#it depends on if something pings me as suspicious | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

angelicmark · 4 years ago

Text

service call (m)

pairing: renjun x reader

genre: angst, fluff, smut

warnings: renjun pining for you, fingering, handjob, masturbation (male), unprotected sex

wc: 24.4k

summary: your job, in general, was to break other people up when someone in their relationship couldn’t do it themselves. it was an easy job for you. you had no emotional attachment to them, and it wasn’t your relationship anyway. until renjun’s girlfriend tells you to break up with him for her, and renjun makes his way into your life. developing a relationship with someone you tore apart is dangerous.

➣ apart of ‘right lover, wrong time’ series

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“fuck.”

you cough loudly, the once silent room filling quickly with your aggressive coughs. you giggle a bit as people look at you with a stink eye. you knew people, in general, didn’t like you. you were the heartbreaker of many relationships. no, not yours. everyone else’s. not to say you were a homewrecker, you just did as you were paid to do. it was a quick and easy job compared to your job of waiting tables. speaking of, you were ready to get off shift soon. it was late, and very little people filled the diner because it was almost closing time. you lean your head on your hand as you watch your cowoker take the bill for the last customer, smiling sweetly at him as he rolls his eyes.

“you could help, you know,” he remarks, looking at you with a glare as he swipes the card.

you smile brighter, “but you’re really good at what you do. i’m still a bit clueless, jeno.”

jeno scowls at you, “shut up, flirt.”

you laugh lightly, about to say something before he waves you off and walks back to the customers, telling them to have a good day as they walk out after receiving the receipt. you huff, grabbing cleaning supplies as you wipe off the counter in front of you. jeno rolls his eyes again, a small smile playing on his lips helplessly.

“you do the bare minimum, dude.” jeno grabs a towel out of the bucket and slaps you with it on your back as you laugh again.

“hey, not true,” you pout after a small giggle, “i’m really good at my second job.” you smile again.

jeno rolls his eyes and snatches your towel out of your hands, “it’s not even a job. you just get paid to break other people up.”

“hey! only if i know they’re in the relationship,” you cross your arms, “i’m not going to do it just because someone tells me to.” you lean your head in your hand again, watching him cutely.

jeno scoffs, “i think it’s quite sadistic, but at least you get paid, i guess.”

you watch as jeno squirts the cleanser onto the table and cleans quickly, “it’s easy for me. i don’t find attachment to the relationships.”

“you don’t find attachment to anything.” jeno shoots back, looking at you with curt eyes.

you scowl at him this time, a pout etching your features, “not true. i have a strong attachment to my cat.”

jeno laughs, quickly cleaning the rest of the tables in the diner, “me too. but that doesn’t count. you don’t even live with your cat, he’s at home with your parents.”

you huff, “whatever, shut up. i’m doing a good job and that’s all that matters. it pays my bills and food.”

“how much do you even charge?” jeno quirks an eyebrow as he places the towel in a dirty hamper for it to be washed later. he stands beside you as you straighten up.

you lean your hip against the counter and shrug your shoulders, “depends on how hard they want me to break up with the person. if it’s too harsh, i charge more. it just seems fair, because sometimes i do feel a bit guilty after when they start crying.”

jeno nods his head, not saying anything after. you raise an eyebrow, silently asking him what’s wrong. jeno shakes his head, “is there anything you won’t do?”

“when they ask me to make them cheat or something,” you speak smoothly, “i won’t even think about touching the person or come close to it. i’m not a homewrecker and i never will be.”

“you’re still ruining relationships,” jeno furrows his eyebrows.

“it’s not like i’m coming between them,” you look at him with tired eyes and yawn. “that’s not what my job is for.”

jeno hums, “well, it doesn’t matter. we should head home now, i can see you’re getting tired there, cutie.”

you laugh at him, “shut up, flirt.” you retort back, repeating his previous words. jeno shakes his head with a light laugh, looking at you with crescent moon eyes.

“i’ll see you later,” jeno looks at you sweetly, and you nod your head.

“see you later.” you let out a sigh as you both walk out of the diner after shutting the lights off. the stars were out, and it made you smile a bit. you almost enjoyed walking home at night, even if it was a bit scary. your apartment wasn’t far from where you were, so you were gladly home safe in no time. when you walk inside, you’re greeted with the cold air of your apartment. you pout, realizing just how lonely it could feel in the remnants of the night when you’re alone and have no one to share the space with.

you stretch your limbs as you walk into your room, smiling at the sound of your bones softly cracking. it was a bit satisfying after a long day. changing into comfortable clothes, you yawn as you reach the comforts of your bed.

you jump slightly as you hear your phone ringing, a random number scanning the screen. you furrow your eyebrows, looking curiously. you decide to pick it up, a bit scattered at night.

“hello?” you sound groggy, but you don’t exactly care.

“is this y/n?” you hear a female voice on the other line, intriguing you.

“it is, who’s asking?” you don’t mean to sound rude, you were just a bit alarmed by the timing.

“i have a boyfriend-” oh, it was one of these calls.

you scoff, “who is this? and why the hell are you calling me at such a late hour and how did you even get my number?”

surely, you’ve gotten calls and texts from random people several times. but never this late and never without warning from someone else saying they were being passed over.

“i’m renjun’s girlfriend. yeri. have you heard of me?” the curious tone in her voice makes you feel a bit on edge.

you sit up on your mattress, “i have.” of course you have. everyone raves after her and praises her for being so damn pretty. renjun is quite the lucky man. or was, you guess.

“great,” you can hear her smile, “i need you to break up with renjun for me.”

you lean against your wall, a smile playing on your own lips, “you’re breaking up with renjun? he’s quite the gentleman.”

yeri pauses for a minute longer than usual, “yeah... he’s not my type though.” you only hum, and yeri continues. “will you do it?”

you let out another hum of acknowledgement, “sure. how do you want me to break up with him?”

another pause on yeri’s end, a small curse falling from her lips as she decides heavily on the question, “gently, please? he’s sweet and i hate to hurt him.”

you hate when people say that. you weren’t that big on empathy and feeling what others feel. you only knew how to break people up and call it a day. when people asked for you to be gentle, it made you a bit nervous. you didn’t understand why people would ask for you to be nice to them when they were quite literally breaking their partner’s heart. there was no true way to be gentle when breaking up with someone, you’ve discovered.

you agreed regardless, “sure. how will you pay?”

“do you have any like app i can send it through?” she asks nervously, you can hear the shake in her voice.

you nod before realizing she can’t see you, “i’ll send a link on message. bye, yeri.”

“bye,” she quickly speaks before hanging up the phone.

you scoff as you send the link and amount in the message, waiting for the money to be sent. when you get a ping from your phone, indicating you received it, you simply thanked her and told her you’d text her when you were finished with the job.

you hummed to yourself as you go to stalk her social media pages, seeing pictures of her and renjun together. renjun was quite pretty, and looked as handsome as ever. you began to wonder why she would want to break up with someone who was quite literally any girls dream. it was puzzling, but there was no going back now. she already paid, and you already agreed.

turning off your tableside lamp, you let out one last yawn before closing your eyes and preparing mentally for your next job.

break huang renjun’s heart in the nicest way possible.

“renjun?!” jeno looks at you with wide eyes as you both close together, once again. you rolls your eyes at his dramatic response, wiping down the counter while he freezes and eyes you suspiciously.

“yeah,” you shrug, “before you say anything negative, i already agreed and she already sent the money.”

“you can still return the money,” jeno glares, his eyes narrowing and judging you from where he was standing.

you raise an eyebrow at him, “why? are you friends with him or something?”

jeno scoffs, “kind of? we don’t hang out or anything but we always talk in lectures. he’s a really nice dude.” he crosses his arms while leaning against the counter as you finish wiping it down.

you sigh, dropping your head and closing your eyes to gather your thoughts before looking at him again, “he might be. but why should he be in a relationship based on lies? she can’t seem to do it, so she asked me. in a way, she’s lying to him and leading him on further by staying with him. if she wants me to break up with him, then i’m doing it.”

jeno’s shoulders drop as he realizes that you’re right. in a weird, sick way, you’re right. “yeah, i guess so.”

you nod curtly, “close up, i’m leaving.”

jeno looks at you with furrowed eyebrows, “what the hell?”

you wave him off while grabbing your jacket, “i’ll close next time, promise.” you smile one last time before walking out the door.

you barely have time to make it out before your body collides into another one, uttering out a quick apology, “shit, sorry-” your eyes connect with pretty brown ones that almost make you swoon. if it wasn’t the person it was, maybe you would have.

renjun let’s out an apology of his own, looking at you with wide eyes, “oh fuck, i’m so sorry.” renjun looks nervous as he stares into your eyes, making you tilt your head while inspecting him. he had an angelic appearance, and definitely had great manners. “i only realized this place was closed after looking at the time on the door. i was just about to leave before you opened the door,” he chuckles lightly, the cold air making his nose slightly red.

you look back and see jeno staring at you with wide eyes in shock, wondering what you’re going to say next. and you were starting to wonder if renjun knew of you, or your business. you licked your lips and looked back at the boy in front of you, closing the door to the diner and stepping out of jeno’s view. you can already feel the pout on his face from not being able to get to see the show.

“it’s alright,” you eye him a bit longer, making him shift where he stands. “i actually was, oddly enough, looking for you.” you smile charmingly, and renjun’s eyes go wide.

“me?” he points to himself, eyebrows raised which makes you laugh.

“yeah,” you nod, “do you know me?” and renjun sees the tilt in your head as your eyes glow under the street lamp lights. his heart seems to flutter in his chest, much against his own will.

“i..” he pauses, a sigh escaping his lips. he takes a minute to think, scanning your face and features as much as he could. he was trying hard to recognize you, eyebrows scrunched together. when he makes eye contact again, everything seems to click together in his head as he realizes just exactly who you are. almost everyone knew of you, you were quite the talk around campus. renjun grows tense being in your presence, his shoulders heightening and his stomach turning in nerves. “i do.” he was firm in his answer after the endless silence. of course renjun knew.

you smile again, “wanna get a milkshake from somewhere?” you look at him curiously.

“no.” and renjun means it.

you’re a bit taken aback by his blunt response, eyes wide and looking at him incredulously. renjun sighs, closing his eyes for a second or two before opening them back up and revealing tear sprung eyes. you feel a twinge in your heart at the sight. he knows. he knows all too well what this means, being in your presence. he knows what it means when you want to ‘talk’ to him. you sigh yourself this time, of course he knew.

“i understand,” you’re confident in the way you speak, not faltering. “yeri told me to be kind to you, if it helps. she said you were very sweet and hates to see you hurt. i just don’t think she sees a future with you, renjun.”

renjun nods quickly before turning away from you, and it felt like you were the one being dumped. it didn’t feel right to leave it like that. you huff, debating on chasing after him or not. you didn’t want to seem pushy, or remind him of the fact that he’s being broken up with, but you couldn’t leave the conversation so short. it’s never happened before with anyone.

you end up chasing after him, even though you probably shouldn’t have.

“renjun!” you run after him, and you see renjun start to walk in longer strides. “hey, fuck, wait!” you trip shortly before catching speed again and ending up next to him, much to his displeasure.

“i get it,” he spits out, “quit rubbing it in my face.” he looks at you with vile, and you feel stung. you shouldn’t have. you were just doing your job, and this was normal. why was it different coming from him? it’s not like you haven’t had this kind of reaction from people before.

you frown at him while fast walking beside him, “i’m not.. trying to.” you try to catch your breath, “fuck, slow down, renjun!” you grab at his shoulders and stop him in his tracks. he glares at you and shoves your hands off of him.

“why? so you can continue on with your pity speech? thanks, but i don’t fucking need it.” renjun’s voice was filled with anger, making you swallow at the tone he used. “leave me alone. it’s not your relationship, and it certainly isn’t your fucking business. you were just paid to do the job.”

you’re stunned at his words and reaction. it was true, and he was right. you stared at him with a shocked expression, and he scoffs. renjun didn’t seem like the person to have this much anger built inside of him, and he certainly didn’t seem like the type of person to lose it on someone like this. but you knew he had a good reason this time. why can’t you just stop pestering him already?

“right, i know.” you huff, your shoulders slouching as you look away from him for a minute before making eye contact again. his brown eyes were seeping with anger and frustration and hurt. “i’m not going to give you a pity speech.”

“then why do you keep stopping me from walking away? you did your job already,” he was still seething, but you can see him visibly relax.

“i..” you pause, and the air turns tense in the silence. you honestly had no idea. you should have just let him walk away in the first place and taken the hint that he didn’t want to even remotely look at you. “i’m not sure.” you defeat, looking at him nervously.

renjun feels himself loosening up at the sight of you, and he curses himself for finding you oddly cute as you play with the hems of your sleeves on your sweater. renjun wanted nothing more than to scoff at you again, and walk away from you to leave you in the dust. but he couldn’t bring himself to do that the longer he stared at you. his chest tightened as you straightened out your shoulders and tried to appear more confident than seconds prior.

“i’ll leave now.” and he wants to stop you from walking away this time, but he can’t. and he doesn’t. he drives home that night with tears in his eyes and anger sinking deep into his bones.

you heave out a breath as you walk home to your apartment, opening your front door and leaning against it when you reach inside. you close your eyes, sighing again. that had to be the weirdest break up you’ve ever done, and the most complicating one. you scratch the palm of your hand as you open your eyes, looking around the dimly lit room.

jumping, you hear the loud ring of your phone. yeri’s contact shows up, making you scowl but picking up anyway. “the job is done.” you state into the phone with a monotone voice.

“thanks,” yeri breathes into the other line, “i couldn’t have done it without you.”

you hear that often, but this time it makes you slightly sick to your stomach. “yeah. i’m aware.” you didn’t mean for your tone to sound harsh, but it did.

you can feel the embarrassment hanging off yeri’s shoulders as she quickly says bye and thanks once more before hanging up. you roll your eyes and scoff before checking the time on your phone and realizing it’s just slightly past eleven at night. you let out a yawn instinctively, stretching your limbs and releasing the tense feeling in your body.

you, oddly enough, sleep with a heavy mind that night.

the next day is more simple than the last. and you don’t feel as heavy or guilty as you did when you broke up with renjun for yeri. you’re almost sure renjun has a lot of questions bouncing in his mind, as any other person would after being broken up with. it was especially odd to send someone else to break up with you, and you can only imagine what everyone thought when they thought of you. you assumed negative things.

you huff as you walk out of your last lecture of the day, watching as the sun begins to set and your mind becomes muddled. you had an evening course today and you received a text from jeno saying he did too, prompting him to give you ride. you smile to yourself as you reach outside and see a familiar male standing next to his car, waiting for you. as you walk closer, though, your blood runs cold and you stop in your tracks. there was someone else standing next to him, and it wasn’t very convenient for you.

you swallow and put on a brave face as you walk up to jeno, renjun standing right beside him. renjun’s eyes scan the parking lot and land right on you as you start to head toward his direction. his stomach spikes up in nerves, and he quickly looks at jeno with confusion written on his face as you approach them both.

“hey, cutie,” jeno quickly greets you, ignoring the sharp glare sent his way as you reject his hug. he pouts, “what?”

you roll your eyes, your gaze landing right on renjun, “i wasn’t expecting you. jeno didn’t tell me.” you look at jeno with another pointed look.

“me neither,” renjun confirms, nodding his head curtly. “he offered me a ride.”

you cross your arms, “same for me.”

“i’m right here,” jeno waves his hand in front of the both of you, and you scowl in his direction.

“i’m painfully aware,” you shift awkwardly as your eyes land on renjun again. “i forgot you had the same classes as him. you have the same major.”

renjun nods again, “yeah.” his responses are short, and you completely understand why. you don’t push a conversation with him any further.

“i’ll take the bus or something,” you wave jeno off, making him pout and grab your wrist while tilting his head.

“i can drive you both home,” jeno gives you a small smile.

you look at renjun with worry. there’s no way he would ever want to be in the same car as you, let alone breathing the same air as you.

to your surprise, renjun nods, “it’s fine.”

you slump your shoulders down, removing the grip jeno has on your wrist with a small frown. “are you sure?” you’re not asking jeno, you’re asking renjun. “i can really take the bus, no problem.”

renjun looks at you, raising an eyebrow, “i said it was fine, so it’s fine. don’t take the bus.”

you finally slowly nod your head, “okay. you can sit in front, though.” you offer renjun, and he just nods his head back.

jeno grins at the both of you, “great! let’s go then.”

the car ride is awkward, and you feel your heart tighten every time you even remotely look at renjun. you weren’t used to feeling guilty for doing your job, but you also never had to interact with the person more than once. let alone be in the same damn car as them. tension felt high on your end, and probably renjun’s end too. but jeno didn’t really seem to notice as he continue to turn the wheel on his car. you sigh quietly, looking out the back window and letting your thoughts consume you. this was quite inconvenient, and you were definitely going to have a long talk with jeno about this. he knew about your job, and yet still offered him a ride while knowing you needed one too.

jerk.

you’ll never forget this one.

your eyes end up traveling to renjun in the passenger seat, you sitting behind jeno so you’re able to get a good view of him. renjun was beautiful. he has a pretty nose, nice lips, good jawline, beautiful eye shape and color. he was, quite literally, stunning. you never really noticed how truly handsome and pretty he was until you got a closer look. his face wasn’t filled with vile or anger, and he wasn’t spewing words at you that made you want to curl up. he was just himself, renjun, for the time being.

when the car suddenly comes to a stop, you look and see that you’re not at your apartment, but renjun’s. the building was excessively tall and large, and you gape at the size of it. renjun thanks jeno, before turning back to look at you with your mouth wide open in shock. renjun can’t stop the little chuckle that escapes his lips as he eyes you. you looked like a kid on christmas, and it warmed his heart. he coughed, wondering why the hell he found you to be so cute all of a sudden. it made him feel strange the longer he looked at you. he breaks his thoughts before they travel too far.

“bye, y/n.” renjun’s soft voice cut through the air, and you jump at the sound, looking at him with bright eyes. he adores you for a second longer before snapping out of it.

“bye, renjun.” you wave at him as he gets out the car, and the minute he shuts the door, you climb over the middle console to sit next to jeno in the passenger seat.

the first thing you do after buckling is punch jeno’s arm. “ow! what the fuck?!” jeno hisses, rubbing his arm and looking at you like you’re crazy.

you snarl at him, “why the hell would you offer him a fucking ride?! you saw me bump into him last night, idiot!” you slap him again, and jeno just rolls his eyes from the weak hit.

“he needed a ride,” jeno shrugs his shoulders, “i couldn’t say no to the dude. he just got broken up with.”

“why didn’t you say anything about him?! or me for that fact!” you squeal at jeno, looking at him with annoyance and confusion as he pulls away from the enormous building where renjun lives.

“i was in the middle of texting you, but then you popped up so it didn’t really matter anymore. i was going to mention you after i sent the text,” jeno claims, giving you a side eye as he continues driving in the direction of your place. you huff and press your back into the seat aggressively, a large pout on your lips.

“it was so awkward, jeno,” you mumble with a whine, making jeno laugh. you glare at him as he continues to laugh at your expense. “he had no idea! we both didn’t.” you cross your arms and look out the window, indicating you were annoyed and upset with jeno.

he pouts, “come on now,” jeno lightly pushes you at a red light, looking at you with apologetic eyes as you turn to look at him. “it was just bad timing, babe.”

“ew,” you scoff, “don’t call me that.”

jeno laughs and his eyes and nose scrunch up as he hits the gas pedal when it turns green, “i’m really sorry.” jeno speaks, a smile still on his face.

“shut up,” you roll your eyes. “i take back what i said the other night.”

“huh?”

“you’re closing next time, too.”

jeno grunts as you smile in victory.

your legs dangle over jeno’s lap as you sit in his apartment living room. he had a nicer place than yours, considering his parents were a little... wealthy. to say the least. they actually owned the diner the two of you work at, but they were never really around. you mostly hung around him when you were bored and had nothing else to do. jeno was your bordem savior. but, right now, you wanted to kick him in the balls from where he sat.

“you’re what?!” your eyes are wide, and jeno wants to laugh at how comical you look, but decides against it. he still wants to have kids in the future, and your feet were way too close to his crotch area.

“it just happened today!” jeno defends, looking at you with his own wide eyes. jeno’s hands raise in defeat, “hey, don’t blame me. blame my professor.”

you scoff, “you’re paired with renjun for a project?” you sound and look incredulous right now. but you were truly having a hard time believing this was real life. you were truly doomed.

“yeah, i mean, i knew we had a partner project soon but i didn’t know my partner. i guess it’s just very inconvenient,” he stiffles a laugh at the end and you can see the way he tries to stop himself.

your eyes narrow in his direction and he seels his lips tight, “so, no more rides from you without seeing renjun? is he going to visit our work? is he coming here more often?” your questions fly out your mouth before you could stop them, worry flashing your eyes.

jeno snorts, “probably.”

“i hate you.”

“hey! i’m just being honest!” jeno shoots you a surprised look.

you huff, leaning back in your seat as your back presses against the arm of his couch, “this sucks. of course this happens to me.”

jeno’s eyes travel to where you start to cross your arms and he laughs, “you’re such a child, babe.”

“my feet are very close to your prized jewels right now, jeno.” you warn, looking at him with narrowed eyes again.

jeno swallows, “but you’re cute?” he says it in a question, and you roll your eyes but you have a small smile playing at your lips. jeno smiles back. “it won’t be that bad. the project is only due in a month.”

“a month?! what the fuck? how big is this project?” your eyes turn wide and with worry.

jeno sinks further into his own seat, “i know, that’s what i was thinking, too. he just gave us an extended amount of time because he knew we were all lazy in the first place. he desperately wants us to pass,” he chuckles a bit, “but i’m already passing.”

you roll your eyes at the small boast, “what about renjun?”

jeno hums, “he takes school very seriously, from what i know. he’s always focused in class and never slacks off even the slightest. he’s a hard worker.”

you groan, “so, he’s going to be over a lot?”

“probably.” jeno repeats. “he doesn’t like the idea of even possibly failing.”

you fall further into your seat, your head now leaning against the arm of the couch as you sulk. jeno looks at you with a small smile, but it wasn’t comforting. he was mocking you.

“i will actually kick you in the nuts right now.” you threaten, your face serious and stern.

jeno goes pale for a moment, before he smiles again, “you said that a few minutes ago, but my nuts are still in tact.” you start to raise your leg, before jeno pushes your legs down with wide eyes, “alright, alright! i’m sorry.”

“you should be,” you say it softly but there’s a small smile on your face, and jeno returns it. “this is just too much for me.” you whine, your hands going to cover your face.

jeno rubs soothing circles into your calves with his thumbs, one hand on each leg, “sorry, cutie.”

“you didn’t try asking for anyone else?” you remove your hands and raise an eyebrow at him.

he snorts again, “no, i can’t stand everyone else in that class. they’re all very annoying and it’s no wonder professor gave us an extended deadline. renjun was the best option for anyone, i was just lucky...ish?” he says the last part with hesitance.

you groan again, making a pouty face and looking at jeno’s hands on your legs, “i’m just going to have to get over it and try to avoid him as best i can.”

“that’s not getting over it, that’s pushing it aside.” jeno points out.

you look at him again with a sour look, “you are really pushing it today, jeno.”

“don’t hurt my balls.”

you scoff as you lean back into your seat, a small laugh escaping your throat before you can stop it. you were lucky enough to have jeno as a friend, and the jokes the two of you would pull always made you feel better. it was just a natural thing between the two of you, and you were heavily grateful for him. not that that you would outwardly express that to him, but you knew that he knew this in some ways. he could probably see it in the way you smile after every joke. jeno really was your best friend.

you check the time on your phone, “i should go. i have to study for a test.”

jeno nods, pushing your legs off of him as you start to get up, “i’ll see you later, babe.”

“will you ever stop saying that?”

jeno smiles, “nope.”

you roll your eyes as you open his front door, “bye, idiot.”

“bye, cutie!” he shouts out as you close the door. you can’t stop the smile on your face as you walk out.

your mind subconsciously wanders towards a certain male. renjun.

you frown as you realize it was probably going to be a lot harder to avoid him if he came to your work. you hoped he wouldn’t, and he would just opt to go to jeno’s place or his to work on the project and not bother going to the diner. but renjun was a hard worker, from what you knew. and you assumed he would take any opportunity he could to talk to jeno about the project.

you conclude that you’re fucked by the time you reach your apartment that night.

you were tired, exhausted. jeno could see it in your eyes as you yawned once again, your eyes filling up with water. jeno looks at you with worry, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“are you okay?” his voice interupts your sleepy daze, and you let out a low sigh.

