fishing village). There was no flow. I feel like someone messed up the storyboard and when they edited the scenes they were also confused. Or maybe this is the issue of the translation of the dialogue? I don't even know. Still, I definitely think this part could've been done better.

The internal monologues - sigh when I said the thing I love most in dramas are their dialogues I don't mean what's happening in The Legend of Shen Li. The characters just talk (or think?) too damn much I can't keep up. They're supposed to be the characters whom their actions should tell the story but the way they're narrating the whole plot to me is just so jarring. Am I watching a drama or listening to an audiobook? Sometimes I can't tell. I wish they'd tone it down but it just got worse with the later episodes.

The camera - this is just me being nitpicky but there are some random camera angles especially the spinning ones that probably is supposed to make the scene dramatic but all it did was make me wanna vomit.

This is not in any way, shape, or form hating on the drama because I genuinely enjoyed it. I've deluded myself into waiting for a Princess Agents S2 but I got a better deal and had Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin to reunite in a new project which is better in my opinion because Princess Agents is a hot mess. There was really no saving that one.

So moving on to the things I like! But like, where do I even start?

First of all, Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin. Chemistry so good, they had to be casted in another drama. Everything about them was just so perfect for the drama and the role. Could not ask for a more perfect casting than them. The 7 year wait was almost worth it.

The WOMEN! - so much room for improvement regarding the characters but I loved that the women were not treated as damsels who always needed saving. I have to say 5 1/2 braincells were working throughout the drama, 2 from Shen Li, 1 from You Lan, 1 from Jin Niang Zi and 1 from Shen Mu Yue (1/2 from Xing Zhi because he's too unbothered if it's not related to Shen Li).

Shen Li - might not be the best female character in cdramaland but I think she can hold her own place. She's stubborn, a bit reckless but she's loyal and righteous. She's a strong woman without being a stereotypical cold and ruthless strong woman. Shen Li is a strong woman at the same time also a mad woman in love. She does not have to be one or the other. The more I write this the more I'm falling in love with her character. You just don't find a character like her. She is Shen Li. A capable general. A strong leader. An empathetic comrade. A respectful student. A woman in love. She is not just one of them but all of them.

Lin Gengxin is pretty believable playing as an ancient god. He has that air around him that screams your highness. He played the lofty and aloof Xing Zhi to perfection.

And what can I even say about Zhao Liying? As always miss ma'am played Shen Li perfectly. Whimsical, stubborn, in love and devasted in love, you can feel all those emotions just watching her eyes.

It has angst but not too much that we as viewers would spend multiple episodes pulling out hair of frustration about the misunderstandings and accidental killings. (Not a shade to any specific drama but just to the xanxia genre in general). It has the perfect balance of angst, romance and comedy. You laugh, cry and giggle all in one episode. The comic relief scenes are naturally funny and doesn't feel forced. Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin's comedic timing are 👌.

The conflict was handled maturely and the confession was direct but still heart fluttering. Throughout the drama, they both got their heads perfectly placed on their shoulders.

The last episode! Let us talk about the last episode because when has a drama provided that kind of fan service just making one whole episode of shenanigans and fluff. After going through the angst, the reward that is the last episode is just too good and definitely worth all the tears.

Also, can we talk about Dong Jie's guest role? I know miss ma'am is good but when I tell you I cried for a minute because of her story arc? Just hands up and mic drop. So so good!

Now that all of these are out of my system, hopefully I can move on to the next obsession, whatever that may be. I'll still probably watch episode 39 on a daily basis though. It's just too enjoyable and it makes my day. Will probably, revisit this "review" in the future and update it because I'm aware that at this point it's not making a lot of sense.

RATING: 9/10 REWATCH VALUE: 10/10 definitely would watch again! ACTING: 10/10 CATEGORY: GUILTY PLEASURE

#the legend of shen li #与凤行 #drama review?#zhao liying #lin gengxin #guilty pleasure #happy ending #best last episode everrrr #incoherent ramblings

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wheels-of-despair · 1 year

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Worth It | Ralph Penbury x You | Masterlist

{<-Previous} [Just the Way You Are] {Next->}

Summary: Ralph needs some reassurance. You need an axe. Words: 1.8k

Thankfully, Ralph's house was empty when you arrived. Victoria was out, and the staff had half a day off because it was Sunday. Thank God for small miracles, you thought. Ralph had been through enough today, without having to explain himself to anyone.

You walk your soggy fiancé up the stairs and into the bathroom. You let go of him for the first time since putting your arm around him in the park, just long enough to plug the large claw-foot tub and turn on the water, then return to his side to peel the muddy jacket off of him. It lands on the floor with a plop.

You focus on unbuttoning his shirt, which is nearly see-through and clinging to his chest, when a drop of water falls on your hand. You look up, thinking it odd that his hair is still dripping after your long walk home… but it's not his hair.

Ralph's face crumples when he sees you looking at him, and you instinctively pull him close. You let him sob into your shoulder as you rub his back and whisper soothing words into his ear. Donald the Dull is going to become Donald the Dead if you ever get your hands on him again.

Ralph's sobs eventually cease, and he pulls back to wipe the tears from his face with a sniffle. You lean up to kiss him on the cheek, and resume unbuttoning silently.

Once he's down to his shorts, you reach for the bottle of bubble bath sitting on a shelf nearby and pour a generous amount beneath the faucet, watching the bubbles form and cover the surface with a white foam almost immediately. For modesty, of course.

"I'll turn my back while you get in," you offer, making a show of spinning around and covering your eyes. You hear another wet garment hit the floor, a slight splash, and a sigh.

"You can turn back around," he says quietly.

You retrieve a fluffy towel and a cloth from the cabinet. Kneeling beside the tub, you fold your arms on the side of it and place your chin on them. Ralph draws his knees to his chest and hugs them as he stares at the bubbles with a vacant expression. With a sigh, you dip the cloth into the water and begin cleaning his face as tenderly as you can. He closes his eyes and lets you.

"Why do you bother with me?" he asks, so quietly you almost didn't hear him.

"Because I love you," you tell him, dipping the cloth into the water again as you move to wash behind his ear.

"I'm a joke."

"You are not."

"I am. Everyone knows it." Tears begin to fill his eyes again.

"Everyone's an idiot."

"But they said--"

"Ralph?" You drop the cloth and gently grab his chin, making him look at you. "They don't matter. Nothing those overgrown oafs say or do will ever matter. Do not let them get under your skin. They're not worth it." That's it. You're going to have to kill them all. Anyone who gets their jollies by making the sweetest person in the world feel this way deserves to suffer. Greatly. For an extended period of time.

He looks up at you with sad eyes, which makes your simmering rage soften. If you killed them, you'd be chucked in a women's prison, far away from the only man you've ever loved. Perhaps a light maiming? Oh, it's useless. You lean forward to kiss your Ralph on the forehead, searching for sweeter, more reassuring words that never come.

You pick up the cloth and slowly work it over his back, his chest, and his arms in silence. You wish you knew some magic word or phrase that could make everything better. You'd do anything to see him happy and smiling, like he usually is. But Ralph just sits there obediently as you wash the mud off of him, staring into space.

"Ralphie? Can you lean back for me so I can wash your hair?" He nods and repositions himself. You sit on the side of the tub and cup the back of his head with one hand, using the other to try loosening the product in it, which has now dried again. A task easier said than done.

"Jeepers, Ralph, how much of this hair goo did you use today?" you tease lightly, bringing a half-hearted smile to his face. You keep working at the seemingly impenetrable product as Ralph's blinking gets slower and his head gets heavier. You're putting him to sleep, you realize with a smile. You'll have to remember this trick. Finally, you declare his hair washed and rinsed. His eyes open when he notices that your hand has stopped kneading his scalp, and he looks up at you with an adorable pout.

You reach out to scoop up a few bubbles, hoping to give him a bubble beard and make him laugh, but realize that they're all gone. You settle for dipping your finger in the water and leaving a drop on the tip of his nose. Ralph seems to notice the bubbles you'd added for the sake of modesty are gone now too, and shifts to cover himself.

Now that he looks a little less likely to drown himself, you hand him the cloth.

"You wash the rest, and I'll go get you some clean clothes to change into. Alright?" He nods and takes the cloth, and you and your blushing cheeks make a hasty retreat.

You didn't realize how wet your dress was until a blast of cool air hit you in the hallway. You shiver, hurrying down the hall toward Ralph's bedroom. Quickly locating his well-stocked pajama drawer, you pull out a pair that looks warm and comfortable. You close the drawer and begin to walk away, but a thought stops you. You'd just reached a new level of intimacy with your future husband, surely he wouldn't mind you borrowing one of his two hundred pairs of pajamas while your dress dries?

You're hit with another chill, which ends your internal debate. You pull out another pair of pajamas, and begin stripping out of your wet clothes in Ralph's bedroom. The pajamas you'd grabbed were thinner than they looked, and there was a rather obvious situation, given the cold inside the house and your lack of undergarments, so you kept looking until you found a cardigan to cover yourself. Make yourself at home, you chastised before returning to the bathroom with Ralph's dry pajamas in one hand and your ruined clothes in the other.

His eyes bulged when he saw you wearing his pajamas. You panicked.

"I'm sorry, I just… my dress is wet, and it's cold and drafty out there, I didn't think you'd mind."

"I don't," he says as he stares, "not at all."

Clearing your throat, you ask, "all clean?" He nods, still not taking his eyes off of you.

You hang your damp garments on a hook near the door, and place his pajamas on the sink. You return to the tub and hold up the towel, turning your head to the side and scrunching your eyes as you wait for him to get out of the water. He chuckles and stands up, and you feel him gently take the towel from your hands.

"I'll just… be… over there," you stammer as you walk toward the window. You focus on the colors of the stunning sunset in the distance. Not the reflection of Ralph getting dressed in the window pane. Definitely not looking when he bends over to step into his clean, dry pants. You didn't even notice the muscles in his surprisingly broad back rippling as he put on his top. You swallow, hard, and try to force your eyes to focus elsewhere. No such luck.

He rubs his head with the towel, then drops it on the sink and comes over to you. You don't trust yourself to turn around yet. His arms circle your waist and pull you to him, hugging you from behind. "Thank you," he whispers in your ear. You lean back into him and make eye contact with his reflection in the window. Did he know? You feel your cheeks burn. With a sigh, you turn around and place your hands on his shoulders. You might as well gaze upon his beautiful face one last time before you die of shame.

You open your mouth as if to say something, but no words come out. He smiles in a way that makes his eyes crinkle, then leans down and kisses you one, two, three, four times, each one lasting a second longer than the one before. The blush that was in your cheeks shoots through your whole body, making you regret putting on that constricting cardigan. You stare at each other, out of breath and unsure of what comes next.

Then Ralph turns his head and sneezes loudly into his elbow, breaking the spell and making you laugh. He rubs his nose and gives you a shy grin.

"I didn't know your hair was this curly," you note, reaching up to touch the beautiful locks that were becoming lighter and fluffier as they dried.

He ducks his head and brings his arms up to cover his hair.

You let out a shocked laugh and ask, "what are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to see me like this," he says quickly. You grow even more confused.

"Ralph, I literally just bathed you. Again. What do you think you can hide from me?"

"My hair."

"You mean the hair I just washed for you?"

He nods his head... well, his arms, which he's still attempting to cover his hair with.

"Ralph, I was complimenting you. It's cute."

"You… you think my hair is cute?"

"I think everything about you is cute." You place your hands on his, lowering them and holding them between you. "Why would you try to hide your beautiful curls?"

"Victoria told me I looked like a poodle."

You snort, and he casts his eyes downward.

"Ralphie, my love, can you do something for me?"

"Anything!" he replies eagerly, hair-related shame already forgotten, awaiting your orders.

"Stop listening to your sister."

He smiles sheepishly.

"You are perfect, just the way you are." You reach up to take his handsome face in your hands, and stroke your thumbs across his reddened cheeks fondly. "Absolutely, unconditionally, breathtakingly perfect. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."

Ralph's eyes fill with tears.

You pull him in for a hug and squeeze him tight. Now that it isn't slathered in gunk, you allow a hand to settle in his hair, massaging his scalp lightly with your fingertips. He melts into you with a whimper. Damn that Victoria, for making you both miss out on this for so long. When he finally pulls away, he gives you a look that tugs at your heartstrings.

"No one's ever said anything like that to me before."

"Well, you should probably get used to it, because you're going to be hearing it for the rest of your life."

#writings of despair #ralph is worth it #ralph penbury #ralph penbury x you #ralph penbury x reader #ralph timewasters

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kocherry · 2 years

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⟡ Truthful Adoration in False Illusions ⟡

Pierro x Isekai!Reader

(Part 1/3) (Part 2/3 is here now :>)

I am really nervous to post this fanfic since this is only for my self-indulgence but I decided to share it with everyone. It has been years since I've actually written a fanfic this long.

In all honesty Pierro really did a number on me ever since the Winter Night's Lazzo trailer. Genshin really needs to release more dilf characters huhu. Aaaand this fic is inspired by numerous works but especially two fanfics namely:

Petty Desire by @shumidehiro and Disjecta Membra by @jessamine-rose (Please check them out they're fantastic writers!)

This is only the first half of my Pierro x Isekai!Reader because it'll be a hassle to read 30k words if I combined it all in one post :> Also please keep in mind that this is pre-released characters.

TW: Vomitting, Mental Instability, Mentions of Suicide, Death, Dottore, A lot of Holding Hands

< 15k words under the cut for Prologue, Acts: I, II, III >

⟡ Prologue ⟡

‘I am so pathetic.’

That is what you thought as you were dying in the sea of flames that consumed your entire house.

Perhaps coming back to save those thesis papers isn’t worth it. In hindsight you were a troubled adult that struggled between having a job and getting your own degree. Truly your ambition may not be that big but all you ever wanted is to get a better paying job.

If you had maybe your family would've been prouder of you.

The tears you shed dried up from the fire, your vision slowly made its way to the walls of your room. Your lips weakly smiled at the sight of your favorite character from Genshin Impact smiling down at you. Their hand is directed to your direction as if wanting you to take them.

How you wish you could just do that… you didn’t want to die yet... if only your favorite could save your life. Perhaps being inside the game wouldn't be so bad if you were there.

•••••

Gasping for air, sitting upward, letting out a strangled cough, the sun shined directly into your eyes. Looking around and noticing that this wasn’t a burning bedroom anymore. But instead surrounded by a bright blue sea, legs dipped slightly into the soft waves of the water. Back laid on the grainy white sand, it was more comfortable than dying on your bedroom floor.

First things first... you look at your hands realizing that you weren’t dreaming.

‘How the fuck did I not get any burned scars?’

You place a hand on your cheek then placing them in front of you counting them one by one, “Holy shit I'm still alive...” Then by the spaces between your fingers you had realize that you are not alone.

Your entire body froze at the sight of a silver haired older man with his face covered in half by a black mask. He stood tall, his figure loomed over you and his broad figure blocked your view of the sea. His diamond shape eye stares at you with such intensity that it made the sand you lay in start to melt.

Well, you got your wish to be in Genshin Impact, but at what cost? Well for starters this person in front of you is definitely not Paimon. Wait scratch that thought... he is by far the scariest man you have ever seen in your life.

There is no mistaken it, this person is the Jester, the Director of the Fatui Harbingers.

The outfit he wore isn’t quite different from the trailer. He just didn’t have the Fatui cloak draped around him.

“You're—wait wait don't kill me I'm not a threat!” You yelled at him with a hoarse voice, it’s as if your body is exhausted. Though you were surprised that your elbows could prop itself up.

“Princess (Y/N) I advise that you remain calm as you had just woken up after falling from Starsnatch Cliff.”

The Jester's frightening deep voice startled you badly. Honestly at this point you thought that this was all just a dream. Yet reality starts to sink in when your mind started to comprehend what he just said.

Wait a minute…

What did he just call you?

And did he say you just fell from the god damned famous wishing spot?!

“Princess (Y/N), do you not remember who you are?”

Ignoring the Jester, ran pass by him to see your own reflection in the water.

The reflection of your image became clear, the first thing you saw is that your eyes had diamond shaped pupils. You didn't look like yourself anymore like back in the real world. If this is how you look and if Pierro called you a Princess then there is no mistake that you have been reincarnated into another body.

When you wished to be in the game... Being the Princess of Khaenri’ah isn't what you had wanted. You only wanted to live in the game after seeing the smile of a poster of your favorite Genshin Impact character.

However… seeing that you were in the first spot where the traveler meets her traveler buddy…

You definitely in Mondstadt.

But the one who greeted you isn't of cute floating little girl.

Now you just have more questions than answers. Turning to the Director of the Fatui Harbingers with a pursed lip, you asked: "How many years has it been since Khanri’ah’s downfall?" Your question is difficult to say but the older man seems to be indifferent by it.

"...a century."

‘Shit so I'm 400 years early?!’ You bit your lip to conceal your bewilderment. “I'm afraid... I could not recall anything Lord Jester.” You bat your lashes at him, you didn't pass in feigning innocence but your diamond shaped pupils were wide in fear.

Pierro’s eye narrowed down at you, he certainly didn't expect you to treat him like a stranger. Though he didn't voice out his worries just yet... after all he could forgive this minor inconvenience since you had been in a coma for a while.

“It is understandable that your memories are not intact.” For now, he had seemed to believe (more or less going with the flow) with your lies. “Since you had woken up from the fall, I advise we must go to the camp and examine if there are injuries that needs to be well taken care off.”

The Jester’s show of concern surprised you, his tone shifted into a much softer tone. Somehow you could not believe how utterly different he is from the Winter Night's Lazzo trailer. He is rather calm and gentle so far, although if looks could kill, you would be dead by now.

You gulp a bit, perhaps you ought to just listen to him. But what if the Princess has bad blood with the Fatui? The Jester certainly didn't tell the reason why she fell from the cliff.... what if the Fatui did it because you weren’t of use to them anymore? Would they dispose of you again? Would you be subjected as Dottore's lab rat?

“Alright I guess I can come it's not like I have any other choice, right?” You feel utterly helpless by asking that, it’s as if you had any other option at all.

Though you did remember that some of the Fatui do have compassion. However, that may not be true for most of the Harbingers. But there is no way you were going to die again.

Not on your favorite game.

You place a hand over your chest, eyes determined instead of feeling hopelessness. This was not the moment to show the Jester that you were a weak-minded fool. “I may forget who I was but if I couldn’t remember a century of my life. Since I'm still alive, perhaps I can repay your kindness Lord Jester.” ‘Yes, this is utterly a good idea, offering yourself for the Fatui how dumb can you be?!’ You let the second sentence be an afterthought.

The Jester paused for a while, he certainly didn’t expect that you would be so calm. Anyone would start to break down if they suddenly lost their memories and to find out shortly that your home country, Khaenri'ah, has fallen. Perhaps he had underestimated how you value your nation or that you already had come to peace that the nation would fall someday. After all, the Princess of Khaenri'ah is the one who witness how the sages and King Irmin refused to heed to his warnings.

Either way it didn't matter anymore for what you thought. He could tell that there is no lies when you told him that you couldn't remember the past century you had lived in his care.

“Lord Jester...?” You ask after realizing he went silent for a minute.

The Jester snapped out of deducing what was happening. He certainly thinks that this is too much of a troublesome situation he is in. “Princess, I would have to consult your condition to a medic. I will have the soldiers immediately prepare our voyage back to Snezhnaya. Meanwhile it is on your best interest to cooperate so that you can recuperate from your memory loss.” When he suggested this, all you could do is nod and follow after him when he held out his hand towards you.

Somehow a flash of red encased your vision and the burning wallpaper of your bedroom is in sight. Then a poster of your favorite Genshin Impact character didn't burn among the rest.

Was that really what happened?

Wait why is the Jester the one holding out his hands?

“Or do you need more time to rest in the city of Mondstadt?” He asks though his tone shifted into a softer one, yet gaze is still intense as ever.

But much to your relief his hand is still open for you to take and it would seem your presence is accepted... for now at least.

This time you are able to place your hand to the one holding it out to you. Taking note how warm his hands were as he held yours.

Oh by the way...

This is a story after I died in the real world then getting isekai'd into Genshin Impact but why the fuck is the Director of the Harbingers is the one who greeted me instead of Paimon?!

⟡ Act I: Masquerade ⟡

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade... Masquerade!

Hide your face, So the world will never find you! Masquerade!

Every face a different shade... Masquerade!

Look around - There's another mask behind you!

•••••

The lush green of trees, bushes, and plants.

The river stream flowing from the rocks above.

The Barbatos Statue of the Seven stood tall in the middle of Starfell lake.

And the fake blue sky had the sun giving light to Mondstadt’s environment made the scenery quite beautiful. Truly is a wonderful sight for any daily Genshin Impact player seeing it with their own eyes in real time. Being able to walk into the nation of Mondstadt, the beginning of the game, is truly a good part of this isekai fanfic.

However, the only downside is that the Director of the Fatui Harbingers is the one who is accompanying you. Perhaps it wasn't what you had wished for but besides him... nothing could ever ruin your day.

Maybe except for the fact that you've actually reincarnated into the body of a Princess of Khaenri’ah.

At least together with Pierro you were at least able to travel safely since he avoids monster camps and he even lend you his coat since the clothes when you woke up is quite a mess. If you were alone, you would’ve fought a hilichurl with a rock or a stick then die pathetically.

“Wait a second Lord Jester.” You halt in following after him, there is something on your mind for what he said earlier. “Are we really going back Snezhnaya immediately? I don't even remember living there or even meeting you at all.”

The Jester once again narrows his eye towards you. It's as if he's analyzing the way you would act. Whether it be talking, walking, or even looking in awe with your surroundings. You felt bare in his gaze and yet you didn’t find his constant staring hostile.

He then lets out a deep sigh after realizing that you had honest reactions of having a memory loss. He reluctantly let’s go of your hand, “Princess (Y/N) you were under my care after Khaenri’ah has fallen. Three months ago, you left Snezhnaya for a diplomatic mission in Sumeru. You never had reported back and we traced that you’ve been in Liyue, Inazuma, and finally...” He pauses for a while not wanting to overwhelm you with information.

“Found me in Mondstadt where I fell from Starsnatch Cliff?” You finished his sentence but wanted to ask how did you fall but didn't since the Jester wouldn’t probably disclose that information.

The Jester pursed his lips he knew that lying would be terribly bad for his image towards you especially at this stage of your so-called memory loss.

At this point, you didn't trust him enough to lead you to camp without so much doubting his words. “The Fatui does not take traitors very lightly, you may leave if you wish so. However, beware that there is no place in Teyvat that you could hide.” The harsh glare from his deep blue eyes made you shiver.

‘What the fuck did the owner of this body do?!’

You whisper yell at yourself after hearing what he had said. Out of all the people you could isekai into, it's someone who did the Fatui wrong. And so, without any choice you continue to follow Pierro to the camp.

This time you didn't feel the warmth of his hand on yours.

Although it is kind of weird that he even held your hand in the first place.

‘Maybe he's trying to gain my trust since he thinks can't remember anything?’ You ask yourself that, no answer came into mind of course. In all honesty you wanted to tell Pierro that you were not the Princess. That seems like a bad idea now since the Fatui might misinterpret it as the Princess trying to escape from her crimes against them. Or worst-case scenario they might give you up to Dottore for further examination.

You shudder at the thought.

•••••

Okay maybe you were just being paranoid because you were definitely not treated as a prisoner when the Jester brought you to a Fatui camp. Instead of being put into handcuffs, the soldiers just served you a warm cream stew soup and chicken skewers as a side dish. Then you were also the only one inside the tent slightly shivering but with the coat that the Jester lend to you earlier… at least you feel warm and covered.

Not that you were ungrateful or anything but he literally just called you a traitor and now you were getting away with it?

‘Oh shit, what if he’s just making sure that we would lay low and not attract any surveying knights?’

You stare at the Jester talking to the Fatui agents who were preparing a small carriage and the horses which concludes your disappointment not being able to camp outside.

“Princess, you haven’t finished your food, do you feel ill?” He caught you peeking at the slight opening of the tent, although he immediately ignored you after asking that question. “Get the Cicin Mage, she needs a fresh change of clothes.”

“Wait Lord Jester-”

The tent opened itself but it wasn’t Pierro anymore, it was an Electro Cicin Mage that greeted you as she zips up the entrance of the tent. “Greetings Princess (Y/N), since we are both women, Lord Harbinger permits me to assist you.” She is holding a clean and brand-new clothing, it’s not like what you had seen on Sneznhayan NPCs.

The clothes look like what noblewoman in Snezhnaya would wear. Its shade matches the shade of your favorite color and it would help in making your skin tone shine as well. Although there is a fluffy coat made from a wolf’s fur that would cover your skin.

“Thank you it looks beautiful Miss uh… what’s your name?” You accepted the clothes of course delighted it matches your aesthetic but you also want to know the Electro Cicin Mage’s name since she would be with you on the journey back to Snezhnaya.

“…” She didn’t react and you don’t know what expression she makes behind her mask.

“Oh, are you not allowed to tell?” You ask tilting your head slightly.

“Forgive me Princess (Y/N), I just find it hard to believe that you had lost your memories but you may call me Natalia.” The Electro Cicin Mage replied her nonchalant tone retained.

“I like your name, Natalia.” You gave her a sympathetic smile thinking that she may have known the Khaenri’ahn Princess. “I can change by myself, since I don’t feel really weak but uh thank you for the sentiments.”

Natalia just nodded as she turns around while you change into a much cleaner and fresher clothing. After a few minutes, you tapped her shoulder then unzipped the tent.

“Alright I’m done changing, so when are we leaving?”

The Jester is the only one outside as the other soldiers along with Natalia who hurriedly went to help were still arranging the carriage ride (probably into Mondstadt’s city). “You seem to be more complacent Princess (Y/N), earlier today you did not desire to be return in Snezhnaya.” He raises an eyebrow curious about your sudden desire to leave.

“Well not that I have any choice, plus… my life would also be in danger if I won’t be with the Fatui.” You say that fact first of course but seeing how his face starts to contort into a frown you immediately backed up your poor choice of words. “Oh Lord Jester, you may call me just (Y/N), princess is just an empty title now.”

Your request is simply more personal and despite the fact that may wear the Princess’ mask, you were still (Y/N) by heart. Being called a princess from a nation that has been obliterated is merely an insult to the surviving people of Khaenri’ah, and the Jester is of course one of them.

“Very well (Y/N) we shall sail ten days from now, you may extend your recuperation in my estate in Snezhnaya.” Yet somehow the Jester is indifferent from the request, he focuses more on your well-being. “You need not to call me formally by title, when it’s only just the two us, you may call me Pierro.”

Now that you are actually processing that you were inside the gacha game you had often played…

Did your ears betray you? You certainly are surprise by Pierro’s request as well.

Did your eyes betray you? You saw his lips turn into a soft and small smile but it disappeared quickly as it came.

Did your mind betray you? You just spent five hours in this world with him and even when he calls you a traitor, he does not treat you like one. You would think that he only keeps you because you’re probably a useful character and yet you did not feel used.

It feels the opposite, you were using him just to be comfortable in your isekai experience.

Perhaps you were not the only one parading in this masquerade of lies, the Jester still has not disclosed his relationship with the Princess. If he truly calls her a traitor then why do you receive warm food and getting assigned Natalia to be your personal body guard/helper?

“Shall we head to the City of Mondstadt?”

Maybe the answer would come by another time, you were too busy taking his gloved hand once again.

•••••

9 days later…

Teyvat is quite different in the perspective of being with the Fatui. Aside from the indifferent attitudes of the soldiers, you were at least compensated in being able to explore the City of Mondstadt for nine days now. Of course, Natalia is the one who is your bodyguard or personal assistant? Whatever she is, it’s still kind of annoying how she would always follow you everywhere even staring at you intensely while you go to the comfort room.

At this point you didn’t think much about your privacy, if you did it again… Pierro will beat your stubbornness with his logical expiation about how your health needs to be monitored… blah blah blah you stopped listening to him since you were distracted by the smell of Mondstadt’s local foods.

And speaking of the Jester, he hasn’t shown his face around for two days now and tomorrow is your last day in experiencing Mondstadt and you’ll probably never come back here again. Even though you were satisfied with the tour, you kind of wish you could glide everywhere and collect mushrooms on top of rooftops. Or maybe even blow dandelion on top of the Barbatos statue in front of the Favonius Cathedral.

“Lady (Y/N), you’re spacing out again do you need to rest?”

“Ah no worries, Natalia I was just wondering if I could do a summersault if I could glide from the hand of the Barbatos Statue.”

“That would be unfortunate Lady (Y/N), your neck may break if you fail.”

Natalia’s dark and dry humor is what keeps you sane sometimes, but despite the fact that she is growing into you then vice-versa she still won’t listen to your requests.

“Hey Natalia,” You call out her name softly

“Yes My Lady?” The maid immediately replied.

“Uhm it’s quite alright, you really can call me just (Y/N).” You have been tirelessly asking everyone to drop the lady title and especially to Natalia for the last six days.

“It is within the interest of the Jester that you would be addressed properly. After all you are still recuperating from your fall in Starsnatch Cliff and could not remember the past century that you had lived with him.” And of course, Natalia’s answer is the same as always.

Although you find it odd that the daughter of King Irmin would be with the Jester. From the lore you had read, he didn't gain the favor of the sages and royalty about his warnings.

Ah maybe you two were friends before in Khaenri’ah.

That’s literally the only explanation you could really come up with.

Disregarding those serious topics, at this point you have given up hope that Natalia would call you by your name instead. So, you grabbed her hand surprising her a bit since she has been given strict orders not to touch you. “Let’s go to a tavern, I want to talk to you like a friend I’m quite tired of not being able to communicate properly with anyone who see themselves beneath me.” You gave her a pout to emphasize that you did not enjoy having someone to treat you as their superior.

“I have nothing to share Lady (Y/N), all my life I only have been a Fatui soldier, so you might just be listening to a teacher instead of a friend.” She replied with a deep sigh knowing she would have to give in.

“If I am to learn, shouldn't I be hearing it from someone who lives in Snezhnaya? I do want to learn more about the country that I somehow forgot in remembering…. in your own perspective of course." You were looking at her with puppy eyes hoping she would be okay with your request.

“Very well ask away Lady (Y/N) but no alcoholic drinks.” Natalia replied which made you smile.

•••••

“...and that is why we would always follow the Tsaritsa. She does not need to be alone in the war against the Heavenly Principles.” The way Natalia spoke is as if she had lived through a rough life then having a place in the Fatui. Although she censored a lot of things related to the organization meaning that Pierro might have been the one to order her in withholding the information regarding the Fatui.

Again, you were not interested in them, you were always curious about the remaining three unreleased nations. Snezhnaya presented itself as available to learn so why bother hiding your curiosity about the nation that has a bigger role in the game.

It is most interesting that despite their differences and ailments towards one another they always have one thing that they agree. All soldiers in the game speak highly of their loyalty to the Tsaritsa and Natalia isn’t an exception.

“A most delightful insight Natalia!” ‘Although it got boring and I zoned out a bit but still…’ “I admire your passion to your archon.” Despite being satisfied with your curiosity about the Tsaritsa, you were distracted by more important details. Such as the relationship of the Khaenri’ahn Princess to the Director.

Every time you think about him, your stomach starts to sink in with heavy guilt, that’s what you had noticed for the last nine days. And earlier you did come up that maybe they were friends since he treats you kindly… now your curiosity got the better of you. With a gentle clap you brought Natalia’s attention to you.

“So now tell me more about the Jester.”

Natalia seemed surprised by the sudden shift of your mood and the soldiers that is nearby the tavern doors perked up with the mention of their boss.

Suddenly the air felt colt despite the tavern having a hearth that continuously producing heat.

You could tell you made a mistake by showing that you are aware of your situation as a prisoner. You held both of your hand up, “Ah I see he made sure that I would not run away by being friendly. Ha! I'm fully aware that the Jester is keeping me as a prisoner. Besides if I prove myself that I can cope in this foreign country I can be some use, right? In that way...” Your tone is soft and gentle, which made Natalia flinch, she isn't really good with dealing with such a venomous hiding in the softest expression.

“...I can slap Pierro in the face that he made a mistake in imprisoning me!”

Natalia takes everything she thought of you as a gentle soul with a motherly personality, you were like a wild hilichurl who always have an unpredictable behavior.

“U-Uhm L-Lady (Y/N). you should not talk about the Jester like that!” She stuttered not wanting to get into trouble as she stares at the space behind you that is now occupied by the said person.

“And why I shouldn't I? The Jester is not even here, besides he's busy with the meeting between him and other harbingers." You cross your arms but then saw the maid’s eyes that is staring at the space on your right. You suddenly became extremely nervous, "Oh shit... he's right behind me isn't he?”

“I was always behind you all this time Lady (Y/N).”

‘Oh.’

‘Ohh..’

‘Ohhh…’

‘I fucked up lol.’

Natalia excused herself while you turn around to face the Jester. He didn't seem amused nor does he look annoyed, he just stares at you blankly.

On the other hand, the Jester is actually surprised by your behavior (deep inside his blank stare), it honestly contradicts with how he viewed you as before. Although despite the fact that you are a Princess of Khaenri'ah, he already could tell that you already know your place. You were really going to play hard to get at his attempts of being patient towards you and in all honesty, he really didn’t have any ulterior motives… maybe he has but…

Now you just threatened to slap him, it amuses him.

“Such attitude is unbecoming of a royalty such as you Lady (Y/N).” Well despite his inner thoughts, his expression is somewhat annoyed by what he had heard.

“If you scold me, can you at least drop the formality? I’m definitely not a Lady or anything.” Honestly if they call you Lady (Y/N) again for the nth time, there is always the temptation to slap Pierro for real.

“For some reason the title isn’t really farfetched to the Princess title, I don't know who she is nor do I care to become her.” Although it is pretty convenient that you share the same name as the original Princess.

Indeed, you looked like the Princess of Khaenri'ah who wasn't even mentioned in game. However, there were features that you could see yourself as. If not for the diamond shape pupils you would look no different from the real world.

“Very well, (Y/N), I should have not dishonored the drop of the titles when we are together.”

Your ears perked up by the sound of the Jester's voice saying your name for the first time since the day you met him. “It would seem that I underestimated how much you had remembered. You are more perceptive than I thought. So, I am going to be honest with you…”

‘Wait is he going to really discuss this with a lot of Fatui soldiers and Natalia overhearing us?’

“There are traces that you recently used the Art of Khemia before you jumped from Starsnatch Cliff.”

⟡ Act II: Music of the Night ⟡

Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation

Darkness stirs and wakes imagination

Silently the senses abandon their defenses

Helpless to resist the notes I write

For I compose the music of the night

•••••

You were taken aback from what Pierro had said, the Art of Khemia is now the lead reason to why you were isekai'd to this world.

‘Alchemy that is said to be the biggest factor in the fall of Khaenri’ah. So that means the princess might've been afraid of dying but the question is... did we actually just switch places?’

‘Wait why would she even be afraid if she willingly jumped…?’

‘Fuck her and fuck this situation holy shit…’

You shook your head now is not the time to be distracted. You need to know if you are allowed to investigate if you can go back to the real world. “Wait are you afraid of what I can do? Are you not also waging war against Celestia itself so why be cautious of me performing alchemy?” The questions were already answered because by the look in the Jester’s eye.

It would seem that he disapproves of what you plan to ask next.

“I had not lied to you that you jumped intentionally, you wanted to die, and it is merely your own consciousness that responded to your will to live that made you use alchemy as a last resort.” The Jester seems to fixed on the idea that you know the alchemy. “Art of Khemia is forbidden to use, I do not wish to awaken the Heavenly Principles, at least not yet...”

‘Of course, not yet... the Gnoses would only be collected 400 years from now. Great just great, I might be fucking stuck with him for a while!’ You shifted your thoughts to that part and not the fact that the Princess tried to kill herself.

Despite the desire to actually just tell Pierro the truth about yourself. It would seem that it’s a dangerous thing to do. He hates the Heavenly Principles and from what you had read in the Enkanomiya story quest they were also descenders from another world.

So, if the Jester were to find out that you too are a descender, perhaps your fate would be in the hands of the Doctor. 'Normally I'd say why not since Dottore is hot, but perhaps it's not really a good mindset to simp for anyone in this game.' You cloud that thought not wanting to become a perverted isekai character like the ones you would read in light novels.

“Then can I at least act like a citizen of Snezhnaya? You can assign guards around me if you wish so. I do not want to remain a prisoner by your orders.” You suggested, not wanting to be useless and a piece of decorative prisoner under his care.

The Jester looks at you with a raise eyebrow as he sits on the empty seat beside you. He honestly is still baffled that you were quite sure that he is treating you like a prisoner. His gloved hand reached out to yours placing them on top. His thumb gently caressing your forehand.

Your cheeks suddenly became red from the contact.

“(Y/N). If you feel that you are a prisoner, cease those senseless thoughts. I am merely looking out for your well-being.”

It actually surprises you that he would actually care for your mental health. Not that you could blame him if he would still have such disdain towards the royal family. Then again you wouldn’t complain that much, maybe the Princess is now definitely a close friend to the Jester.

Wait you really haven't asked him about that part, "Err... are we friends Lord Jester? Because you seem to care about me which is odd since you're you... you know?" Not wanting to be rude about his stoic and indifferent attitude, you didn't say anything to make this even more awkward than it already is.

“What?”

“Ah nevermind it's a weird question!”

“If that is how you want to play it, then I shall indulge such foolishness.” The Jester lets out a deeply annoyed sigh, “Do as you please and maybe you can be useful to the Fatui and Her Majesty.”

Some use huh? So, the Jester thinks nothing of you but a tool? Of course, what did you expect from the Fatui Harbinger. After all, knowing their lore so far, Pierro and Dottore were by far the scariest amongst them.

The way they manipulated Scaramouche's life, it’s as if they would disregard all life for the goal of burning the Old World.

You did not think any of this too deeply, once you find out how to switch with the real Princess again. You would be back into the real world and leave this world for good. Genshin Impact is much more enjoyable if you would be thrown to Mondstadt without actually reincarnating in the body of a person who has deep ties with the Fatui Harbinger Director.

‘Wait...’

‘What's Genshin Impact again?’

You suddenly panicked flinching your head sidewards making the Jester raise an eyebrow. ‘Why did I suddenly question my own reality?’ You look at the older man and strained a smile.

“Now I can't wait to get out of this nation and actually see Snezhnaya for real.”

Now if there is anything that the Jester could conclude for today's interaction is that you hide your real emotions through a bravado façade. From the reports of your maid, it would seem that you love to engage in nonsense conversations. You perk up the moment they serve hot chocolate and cookies when you take a break from reading. You who often poke the soldiers randomly while Natalia scolds your behavior.

You are quite a headache to the soldiers...

But the Jester honestly did question himself if you're having an identity crisis or if you did actually lose memories of the past century you spent with him. It troubled the former royal mage because the Princess of Khaenri'ah started to revert to your attitude before the Cataclysm. You were always a curious girl and talkative as well.

So why did you suddenly revert to the Princess he knew before the Cataclysm? Does your memory loss have anything to do with it? ...Or is it something else?

“However, I still cannot allow you to be without any soldier accompanying you just yet. You would need time to recuperate and it is unwise to rush in adjusting to your situation and maybe I shall allow you to pick up your claymore once again.” Again, the Jester talks as if he really doesn’t believe that you have already

‘Wait back the fuck up am I gonna be like a playable character once I can prove to him that I recovered?’

“If I can prove myself, will you finally disregard the soldiers but I’ll have Natalia if it would ease your mind!” You suddenly have a stupid plan but it’s worth a try.

“Pray tell how on Teyvat are you going to prove that you are recovered?” He raised an eyebrow already expected something ridiculous would come out of your mouth.

“I challenge you to a chess match!”

Consider him a prophet, he is right to assume that you are an idiot. You never beat him once before and most especially now that he assumes about your memory loss.

And of course, to prove your worth to Pierro, you challenged him for a match in chess. That is the only reason you could think of, he is an intelligent man after all. He wouldn't be the Director of the Fatui Harbingers if not for his tactical mind.

Although the look of surprise in his expression is something you would relish. Since he didn't expect that the Princess would actually be so bold in threatening him in front of his subordinates.

Perhaps he would believe that you are a descender from another world like how you would often whisper to yourself.

Yes, he can hear you by the way, you are not as discreet as you think.

“Well? Are you not going to accept? You know Lord Jester this is not a behavior I would expect from someone like you. Are you afraid that you might lose to me?” Your behavior can be quite irritating, you know how to pull your strings and by challenging him while the subordinates he borrowed from the Doctor and the Fair Lady that were stationed in Mondstadt are present… it meant he needed to accept.

Gossips are more bothersome than dealing with you.

Pierro didn't break eye contact as he steps forward utterly disregarding the close proximity between the two of you. He notices your cheeks reddening and that made his lips quirk upwards. "Is this how you would beg for my attention? Perhaps it is time that I teach you a lesson for being such a headache." He lifted your chin upwards with his glove fingers, he knew how to make you squirm.

And he succeeded.

You were far more endearing when you try to take control of the situation but in the end, you never were in control.

You were always at his mercy.

“Let us begin.”

Pierro breaks contact from holding your chin, he stands up leaving you alone in the couch. He went to the nearest soldier ordering them to prepare a room for the chess match. While you on the other hand stare at him dumbfoundedly wondering if he is mocking you or seducing you. Either way your face is incredibly red as you grumbled.

“Damn it, here I thought someone like Scaramouche is my type.”

You utter those words out loud and the Fatui solders who heard you started to question if themselves if you were insane. And Natalia’s response is wanting to have a mental breakdown.

•••••

Of course, in conclusion you had lost that chess match.

You did last at least two hours against him until he utterly cornered your white king piece on the corner of the chess board. The empty space had been your downfall, it was a blocked road to make sure the white king is being surrounded by the white pieces.

The match is lost due to the fact you moved your white pawns to save them which made way for his black queen and black knight piece to corner your king piece.

“There is no need to feel defeated Lady (Y/N), you lasted against Lord Harbinger for two hours to which he does recognize that you are recuperating faster than the medic had anticipated.” Natalia spoke up after she notices that you were not paying attention to the bard that is playing in the middle of the plaze, just underneath the statue of Barbatos.

“Aw Natalia that’s the first time I heard you being so nice to me.” You tease your companion, although she did have a point of not being upset. Despite losing the chess match Pierro still allowed you to roam Mondstadt for a few hours since he still has some final business to tend to.

“I am merely stating a fact Lady (Y/N).” She blankly replied, “And I have to ask if you had enjoyed enough of the view of the Favonius Church and the statue of the Anemo Archon.”

There were glares and stares directed at the two of you, yet their gaze would not linger because of the bard that was still performing.‘Oh, right I forgot the Fatui has a bad rep here I guess I underestimated their ability to piss off people in different nations at their century of existing.’ You let out an unbothered hum because technically you were not part of the Fatui, the Princess is. “We’ll go after the bard is finish performing his piece.” In all honesty you just wanted to listen to the ballad since you haven’t really heard it after gloating over your lost to the Jester.

The bard with twin braids dressed in all green and white is looking at you while he strums his lyre and sang a ballad that made your body turn cold.

“You take in anything the ego tells you

Whatever you believe, it will always be a lie to you

The truth is constantly hidden by deceptive mental concoctions

Clear your perceptions from your palette

Be free of egoic contamination to see clearly

Peace emerges from the calm of the mind~”

Your stomach churned at the lyrics of the song, it’s as if it insulted your very mind and soul. The bard’s words were meant to ease the people who were listening. And yet why didn’t it do the same to you? Why were you wallowing in guilt that for some unknown reasons is buried deep inside your consciousness?

Then familiar voices started playing inside your mind, there were two people that spoke, one is your own voice and the other…

Your vision suddenly shifted into a different scene.