“just tired. i stayed up late again studying after i left your place,” you lean against the counter beside you and cross your arms. the diner was conveniently empty around this time, and you were grateful for the slow day for once.

“you should rest more, it’s not good to stay up that late.” jeno scolds you, giving you a look that a mother gives a child when they steal a cookie out of the jar.

you hum, “i know, i’ll rest tonight.”

“did you pass the test at least?” he questions, raising an eyebrow at you as he stands in front of you and leans against the counter as well.

“i-” you’re about to answer, before someone walks in and interupts your conversation. you go to greet them, before you realize it’s a familiar male. your eyes whip in jeno’s direction and his own eyes turn wide.

“i forgot,” he looks at you sheepishly, “he texted me saying he was going to come by on my break.”

you huff, running your hands over your face in frustration as renjun makes his way towards the front counter. “i’m going to actually castrate y-”

“renjun!” jeno shouts too enthusiastically, interupting you as he grins at renjun gratefully. you roll your eyes as you watch the two of them. jeno retreats from behind the counter to walk towards him, and renjun looks at him curiously.

“jeno?” he says it in a question, unsure as to why jeno was so happy to see him all of a sudden.

jeno pouts playfully, “y/n was about to beat me up.”

you scoff, “you would have deserved it.” a small smile plays on your lips as a playful glint dances through your eyes.

renjun stands a little awkwardly, not sure what to say or do. he had no idea how to respond, or what he should do in a situation even close to this. you could see that renjun was still cautious towards you, but thankfully jeno broke the silence.

“i have to run out to my car and get my books,” jeno grabs his keys out of his pocket before heading towards the back where his car was parked, “i’ll be right back.” you were going to curse jeno for leaving you alone with renjun. you didn’t even have time to whine about it to him as he rushes out the door. you only hoped he would be quick.

your previous sleepy daze seemed to be snapped right out of you as you looked at renjun to catch him looking at you already. his gaze was a little intense as he eyed you, and you were almost afraid to look away. he had a pretty brown pair of eyes, and they seemed to visibly darked as you switched your gaze from his eyes to his lips unconsciously. he had a pretty face, his features seemingly dainty.

he speaks into the silence, breaking you out of your trance, “is he always like that?”

“huh?” you tilt your head.

he laughs lightly, the sound ringing in your ears, “bubbly. he seems a bit scattered.”

you shake your head, “he’s actually quite shy around people he doesn’t know. he’s just comfortable around me, and i guess you too because you’re in his class.” you smile softly at renjun, and he returns it back, making your stomach churn.

renjun nods his head, “how long have you been dating?”

you cough, choking on your spit as you heave out a breath of air. did he really just ask that? renjun’s eyes go wide as he fears you’re having a hard time breathing and he’s now aware that he caught you off guard. the apology quickly flies out of his mouth before he can think.

“i’m sorry,” he rushes, “i didn’t mean to pry, or anything. that was quite sudden.” he speaks politely and you laugh out loud, the sound englufing renjun whole as he listens to the pretty noise. renjun curses his heart as it flutters in his chest.

“he’s not my boyfriend, not even close.” you let out after you catch your breath and you stabilize. “we’ve been friends since kids, it would be weird to think of him that way. i know he feels the same about me.”

“so you two work together too?” he asks curiously, suddenly invested.

“yeah,” you nod, “we’re coworkers and best friends. his parents actually own this diner. they offered both of us a job here once we were old enough.”

“where are they?” he looks around and finds it’s just you and him, and jeno who was taking too long in his car looking for his books.

you shrug, “they’re not the most humble of people.” you start, leaning on the counter as you begin to feel more comfortable around him. you place your elbows on the counter, your front half leaning on it as you put your head in your hands, “so they’re not always around, and sometimes even jeno isn’t sure where they are. they still regularly send money to him and check up on him, but i’m not sure that’s healthy parenting.”

renjun nods, suddenly feeling sorry for jeno, “where are your parents?”

you tense at the question but decide to answer anyway, “i moved out awhile ago. i was mostly around jeno to begin with, and my parents..” you pause, and he watches you patiently. your mind runs wild as you hesitate in answering. “they were never around either. while jeno’s parents still check on him, mine don’t. they’re more greedy than jeno’s parents.”

“so you’re both wealthy?” he asks, curiosity lingering in his gaze.

“my parents are, and jeno is. my parents don’t help me out much,” you get up from your leaning position and stand away from the counter, the stance becoming uncomfortable. “i do everything on my own, which i prefer anyway.”

renjun nods, ready to ask more questions before the back door opens and here comes jeno running in. renjun looks a little solemn that your moment with him is over, but you don’t dwell on it.

“finally found it,” jeno breathes, “my bag was hidden under my seat.”

you laugh at jeno, tearing away from renjun so soon. it leaves him a little empty, but he pushes the thought aside as he hears you speak, “you took way too long, dude.”

jeno huffs, “i know, i know. sorry for leaving you with her for so long.” jeno looks apologetically towards renjun, and you wack his shoulder as he winces.

“hey! i’m not that bad,” you interject, looking at him with a pout. you’re suddenly aware that you quite literally broke up renjun with his girlfriend, and you shrink where you stand as you look back towards him. renjun didn’t seem uncomfortable for once, and you let out a breath of relief.

renjun shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips, “she’s great at conversations, i wasn’t bored.” renjun unexpectedly compliments you, and your eyes go wide. you feel your hands start to tingle as you stand there, the compliment making your head spin.

jeno smiles brightly, his eyes squinting as he looks at you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pulling you close to him, “she can be great, can’t she?”

you push jeno away with a scoff, “you were just insulting me two seconds ago, get off me, idiot.”

jeno rolls his eyes, but a smile is still placed on his lips, “whatever, cutie. should we get to work now?” his question is directed towards renjun, and you look at the way renjun diverts his gaze from you to jeno.

“yeah,” renjun nods, before giving you a smile, “thank you for keeping me company while jeno looked for his books.”

you nod back, a smile on your own face, “anytime.”

renjun likes the feeling you give him for the small amount of time before he retreats to an empty table with jeno. renjun wants to hate you and look at you with a scowl on his face everytime he sees you, but his body always chooses against him and his feelings run high every time he comes close to you. he was unsure what he really felt when it came to you, but he realized it wasn’t bitterness or anger like he once felt the night of you breaking up with him for yeri. renjun had time to recollect his thoughts and reminisce in his past relationship since then. you gave him a different feeling from before, and he no longer felt uneasy around you.

as he looks at jeno while he speaks, renjun unknowingly starts to gain a small crush on you.

grabbing a coffee from your campus café, you let out a soft yawn and pay for your drink. the cold was approaching, and feeling the hot liquid run down your throat as you sip makes you smile just a bit. you had an early lecture today, and you could still feel sleep creeping in your bones. as you turn to walk out, you notice someone walk in. you curse beneath your breath. this was becoming a ridiculous recurrence nowadays.

renjun’s eyes scan the room, before landing on you. his eyes turn slightly wide, before softening and making way to approach you. he strides easily, a small smile playing on his lips while walking towards you.

“this is just becoming weird,” renjun laughs, “why do we always seem to meet?”

you huff, taking another sip of your drink, “it is weird,” you chuckle, “i’m not sure. maybe we’re meant to be?” you giggle, and he smiles at you gleefully.

“we just might be,” his grin was captivating, and you will yourself to tear away from his pretty eyes. “you have an early course today, too?”

you nod your head, “yeah, does jeno?”

“i assume so?” he tilts his head slightly, “he probably slept in late today, though.” renjun scoffs as he thinks of the boy’s reckless attitude.

“he does love his sleep,” you laugh lightly. renjun likes the way you sound when you laugh, and he finds your smile to be quite charming.

“he didn’t offer you a ride?” he asks, tilting his head as he stares curiously.

you shake your head, “nope, i didn’t even know he would have an early course.”

renjun nods, before an idea pops in his mind and he hesitantly asks you a question that makes your mind fuzzy. “i can take you to class from now on, if you want?” renjun desperately wanted to spend more time with you. he would be lying if he said he didn’t.

“oh, uh,” you look nervously, “i really don’t want to be a bother, or anything.” you shuffle on your feet, and you were really starting to wonder why renjun didn’t hate you.

“you won’t be,” he beams at you with a cute smile, “how do you normally get here?”

“the bus, or i call an uber,” you state nervously.

renjun pouts, “that’s expensive for a college student. i don’t mind taking you on days we have schedules close in time.” he pauses before continuing, “jeno sleeps in too late,” he lightly laughs.

you grip onto the coffee in your hand, your eyes meeting his, “he does,” you chuckle back. you stand in silence as you consider renjun’s offer. “if you don’t mind, then i’ll take up on your offer.”

renjun smiles brightly, “of course i don’t mind,” his voice is soft and reassuring, “can i have your number? i’ll text you my schedule.” he hands you his phone.

you nod your head and place your number into his contacts, “thank you, renjun.” you’re wafted with a grateful feeling for renjun as you watch him type into his phone.

“no problem,” he casually says. seconds later, you hear a ping come from your phone, “that’s my schedule. if you have the same hours, just let me know. my schedule sometimes varies.”

you nod again, “thank you, again. jeno never sends me his schedule,” you scoff.

renjun laughs, “i can tell.” renjun checks the time on his phone, “i have to go now, but i’ll see you later.”

you smile at him, “see you later.”

as he walks out, it suddenly deems on you that you just gave renjun your number. you really, truly just gave renjun your number, and he was planning on taking you to your classes any time the two of you had close enough schedules. you realize that renjun was too sweet and kind for his own good. if you were him, you would probably hate you. but renjun hasn’t exactly been rude to you the whole entire time, even when you broke him and yeri up, per yeri’s request. he was just angry, but definitely not spiteful towards you. it made you feel slightly more guilty the kinder and kinder he became.

you definitely had to get used to this.

“me and renjun literally have almost the same schedule, why is he offering you rides when i can give them?”

you roll your eyes at jeno’s words, “you wake up too late, idiot.” you pause as he chuckles, “he probably means when you can’t, or don’t want to.”

jeno takes a bite of his muffin before sipping his coffee and replying to you, “less driving for me then.” he grins at you, and you scoff at him.

“i’ll just ask renjun from now on then,” you stick your tongue out at him, and jeno only laughs again.

“you’re so cute,” he confesses, pinching your cheek after setting down his muffin and coffee. “renjun is probably more reliable anyway.” you watch as jeno slumps into his seat. “he’s actually supposed to be over soon,” he checks the time on his phone, surprised by the numbers shown.

“what?” you panic, unaware that renjun was supposed to be coming over to jeno’s anytime soon. you sat in his living room, a shirt of jeno’s embracing your body and a pair of shorts you threw on. “fuck, why do you never tell me these things prior?” you hurriedly start to gather your things, eagerly looking for your misplaced apartment key.

jeno shrugs, “i lost track of time.”

you roll your eyes, about to tell him off before you both hear a loud knock at his front door. you groan and look at jeno desperately, “i hate you so much, jeno.”

jeno laughs as he walks towards the door, “no you don’t!”

you huff as you sit back down on his couch, already knowing it was too late to go walking out the door like you were never there in the first place. as you hear jeno greet renjun, your mind floods with thoughts of him. you started to curse yourself for wearing one of jeno’s shirts, knowing he would think something was going on between the two of you when, in reality, nothing was. you were just extremely close with jeno, and that’s how it always would be. you weren’t sure why you were so worried about renjun seeing you in jeno’s clothes, but you were slightly freaking out in your seat. hopefully he wouldn’t notice it was one of jeno’s shirts.

“also,” you hear jeno approaching the room, “y/n’s here.” you can just hear the smile in his voice. cocky idiot.

as jeno and renjun walk in, you look dumbly at the both of them. you were unsure what to do at this point. you kept mindlessly running into renjun without meaning to, and it was becoming ridiculous. you really hoped he didn’t think you were stalking him and keeping tabs on him.

“hey, we meet again,” your voice wavers, and you’re not sure why you were so nervous. it wasn’t like renjun hadn’t talked to you before.

renjun takes in your appearance, and you shift in your spot on the couch. “i’m starting to think us meeting isn’t simply by chance anymore,” renjun smiles at you teasingly, and you groan.

“i promise it is,” you lightly laugh, before catching a glimpse at jeno, who is smirking to himself.

“do you want to stay here while we work?” jeno asks, looking at you curiously now. “you can stay the night.”

you hum, “i’ll stay.” in all honesty, you didn’t want to go home. your neighbors could be loud at night, and it could be quite the distraction. you had already brought all of your stuff with you, planning on staying the night in the first place. you couldn’t find a problem in waiting for jeno and renjun to get done with their work.

jeno nods, “where do you wanna work?” he asks renjun, and you tune out the rest as you unknowingly admire renjun once again.

he had such pure features, and he was so virtually kind. you wondered how renjun could have such a strong temper, and always look so heavenly. and, unknown to you, but renjun was quietly admiring you back. renjun felt a twist in his stomach the minute he heard you were here, and his heart stung when he saw you sat on the couch in a large t-shirt and some shorts. renjun shouldn’t be catching feelings for someone like you. or just you in general. but he was, and he found his heart playing strings on him at the sound of your voice, the way your lips moved, your eyes zeroed in on him. it was lethal for him.

he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what he felt when it came to you, but he knew it was developing the more and more he got to see you. he found you irresistible, and he was thanking the universe for not keeping you away from him. he didn’t want to consider you as a rebound, though. and he refused to make you think you were just a way to get over his ex. so he stayed extremely quiet, admiring you from where you were. he wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to gain the courage to have a one-on-one conversation with you, but he hoped he would sometime in the future. he would regret it for the rest of his life if he didn’t.

as renjun worked with jeno, you were laced in his brain most of the time, making it hard for him to focus and work on what he needed to. it was uncharted territory for him, considering he was a hard worker and constantly needed everything to be perfect. but you managed to take over his thoughts for most of the evening, and that was terrifying on his end.

“thanks for working with me,” jeno casually says as he walks towards the door with renjun.

renjun nods his head, “we did good. we got quite a bit done, we might have this done sooner than expected.” renjun smiles at him as kind as possible, and jeno chuckles, patting him on the back.

“maybe,” jeno pauses, before turning his gaze to you as he passes by the living room, “i expect my shirt to be returned to me this time.” jeno snarls at you, and renjun feels his whole heart sink into his stomach. you were wearing jeno’s shirt?

you hear jeno, and it makes you freeze from where you’re seated. surely, renjun heard him, too. fuck sake, renjun was right next to him. you want to slap jeno on the back of his head for saying something so careless. you start to panic again, your eyes wandering to the hallway connected to the living room as you see jeno stopped there to give you an accusing look. you lean over the back of the couch and scowl at him.

“oh shut up, you never wear this shirt anyway, idiot.” you grip onto the couch tighter as you look over the renjun. his expression is unreadable, and you mentally curse jeno for him and his loud mouth. “we’re friends, let me wear your shirt.” you quickly let out, eyes lingering on renjun for just a bit longer as you watch his eyebrow slightly twitch.

jeno huffs, “whatever, cutie.”

you watch as jeno starts to walk away, but renjun stands for a second longer, “i’ll see you later, y/n.” and he smiles at you, despite the sting of jealousy coating his bones. he wanted you to be close to him the way you were with jeno, but he understood that wasn’t exactly possible. renjun didn’t grow up with you the way jeno did.

“see you, renjun,” you smile back, and sigh to yourself as you sink back into the couch, watching renjun finally starting to walk away.

jeno says his goodbyes to renjun, before shutting the door and being greeted by a frown from you. “what?” he tilts his head innocently.

when he sits next to you, you thwack him behind his head and cross your arms, “you idiot!”

“ow! what the fuck?!” jeno exclaims, eyes widening as he stares in shock.

“you just had to mention me wearing your shirt,” you glare at him, and jeno really isn’t understanding where you’re coming from.

“yeah? and?” jeno looks incredulous, still confused and shaken up by your random outburst. “what? do you like him or something?”

you lean back into your seat further, “i’m..not sure.” your arms were still crossed, and you looked around the room with nervous eyes.

jeno smiles at you, “you do, don’t you?”

“fuck, just shut up, jeno.” you groan, lightly kicking him in the thigh, “i don’t know, i told you.”

jeno sits proudly in his seat, “whatever you say, cutie.”

“i really hate your attitude right now.”

jeno shrugs, “you’re still here, though, aren’t you?”

you kicked him again, and he lets out a loud laugh at the action.

you were seriously going to go crazy soon because of him.

your nerves were on edge. you had the same schedule as renjun today, and you tried asking jeno to get you but he was obviously sleeping, if his lack of response was anything to go by. you cursed jeno for sleeping so much. you really didn’t want to have to pay to get to campus, but you also didn’t want to bother renjun.

you stare at your phone screen as your typed out message asking him if he can pick you up sits there. you could feel your heart jump out of your chest as you hesitantly press send, deciding on not dragging it out any longer before you end up being too late. a few seconds later, you get a ping on your phone as he types out ‘sure’ with a smiley face next to it. you let out a long sigh, feeling your body start to relax.

when renjun asked for your address, you were suddenly aware of the fact that you would be alone with him in a car. a small, enclosed space. the thought made you dizzy as you sent your address quickly. you could handle being in the car with him when jeno was there, but you weren’t sure how you were going to react to being alone with him in a car. you started to wonder what he smelt like, and if you were going to be able to possibly smell him in the car.

you scoff at yourself for being so creepy, deciding on quickly getting ready as you see renjun saying he’s on the way.

as you slip your shirt over your head, you hear your phone ringing, blindly picking it up, “hello?”

“i’m here,” his voice was laced with sleep still, and you could audibly hear it.

you swallow, “i’ll be right out.”

renjun hangs up the phone with a small hum, and you softy smile to yourself as you swing your bag over your shoulder and lock the door behind you. you see his car in front of your apartment, considering the apartment you lived in was almost like a townhome. you can see him through the window shield, watching as he fixed his hair in the mirror before making eye contact with you. you looked pretty even in the mornings, and it truly blew him away. he could feel his heart flutter at the thought of finally being able to get a longer moment alone with you.

as you walk towards his car, he places a bright smile on his face when you open the door, “good morning.”

you laugh lightly, closing the door and placing your bag onto the floor, “good morning.” you pause, situating yourself as you buckle, “thank you, by the way.”

renjun waves you off, a small smile on his lips, “no problem.”

his hair was slightly out of place, but you liked it that way. he adorned a simple sweater and some jeans, making him look more cozy and inviting. when he shifted the car from park to reverse, you got a sudden whiff of his cologne. and oh, did he smell heavenly. your thoughts drown out the real world as you take in renjun’s appearance more and more. he smelled expensive, in a way, but you didn’t exactly mind it. not in the slightest.

“jeno didn’t answer i’m guessing?” renjun takes a quick glance at you before looking back at the road.

you nod your head, “yeah, he adores his sleep a little bit too much.” you snort in thought of jeno constantly sleeping in, and renjun laughs with you.

“i can tell.” renjun’s voice is deeper than usual, and you assume it’s because it’s so early in the morning. but you end up actually liking the sound of it.

renjun can feel his heart beating heavily inside his chest. he wasn’t sure how to go about talking to you, or simply being around you. he was causing himself danger being around you so much, that much he knew. but he couldn’t bring himself to stop surrounding himself in you. maybe it was the way you two constantly seemed to randomly bump into each other, but he was starting to really enjoy being in your company. he probably shouldn’t have. and he knows this. but he couldn’t help the fact that his heart quickens in pace, his hands grow tingly, and his body reacts to you in every way possible. you were becoming unbearably intoxicating to him so quickly, and the thought terrified him to no end. but he made no moves to stop it, and he continued to consume himself in you. he shouldn’t have. he knows. god, he knows.

but the second he glances over at you as he puts his car in park in the campus parking lot, he thinks he can endure being around you for just a little bit longer. he finds the way you search aimlessly into your bag for an item completely adoring. he thinks the way you pout when you can’t find it absolutely charming. he likes the small little smile on your face as you pull out your wallet from your bag, showing him that you found it.

renjun was really becoming fond of you way too quickly.

“i found it,” you say cutely, looking at him with bright eyes that made his heart swoon for you.

“good job,” renjun smiles sweetly, and you shyly turn away from his sincere gaze. you weren’t entirely sure what you felt when it came to renjun, but you didn’t find it to be negative in any way.

renjun turns his car off finally, taking his keys and placing them in his pocket, “i’ll drive you home after, too. if that’s okay?”

you nod your head, looking at him gratefully, “more than okay.”

renjun admires your pretty smile for just a bit longer, before nodding his head back and getting out of the car, you following suit. he finds himself watching you walk away when you give him a cute little wave, a big smile gracing your beautiful features. and renjun can’t seem to focus for most of his class, his mind fuzzy from thoughts of you. the image of your smile is engraved into his head, and he likes the way you make him feel, despite knowing how odd it may seem. it was almost as if he completely forgot about the whole yeri situation, and in all honesty, he kind of did. yeri was the last of his worries when it came to you, and he liked knowing that, too. although you did break him up with yeri for money, he couldn’t bring himself to feel bitter towards you. he knew he should have. considering the amount of pain he felt that night, and many nights after. but he really couldn’t. every time he tried, he would end up in a cycle of admiring your beauty and remembering just how charming and sweet your smile looked. how soft and angelic your voice would ring in his ears.

renjun should have hated you, but the hate always dissipated into stronger liking towards you.

“you drove y/n?” renjun hears a voice next to him, breaking him out of his thoughts. he looks up and finds jeno smiling at him, his hair messy as he undoubtedly rushed to get ready. jeno places himself next to renjun, waiting on an answer.

renjun nods his head in the end, “yeah, she said she texted you but you didn’t answer.”

jeno yawns before letting out a low chuckle, “yeah, sorry about that. i slept in again today.” jeno leans back into his seat, eyeing renjun, “thanks for taking her and offering her rides. i don’t mean to sleep in or anything, i tend to forget i have classes until last minute when i’m panicking to get ready.”

renjun laughs, shaking his head at jeno, “not a problem, really. she keeps great company, as always.”

jeno nods his head, “she does, yeah.” jeno pauses before letting out a laugh of his own, “a bit of a brat, but she’s a great friend.”

renjun nods this time, licking his lips in thought. he was suddenly aware again of you and jeno’s close friendship, making him slightly envious of jeno. “do you like her?” renjun couldn’t stop the question from flying out of his mouth, and renjun quickly becomes embarrassed, eyes going wide and his ears turning slightly pink.

jeno raises an eyebrow at the boy next to him, “what?”

“sorry,” renjun looks away from jeno, eagerly flipping through pages of the book in front of him.

jeno laughs again, and it’s boisterous, making others look at him weirdly as he throws his head back in humor, “oh god, no.” he shakes his head, and renjun whips his head in jeno’s direction. “no, i don’t like her. she’s my best friend, and i’d like to keep it that way.” jeno crosses his arms, yawning again like what he said wasn’t swimming in renjun’s head.

renjun couldn’t stop the feeling of excitement bubbling in his chest. he wasn’t sure why he was so happy to hear that, but he was. renjun wanted to believe he had a chance with you.

“oh,” renjun said quietly, not saying anything more and he boasted silently in his seat.

jeno was about to say something, before the professor began to talk and the lesson began finally. the whole hour, renjun’s mind was you, you, you.

as the course finished, renjun packs his things diligently, his thoughts still wrapped up in everything that you were. everything that made up who you were. renjun desperately wanted to get to know you better, know exactly who you were by the back of his hand the same way jeno did. he probably knew that wasn’t possible, but he could always dream.

“are you taking her home?” jeno breaks renjun away from his thoughts again.

renjun nods, “yeah, she said i could.”

jeno nods his own head this time, smiling at him, “that’s fine, tell her i said hey.” jeno waves as he walks towards his car when the two of them walk into the parking lot.

renjun makes his way towards his own car, patiently waiting by it as he searches around for you. his heart skips in his chest as he sees you bounce in a couple of your steps when you notice him standing there. he watches the smile stretch on your face, and he so wanted to kiss you at that very moment. renjun was surprised by his own thoughts, but shook them away as you approached him.