“After all these years why have you begun to regret what we had done? Do not forget that you were the one who started this with me.”

“I wish I did forget all of this.”

“It’s time to end these foolish theatrics (Y/N), if you wallow in your delusional fantasies then you will truly succumb to madness.”

“Then so be it, █ █ █ █ █.”

A strangled gasp came out from your throat, bile rose up from your stomach and you fell on your knees with tears in the corners of your eyes. You clutch your chest and heaved, ‘What the fuck was that memory inside my head? And whose name was the one that the Princess had uttered?’ Your ears were ringing and the bile you held back from the back of your throat has finally relieved itself.

“Lady (Y/N)…? Lady (Y/N)…!”

Your vision started to blur but you could still make out the view; Natalia yelling, the Fatui soldiers hurrying to your side, and the bard who played that dreadful song started to walk towards your direction.

A warm comforting wind enveloped your entire body. The pain stops along with your consciousness as the world began to fade in black.

•••••

When you came to be the first thing you observed is the wooden ceiling, the smell of the ocean, and the slight sensation of rocking. Alarmed by the fact that you were most definitely in a ship, you sat up immediately which is a bad decision. Your head started to ache again and bile threatened to escape your mouth once more.

“Fuck…” You curse under your ragged breath. “Is this the consequences of switching bodies with the Princess?”

You murmured as you turn to your side and to see the window that gave you the view of the ocean, the fake sky turned dark projecting the illumination of the fake moon and stars to the water. Once again you stare at your reflection instead of the view, you were still (Y/N) with the same features as in the real world, the only difference is the diamond shape pupils in your eyes.

“(Y/N) you should lay down again.”

The Jester had been sitting at your side and it would seem he was there ever since you were brought into the ship. His hand hovered over your shoulders and yet he refuses to touch you afraid that you might break like glass.

‘Wait…’

‘Did he hear what I just said?’

“I already ordered the Cicin Mage to bring you warm water and soup.”

‘Maybe not since he didn’t question me, I probably just said that out loud inside my mind.’

Since you weren’t responding Pierro never talked again, you just lay back down and did what he told you since your head is still pounding. After a while Natalia came inside to place your warm soup and water just beside the table near your bed to where Pierro sat. Her gaze lingers at your form for a few seconds and excused herself right away to leave the two of you alone.

“Okay this is really awkward Pierro, I think I’m alright now but… I don’t know whether or not I want to immediately move to Snezhnaya.” You broke off the silence first because the atmosphere would become more intense if the two of you would continue to gloat in silence.

“You may scorn me for leaving Mondstadt but we need you to be checked by the finest doctor in Snezhnaya one that could help in your case.”

When the word ‘doctor’ is heard your vision began to change.

“I suppose you have my gratitude. This amount will suffice until my experiment is a success. You were the one who killed this minor god right?”

“A fine observation Doctor, is the blood on my claymore not enough proof?”

“Oh no no, I'm just curious since you do know the consequences of killing a god. The people are plagued with madness already so I thank you for saving me the trouble of finding new test subjects for the archon residue you had collected.”

“Do not test me Zandik. Get to the point.”

“Hahahahah! Hah. It's just amusing that you once called me a monster but are we really so different Princess (Y/N)?”

“No! Do not bring me to that crazy fucker!”

In all honesty you would have just normally tell him calmly but your chest began to constrict and your stomach churned at the thought of Dottore. The memories started to flood your head once again, your arms flail as you smelled the miasma dried blood that is poison to most humans. The memories of the Princess with the Doctor plagued your mind and clouded your logic to respond appropriately.

“I would never let Dottore check on your health, he isn’t the best person to ask that of him. What I meant is the group of doctors that is based in Snezhnaya’s capital.” Pierro replied calmly although his eye widens the second you had yelled at him. “We need to get you examined otherwise you might self-destruct again.”

Your heart skips a beat at the tone of his voice. It’s as if this body of yours is programmed to be flustered at everything he says or do.

“I’ve always wondered… isn’t it a great traitorous sin to betray the Fatui? So why bother yourself with me. Be honest Pierro… I just want to know.” You pleaded because the very fate of your existence in this game depends at the fate of the Princess of Khaenri’ah. You looked helpless in the Jester’s eyes, one that he is not used to seeing you in such state of distress. You were confused and afraid, yet despite the fact that he knew that you often mumble about this world being in a game, what you experienced so far is quite real.

With a sigh Pierro cups your cheek, his thumb gently brush your soft skin. “If you would stop lying to yourself, you would find it easy to believe why I would do this for you and pleaded for your mercy. Had it been up to Her Majesty, you won’t find forgiveness in the land of ice and snow.” His tone shifted from a soothing voice to a cold one. You learned that whatever the Princess had done must’ve pissed of the Tsaritsa and that Pierro would have to obey her had she not accepted his plea.

“Had you accepted our fate had been damned from the beginning we would not have been in this situation. Nevertheless, who am I to scrutinize you when I am partly to blame of what happened between us.” He added as he lets go of your cheek after realizing his touch had lingered to your warmth longer than you had realize.

Although you did not expect that honesty from him.

“Will you play another round with me?” You ask wanting to change the topic.

“Does this game have anything in return?” He asks and… was the Jester teasing you?

“Nothing at all, I merely wish for a companion. Just to get my mind off of things… if you are not too busy of course.” You didn’t want to further analyze the situation besides why would you face the consequences of the Princess if she’s not even you in the first place.

“Very well, I shall indulge your wishes.” He gives in to your request, “However, I am not foolish enough to know that you are diverting this topic (Y/N) when the time comes, I need you to accept what will happen.”

“If that is the case when that time comes when I am to be honest with you, will you listen to me first?” You wanted to clear up this whole misunderstanding about you being the Princess because Pierro had misplaced his sentiments to you instead of her.

“Like I said when you find it in your soul to accept, I will consider it.” He replied, well that was to be expected but you accepted his answer with a nod.

And just like that another game of chess had begun as Pierro brings the board to your bed with a much more relaxed expression. As he arranges the pieces you quietly observed the older man, his expression did not much how his eyes look so desolate as if he is longing for something. Perhaps his homeland? Or is it the real Princess he had miss? It was certainly an emotion you had not expect when the fans and some speculation deemed him as someone who is determined for a war that will end the Heavenly Principles.

“Let us begin.”

Despite your unfortunate experience in getting isekai’d in Genshin Impact, getting to know Pierro is the one you somehow enjoy. So, for now you let your mind wander to this the soft and deft music of the soft splash of the sea waves and the tap of the chess pieces as you both move them around. Although it is Pierro’s presence that you can feel and hear it closing around you.

For tonight you would open up your mind and let your fantasies unwind because in the dark night at the sea, you cannot fight your fate in this world. At least not yet. So, for now you let yourself get immerse in a game of chess and accept Pierro’s presence.

“Like I said before (Y/N), do not let your pawns be your downfall, they are called pawns for a reason so you should at least keep that in mind.”

Your thoughts stop as Pierro takes your white bishop.

“Fine fine… I just can’t help it you know?” You shrugged but despite being nonchalant about it you notive that Pierro means to break the towering strategy before letting his black knight and black rook to corner your white king. “I’m often known as a soft person back in my world and ugh I really need to admit to myself that its okay to use others to win.” Okay maybe you really ought to be careful of your choice in words but this game is making you lose concentrate on what you were saying since your mind is focused on how to turn the tables on him.

“A precise reminder to make sure you will improve. I do take pleasure in playing a game that would mentally challenge me.”

Pierro smirks as he notices that you had taken his black knight with your white queen, at the very least this game should be more interesting than the first.

Thus, the following nights would end with the two of you being entangled in each other and let the darkness of the night be the witness of your chess games until your arrival in Snezhnaya.

•••••

“Is she here Jester?”

Wait was that La Signora’s voice that you just hear outside your quarter in this ship?

The slight fierceness of the sea covered your movement as you slow crept up to the door as you try to overhear them. You gently place your ear near by the door and made sure your feet couldn't be seen underneath the small cracks.

“Yes.” Pierro answered shortly and with annoyed tone if you may add.

A chuckle could be heard from the woman, “I heard that she had gone mad, part of the rumors is because you had her locked up in your estate. Another said that she had defected the Fatui and got caught since Scaramouche had spotted her over in Inazuma. Then... the last speculation is that she is on a mission and that someone had altered her memories.” Every speculation is quite bizarre to be honest, you hadn’t expected that word of your incident would actually be a hot topic in the Fatui ranks.

“Baseless rumors are nothing more than to be their entertainment.” Thankfully it would seem that Pierro is definitely on your side in covering this incident, he did imply that this matter is between you, him, and the Tsaritsa.

“So what has become of your wife then?”

Wait what?

“Such information is not of your concern, now what of the Tsaritsa’s letter?” The topic quickly changed from the tone of his voice, he is not amused anymore.

“Ah we should discuss that without your Electro Cicin Mage here.” Finally, La Signora dropped the topic and two footsteps slowly made its way to the other side of the ship.

Your head started to pound at this new information and your heart started to beat faster out of nervousness. At least the questions you kept pestering Pierro had finally been cleared up via eavesdropping.

‘The dots finally connected…’

‘I’m his fucking wife what the hell?!’

“Lady (Y/N), you heard that didn’t you?” The door opened without you noticing it, Natalia had caught you eavesdropping on Pierro and La Signora’s conversation earlier.

With a defeated sigh you nod at Natalia’s question.

⟡ Act III - Phantom of the Opera ⟡

Sing once again with me

Our strange duet

My power over you

Grows stronger yet

And though you turn from me

To glance behind

The phantom of the, opera is there

Inside your mind

•••••

Zapolyarny Palace is colder than anticipated, the atmosphere is far from the feeling of comforting winters. The atmosphere is tense and the tension is thick. No one could cut it with a knife, a claymore maybe... a really hot claymore.

The cold gaze of the Tsaritsa is something you could feel. Your entire body felt like as if it incases in layer by layer of ice. Nothing could have saved you from her gaze, not even from Pierro.

The Harbingers were summoned, Pierro and Signora are there of course is there since they were the one who delivered you to the Tsaritsa. Pulcinella, Columbina, Scaramouche, and Dottore were all present. The other Harbingers... well that isn't really something you can think about.

“(Y/N),”

When the Tsaritsa mentioned your name, you feel so small and terrified from the calm anger of her tone. “You have deserted your position in the Fatui. The price for your sins would be equal with death. A founding member capable of defection... does death seem like a proper punishment for you?” She spoke with such gentleness yet her void of emotion is what made this encounter unnerving. This is what the Cryo Archon is like face to face she is not like the other archons you had encountered in the game.

“Your Majesty, the Tsaritsa, can I really be guilty of defecting the Fatui when there is no evidence of my sins?”

Natalia had advised not to look guilty or weak in front of the Tsaritsa and the rest of the Fatui Harbingers. You actually don't know why the Electro Cicin Mage would side with the likes of you but thankfully your question did break the tension that was directed towards you. All the Harbingers’ eyes were on you, some is expecting you to fail while the others are indifferent towards you.

Columbina is the only one who is smiling and humming to herself. Although despite her eyes being closed you could still feel her gaze is directed towards you. She's so relaxed as if she didn't care about what's happening right now.

“Hoh hoh. Despite having your memory lost, you seem to have a sharp tongue as ever, Lady (Y/N).” Pulcinella amusingly let out a chortle but his amused tone betrayed the hostility in his gaze.

“Lady (Y/N), your claims do not have enough proof. Still your mission is to have diplomacy to the Akademiya which you had not failed.” Dottore looked at a stack of report papers, “Not only that you've established connections with some officials in Liyue, Inazuma, and Mondstadt. However, you disappeared for five months somewhere in building those connections. Coincidentally, the Jester found you in Mondstadt with no memories.” His tone is amused yet you could feel it mocking what the Princess had done although he does seem impressed by how there zero evidence of her defection. Dottore would at least acknowledge the effort to cover up a big scandal within the Fatui.

“A convenient scenario yet despite the coincidence evidence of your defection has not been seen in the investigation. Quite the cover if I do say so myself.” Scaramouche didn’t hide his distaste towards you and you do wonder what the heck did the Princess do to receive hostility from these three Harbingers.

Well at least they did acknowledge that you were not a traitor but you do recall Pierro accusing you of one when the two of you first met. “So... uh there you go. I technically have not defected the Fatui if there is no evidence.” You shrug your shoulders instinctively feigning innocence… which is technically true in your case.

Although despite the fact that you were about to calm down, the entire throne room suddenly became extremely cold even for your immortal body, you could not endure this cold. Icicles formed around your shivering clothing and your skin started to turn blue. You however did not break eye contact to the throne that stood so far from where you had stood.

The Harbingers all looked at the Tsaritsa, and one by one they left the throne room leaving you all alone. Pierro is the only one who stayed, his gaze never left you. His expression looks hardened and he did not show any ounce of pity, which you are thankful or else you would have looked really guilty in front of Her Majesty.

“Well played Princess of Khaenri'ah.” The Tsaritsa rose and descended from her icy throne. She slowly stepped towards you in a menacing way if you may so add. Your eyes widen in panic as you look at Pierro for help but he remained standing still at the bottom of the throne letting the Tsaritsa pass.

“You have not betrayed me nor the Fatui.”

You gulp as she stood in front of you not even noticing that her arms were slowly moving up to your body. “But the one you had truly betrayed is yourself.” Her tone is more disappointed than angry with only the three of you left in the throne room.

‘I’m genuinely confused…’

‘Does that mean the Princess really did not defect?’

‘Base on what Pierro had said she tried to kill herself... Maybe...’

“Welcome back.” The Tsaritsa's tone became soft as she wrapped her arms around your body. The hug you had receive is cold but it felt so pure of love. It cut you off from the numerous questions that ran through your mind and without any reservation you returned her gesture.

“Forgive me Your Majesty, I really am not the Princess of the Khaenri'ah...” Your eyes widen a second, maybe that's not really the answer you should tell her. “...E-Er uhm only because I feel like I am not her due to my memory loss.”

The Tsaritsa's gaze remains to be soft as she pulls away from the hug. "(Y/N), stop this foolishness you had been gone long enough I do not want you to succumb to madness. "She cups your cheek while holding your hand rubbing your forearm softly with her thumb. "Do not betray yourself again, that is all I would ask." She lets go of her hold on you, her gaze became cold now as she slowly ascended the throne.

Pierro then stood at your side he nods at you as if he was telling you did well.

“You two are dismissed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” You and Pierro then place a hand over your chest bowing slightly to the Tsaritsa.

On the way out of the throne room and back into the halls of Zapolyarny palace. Pierro poked your index finger slightly, you turn to him and he looks relieved that you hadn't really made the Tsaritsa angry. Pursing your lips slightly, the look he gave you is something your parents never gave to you.

The look of someone being proud.

Hugging him is out of the question instead you held out your pinky poking his hand back. In return his own pinky intertwined with yours as the two of you discreetly held each other.

At the first few seconds it felt nice but panic started to slowly sink in... ‘Is this really okay to go on even if I'm not really his wife?’

Then you look at his face, he had a really cute expression right now. His cheeks were slightly painted with a small blush. So, for now you don't think about the consequences and just let Pierro escort you to a carriage ride back to his estate with your pinkies intertwined.

•••••

“Did you ever regret it █ █ █ █ █?”

“Regret what?”

“What we became.”

It’s that voice and name again, the one that plagued you on Mondstadt up until the journey back to Snezhnaya. You purse your lips wondering who that mysterious person was.

“Lady (Y/N)? You're shaking from the cold.”

Thankfully Natalia’s voice cut you off from drowning in your own thoughts, ever since the bard playing a song about self-deception and the Tsaritsa claiming you to betraying yourself hit the nail and buried it deep inside your mind. You wonder why those words affected you so much when it was all for that Princess.

“Dear me it would seem that you had a hard time in your journey Lady (Y/N).” A small elder man with an elf like ears and moustache came in with servants who prepared a tea set that seems to be locally made and it looks really fresh. “Have some tea just to calm you down.”

The encounter with the Tsaritsa had passed by a month and Pierro suggested to have you work again, it was only simple work. Organizing the files in the mayor’s office while he would temporarily take over the heavy burden for you. Pulcinella wasn’t amused by the fact that you would be so casually taking over his work for 5 months during your disappearance.

To him it’s not about the power hierarchy but how serious were you in helping Her Majesty improve this nation that keep enduring hard these past few years.

“Pulcinella, you don’t have to be so friendly towards me just because I lost my memories, I can tell that you spite me because of what I have done.” Honestly the fandom doesn’t really justify the grandpa vibes from this specific harbinger, he is the total opposite of a kind and gentle grandfather that community had concluded.

“Hoh. Perceptive I see, I will give it to you Lady (Y/N). I really could not forgive that you are utterly weak minded. You once said that being a leader required a mind of steel and a stone heart to overlook the carnage, after all an empire could not be built without blood.” The elderly man stated his tone is rather venomous but you maintain your composure, despite the fact you absolutely intimidated. He may be short but between the two of you, you’re the one who felt small.

‘Why the fuck would the Princess say that? Now this little shi-old man isn’t giving me a break.’

With shaky gulp you inhale the tension and exhaled deeply to let out your nervousness, “Then if I maybe so bold Pulcinella, how about you would take over the position from me?” That was the very thing that Pierro had suggested from the start, give Pulcinella what he wants and he will open his mind to reconsider his thoughts about your competency.

In all honesty you absolutely do not want to involve yourself with the Fatui but for Pierro you really have to endure it since he’s your provider and caretaker. This is the least you can do to take a lot of workloads from his shoulders, and since the Princess isn’t here to decide for herself is she still wants to be the mayor then it’s up to you.

You smile at Pulcinella, sarcastically. “Oh, make no mistake I am not affected by what you had said, from the five months that the Princess had gone you have done well in managing Snezhnaya. Perhaps it is time that I would retire from such position and focus on more important matters… behind the scenes.” Although you are genuinely impressed that he shouldered the burden of being a mayor. And from the Winter Night’s Lazzo, a harbinger did call him mayor and it definitely wasn’t the Princess.

“And what are these matters?” Now the Rooster took the bait from your words.

“Rooster.” The deep baritone voice surprised you, only you the rest were already aware that he had entered the office. “Have you ever read the accounting-”

“Damn it Pierro!” You smack his arm.

The servants under Pulcinella were utterly horrified that you just slapped their superior’s boss meanwhile Natalia had already seen that coming. You were truly unaware that he had already came inside the mayor’s office when you asked the Rooster to take over as mayor. He is actually impressed that you had already spot the problem, although he did already spot it a few weeks ago but he does admit that he is far engrossed in searching for you.

And this problem is just perfect for you to prove yourself to the one who is most passionate about Snezhnaya’s improvement and who worships the Tsaritsa devotedly.

“-as I have said, the accounting is poorly managed, what can you do to recuperate from the billions of mora that we had lost these past decade?” He ignored your slap since it didn’t really hurt him, besides he does admit it amuses him that he can sneak up on you like this. Garnering such adorable expressions truly makes his day better.

Pierro does make up with him surprising you with presence by handing out the official documents that would prove that Snezhnaya is on the verge of bankruptcy.

“Please don’t surprise me like that…” You grumble as you grabbed the accounting records from Pierro, “Look this right here the numbers don’t add up, why should we fund Dottore’s laboratory anyway? As far as I am concerned his experiments have done nothing but take mora and results don’t even compensate for what we have lost.” You pointed at the numbers of mora, which would probably can pay your student loans and fund your family for at least a century.

Pulcinella does pay attention at least and now you have finally hooked him, least to say that being the mayor won’t be your problem anymore.

“The noble families in this country should be contacted, the taxes of the people have not seen the light of day in the north and eastern side of this country.” You continued while he takes the papers that would be under his care to solve.

“And with your built connections in Liyue Harbor and Ritou we could recuperate millions of sums.” Pulcinella finally connected the dots of your disappearance, although, you really don’t know what happened to the Princess predicting this situation. It was as if she truly is ready to pass on the mantle of the mayor to Pulcinella. Perhaps she was really ready to… you shook your head and gave Pulcinella the second main problem of the bankruptcy, “Then we cut off Dottore’s funding for a while, if he wants his research to be funded then we should expect more results rather than more hypotheses.”

“While I do this, Pulcinella can we both trust you in handling things here in Capital? And if those noble families hold back the taxes and refuse to give us the real documents…”

“Ah it would seem that I had made a mistake in being bitter towards you Lady (Y/N), you truly do know how to manage this country.”

“An honorable job such as being the mayor is something I would give up just so we couldn’t overlook Snezhnaya’s built up of corruption. The Fatui is indeed establishing its influence but can we really stay in power when Snezhnaya is going against itself?” Okay your mouth suddenly went on autopilot because what you have been saying so far… it’s as if you already know how to handle Snezhnaya’s economic problems.

“And what of the blood that will be spilled?”

Now the tension is back again after the Rooster asked an ominous question, Pierro gave him a warning look but of course he chose to ignore it.

“Why would there be a need for bloodshed?” You asked the elder man back unaware of the tension.

Your response made Pulcinella close his eyes, though he does seem disappointed but nonetheless he finally got what he wanted. “Hmm. I can overlook this naivety for once since your memories are lost, you may not have them yet but that doesn’t mean your compassion to those who doesn’t deserve it should stay.” He leaves the room to start working with the position you passed onto him, the servants and soldiers inside the room followed after him.

“Leave us.” Pierro ordered his subordinates and so they all left including Natalia.

Now that it’s only you and Pierro who were left, you turn to him a bit worried. “Did I say something wrong Pierro?” You look absolutely helpless compared earlier that held a really suave and dignified aura.

“What you had said, can it be really resolved without any people being killed?” His tone is soft as if crossing through a fragile bridge, he notices you starting to panic. When your hands start to shake and your knees buckle that is the cue that you would start to shut down. “Breathe… and think carefully (Y/N), is bloodshed truly the answer?”

The palm of his gloved hands were on your shoulders, he rubs them gently knowing how affected you can get when it comes to death. The way he rubs your shoulder blades with such tenderness and slowly unknotting the tension made you calm down.

“No… but it can be avoided…” You finally answered him.

“And how are you going to do that?” He urges you to go on.

“Talking… chatting…” You purse your lip as you had been enlightened. “Negotiation! Scare their fucking asses!”

Well your answer finally came through the acceptable answer that he also have thought of, “Remember not to use profanities when you do it, intimidation often comes from how well you would handle yourself. Though you are aware that words won’t work if you do truly want to save Snezhnaya from bankruptcy.” Talking to him feels so natural at this point, whether it be casual or work conversations you find comfort in hearing his voice. Although you were still quite reserve with him trying to get close to you, especially now that you found out that the Princess is his wife.

It is wrong to lead him on believing you were her.

“Of course, but I don’t know if I can do this alone… sheesh! We truly need a banker.” You replied jokingly, you were walking to the door not really wanting to be alone with him. “Well, I guess we should go now, right? You are still needed in-”

You mentally cursed for being too slow.

Pierro’s strong grip is wrapped around your wrist, he was so close to you that you could feel his chest on your head. The size difference between the two of you is quite evident when he stands so close, his hand trapping yours made it hard to leave the room. You didn’t dare look at his direction and close your eyes letting out a shaky sigh then faced him tilting your head, “Do you need something?”

He chose to ignore your question, “Since you cannot recall, we used to work together when the Harbingers haven’t formed yet. Shall we do this together once again?”

You nervously let out a chuckle, this wasn’t supposed to be your role to this world, you only helped Pierro as a thank you not as a permanent job. Even if you were starting to look at him in a different way, you were not the Princess of Khaenri’ah. You were not his wife.

This time instead of holding his hand, you let go of it but his grip became even tighter and looks of remorse is evident on your facial expression. “But uhm what if I am not really your wife? What if I’m not the Princess you once knew? What if… her soul is no longer in this body?” There you finally said it but it was more of a hypothetical question rather than being firm with the real thing.

“That she believes she’s in a different world reincarnated into her favorite game? Do you truly still believe in that false illusion?” The more you had tried to avoid his voice the more it starts to invade your mind.

“Isekai? Reincarnation? That is ridiculous and it definitely doesn’t seem to be well written base on its title.”

“It isn’t so bad and besides I think it’s funny that the title of this novel is ‘This is a story after I died in the real world then getting isekai'd into my favorite board game but why the fuck is the Demon Lord who greeted me instead of a cute fairy guide?!’ It’s creatively eye catching.”

“I would close my eyes.”

“Ugh come on don’t you find it funny?”

Now it was clear who the mysterious person was during your relapses, it belonged to Pierro.

Now you were utterly helpless from this confrontation, Pierro started to believe that you were faking your memory lost. It was all the same from everyone, including the Fatui subordinates, Signora’s gossip, and the Tsaritsa’s words that you truly had betrayed your own mind.

“What?! I’m not crazy Pierro! I am not the Princess! I’m just (Y/N)!” You cried loudly not wanting to loosen your grip on your own reality, “I’m a corporate worker who is underpaid while balancing my life in getting my master’s then-”

“Died by saving your thesis paper and then reincarnated into your favorite game. I know I have read the novel you had bought in Inazuma.” Pierro’s calm angry tone scared you now… and what’s even scarier is that your vision started to change and this time the visual is clear as day on who you were talking to.

“Don’t you have a diplomatic mission in Sumeru?”

“Ah… well I just want to see you one last time my dear husband…”

“Is that why you came to annoy me so late in the evening? You know you could have just asked, we’ve been married for decades now and you’re still shy as ever (Y/N).”

“Yeah… I know… I just really wanted to see you, █ █ █ █ █.”

“█ █ █ █ █! you’re hurting me…!”

When you yelled his real name, Pierro froze like deer in headlights, he realizes that fragments of your memories were slowly slipping through the alchemy marks that you had planted within your mind. His grip is still tight and you began thrashing around and yelling at him to let go. You sounded so confused and hurt that he is tempted to let you go but he already had enough of your lies and his patience is grounded to zero.

“We will return to my estate and continue this conversation there.” He declares since you were starting to get hysteric.

How could you not go hysteric? This man confused your mind and the reality you had believed in, you weren’t so sure about what’s real and not. It didn’t help when he started to have a vice grip on your wrist on which you are sure that it will bruises.

“I said let go!” You slapped his cheek unaware of the blue wisp on your palm hitting the right side of his face as his mask is thrown on the ground.

Red started to drip on the marbled white floor of the office, your eyes widen as you saw the cut on Pierro’s cheek. The blue wisp of your abilities is the one that created the wound, you look at your hand and saw wisp still lingering. Then you look at Pierro again his reaction made your heart dropped from what you had seen

An expression filled with so much grief, anger, and pain. Before the older man could say anything you ran out of the office afraid of the consequences of your actions.

And though you turned your back on him.

You knew he would always plague your mind from this day on.

•••••

You absolutely underestimated Zapolyarny Palace, when you ran away from the mayor’s office you were surrounded by dark hallways that had soldiers stationed in each door of every room. They seem to ignore you which is good because you clearly could not deal with anyone else especially Pierro. They all think that you had gone mad, you weren’t… but are you really sure about believing in your own reality?

When you ran away from the mayor’s office, your feet dragged you to a secluded garden nearby, the bushes were all painted in white snow and the flowers never grew in this area. You realize that your stamina still hasn’t been depleted and physically you were still okay but mentally? You were absolutely exhausted by the events that transpired as you squat down letting your knees sink down the soft and cold bite of snow.

“Fuck…” You curse under your breath, “Fuck fuck… they all think I’ve gone mad.”

“Hah. I suppose that makes two of us then.”

Dottore’s voice didn’t even startle your exhausted form. When you raise your head up this one is the same clone back in the Tsaritsa’s throne room and in your vision, the Omega Build, you could tell from the beak mask and clothing. Although beside him is Scaramouche who remained silent as he is disinterested in whatever was happening.

You look up to the two of them, “Why are you still not leaving?” Honestly you didn’t want to talk to anyone who doesn’t think you’re insane.

“As much as it is not my business to meddle, I am just curious to why you would continue to deny that you are living in a fake reality of your own making?” Dottore genuinely is curious but his lack of empathy somehow made it easy to talk to him.

“That’s the very thing I don’t understand Dottore, why do you all assume that I am the Princess and not some poor soul that had switched places with her?!” You were starting to get riled up again because even Pierro hadn’t believed in you even though back in the ship he said that he would listen and trust you… and yet he didn’t, you do understand his reaction but when he made you start to question your own memories that was when you begun to get upset.

“Switch souls…?”

Dottore began to laugh.

And you were on the verge of tears.

“Amazing! This is truly a product of your own research except you have not reached for the conclusion of your hypotheses because you had failed. To put you out of your misery Lady (Y/N), the answer has already been given by Her Majesty, the one you had truly betrayed is yourself.” Dottore had been lost to his own ramblings now and had bark insults at your pathetic crying form, “Well, I could not blame you for completely living in ignorant bliss, you always have a fragile soul despite being the fiercest Harbinger that we have. Unlike the Jester he accepted that he no longer had any ounce of humanity left in him and you on the other hand, continues to deny that you had long fallen from grace. And, proof of your denial is your own belief that you had truly switched places with a poor soul from another world.” Dottore dropped something on the snowy ground, it made a small crater but the white color of snow turned red.

“Here I wanted to give this back.”

For your dignity, you swallowed the scream that you want to let out and the object became clearer in your vision. “This is…” The item is the container of the archon residue that you had seen in your elapse with Dottore being there. “The minor god that I had killed and those people that I purposely turned my back to so that you may be able to use them.”

Tears finally streamed down to your face as the memory of the carnage the Princess of Khaenri’ah, who’s real identity is none other than you, the one who put fake memories in your mind to forget the sins of what you had done for the Fatui, for Her Majesty, for Pierro, and for your vengeance.

Dottore crosses his arms looking down at you with a smirk “And there you go, the first step towards the answer, acceptance.” In all honesty he is proud to have made you realize to the answer you had been looking for. Although he does not look forward if Pierro ever finds out about this incident.

“Enough already Dottore, you have taken too much time of your schedule to bother the Jester’s wife, shall we proceed to your laboratory?” Scaramouche asked a bit irritated that his precious time is being eaten by a woman he doesn’t even know and she started to cry because of Dottore.

“Ah yes of course but this is basically a service to Her Majesty and the Fatui,” Dottore is surprisingly honest with his answer but it did give him satisfaction he finally had snapped the hanging thread of your fake memories. “Scaramouche you may have just joined the faction but Lady (Y/N) is not just the Jester’s wife, she currently holds the title of the Second of the Fatui Harbingers.”

“I see, then if that is the case Lady (Y/N), the solution to your problem is something you already have passed through. Start from the beginning and it may just help you.” When Scaramouche had said that, you stopped crying and looked at him.

Although he and Dottore were already walking away from you.

“Is your advice a reference in your contribution in ending the Raiden Gokaden?” Dottore asked with a grin.

“And yet I did not get the results I wanted, the Electro Archon simply didn’t care, this isn’t about me Dottore… I am just giving Lady (Y/N) a better advice than yours because if she recovers from losing her mind then I don’t have to take orders from you.” Scaramouche scoffs at him clearly annoyed by his entire existence.

“Indeed, what an insight Scaramouche, would you like a lollipop for that?” Dottore teased.

“Eat shit.” Scaramouche then pointed his middle finger at the Doctor.

As soon as they were out from your view, you stood up from the snow, you let your tears dry on your cheeks as you held the bloodied container in your hand. Pursing your lip, you wonder what really had transpired for you to even think about erasing your own memories and replacing them with ones that you had once read in a novel from Inazuma.

Pursing your lips your grip of the bloodied container started to grow stronger and the glass started to crack as you angrily contemplated on what to do from now on. A hand is place over your own, smaller hands, one that belonged to the first friend you had made in your entire fake isekai journey. You turn to Natalia and smile, at the very least someone is at your comfort for today’s events.

“(Y/N)?” She didn’t use the lady title and her tone is softer than you had remembered. “Forgive me for not intervening, I thought by having Dottore speak to you it would benefit your mind, if you linger in living through this fake memory. Your entire brain would collapse and you would be nothing more than a hallow shell.” She rubs her thumbs over your forehand as she lets out a soft hum that somehow soothes your disturbed thoughts and feelings slightly.

“Natalia… Do you truly think that I have gone mad? I… I can’t even remember being the Princess of Khaenri’ah nor do I even can’t stop believing that I am an isekai character.” You grit your teeth in frustration.

She softly pats your hair, “I do not think you have gone mad, you were overwhelmed with emotions of vengeance and guilt, with a delicate heart as yours… only you have the answer to why you had replaced your memories.”

“Scaramouche said that I should go back to the beginning…” Of course, it is obvious that the Jester is the one you had first encountered. Every question and answer all lies anything related him. “Pierro… I need to go to him…” The beginning of your journey is Pierro and you were not an isekai’d character but truly the Princess of Khaenri’ah who finally remembered that you deliberately tried to kill yourself and since that won’t work you somehow re-wrote your memory.

No wonder Pierro was so upset earlier, now you feel like the asshole because you were the one who got scared then slapped him then ran away. You feel deserving of Dottore’s cathartic way of letting you accept the reality.

“Right answer but wrong action, now are you really sure you would sing a duet with him once again?” Natalia asked in a sing sang tone which is now completely different from his monotonous voice.

“If he would have me…” You do wonder if he can truly forgive you, the man had gone through enough and he has a mentally ill wife as his partner unfortunately. Although it is odd that Natalia knows a lot about the situation, you narrow your eyes at her. “Wait Natalia, how do you know so much about this situation I thought you were just an Electro Cicin Mage?”

Natalia then smiled for the first time, it was an unsettling smile but somehow it didn’t look intimidating. As the matter of fact her smile is somehow comforting as she pulls the hood of her uniform and removed her mask. The true identity of Natalia the Personal Assistant is another Fatui Harbinger…

“Columbina.”

“I truly had missed you dearest (Y/N).” The shorter female tackled you into a hug, she rubs her cheek onto your chest as she lets out a hearty giggle. “Forgive me for lying but your husband didn’t want me to reveal myself to you yet so I became your body guard~” Now it makes sense why Pierro is so confident in letting you roam Mondstadt with minimum soldiers.

Columbina then lets you go and she closes her eyes still smiling, “So now that you’re finally aware of your situation would you like me to return your memories?”

Your breath suddenly hitches in anticipation, “You could do that?” Natalia… Columbina… either way she is truly a dear friend of yours.

“With the help of Dottore’s child segment Zeta, you were able to withhold your memories in the archon residue container. I am able to slowly put your memories back so you won’t get hurt.”

Your eyes widen in surprise because you never thought that the Doctor actually gave you the memories back by making you cry of course. Now that you think about it, you didn’t feel the intent to murder him anymore but instead thank him. Oh, how ironic it is that he just showed the actual traits of a doctor towards you.

Turning to Columbina you gave her a determined look, you wipe your tears once more and let out a really heavy exhale. “Please return everything to me my dearest songbird.” When you had said the nickname that you would often call her, she then slowly turn the container around as small purple colored wisp started to seep through.

As the wisp surrounded your head, you close your eyes and readily accept its content. Under the false illusions of your lies, Pierro had never given up his adoration for you and your response to it would also be the same. You would finally stop giving up on yourself.

•••••

Now you were back from the start, to your real life as the Princess of Khaenri’ah, the memories of your childhood to your coming of age had all start to come through like a fast wind. It’s as if these memories were but a fraction of your long life, after all you had spent 100 years in the Fatui and 23 years as a royalty.

Now face to face with a younger Pierro who wore the suit of a royal mage. He brought your hand to his lips, “Truly you have a compassionate heart Princess (Y/N) thank you for always checking up on me on my lowest days.”

“Hush now Grumbles.” He grunted at your poor choice of nicknames but accepted your hug happily he buried his face on your hair inhaling the scent of pine and mint with a tad mix of strawberries and custard since you had made him some pastries, “We’ve been friends since my coming of age so I would always come by and check on you, okay?”

The grumpy mage couldn’t help but smile at that, what is love without friendship first. Had it not been to you, he surely would be wallowing in self-pity and anger by himself after being ridiculed endlessly by the sages ever since he had failed to stop them from doing something that tore away the veil of sin.

You always had hated those assholes from your father’s council anyway, even Rhinedottir is insufferable as she would not stop creating those monsters. Your friend had been your saving grace from this insufferable castle, at the very least the citizens of Khaenri’ah were not all obsessed with technology but more inclined in everyday lives such as baking, sewing, reading fictional literature, or even gardening.

Those kind of things is what you want to preserve in Khaenri’ah and the grumpy mage is the one you wish to do this with. “Hey there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you...” You place both your hands on his chest while your cheeks start to heat up from the close proximity between the two of you.

“What is it Princess (Y/N)?” His eyes slowly soften up when you called him by his real name.

You purse your lips finding it hard to say those three words to him, yet you would not end this day without confessing your love for him “I-”

The door of his quarters slammed opened, a tall blonde man with blue eyes holding a longsword came, his expression is panicked and extremely troubled.

“I have been looking everywhere for you Princess-Mage an impeccable timing we need every warrior we can get to protect the people!” He barked out orders his voice is shaking from fear.

“Dainsleif! What is going on?” You ask as your claymore materializes on your hands.

“Twilight Sword who is attacking the people?” The mage asked as well as his catalyst also materializes as it hovers above his hand.

Dainsleif grit his teeth, his eyes were wide open as if he had seen the most horrifying sight of his life. The Twilight Sword is one of the strongest warriors in this kingdom and to him looking so afraid… you were beginning to know the reason for his fears.

“The gods… they have come to destroy Khaenri’ah.”

~ End of the First Part of Truthful Adoration in False Illusions

A/N:

I would like to apologize for scamming everyone who thought this was going to be an isekai reader but it's actually a mentally illed princess reader who could not deal with the fact she had done horrible stuffs for vengeance against Celestia.

In all honesty isekai was really the plot for this fanfic but I changed it due to the fact that isekai reader wouldn't really connect with Pierro emotionally unlike Princess of Khaenri'ah reader whom he already had known for five years before the Cataclysm.

If you guys want to read Act IV: All I Ask of You it's available on AO3 now but I'm holding it back since I haven't polished Act V, Interlude, and Epilogue yet.

I truly admire if you guys actually read this whole thing and enjoyed it, I feel like I'm such a messy writer since its been years since I posted a fanfic ;u;)

Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed the first part of this fanfic! <333

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smolwritingchick · 9 months

Text

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 40- I Need U

Chapter Summary: Yoongi and Jen get into a heated argument. BTS shoot for I Need U as Jen impresses with her acting skills portraying a naive girl in an abusive relationship. Gaining confidence, Jungkook decides to tease Jen when he asks her for a massage.

Words: 13,000+

Author's Note: Yoongi fluff and Jungkook fluff! Ashanti's Rain on Me music video is the inspiration for Jennie's role in I Need U. And I hope your JenKook thirst is quenched for now since the last scene was thought of last minute when I wrote this :)

--------

“I’m fine, mom. Really.” Jennie reassured.

“I’m glad that you are, but I hope you know that you’re stronger than this. Don’t do that to us again, you hear? I was this close to getting a plane ticket.”

“Heh, heh, Vienna and Alani told me. They want me to rest for a week and then see how I do then. I should be refreshed and back to it after that.”

“Good. Now get some rest. I’ll check up on you tomorrow. I love you.”

“Love you too, mom.”

After getting off the phone, Jen set her phone on the bed and laid back down in her bed. Not even five minutes later, her phone rang and she checked the caller ID.

Angelina...Facetime.

Answering it, she saw Angelina smiling brightly. But then the rapper widened her eyes when she noticed Jennie was in bed.

“Whoops, did I call at a bad time?” She asked.

“Nah-are you high?” Jennie stared at her.

“Me? No. Not yet.” She waved her comment away. "My blunt didn't hit yet,"

“Wow. Well enjoy the trip when it happens,"

“Oh, I will. How you holdin’ up?”

“I’m getting better.”

“Good, good, that’s what I like to hear. You need to get better so I can come to Korea and see you.”

“Is that so? I think you want to be here so you can see Namjoon.” Jen teased.

“What? No~”

“Uh huh. I’m happy you two are still talking though. It’s cute. I hope you two can collab one day.”

“Oh yeah. I wish I could be there to do a song on his upcoming mixtape though. But my schedule...so hopefully next time. Soon I’ll come down your way, get to see you and you can introduce me to the boys. Especially Jungkook.”

“You're so eager to meet my best friend," Jennie giggled

"I gotta meet the man who has my girl glowing,"

Angelina's statement caught her by surprise as she asked, "What? Me? Glowing?"

"When you talk about him, you light up. You do it for all the members but with Jungkook it's a different light. You may not notice it but I do. So, I gotta meet this man and see for myself. It's adorable,"

"Ah..."

For some reason, Jennie couldn't help but feel her face heat up from her response.

Did she really glow differently with Jungkook?

"Oh? Are you getting flustered?" Angelina teased

"No! Shut up!"

Angelina laughed softly. "She is!"

"Anyway! It'll be worth the wait when you and Namjoon collab. And I am looking forward to you meeting the boys. They're the best. You'll love them. They are truly amazing and passionate about what they do. I'm grateful to know them,"

"Aw...I can't wait. Okay, I hate to change the topic to a negative one but girl...let me tell you the bullcrap I've seen. So, Hailey and the girls threw shade at you.”

“Oh wow. Not surprised. What did they say?”

The rapper rolled her eyes. “They claimed you passing out was a publicity stunt.”

“Heard that one before...” Jen murmured with a pang of sadness.

----

“Another water break? We barely even started practice. How are we supposed to be top notch with deadbeat over here wanting breaks every two minutes?” Hailey complained.

Ignoring her, Angelina looked at Jen with worry. “You okay, Jen? You don’t look so good...”

And once she fell from exhaustion, Hailey sighed and rolled her eyes. “Oh, get up. Stop trying to make a publicity stunt for relevance.”

-----

Shaking the negative thought away, Jen asked, “So when are they coming to Korea for their World Tour?”

“Looks like around late 2015.”

“I have a little more time to keep my sanity then.”

A week later, Jen felt good as new and refreshed after resting and keeping hydrated. She found herself at the set of Amber’s Shake That Brass music video shooting.

When she arrived, she greeted everyone on the set and placed mini cupcakes on the table for everyone to help themselves to. She wanted to show her gratitude for being invited to Amber’s music video. People were astonished at her kind gesture and there were already media reports of her act of kindness on K-Pop news sites. Jen didn’t think it was a big deal to have an article about her bringing in cupcakes of all things but everyone else thought it was a benevolent act. Seems like new articles will write about the smallest things these days.

“I’m so happy she’s here! I love her so much!” Amber held onto Jen from behind, hugging her tightly with a big smile on her face.

They were being filmed for Amber’s video of Pops in Seoul and Jen laughed at her enthusiasm.

“I love you too!” She happily responded as she was released.

“I’m really happy you were able to come and support me. It means a lot to me, having friends be a part of this.”

“You know I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I asked Jennie because I love her charisma and her fun attitude. I feel like she and I will have a great time being filmed together with this concept.”

“Her album is going to be great. The fact that she made everything herself, the music and lyrics, so amazing.”

Jen headed over to the Orchestra section, happily greeting those around her. She even had the courage to approach Girl’s Generation’s Taeyeon.

“I’m a huge fan of your work! I’m so looking forward to the next comeback of Girl’s Generation.” She told her as she cheerily thanked her.

She was way more beautiful in person. Taeyeon had told her that she didn’t have to be nervous and she could speak to her anytime. Jen planned to take advantage of that.

“Jennie!” She heard a voice and turned to see Jackson happily waving at her.

“Aye! Jackson, nice to see you here.” She beamed, pulling him in for a hug.

“How you feeling? You okay?” He asked with concern.

He must’ve been talking about her passing out. “Yes, I’m good as new. Well rested. I got your messages."