“hi,” you greeted him, “did you see jeno?”

renjun nods, “yeah, he sat next to me. we talked a bit before class started and after. he said i could take you home.”

you smile at him again, your grin making renjun feel light, “great, i like your driving a bit better anyway.”

renjun laughs at that, looking at you with kind eyes, “you do?”

“yeah,” you shrug, making way to the passenger side of the car, “it’s definitely safer. i mean, you saw him drive.”

“you just like picking on him,” renjun comments, but he’s smiling as the two of you climb into the car.

“maybe,” your smile reaches your eyes, and he takes in the sight in front of him. you seated in his car next to him, a beautiful grin taking over your features. you were so lovely in his eyes. he watches you buckle, him doing the same. as he places the keys in the ignition, he hears the car roar to life and he takes one last look at you before putting the car in reverse and pulling out.

“i figured,” renjun replies after a bit with a shake of his head. “jeno told me to tell you he said hey, by the way.”

you chuckle, “of course he did.”

“he really cares for you,” renjun looks over at you for just a split second, seeing your small smile.

you gaze over at renjun, seeing the way his jaw tightens when you stare for too long, “i know. he’s the closest thing i have to a brother.”

renjun nods, “your friendship seems strong.”

“it is,” you pause, “do you have any friends like that?”

renjun stops for a few, and the car falls silent. “not really.” he shifts in his seat as he stops at a light, “i only really had yeri and her friends. i’m not too outgoing, per-say, and i didn’t grow up with anyone close.”

you start to feel guilt fill your bones as you remember breaking up him and yeri for money. it was selfish, and you were unaware of the pain you truly brought on others, until now. were you starting to care more and more for renjun? you weren’t exactly sure, but you knew you felt bad for the actions you caused.

“oh,” you say quietly, and you feel so small in your seat. renjun presses on the gas as the light turns green.

renjun shakes his head, waving you off, “don’t feel bad, or anything. i kind of knew me and yeri wouldn’t last forever.. we just simply weren’t compatible enough.”

“do you miss her?” you find yourself asking, and you curse yourself for being so personal.

renjun pauses again, “sometimes.” he admits, and you feel the air turn tense. “but i think i don’t actually miss her. i miss the feeling she gave me.”

you nod, “i get that.”

“she was my first love, you know.” renjun looks at you with a small smile for just half a second, “i’m sure everyone knew about us. she was quite popular among everyone, but i wasn’t.” renjun unknowingly opens his heart to you, “she took me under her wing in the beginning of high school, and i fell in love with her over the years of knowing her.. she was the closest thing i’ve ever really had to a best friend, or anything.”

you feel your heart ache for him, and you can’t stop yourself from clutching onto the one hand that was resting on the gear shift. renjun jumps in his seat as he feels your warm hand enclose around his cold one. renjun’s hand was surprisingly larger than yours, despite it being dainty and frail. you liked the feel of his hand in yours, and he definitely thought the same thing. renjun could hear and feel his heart beating right out of his chest.

“well,” you gulp, looking at the side of his face he desperately tries to focus on the road in front of him, pulling into your apartment complex area, “you have me now. if you want to be friends.”

he wants to be more.

renjun feels his heart shatter as he has to let go of your hand to place the car in park. he immediately misses the feeling of your smaller hand in his own, and he curses his car for ruining such a special moment for him. all his frustrations seem to fade away, though, when he looks back into your eyes. you were so sincere, so soft. you were nothing how he imagined when he first met you. he figured you would be someone heartless, selfish, overbearing. but you were so much the opposite of that. maybe he was blinded by the feeling of trust in his heart, but he really didn’t care even if he was. you were so captivating to him, and he couldn’t seem to get enough just yet.

not quite yet.

“i want to be friends,” renjun confirms, looking at you hopefully. he wants to kiss you, show you he wants more, but he goes against it. and he doesn’t catch the way you stare at him for just a bit longer, or the way your eyes linger on his lips. he was too engrossed in his thoughts to notice.

you smile, and it’s so sweet and kind that it makes renjun almost shiver, “good, me too.” you gather your bag, shooting him a beautiful grin that has renjun swooning again in his seat, “thank you again for driving me. i can send gas money or-”

“no,” renjun interjects quickly, “no need. i’m glad to drive you.” and he really does mean it. any chance he can get to be around you, he’s sure he’ll take it.

you nod, pausing to look at him for a bit longer, before opening the door and going to step out, “you’re sweet. it means a lot.” renjun grins from ear to ear, and you find it quite cute. “i’ll talk to you later, alright?”

renjun nods his head, “alright.” he watches as you shut the door behind you as you climb out, and renjun doesn’t make a move to leave until he sees you made it in safe. when you walk into your apartment, renjun lets out a long breath of relief and slams his head onto his steering wheel.

he was so, so fucked.

renjun really isn’t sure how he came about this.

his thoughts were running mindlessly, and he ended up finding his hand around his cock, stroking slowly. at first, he wasn’t thinking of anything in particular, just enjoying the feeling his hand gave him as he feels his stomach tense up every now and then. it wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling, but what was unfamiliar was the fact that his mind ended up drifting towards you.

he started to see your smile and how pretty you looked in the mornings. he actually got to take you to college a few more times after the first, and each time he ended up admiring your beauty more and more. you were becoming ethereal to him. how could you possibly be real?

as renjun moves his hand quicker, he can hear the slick his precum created as he spread it along his tip and down his shaft. he gasped, imagining your tiny hand wrapped around his cock instead of his own. he tightened the grip on his base as he started pumping a bit faster, his thumb swiping over his head each time he reached to the top. his hand was becoming sloppier and sloppier, and he couldn’t stop the raise of his hips as he felt his release come closer and closer.

“fuck,” he shudders, imagining you possibly asking if you can take his cock in your mouth, suck him off prettily. he imagines the way spit would trail down the sides of your mouth and chin and down onto his cock, his hips raising up to gag you. he imagines his hand in your hair, easing you into it and telling you how good you’re being for him. he would ask if he can fuck your mouth, and he’d love the shine in your eyes as you nod and take what he gives you.

he just knows you’d be absolutely breathtaking and such a good girl for him.

renjun feels his balls tense up as the thought of having you so close and intimate with him. he wants to kiss you, feel your breath on his neck as he fucks into you, make you cum and see how you’d react to his touches. he’s never thought of anyone this way, not even yeri. he’s never touched himself to the thought of someone.

he sighs, a shaky breath of air leaving him as he sinks deeper into his mattress, his knees raising up as his heels dig into the sheets. “holy.. shit.” he moans helplessly as he starts to rapidly pump his cock, thoughts of you bouncing around his mind. he can’t stop himself from raising his hips again in time with his hand on his member. he feels hot and heavy, eyes closing shut and eyebrows furrowing.

“fuck fuck fuck,” he rushes out, trying so hard not to make much noise. it wasn’t like he had roommates or anything, he just didn’t exactly like being vocal. then he starts to imagine the sweet sounds he would be able to pull out of you, and he feels himself lose control of his impending orgasm. he feels his hot, white seed shoot out and onto his stomach. renjun pants heavily, trying hard to come down quickly but still shivering as he rides out his orgasm.

renjun feels weak and light as he plops back down into his bed, glowing from cumming so hard. he lays his legs back down, before groaning as he feels his cum start to stick to him. he rushes to get up, grabbing wipes that he kept in his drawer and easily cleans himself up, a hum leaving his throat as he throws away the dirty wipe.

when he’s done and fully dressed again, renjun sighs deep into the air of his quiet room. did he really just get off to the thought of you? he feels guilt sink into his bones, a sudden shyness overcoming him at the thought of having to face you again after literally jerking off while thinking of you.

renjun rolls over onto his side, grabbing his covers and bundling himself up.

if he thought he was in trouble before, he was really in hell now.

“are you alright?” your voice broke through the once silent air, and renjun jumps in surprise. you pout, looking at him curiously. “what’s wrong?”

renjun shakes his head, looking at you for only half a second. he can’t tell you he jerked off to the thought of you a couple nights ago, it would just be plain out weird. “nothing, just a bit tired, i guess.” renjun stretches his limbs out of nerves.

you nod your head, “wanna get coffee?” you ask, eyes glowing under the sun in the cold weather.

renjun nods, “sure.”

you weren’t actually going to class or anything. in fact, it was the weekend. renjun had actually asked to hang out, much to your surprise. you remember going wide eyed at the text, silently freaking out on the inside as you replied to him, telling him you would love to. you didn’t think it was like renjun to act so boldly, but you weren’t really complaining or thinking too much into it. you were starting to like his company anyway.

renjun starts the car back up again after sitting in your driveway for some time, trying to decide what to do. you had only giggled when he told you that he didn’t really have anything planned, and told him to turn the car off while the two of you figured it out. that was when you noticed him spacing out and asked if he was alright.

“have you been working at the diner?” renjun asks casually, sparking up a conversation.

you nod, “yeah, i had a shift yesterday with jeno. i always get shifts with him.”

“who plans the shifts?” renjun turns the wheel with one hand, and you watch him closely from where you sat.

“jeno normally if his parents don’t,” you look at his hand that’s resting on the gear shift, “which is typically always.”

renjun nods his head, thoughtfully processing your words, “do you help him?”

“sometimes,” you shrug, “i’m normally always around him, but he tends to do the hard work himself.”

he hums, “wasn’t expecting that from jeno, in all honesty.” renjun chuckles, and you laugh along with him. his laugh was too pretty to ignore.

“me neither,” you can’t seem to pry your eyes away from renjun. he was handsome, too good looking for his own good. “but he’s actually really smart.”

“he is,” renjun agrees, “i see the way he works in class and when we’re doing our project. he’s actually really intelligent.. just a bit lazy, maybe.”

you laugh again, “he can be.” you pause, “do you work?”

he shakes his head, “i don’t.” renjun hesitates on continuing, “my parents are.. wealthy, i guess. they make sure to look after me.”

you nod, “that’s good. i’m sure it’s less stressful then?”

renjun shrugs, “it’s a bit boring, but i know i’m lucky to have what i got.”

everyone where you live are at least a little bit wealthy, if not stinking rich. you used to envy everyone who has caring enough parents to share their money, but you found you actually prefer doing things on your own without the help of your parents. sometimes you did wish they cared, though.

“we’re here,” renjun puts your thoughts to a stop as he parks the car at the cafe. you watch as he removes the keys from the ignition, giving you a sweet smile. renjun couldn’t stop himself from thinking about kissing you when you smiled back.

when the two of you order, you find yourself standing just a bit closer to renjun. he pays for your drink before you can object, and you give him a pout and a frown. renjun just smiles again, grinning like he won a prize. to your surprise, renjun ruffles your head and gazes cutely at you.

“hey!” you exclaim, looking at him with surprise and fake anger.

renjun shakes his head, laughing sweetly, “you’re too cute.”

you feel your body heating up in embarrassment, the words flowing out of his mouth too easily. his tone was adoring, and you actually ended up liking it. renjun’s playful side was growing onto you.

as you grab your drinks, renjun leads you back out into the car, “this was a bit boring.. sorry.”

you shake your head, “don’t be sorry. i’m actually having fun.” and you weren’t lying. you were really enjoying his presence.

“we can go back to my place, or something?” renjun suggests, giving you a curious look. “hang out there.”

you feel your stomach twist, “sure.. yeah, we can do that.”

“it’s alright if-”

“i don’t mind,” you quickly interrupt, “i want to. i wanna see what the inside of your apartment looks like.”

renjun nods, before reversing and driving off. he drives with ease, and you wonder how he can look so good even while doing something so simple as driving. renjun could say the same thing about as you take a sip of your coffee. you were so stunning in renjun’s eyes, and he adored the way you blew on your hot coffee before taking a quick sip. it was endearing, and you barely did anything.

“do you live alone?” you ask.

“i do,” renjun confirms, “i have my own place.”

“do you live near your parents, or..?” you tilt your head in curiosity.

he shakes his head, “no, they don’t live around here. they’re about 4 hours northwest from here by car.”

“oh,” you aren’t sure of what to say, “do you see them often?” you felt as if you were prying too much, “sorry for all the questions, you don’t have to answer them all or anything.”

renjun laughs lightly, the sound a bit airy, “i don’t mind, and no, i don’t see them often. i get a call or text every now and then, though.”

you shift in your seat beside him, “at least they keep in touch, right?”

he nods, “yeah, i’m grateful for it.”

the car falls silent for a few minutes, and you’re not sure what else to talk about. but you find the silence to be more comfortable than not, and that relieves you. you take the time to admire the way his fingers tap against the steering wheel, the way his jaw ticks every so often to look around when he turns, the way he licks his lips every now and then. renjun was inviting, at the very least. and you liked the way he brought a soft touch of comfort around you. renjun could absolutely say the same about you.

renjun was consumed by you, once again. and he was suddenly aware of the fact that he was genuinely just hanging out with you, no professions in the way or jeno being there. as much as renjun liked jeno, he also really liked you. and he was truly happy to get to spend this kind of time with you. he was especially happy at the fact that you said you would hang out with him, and here you were. he wasn’t planning on wasting this time with you.

as renjun pulls into the parking garage of his apartment building, he sees the way you look around curiously. “this isn’t a normal apartment complex.” you hum in thought.

renjun chuckles out of embarrassment, “i live in a penthouse.”

your eyes go wide as you whip your head towards his direction, “what?!”

“yeah,” renjun says lowly, parking his car in his designated spot. “that’s why it’s excessively large.”

you sit back in your seat, whistling below your breath, “wow, that’s impressive.”

renjun rolls his eyes, “let’s go.” but there’s a small smile on his face, looking at you playfully.

your eyes beam as you eagerly jump out of the car, him following after you. he likes the excited look on your face as he leads you towards the inside, not without swiping his card key to get in, though. you watch in detail as he holds the door open for you, letting you go in first. you say a small ‘thank you’, and he simply smiles at you.

renjun finds his hand itching to hold yours as the two of you walk towards the elevators. but he stops himself from doing so, thinking it might be a bit too forward. you were just hanging out, and he really wasn’t expecting anything to come out of it.

“what floor are you on?” you ask while waiting for the elevator.

renjun messes with his hair a bit out of nerves, “twelfth.” he says gingerly, taking a look at you as your mouth flies open.

your eyes turn wide, “that’s so high.” you hear a ping as the elevator doors open and two people walk out with a sweet smile as you both walk in. you ease into the elevator as he presses his floor number, and inserts a key into the elevator. you hum in thought to yourself, remembering suddenly that he lives in an actual penthouse. how rich was he?

as renjun finally gets the key to work, leaning back with a satisfied smile. renjun finds himself admiring you as you both stand in the enclosed space. he may not have been just as close as he was to you in his car, but he was still close. you were looking curiously around the elevator, like you’ve never been in one before. and he actually found it quite endearing. your eyes were glossy and wide, the light reflecting onto them and making stars shine in your eyes. you were a sight for sore eyes.

as the elevator dings open again, you’re greeted with a large living space, making you lowly whistle, “wheww,” you start, “this is impressive as hell.” you look around, and find that his decorations are very minimal. his place doesn’t exactly have a home feeling, but you figured he just liked having a clean area.

renjun shuffles on his feet nervously, “thanks.” he sounded shy, almost, making you turn your head towards him.

“sorry,” you mutter out, looking around and walking towards the large windows that show the city below, “i’ve just never really been inside a penthouse before.”

renjun shakes his head, following after you and watching the people walk by, “don’t be sorry. i’m glad you like it.” he smiles.

you can’t stop the small grin that forms on your lips at the sight of him when you turn your head again to watch him look below, “i do like it.” you find yourself lingering your gaze on him, making his heart speed up as his eyes stare back into yours. it was a slow moment, maybe long awaited. but your eyes went down towards his lips for a brief second, and this time he caught you.

renjun feels his palms turning sweaty and his head becoming full. he’s not sure what to do, keeping his eyes on you and nervously scanning your expressions. you were breathtaking, and he couldn’t pry his eyes away from you. everything you did, he became enraptured by. you were captivating to him, and he couldn’t tear this moment to pieces. you were looking at him, and he found that to be enough.

“renjun,” you spoke his name, and he could feel his heart beating right out of his chest once again.

“yeah?” he gruffly asks, looking at you with expectant eyes.

you step closer to him, and renjun doesn’t move. he desperately wanted to know what you were thinking, what you were planning on doing. everything about this moment was overwhelming to him, and he found himself licking his lips unconsciously. your eyes flitter to his lips again, watching his tongue poke out to wet his lips. you weren’t exactly sure what you were thinking, or what he was thinking. but you had a sudden urge to kiss him. you shouldn’t feel this way, and maybe you shouldn’t even be at his place, but you kept playing with your heart instead of your head. renjun was doing the same.

when you stand in front of him, renjun can smell you and feel your warmth. you can feel the same, his cologne taking up your brain. you felt intoxicated, and renjun certainly felt the same.

“do you want to kiss me?” you tilt your head, refusing to close the distance between the two of you without asking first. you had to make sure you weren’t making this all up in your head. that he really wanted it, too.

renjun’s quick to nod his head, eager eyes looking into yours, “yeah, i really do.” his voice is low, barely above a whisper as he speaks into the silent air. you can both feel the tension pulling at one another.

you raise a hand, hesitantly pressing your palm to his cheek as your other hand goes to his hair. he can feel how cold your hands were, but he didn’t exactly care. you were so irresistibly close, and he had you alone for once. he had you to himself, and that was all he could really think about. you. you were his entire mind recently, and it drove him up the wall.

“you can put your hands on me,” you say softly, your nose almost touching his. renjun was suddenly aware of how close you were, looking into your eyes before flickering towards your lips. he could easily kiss you, close the distance and claim you for himself. but he doesn’t, waiting on you to give him the signal.

he places his hands on your waist, and you like the way his hands fit perfectly on you. you can’t find self control anymore, finally leaning in and crashing your lips onto his. renjun swears he’s in heaven, and your lips were so fucking soft. he kisses you slowly, trying not to seem too eager or rush into it too much. you can feel his fingertips dig into your skin with ease as you kiss him, and you like the way he fits so well against you. pressing your chest to his, tugging at the ends of his hair, holding his face in one of your palms. renjun could feel his world dissipate. you were turning into his world in a matter of seconds, in a matter of minutes.

kissing renjun was soft, caring, gentle. it wasn’t rough or aggressive or rushing. it was what every romantic wish they had. you eased into his hold more and more, the kiss turning a little more sloppy as you feel him swipe his tongue on your bottom lip. you grant him access, no doubt. renjun can feel your thumb stroking his cheek and your hands tighten in his hair as his tongue slides in your mouth. it wasn’t a clash of teeth and tongue, it was smooth and slow. renjun definitely knew how to kiss. he tasted of coffee, and you were sure you did, too. it wasn’t unpleasant, though. maybe it was because it was renjun, but you actually liked it.

renjun wraps his arms completely around your middle, tugging you closer and making you groan against his lips. renjun’s ears perk up at the sound, a smile making its way onto his face. you can feel the grin on his lips, making you pull apart and smile back at him. you giggle as he gives you a goofy look, his smile reaching his eyes. renjun found you so beautiful from where you stood, and he found you even more charming standing in his arms.

renjun’s lips were slightly puffy, a little bit pink and wet. you give him a quick peck, making renjun lean in further to kiss you again. you let him for the time being, before pulling apart and letting out a loud laugh, throwing your head back in glee. renjun admires you, feeling the vibrations in your chest rumble against his own from how close you were and how tight he was holding you. he liked being so close to you.

“i have to use the bathroom, renjun.” your voice was so pretty.

he nods his head, slowly letting you go and holding your hand, “i’ll show you where it is.”

you finally take the time to admire the whole entire place, eyes scanning around the rooms as he leads you up the stairs. it was plain, but beautiful. simplicity at its finest.

“down there, to the right,” renjun instructs, “i’ll be downstairs waiting.” renjun kisses you on the cheek, and you like the soft gesture.

as you finish using the bathroom, you feel a buzz in your back pocket. you frown as you see it’s jeno saying to call you quickly. “jeno?” you call him, and you hear him sigh on the other end.

“are you at renjun’s?” you can hear the hurried hush in his voice, making you furrow your eyebrows.

“yeah? i told you-”

“yeri placed a bet.” jeno pauses, and you can hear him rummaging around for something, “she placed a bet that renjun would fall in love with you within the next month after she broke up with him.”

you feel your heart sink, looking around and feeling your body tense up, “what the fuck?”

“not even the worst part,” you can hear jeno adjusting himself in his seat, “she said you would break his heart and he would come running back to her in the end.”

“so,” you clear your throat, trying your best to whisper, “she broke up with him for a bet?”

“seems that way.”

you don’t want renjun to find out. it would definitely shatter him, and take the both of you a million steps back. for fuck sake, you just finished eating his face. you huff, your head suddenly feeling full and heavy. how were you supposed to go about this? what the hell were you supposed to do?

“what the fuck am i gonna do?” you lean back against the sink, crossing one of your arms over your chest as you hold the phone close to your ear. “i just kissed him, jeno.”

“renjun?” jeno asks.

you roll your eyes, “no, jeno. someone else.” sarcasm drips from your tone, “yes, idiot! renjun!”

jeno scoffs, “don’t be rude.”

“how did you even find out?” you quickly look at the time, and realize you’ve been in the bathroom for way too long. “i have to go soon.”

jeno quickly answers, “heard her talking about it on campus the other day. i’ve been meaning to talk to you about it for a little while now, i just haven’t found the right time.”

“and right now was?” you ask incredulously, “look, i have to go. i’ll talk more after i leave.”

“okay, see you later.” jeno hangs up, and you run a hand over your face.

you quickly walk out, heading down the stairs and seeing renjun on the couch, phone in hand. you could feel your nerves run high again at the sight of him, and you were suddenly aware of how your friendship took a fast turn. you were happy of the situation not too long ago, and now you were cursing yourself for letting yeri start to win her little bet. it was unknown to you previously, but you hated that you unknowingly were letting her win. she doesn’t deserve renjun. but did you?

“hey, i was starting to get worried,” renjun greeted you, and you let out an airy laugh, faking it.

“i’m fine, i was just trying to make myself more presentable.” you watch as renjun gets up from his seat, walking towards you. you almost think he’s going to kiss you again, but he doesn’t. and you’re relieved, in an odd way. you really weren’t sure how to deal with all of this.

“you always look pretty,” he compliments.

you feel yourself melt, despite the circumstances that he was unaware of, “thank you, renjun.”

he nods, a bright smile on his face once again, “of course, i mean it.”

you’re suddenly aware of the time, shuffling on your feet, “i should probably head home now. i have another quiz i should be studying for.”

renjun nods his head, placing his hands in his pockets, “let’s get you home, then.”

you’re grateful for the ride back, but all you can really think of the whole time was there was a bet being placed over renjun’s head that he was terribly unaware of. but you knew. and you were incredibly unsure how you would even begin to explain something like that.

what the hell were you supposed to do?

your eyes were frantic, looking around the room as your eyes land onto a specific female. you could feel the anger in your bones as you approached where she sat at the cafe on campus. you desperately wanted to rip her a new one, but decided against it due to the public setting. you still cared about your education, despite being extremely upset.

you see as yeri’s eyes shoot up with a surprised look when you slam your hand onto the table in front of her. sliding the money towards her, you give her a sharp look, “take your fucking money back.”

yeri scoffs, “what are you on about?”

“i don’t need your dirty money, yeri.” you were seething, seeing red as you remove your hand from the table, the money now on her side.

yeri looks between you and the money, before raising an eyebrow, “i don’t need it either. you probably need it more than me anyway.”

you want to shout at her, call her a horrible person and give her all of your anger. but the longer you stood, the more you were wondering if she was even worth wasting your energy on. you take a deep breath, trying to cool down and civilly handle this. it wasn’t in your plans to have a calm conversation with her, but it also wasn’t your plan to slap her. why were you feeling so defensive over renjun? you shouldn’t have. you were the one to accept the deal in the first place.

“you placed a bet between me and renjun,” you start, eyes narrowing, “i don’t like when people have my name in their mouths without me knowing.”

yeri’s quiet for a few moments, gather the pieces as she eyes the money in front of her. she rolls her eyes in the end, “you really know how to ruin the fun, don’t you?”

you scoff at her this time, “you’re fucking sick.”