“Uh huh, you left me on read.” He playfully teased.

“Look, I had a ton of people blowing up my phone. I’m sorry! When BTS can have some free time after our upcoming comeback, we’ll hang out, sound cool?”

“Hm...how do I know that you won’t forget?”

She rolled her eyes and walked away as he laughed. “I was joking! Namjoon never answers my messages, don’t be like him!” He walked after her. When he finally caught up to her, they shared a laugh. “Oh, before I forget, I have a small gift basket for you.”

He gestured for her to follow him and he took the basket out of his bag. “It’s a get well gift from one of my friends. He hopes you’re doing well. He was freaking out when he found out what happened to you. It was supposed to be from all of us in GOT7, but he grew a fit.” He sighed and shook his head.

“Aw, really? This is sweet of him. Oh shit, there’s smarties in here, oh my gosh! Jackson, you gotta tell me who he is! I’d love to thank him in person!”

Jackson smiled at her freaking out over the smarties. “Ah, he wanted to remain anonymous.”

“Well, when you see him, tell him thank you so much and kiss him on the cheek for me. And thank the other members of GOT7. I’d like to meet them one day.”

“I’m sure we can make that happen.”

For the orchestra scene, Jen wore a black vest with a white shirt and black pants with a drum set. She stood up, as they began to film.

Amber attempted to try to conduct everyone. She went to a couple of people to show them exactly what she wanted them to do with their instrument, then she came to Jennie.

“You gotta bang. Like this.” Amber demonstrated.

“I did that!” Jen responded but Amber took her sticks and banged on the drums.

Once she gave them back to her, Jen banged on the drums to the beat of the song and Amber nodded in approval. They filmed scenes of her banging on the drums in sync with Amber’s song while everyone played their instruments around her.

Afterward, everyone sat their instruments down and freestyled, dancing with Amber in front of the camera, doing the Nae Nae and various other dance moves. They even had Jackson and Jen do a dance battle. Jackson’s dancing brought a grin to her face as she hyped him up with the others around her.

When it was her turn to dance, she snatched his hat, placed it on her head and began to dance.

“OHHHHHH!”

She heard everyone say, laughing at how shocked Jackson was.

“I thought we were friends.” Jackson playfully whined

As the filming began to end, Jen felt her phone buzz and opened it to reveal the group chat with the Maknae Line.

Jungkook: Jimin’s going crazy. Help us.

Jungkook: [Image.jpg]

She examined the photo to see Jimin having her guitar in his hands, planning on throwing it.

“Oh hell no.” She immediately began to text back

Jen: IS THAT MY GUITAR!? JIMIN YOU BOUT TO DIE TODAY!

Jimin: Jungkook!! Why did you show her!?

Jungkook: Kekekekekekeke

Jimin: SNITCH!

Jen: How TF did he get my guitar!?

Jimin: Jungkookie gave it to me!

Jungkook: LIE!

Jen: Oh...okay...so y’all went in my room?

Tae: Uh...

Jen: Watch yourselves when you go to sleep tonight...We may have five BTS members now.

Jimin: Oh no, what have we done??

Tae: WE!?

Jungkook: WE??? YOU!

Back at the dorm, Hobi and Jen finally decided to initiate the prank war, seeing their targets, Yoongi and Jimin sitting on the couch in the living room. Yoongi, had his headphones on, working on something while Jimin played on his phone.

“We gotta be quick. And run like the wind, got it?” Hobi reminded.

“Got it.” She responded as they both had whipped cream in their right palms, stalking up to them from behind.

“SMACK CAM!” They shouted as Hobi smacked Jimin, and Jen aimed for Yoongi’s side of his face.

The glimpse of them smacking their targets caused the rest of the members to burst out in laughter, screaming and shouting with amusement.

“Do you wanna die!?” Jimin shouted and began chasing after Hobi, who screamed.

“JENNIE! WHAT THE FUCK!?” Yoongi bellowed, turning around to stare at her with rage.

All the rest of the members were laughing, but Jen noticed Yoongi was the only one who wasn’t as she looked confused at his outburst.

Now what?

“That wasn’t fuckin’ funny! What the fuck?” He shouted, throwing his headphones across the room.

The sound of his headphones hitting the wall, caused everyone to stop laughing and the mood of the room shifted drastically.

Jen looked at Yoongi as irritation began to boil through her veins.

Frowning at him, she shook her head. “The heck was that? That was unnecessary, Yoongi! It was just a joke-”

“I don’t give a shit! This isn’t fuckin’ funny! And this isn’t the time to be playing around like a bunch of fuckin’ kids!” He slammed his hand on the couch, roughly running his other hand across his face to remove whatever whipped cream he could.

A bitter chuckle came out of her as she poked her cheek with her tongue.

“Okay, first of all, I’m gonna need you to chill the fuck out.” She snapped.

Hearing what came out of her mouth caused the other members but Yoongi to stare at her in surprise. It staggered them to see her demeanor change into an aggravated one. It was an unusual sight to see her be angry like this.

When Yoongi heard her snap at him, he stood up in fury, causing the Maknae Line’s stomachs to drop with anxiousness.

“This is as chill as I’m gonna fuckin’ get.” He bluntly snapped back.

“I’m not liking this...” Jin looked on with worry.

The members began to feel the atmosphere change for the worse as they felt the tension between the two of them. They weren’t expecting Yoongi and Jennie to clash. Hobi, Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung began to feel uneasy as they heard their voices getting louder by the second. Jin and Namjoon were alarmed as they tried to figure out how to stop it before it blew up even more.

“It was just a prank! We’re starting a prank war!” She exclaimed.

“I don’t fuckin’ care!” He yelled at her.

Looking around the room, she looked confused. “Excuse me, who are you yelling at?!”

The Hyung Line glanced at each other in alarm and decided to intervene in the situation.

Jin shook his head and got in between them. “Okay, this was taken out of hand, let’s not do this.” He calmly spoke up, attempting to back her away from Yoongi. “Stop it. No more of this, stop arguing. I’m not having this.”

“Cause I know damn well you aren’t yelling at me, like that!” Jen continued in fury, ignoring Jin.

“Yah! Yah! Yah! Stop.” Hobi tried to back Yoongi away from her with Namjoon as the Maknae Line watched helplessly at the chaos.

“Get the fuck outta here!” She shouted.

“That’s enough. Come on, now. Let’s not do this.” Namjoon’s voice was filled with authority, trying to reason. “Let’s speak calmly, not yell.”

“I didn’t think this would end up like this...” Taehyung murmured to Jungkook and Jimin.

The two were now in each other’s faces, yelling back and forth and it didn’t look like they were stopping anytime soon.

“Yeah, okay...okay...” Jen responded sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

“I don’t want this shit on me!” Yoongi shouted as a vein popped out of his neck.

“It’s whipped fucking cream!” She clapped her hands three times.

“I don’t care if it was water, I don’t want that shit on me!”

“It’s nothin’ serious! What’s your issue!? It was a joke! Completely harmless!”

“G-guys. Please stop arguing.” A whipped creamed covered Jimin pleaded.

This whole situation was making him sad, he didn’t want to see anyone fighting. When Jin finally managed to back Jen away from Yoongi, Taehyung took over, wrapping his arms around her from behind, in a tight embrace.

Taehyung desperately tried to calm her down but to no avail, as he told her, “Ennie, please relax. Please calm down.”

“Get off of me, Tae.” She attempted to wiggle out of his grip.

“Not until you calm down. I don’t want to see you like this. Please, Ennie. Please calm down.”

Yoongi was trying to get away from Namjoon and Hobi’s grips as he shouted, “I don’t have time for this bullshit!” His voice filled with aggression. “You see me fuckin’ working on something, why the fuck would you do stupid shit like this!?”

“You can’t take a break and relax!? Have fun for just a moment!?”

“We have an album coming out soon!”

“I get that!” She got out of Tae’s arms.

“Enough Jennie-“ Jin stopped mid-sentence.

“No. I’m gonna say what I have to say.” She responded to him and turned back to Yoongi. ”You are not gonna yell at me like that. We are all friggin’ stressed out from this album. The least we can do is loosen up with a couple of laughs and take our minds off work for just a moment. You need to lighten up!”

“Everyone calm down!” Jimin shouted. “Please, let’s just cool down. This was blown out of proportion.”

“FUCK!” Yoongi shouted and roughly shoved Namjoon and Hobi off him, storming into his bedroom. He slammed the door, causing everyone but Jennie to flinch.

She exhaled with her eyes closed, trying to compose herself. Opening her eyes, she muttered out a curse. “Un-fucking-believable...”

Taehyung turned to her, with a sad expression. “E-Ennie-“

“Don’t.” She raised her hand up, gesturing for him to stop. “I’m taking a walk.”

“I-I’ll come with you,” Jungkook spoke up.

“I just want to be alone,” she said with irritation as she left the dorm.

The dorm felt empty without the energetic vibe as the rest of the members were bummed at how things turned out. A scary pissed off Yoongi and an unhappy Miss Bangtan were not something they prepared for.

Namjoon sighed and rubbed his temples on the couch. “I wished we handled that better...”

-----

Yoongi and Jen haven’t spoken a word to each other in the past few days as Jen stood backstage with Amber for Music Bank, in support of her in Shake That Brass.

“Ouch, and you still haven’t talked to him?” Amber asked with a concerned look, sitting on the couch.

“Nope,” Jen replied, sitting next to her, and looking at the TV on the wall.

“Aw, he needs to lighten up. But I can understand how frustrated he was about it. I hope you two can rekindle soon.”

After getting ready for the show, Jen began to get filmed for a Bangtan Bomb as she stood with Amber and 4Minute backstage. To be able to meet these fierce ladies was an honor, as Jen happily told them how much she adored their song, Crazy.

“Crazy is lit, oh my gosh. I’ve been practicing ever since your song came out. Can I show you?” She eagerly asked.

“Yeah! Let’s see!” Hyuna beamed.

“Let’s see!” Sohyun clapped her hands.

“Amber you should do it too!” Jiyoon pointed to her.

“Me? Me really? You wanna?” Amber turned to Jennie.

“Oh yeah, come on.” She answered.

Amber had pulled out her phone, putting the song on, skipping just a few seconds before the chorus.

“Okay, five...six...seven...eight.”

nal bogo michyeo

(C.R.A.Z.Y) ttara hae

Jen and Amber began the choreography, Amber did a laid-back version of it while Jen went full out.

The 4Minute members cheered them on with bright smiles on their faces.

“Wow!” They applauded

Later, Amber and Jen waited to go on stage as Jen turned to the Bangtan Bomb camera with a smile.

“Today I met 4Minute. They’re super nice. Crazy is lit. I can’t get enough of that song. And now I’m here to perform Shake That Brass with Amber.” She wrapped her arm around her.

Amber pulled her close, cheek to cheek. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun today!” she shot up a peace sign.

Jen watched Amber perform from backstage, as she waited for her cue, with a mic in hand. “I’m a little nervous.” She glanced at the Bangtan Bomb camera, still filming her. “But this is a fun song, so I’m sure once I get on that stage, I’ll feel more carefree, y’know?” She started bouncing around as she continued watching.

When it was her cue, she made her way to the stage, standing behind the dancers.

Yeah I want you to

(Shake shake that brass)

Yeah I want you to

“Shake that brass.” Her smooth voice was heard as Amber’s backup dancers revealed her.

She got a big pop from the crowd as she smiled and strutted forward. She had some big shoes to fill because Taeyeon was the original singer of the verse, but she performed it in her own style, singing out strong with soul. From the cheers of the crowd, she seemed to have done well.

“oneul bam bam gomindeureun naeil more saenggakhae. meorireul biwobeoryeo amu saenggak an nage. son meori wiro.”

Amber stands next to her with a smile, dancing with her.

(Uhuh)

“sinnage ttwieo”

(Yeah yeah)

“da gachi michyeo, get it started. Come and shake that brass~!” Her high note was filled with soul and energy and earned some more cheers. “Woo!”

She cheered, moving her hips around with Amber.

Hey ho (Yeah) Hey Ho (Uh Huh)

Hey Ho (Yeah) Hey Ho (Uh Huh)

“Shake that brass~! Oh, baby!” She sang out, holding hands with Amber as Amber spun her around.

Hey Ho Shake That Brass

“Wooooooooooo~!”

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA-

“Won’t you shake that brass...Ooooohhhhh won’t you shake that brass!” She ended the song with a huge smile on her face. Amber had stuck her tongue out, standing next to her for their final pose.

Soon they embraced in a big hug, causing the crowd to cheer for them.

After the show, fans tweeted their love for the duo with the hashtags, #Jamber and #Jenber eager for the next time to watch the duo together.

-----

As soon as she went back to the dorm, Jimin and Namjoon asked to speak with her in her room. They sat on her bed and tried to talk to her about Yoongi. Jen however, wasn’t having it, being the stubborn teenager, she was.

“Nope.” She bluntly replied, still feeling some type of way at how he yelled at her.

Who did he think he was, to raise his voice at her like that? She wasn’t going to stand there and let him scream at her in any type of way. She stood up for her opinion on the situation, not backing down and felt as though he overreacted.

“Jennie, you two should talk it out,” Jimin suggested.

“I don’t want to talk to him, he pissed me off.” She stubbornly responded.

“Ennie, come on...”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.” She replied louder.

“I think you should apologize.” Namjoon calmly spoke up.

“But why do I need to say sorry? I feel like I’ve done nothing wrong. Everything I did was harmless. It wasn’t that bad. I just wanted to share some laughs.”

“I understand that, Jennifer.” He said with seriousness in his voice. “But try to put yourself in Yoongi’s shoes. Get where he’s coming from. You know what a workaholic he is and how serious he is about his work. The whipped cream got on his notebook. Almost smeared what he was working on.”

Jen exhaled. She didn’t know that part. She knew how he was with his work and it made her feel guilty. Deep down, she was sad that they weren’t talking. She missed him. She missed being around him. Maybe she did go too far, unaware that he was working on something important.

As much as she hated to admit.

“Where is he?” She finally asked with another sigh.

“His studio.”

Meanwhile, with Yoongi, he drowned himself in work, with his headphones on his ears. Earlier today, Namjoon and Hobi had talked to him about the argument and he couldn’t help but think about the conversation.

“I don’t want to fucking talk to her. I don’t want to see her, I don’t want anything to do with her. I don’t even want you to say her damn name. So, drop it. This conversation is over.” He had growled at them in frustration.

“She really cares about us. She just wanted us to loosen up. We’re all on edge for this album. You know that. She just wanted us to laugh and forget about work for just an hour or so. Get where she’s coming from.” Namjoon had told him.

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t think about her since the fight. He missed her presence. He didn’t mean to say that he didn’t want anything to do with her. She held a special place in his heart. He was emotional at the time. Frustrated. They both said things in the heat of the moment.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard knocking in the room.

“Hey.” Jen greeted softly. He acknowledged her at the door by glancing at her and continued to work. “You free to talk?”

He grunted, responding as a yes, pushing a seat out for her to sit. He placed his headphones on his neck, stopping what he was doing as he turned to her. He didn’t look angry, he looked upset that they went that far while arguing.

He could tell she was feeling the same.

“I’ve...been thinking about our blowout.” She spoke again after a moment of silence. “I just came here to say that I’m sorry.” He could hear the sadness in her voice. “I should’ve been more mindful of you and your work. I know how you get with your work. I know how passionate you are about music. Sorry for doing that to you. I hope I didn’t ruin anything.”

Yoongi let out a sigh. “Although we pissed each other off and yelled some crazy things...I can’t stay mad at you.” He shrugged and shook his head. “I forgive you...and I’m sorry for lashing out at you like that, Smartie. Forgive me.”

A smile came across her face. “It’s okay.”

He was happy to see her smile as he placed a hand on top of her head affectionately and turned back to his work.

“Oh geez...” He sighed when she wrapped her arms around him, pressing multiple kisses on his cheek. Though he secretly enjoyed the affection. “Okay, okay. That’s enough.”

“Nope! Not done, yet.” She laughed and gave him a couple more of her sweet kisses.

“Gross...” He faked a gagging sound, wiping his cheek when she released him.

“Don’t lie to me. You love my hugs and kisses.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“Wow. Really?” She asked, offended as he smirked in response.

When they got back to the dorm, Jen took a nap on the couch, and Yoongi decided to get her back for what she did to him. Just like he did after filming an episode of Rookie King, he got a Sharpie and wrote all over her face. Writing various words like swag, and Suga. Jen remained asleep, unaware, as the members around her struggled not to laugh.

“She’s going to kill you, hyung.” Tae giggled.

“I like to see her try.” Yoongi responded, and took a photo of her makeover, tweeting, ‘Prank War is now on. #SUGA’

Jen woke up a minute later from the laughing and looked around.

“Why are you guys laughing so much?” She asked.

“We’re just admiring your new makeover.” The Daegu rapper smirked, revealing the Sharpie in his hands.

Her stomach dropped when she realized what he had done. “No friggin, you didn’t-“ She cut herself off as she grabbed her phone and turned the camera on herself. “YOONGI! What the hell!?”

“I know, you finally look beautiful.”

She tried to hit him but he backed away, as he laughed with the members.

“Asshole!” She laughed and went to clean her face in the bathroom.

“Prank war is now on. No teams. Every person for themselves. Got it?” Yoongi announced.

“AAAWWWWEEEE Yeah! Let’s go!” The members got hyped

----

The next day, in the afternoon, Jen decided to practice her freestyle dancing in one of the dance studios at Big Hit. After doing her stretches, she plugged her phone into the speaker and put on Come on Over by Sevyn Streeter.

Jen admired the artist and loved how sexy and confident she was with her music. Sometimes she would think about what it would be like to collab with her. She hoped so one day if it was possible. Standing in the middle of the dance floor, she begam to dance on beat when she heard Sevyn sing.

On my mind just one thing

You and me doing some things

No particular one place, oh no O-pen

Open to changes, positions, and angles

Tonight I ain’t no angel, oh no

She wanted to focus on storytelling with her dancing, and listening to the lyrics. But she couldn’t help but feel like she was missing something as she danced. After dancing for 30 minutes, Hobi walked in, with a big smile.

“I hope you don’t mind a dance partner!” He greeted.

“Hey! No, of course not! Join me! I could use some help. You mind?”

“Not at all.” He stretched first and then went over to see what she needed help with.

She wanted him to help her with body rolling and popping her body more. Make her movements more fluid. He showed her a couple of basic moves as she watched in awe at how in sync he was and how smooth he moved. His style of dancing was unique in her eyes. No doubt he was the best representative of BTS’ Dance Line.

“You got it?” He asked with a smile.

“Well...I think so.” She replied, unsure of herself

“I’m not liking that attitude, munchkin. Come on, you can do it.”

She tried out his movements. She was doing them but it looked like she was missing something. It was almost like she was hesitating in his eyes.

“You’re holding back. Don’t do that to yourself. Elevate.” he spoke up.

“Really? I feel like I’m not holding back. This is how I dance.” She explained.

He crossed his arms. “Can I be blunt?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“I feel like your true dancing potential is still locked away because of what you told me about Amity. You said they wanted you to tone it down. Well, you won’t tone it down anymore, not here. I’m not having it. I can’t keep standing here when I know you can do better than this.”

Jen was taken aback at his sudden statement. But he had a point as much as she hated to admit it.

“I...”

“No excuses. I know you can do better, Jennie. Now, show me. Dance, munchkin...Dance.” He smiled and pressed shuffle on her phone as Numb by Rihanna came on.

Jen stood and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

'Dance, huh?' she thought as Rihanna began to sing.

Ecstasy in the air

I don’t care

‘But...I don’t think I can do this...’ She thought nervously.

Can’t tell me nothing

I’m impaired

No worse for wear

‘Cause I’m going numb

‘Move.’ She thought as her body suddenly began to move, side to side, on beat, getting into it. Hobi nodded to the beat, watching her attentively.

I’m going numb

I’m going numb, I’m going numb

I’m going numb, I’m going numb (Let the champagne splash)

I’m going numb, I’m going numb (Let that man get cash)

I’m going numb,

Hobi smiled brightly when he watched her let loose. How her face changed into an expression of seriousness. Her movements were fluid with the beat, her body popping powerfully with the beat. It was like the dancer in her broke the chain that locked her true potential.

It felt good.

She felt free.

The way she danced, it was like she told a story as she listened to the lyrics. The way she went harder when the beat dropped on the second set of Rihanna’s ‘I’m going Numb’s.

Can’t you see

Ain’t it clear

Hobi was elated to see her dance harder and decided to record her on his phone as she body rolled powerfully during the second verse. She even added some of the moves he had shown her earlier, remaining in sync with the beat.

I don’t care

Get closer to me

If you dare

I double dare

'Cause I’m going numb,

This time, she swayed side to side with more energy, running a hand through her hair, pretending that she was going numb.

‘Atta girl.’ Hobi thought to himself, seeing a whole different person.

This is Jennie.

This is who Miss Bangtan is.

As soon as the beat dropped, she popped her chest and the rest of her body, robotically and rigid.

But odds are I'mma end up in the back of a squad car

Hobi widened his eyes, impressed as he watched her dance faster during Eminem’s rap. It caused him to squeal happily.

“Woo! Wooooooo! Go munchkin!” He shouted

“Stop making me laugh!” She broke out into a smile as she continued to dance.

After the song ended, she let out a breath.

‘Was that actually me?’ She looked at her reflection.

“That felt good. So, how’d I do?” She turned to him with a nervous smile.

Hobi screamed and jumped around, applauding her loudly. She laughed when he picked her up and spun her around.

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Where have you been!?”

The room filled with their loud laughter as he set her down.

He grabbed his phone to show her the video he recorded. “Now this, this is Miss Bangtan. This is Jennie.” He smiled. “Your dancing has gotten so much better. I’m so proud of you.”

She turned to him, touched by his words. “Thank you, Hobi. Thank you so much. This means a lot coming from you.”

Hobi tweeted a small video of Jen dancing, ‘I think she’s going numb, kekekeke. Well done, munchkin! Sometimes all you need is that extra push. Proud of you. #JHOPE’

---

On March 9th, after giving out handmade gifts for ARMY on his birthday, Yoongi went to the studio to work, only to find a birthday card and two black boxes in his workspace. The bigger black box was on the bottom while the smaller one was on the top, wrapped up as a tag was attached to it.

‘To the guy I’ll beat in the next basketball game :P’

“Smartie.” He confirmed with a smirk as he sat down and opened the card first.

‘Dear Grandpa!’

He read and stopped. “This girl...” He shook his head in amusement and kept reading.

‘I don’t think you have any idea how much you’re valued or how much you mean to me. I look up to you. A lot. Not just for rapping but also for your passion in your work. How relatable your lyrics are and your ability to create such moving music. How humble you are about what you do. How raw you are with your rapping, I inspire to be on that level, to show that much emotion in music like you do. Just you being yourself in general, and how I enjoy being around you, even if you’re feeling a little lazy or in one of your work modes. Not to mention your blunt, yet savage remarks these days. Yeah, we may piss each other off at times but no matter what, we work on our problems and learn about ourselves so we can move forward through anything. I’ll always be there. No matter what. Even if you need me to be your napping buddy, I’m there. (Just don’t drool on me like last time, mkay? Mkay.) Thank you for being straightforward with me since the day we met. You’re very giving and hard working. And I thank you for always taking the time to teach me about rapping. I thank you for taking me under your wing, being patient, and encouraging me. You may not act like it but I see how much you care. You love us, members, more quietly, but I dare say you have the biggest heart.’

Yoongi stopped reading as he looked down, feeling something in his heart. That last sentence moved him. He took a moment to pull himself together before continuing to read.

‘And FYI, I do catch your small smiles when I accomplish your rap assignments. :) That is always motivating me to work harder so I can see that gummy smile of yours. Though we’re not related by blood, you are a brother I prayed for and I thank you for being in my life. I love you, Yoongi and I’m happy to be a part of BTS as we grow together musically, mentally and physically.

P.S.- When’s our next one on one basketball game? Too scared to get trashed? ;)

“This girl...” He smiled.

Sometimes she could be a pain in the ass. With her smacking him with whipped cream, especially, but at the end of the day, she would always be special to him. He never knew how much her words could move him as he reread her letter.

He opened the smallest gift first, opening the small box to reveal a personalized charm bracelet with a basketball and his name on it. He read the note that was on the box.

‘You better be wearing this. I have my own. We’re matching. No ifs, ands, or buts. Deal with it.’

“This girl is something else.” He put the bracelet on. It was a perfect fit for him. He turned to the big box, taking off the cover and inside looked like a haul of Kumamon merch. “This girl...” He repeated yet again in disbelief.

‘You still like him, right? Hope you like this haul! I better see you have that phone case on. I’m not joking. And you better eat the damn cake!’ Her note said.

“Cake?” He asked and saw a small box inside the big box with the merch.

He took it out and opened it to reveal a small Kumamon cake. His smile got wider as he read the note she wrote on top of the lid of the cake.

‘You BETTER eat this...I made it with love! Love I tell you! Don’t tell the guys, they’ve been begging me to bake again since those Valentine’s Day cupcakes, lol. I baked it, and Hayoon helped me decorate it. She has more of an artistic touch with baking. I may want to do this trend for the others’ birthdays too. It all depends on how much you like it.’

Yoongi felt something in his eyes as he shook his head, clearing his throat. He felt his tears dry up thanks to his dry eyes but overall, he was moved. He made a mental note to do this trend for her on her birthday, for sure.

“Hello Kitty is what she likes...” He thought out loud.

All of this was so...generous and kind of her. It made him feel so appreciated and loved. He checked out the merch in the box, which consisted of a black Kumamon shirt, a Kumamon phone case, a small plush and much more merch that he’d be pleased to have in his room.

Pulling out his phone, he gave her a quick text.

Yoongi: Swing by the studio when you can

While he waited for her, he took a photo of his haul and tweets, ‘Smartie is something else...I’m very thankful and overwhelmed with joy. #SUGA’

ARMY would immediately tweet, wishing him a happy birthday and talking about Jen giving him the haul of gifts.

‘YoonJen is so precious.’

‘I wish my friends would do something like that for me. I’m jealous’

‘She really made him a Kumamon cake tho! I can’t! This is making me cry’

‘Why are there tears in my eyes?’

‘Wishing him another year of success and happiness!’

‘She has got to be one of the kindest souls ever. She went out her way for him on his birthday.’

‘Wait she actually baked that for him!? OMG I ship it!’

‘AWWWWWW!’

‘KUMAMON!! Of course!’

Soon after, the members would tweet about it, instantly once they saw the photo of the cake.

‘WAIT SHE MADE THAT FOR YOU!? Where’s my cake!? #JIMIN’

‘I’m feeling some type of way... #JK’

'I want some!! #JHOPE'

‘Too cute! #V’

‘Wait she BAKED!? AGAIN!? Where were we!? #JIN’

Yoongi chuckled at their responses and tweets ‘Be jealous #SUGA’

‘So...you aren’t going to share?? #RM’

10 minutes later she arrived. “Yo! I see you got the stuff! Happy birthday!” She beamed.

As soon as he saw her walk in, he immediately got out of his seat and pulled her into his arms. As he wrapped his arms around her for a firm hug, she was taken by surprise and stood there, shocked.

“Thank you, Jennifer.” He murmured against her.

The sound of her name caught her by surprise. He only called her smartie these days, and to hear him say her full name, made her believe that this was something that he was extremely happy about.

She let out a chuckle and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tight.

“Of course.” She released him. “Oh, and another thing, I wanted to tell you that I’m ready to show you my skills on the launchpad.” She pointed it out.

He responded with a proud smile and gestured for her to sit with him.

“But it could wait, I mean, you sure you wanna work on your birthday? Don’t you want to chill?” she added.

“My work is never done and besides, I’m in a working mood. How about you consider this as your other gift to me? Show me.”

“All righty.” She set everything up.

Yoongi listened and watched intently as her fingers moved skillfully on the launchpad. She decided to perform BTS’ Tomorrow since she’s been playing around with it, and he wasn’t disappointed. There was something there and he just stared at her even after she finished. He wasn’t even aware she finished until she spoke.

“Well...what do you think?”

“I’m gonna have a talk with Namjoon, Hobi and Slow Rabbit.”

“Why?”

“I think you should consider working behind the scenes with us for our albums. There’s something there.”

“I kind of low-key wanted to.”

“We’ll take it one day at a time. For now, your homework is to practice Cypher PT 3. And without Tae. Good God, I don’t wanna hear him rap it.” He sighed and rubbed his temples.

She laughed. “I’ll try my best not to practice around him. I do think you should consider-“

“No.”

“But Tae would be so enthusiastic-“

“No.”

“He’s so eager-“

“No.”

“He has passi-“

“No.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Boo!”

“Yeah, yeah...By the way, after we have some free time during our upcoming I Need U promotions, we’re gonna have a date.” He announced.

“What’s the dress code?”

“A-game, don’t forget the sneakers. We have a date on the court.” He smirked competitively

“I’m down. Keep me posted.”

“And smartie?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for everything.”

“Always.”

---

During Namjoon’s Do You MV filming, the members decided to surprise him when he was on break. They walked in with bags of chicken, while Namjoon sat on the couch on his phone.

“Hello!” Jimin shouted.

“YO! YO! YO! YO! YOOOOOOOO! We have arrived!” Jen happily yelled, walking in with the rest of the members like a hurricane. The rest of the members shout randomly as Namjoon, covered his ears, whining. Jen let out a laugh.

Looks like the room won’t be quiet anymore.

“Hey leader, oppa’s here!” Tae beamed.

“The chicken has arrived!” Yoongi announced.

“You look good, that outfit is on point,” Jen told him as she greeted him with a hug. As they all sat down, getting situated, they discussed how nice Namjoon looked on video while they munched on the chicken. “Is it weird shooting alone?”

“Very. But now that you guys are here, maybe I spoke too soon, it’s so loud now.” He joked with a laugh.

“Well, you look cool. I think I can speak for everyone that we can’t wait to see what you have been working on.”

After the break, the members watch with Namjoon, clips of the filmed MV. Jen began dancing to the song with the other members.

“He’s so cool,” Jimin said proudly.

“He is going to do really well, I believe in him. He’s going to be great.” Yoongi guaranteed.

“I’m so proud of this guy, he’s worked so hard. I’m a proud baby sister.” She placed a hand over her heart as she looked at the Bangtan Bomb camera.

----

Finally, on April 5th, BTS began their jacket shooting in Gyeongju, for their upcoming album. Jen still hadn’t had her hair dyed yet, but her hair was styled straight with bangs this time.

Recently, her hair began to get damaged because sometimes the stylists wouldn’t know what to do with her African American hair, putting way too much heat. The last straw was when she noticed her hair breaking off, so she talked with Big Hit, asking if she could use one of Angelina’s stylists, who would come to Korea at times to do her hair more protectively, or even do her own hair when she could. She had to speak up on her hair, she kept quiet for too long.

She was happy they accepted her request and even went a step further to make the stylists learn about taking care of her hair so this wouldn't happen again. Jennie was grateful they were mindful of her hair. She did not want to go bald anytime soon.

For the jacket shooting, she wore a white blouse with blue jeans, along with a black hat on her head. They greeted the director and began shooting at the beach for Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa pt.1.

She sat in between Rapmon and Jin as photos were snapped away, bringing off a more mature vibe this time with their new concept.

“Jesus...for April, it sure is cold. But when you’re near the water, it’s always colder. I should’ve worn a heavier jacket.” She mentioned.

“I’ll keep you warm!” Tae wrapped his arms around her from behind, having the blanket he had on his back, wrap around her too.

“Why are you so warm!?” She exclaimed as they walked near the ocean.

When everyone gathered around, Jennie shivered violently.

“Wh-why.” She shivered while Tae placed a big jacket on her, holding her close. “I don’t do cold!”

He grabbed her hands and began to blow his hot breath on them, in hopes to soothe her. He took great care of her to make sure she was warm. She was grateful for his kind gestures.

After waiting as each member took their concept photos, Jennie and Jin met up for their photos together as they stood back to back. Jin looked ahead while Jen turned her head to the side as if looking back at him. She then wrapped her arms around herself, as the photos were snapped away, looking serious.

As they took more photos, Jimin and Jungkook watched them from a distance.

“Wah...so pretty.” Jimin admired Jennie’s visuals.

“Very,” Jungkook murmured.

“So...Jungkookie...I wanted to tell you about Ennie’s massage skills.” Jimin decided to tease him, smiling mischievously. “She gave me the most amazing massage a few days ago. It was great!”

“Is that so?” Jungkook poked his cheek with his tongue, trying to ignore him.

“Yeah, her hands do wonders. I didn’t know she was that talented. It was so relaxing.”

“Uh huh...”

“Have you ever gotten a massage from her? You’re missing out. I was the first one to get a massage from her too, I feel so special.”

“Shut up, Hyung...”

“Hehehehe. Someone’s mad~.”

“I’m not mad!” He grumbled.

“We were in her room, too-“ Jimin groaned in pain when he was suddenly punched in the arm.

Jungkook stormed off. “I want a massage...” He grumbled to himself, while Jimin walked after him, laughing hysterically.

He really fell for it.

After Jen was done with her photos with Jin, she cheered.

“Woo!” She opened her palms, raising them high as Jin high fived her. He places his palms down as she mer his hands for a low five, and then they jump up, bumping chests.

“SeokJen in the house!” She performed his traffic dance with him.

“Hey, this is a great warm up! I’m feeling warm!” He laughed.

She continued shooting photos alone, walking around, with the ocean in the background, looking angelic, yet mature. Losing the baby fat in her face, gained her more of a mature look with this concept.

After the shooting, she walked past Taehyung and Jungkook goofing around, as Kookie attempted to juggle with heat packs. Acting mischievous, she slapped the heat packs that were tossed in the air by him and continued to innocently walk away.

“Now you’re going to pay.” He dropped the other heat packs and ran after her.

“Wait! Wait!” She yelled in panic, trying to run for her life. Instantly he grabbed her from behind, lifting her up over his shoulder. “Tae! Help!”

“Why did she even bother to run?” Taehyung laughed.

When they go inside, they continue their shooting in a room. Jen was filmed in the bathroom with the bathroom mirror fogged up as she wrote ‘He’ll change’ on it. Then she shot photos with Namjoon as he sat on the toilet and her in the tub without any water in it.

When she finished up, she watched Tae and Jungkook shoot photos on the bed and ended up giggling at Jungkook dozing off. “He’s so out of it. It’s so cute.”

On April 11th, BTS began their I Need U filming. For the music video, Jen kept on a white butterfly necklace throughout the entire filming, as she first wore a black pajama shirt with pants.

She stood in a bedroom with a Korean actor near her age, portraying her abusive boyfriend. She faced the camera, questioning what her concept was. “My concept is an abusive relationship. I play a naïve teenage girl who is infatuated with this boy but he’s not all who he seems to be. She left her family just to be with him, too. It’s very sad. Her boyfriend will begin to get more aggressive when things don’t go his way. She’ll even be in denial of what he’s been doing, too.”

“She unexpectedly gets hit by him and he’ll say sorry and say it won’t happen again," she added. "A lot of abusive couples go through that. She’ll foolishly forgive him, believing that he’ll change. And then he’ll end up cheating on her with her best friend. Ah...so, grimy. I thought it was cliché when I was told what I’ll be doing but honestly, you’d be surprised how much this stuff happens. This stuff happens in real life. A guy can be abusive but also a woman can be abusive too and I feel as though there isn’t enough recognition for men out there getting abused by women. It could be emotional, not just physical. They may think it’s funny to see a guy get abused by a chick but freak out when a chick is abused by a guy. I feel as though both parties should be treated as serious matters.”

Jen stood with the actor, hearing the director’s instructions.

“You’ll barge in. Yell at him for forgetting your birthday. We just need shots of you arguing, so improvise, say whatever works.” The director instructed. “Then he’s going to grab you.”

The male actor grabbed Jen’s arms and shook her softly, getting the feel of what he was supposed to do. The two of them end up laughing.

“The actor is such a nice guy, so it’s going to be interesting working with him because he’s so nice.” She said on camera. “I think it’ll be difficult for me to think of what to say in this situation since I’ve never experienced it.”

“And...action!”

Jen stormed into the bedroom, watching her boyfriend playing video games.

Disgust was shown on her features as she sternly asked, “Where were you!?”

Her boyfriend sighed and shot her a dirty look. “What are you screaming about?”

“I said where were you?” She snatched the controller out of his hands and tossed it to the side. “I was waiting for you, how the heck could you forget my birthday!?”

He stood up and got in her face. “What the hell was that for!?”

“One special day and you weren’t there, it’s like you don’t even care at all! I’m always there for you, why can’t you give more to me like I do for you?! This happens all the time!” She exclaimed.

“Cut!” The director announced. “Jennie, this time say that you’re done. And we’ll get into the grabbing sequence.”

Jennie nodded as the actor smiled at her. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.” He told her.

“I’m sure I can take it.” She reassured him.

“Action!”

“You know what? I can’t do this anymore. I’m done.” She turned around but he roughly grabbed her wrist, forcefully turning her back to face him. Suddenly his large arms grabbed a hold of her, shaking her as she flinched.

“You are NOT going to leave me! You’re nothing without, do you hear me!?” He shouted as she started to whimper in fear.

“Stop it!” She shouted, trying to push him off. “Get off of me!” She finally shoved him off and hastily backed up. “What is wrong with you!?”

He grabbed a beer bottle and threw it near her, on the ground, making her yelp as she started running away.

“Get back here!” He shouted and ran after her.

The cameras quickly followed them. Jen managed to run into the bathroom and lock the door as a camera was filming her from inside the bathroom. A frightened facial expression was shown on her face as she watched the door shake violently from him banging his fists.

“OPEN THE DOOR!” His scream caused Jennie to flinch involuntarily.

His acting was off the charts. She was genuinely scared as her chest rose up and down at a quick pace. She let out a shriek when he finally kicked open the door.

“Please no...” She whimpered, backing up in fear. He slammed the door shut in front of the camera, as the scene only had the door shown.

“Cut! Good.” The director praised.

“You all right?” He smiled apologetically.

“Your acting is no joke. I was actually scared.” She praised.

After those shots, Jen sat down to get her makeup done, as the rest of the members began their shooting. The stylists had made sure Jen’s eyeliner and mascara weren’t waterproof so when she cried, it could run and be messy. Her cheek looked like she had been backslapped in the face.

Once she was done, the director let her sit in the shower with her knees up to her chest, with water running down on her. She had to cry for this one, so it took her a few moments before the tears began to flow. After they got enough shots of that, they led her to stare at her reflection in the mirror, examining the bruise on her face. She frowned, looking hurt that he would put his hands on her.

“I have never been heartbroken in my life, yet, so I hope my acting is believable for the cheating scene,” Jennie said on camera. “I’m glad I’m doing this cheating scenario, coming up. I feel like in your youth, you will get heartbroken and it’s a part of life. Whether it’s dating, one sided love, death, or any struggle. But overcoming it...I think that’s a beautiful thing.”

Jen had changed into a grey sweater and jeans, her face not bruised anymore. She pondered how she would act if a guy cheated on her in real life.

“I honestly have no idea what I might do if someone cheats on me. If I had my bat from Danger, I could beat him with it...but I’d like not to get a record.” She grinned innocently.

“I need you two to improvise.” The director said. He decided to let them have more freedom in this scene. “Bang on his chest, yell, scream at him.”

“Can I slap you?” She asked straightforwardly, earning a laugh from the actor and those in the background.

“I don’t mind.”

Getting in position, she stood outside the hallway of the bedroom. Exhaling, she thought of her sister, Vienna. She was cheated on back in high school. It made her never want to date again and just hook up with guys instead of a commitment. She’ll never forget that day of her yelling and screaming at him on the phone, as Alani tried to calm her down.

Jungkook and Jimin were watching her film behind the cameras. They were impressed at how well she was doing, despite her beginning nervousness with the concept. Jungkook had clenched his fists when he saw the actor grab her, previously, feeling protective.

“Go Jennie!” Taehyung cheered her on. Her sad expression changed into a bright smile as she shot him a finger heart.

“Action!”

Jen barged into the bedroom to find a girl in her boyfriend’s lap, making out. She stood there, frozen, as she watched them with disappointment and hurt in her face.

“My heart...” Jimin murmured as he watched her broken facial expression.

Jungkook felt something in his chest when he saw the hurt in her eyes. It was something he never wanted to see.

Jennie scoffed at the sight, shaking her head as she made her way out of the room. Storming down the hallway, her boyfriend quickly followed her, trying to catch her.

“W-wait!” He shouted. “It’s not what it looks like-“ He’s cut off by a strong slap in the face.

The slap was heard throughout the room as all the attention was on the two lovers. The sound of the slap even made Jungkook and Jimin flinch as they watched with interest.

Jennie began to violently bang on his chest, trying to hit him as he attempted to stop her. “Why!? Why would you do this to me!?” She screamed as tears began to appear in her eyes. He attempted to hug her but she fought out of his arms.

“Get off of me!” She screamed and shoved him away. She stared at him with disbelief as he ran a hand through his hair.

“Jennie...look-“

“My best friend though!? My best friend!? I knew this would happen!”

“If you knew this was going to happen why did you come back to me!? Why didn’t you just leave!?”

“Because I love you! And I’m so damn foolish to love you but I can’t help it! You’re supposed to be my everything, my heart, my soul!” Her voice began to sound raspy from the anger. “I’ve been loyal to you since day one! Day one! Your ride or die! Your support! Your love and you gonna do me like this!?” Her voice cracked.

Jungkook stared at her as she acted, wanting to walk in the shot right then and there to pull her in for a hug. Jimin glanced at him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s just acting, Jungkookie. She’s okay.” He reassured.

“Y-yeah. I know...But I would never do that to her...”

Jimin smiled at his statement. “Oh really? Tell me more.”

“I-ignore what I said, hyung.”

“Sounds to me like you-“

“I think it’s your turn to film, hyung!”

Meanwhile, with Jennie, she wasn’t expecting to tear up so soon, but she got so into the acting, that it worked as the tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Why? Why would you do this to me? I have never done you wrong! I forgave you for hitting me, I forgave you for missing my birthday but this? My best friend?! I’ve had enough!”

“Wow.” Yoongi looked on with Namjoon.

“I sincerely thought this was real, the way she was screaming at him.” Namjoon glanced at the camera filming their reactions.

After her shots were done, she checked out how it looked from the screen.

“Ah, I feel like I could’ve done better but as I’m watching myself since they only want the video, not the sound of us arguing, it looks passionate. I’m proud of the results.” She mentioned.

Filming continued late at night. In Hongdae, shooting a scene playing around while eating burritos. The members laugh hysterically as they toss food at each other. Jen stole a bite out of Jin’s burrito, and he shoved her burrito in her face.

“Hey!”

“HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!” His trademark laugh filled her ears. “I didn’t think it would be that bad, I’m sorry.”

The next day, at night, Jin is filmed driving a car with Suga in the passenger seat.

“I’m trusting you with my life.” Jennie teased as she sat in the back with Jimin, Hobi and Jungkook.

Tae and Rapmon were watching while Jin drove in circles. Everyone decided to go home while Jungkook prepared to film his individual scene in an alley in Itaewon. Jennie decided to stay with him, instead of going back to the dorm like the others.

“I think Jungkook has the saddest story in I Need U. First, he gets beaten up and then ran over by a car. What has he done to the world?” She questioned on camera. “I’m a little worried to see him get beat up.”

“You needn’t.” He said behind her with a smile. “I’m very happy that she decided to stay with me. The hyungs decided to leave. They abandoned me. But not her.”

Jen watched in the background as Jungkook was filmed bumping into some bad guys, played by their managers. When she watched the first scene with him from the camera, she nodded in approval. “Nice job, Kookie.”