“it was a harmless bet-”

“one that made you break up with renjun. it’s not harmless if it hurts someone. that’s when it becomes harmful,” you had vile seeping through your voice, “who the hell breaks up with someone for a bet?”

yeri sips her drink, “it’s not like he’s your boyfriend or anything. is he not?”

you snarl, “no, he’s not. but it doesn’t matter. you don’t do that to a person. what are you going to do when he finds out?”

she raises an eyebrow, “you’re telling him?” she watches as you roll your eyes at her, “i’ll tell him you’re lying. who’s he going to believe? someone he’s known for years, or someone he just met?” she tilts her head, looking you with a sinister smile. it makes you sick to your stomach just looking at her.

you stand in defeat, unable to really think of a reason why he wouldn’t believe her over you. you would like to think he would believe you, but you see the reality out of the situation above all. it was disheartening, and you hated how she was able to get away with it.

“you’re going to lose your bet,” you mutter.

“we’ll see.” she checks the time, before getting up with a smile. “i have to go, but take care of renjun while you have him. he’s a sweet guy.”

you want to hit her. scream at her and call her a sick person. but you don’t. you stand still, and let the reality of the situation sink in. you felt hopeless and lost. you weren’t sure where to go with all of this, and you wondered what else she had up her sleeve.

this was an unexpected turn in events.

“what the fuck do i do, jeno?” you groan, head in hands as you sit at his dining table.

jeno sips on his drink, handing you your own tea to comfort you, “that sounds like a fucked situation.”

you scoff, “didn’t notice, thanks.”

jeno licks his lips and rolls his eyes, “i don’t know, dude. i wasn’t expecting this kind of result, in all honesty.” he pauses, “is she still on for the bet?”

“i think so,” you raise your head to look at him, and he has a concerned look on his face. “i told her she’d lose and she said ‘we’ll see’.” you mock her voice, making jeno let out a chuckle.

“she might have something to make sure she does win,” he leans his chin in his hand, elbow on the table, “don’t know what, though.”

“i thought so, too.” you take a sip of the tea jeno made you. “thank you, by the way. for comforting me.”

he nods his head, smiling sweetly at you, “of course, anytime. i have to be there for you, don’t i? i think you’d throw a fit if i wasn’t.”

you hum, agreeing with him, “yeah, you’re right.”

he laughs, “i knew it.” there’s a pause before he continues talking, “just keep everything like normal. you like him, don’t you?”

you slowly nod your head, “i think so, yeah.”

jeno nods back, “then see where it goes. yeri shouldn’t have to control your love life, or renjun’s. it’s unfair and sick, to be honest.”

you lean back into your seat, hands on your mug of tea to warm you up, “i’ll try.” you say in a quiet voice, and jeno notices your uncertainty.

he press a hand to your shoulder, giving you big comforting eyes, “it’ll be alright. i’ve got your back if it all goes wrong.”

you realize that, even if it does go downhill, you’ll always have jeno right there to help pick everything back up. “thank you.” you were sincere.

he smiles brightly, “wow, i’m fucking great at this whole friendship thing.” jeno boasts in his seat, whistling lowly as if to admire himself.

you roll your eyes, taking a large drink of your tea, “you’re so annoying.”

“you wouldn’t have me any other way,” he grins, eyes sparkling at you.

“mhm,” you hum, and jeno laughs loudly.

although you were in a messy situation, jeno always managed to help make it just a bit lighter and easier. you didn’t have as many worries as before, and you were completely grateful for it. you could get stuck in your head at times, and jeno knew this. it was a given that he knew everything about you, and especially knew how to comfort you in dire times.

you decided by the end of the night, you were going to continue like normal with renjun. you really did like him, and you were going to be damned if you let yeri get in the way.

you’re not sure how everything moved so quickly and easily with renjun.

over the next two weeks after confronting yeri, you became closer and closer to renjun. of course, there was that underlying fear of losing him over something yeri might do to tarnish your ‘relationship’ with renjun, but it all floats out of your head the minute he kisses you. you feel guilty every time you head home, though. every night, you have a strong urge to call him, tell him everything. but you were selfish. selfish, and you didn’t want to let go of him just yet. you were holding too tightly onto him, and it slowly ate you up along the way. you were in danger when it came to renjun, but you never felt so safe around anyone else the way you did with him. you were truly lost.

“are we..” renjun gasps when you bite into the flesh of his neck, leaving his skin just lightly marked with your kisses, “are we moving too.. fast?” his voice fades when you run your fingers through his hair, kissing him on the lips again to hush him.

maybe you were moving too fast, sitting in his lap and kissing him like he was your air. but you really liked how warm he felt against you, how close he was. you were cherishing these types of moments with him, and you weren’t going to let him out of your grasp just yet. you liked kissing him, tasting the warm coffee on his tongue as he silently asks for permission to enter your mouth. he was a sensual kisser, never taking it a step further. you wanted more, though. you desperately wanted more.

“are we?” you lean back, seeing how his ears were slightly tinged pink, his lips swollen and spit trailing along them. you lick your own lips, waiting for his answer. you can feel the hands on your hips tighten, his eyes looking up at you with shine in them. he was absolutely gorgeous.

renjun clears his throat, “i don’t know..” he trails off, looking out the window for a brief second, pondering in his head. “do you think we are?” renjun shudders when you drag your nails along his scalp, and you grin at him coyly.

you shake your head, “no, but we won’t do anything you don’t want to.”

“we won’t do anything you don’t want to, either.” so polite. he was so respectful of you and your boundaries, making your heart pick up speed the longer you looked at him. he was making you nervous, but in a good way.

you don’t say anything else, leaning back down to kiss him again. this was something the both of you were familiar with, but you were growing restless. the moment you start to roll your hips down into his, he lets out a quiet gasp, opening his mouth wider for you. you smile, trailing your kisses down his jaw and neck again. renjun runs one of his hands down to your thigh, squeezing tightly and making you lightly whine into the junction of his neck.

you can feel his lips against your ear, “you’re so cute.” his voice was comforting, soft. he squeezes your thigh again, trailing his hand up more towards the direction of your core. you were wearing comfortable and loose shorts. he could easily slip his hand into the leg of the shorts and touch you. you feel his hand inch closer and closer until it rests on the inner part of your thigh.

you lean back again, panting as your eyes glaze over, “please?” you sound breathless already, and it makes renjun’s head spin.

“you want me to touch you?”

you nod.

renjun’s mouth quirks into a smirk, a soft chuckle leaving him, “you’re too cute.” he pauses, his thumb rubbing circles into your skin, so close to your heat. “take your shorts off.”

you’re quick to oblige, getting off his lap and slipping them off. you’re about to straddle him again, but then he stops you, turning you around before sitting you between his legs. you can feel how warm his chest is against your back, and you sink into his hold. renjun rests his head on your shoulder, placing a kiss there. you let out a shaky sigh when you feel his hands return to your thighs. he spreads you open more, opening his own legs so you sit comfortably. you can feel slick running down into your panties, the cold air making you shiver.

although renjun would love to hear you beg, he decides to save it for another day. he trails his hand close to your panties, playing around with the band before slipping his fingers inside to feel just how wet you are.

“renjun,” you whine out, your hands going to grasp onto his own thighs.

“you’re soaked, baby.” he kisses behind your ear before resting his chin on your shoulder, looking down to where he was touching you. you were so wet and slick, his fingers playing around your clit and circling around your entrance.

the little sound you let out at the nickname makes renjun lose his mind. you sounded so heavenly, even better than his fantasies. this was so much fucking better than anything he could ever even dream of.

“for you,” you gasp when he presses his fingers against your clit, rubbing you just light enough so you could feel it. it sends tingles down your spine.

“hm?” renjun tilts his head, looking at your face and making out the slight crinkle in your brows.

“wet for you,” you squirm in his hold, “only for you.”

renjun feels goosebumps raise on his skin at your words, the tone in your voice sounding needy and out of touch. “fuck.” he groans, pressing harder into your clit and rubbing quicker, making you let out a surprised yelp, straightening your back up and dropping your mouth open at the feeling. “you’re good for me, aren’t you?”

you nod your head as quickly as you could, pleasing renjun, “good for you. i’m good for you.” you whine, “please finger me, wanna be filled.”

renjun feels enchanted by you, completely under your spell as he trails his fingers towards your entrance once again, but this time not leaving space for teasing. he shoves two of his long, thin fingers inside of you, making a long moan leave your pretty lips. the way he curls them up as he sets a sweet pace makes you roll your head back onto his shoulder, eyes shutting closed. renjun feels your thighs start to tremble a bit, and his other hand makes work to hold onto one of your thighs, making sure you keep your legs open for him. he can feel his cock starting to twitch inside his pants, begging to be released by now. the noises you were making and the way you would buck your hips up into his hand were making him impossibly hard by now.

when renjun speeds up the pace of his fingers, you feel yourself start to crumble in his close hold, “so good, feels so good.” your sounds go right in his ear and straight to his groin. “fuck, renjun.”

“you like my fingers inside your pretty pussy, don’t you, baby?” he moves his head so he’s kissing and licking along your neck, making your nails dig deeper into the meat of his thighs. “i can feel just how tight and warm you are. been thinking about this for awhile now.”

his words were making you wetter and wetter, indefinitely soaking his fingers as he worked you towards your orgasm, “r- renjun. ohh, fuck.” your voice was a bit broken, little whines escaping you and growing louder as he started to ram his fingers in and out of you. you could hear just how slick you were with every curl of his fingers. when he moves his other hand to press against your swollen clit, you lose yourself in the hold of him. “g- gonna..”

“already?” he taunts you, biting into the flesh of your skin and making you gasp again, “such a sensitive baby. you wanna cum on my fingers? coat them in your cum and make a mess?”

you nod, desperate to have a taste of euphoria, “please, please. wanna cum on your fingers, wanna cum for you.”

“you’ve been good, haven’t you, princess?” he asks, pressing harder into your clit as a warning when all he gets back is a long moan. “answer me.”

“yes, yes. i’ve been so good for you, renjun. please let me cum, please.” you sounded meek, small, cute. he couldn’t seem to deny you any longer, he was just too enamored by you.

“cum for me, baby. my messy, pretty girl.”

at his command, you arch your back away from his chest, your shirt sticking to your sweaty skin as you fall apart in his hold. he can feel the fluttering of your walls as you cum, the cries of his name slipping so beautifully from your throat and into the air. you smell so sweet, like apricots and honey and he can’t get enough of you, he decides. renjun rides out your high, watching the way you buck into his hand every now and then, trying to prolong the feeling for as long as you can. he finds you irresistible, absolutely stunning as you come down from your high.

“my good girl,” he leaves praising kisses and words into your skin, making your head feel light as you gasp for air. when he slips his fingers out of you, you grab his wrist quickly to place his fingers into your mouth, moaning at the taste of yourself. “holy fuck.” he breathes, watching as you swirl your tongue around his fingers. “you’re dirty, aren’t you, baby? you just love being filled whole.”

you nod, humming around his fingers. when he slides them out of your mouth, he’s quick to grab your face in his hands and kiss you eagerly. his tongue greedily invades your mouth, much to your pleasure. he can taste you on your own tongue, making him groan. you were as sweet as he imagined, maybe even sweeter.

“i really like you,” he mutters against your lips, making you giggle breathlessly.

“i really like you, too.” you stare into his eyes, before lightly biting your lip, “do you want me to jerk you off? i can feel your boner poking my ass.”

renjun lets out a loud laugh, throwing his head back, “if you want, but you don’t-”

you shake your head, already moving to sit beside him and unbuckling his pants, “i want to touch you. you made me feel good, i wanna make you feel good, too.”

renjun turns serious suddenly, reaching up to place a hand on your cheek and rubbing his thumb in circular motions, “you’re just too precious, too good for me.”

you shake your head, a smile gracing your lips as he drops his hand back to his side. he watches as you quickly pull him out of his pants and boxers, making you lick your lips. he was a lot thicker and a lot longer than you thought he would be. he looked so dainty, but he was definitely packing.

when your hand encases around his girth, renjun relaxes against the back of the couch, hands flat against the sofa. he watches your hand intently as you start to stroke him slowly. he sighs, mouth slightly agape. he likes the way your hand feels so small compared to his own, making you grasp him just a bit tighter. he shudders when you rub your thumb along his tip, collecting his precum that started to leak out. when you lean down and spit onto his length, he lets out a throaty groan at the action. it felt so messy, but so good. he could hear it become more slick along his dick, he could feel it.

when you sped up the pace of your hand, he gasps, “fuck.” he shifts in his seat, his fingers starting to dig into the fabric of the couch. even if it was just your hand, it still felt so good for him. everything you did in general set him off, so he wasn’t surprised by the sensitivity he got from just the jerk of your hand.

the groans he let out were so heavenly and rung in your ears, you desperately wanted to make him cum, watch him fall apart the same he did to you. with every stroke of your hand, you would thumb at his tip and swipe over it. you could hear the wetness on his cock, making you unconsciously press your thighs together in your seat. renjun caught the act, making him look over at you and tear his eyes away from your small hand on his member. his eyes were dark, eyeing you specifically and taking in your figure beside him. you were so close to him, he could almost feel your breath on his neck. when he raises his hips up in time with your hand, you let out a little whine. he smirks over at you, tilting his head mockingly.

“you like watching me fuck your fist?” he questions, watching you rub your thighs together again. he laughs breathily, thrusting up again and again until he created an easy pace. he could feel himself starting to build up to his orgasm, incredibly sensitive from being hard for a good bit of time before getting his own release. he could almost taste it for how close he was.

“wanna make you cum,” you look at him eagerly, licking your lips and leaning closer to his face.

renjun leans in, pressing his lips to yours hungrily, and it’s nothing like his previously soft kisses. this one is more aggressive, more demanding. and it makes you ache, desperately wanting him to fill you and feel close to him. you were so close to begging for him.

“wanna ride me, baby?” he asks, pulling apart from you and watching you closely. it wasn’t like you to immediately hook up with someone after only knowing them for a short amount of time, but you were trusting of renjun. too trusting, maybe.

“please?” you run your thumb along his slit, making him groan, “you can fill me up, too. fill me with your cum.”

renjun growls at that, shoving your hand away and eagerly pulling you on top of him. he’s quick to remove your shirt and snap your bra off, feeling it fall down your shoulders as he throws it onto the floor. he sees you bare, the only thing on you are your panties. you whine and tug at his shirt, making him chuckle with a shake of his head as he takes it off for you. you run your hands smoothly down his chest, before resting them on his shoulders and raising yourself up. renjun grabs hold of his dick, lining himself up with your entrance and pushing your panties to the side.

“are you sure?” he asks, looking at you cautiously, his lust driven eyes disappearing. you only let out a quiet whine and a nod of your head before sinking down on him without warning. he gasps, hands immediately clutching onto your hips as tightly as he could. “jesus fuck, you’re so.. tight.” he groans, your heat engulfing him whole. he can feel his whole entire body heating up, feeling as you take him.

you start to move almost instantly, “so.. so full. feel so full.” you stutter, nails digging into the skin of his shoulders, surely leaving marks there. “your cock feels so good inside me, renjun.”

“yeah?” he asks, looking at you with dark and heavy eyes, “you like my cock fucking you open?” he takes you by surprise when he thrusts his hips upwards, “you’re so wet and tight. i can feel your little cunt gripping me.”

you whimper and whine at his words, starting to claw at his skin as you ride him more eagerly, his cock dragging along your walls so deliciously, “renjun, fuck.. renjun.”

“i love the way you say my name, baby.” he stills your hips, making you whine again desperately, “don’t worry, princess. i’m gonna fuck you.”

and that he does. his fingers are digging so harshly into your skin as he starts to fuck into you with abandon, your mouth hanging open and your eyes rolling into the back of your head. he watches the way you throw your head back, his cock stretching you out and hitting just the right spot with each stroke. he feels pride swell in his chest from having you fall apart from just his cock alone. he quickly reaches a hand down to your clit, though, wanting you to feel as good as possible. he feels the way your walls flutter around his cock, tightening even more and making him hiss at the feeling.

“gonna cum on my cock, baby?” he licks his lips, watching as you nod your head and let out more stutters of his name. “i wanna feel you cum all over my dick, coat my cock in your cum. you deserve it, baby. you deserve to cum. you’ve been such a good girl, my good little princess.”

you cry out a choked sob, leaning down and resting your head in his neck, “g- gonna.. fuck.. gonna cum, renjun.” your walls were clamping so tightly around him, sputtering around his cock and making his thrusts start to stutter and become sloppier. he could feel the fabric of your panties rub against his cock with each thrust, making him groan. you could tell he was just as close as you, and you bite down onto his shoulder as your hands trail back to his hair. you tug at the strands, your nails digging into his scalp while his own dig into the flesh of your hips. it all feels so good, and you were so, so close.

“cum, baby. cum all over my cock. show me how good you are.”

with one last press of his fingers against your clit and one last hard thrust into your cunt, you fall apart. your pussy was sporadically clenching around him, triggering his release right after yours. the feeling of his cum filling you up makes you shudder, a shiver running down your spine as he trails a hand along your back, riding out your highs together. you buck your hips into him as you come down, letting out a soft whine. you feel so good, so light and comfortable in his arms. renjun holds you close, wrapping both of his arms around you and pressing your chest against his.

he found himself lucky that night, holding you as close as possible. when he cleaned the both of you up and gave you some of his clothes, he grins to himself. you were wearing his clothes this time.

“why are you staring like that?” you scrunch your nose up, looking at him weirdly.

he shakes his head, walking towards you where you lay on his bed and hovering above you. he presses his lips to yours, “you’re wearing my clothes. it’s cute.”

you can’t stop from placing your hands on his cheeks, watching as his hair falls and frames his face, “they’re cozy.”

renjun places himself next to you, quickly reaching out for you and holding you close to him, “you’re cozy.” he mutters tiredly, letting out a soft yawn.

you shake your head with a soft giggle, pressing a kiss to his nose before snuggling into him and letting him drift off to sleep. it was so nice being so close to renjun, and you were starting to become terrified of losing this feeling. you were unsure of what the future were to bring, but you only hoped it wasn’t bad.

if only you weren’t so naive.

you could feel your heart drop right down into your stomach as you stood there. in your work clothes, eyes wide, body temperature turning cold. you felt frustrations rise, and your mind started to run a million miles per hour. a lump formed in your throat as you watch renjun talk to yeri on the sidewalk in front of your work. he was quite a few feet away, so you assumed neither of them saw you. but you soon realized you were wrong. yeri knew you were looking, and the thought itself made you sick.

you stand at the entrance doors of your work, seeing the sickeningly sweet smile on yeri’s face as she exchanges words with renjun. you had no idea what she was saying to him, nor did you know why they both were there. but you hated the mere thought of him being near her now, and you especially hated that she possibly had a greater advantage to the situation.

“hey, you okay?” you hear a familiar voice, making you whip your head for a split second and see a certain dark haired boy.

“yeri’s talking to renjun,” you say simply, and you see the shock on jeno’s face before he looks in the direction you can’t seem to take your eyes off of.

“oh shit,” he mumbles under his breath, and the sound doesn’t ease your mind in the slightest. “do you know why?”

you shake your head, “no. i was just about to head inside before i saw them on the sidewalk talking.”

jeno shifts where he stands, “i don’t know what they’re talking about, and neither do you. but we can’t just assume it’s completely bad and what we think it’s about, alright?” jeno moves to unlock the diner doors, pulling out his key, “don’t mention it to him, or anything. not until if he’s ready.”

you reluctantly look away and start to head inside before renjun catches you staring, “right..”

“renjun didn’t seem to look very interested in what she had to say anyway,” jeno snorts out a laugh, and you appreciate the mood lightener he created.

you place a soft, small smile on your lips and try your hardest not to think of it. yeri could ruin everything between you and renjun so easily, and you’re starting to think she likes having that kind of power over you. you don’t think she would easily give that away, but you were also very unsure how she would play all of this out. it was only a matter of time before she came in and shattered the both of you and got her way, but you were hanging onto whatever you could. and maybe it was a toxic way of living, but you couldn’t seem to let go of him just yet. you were terrified of the ending, but you would do anything to keep him.

shaking your head, you start to organize the tables and wipe them down before customers start to roll in. and the shift went by quicker than you imagined, but your head still felt fuzzy and all over the place. jeno could obviously tell, but did his best to not bother you.

“if it’s bothering you this much, y/n,” he pauses, swallowing hard as he locks the diner doors behind the both of you, “maybe you should tell him everything. the bet, yeri, everything. i hate seeing you so stressed out, especially over a guy and some girl who is tearing you apart over some kind of blackmail bullshit.” he pauses, letting out a sigh, “i want what’s best for you. and i know that this,” he gestures with his hands, “isn’t what’s best for you.”

there’s a long, long pause after what he says. and you have nothing left in you to keep fighting, it seems. you want to make up excuse after excuse as to why you can’t tell him. and maybe you could come up with a few, but you knew for a fact that he was right. and it was earth shattering for you, having to come back down to reality after getting to spend so much time with renjun over the past month. you could feel your throat closing, eyes welling up under the soft streetlight.

“in the end,” he continues, “everything depends on you and how you handle it. i’m not you, and i can’t make your decisions for you. but i know i can be there for whatever you do choose. it’s obviously not an easy choice, and i won’t be able to blame you for whatever you do decide to do about this whole thing. it’s a huge shit show, if you ask me.” jeno scoffs bitterly. “but you’ll be alright. no matter what, you’ll be alright.”

you huff, unable to find it in yourself to respond as you start to consume yourself in your own thoughts. jeno bids you a soft and quick goodbye before heading his own way home and wishing you luck. you only nod your head and make your travels back to your apartment. it feels longer than usual, and you can hear your heart in beating in your head. nothing is how it used to be, and you start to realize you haven’t taken a break up job since renjun came into your life.

when you reach your apartment, you quickly change and sink into your bed. you were mixed in emotions. should you be angry? should you be crying? should you be frustrated? you weren’t sure. nothing was sure anymore, and the harsh reality of everything not being set in stone was crashing down on you. renjun wasn’t set in stone, and you could only have him for a certain amount of time before he leaves and yeri decides to take him away from you. there wasn’t exactly any winning here. even if he does believe you, he’s most likely to be hurt by the fact you kept everything from him for so long and never told him.

your heart sinks further, and you nuzzle deeper into your sheets.

“this is unfair, so fucking unfair.” you whisper in the night, in hopes someone is listening to your plea. but you know you’re alone, and you know this whole situation is all on you. you took the money, you agreed to yeri’s terms, you broke up renjun and yeri, you got closer and closer to him. you chose this. but it still didn’t mean it didn’t hurt any less than it did.

you were starting to believe in unforeseen karma.

you haven’t left your apartment in days, it seemed. you took off shifts even and stayed home, much to jeno’s worry. you assured him that you were just preparing for the upcoming exams, and you weren’t exactly lying. but you knew that he knew that wasn’t the only reason for your seclusion. jeno didn’t pester or involve himself, which you were grateful for. you really needed time alone to figure yourself and everything out in the meantime. everything was all a mess, and you weren’t sure how you were going to fix it.

in the time you’ve spent alone, you’ve also seemed to make it a mission to avoid renjun. and although it was tearing you apart, you’ve done your best to focus on your studies. you felt like you were just going through the motions at this point. nothing made sense to you anymore. you heard renjun and jeno got an astounding grade on their project after turning it in just a bit earlier, and you were proud. but you had a hard time expressing it at the time.

when you hear a knock on your door, you immediately assume it’s jeno on his daily checkup to make sure you’re well fed and taking care of yourself. but when you open the door and feel the soft breeze created and see renjun standing there with a confused expression, you feel your heart drop into your stomach. suddenly, you were brought out of your trance-like state of going through the motions and brought right back down to reality. full force. one movement.

you let out a puff of air after realizing you were holding your breath. it was silent. you standing in your apartment doorway, and renjun on the other side in front of you. you stared, and he stared back. it felt like a movie, like everything was standing still and you were stuck in time together. his eyes had bags under them, and you assumed yours did, too. his eyebrows were furrowed, and yours were shot up on your forehead in surprise. you were quick to wipe the shock off your face, and he cleared his throat seconds later.

“you’ve been avoiding me.” he states this with his whole chest, and his confused expression doesn’t leave his face. you feel guilt deep in your bones staring at him. and he feels it.