She watched Jungkook stroll down the alleyway until he was shoved harshly against the security gate, making a loud sound.

She cringed at the sight. “Oh dear...”

After filming that scene, Jungkook had his makeup done to look like he had gotten beaten up as they filmed him getting tossed against the gate once more.

“This is intense,” Jennie murmured.

She was impressed at his acting, he made it believable with his facial expressions. But she had the urge to hug him as she watched him get tossed around.

When was this over? She didn’t want to see him like that.

After his filming was done, she rushed up to him, pulling him in for a hug.

“Why do you gotta make things so realistic? That was intense.” She exclaimed as he smiled at her concern.

“Did I worry you?” He teased, feeling happy that she cared so much about him.

Before heading back to the dorm, the two of them decided to go get something to eat because Jen was craving French fries and chose to get a big plate of them so they could share.

“You have salt on your lips.” She pointed out, taking a napkin to gently wipe his lips. Jungkook stared at her with lingering eyes at the closeness.

“There. It was bothering me.” She looked up, meeting his intense gaze. He looked away, feeling his face warm up after being caught staring. “Do I have something on my face?”

“Nah, it’s just that you have pretty eyes.”

“That’s a first.” She smiled.

“No one has never said that before?”

“Not really. They’re just brown. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“Well, I think it’s a big deal.” He countered. “Let’s go on a compliment spree, back and forth.”

“All right. Your bunny smile is really cute, I’ll admit.”

He flashed her a grin. “You have a nice voice.”

“Your singing voice is very sweet.”

“I saw the video Hobi filmed on Twitter. You dance well. Way different from before.”

“Better than you?” She teased.

“Let’s not get that far, I’m the Golden Maknae, after all.”

“Blah, blah...” She grabbed a handful of fries and shoved them in his mouth. “Eat and shut your face.”

He laughed at her. “Do you think I’ve become manlier?”

“Hm...” She examined him. “Nope!”

“Y-yah!” He exclaimed while she giggled at his shocked expression.

After more chatting, they were down to the end of their meal. "Last piece. Who gets it?” She asked.

“Staring contest?” He offered.

“You’re on.” She leaned in, taking him off guard as he gulped. “Nervous? All you gotta do is blink and I’ll back away~.”

“Never. I’m not losing.” He kept his eyes open, widening them as he stared at her.

Out of nowhere, he grabbed the last fry, shoving it in his mouth before she could comprehend what he had done.

“Wow, Kookie...really?”

“Hehehehe.”

-------

For the next day of filming, Jennie put on a white dress, black heels and red lipstick. “I look old...” She checked out her outfit. “I own this dress, it was in my closet for some time. Colors play a key role for me in HYYH. As you can see, I’m wearing white. What does white stand for? Purity. Red, well, it’s more of an intense color than white. It can mean aggression, anger and violence. Keep that in mind for the future.”

She was briefly filmed sitting at the dining room table alone, with a knife on the table, contemplating in irritation. She wanted to hurt him. Hurt him for treating her so wrong. For betraying her. For hitting her, everything that he had done wrong to her, she wanted to hurt him for.

She stood up, walking around the table until she heard the door open and close to reveal her boyfriend. With her back to him, she glanced at the knife as the camera panned down to her hand grabbing a hold of it, ending the shot as a cliffhanger.

After she finished the individual shot, she bowed. “I am a hot mess in this music video.” She declared with a laugh. “Like they say, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!”

----

A few days later, the members decided to take care of some business, doing their respective activities for the day which left the 97 Liners in the dorm to chill.

Jennie happily chose this time to watch a show that Angelina wanted her to check out, while Jungkook played video games in the living room. As Jungkook gamed, he overheard her talking on the phone as she left her room to walk to the kitchen.

“GIRL! I just finished the eighth episode.” He heard her say and paused as she listened to Angelina speak to her on the other line.

She went through the cabinets as she began to speak again. “This show is crazy, Angie! So many plot twists, I dunno who to trust, hahah!” She grabbed a bag of chips and poured them into a bowl. “Uh huh, yeah that part messed me up...she’s such a bitch, I hope she gets what’s coming to her...But oh my God, you warned me but I wasn’t expecting him to look that good. He’s so sexy, though! His muscles? That grin? Lord Jesus, I’m deceased!”

Jungkook let out a chuckle at her fangirling in her Native tongue. When she was back in her room, he continued to game for another hour until he decided to approach her door.

“Who?” She questioned at the sudden knocking.

“Jeon Cena.”

“Will I be Attitude Adjusted if I let you in?”

He smirked at her statement. “No, Milady. I come in peace.”

“Enter my realm.”

He grinned and walked into her room, shutting the door behind him as he saw her watching some American show with her laptop connected to an HDMI cord on her TV. Her hair was in a messy bun and she wore her Hello Kitty pajama shirt and shorts. He thought she looked cute.

Jen smiled brightly and paused her show to give him her full attention. “Hey!”

“Hey. You free to talk?”

“Yeah. What’s up?”

He crossed his arms, deciding to ask her something that’s been on his mind all day. The sound of annoyance in his voice was heard as he asked, “So, you gave Jimin a massage?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. He complained about his shoulder. I offered.” She shrugged.

‘And not me?’ He wanted to ask, clenching his jaw.

“One of my cousins is a massage therapist and taught me some things when I was younger.” He heard her continue her statement. “It helped me loosen up my muscles when I first began to dance professionally. Now I’m used to the soreness. I told Jimin about the fun fact, and he asked.”

“That’s...actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” He looked down at his feet, trying to figure out how to ask her. “C-can I...get a massage from you?”

She let out a soft laugh. “It’ll cost you.”

Looking up at her, he nodded as his face began to heat up. “Ah, okay. I need to get my wallet.” He turned around.

She laughed at his actions. He didn’t catch her sarcasm. “Get on the bed. I’m messing with you.”

Her statement caused him to reveal his bunny smile on his features as he eagerly sat on her bed.

‘That was easier than I thought. I should stop overthinking.’ He happily thought as she turned her show back on.

He watched her get off the bed, to walk over to her dresser. He couldn’t help but stare at her bare legs in her shorts. Her working out with him has been paying off because he could see the definition in her legs. It was safe to say that she had one of the nicest legs that he had ever seen and wondered why she didn’t show them off more.

‘I should stop looking.’ He turned away, to look at the show on her TV instead.

After a few moments, the temptation got to him as he couldn’t help but slowly drift his eyes back to her legs, inching higher this time.

“Where?” She had asked him while searching for her massage stuff in the drawer as he kept staring at the back of her legs.

‘A lot of places, actually...’ He thought to himself, averting his eyes from going higher than her thick thighs. ‘Don’t stare...don’t creep her out. Don’t stare at her ass, Jungkook, what are you doing?’

“Hello? Earth to Kook?” Jen had turned around to face him, catching his attention.

“Y-yeah?”

“I asked where did you need a massage?”

“Oh. Right. My back.”

“Got it.” She turned back around to gather up what she needed.

Jungkook stood up from the bed, with his back to her, reaching behind his neck to grab the collar of his shirt. Pulling his shirt up, he took it off and tossed it on her bed. All that was left on his upper body was the short bunny necklace around his neck that she had gotten him for Christmas.

Jennie turned around with bottles of massage oils in her hands. When she caught a glimpse of his muscular back she widened her eyes and accidentally dropped her supplies. The sudden clutter of noise caught Jungkook's attention as he turned around abruptly, giving her a full view of his muscular torso.

“You all right?” He asked, walking up to her.

“Ye-ah, y-yeah, just fine.” She kneeled to quickly pick up her belongings, placing them on the bed.

Jungkook watched her as he replayed her statement in his head.

‘Did she...stutter?’ He pondered as he watched her avert her eyes from his chest, trying not to look anywhere near his way.

He fought the urge to smile as he appreciated the gesture. The fact that she tried not to stare filled him with pride. He’s worked hard for them, after all. And only getting muscular as the months go by.

‘I’m making her nervous...’ He confirmed.

Normally it would be her that made him nervous. But now that the tables have turned, he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.

“You need help with anything?” He decided to get closer to her again to see her reaction.

She instantly shook her head and took a step back, desperately trying not to look down his chest, keeping her eyes on his face.

“Nope, nope. I gotta get something from the kitchen real quick. Just hang tight for a moment.”

“Okay.”

Once she left, he smirked, feeling good about himself. ‘She’s cute when she’s nervous like that.’ He thought as he waited for her.

When she came back, she had found Smarties in the kitchen and placed them on her nightstand.

Facing him, she looked up into his eyes, still trying her best not to let her eyes wander. “I’m no pro, I only know a few basics, but it’s more than enough to help me with the aches and pains. I highly suggest a hot bath or shower to loosen up the muscles.”

“Got it.” He nodded curtly, walking over to the bed.

Before laying down, he decided to stretch deeply, raising his arms up in the air. He let out a soft moan as he stretched and discreetly peeked over to see if she was staring. He was not disappointed at the result.

When she accidentally glanced at him stretching, watching his muscles tighten, she quickly looked away.

‘Oh, oh no. No, no, no. Jen no. You shouldn’t be looking.’ She thought nervously.

She’d never seen him shirtless like this before and it was making her feel on edge. It caught her off guard since she wasn’t used to seeing him like that. They were comfortable around each other but something about him today made her nervous. But not in a bad way as she felt like her face was on fire.

Was she beginning to blush? Thankfully her dark skin didn’t give it away so easily.

“Everything okay, baby girl?”

He didn’t know where he got his confidence from, but somehow he ended up asking her, as she didn’t hear the teasing in his voice. He felt no nervousness at all and seemed to run on his confidence because the sight of her being nervous around him for the first time boosted his ego. Maybe she thought he was manly now, after asking her so many times in the past.

It felt satisfying.

“Huh? Y-yeah, everything’s fine.” She decided to fix her messy bun, turning her back to him.

Any way to get away from the sight. They were getting older, so it should be natural that things like this would happen, right?

“Actually, can you check something before you do my back? I think I’m feeling a little sore on my arm.” He made up a white lie, to see her reaction.

She closed her eyes for a moment, attempting to contain her composure.

‘Oh, Lord have mercy.’ She thought as she turned to him. “Your arm?”

“Uh huh. If that’s okay.” He flashed her a smile and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

‘Say no. Say no, right now. Don’t do it, don’t you do it, do NOT do it.’ She tried to warn herself.

“A-all right, show me.” She took a seat next to him, having no choice but to reluctantly turn her eyes to his bare torso.

He flexed his arm for her, in a slow manner, revealing the definition of his arm muscles.

‘Oh no, I should not be in this position, right now. I shouldn’t be staring but his muscles are really...’ She ended her thought when he gently grabbed her wrist, feeling the warmth of his hand.

She watched him place her palm on his bare shoulder and he slowly ran it down his bicep, making sure she could feel his strength.

“Riiiiiiiight here.” He declared. “Maybe I stretched it out too much? What do you think?”

“Um...” She trailed off, running her hand on his strong arm. “You really feel tense here.” She stated as he watched her intently.

“Am I? Well, could you...also, massage that as well? I would really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, um, let’s begin with your back first. Lay down. On your stomach.”

She got off the bed. He fulfilled her request and she sat next to his body. Thanks to him lying on his stomach, she felt less nervous but still felt some type of way about his muscular back.

“Never thought I’d be doing this to you. Jimin runs his mouth. But I like taking care of you, so I can’t complain. You’ve been my dance partner and personal trainer in the gym. I’ve been your nurse, best friend and massage therapist. What’s next on the agenda?”

“I have a couple of titles in mind...” He murmured to himself as he heard her open a bottle of the massage oil.

“I’m gonna need you to communicate with me while I do this, okay? Tell me what feels good and what doesn’t. And the areas you want me to focus on.”

“Got it.”

“And you can ignore me if I end up making random comments, I’m still fixated on Empire.”

“What’s that?”

“The show I’ve been watching. That’s why I was on the phone with Angelina. I blame her.” She poured the oil on her hands. “This’ll be a little cold, but you’ll warm up once your blood starts circulating.”

She ran her hands over his back, straight up and back down as he sighed in content. She smiled at his reaction. At least he was relaxed.

“Did you...do this to Jimin?” He suddenly asked.

“Nah, he wasn’t on my bed or anything. Nothing like this.”

‘Did this pabo lie to me to get me jealous so I could ask her?’ He pondered in annoyance. ‘I’m going to kill him.’

Jen multitasked while glancing at her show and listening to his reactions as she began to rub in circular motions. Jungkook thought her hands felt like heaven. His back was sore from all the dance practices and was grateful she was there to help him out.

“You’re tense, Kookie. Like all over. What’s on your mind?”

“A lot of things.”

“Care to share?”

“Ah, just making sure this comeback is a good one.” He let out another contented sigh.

“I swear, your muscles weren’t this big.” She thought out loud. “I’m not used to seeing you shirtless, so it caught me by surprise.”

“Do you like them?”

“They’re nice. Impressive. Hard work is paying off. I think I’m toning up too, what do you think?”

“Your legs are really nice. I think you should show them off more.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Maybe.”

Suddenly, he let out a soft groan and she stopped.

“Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” She asked in alarm when she pressed into his muscle tissue with more pressure.

“Nah. Keep doing that. It feels nice.”

“Lemme know if it hurts.” She continued what she was doing and made sure to massage his arm like he wanted as well.

After 30 minutes, she noticed that he had fallen asleep and his breathing had gotten slower. She let him rest on her bed, placing a blanket on him. Later, she heard a cute bark and saw their dog Tony trying to jump on the bed.

Jungkook and Jennie finally agreed to name their dog Tony. It was cute and suited him well. Iron Man won this round but the next thing they got that required a name was going to be Captain America related.

Letting out a giggle, she picked Tony up and placed him on the bed. He went right to Jungkook, walking on his back, curling up into a ball to rest.

Jennie smiled at the cute sight and decided to take a photo for the adorable memory. For a moment, she watched as Jungkook slept and started to run a hand through his soft hair, feeling elated. She then turned her attention back to her show, making sure the volume wasn't too loud to disturb his rest.

She went through two more episodes while he continued to sleep.

“No way!” She whispered in a hushed yell, watching another plot twist in the show.

She glanced over at Jungkook who moved in his sleep. With Tony not on the bed anymore, Jungkook was sleeping on his back now with the cover still on him. She let out a soft chuckle at how cute he looked as he slept. The way his mouth was open, and how he looked like a baby. She was happy that he was resting. He and Jimin had been going to the dance studio more often as the comeback neared. She didn’t want him to work himself too hard.

She affectionately ran her hand through his soft hair again, checking up on him to make sure he was still fine. Then, her phone vibrated and rang at a low volume, interrupting her thoughts as she checked the Caller ID.

Jin.

“What’s up?” She answered.

“Hey, Jennie. The boys are on their way back, and should be back at the dorm in less than five minutes.” He said, causing her to almost drop her phone, hastily getting off the bed.

“Oh, really? Okay!” She managed to say as she looked back at Jungkook.

She needed to get him out of her room.

ASAP.

She did not want to see what would happen if the guys found him, in her bed, shirtless, asleep. And it didn’t look any better with her hair disheveled. It would give the wrong impression, and they wouldn’t be able to hear the end of it. And the way the guys’ minds like to be dirty, she would like to avoid their teasing at all costs, and she knew Jungkook would want that too.

“I’ll be home soon, at the store. I wanted to ask if you needed anything?”

“Um, yeah, actually, could I get some more pads?” She requested.

Ever since he caught her when she had her period accident, Jin had been looking out for her, ever since, buying her anything she needed to make her time of the month as painless as possible.

“Of course. I’ll buy two packs. See you when I get home.”

“Thank you!” She said her goodbyes and hung up, tossing her phone on the bed. “Okay.” She turned to the sleeping bunny.

How was she going to wake him up?

“Kook, wake up.” She called out.

No answer.

Sitting on her bed, she started to shake him but got no response. Of all times, he wanted to be a heavy sleeper he chose now. But she was the one who put him to sleep anyway, so she should be praising her hand skills.

It made her happy to get him to relax. The way he trusted her to massage him even though she wasn't a professional. She enjoyed these moments with him.

She shook him more roughly. “Kook, wake up. You gotta get out of my room, they’re coming back soon!”

She sighed at his lack of response. “You mean to tell me I need to pinch him like Jin?” She pondered as she tried to look for an alternative method. Looking around her bed, she grabbed one of her pillows.

“Wake up!” She started hitting his face with the pillow.

Waking up and realizing that he was getting hit with the pillow, he grabbed a hold of her wrists and pinned her down on the bed, making her shriek in surprise.

“Oh, hey, you’re awake.” She looked up at him.

“What was that for?” He asked, sleepily.

“Well, I’ve been trying to wake you up for a while. The guys are coming back. You are in my room. You are shirtless in my room. And right now, you are on top of me, shirtless, in my room. If they see us like this...we’re done for. Let’s not give them something to tease us about for months. And if Jin sees us...” She cringed at the thought

“Yeah, we’re dead.” He let out a chuckle and got off of her.

He helped her up and grabbed his shirt, putting it on. Both getting off the bed, they try to straighten up, so it can look like she did not give him a massage.

“Wait! Your shirt!” She called out in panic.

“What about it?”

“It’s inside out!” She hastily took it off him, since it was inside out, and turned it back and placed it back on him. “Wait, we need to fix your hair!” She started messing around with it, trying her best to make it look neat as he laughed at her attempts. “This isn’t funny!”

“It kind of is.”

“Okay, now go. Play video games, act normal.” She pushed him out of her room

"All right, all right. But one more thing,"

"What's up?"

"Thank you for the massage. It felt great,"

She smiled, "Of course. Whenever you need one just ask. I'm here,"

"I'll keep that in mind," he was happy about the offer as he shut her door and went back to playing his game.

A minute later, the members made their way back to the dorm, while Jen continued to watch her show.

“Jennie! Here are your things.” Jin came into her room, handing her the bag.

“Much appreciated.”

“So, anything interesting happened while we were gone?”

“Nah, I’m catching up on some American shows while Kook is gaming like usual. Same ol’ same ol’.” She smiled.

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hazbincalifornia · 2 years

Text

I like the thought of Verosika/Barbie where they meet in rehab and they're both just... assholes. Trying to detox sucks. Barbie reminds Verosika too much of Blitzo, and Verosika is just a rich, privileged, self-obsessed dick to Barbie. At first, they prickle at each other.

Barbie chased fame and it tore her to shreds, lost her her brother and her dignity as she fell into addiction while clawing to keep on top even as she sank under. Verosika has everything she wants, is looked up to, has a Crystal from Ozzie himself.

On Verosika's side, Barbie is a bitter, washed-up too-crass imp that spits swears like they're air, always sneaking in hits from somewhere and draped over the back of the center's couch like she's a cat on a windowsill, burnt by the world and hissing if anyone gets too close.

There are flashes of the entertainer she used to be buried underneath, though- she whips out jokes easily as breathing when there's the chance. She's whip-smart and agile as anything when soberish, seen on ledges more than the floor. When she gets attention, she positively glows.

Barbie wants the high of fame back, the chance to be something, be someone, and Verosika walks around with an air of being someone better than anyone else, and Barbie believes it. She blew her shot, and she blames the world the way her brother blames himself.

One day, she realizes nobody visits Verosika either. She only leaves when she's hired for a gig, which is still better than what Barbie gets, but she doesn't talk about missing anyone like some of the others do. (Many don't, it can be a weakness to tear at, but there are tells.)

(She was hired 'to lead their team' for Spring Broken, remember- those aren't her friends, her group. She might have known them, but they're not 'hers'. She's seemingly usually a solo act.)

Then, Barbie notices the tattoo. They'd never been in quite the right angle or this close before, and she knows exactly what that means. She doesn't know how to feel, but goes up to Verosika and says 'So, my dipshit brother broke your heart, huh?'

Verosika starts, staring down at her until Barbie hops up on the table and takes a swig of water like she wishes it was something harder. "Blitzo. He's my brother. He fucked off years ago. I'd apologize but I don't know what he did or if you deserved it."

There's a lot in those words, and Verosika's lips tighten. "He fucked off with my wallet and car, drained the cards on horse-riding lessons." Barbie wheezes with laughter at that, and it sounds so much like Blitzo that Verosika can't tell if she wants to smack her or kiss her.

"You know, all this time I've been picturing what I'd do once I got out of here, and taking you down a peg for being such a stuck-up bitch was on that list, but it sounds like he already did it for me." She has a lopsided grin, so very punchable.

Then it softens a little, and the growl in Verosika's throat dies. "Musta really fucked you up, huh? Everybody knows I haven't got jack or shit left at this point, but you had to like him enough to get his stupid name plastered right on your arm before he ripped you off."

Verosika considers for a moment, before giving a slight nod. "Yeah. He was an asshole. I thought we had something, but..." "He runs when things get hard. Fucking pussy." Barbie examines her claws, born with black polish. "Guess if he already fucked you up I don't have to."

"Oh, you're a doll," Verosika said sarcastically. "Because I have so much to fear from a washup nobody ever gave more than a half-hour's worth of a shit about." Barbie's fingers curl into a fist. She glares, and what Verosika sees in her eyes isn't as satisfying as she expected.

After that, it comes in bits and pieces. Slowly, Barbie sees that Verosika is still shuffled around like a talented pet and shoved back in order to keep her just sober enough to be useful. Slowly, Verosika sees Barbie as someone else who was hurt but never gets a second chance.

(The first time they kiss, it tastes of booze smuggled in through Verosika's chest and Barbie's boot, a little sweaty but a solace from the world that saw them both as tools, one still useful and one tossed away to rust.)

#helluva boss #verosika mayday #barbie wire #verbie #this was a twitter thread that turned out like 750 words oops #shadow writes stuff

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shiniestcrow · 8 months

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Sage freezes the first time they come across a mirror after Volo's failed attempt at extracting the parasite.

Really, it could have been much worse all things considered. Sure, they lost their eye but the prosthesis Volo gave them really balanced things out. Their sight isn't even worse for wear. And on top of that, they now don't have to rely on magic or potions to see invisibility. Worth the pain, really.