“i’m sorry,” you croak out, prompting you to clear your own throat this time, “i’ve been trying to study and prepare for exams recently.”

renjun nods, pausing before responding back, “hopefully it’s not stressing you out, or anything.” he can feel the tension in the air, “but i know that’s not the only reason you’re avoiding me.”

you feel a lump in your throat at the statement. you can’t seem to find it in yourself to reply to him. and he knows this. and he can feel you starting to slip away from him again, and it terrifies him like no other. you avoiding him has been complete torture for him, and he hates the thought of you distancing yourself from him so soon. but that’s what frustrates you the most. you hate the thought of hurting him, but you can’t seem to win no matter what path you choose at this point. he was going to inevitably get hurt. and the thought alone made you tense up as he stood in your doorway, the cold breeze hitting the back of his neck as it started to become late fall.

“it’s cold, renjun. you should head home, or something.” you push him away again, and it makes his chest tighten.

“no, not until you tell me why you’re avoiding me.” it’s confusing on his end, because he was really starting to take a strong liking towards you. and he assumed you felt the same way, and he really thought everything was finally turning up on his end. you pushing him away hurt, it really fucking hurt.

you feel the lump in your throat get bigger, and you can’t seem to hold yourself back anymore. your head hurts from the amount of thinking you’ve had to do the past few days. your heart is aching from the thought of hurting him for the second time, the first being breaking him up from yeri. you were overwhelmed, and you were really starting to hate everything at this point. it was unfair, everything was just so unfair.

you move out of the way for renjun to come in, unable to see him stand there shivering anymore. he accepts the invite silently, the warmth of your apartment consuming him. he realizes soon that the place smells exactly like you, and he likes it. it’s comforting, and feels completely safe.

“i saw you talking to yeri,” you start, and renjun whips his head in your direction from where you stand. he’s about to interject, before you raise a hand and continue, “and, no, that’s not why i was avoiding you.” you shift in your spot, starting to feel uncomfortable and heavy. “you don’t deserve the hurt you’ve been through, and you certainly don’t deserve anymore hurt.”

it felt like a breakup. all over again, this felt like a breakup.

“and i hate the thought of hurting you again, but i think i might be doing just that.” again. you said again. “i don’t know what you know, and what you don’t know. and i’m not even sure how to approach a situation like this, but i can’t keep acting like i don’t know. and i can’t keep holding things from you.” you pause, taking a breath, “i shouldn’t have kept anything from you in the first place.”

renjun feels like he’s being poured in cold water as his blood runs cold from where he stands.

“yeri placed a bet on you. and i was completely selfish in trying to keep it from you just to keep you to myself for a bit longer.”

renjun was the game, once again. he can’t seem to speak, or even move. he felt frozen. he wanted to ask you so many questions, he wanted to know so many things. but he couldn’t bring it in himself to just ask. he couldn’t bring it in himself to just move, to just speak, to just figure out what everything even meant at this point.

“the bet. you were supposed to fall in love with me within a month, and she bet that i would end up breaking your heart and you would go back running to her.”

how was any of this real? renjun could finally feel his body starting to feel again, and he could only really feel the anger bubbling in his chest and up his throat.

“why did you keep it from me?” he asks simply, but his mind was raging. he could feel his body turning hot.

“i wasn’t sure you would believe me. it was either her, or me. and i always assumed you would believe her over me.” you pause, throat starting to close up on you, “i wanted you for just a bit longer, and i realize just how selfish it all is now.”

he understands your reasoning, but he hates that you lied to him. he put so much effort into you, but he still feels betrayed. “how long did you know about it?”

the dreadful question, the one that was expected but was still disheartening to hear nonetheless. “three weeks now, almost four.”

everything sinks in for renjun, and he just wishes you would have told him sooner. he wishes he didn’t feel the way he did that very moment. he wishes he wasn’t as angered as he was, wishes he didn’t feel as betrayed as he did. he understands your reason, but it definitely didn’t seem to be enough to forgive you and let it all go. you had three previous weeks to tell him, but didn’t. and the thought alone made him feel sick. he could hear his heart in his head, a headache starting to form. he felt hurt. he was hurt.

renjun, once again, couldn’t find it in himself to talk. but he could move this time, and he chose to go rushing towards your front door. nothing made sense. he couldn’t seem to grasp exactly how he felt, but he knew he had to get out of there one way or another.

“i’m sorry won’t fix anything, but i am sorry. i shouldn’t have let her win.” you quickly let out as he reaches the handle.

“but she did, didn’t she?” and that was it, before renjun went rushing out of your door so abruptly. you didn’t blame him. you couldn’t blame him.

you shouldn’t be crying. you shouldn’t have cried as much as you did that night, but you did. you shouldn’t have kept it from him for so long, but you did. you shouldn’t have gotten so dangerously close to him, but you did.

you soon realize, developing a relationship with someone you tore apart is dangerous.

renjun hasn’t spoken to you in two weeks. and you hate that this is probably, most definitely the end. and you hate the way it all ended, and you soon realize there were so many things you could have done differently, but didn’t. the timing never seemed right with him, and the way he came into your life was so sudden. if in another universe where you played your cards right with him, you assume you’re living happily with him. in a universe where you didn’t meet him at such an odd time, under odd circumstances, you assume the two of you are happy. you hope so, at the very least.

jeno holds you on the nights you can barely stand, and he helps you through heartbreak. two weeks of crying didn’t go unnoticed by jeno, and he held you in the dark. he let you cry it out, he let you scream in his shoulder when you blamed yourself on the endless nights.

you shouldn’t have let yeri win, but you did.

even if renjun didn’t end up going back to her like she planned, she still got the satisfaction of you hurting him. and you were angered by the thought. but you weren’t only angry with her, you were definitely just as pissed with yourself as you were with her.

in the end, you quit your job of breaking other people up. it wasn’t ever supposed to be your responsibility to break other people up, and you know this now. you’ve gotten quite a few requests since renjun, but ignored them all and rejected them. the job quickly turned into hell after renjun, and you swore to never go back to it. fully burying it under was probably your best decision you’ve had in awhile.

jeno states that renjun hasn’t been in class for awhile, and on the days he does show up, he sits as far from everyone as he can. it breaks your heart all over again, and you once again start wishing you never hurt him in the first place.

you drowned yourself in studies as much as you could to distract yourself, but as exams come to an end, you find yourself right back in the empty hole you once were in before. the nights of overthinking and excessive crying never seemed to end, but you assumed you deserved it.

you lay in bed for the millionth time within those past two weeks, staring at your ceiling like usual. but, this time, you’re not crying. not as much, at least. it was edging on almost three weeks now since renjun left. and the pain didn’t lessen, but, in time, things did get easier. waking up didn’t feel as draining as it used to, crying became less and less frequent, and you were finally able to sleep a regular amount rather than sleeping too much or too little.

every night, everything about renjun seems to sink deep into your bones. he left an indent that was definitely not going to ever be forgotten. renjun gave you a lot before he left, and even after he left. and you wonder if renjun will ever forgive you along the way, but you know it’s not you choice. and you certainly don’t blame him if he never does.

you just hoped, one day, he would get his happy ending.

with you, or not, he deserved his happy ending.

as time goes on, you know you can’t turn back, no matter how much you may want to.

you hear a ringing from your phone, checking the caller and soon seeing it’s jeno, making a soft smile appear on your face. “hello?”

“hey, how’s my favorite person doing?” he says it sweetly, making you let out a quiet chuckle.

“getting by, how are you?” you get into a seating position, trying to focus more on the conversation. you appreciate the effort he puts into making sure you’re okay.

“i’m good, babe.” jeno pauses, before continuing, “i haven’t really had the chance to say it, but i’m sorry all of this happened to you and renjun.” you freeze in your spot, holding your breath as he hesitantly continues what he was saying, “i want you to know that, no matter what, i’ll be right by your side. i feel like i shouldn’t have mentioned the bet or anything. maybe things would be different.”

it’s true, maybe things would have been different. but would it have been a good different either way. you don’t think so. the timing was always going to be off, and it was in no way jeno’s fault. you were sure of that.

“i’m glad you told me. don’t think this is any of your fault, i made my own decisions. i did it all on my own.” you reply in a softer voice than usual, trying to reassure him.

“i shouldn’t have swayed you to keep it from hi-”

“jeno,” you interrupt, “i wouldn’t have told him, anyway. no matter what you may have said or done, i was definitely too scared to lose him either way. my actions bit myself in the ass in the end. it wasn’t your fault, and nothing you said swayed me.” you were being truthful, and you worried that he had been blaming himself for everything all this time. “i don’t think me and renjun were made to meet at the time we did.”

but you and renjun met by chance, and you made the decisions you did. there was no turning back. you don’t regret renjun, not by a long shot. time with him seemed to be too short. but you appreciate him and everything he gave you in time you got to be with him.

“i’m sorry anyway, y/n.” jeno says it softly, and hearing your name come from him felt so rare.

you smile sadly, even if he can’t see it, “i know, jeno. i know.” you look at the time, “we should get some rest now.”

“we should,” you imagine him nodding in agreement, “goodnight, babe.”

“goodnight, jeno.”

you hang up, but for once, you don’t feel completely empty. you can feel a small tear run down your cheek, but you’re unsure if it’s even because you’re sad anymore. you can’t keep spiraling yourself into self-pity. you may not have gotten the ending you wanted with renjun, but you needed to move on. one way or another, you needed to move on.

you sigh, laying back down and staring straight into your blank ceiling.

developing a relationship with someone you tore apart is dangerous. so dangerous.

but, not one second, do you regret growing close to renjun. you imagine that, under different circumstances, things would have ended differently. and you find that to be enough for you.

for the time being, this was enough for you.

with you, or without you, you hope renjun gets his happy ending.

with you. or without you.

a/n: IT’S FINISHEDDDD!!!!!!! OMFG wow can you believe it????? i can’t LOL uhhhh i hope you all liked it. i spent an extended amount of time on this one, and i hope it lived up to expectations. please send me positive feedback lol this one took forever and it’s my longest fic to ever exist as of now. thank you for reading if you did :] i really appreciate it and i hope everyone liked it :]

taglist: @peachjaem00 , @mjlkau

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4stars-uswnt · 4 years ago

Text

My Muse, My Valentine [Christen Press x Reader]

requested by anon: Not sure if you’re accepting any request but can you write a cp x photographer gf where her gf surprised her at man u, like her gf secretly transfer there to be with cp. Thanks

A/N: please ignore some of the inconsistencies this story has with reality :) but anyways... hope you enjoy and have a happy Valentine’s Day (tomorrow) and remember it’s a day about LOVE, whether that be romantic, platonic, familial, or self ❤️

“I’m gonna miss you,” you whine, as you watch your girlfriend pack her suitcase.

“I know, babe. I’m gonna miss you too, so much.” Christen leans down to quickly peck your lips, before continuing to fold her clothes.

You and Christen had been dating for almost three years now, having met after you’d photographed one of the USWNT’s matches. You instantly felt an attraction to the curly-haired forward, your camera always drifting towards her wherever she was on the pitch.

After you’d posted a couple of your photos on your Instagram, which Christen made a point to like and repost, you gathered up the courage to approach her after a game, and thus began your relationship.

With yours and Christen’s busy schedules, it was sometimes hard to find time for each other, but you made it work, sharing an apartment in Portland during the offseason and flying out for matches when you could. But being a sports photographer did have its benefits, as your work often led you to spending more time with your girlfriend and admiring her speed down the field and score goals.

But now, with the pandemic, as the NWSL was struggling to field games, you found yourself with little work. Christen herself was not quite satisfied with the league’s plan for the season, so when Tobin proposed the idea of going to the WSL, she desperately wanted to, yearning to get back on the pitch.

At first, when Christen approached you with the subject, you immediately opposed, not wanting to be so far from your girlfriend for such a long amount of time. Additionally, with COVID, it would be nearly, if not completely, impossible for you to visit. But after a blowout fight and discussing it further, you realized that this is what would be best for Christen and her career.

“Do you have to go?” You pout, sitting up and moving to the end of the bed.

“You know I do, (Y/N/N).” Christen playfully rolls her eyes.

“Humph.”

“Babe, come on, don’t make me feel worse about leaving you.”

“Then don’t,” you quip, grabbing your girlfriend by the waist, pulling her down on the bed with you.

“Babe!” Christen squeals, as you blow raspberries into her skin.

You lift your head from the crook of her neck, your eyes locking with hers. “I know that you have to go,” you admit seriously. “Doesn’t mean I like it, but I know that this is what’s best for your career.”

“Thank you, (Y/N),” she says earnestly, giving you a small smile. “We’ll text and FaceTime everyday.”

“I’m holding you to that.” You cup her face and bring her in for a kiss, savoring the feeling of her soft lips on yours. “I also know that you’re gonna kill it over there in Manchester. The WSL isn’t gonna know what hit them.”

Christen ducks her bashfully, a small blush arising on her cheeks. “You know I love you, right?”

“Of course, Chris. I love you, too.”

“Good.” She gives you a quick peck, as she gets up from the bed. “Now, either quit bothering me or help me. My flight is early tomorrow morning, and I haven’t even finished packing.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

—————

It had been a little over five months since you’d dropped Christen off at the airport and she left for Manchester. Despite the constant texting and the nightly FaceTime calls, you couldn’t help but ache for your girlfriend. Without her, the apartment was lonelier and the bed felt bigger.

It had helped that your work had started back up, first with some freelance work and then with the NWSL fall series starting, which gave you something to do and kept you fairly busy.

Currently, you were sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping on a cup of coffee, as you edited some photos for the Thorns. Just as you were saving your work and closing Lightroom, about to shut your computer, a ping alerts a new email in your inbox.

Switching tabs, you notice the message is from an unfamiliar address, so you presume it’s a new client. You click and open it, your eyes widening, as you scan the email:

Ms. (Y/L/N),

I noticed your professional portfolio through many referrals, particularly your work form the World Cup. I am writing on behalf of the BBC News Media Centre, and we’re looking for an excellent sports photographer to join the team, specifically to cover the FA Women’s Super League and the Premier League.

Your experience is outstanding, adn your work speaks for itself. I think you’d be a great fit for this role, and I’d love to tell you more about it and hear more from you.

Would you like to set up a phone or Zoom call soon? If so, let me know when you’re available.

Best,

Charles Smith

Director of Media Relations at BBC Sport

You quickly reread the email, and then reread it again, just to make sure you’re not dreaming. This was too good to be true. But you shake yourself out of your stupor and quickly type out a response to set up a phone call as soon as possible.

After hitting send, you shut your computer with excitement and throw your hands up in the air.

“Yes!” You exclaim into the empty apartment, as you throw your fist in the air and jump off the barstool.

Knowing you needed to distract yourself, otherwise you’d just be staring at your computer, eagerly awaiting the response, you decided to go on a run.

Jogging through the city, you think of your girlfriend and your potential reunion if this job offer worked out. You decided that if you did in fact take this position, you’d surprise Christen at one of her matches, hopefully one that you’d be able to photograph.

As soon as you arrive back in your apartment, you make a beeline for your laptop. You anxiously open your inbox and beam when you see Charles had replied to set up a Zoom call at 9:30 tomorrow morning. You excitedly type out pleasantries, telling him you’re looking forward to it.

For the rest of the afternoon, you were in an increasingly good mood. So later that evening, when Christen called you for your routine FaceTime, she could tell something was up.

“Why do you keep smiling like that?”

“Can I not be happy to talk to my girlfriend?” You tease, a huge grin plastered onto your face.

“You can,” Christen trails off, not quite believing you. “But you have the weird giddy look you get when something’s up?”

“Nothing’s up. Just had a good day,” you shrug nonchalantly.

“Okay,” the forward accepts, still eyeing you suspiciously. “Anyways, you know She Believes is in a couple weeks, are you working the tournament?”

“Yup,” you nod and make a mental note to mention that to Charles tomorrow.

The two of you continue updating each other, chatting about topics ranging from what you had for breakfast that day to re-inc’s upcoming drop.

“Alright,” Christen yawns. “I think I’m gonna call it a night.”

You check your phone and see it’s 5:37 pm, meaning it’s almost midnight in Manchester.

“Okay,” your eyes softening at the sight of your sleepy girlfriend. “Good night, Chris. I love you.”

“Love you, too, babe. G’night.”

After ending the call and shutting your laptop, you head into the kitchen to make some dinner for yourself, getting on with your evening.

—————

The next morning, you anxiously await for Charles to begin the Zoom call, nervously bouncing your knee and biting your lip.

“Hi, (Y/N),” Charles greets, his face appearing on your screen.

“Good morning. Or rather good afternoon?” You correct with a light chuckle, to which he reciprocates.

“Well, as you know from my email, we are looking for a photographer to join our team, and from many referrals, you seem to be a very good candidate,

“So, I was thinking maybe we could look at your portfolio really quickly and then hash out the logistics to see if this is something that could work out.”

“Sounds good,” you agree, as you pull up some of your best pictures and share your screen.

The two of you look through your photos, many from the 2019 World Cup, some of the Olympics, and a few from random NWSL games.

“Well, (Y/N), your work is quite impressive. If you’re ready, and you’re seriously interested in this position, we can talk specifics, scheduling, all that good stuff,” Charles offers.

“I’m definitely interested, but can I just preface by saying that my girlfriend is a major part of this decision, so depending on what she wants to do at the end of the season will impact my contract.”

“Oh?” He raises his eyebrows, clearly not expecting your candor. “Your girlfriend plays in the WSL?”

“Yeah, well, technically only for this season. Her contract is up in May,” you explain.

“(Y/N), to be completely frank, we’re looking to hire because a couple of our photographers had some personal issues due to COVID and had to leave mid-season,” Charles reveals. “So if it turns out that your girlfriend wants to go back to the NWSL, then we can work that out. And if she wants to stay, and you end up liking it here and you fit in well, we can also work that out. We’re pretty flexible.”

You sigh in relief, giving him a small smile. “Wow, thank you so much. So what would my contract look like?”

“Well, we can sign you to three month contract with the option for extension,” he offers, as you nod along enthusiastically.

“That sounds great,” you exclaim, beaming. “And just to let you know, I’ve already signed on to work the She Believes tournament from the 18th to the 21st.”

“That actually aligns with the WSL’s international break, and there are a couple Premier League matches that weekend, but I think we can manage, so that shouldn’t be an issue.”

“You guys are too kind and so flexible. I really appreciate it so much,” you say earnestly.

“It’s really just us being desperate for a good photographer,” Charles jokes.

“Either way, I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

“We’re excited for you to join our team,” he reciprocates. “So, in terms of when you’ll begin, I honestly would like you to come over as soon as possible so that you can get settled and get acclimated.”

“I am honestly ready to start whenever you’ll have me.”

“How about next week? The Manchester Derby is on Friday, and honestly, given your portfolio, I’d love you to photograph that match,” the British man admits.

“That’s perfect!” You were in complete awe of how perfectly everything was working out. Photographing a Man United match as your first job meant you could surprise Christen, maybe as an early Valentine’s gift.

“Great,” Charles smiles.

The two of you discuss and finalize your contract and the logistics of you starting the job. Once everything’s settled and you each have the information you need, you wrap up the call.

“Well, thank you so much, Charles, for this offer, and I can’t wait to see you next Tuesday.”

“I can’t wait to work with you and meet you. See you next week. Cheers.”

After ending the Zoom call, you begin to make a COVID test appointment, book your flight, and arrange your hotel room for the few days that Christen doesn’t know you’re there, preparing yourself for moving across the world.

—————

After landing in London, getting settled into your hotel, and meeting with the BBC team and the other photographers, you were now on your way to the Manchester Derby.

In the back of the black cab, you pull out your phone to text a good luck text to Christen.

It was difficult to keep your surprise a secret, especially when you were actually in England, because it was much more difficult to FaceTime without her noticing your change in setting. You had to make up the excuse that you were swarmed with editing and preparing for the upcoming Thorns trainings.

As you pull up to the Academy Stadium, you hear your phone ding.

Chris ❤️

Thanks babe. Miss and love you 😘

You quickly type out a response, before heading into the building.

(Y/N/N) 💗

Love you too. I miss u too but go kick butt.

The match was exhilarating. Not only were you a sports photographer, but you were also a huge fan of the game, enjoying a good game when you see one.

You watched in awe, the level and style of play significantly different from than NWSL. While snapping hundreds of photos of both teams, your camera would always somehow land back on your girlfriend.

Your heart ached for the curly-haired forward, as you missed her dearly. Until you saw her back on the pitch, you hadn’t really realized that you missed watching her play the game that she’d mastered, her movements around the pitch and on the ball effortless and elegant.

As the ref blew the whistle, signaling the end of the half, you scroll through some of the photos you’d taken, deleting some of the blurry and unfocussed ones.

A smile immediately forms on your face when you see a picture of Christen during warmups with a huge grin on her face. You spend all of halftime editing said photo and putting together an Instagram post for your girlfriend.

About fifteen minutes later, the teams take the pitch and you go back to doing your job. Throughout the second half, you could tell that Christen was getting increasingly frustrated, her team getting down 3-0 with only about five minutes left.

You watch as the players high five and hug each other, and you want nothing more than to run onto the field to be with your girlfriend, but you had a plan to stick to.

As the team goes back into the locker room, you pull out your phone to post a photo on Instagram and then you shoot a quick text to Tobin:

(Y/N)🤓:

toby go check out my ig post :))

Back in the Man United locker room, after Casey went through her post match speech, Tobin checks her phone and sees a text from you. The injured forward playfully rolls her eyes at your message but follows your directions.

Upon opening the social media app, Tobin raises her eyebrows, her eyes widening. She glances across the room to see if her best friend had seen your post, but Christen was minding her own business, changing into sweats after her shower.

“Chris!” The older forward calls over to the other woman. “Have you seen your girlfriend’s Instagram post?”

Christen furrows her brows in confusion. “What? No, what is it?”

Tobin waves her friend over and shows her the post:

Liked by mrapinoe, ashlynharris24, and 638,231 others

yourusername: My muse, my valentine.

“As I sat and looked at her

and the rolling hills she sat upon

I thought,

what amazing luck I have

that the world had created

such beautiful things

and given me the eyes to see them.”

- atticus

tagged: christenpress

- - - - -

mrapinoe: Stunning pictures, (Y/N). Love you guys 💖

alikrieger: These photos are 🔥🔥🔥🔥

alexmorgan13: love this 😍😍

cdunn19: Beautiful!

glennondoyle: Love love love love this!!

ashlynharris24: Holy shit! Are you in Manchester????

↳lavellerose: Was this today??

↳sammymewyy: Oh my gosh it was!

↳kellyohara: Valentine’s Day surprise for Pressy?? 👀

Christen zooms in on the photo in the center, her eyes widening when she realizes that it is from today’s match.

“How did she get that picture?”

Tobin mentally slaps her forehead at her friend’s denseness. “Knowing (Y/N), she probably took it.”

“But that’s impossible. She’s in the States,” Christen states and shakes her head, dumbfounded.

“Actually,” you speak up, stepping into the locker room, deciding to make your presence known. “I’m right here.”

“(Y/N)?” Your girlfriend looks up at you, her mind in a state of shock.

“Hey, love,” you greet shyly.

Once her mind caught up with reality, Christen runs and jumps into your body, kissing you passionately but briefly and wrapping you into a bone crushing hug.

“I can’t believe your here,” she whispers into your neck. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, babe, so much.”

Unwrapping herself from the hug, Christen stares at you in awe. “What… how are you here?”

“We can talk about that later,” you give her another quick kiss. “But right now, I just wanna spend time with you. Maybe we can grab some dinner? You can show me around Manchester, considering I’m gonna be spending a lot of time here.”

Your girlfriend looks at you puzzled, but you just give her a wink with a small smirk on your face.

“Well, c’mon lets get out of here.”

—————

Back at Christen’s apartment, the two of you sit down for a nice and casual, but romantic, dinner you’d prepared along with a bottle of red wine.

After catching up, the forward finally decides to address the elephant in the room. “So how are you here? What’s going on, (Y/N/N)? You said earlier that you’d be spending a lot of time in Manchester, what does that mean? I’m so confused. Not that I’m grateful that you’re here right now and that I get to see you, but I thought you were working She Believes, and—“

“Chris,” you cut off your girlfriend’s endearing rambling. “Babe, you’re rambling.”

“Sorry,” she blushes, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“I got a job with BBC Sport till the end of the season,” you answer her parade of questions.

“Does that mean what I think it does?”

You nod, while taking a sip of your water. “It means I’m yours if you’ll have me.”

Not having the adequate words to express her joy and excitement, Christen gets up from her chair, walks over to sit in your lap, and connects you lips for a searing kiss.

“I can’t believe you,” she breathes, rubbing her nose against yours. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you quickly peck her lips while rubbing circles on her hip. “But as much as I love you and all this romance, we gotta get going soon.”

Your girlfriend tilts her head in confusion.

“Do the words ‘She Believes’ ring a bell?” You tease. “If I remember correctly, our flight leaves in a couple hours.”

“You’re coming with me?” Christen asks, her brain trying to wrap around the fact that her girlfriend, who she hadn’t seen in almost five months, would now be living with her in England and flying back to the States with her for the next week.

“Of course, Chris,” you give her a cheeky smile, along with a kiss to her nose, as you quote a book Becky had convinced the whole team to read. “You should know by now that I’d follow you anywhere. You’re the only good thing left in this world.”

#uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #christen press x reader #christen press imagine #christen press imagines #uswnt #christen press

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gotnofucks · 4 years ago

Text

Protected

Paring: dark!Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: How were you to know who’s a monster, who’s a savior when they all hide behind a mask

Words: 4.7k

Warnings: violence, manipulation, dark themes, language, 18+ ONLY

A/N: Aged up Peter Parker (obviously). No smut in here, even I surprised myself.

MASTERLIST

+++++

You stared in the mirror, hands clammy as you tried to angle the phone right. The lightening was not perfect, and you twisted, trying to see if you’ll need to turn on the flash. Just as you thought you’d found your position, your phone chimed and you jumped. Clicking on the notification you opened your messages and found another text from the private number.

Be quick

Just above this was the text you’d received 20 minutes ago that had you running into the bathroom and taking your top and bra off within minutes.

Send me a pic of your right nipple

It had started a couple weeks ago with the kidnapping of your boyfriend, Sammy. You didn’t realize he had been kidnapped at first. He worked as a driver for a rich family and they took him away without preamble overnight for visits into next town. You only noticed something was strange when all your calls and texts remained unanswered for two days and you finally made a call to his employers to figure out if everything was okay. It was a shock to realize that the family was in town and hadn’t seen him for two days too. You had jumped into action, barely making sure you were appropriately dressed as you made your way to the police station to report a missing person’s report. You had parked down and were just about to open your door when the first message pinged. You almost didn’t check your phone, but the notification said private number, so you clicked on it. Your world came crashing down.

It was a picture of your boyfriend tied to a metal chair in what looked like a warehouse with blood caking his hairline and mouth gagged. Tears were streaming down his face and you covered your mouth in shock. Another message chimed, this one reading:

Don’t even think of going inside. Turn around and go back to your home

You had whipped your head around, looking out of the window with terrified eyes as you tried to see anyone who looked suspicious or was paying attention to you. Nothing struck you out of the ordinary and you were more determined than ever to go in and file a report when another message popped up.

Go home or I can send your precious lover’s head to you in a parcel

Maybe you should have gone inside, maybe you should have told someone. But when someone is holding a gun to the love of your life, you do what the fuck they say. Common sense doesn’t come into play. Last minute solutions don’t play in your mind. It was real life, not a movie. You drove back to your house in tears, hands trembling. Your boyfriend was not missing, he’d been taken by someone. The drive back home was a blur and you barely made it without hitting someone or yourself. You parked outside and entered your home, locking the door behind. The moment you were in, another text alert:

Good girl

You locked all the doors and windows, the curtains drawn shut. You sat down in the living you, finally finding the nerve to text back.

Who are you? What do you want?

You waited for a reply, your eyes darting around your house. Did the person have camera’s in your house or were you simply followed? Would they really hurt Sammy or was that an empty threat? Should you call his parents? Your parents? Your phone dinged and quickly swiped up to open the text.

I want you to send me picture of your little toe

What the fuck? This had to be some sort of a joke. You were shaking in fear and anger, your hand clutching the phone in a dead grip. You should have gone and made the complaint. It was dark outside now, but you’d go to the police station first thing tomorrow morning. To hell with this person, you will not be scared of them. You took a screenshot of the messages and made sure your house was secure before retiring to your room with a knife. Sleep came late and restless, your worry keeping you from having a sated sleep. Horrible scenarios ran across your mind, each worse than the last.

You woke up early and dressed up. You needed to be at the station as soon as possible, Sammy was in danger. Whoever had him seemed addled in the brain. You were just pouring your coffee in your travelling mug when the doorbell rang. Your heart beat in your throat, your body seizing up in terror. You got your knife from the kitchen, creeping to the door on all fours trying to make the least amount of noise as possible. You leaned up slightly to peep out the peephole and saw a delivery man. He looked normal enough, cranky from an early delivery. You cautiously opened the door a few inches, hiding the knife behind your back.

“Y/n Y/l/n?” He asked and you nodded. He held out a small parcel to you along with a form to sign. You opened the door a few more inches and quickly scribbled your name across the form, taking the parcel with tentative hands. The man walked away without a goodbye and you sighed. Not everyone was out there to get you.

You placed the parcel on the table. It held only the delivery receipt, no other marks on it. It was small, almost like a jewelry box. You looked at the time and thought to open it first. You didn’t wanna deal with sleep deprived officers who refuse to take you seriously at the station. Getting out you scissors you cut the brown paper off and opened the plain carboard box. Inside was a jewelry box like you had expected, but who would send this to you? There was no note and you opened the flap.

It fell out of your hands as you screamed, your hands rushing to your mouth in horror. The thing that had been perched inside like a ring rolled out and fell on the floor, resting at your feet. It was a little toe. A severed, human little toe. And if your hunch was right, you knew who it belonged to. Your phone chimed at that very moment and you swallowed back the bile in your throat when you swiped up.

Next time, listen. I have no trouble sending his head to you.

P.S. Drink that coffee, looks delicious. And be a good girl and forget about the police if you give a damn about your piece of shit boyfriend.

P.P.S I’ll like a pic of your pinky finger

You send him the pic with shaky hands, tears falling down your cheeks.

This is how it went for a few weeks, them asking for pictures of different body parts. Each with a threat of the same part being chopped off Sammy’s body if you don’t comply. Whoever they were, they didn’t call you and you couldn’t call them. You rarely texted, only asking if Sammy was okay and you’ll get vague texts in reply saying, ‘that depends on you’.

The pictures were seemingly innocent enough at first. Your fingers, your knee, your shoulder, hair braided, hair in a pony. But then they got dangerous. The inside of your things, your ass in a pink pair of panties, your nipples. You gave them what they wanted. As long as Sammy was okay, but you didn’t know how long you could continue this. Something had to be done

+++++

You were probably making a big mistake, but you had no option. Police was out of question, but they weren’t the police. Not entirely.

The kidnapper could for some reason follow you everywhere, even look inside your home though you had scoured every corner and found no cameras. You needed people more powerful and they were the only ones who could help. You know they didn’t have time for something this small as they dealt with world endangering events, but you had to try. You entered the Avengers Tower, making your way to the front desk. The lady sitting behind looked kind enough, greeting you politely.

“Hello, how can I help you?” She asked with a practiced smile and you nervously smiled back.

“I uh, I want to make a complaint.” You winced as you said that, your eyes darting around. The lady however gave you a sympathetic smile, slipping you a form to fill.

“You can fill this one, but it may take a while to get to them. They can be very busy” She said, and you nodded, taking the form and going to sit on a couch to fill it out. You gave all the necessary information, adding in that you had picture proof. You hoped it reached someone here who could help, if not the avengers then someone from Shield. You got up to submit it when you bumped into somebody, making them drop their papers along with yours.

“Oh, I am so sorry” you apologized, bending down to gather their stuff as well as yours. A hand reached out to help and you looked up in the eyes of Sam Wilson. You blinked and then stammered another apology that he waved away. He got the papers from your hand, looking over and found your form.

“This yours miss?” He asked as he looked over the paper, his brow furrowing as he read on. You nodded and bit your lip. He turned it over and then looked back at you. “Do you have the picture evidence?” He asked tapping the paper and you nodded quickly. You showed him your phone, with the messages and pictures. He frowned, his handsome face pinched.

“Can you help me? They sent me his severed toe. For all I know he isn’t even alive now.” You croaked and Sam looked at you with kind eyes.

“Y/n, isn’t it?” He asked and you nodded. “Well, this looked very creepy and bad. I’ll take it up to the team okay? See if someone can spare sometime on it. Here, take my card. Call me if they approach you again.”

You almost sobbed with relief, glad that something seemingly good finally happened. You thanked him and pocketed his card, hoping you made the right call. It didn’t matter now anyway. You were in deep. Either the kidnappers find out and threaten you, possibly killing Sammy. Or they piss their pants and leave you the hell alone. You just wanted this to be over.

You returned to your flat with a lighter heart, having a full dinner after ages. You had the avengers on your case. The avengers. The guys who took down aliens and planet-wiping asshats. They will put an end to this, you were sure. You slept better that night too, heinous dreams not plaguing you for a change.

You went to work early that day. Usually your shift at the local clinic didn’t start until an hour later, but you were feeling hopeful. Helping people through the day by stitching their wounds or giving a kid a cartoon bandage took your mind off things. It was a smooth day, almost normal. No more texts from the kidnapper today and if Sammy were home, things would be perfect. You were only just leaving when another person walked in your station, a cut bleeding over their lip. You recognized the boy and gave him a reproachful look.

“Peter, again?” You groaned, your hands automatically reaching for the antiseptic wipes. He came in once every few weeks, battered from one thing or another. You were sure some gang was beating him up, but he never confided. He was your age, studying some cool physics stuff while you nursed here. He was a very regular patient.

“Hey Y/n, can you patch me up. Again.” He said, ruffling his hair awkwardly. You tended to him, being careful not to hurt him even though he barely flinched. He had tremendous pain tolerance and you didn’t wanna know how he built it up. He was a great guy, pretty cool and respectful.

“There you go, all done. Maybe listen to me for once and don’t do whatever it is you do.” You advised, and he sent you a bashful grin that you knew meant your words went in one ear and out of the other.

“Thanks. You look good today, happier. Something good happen?” He asked and you smiled a little.

“I think so. I’ll get to know soon enough. You look after yourself, mkay?” You say and pack up your stuff. You saw him lingering, feet shuffling around so you raised an eyebrow.

“Um, I was wondering if you’d wanna go out for a coffee or something?” He asked and now it was your turn to shuffle uneasily.

“Peter, I’m really flattered. But I’m in a relationship already.” You told him and saw him frown.

“You have a boyfriend?” He asked confused and you nodded. Sammy was still your boyfriend, regardless of everything. You weren’t going to go around dating behind his back. He will come home. You were sure he will. Peter’s face fell and before you could say something he nodded and left. You felt horrible, but you hoped he will come around.

You got a call from Sam right before you went to sleep.

“Hey, did the kidnappers contact you?” He asked and you said no. He hummed and spoke to someone in the background. “Can you come over to the tower tomorrow? We’ll have a look at your phone, try and track the number?”

You agreed to meet him there at noon and a smile spread on your face. Things seemed to be progressing. Maybe the kidnapper was too scared of the avengers to make any move. You hoped you’ll get Sammy back soon.

You reached the tower with ten minutes to spare. You had taken trouble dressing up today as you didn’t know if you’ll meet more avengers. It was a blessing to have them and you prayed things will turn out okay. Sam met you in the lobby, waving at you.

“Hey, come on up. We’ve got a tech team waiting” He said, and you followed him to the elevator. It seemed to rise up and up, and you got nervous. You were glad you hadn’t deleted anything from your phone but worried what they will say about it. You had after all sent nude pics to a stranger.

“Hey, don’t worry. It’s a safe space.” Sam promised you and you tried to force a smile.

You exited with him in what looked like a huge office space, with cabins and sleek furniture everywhere. He led you to the cabin at the end and held the door for you to enter. You took a step inside and almost stopped short. When Sam said tech team you didn’t know it would mean Black Widow and Tony Stark.

“Come on in, we don’t bite.” Tony teased you, waving you forward and you stumbled. They both shook your hands and offered you a seat where you sat gobsmacked. You kinda sat like a goldfish until manners and mobility returned and you greeted them with a high pitch hello.

“Hey kid, you don’t need to worry. We got a free day today and Wilson said a young lady needed saving. Romanoff loves the ladies you know.” Tony winked and Nat threw a stapler at him that he caught. You nervously smiled and then they got to business. You explained everything to them, showing them the texts and pictures.

“Hmm, it’s a private number. Let’s see if we can do something about it.” Nat said and connected your phone to her laptop, clattering away on the keys. As she did, her brows drew together and she huffed. “Oh, this one is good. Not good enough for me though.”

She kept at it for a few minutes and when her device beeped her mouth parted a little. She moved her head away and blinked before passing the laptop to Tony who looked baffled. He started his own clattering and you tensed. The laptop beeped again and just then the door opened. You looked up to see…a man wearing the spiderman mask.

“Hey kid, you know you can take that thing off in here.” Sam said.

“I’m good. I need to leave soon anyway.” The voice behind the mask said and it almost sounded familiar. He looked at you and waved and you returned the gesture. Of course, Spiderman’s identity was a secret. You were probably the reason he was wearing the mask in the first place.

“This doesn’t seem right.” Tony mused and he and Nat exchanged a look.

“What is it?” You asked and Sam echoed your question.

“Well, the signals of the phone trace back to this tower.” Tony answered and he seemed as bewildered as you.

“What? Like a shield agent? That would explain how they could spy on her without too much trouble.” Sam mused.

“You mind if I see Mr. Stark?” Spiderman asked and Tony passed the laptop to him, leaning back in his seat.

“I’ll have Friday run a scan all over the tower. We’ll have an identity soon. But damn, this is disturbing.” Tony said and you felt anticipation rise in you. You’ll have the name of the kidnapper soon, and after that Sammy can be home.

“Uh, Mr. Stark, something is going on here. I – I swear I didn’t do anything.” Spiderman called out in a panicked voice and Tony and Nat crowed around him.

“What the fuck? How did this happen?” Nat scowled, her face almost buried in the screen as Tony did whatever he did there. “This…this can’t just happen. Tony!”

They looked up at you genuinely confused as you stared back with wide eyes.

“It seems like someone just deleted all the data from the number, including the trace. That shouldn’t have been possible.” Nat explained and you willed your tears away. All the proof you had gathered was lost, including the only lead you’d had for months.

“Hey kid, don’t cry. We’ve got you, okay. We know its someone from inside the tower. We’ll keep a watch.” Tony assured you, patting your shoulder in a fatherly way. You sniffled and shifted in your seat, all the hopelessness coming back.

“I think someone should keep a watch with her.” Nat suggested. “Whoever they are, we know they are good. Must be some top shield agent. A stakeout at her place, that should clear shit up.”

The others nodded and you cringed. You didn’t want to trouble them or have your privacy invaded this way, but if that was what it took to get Sammy back, you’ll be okay with it. So, you agreed.

“I’ll see if Wanda is free.” Sam suggested when Spiderman stood up and waved goodbye.

“Now wait here Wilson, we got our friendly neighborhood hero right here. Kid, you look after her. Your people skills are depressing and maybe you’ll cheer up a bit.” Tony said and you saw Spiderman wring out his hands.

“Mr. Stark, I’ve got college.”

“She’s got work.” Tony looked at you and you nodded. “See it will be perfect. Go on, pack an overnight.”

You gave out your address and went back home, aggressively cleaning before Spiderman arrived. You felt kinda bad for him since you knew he didn’t wanna be here, but well, job’s a job. He arrived just as you’d finished shoving your stuff under the bed and you opened the door to him still wearing the mask.

“Hey, make yourself at home. I’d give you a tour but its only one room, bathroom and kitchen.” You said awkwardly, his red face looking around.

“It’s chill. I’ll make my bed on the couch. You don’t need to worry. I’ll keep you safe.” He promised. His voice wasn’t very rough, and you thought he must be somewhere around your age.

“You can uh, take your mask off if you wanna. I swear I won’t tell anyone” You promised but he shook his head.

“I’m fine. Please, don’t bother. Go about your day as usual. I’ll make myself scarce.” He set his bag on the coffee table and took out his books. Some complicated physics stuff. Well, Tony Stark wouldn’t just have a stupid rookie in his team.

You and Spiderman (Seriously, you can just call me Erek Trapper) had a simple dinner. You knew he’d given you a fake name, probably just an anagram but you didn’t push him. You valued your privacy too. He wasn’t too much trouble, always polite and never in your way. Only once you found him in your doorway watching you sleep, but he very embarrassedly told you that he needed an extra pillow to sleep. You gave him one after which he didn’t appear again.

He stayed for a week before shit happened. You were alone at home when your phone buzzed. “Erek” was still not back from his classes and you were making dinner. You picked up your phone and almost dropped it in fright. A private number.

Such a silly dumb girl you are.

Another buzz

You’re not good at taking orders, are you? We’re gonna work on that

Buzz

And here I thought you cared about this pathetic boy

Buzz

I should have really sent you his whole leg instead of the toe

Buzz

Look in your kitchen drawer

You turned around, sweat running down your neck and tremors hit you as you pulled out your drawer. You screamed, bloody fingernails inside a cup greeting you. You stumbled back and your windows started rattling all at once. You sat huddled in the kitchen, screaming with your head between your legs as knocks echoed around your apartment, multiple doors and windows banging. You sniffed and suddenly looked across the hall where a fire burned in your room.

“No!” You couldn’t get up, frozen in shock. The doors kept banging, smoke filling the house and your lungs, blurring your vision. Your throat was hoarse and dry and you coughed, trying and failing to stand up with support of the counter. You knocked against the drawer, the cup of nails tumbling down over you making you flail and howl.

You crawled away on shaky feet, feeling more exhausted than ever. Your lungs burned and you coughed, losing feeling of your body. The door was banging louder than ever and you shut your ears, tears making their way down your face.

It opened with a bang, a man nearly flying inside and to your side. Cool hands gripped your face and tapped your cheeks, urging you to keep your eyes open. You were in his arms, being lifted outside from your home.

“Mr. Stark, no, I got there in time. Yes sir. Taking her with me. Bring her to the tower? Yes sir. She’s okay – I don’t know. Maybe. Yes. Gonna be swinging with her.” He spoke to someone.

Air rushed against you and you barely opened your eyes before shutting them again. You were flying from building to building, only one arm around you keeping you safe. You hugged him tight, pressing your face into his neck.

“We’re almost there, Y/n. Damn it! I knew I should have controlled the drugs.”

You didn’t understand what he said and as the swinging motion grew frantic, your eyes shut.

+++++

Beeping of a machine greeted you and your eyes opened to the view of a hospital room. A tube was in your arm, a tv playing softly in the background. Your tongue felt heavy in your mouth and as your memories flooded you, you stood up. The beeping increased and a door opened to let in a man in middle age, with soft salt and pepper curls.

“Hey hey, its alright. You’re safe. You need to lay down.” He said. He looked so familiar and your eyes widened as you recognized him as Dr. Bruce Banner.

“I – what happened?” You asked. Before he could answer, Spiderman walked in and took the seat by your bed.

“I’ll let you guys talk. I’m going to be with Tony, Pete. Call me if you need something. And for god’s sake, take this goddamn mask off.” Bruce chided and left.

You looked at Spiderman who slowly took off his mask and your mouth dropped open. These brown eyes and hair.

“Peter?” You gasped and he nodded, abashed.

“I’m sorry I had to hide like this. I was going to let you know.” He explained. His eyes widened like he really really wanted you to understand.

“You’re Spiderman? So that’s where you got all those cuts from” You said, and he nodded. You raked a hand through your hair and winced when they tangled in some knots. “Thank you, Peter, for saving me. The fire, I – I don’t know what happened.”

Peter took your hands in his and placed a kiss on your knuckles. You frowned, trying to take your hand away but he resisted.

“Of course, I saved you. Sammy would have killed you otherwise.” He remarked and you started.

“Sammy? He’s here?” You almost jumped out the bed and Peter pushed down on your shoulder.

“Y/n, you don’t understand. Sammy was the kidnapper. He…he faked it.”

Peter was speaking but not making any sense. Why the hell would Sammy do that? You saw his bloodied pictures, you saw his torn off toe and fingernails.

“You’re mistaken.” You whisper but Peter shook his head.

“No, of course you’ll believe that. Sammy worked as a temp here last year. He got into Shield’s database and has been using that information to torture you. He faked it darling.” Peter said and pressed another kiss on your hand.

“That’s a lie. He never worked here! He was working for a family downtown!” You shouted and Peter nodded at you.

“Yes, but Friday’s data can be manipulated, and people paid off. They will never testify to knowing him.”

It took you a ridiculously long time to come to terms with what Peter said. His fingers were caressing up and down your arm, lips pressing soft kisses on your palm and wrist. You tried to wiggle it free, but he squeezed hard and you cried out.

“Don’t struggle, I don’t wanna hurt you anymore. I almost added too much hallucinogen to the smoke. You really scared me baby. Don’t do that again.” He scolded you and your eyes brimmed with tears. He wiped them away, cupping your cheek and you turned your face away.

“You?”

Peter nodded, his other hand playing with your hair.

“You were always so sweet Y/n. So nice to me, never asking too many questions. Being kind to me when I was beaten up. I have wanted you for months but then you kept talking to your friends about Sammy and it made me so sad. So, I took him away, kidnapped him. I tried to give you a closure, stage it properly. I would have killed him and sent you a picture, consoled you after his death. I asked you out, remember, and you still turned me down. But then you came here, to Mr. Stark. That day I barely managed to corrupt the filed on his laptop, they were so close to finding me. And well, I didn’t even have to manipulate him into sending me at your place. That worked out so smooth. Now, all the evidence is in play. Sammy will be indicted for conspiracy and attempt to murder. And you and me, we can be together.”

You opened your mouth to shout and his hand was promptly there, blocking all sound.

“Shh, don’t baby. I know you’re scared. I know. But Sammy is still with me. I can do anything. Right now, I’ve only cut off a toe and his nails. He’s still breathing. I think he’ll have a way better life in prison than in a grave, yeah?”

Peter leaned down and kissed your tears away, and when he removed his hands only sobs escaped your mouth. He cupped your face, looking so kind you doubted if whatever he said actually happened.

“No one will come between us. You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours.”

He pressed his lips to yours and you closed your eyes in surrender.

+++++

Taglist: @shooting-star-love @what-is-your-wish @littlegasps

Taglist is open

#dark!peter x reader #dark!peter parker x reader #peter parker x reader #peter x reader #dark!fic

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shaynawrites23 · 4 years ago

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Rosy Proposal

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Word count: 1505

Prompt: “One rose for every day I should have been with you.”

Written for @kitkatd7’s writing challenge! Congrats on 250!

You stood in the kitchen, humming to yourself as you skillfully flipped your pancakes. Off days were just the best, you had so much time to yourself and you could do anything you wanted.

The bowl of batter was soon empty and as you removed the pan from the stove, you caught sight of the calendar pinned to the fridge with a colorful Eiffel Tower magnet and you froze. August already?

You were snapped out of your trance by Nat strutting in, her posture similar to that of a Victorian-day queen as always.

"Hey girl, what's up?" She greeted you, pouring herself a glass of water.

"Nothing much. The usual."

She hummed in acknowledgement, pausing as if she were pondering her next words.

"You know, (Y/N), we should have a girl's day. You, me and Wanda."

You drizzled maple syrup over your pancakes, considering your options. You could go with Nat's idea, which would most likely result in you spilling any juicy details you hadn't previously mentioned regarding your love life, or you could take a day for yourself, which would probably end with you wallowing in how much you missed your boyfriend.

"Yeah, let's do it!"

A couple hours later, the three of you were lounging on Wanda's bed, each delicately balancing a bottle of nail polish between the fingers you were currently doing. You had selected the bright pink. It reminded you of when you were a teenager, as you always walked around with pink nails.

"So, (Y/N), any plans for when Bucky comes back from his mission?"

You sighed, screwing the cap back on your bottle and examining your work.

"Not really. I mean, it's been six months since he left on a six week mission. I just want Bucky back, you know."

"I get what you mean." Wanda placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. "But still, wouldn't it be nice to plan a lovely date for the two of you? For after he rests up, of course."

"Maybe," you mused, leaning back against the fluffy pillows. "Actually, that sounds like a good idea. And I may have a better one."

Nat raised a questioning eyebrow and you continued.

"Bucky's been on a mission for six months; I think he deserves a vacation. And I can definitely get time off as well. So... what if we went on a road trip?"

Wanda clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh, that's a wonderful idea! I overheard Bucky telling Steve once how he wanted to go on a road trip across the country. Maybe you could do that."