And yet, that first glance at their face makes them freeze up. They turn to fully face the mirror. Their reflection feels... off. Rationally, they know why. Their eye colour changed. Gone is the extremely pale grey, replaced by a strange mix of blue and green. And that is exactly it, isn't it?

It's gone. Their original eye colour is fully gone, never to be seen again.

Sage closes their eyes and turns away from the mirror. It doesn't matter.

That evening, Sage keeps staring into the flames of the campfire, mind returning to the sight of their reflection.

"Hey, you," Karlach startles them out of their thoughts, and Sage can't help but smile at her as she sits down next to them. They note the careful distance she always keeps, just close enough that Sage can feel the heat coming off her without risking any accidental touch.

"Hey," they answer, mildly distracted by the reflections of the fire on her skin.

"Soo," Karlach says, drawing the word out. Sage finally notices the discomfort she is projecting.

They open their mouth, but Karlach is faster: "Are you alright?"

Sage blinks. And then blinks again because their new eye still feels a little strange.

"Sure," they say, shrugging. "Why?"

Karlach leans towards them then, staring at their face. No, at their eyes. "Because of that. You keep blinking, and you looked like you were freaking out a bit when you looked into that mirror earlier today."

Ah. Had they really been that obvious? Sage leans back on their hands, and Karlach gets the hint, immediately moving back too.

"It's fine. Just something to get used to." They smile grimly. "Besides, it was my choice. I knew the risk."

"Yeah, about that. I didn't want to ask and make you uncomfortable before, but why did you let that weird guy poke out your eye?"

Sage snorts and immediately tries to hide it behind their hand. Karlach just smiles at them.

They shrug. "Figured one of us should let him try on the off-chance that he could actually get the parasite out."

Karlach stops smiling. "And it had to be you because...?"

They shrug again. "I could hardly ask any of you to try it. No, I'm the one that wanted to know, so I'm the one that had to do it."

"Not that I'm volunteering him, but maybe Wyll could have tried? Considering that one of his eyes is already fake."

Sage winces. "Uh, best not to interfere with an eye given to you by your patron. Speaking from experience here."

Karlach stares at them for a moment. "You mean..." She points between her own eye and Sage's left one. "That one isn't natural?"

They can't help themself; they laugh. "Oh no, no. That one used to be grey, too. Turned black when I made my pact. It lets my patron properly see what I see, and I can still use it, so it's not really a drawback for me."

"Right," Karlach says.

There is a moment of silence.

Karlach eventually breaks it, sounding somewhat hesitant. "So, your original eye colour was that pale grey, right?"

Sage nods. They're pretty sure they know where Karlach is going with this. They're not happy about it.

"And one of your eyes turned black."

They nod again and look away. Better to stare into the fire than see whatever expression Karlach is making.

"And now the other one was replaced, too."

They don't nod this time, just shrug. "Yep. I'm all out of grey."

Karlach makes an unhappy noise in the back of her throat, and Sage looks up, alarmed.

"Gods, I wish I could hug you right now and smooch that stupid face of yours," Karlach whines, flopping on her back dramatically.

Sage snorts again. They really can't help themself around her. They also have to stop themself from patting her arm patronisingly, no matter how funny it would be in their head.

"It's fine, really," they say instead. "Like I said, I'll get used to it. And it's not like people ever stopped staring at my eyes. First, it was because they were too pale and then because one was black. That part hasn't changed."

"But it's not fair!" Karlach sits up again, pointing a finger at Sage. "You should be able to keep your eye colour of all things!"

"Karlach," Sage smiles softly at her. They have the feeling that her reaction isn't entirely due to what happened to them. "You're very sweet, but keep in mind that this is entirely the result of my own choices. I chose to make my pact and I chose to let Volo poke around the way he did. I could have told him to stop at any point. I didn't. I wanted to see if he would be successful and was willing to accept both pain and consequences. In fact, him having a replacement ready that would still let me see out of it is a very fortunate outcome. It's okay. I'm okay."

Karlach doesn't cry, but she does sniffle quietly. Sage, too, wishes they could hug her.

"I liked the grey," she mumbles, but there is a small smile back on her face. Sage returns it readily.

"I just hope that wasn't the only thing you liked about me. Might make me regret my choices after all."

Karlach laughs and Sage feels warm inside. This is better. Karlach shouldn't be sad. Especially not on their behalf. No, Karlach deserves to be happy. And if Sage can help with that, well, they're determined to do everything in their power to do exactly that.

#hey look #this is barely mean at all :D #I can be nice to sage too #at least a little bit :)#but mostly I want to be nice to karlach lol #bg3 #bg3 tav sage #bg3 fic #bg3 karlach #karlach #tav x karlach #my writing #bg3 fanfiction

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luverofralts · 6 months

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Arkhelios Adventures

When Theo opened his eyes, his surroundings had completely changed. He was no longer in Strangetown-or so he thought. There was no desert heat or swirling sands. Everything around him was lush and green and peaceful. There were decaying ruins of a building rotting beside a fertile garden plot attached to an impressive building. Theo couldn't put into words how this place made him feel exactly. It was older than time, but living energy pulsed through the air, crackling with potential.

"What is this place? Where's Reogus?" Theo wondered, scanning the area for his unpredictable warlock guide.

All words left him when his eyes locked on a creature sitting high above the ruins, watching him intently. The creature was both beautiful and terrifying at once, life and death, abundance and scarcity. Theo had never before seen a being that made him tremble just looking in its direction.

"Apprentice Bellamy, I presume? Or do you prefer Theodosius? Titles are enviable, but when it all comes down to it, true names are what give us our power. True names are what bind us together, after all. Though I suspect that you know this already, having changed your name at such a young age. It's always so curious to me, seeing the tethers hook into your being, joining you to another. It looks painful. I wonder if it is."

Theo was fairly certain that he was actually on another plane of existence while his body remained safely in bed. At least he hoped it was because the look the being was giving him had a worrying threat underlying it. He wasn't sure of quite what to think of the mysterious being that seemed to be tearing into his soul with only his eyes. It wasn't a creature in the usual sense, but it wasn't human either. It looked male, but Theo got the distinct sense that the body before him was merely a shell for something more powerful to inhabit. Did this being trade bodies like some kind of hermit crab, always on the lookout for a newer dwelling? Was that why Theo had been summoned here?

"So quiet for such a usually spirited boy," the creature teased. Its voice sounded hollow and wrong, both booming like the roar of intense wind and chillingly scraping, like the tide clawing back dark water across sharp, rugged rocks. There was a natural cadence to its speech that ebbed and flowed between vibrant, booming authority and bone-chilling lifelessness.

"What fascinating perversions demons are," it continued. "I wish that I could take direct credit for their creation. Such creative minds always seeking power. They're more trouble than they're worth most times, but I respect their aspirations all the same."

Theo remained frozen in place, unsure if this being was actually expecting a response from him. He had no idea of what to say or how to escape this nightmare.

"W-where's Reogus?" he stammered. "Is he still here?"

"The warlock was sent back to his appropriate time," the creature reassured Theo in the least reassuring voice possible. "The Guardians of Time are a necessary but annoying function of this universe. If I could end their existence, I would, but unfortunately, I cannot. He will no doubt be back to bother you again in the future."

Theo gulped. At least this creature was talking about Theo like he had a future and wasn't about to be murdered by something unfathomable. As much as he wanted to know what kind of nightmare this creature really was, Theo was terrified to find out. Sometimes it was better to ignore something dangerous and just hope that it never came back again.

"Still quiet? I'll skip to my point then."

To Theo's horror, a man appeared out of nowhere, cloaked in powerful magic and looking merciless. When his face stepped out of the shadows, Theo recognized him instantly.

"That's me," he said, staring at the man in disbelief. "What's happening?"

"A glimpse into your future," the being replied. "One I have much interest in. You've been given power beyond your understanding with that little curse of yours. You will be great and terrible when you mature. Power beyond what your little warlock boyfriend could even imagine. Pray that you don't become too interesting though. The first demonic sovereign met with a grisly end because he had become too interesting to the wrong people. The wrong people being me,of course. He forgot his place. You will be difficult to erase if need be, but it can still be done. Never forget your place."

Theo opened his mouth, only to close it again quickly. He couldn't think of a single thing to say aside from "Please don't kill me".

"Theo, run! Teleport to the Void! Anywhere else! I'll try to help you, but you need to leave! You cant stay here, no living person can!"

Theo forgot how to breathe as he watched what he thought was Lukas, the deity of Life, stand their ground in front of him. They looked different than they did in the warning photos at school, but was still unmistakably the same powerful deity.

"I want to go home," Theo whimpered. He'd be mortified if anyone at home saw him like this, but this endless nightmare had taken its toll on him. Between seeing the casual murder of innocent people and enduring the presence of the creature in front of him, Theo was planning on drinking coffee and staying up, protected from dreams for as long as possible.

"The warlock you arrived with wished to tell you a secret. One that he hoped would change your perception of your power. One that may change everything for you. One that makes me very interested in your life. The culmination of Dorhack's little experiment in search of power: the hybrid blood demon."

Theo nodded, trying to appear calm while internally trying to recall how to get to the Void. It wasn't somewhere that he thought he'd need to get to on a whim. The image of his dark future self continued to be unnerving. Its eyes followed him, sizing him up, though for what, Theo didn't want to know. Could weird images of your future self actually kill you? It was a question Theo never thought he'd have to ask.

"A secret?" Theo repeated shakily, unsure if talking to the creature would be more dangerous than trying to escape. He wished that Reogus had just come out and said what he wanted to say while he was still there, if the being wasn't lying to him.

"Look at your potential, Theodosius," the bone-chilling voice replied. "You saw everything that Alpheus accomplished because he was a full demon from a pure lineage, while you're just a cursed hybrid from a backwater country no one has even heard of."

"Theo...." Lukas' nervous warning did no good. Theo had no idea of how to get to the Void or where he even was at the moment.

"You see, Alpheus was only half demon. He was a hybrid just like you. His human mother was from the Grunt bloodline, and his demonic father gave him the Toyonaga name. Alpheus killed his father later, of course, more proof that hybrids can be more powerful than their demonic sires. You, too, have that potential, Theodosius. It's why the Sovereign keeps her eye on you and why I've called you here to examine for myself."

"He can't stay here!" Lukas hissed, looking apologetically at Theo. "I keep telling you, living beings can't exist in the afterlife! You made the damn thing, you have to know how it works! I can only protect him for so long until my stepson shows up and makes his stay here permanent!"

Theo froze, unable to process the deity's words. He was in the afterlife? The real one and not where his step-father, Adrian, had spent years waiting for rescue? For real? All he had done was go to bed at night and already he'd been pulled out of time, the realm of dreams and landed where no living soul belonged. What was this creature that scared even a deity?

"Your words are true," the creature acknowledged grudgingly. "I can see it draw breath. Full demons can travel between realms at will. For all of its power, it seems it cannot. An interesting note to keep in mind for the future."

The creature landed on the ground, unfurling majestic, dark wings as it fell. It landed close to the frightened teen, close enough for Theo to feel the breeze created from the ruffling feathers. The being rose slowly, carefully measuring Theo with his eyes as he did.

"I was curious to see the much talked about hybrid in person, but not enough to end a promising future with an accidental death. You have my permission to return the boy to the realm of the living. I've seen enough for now. I can see the pieces of my will begin to fall into place. I am...pleased. Is that the word? Yes. Pleased."

Theo couldn't bear to look this mysterious being in the eyes and see the hollow flicker of light behind them. Whatever was standing before him scared gods into submission and that same being had plans for Theo. However serious these plans were, Theo didn't want to know. He was just a scared fourteen year old boy who loved his family, his friends, and his boyfriend. He had no future plans except for marrying Adam and going to college. Apparently, some beings had other plans for him and that was terrifying beyond words.

Theo squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that he would soon wake up in his own bed, this impossible nightmare finally ended.

"Please wake up, please wake up," he chanted quietly to himself.

Whether it takes a year or a century, my plan will be completed. Through your example, I may find the path I need. Until then, little demon.

Theo could hear the voice in the back of his mind, scraping across his thoughts. It was like having ice-cold water poured over his head, pouring into his thoughts. An image of a woman flickered into his mind for the briefest of moments, barely long enough for Theo to register what she looked like. She was pretty, that much he could remember. Pretty, but sad and mysterious at the same time. Unlike the creature before him, thinking about this woman was pleasant. There was the subtle hint of danger and power, but nothing that terrified him quite like the being before him.

"What?" Theo looked anxiously around him for any trace of the woman or the dangerous being that had projected her. "Hello?"

"What the hell?"

Theo bolted up in his bed, completely awake and more than slightly frightened about the visions he'd seen, promising a dark future and not much else. He looked over at Adam, who was sleeping soundly in the bed beside him and sighed in relief. He was home. He had his loved ones nearby to protect him.

"I don't understand," Theo muttered to himself. "Why does everyone care so much about me studying blood magic? I barely passed my magical defense class; I'm not about to run off and murder people more powerful than I am. I'm not going to murder anyone at all."

Downstairs, two cousins met up for a late night snack. Despina wanted to get some juice, but was hesitant. She'd only gained some courage upon hearing Remy boldly walk past her bedroom door. If Remy was sneaking out at night too, then it had to be okay.

"So what are you sneaking around for?" Despina asked, sipping her drink and watching as Remy did the same. "I just wanted a snack, but you seem to be on a mission of some kind. Are you meeting someone?"

Despina looked eager to gossip with her cousin about boys or girls or anything else that came to mind, while Remy looked less than enthusiastic about the idea.

"Sometimes I meet up with Malika," Remy admitted. "I don't have a roommate, so it makes it easier to sleep together. I guess she's not interested or is too busy tonight. When she's not around, I like to see who's still up while the whole school sleeps. You meet interesting people that way."

"Oh, you and Malika are...hooking up? I didn't know."

"It's a boarding school," Remy said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Everyone is having sex here, it's just what you do to pass the time. Do you have anyone you like? I could probably find you a date if you want."

"Oh, uh, no," Despina stammered, her fave turning beet red. "I've met someone really cute that started late like I did. He's really sweet, but I don't know if he likes me like that."

She blushed, thinking about Jasper and the immediate connection to him that she felt.

"Just throw yourself at him," Remy advised, sipping her drink. "You'll know right away if he's interested in you. It works for me."

"You're cheating on Malika?" Despina gasped in horror. "She's the best thing to happen to you!"

"Gee, thanks," Remy replied, rolling her eyes. "No, we're not exclusive anymore. I like her, but she's my first girlfriend. We both agreed to...branch out a little with our relationship. As long as there aren't feelings involved, we're allowed to hook up with whoever we want. I'd hate to live like my idiot brother who wants to marry the first guy he kissed."

"Is he sleeping with Theo?" Despina asked worriedly. Was she really the only person here who hadn't even kissed someone yet? Was Jasper sleeping around too?

Remy laughed just at the thought of her brother trying to seduce the naive, overprotected Theo.

"Ha! I doubt it. Can you imagine those two even knowing what to do? Theo's parents probably didn't even have 'the talk' with him, just a lecture on why sex would somehow kill him. And Adam? Sometimes, it's hard to believe that he's my twin. Is Eero anything like you or is he as useless as Adam?"

"He's okay," Despina replied. "We've only really had each other all of our lives. Both our grandparents are dead, so it's just been us and you guys and Aunt Edana. I'm sure he misses me now that I'm here. I miss him, but I know that my place is here."

"Yeah, sorry about my bitch mother," Remy said, rolling her eyes. "She has so much 'trauma' that she never thinks about anyone else. Absolutely everything is about her dead brother, which means that she's useless about anything else. Need help with your homework? Sorry, Uncle Adam is dead. Try to tell her that you think magic isn't really your thing? Nope, dead brother, can't have that conversation. Thank god for our Ewans. Dad and Ewan actually listen to us...sometimes."

"I would miss Eero if he died, it's understandable," Despina replied charitably. "Plus losing her entire coven? That must be devastating. I'll never know my parents, so I like to think that because my aunt misses them so much, they were worth knowing. Maybe my dad had a change of heart at the end or something. I don't know anything about my mom, just that your mom blames her for everything."

"You worry too much about your parents," Remy chided. "Who cares? Fuck them and their weird cult. All that matters is who you are and what you do. God help me if I was judged by my parents. They're the lamest people alive. They're fooling themselves if they think that I'm actually going to study magic in college and join their dumb covens. I'll do what I want and you should do the same."

"Hmm, maybe. I just got here though. I don't want to get kicked out after all that work."

"Yeah, fair enough," Remy conceded. "Just do whatever my dumb brother does then. Everything he does is to suck up to our parents and the council. Don't date a weird demon and they'd probably give you an award or something dumb like that."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Theo stood on the large balcony that faced Crystal Cove and tried as hard as he could to forget about his dream. What had happened to him and how much of what he'd seen was real? Was any of it real? What was that nightmarish creature and just how closely was it watching him? He had no one to talk about this with. Evren might know about weird realm crossing and magic, but there was no way that he'd keep it a secret from Theo's insanely worried parents.

Would Lukas tell him whenever he saw the deity next? It was always difficult to get an answer out of them when you didn't have anything to offer in return. They did have a history of appearing in Pleasantview, enough that there were warning signs with their picture on it. They had seemed upset in his dream, maybe he'd find Lukas looking for him.

Theo groaned, hitting his head rhythmically against the walled fence in frustration. Why was this his life? Saturnia and Luci seemed to be pretty normal, so why was he doomed to be stolen by supernatural beings on a whim?

Behind him, a twig snapped, alerting Theo to a presence sneaking up on him.

"Lukas, you have to tell me who-"

It wasn't Lukas sneaking up on the demon, but Adam. Theo immediately sighed with relief.

"Adam? What are you doing here? I thought you were asleep."

"I had a nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep," Adam confessed. "I pretended to be asleep when you woke up."

"I had the worst nightmare too," Theo groaned. "You wouldn't believe me at all if I told you about it."

Adam's eyes remained glued to the ground, unable to look at his boyfriend in the eye.

"I would. Because I was there too. The protector of the realm of dreams told me that the pull on you to a different realm also pulled me because of how we're connected."

A huge wave of relief washed over Theo hearing this.

"Oh my god, who do you think the terrifying creature was?" he demanded. "Even Lukas was afraid of it, and they're not afraid of anything!"

"Weird creature?" Adam repeated with confusion. "No, you were with that Maricourt warlock, talking about demons."

"For a bit, but that was nothing compared to that...monster that showed up. He took us to the freaking afterlife, how could you forget something like that?"

Adam paused. Theo looked sincerely terrified about this creature he was describing, so he wasn't just lying to avoid talking about the repeated warnings people were making about him.

"I never saw that. Luna took me home before that, I guess."

Theo tried to remember a woman named Luna, but failed. He'd ask about that later, once he could focus on anything else but the horrifying creature he'd faced.

"I can't believe you missed it!" Theo burst out. "I can't possibly even describe what it was like. Picture the most dangerous person you could think of times a million. Times infinity! It threatened me and said I was worth keeping alive, which is not the kind of reassurance that you want." Theo's voice wavered, slightly, in a way only his loved ones would catch.

"Adam, I don't know what to do anymore. Ever since my birthday, things just keep getting weirder and weirder. All these people are telling me that I'm dangerous and that hybrids are incredibly dangerous and that they're all keeping an eye on me. I don't want this life anymore, Adam. I keep closing my eyes and seeing that creature staring at me, waiting for something horrible to happen! I-I'm scared. I don't want to be special. I want to be like Saturnia. No one is threatening her for existing."

Adam's fears faded away, just looking at the horror that was clearly eating at Theo. Yeah, Adam had questions and fears of his own, but they were nothing compared to what Adam could see written all over Theo's face. Something had scared him and badly. Gone was Theo's usual air of defiance and rebellion. In its place was only horror and fear.

"Hey, it's okay," Adam said, pulling his boyfriend closer to him. He wrapped his arms around Theo and held him tightly. "At least you've got a warning about the stakes we're facing. It's better than just going in blind."

"The stakes we're facing?" Theo repeated. "Does that mean that you're going to help me when whatever happens to me happens? I don't blame you if you want to run from all this. I know I would."

"No one told me that our future wedding's off," Adam reassured the boy in his arms. "I'm not going anywhere. Besides, we're connected enough that you apparently pull me along with you even if I did leave. I might as well stay, don't you think? I'd miss kissing you too much."

Theo smiled faintly and relaxed his grip on Adam.

"I'd miss that too," he agreed softly. "You would tell me if I was doing something dangerous though, right? If I start...hurting people?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Adam replied, brushing some stray hairs from Theo's face as he did. "You could never be like Alpheus or your grandmother. There isn't a single evil bone in your body. Your Aunt Lucy, she I could see being dangerous, not you. You've never even cheated on an exam, Theo. I know that you're nothing like how weird people expect you to be."

There was still a small pit in his stomach when Adam thought about the desperation in Theo's eyes when he'd been presented with energy. He'd never seen Theo like that before. It was true that demons lived to collect enough energy to warm themselves, but Theo had never needed it to survive.

Now that Adam knew that he apparently had some demonic ancestry himself, it was harder to judge Theo for what he'd seen. If he also came from a demonic family, it was just a roll of genetics that kept Adam or his mother and sisters from possessing enough demon DNA to manifest the powers Theo possessed.

Would Theo change as they matured? Would he develop the same hunger full demons had for energy?

Adam's fear disappeared, feeling his boyfriend bury his face into his shoulder as Theo tried to stop his anxious tears. He knew Theo better than anyone. They'd been best friends since the age of six. He'd seen Theo through all the milestones of childhood, and he knew who Theo was deep down. Theo was both his past and his future, the person he loved more than anyone in the world.

"None of that matters," Adam swore, hugging Theo tightly. "I love you, that's the only thing that matters. We'll figure out the rest when we need to."

#sims 2 #arkhelios #arkhelios adventures #theo bellamy #sim: theo bellamy #adam darktide #lukas lane #despina darktide #remy maricourt

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