"Yeah! I love road trips." You sat up. "In fact, I think I'll start planning already."

You moved to leave but Wanda grabbed your wrist.

"Noo, don't go!"

"But I need my laptop, Wanda, I'll be right back."

"Use mine."

You shrugged, but sat down again as Wanda handed you her laptop. Nat had pulled out her phone and was busily texting, the clicking of her nails against the screen filling the room.

"Nat, is there something I should know about?" You asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Nope," she mumbled, popping the 'p.' "Nothing at all."

Curse her for having such an excellent poker face. You couldn't tell if she was lying or telling the truth, but you chose to ignore it anyway.

Your stomach grumbled, and you glanced at your watch, a beautiful watch with a white leather wristband and silver studded hearts on the face, below the hands. It was a gift Bucky had gotten for you on your first anniversary.

Shit. Why did everything have to remind you of him?

"Hey, girls, it's six thirty. I don't know about you, but I'm hungry, so I'm gonna go make myself a sandwich or something, okay?"

You moved to leave, and once more, Wanda grabbed your wrist.

"Wait! We'll order takeout."

So you sat down again, an amused smile playing on your face.

"Why do I have the feeling you're trying to keep me here as long as possible?"

"Maybe we are, maybe you're just imagining it," Nat shrugged. "Does it really matter?"

"I guess not. So, where are we ordering from?"

You were now watching a movie, a rom-com, courtesy of Wanda. Of course it had to be a love story. You'd spent six months without your partner, your other half, and you were itching to have him back in your arms.

Naturally, you had called each other, or rather, he had called you whenever he was able to do so safely, but it was never quite the same as having him there, with you.

Nat's phone pinged, and she snatched it up to read the text. Both you and Wanda paid her no mind, Wanda was engrossed in the movie and you were daydreaming about your boyfriend.

Then Wanda's phone pinged, and as she read the text, she glanced at Nat, behind her. However, you were too distracted to notice them subtly mouthing instructions at one another.

"Hey, Nat, (Y/N), I just remembered I have a date with Vision tomorrow and I need to be well-rested, so I'm sorry but I have to cut our girls' day short." She looked so genuinely sorry, you didn't think twice about it and pulled her into a hug.

"Aw, it's okay, girl. We can always schedule another one. Have fun tomorrow!"

Had you looked back when you left, you'd have seen Nat rapidly dialing Steve's number.

As you attempted to open the door to your suite, courtesy of Tony, you discovered the door was jammed. You fished your phone out of your pocket to call the billionaire, but shoved it back when you heard a curse on the other side.

"Hey! Who's in there?" You yelled. If it was a burglar, well, God have mercy on him.

You jiggled the knob once more and the door swung open. You leapt forward into a battle stance, but relaxed when you scanned your surroundings and your jaw dropped open.

The room was filled with roses, it seemed like there was a bouquet on every surface. Each rose was the same vibrant hue, as red as your favorite lipstick, the one Bucky couldn't resist messing up and before you knew it, his mouth would be on yours.

Stop thinking about that. Where did these come from?

You spotted a card on the bouquet lying on the couch and you folded it open, inhaling the sweet smell of the flowers as you read it.

'One rose for every day I should have been with you.'

Well that was either sweet or creepy, depending on who it was from.

You stumbled into the bedroom, hoping to find another card or at the very least, a receipt that would indicate who sent them. Instead, you got another huge surprise.

The bedroom was illuminated by candlelight, and there were rose petals on the bed, arranged in a way that must have taken hours and a lot of though.

And the biggest surprise of all was Bucky kneeling before you, a tired but nonetheless admiring grin on his face. His hands held a small black jewelry box, and the ring displayed before you was silver with an elegantly cut sapphire.

Your hands flew to your mouth as Bucky started speaking.

"Doll, I'm... shit I forgot my speech. Okay, uh, shit. Here goes. So I've been away for six months and I've had a lot of time to think about our relationship. You were there for me when I started to adjust to this century. You were there for me during every nightmare, every tough therapy session, everything. I can't thank you enough for that. Then, when I asked you on a first date and you agreed, I was about ready to jump ten feet into the air from joy. And I can't say exactly, but somewhere in between the first time we met and now, I fell hopelessly in love with you. I only hope that you feel the same way about me. (Y/N), will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

You didn't respond, only falling to your knees and kissing him with every ounce of love and passion you had in you. Your arms wrapped around his neck and you felt a tear slip down your cheek, but you didn't care.

When you finally pulled away to breathe, Bucky's smile could light up the world as he slipped the ring on your finger. You kissed him again, and this time his arms wrapped tightly around your waist as if he were afraid you might evaporate.

This time he was the one to pull away, the same dazzling smile never leaving his face.

"I'm truly the happiest man alive," he whispered, pulling you into him and burying his nose in your hair, inhaling the scent of your shampoo.

You pulled away slightly to look at him, a teasing glint in your eyes.

"Bucky?"

"Yeah, doll?"

"What am I gonna do with all these roses?"

#kits250challenge #bucky fluff #bucky imagine #bucky one shot #bucky x reader #buckybarnes #bucky barnes x reader #james bucky barnes #proposal #marriage proposal

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yandere-sins · 4 years ago

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Home

Yantober List! Feel free to participate at any point :3

Ah, the month’s almost at it’s end huh? Man, I might actually tear up at the end of this for finishing another story... My stories really grow on me and then they just end, the tragic of my life ;; However, I quite enjoyed this chapter, a bit more scenery! Hope you like it ♥

»»———————————— ♡ ————————————««

You had to admit, the ocean was beautiful.

Clear, light blue, stones buried in the sand beneath the waves. The rushing was as calming as you expected it to be from the natural sounds that you sometimes listened to before to help you concentrate on your studies. Loud, crashing, and overwhelming, yet mesmerizing. A morbid thought crossed your mind as you watched the water from your car seat, not yet having had the chance to get out while Rhys went inside with the landlords. Apparently, there were some more things to discuss, and you - unable to walk - would have taken too much time to carry around if Rhys had helped you out.

Drowning in these beautiful waves, morbidly romantic as it was, would have not been so bad.

The tapping on the window next to you made you flinch, head twisting around to see Rhys smiling down from outside the car. The car locks clicked as he opened them with the keys, and he opened the door with you, leaning in for a kiss, which you denied by turning your cheek. However, from the corner of your eyes, you could still see the people you rented the house from - your parent’s friends - and you realized it was all show. They couldn’t see if he kissed you or not with his body blocking the view. At least, that meant you were safe from him getting upset about your denial.

“Admiring the scenery?” he asked you, and you merely sighed in response. To be fair, you were exhausted after the five-hour drive, and your legs hurt despite the seat being pulled back as far as possible. However, being a front-seat passenger with Rhys’s driving style wasn’t easy. There also had been a traffic jam where you had wished to escape from Rhys’s monologues but couldn’t even fall asleep next to him.

“Let’s get you out, alright?” he sighed as you didn’t react to him at all, leaving the door open as he went to get the wheelchair. You heard his chipper laugh as he said his farewells to the landlords, who probably thought you were rather rude for not even looking at them, much less greeting or interacting. But you couldn’t care less. Would it have even made a difference if you tried to make them understand in what kind of situation you were? Had Rhys told them you were a bit mentally unstable just in case you tried to pull something that would have made them suspicious? You couldn’t know, and you didn’t try, the chance passing as they left your new home, leaving you to fight all by yourself.

When Rhys was finally by your side again, you didn’t help him, knowing fully well by now he could lift you easily. He had lifted you down the stairs at the apartment and into the car, locking you in knowing fully well you’d at least try to crawl out. The wheelchair squeaked under your weight, its wheels rubbing over the asphalt. You kept your eyes on the ocean until Rhys drove you inside the shop, a concrete wall blocking the beautiful view.

“There we are, look!” Stopping the wheels on your chair, Rhys slipped by you, arms open as you presented the room to you. “Isn’t it perfect? We can open a little shop here, what do you want to sell? Bread? Flowers? Souvenirs? We can make it work! It’ll be our little shop, where we get our hard-earned money from.”

Finally, you let your gaze glide through the space, examining corner to corner. It looked old, a little worn down. The floor was dirty, footsteps everywhere, and you could see cobwebs on the ceiling. A staircase in the far-right indicated another floor above, probably where you were supposed to live from now on. That’s not what you had planned for your life. Having to sell stuff in this crooked little shop. You had wanted to study hard, get a nice degree, maybe work in the city or a big company outside of it. This was all your life would give you? Pathetic. It was pathetic. Rhys was pathetic.

And you… you were pathetic too.

“We’ll clean it,” Rhys assured you, walking up to you again. As if he had read your mind, but really, he just watched you intently as you mustered your surroundings. “Put some parquet flooring down, and have some tables line the walls full of goods, that would be nice, right?” His hand came down onto your head, brushing over it to the back of it while he leaned down to kiss the top. “Our little sanctuary, filled with all that we love, okay? Whatever you want, I will get it for you.”

You wanted to click your tongue, shake your head, make him go away, but you were so exhausted. Exhausted of him, of his doings, of what your life was turning into. Only a deep breath escaped you, and he patted the back of your head tenderly in response. “There’s something I want to show you before we go upstairs, alright?”

Leaving you alone for now, he walked to the back of the room, facing the wall to your left. The corner had been rather dark, but now that he reached for it, you could see the handle of a door sticking from the wall, Rhys opening it up before coming to get you. He left the wheelchair in favor of picking you up, carrying you over, and giving you a first glance of what lay behind the dusty door. Stairs that led down was what welcomed you, and though it was tricky, Rhys did not hesitate shuffling down step by step with you in his arms.

All of a sudden, it became unnaturally dark, with no natural lightning shining in. But if you listened closely, the rushing of water was closer now, and it felt like only a wall was keeping it from flowing in and taking you away. However Rhys managed to see, he eventually leaned over to set you down, his touch disappearing in the dark as he searched for the light switch. With a ‘ping!’ it turned on, a light bulb shining up to illuminate the dark basement. “A basement,” Rhys said with a mix of pride and happiness.

“What do you think? It’s not big, but it’ll do for storage. The wall to the sea is a bit thin, but otherwise, it’s very secure and won’t grow mold or anything. It’s also-” Turning towards you, he wiggled his brows meaningfully. “-sound-proof and can be closed off with a key.”

For a good minute, you two only stared at each other, your thoughts circling over his words, an all too familiar burning appearing in your nose. So that’s what it was for, you thought to yourself. Rhys wasn’t just showing you the rooms; he was actually telling you what he was going to do with you in the future. Already, you could tell that this basement would not become your favorite place in the house, much less if Rhys planned to punish you by locking you in here so that no one could even attempt to find you.

Tears spilled from your eyes as you slowly reached up to hide your face in your palms. Concern darted over his expression, and Rhys marched back over to you, kneeling down with his knees on the steps around your legs. “Hey, it’s fine,” he hushed you, his arms wrapping around your back while he pulled you into his chest. For the first time in what seemed like weeks, you couldn’t help but do the same - at least as much as you could strain your arms. You simply buried your face in the crook of his neck, sobbing quietly.

“I want to go home,” you sniffled, loud enough so he could hear it despite the words being caught in his shirt rather than his ear. “Please take me home, Rhys.”

He rubbed your back attentively as you waited for an answer. Perhaps, if you asked him that nicely, he’d actually consider it for once. Rhys had always liked you most when you depended on him and asked for things that would make him look good in your eyes. However, that was the old Rhys, the one that you could only long for now to see.

“Silly you,” he chuckled. Carefully he pulled you from his chest so you’d see his face even in the shadows of the light. The loving, attentive shine had vanished from his eyes, nothing more than a bit of anger left. “This is home,” he announced, simply, easy. A fact that he decided on, and you would have to comply with as you could feel he wasn’t going to discuss it.

“You’ll come to love it,” were his last words before he kissed your forehead, picking you up again. Leaving the light on, you could only look back over his shoulder as you two left. But you pinched them close, not wanting your thoughts to start cruising and imagine what kind of bad things could happen in this awful room below the earth.

“This is our home now. There’s no need to go back to anything in the past, you understand?”

Somehow, the nagging feeling that his words weren’t just a reaction to yours sat in the back of your head. But with the bit of strength left, you finally gave him a proper answer, nodding your head, not noticing the smile it brought to his lips. “Good,” he whispered, kissing your temple and finally getting out, relieving you of the awful nightmare that this new house would hide in its basement if you happen to not please him a bit more in the future.

Continue

#Yantober #Yandere #Yandere Headcanons #Yandere Scenarios #Yandere Oneshot #yandere writing #yandere fanfiction #yandere oc #yandere x reader #yandere x darling #yandere x oc #yandere tw #Rhys #Rhys Aspen

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robotslenderman · 4 years ago

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Ok, so I've played VTMNR a few times now, and I've noticed something which I think is interesting. Near the end of the book, if you've romanced Lettow and choose to fight the SI with him, you'll have the opportunity to kiss him in the hallway. If you decide to kiss him again, or just return to the room with him, there will be one retainer left. Depending on your relationship with Lettow, he'll act differently here. If your Lettow/Camarilla relationship is moderate (3 dots), he'll become cool and composed in front of the retainer. Additionally, he'll touch your wrist in a lingering way, which you realize he's doing in order to check your watch. If your Camarilla relationship is high (5 dots), the part about about him being "cool and collected, even in the presence of a single retainer he is the Eagle Prince" is not mentioned, and Lettow will touch your face instead. In my opinion, the nature of the relationship is more unclear in the 3dot interaction. Personally, I find that it feels more manipulative (though I'm probably not clever enough to explain why). With 5 dots, I follow him to Egypt everytime, but with 3 dots I still follow him. I'm just much more wary about how "happy" their relationship will be. Will he sacrifice my character to the Sabbat if needed? Who knows! Although, really, who's to say you're not being played by him the entire story, even with a full relationship meter.

Another variation I've noticed is during the confrontation with Donati when Lettow flutters up the steps, he will A) see you and force himself to stand, B) stand (because he's an elder), or C) rise to his hands and knees, but is too weak to get up more. I'm not sure what the trigger is for whichever action he takes (or if there are more variants of this), but my more moderate relationship characters got either scenario A or B, while my high relationship character got scenario C. When I played through it, I personally liked scenario C the best because to me, it feels like he trusts the main character enough that he's willing to afford a moment of weakness around them. Afterall, he's still able to attack Donati no matter if you get A, B, or C, so he's clearly not that close to the brink of death.

While I love Lettow and his romance, I'm pretty confused by it all. First of all, I don't really understand his character or ambitions too well. Despite how friendly and trusting he seems in the the first chapter (showing you Jasper's death? Why?), he's suspicious of the courier from the start (if you spy on Carlos in the parking garage, he'll reveal that Lettow thinks you might be an SI agent). And I don't think that suspicion ever goes away, it just evolves. He dismisses the idea that you're SI, but then he thinks you're allied with *potential diablerist* Julian (even if you aren't) then quickly seems to realize it's you (maybe by sensing her in your blood?). He continues to suspect you, until he seems to REALIZE realize that you diablerized Aila. Before the final confrontation between you, Julian, and Lettow, there's a moment where Lettow is reading his book and asks you in a tired, soft voice "I need to know why you--". He never gets to finish that thought, but I'm pretty sure he's asking why you killed her. However, after the warehouse meeting, Lettow decides to spare both you and Julian?? Because he's tired and lonely?? I dont get it, what's his agenda? Why spare them? From what I know, the traditions say that killing/diablerizing a fellow vampire is punishable by death, so isn't Lettow actively going against the Camarilla? I can kinda understand if he doesn't want to kill the player character, since he thinks Aila is in our veins, and he's potentially formed some sort of attachment to us (though I think at this point, Julian's formula has completely eradicated any traces of Aila from our blood, so surely Lettow can detect that?). However, I can't really understand why he spares Julian. Maybe he does it because the author wants to highlight that Lettow is a rare breed of kindred, one that's truly benevolent with a high humanity, but that's the only reason I can think of. Really, I'm just not sure what type of person Lettow is, or what his game is. Julian is clearly depicted as being pretty manipulative and as having these huge ambitions that he needs the courier to help him achieve, but I don't think that's true for Lettow. Asides from running packages, he doesn't really benefit from them (asides from the whole "maybe Aila's reincarnated" thing). So maybe he's manipulating the player at this super high level, but you know, maybe he's just actually a great, merciful person (except he did actually kill a ventrue in his court for having conspired to diablerize Invidia Caul. So what's up with that?)

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this monster of an ask, and please let me know what you think!

THANK YOU ANON FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ASK.

TL;DR at the bottom!

If your Lettow/Camarilla relationship is moderate (3 dots), he'll become cool and composed in front of the retainer. Additionally, he'll touch your wrist in a lingering way, which you realize he's doing in order to check your watch. If your Camarilla relationship is high (5 dots), the part about about him being "cool and collected, even in the presence of a single retainer he is the Eagle Prince" is not mentioned, and Lettow will touch your face instead. In my opinion, the nature of the relationship is more unclear in the 3dot interaction.

Honestly, personally? I just write this off as him not trusting you nearly as well. "Lingering" suggests he *wants* to touch you, but the biggest giveaway is that he doesn't seem to have the need to check your watch at all in the five dot one (if I’m understanding you correctly). That tells me that with five dots, he just openly wants to touch you and isn't afraid to show it (aww), but with three dots he's a little more reluctant and is just *pretending* to check your watch.

He's got walls up in three dots he doesn't in five.

That's my exact same impression too -- there's trust with five dots that doesn't exist with three.

Despite how friendly and trusting he seems in the the first chapter (showing you Jasper's death? Why?), he's suspicious of the courier from the start (if you spy on Carlos in the parking garage, he'll reveal that Lettow thinks you might be an SI agent).

Okay I actually do have thoughts on this.This gets a little bit beside the point of your ask, so bear with me.

Regarding Jasper -- all I can say is, "Why NOT show you Jasper's death"? He doesn't have any reason NOT to show you. It doesn't make him vulnerable for you to know that Jasper is dead, or how he died. It doesn’t give the Courier any kind of edge against him. So Lettow has nothing to lose and everything to gain (your trust) by making you think you’re important enough that you get to watch the video.

Regarding Lettow thinking you're an SI agent -- I know this isn't the point of your ask but I do have thoughts on that, so please humour me for a moment before I go back to your point --

There's something very subtle in VTMNR that is never shown outright. It's very, very subtle but if you think about it, there's a really big reason why Lettow could think you're an SI agent despite being a vampire.

Think about it. Lettow himself points out that he's the only Prince that is as paranoid as he is about the SI, and yet Tucson is swarming with their agents. All the other Princes are emailing and texting and they're not dealing with the SI to nearly the degree Lettow has.

So what's the difference between Lettow and those Princes?

Lettow has an Autarkis in his Domain who's constantly blowing the Masquerade, that's why!

Who keeps calling you and speaking openly about being Kindred?

Julian.

Who keeps pinging the SI in his phone calls, forcing you to switch phones over and over?

Julian.

Who keeps loudly saying things like "WE CAN'T LET ANYONE KNOW WE'RE VAMPIRES" potentially in earshot of the SI, who you KNOW are watching you?

Julian.

Julian flaunts the Masquerade CONSTANTLY. And in doing so, he makes Lettow a target, because Lettow’s the guy in charge of the area!

So what has this got to do with Lettow thinking you're an agent of the SI? I have to admit, I can't quite connect the dots here, but I think it goes back to Julian once again. Julian's operating under his nose. Julian doesn't give a fuck about the Masquerade. Julian has links to you. I wouldn't be surprised if those factors, combined perhaps with stuff happening behind the scenes that the Courier never sees, is why Lettow at first believes you're an agent of the SI.

Basically -- Lettow sees Julian pulling shit, and at first thinks it’s because he’s part of the SI. Lettow sees you have connections to Julian (or perhaps the other way around) and thinks that because of that you have connections to the SI as well.

Later, Lettow does admit the idea is ridiculous, because he sarcastically tells Dove (paraphrased) “why yes, I’m sure that this vampire isn’t helping the vampire hunters.”

(I also believe that Julian is the one that actually SENT the video of Jasper's death to Lettow. I honestly can't think of any other explanation as to who it can be from. Obfuscate doesn't work with electronic devices, indicating the video has been doctored to hide Julian, and who would do that except Julian himself, especially since he tells us that he has video editing skills? Julian knew that Jasper was recording, but didn't wipe the video or take the camera to erase evidence of his crime. So who else but Julian sent that video?)

Anyway, moving on --

Before the final confrontation between you, Julian, and Lettow, there's a moment where Lettow is reading his book and asks you in a tired, soft voice "I need to know why you--". He never gets to finish that thought, but I'm pretty sure he's asking why you killed her. However, after the warehouse meeting, Lettow decides to spare both you and Julian?? Because he's tired and lonely?? I dont get it, what's his agenda? Why spare them?

My impression is that it was just that -- because he was tired and lonely.

At first he lets you live because his couriers are dropping like flies and he needs every one he can get. And as the story goes on, he gets tireder and tireder until he seems on the brink of succumbing to torpor himself. (Bitch is 200 years old and whining about how old he is even though he had an 800YO girlfriend!) At the end of the story, he's exhausted.

And he's also quite clearly severely depressed. And apathy is a strong symptom of depression.

So yeah. I think he spares both the courier and Julian simply because he's too tired and depressed to give a flying fuck any more. Aila's gone, killing the courier won't bring her back. What's the point in killing them? What's the point in killing Julian, when he demonstrates several times he thinks Julian is no threat? (He's wrong, but he clearly underestimates Julian -- he tells Julian that the Masquerade will survive Julian, and he tells Dove that Julian is "just an Anarch.")

I also think his feelings regarding Aila herself are complicated -- it must HURT to survive someone who died via what's essentially suicide. He knows Aila was suicidal. He must have complicated feelings regarding that -- feelings like he wasn't enough, feelings like maybe she didn't love him as much as he loved her.

So yeah. I think he was too tired and lonely and too devastated to care about enacting justice against either of them. I think he just wanted to put it behind him. Run away to the Middle East, let it go, put it behind him, never think about it again.

As for Lettow’s agenda itself?

I’m not going to say he can’t be manipulative. But I do believe he isn’t as manipulative as the other Princes, and that he sincerely does want to do better than they do.

The biggest evidence in support of this, if nothing else, is that Lettow is Gangrel. Gangrel, as a rule, don’t do political bullshit. They tend not to participate in the Jyhad. They tend to be loners, and they often don’t raise their own childer -- so they (often) lack a mentor/mentee relationship that other clans have, meaning that nobody was there to mentor them in ways to survive, let alone thrive, in political bullshit.

So that means Lettow would be drastically inexperienced in manipulation and bullshit outside of what he’d have seen as a mortal aristocrat, and would also probably be way less tolerant of political bullshit than other Kindred. He doesn’t have Dominate to help him. He doesn’t have Presence to help him. Just a magic bird, his own shapeshifting skills and what his friends can give him.

Remember that Lettow became Prince because there was literally nobody else available. He said so himself that he basically stepped into the job because there was nobody else -- he was the one that killed the old Prince (and in a rather extra way, no less) and there were no other Elders in the area.

Plus, by this stage, Aila was dead and he wanted to hunt down her murderers. Or, if I have my timelines incorrect, she was in torpor and therefore vulnerable and in need of protection.

What better way to do that than with the resources a Prince had at his disposal?

I don’t think it’s a complete coincidence that he stopped being a Prince on the same night that he finally confronted her killer.

TL;DR --

Lettow doesn't trust the Courier as much if their relationship with the Camarilla isn't great.

Lettow underestimates Julian, and doesn't think he's a threat at all, even though it's almost certainly Julian that drew the SI to Tucson like flies to honey.

By the end of the story, Lettow is deeply depressed, apathetic, and on the border of succumbing to torpor and ennui himself because of that, and so literally doesn't care enough any more about bringing Julian and the Courier to justice.

Unlike other Princes, Lettow is from a clan that typically is separate from all this political bullshit, has no social Disciplines, and had a motive to be Prince in that his lover was dead and he wanted to find her killer with any resources he could get to be at his disposal. So I truly believe that while he may feel the need to be manipulative from time to time, he truly did want just what was best for the Kindred around him.

#VTM #VTMNR #Lettow Kaminsky #meta #Aila the Banu Haqim #Anonymous

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chibistarlyte · 4 years ago

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one day

He's okay, Katsuki has to remind himself again, almost afraid that Todoroki might slip right through his calloused fingers if he doesn't hold on tight enough.

ayyy here’s a follow-up to my previous todobaku fic some days, this time from bakugou’s pov as he deals with the aftermath of todoroki’s depressive episode.

thank you to kat @sunshineijirou for the beta, as always! <3 ilysm!

fic can be read below the cut or here on ao3! you can also find a masterlist of all my bnha fics here!

If someone had told Katsuki, when he woke up this morning, that by this afternoon he’d be spooning with his secret crush after said secret crush jumped down to his balcony in some kind of depressive fit…

Suffice to say that Katsuki would have never believed it, even if his life depended on it.

Yet here he is, arms wrapped around Todoroki Shouto’s waist and his face buried in the back of his neck as the other boy sleeps peacefully in his bed. Or, Katsuki assumes peacefully, judging by the light snores and soft, lax features of Todoroki’s face.

Well, Katsuki thinks as he breathes a warm sigh against the other boy’s still frigid skin, at least Todoroki is safe now. It would be an outright lie to say that Katsuki hasn’t been worried about Todoroki all goddamn day, ever since he saw the other boy sitting precariously on the edge of his balcony and uttering uncharacteristic existential thoughts earlier that morning.

Just a little bit ago, when Todoroki had jumped...Katsuki’s heart had all but stopped in his chest.

Unconsciously, Katsuki tightens his grip around Todoroki and digs his nose deeper into the soft skin at the nape of Todoroki’s neck, breathing in his scent. He’s okay. He’s okay.

Katsuki jolts as he hears a loud buzzing noise, his palms sweaty and sparking in his alarm. He quickly retracts his arms from around Todoroki, afraid of burning the other boy with his Quirk. Katsuki belatedly realizes the sound is his phone vibrating on top of the headboard. Wiping his sweaty hands on his shirt as he sits up, he reaches for his phone and unlocks it with a click. A notification bubble at the bottom of the screen tells him the class 1-A group chat is active with messages right now.

Midoriya: hey guys has anyone seen todoroki-kun since class was over? he left before i could catch up with him and he hasn’t answered any of my texts and when i went to his room to check on him he didn’t answer… Uraraka: i haven’t seen him since our rescue exercise, deku-kun. are you sure he came back to the dorms? Midoriya: i mean i’m not positive but where else would he go? Iida: Todoroki-kun has been acting strangely all day...perhaps he heeded our advice and sought out Recovery Girl? Kaminari: nah bruh, i was at rg’s office after class for my broken wrist, i didn’t see him there Tokoyami: I can have Dark Shadow scope out the area and look for Todoroki, if needed. Yaoyorozu: I am worried about Todoroki-san. He wasn’t acting like himself today, and I fear to think what would happen if he’s alone right now. Jirou: which room is his???? i can listen in and see if hes there Kirishima: he’s on the fifth floor, right above bakugou’s room

Katsuki sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Great, now Todoroki has the entire class worried after him. They’d send out a goddamn search party if Katsuki doesn’t say something.

So he starts typing.

Bakugou: relax u damn extras, icyhot’s with me

There’s a short pause in the chat as several people begin typing and soon enough the messages flood right in.

Midoriya: what???? todoroki-kun is with you, kacchan?! Jirou: shit, dude, he must be fucked in the head to go hang out with explody Kirishima: is he ok?? are u guys in ur room bakubro? Mina: DID U KIDNAP THE POOR LAD, BAKUGOU?!? Uraraka: can we come see him?

Katsuki lets out a frustrated sigh and thumbs back a response.

Bakugou: if any of you assholes even think about coming and pounding on my door, i’ll break ur fuckin fingers. halfie’s asleep so you chucklefucks need to keep quiet

As if to make sure the group chat hadn’t somehow awoken Todoroki from his slumber, Katsuki looks away from his phone to the sleeping boy next to him. Not much has changed in the last few minutes, save for a slight twitching of Todoroki’s nostril and the fingers of his right hand slightly curling and unfurling.

When his phone pings with another message, Katsuki sees that it’s from Kirishima. He opens their text messages.

Kirishima: hey bakubro is everything ok?? i mean not just with todoroki but with u too? Bakugou: i’m fine, shitty hair. not sure about him, tho Bakugou: he was pretty messed up when i brought him in Kirishima: what happened? Bakugou: the crazy fucker jumped from his balcony down to mine like an idiot, coulda hurt himself Kirishima: … Kirishima: ...was he trying to Kirishima: u kno…

Katsuki doesn’t want to think about the reasons behind Todoroki’s actions, behind the other boy’s strange and despondent behavior all day. He knows Todoroki’s got family issues, with what he’d overheard at the sports festival in their first year. Then, after having dinner at the Todoroki household and interning with Endeavor all those months ago, Katsuki has been able to put the pieces together well enough.

He scoots down the bed until he’s lying down again, his arm against Todoroki’s back as he holds his phone up to text with Kirishima.

Bakugou: idk, he hasn’t told me anything, just basically been a zombie the whole fuckin time. he was so cold and he wasn’t usin his quirk to warm up, bastard’s lucky he didn’t get hypothermia or some shit Kirishima: do u need anything? Bakugou: i told u, i’m fine Kirishima: ok...but srsly, i’m here for u if u need to talk...or if i can bring you anything, yeah? Bakugou: yeah, yeah, i get it hair for brains Bakugou: ...thanks Kirishima: i gotchu bro

Katsuki sets his phone on silent before locking it and placing it up on his headboard again. He rolls onto his side, chest against Todoroki’s back once again, and reaches around to touch the back of his hand to the other boy’s forehead. It still feels colder than it probably should, but warmer than before, which Katsuki counts as progress.

He settles his arms around Todoroki’s waist again and scoots closer until they’re flush against each other. Katsuki tangles his legs with Todoroki’s to help warm them up—Todoroki’s bare ankles feel cold against Katsuki’s own heated skin.

He's okay, Katsuki has to remind himself again, almost afraid that Todoroki might slip right through his calloused fingers if he doesn't hold on tight enough.

"You really fuckin' scared me there for sec, half-n-half," Katsuki murmurs against the back of Todoroki’s neck, feeling the moisture of his own breath bouncing back at him from their close proximity. "The hell did you think you were doing?" he asks the air, knowing full well that Todoroki is dead asleep and can't hear a word Katsuki is saying.

And thank fuck for that, because Katsuki can't seem to shut himself up and continues speaking.

"Don't you realize how many people care about your stupid ass? How important you are to everyone? Fucking Deku, Round Face, Four-Eyes, Yaomomo...me…"

Katsuki clenches his jaw to stop his mouth from betraying him any further. He has no idea what's compelling him to such honesty. Perhaps it's because he knows Todoroki can't hear him, knows that he won't have to suffer any unfortunate consequences of having his feelings laid bare in front of him.

Just...seeing Todoroki fly through the air, even if it was only for a few seconds...Katsuki could have forever lost the chance to say all the things he wishes he were brave enough to admit.

He sighs through his nose, his teeth gritting painfully against each other as he tightens his jaw even more. Fucking coward, he chastises himself.

"Bakugou?"

Katsuki's heart stills in his chest as Todoroki’s confused, sleep-laden voice drifts into his senses. Todoroki stiffens in his grip, muscles tense and taut, almost as if he's afraid of something. Unconsciously, Katsuki's arms tighten around the other boy’s waist and he finds his hands pressing almost protectively against Todoroki’s abdomen.

"I'm here," he answers belatedly, nuzzling his nose against Todoroki’s skin—still too cold for his liking, but ever so slowly getting warmer.

Todoroki exhales, going boneless in Katsuki's arms. There's a minute shift of his head as he digs his cheek into the pillow. "I...didn't dream it, then…" he says a bit absently, sounding so, so tired.

"Dream what?" Katsuki asks softly, his fingers tracing odd shapes on Todoroki’s skin.

"That I was here...with you," Todoroki clarifies, letting out another exhale that made him deflate like a balloon with too many leaks.

Katsuki is unable to keep from snorting. "Couldn't very well let you leave after you just—" He stops himself from finishing that thought, because the idea that Todoroki really might have been trying to off himself was too much for Katsuki to handle. "Look, you could barely walk and were hardly coherent enough to make it back to your room. I couldn't let you leave and end up hurting yourself or some shit."

Todoroki lets out a breath that sounds suspiciously like a laugh.

"Don't you fucking laugh at me, you bastard," Katsuki says without any real threat. "Sorry for fucking caring about your stupid ass."

It's then that Todoroki starts to pull away, curling in on himself. He untangles his legs from Katsuki's and worms his way out of Katsuki's arms until he’s at the edge of the bed, the two of them no longer touching.

Katsuki's heart sinks into his stomach. Damn it, there goes his stupid mouth ruining everything again.

"You shouldn't care about me," Todoroki says, sounding miles away.

"Why the fuck not?" Katsuki bites back, not liking where this conversation has turned.

"I'm not worth it," Todoroki repeats his words from earlier, and they still feel like a knife stabbing right through Katsuki's chest.

He doesn't understand why someone like Todoroki could ever think he's worthless.

It makes him...angry.

"What the fuck is it gonna take for you to realize that you are worth it?" Katsuki says in a harsh whisper, trying to reign in his rage. He knows if he explodes now, he might chase Todoroki off and cause him to do...something…

Todoroki doesn't answer.

Against his better judgment, Katsuki reaches for Todoroki’s back. His fingers barely graze the black t-shirt he's wearing before he notices a significant drop in temperature. Frost begins crawling up the shell of Todoroki’s ear.

"No, no, stop that," Katsuki says as he frantically scoots closer. He envelops Todoroki in his arms once again, willing his own body heat into the other boy to cancel out the freezing power of his Quirk.

To Katsuki's surprise, Todoroki shifts and rolls over so that they're face to face. Tears snake sideways down Todoroki’s face and melt into the pillowcase. Katsuki feels incredibly guilty for still finding Todoroki so beautiful.

Katsuki's hands find the small of Todoroki’s back, his fingers tangling in the cotton of his t-shirt.

"I'm sorry," Todoroki chokes out, squirming and wiggling until his face is hidden against Katsuki’s chest.

"Nothin' to be sorry for, icyhot. We all got shit to deal with," Katsuki mutters into Todoroki’s hair, wanting to lay a kiss along the part of red and white. But he refrains.

Todoroki just nods. Katsuki can feel his tears soak into his shirt.

They stay like that for what could have been moments or hours, for all Katsuki knows. When he hears Todoroki’s breathing even out again, and notices a faint warmth pulsating through the air, Katsuki sighs in relief.

It's amazing how one day can change so many things, he muses. Katsuki's world has been tilted off its axis in the span of mere hours, making him reevaluate almost everything he's come to learn about himself, about Todoroki. He knows, without a doubt, that he cares for the idiot in his arms. His moment of clarity had come the second Todoroki had let go of the railing.

Katsuki swears to himself that he'll make Todoroki realize how much he matters to everyone. And, maybe one day, how much he matters to Katsuki.

#todobaku #todobaku fic #tdbk #tdbk fic #bakutodo #bakutodo fic #bnha #bnha fic #my writing

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bellarke-deserved-better · 4 years ago

Text

Angels Among Us: Bellamy Blake x Clarke Griffin

Hi! So originally I was going to post this as a single imagine, but I think I want to make it more into a short book type thing. Let me know your thoughts and I hope you guys enjoy:)

BELLARKE AU I’M SO IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC, I can’t wait for you all to read more.

Summary: A vicious war between angels and demons has raptured the planet and the human race. Angels no longer being the guardians of the human race, most have turned against the humans; but when Bellamy Blake, a fallen angel, meets a woman, Clarke Griffin, in search of her brother, he vows his life to help her find him.

Word Count: 2.9k

Angels Among Us: (Part 1/?)

Clarke Griffin

“Oliver!” Clarke called out into the world as she was drug backward down into the bunker under the ground. “No! No, no, no!” she screamed out, flailing her body around trying to get away from the two men that were bringing her back into the foyer. “Let go of me Miller! My brother is out there, you sons of bitches. Let me go!” she screamed as tears fell from her eyes and her heart fell from her chest. Miller and Lincoln keep soft hold on her arms in case she tries to run again. Soon enough she was sobbing and her body just went limp, she sank to her knees and her head fell into her hands.

“Clarke, please. It is too dangerous out there,” Raven whispered as she fell to the ground along with her and engulfed Clarke in her arms. Raven was her best friend, the one thing she had left. They have known each other since they were seven and they escaped the fallout of war together. They really had seen it all, and it broke Clarke’s heart into millions of pieces that she now had to leave her. “No,” Clarke thought to herself, “no, I’m going to find Oliver and we will come right back here.” She knew it was likely that wasn’t how it was going to happen, honestly she knew she would probably either end up dead or a slave; but it was her baby brother, she couldn’t just not look for him. Sitting there doing nothing felt worse than him just being gone. She had never in her life felt so defeated than in that moment. Her heart ached at the thought of her brother being pawned between angels and demons and enslaved for the rest of his life. The world had fallen apart, demons and angels invaded the Earth almost three years ago; killing most humans in an ugly war. The ones who weren’t dead or safe in a doomsday shelter were the most unlucky of all though. The demons enslave the humans to work for and follow them, and well the angels, they are no longer the protectors of the human race. No one really knows what happened. Why they stopped protecting the humans from the horrors the demons inflicted on them. Some angels have become traitors to their kind and hunt for the demons, turning the humans over and being rewarded for it. The world is messed up. Gone to shit, nothing matters anymore, not to Clarke. The only thing that matters is finding Oliver, saving Oliver. She swore to herself she would die before she stopped looking for him, and so the journey began.

She did have a plan, she was getting out of the bunker tonight, and she was not going to stop until she was on the other side of that door. As time ticked by and it got later, she planned her escape: get to med wing, get some anesthetics, knock the two guards at the door out and leave. She was confident in her plan, no one watched med wing at night, that would be the easy part. She is kind of small, and taking on two guards at the door could be the element of her plan where she may not succeed. She knew this as she crept out of the room she shared with six other people. As the door closed behind her she started to wonder if this was the right thing. Leaving Raven and all the others? Was it really a good idea? She snapped herself out of her thoughts. This was her brother, it might not have been a good idea, but this wasn’t about ideas. It was her only choice.

As she left the med wing she made her way through the bunker and her thoughts ran wildly through her head about what would happen once she was on the other side of the door. No one would risk coming after her, it was too dangerous and there weren’t many humans left, so they really wouldn’t risk it. She knew that if she got in trouble, no one was coming for her. But none of the terrifying thoughts ever caused her feet to stop moving closer to that door. As she came to the steel door outside the foyer she planned her strategy a little before just lunging at the guards. She would knock on the big steel door and come up with an excuse to talk to whichever guard answered. Her best guess is that Miller and Monroe would be working the night shift, she could get Monroe down easy but Miller would be a challenge. He always pushed Clarke to fight harder during their training, telling her she needs to channel her anger into something else or she is going to always lose fighting with too much passion. After she had baited the hook she would inject the anesthetic as quickly as she could and run like her life depended on it, it kind of did. Taking a deep breath, she moved her hand from her side and knocked lightly on the door a few times. A few seconds passed before the door swung open and Miller’s face appeared. She mentally grinned at the fact she knew Miller would be here, it makes her plan even easier. Peering around his shoulder she saw Monty sitting on the barrel in the middle of the foyer, piece of cake. She muttered to herself in her head, knowing Monty wouldn’t put up a fight, not against her.

“It’s late, Clarke, what are you doing here?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow at her, suspicion filling his face. Shit, she thought quickly.

“Yeah I didn’t get the shift schedule for next week, could you get me one please?” She asked, glaring up at him, suspicious eyes now squinting as he nodded his head lightly and started to rotate himself. Once his back was fully to her, she knew it was time to go. She quickly ran up behind Miller and jabbed the anesthetic into his arm, letting out a light sigh as he fell to the ground. Monty stood quick with attention and fear filled his face.

“Clarke, what are you doing?” He asked, confusion in his voice very heavily palpable. She looked up from Miller lying on the floor.

“Monty, I don’t want to hurt you and I don’t want to have to use one on you,” Clarke started as Monty looked at her, sadness creeping into his eyes, “I have to try to save my brother. If it were your sister, would you just stay here?” She questioned, a ping of sadness taking over her voice, “I feel like I can’t breathe, he’s my baby brother and I’ve been put on my ass while he’s out there. I have to go, Monty.” She finished, letting out a deep sigh and her mouth slightly falling apart.

“If you leave you’ll die,” he snapped at her, anger sounding through the warning he was giving her, “you’ll die, Clarke!” he yelled and her head fell in guilt. It was killing her friends that she was putting her life at risk, but she didn’t have a choice. Oliver was the only family she had left, and honestly, it might not just be the fact that he is her brother. She knows it plays a huge role, but she really believes if it was any one of her people out there she would go in search of them.

“He’ll die if I don’t try to find him!” she spat back at him, a single tear falling from her eye as she looked back at him, “please, just let me go. I have to try…” the words barely left her mouth in a crack as her throat got tight and more tears began to swell in her eyes.

“Okay, Clarke,” he said and dropped his head to stare at the ground, “we all love you. Please, just don’t die,” Monty said to her as he moved to give her a hug. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and inhaled sharply.

“Thank you,” she whispered before pulling apart for him and walking up the ramp towards the door. Monty’s eyes followed here as she ascended to the air-lock door and the keypad buzzed and turned green. Soon enough she had disappeared through the door and into the bloodcurdling outside world.

Bellamy Blake

Broken. That was the only word Bellamy could think of to describe himself. He was betrayed and abandoned by his people, his angels, technically, and now he has nothing. Wandering the Earth forever outcast and alone. He didn’t believe in this war, or what they were doing to the humans. This had been their home, and they had to watch it be destroyed and their families and friends be slaughtered or enslaved. It wasn’t fair to them, and he knew that. That was what ultimately got him banished from his home forever. Earth wasn’t their home, and after the final battle of the war ended, everyone, except for the few scouts that had just as well betrayed their people and been cast out. They scouted for humans to turn over to the demons, and a ticket back home for good work. Once an outcast angel had provided a sufficient amount of work to the demons, they were able to go home, no longer fallen and outcast. They were taking the people Bellamy and all of his friends used to protect and handing them over to be enslaved. It brought him nothing but shame, he had been cast out, but how had they all fallen so far? How had they gotten to this point? He questioned himself as he wandered through the trees, looking for an answer to his question. Looking at the ground, he thought to himself, we can do better than this, head hanging low, shame filling his face, and sadness filling his heart. It was then he decided to get his penance for everything he had helped destroy, he wanted to at least try to do right by the humans. When he was created he vowed his life to protect the humans, and became a traitor not only to his kind, but to himself as well, he was going to carry out his mission until he couldn’t anymore. With nothing else to lose, what else could he do? The human world was gone, they were all in hiding, and he was here; walking around looking for someone to save.

As he continued his trek through the forest Bellamy let his thoughts run free, wondering what he could actually do for the humans. He knew that there were some who had made it to doomsday shelters, but he knew where none of them were. So even if he did find someone, where would he take them to be saved? There was nowhere safe on the surface that he knew of, he could look for the shelters but it could take years to find even one in the rubble from the destroyed cities and places around. The reality of the situation was starting to get to him; he was on Earth trying to save humans from his own kind because he and everyone like him betrayed their oath and turned against them. There was reasoning behind it, but that is no matter for right now. All that matters is Bellamy helping someone, anyone he can. As if his prayers were answered, no pun intended, he felt something near him. He could not see anyone, but he knew there was someone out here with him. He inhaled slightly and shut his eyes, trying to figure the direction the feeling was coming from, but he had no luck. This energy was different from other humans he had felt, it was a bit darker, there was a lot of sadness and worry emitting itself from the energy. The feeling it brought him caused his eyes to open quickly and he had to shake it off, it brought a new feeling to him as well. One he could not put a name to; the best way he could think to explain it would be warm and full. His whole body relaxed in the up right position that he was standing in and he looked around once more, now even more set on his course to find this human. The only issue is that they could be any direction around him, and he had no idea which way to go. As if a sign, he heard a branch snap behind him and to the left, turning on his heels and heading straight towards it. Walking toward the noise he felt the energy from earlier and knew he was going in the right direction, rewarding himself a small smirk at his expertise. He looked around in all directions, trying to catch any glimpse of the human he was tracking. The energy continued to get stronger and stronger, but he still saw no sight of anyone, he was growing confused and kind of agitated. He had walked through the woods for at least fifteen minutes and found nothing, no one. It was beginning to frustrate him, the energy was so close but he saw no one.

He continued on for a few more minutes, huffing as his frustration built to anger in the presence of the feeling that continued to ignite inside him. Finally he decided to stop, this was becoming very bothersome and too redundant. He slightly stomped his foot into the ground and did a full turn to take in the surroundings. Whoever was out here was close, he could feel them even more now. There was no one evident. He was becoming very tired, spotting a few fallen trees to his left, he decided to arrange them into some sort of shelter. It was going to drain even more of his energy but he felt this the only way to keep track of the human; the energy stopped moving when he had, it made him wonder. He figured sitting and waiting to feel it move again could be the best idea. He made his way over to the rubble of trees and slightly huffed as he picked a tree up from the ground. It didn’t get very far before a loud bang ripped through his surroundings and a bullet pierced his left arm, causing him to drop the tree he was moving. He fell straight to the ground and grabbed his arm where the bullet had been placed. FUCK, he though, but didn’t let the words past his lips. It hurt, but he would be okay, even more weak now, but he would survive. As soon as he realized he was thinking he was pulled from his thoughts. Someone shot him, and it was then he heard light footsteps approaching from behind him. The human was here, they had shot him, and as soon as he thought that he felt a gun against the back of his head. Great. He thought, this, this would kill him. Bullets to the brain are the power plug for angels, he was assuming whoever had the gun to his head knew that.

“I saw you move the tree,” the voice came out lightly. It was a woman, he realized. “I know what you are, and if you don’t answer my questions I will put a bullet through your head.” She finished speaking sternly and it caused Bellamy to drop his head with a small smile. She was brave, that was for sure.

“I’ll help you, with whatever you need. I promise.” He replied with a promise in his voice that he felt caused her to falter in her vow to kill him. Before he could think about it much more she slid the gun around to the front of his head and he saw her face for the first time. Bright blue eyes, elegant blonde hair, and a strained look engraved into her eyes.

“Why have you been following me?” She spat without a second for Bellamy to comprehend much else.

“I promise, I wasn’t trying to hurt you,” he began to explain herself to him. “I just want to help.” He finished, but as soon as he did there was a light rumble that went through the ground. It started to get more intense as the seconds passed, he knew what it was, and it wasn’t good. He quickly jerked his head, looking around for anywhere he could find to get him and the woman out of sight. He spotted a dip in the forest and spoke back up very quickly.

“Okay, I know you have questions,” he started as the woman began to look around, worry filling her face, “and I promise I will answer them. But right now, we need to get out of here. Or we’re both going to die. I don’t want that.” He confessed and she dropped the gun. He got a sudden feeling of relief from her that he hadn’t felt before, maybe she believed him.

“What is it?” she questioned as Bellamy stood and started walking towards the lower ground.

“It’s a retrieval party, the movement in the ground is the animosity the Earth feels when the demons and angels are in close proximity.” He said as they made their way through the small valley to a cave in the ground. “The demons are coming to retrieve the humans that were found in the last few days,” he finished and suddenly felt the woman’s presence moving away from him. He pivoted his body around in her direction, she was running toward the party.

Oh no, here we go. Save the humans. He thought as he willed himself to save her.

#the100 #the100fandom #the100fanfiction #bellamyblake #clarkegriffin #bellamyblakefanfiction #clarkegriffinfanficiton #bellamyblakexclarkegriffin #bellamyxclarke #fanfiction #supernaturalfanfiction #the100supernatural

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kuratoki · 5 years ago

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Changes 6.5

Annyeong~ So it’s been a long time since Changes was last updated...was it? Honestly I can’t remember >< I’ve been wanting to post more consistently so instead of posting a chapter time I finish one, I decided to finish the whole story instead and this post means...CHANGES IS COMING TO AN END!! I’m thinking no more than 3-4 more chapters before I get started on the SEQUEL! Distance

Depending on the flow of things, I may post every other day as I bust out the sequel and another fic that I have in the works so I can post them co-consecutively but we shall see...anyways, thanks for supporting Changes ^-^

Also I think I may have bias switched six times this comeback. Just saying.

Do you agree that things change in time? Well four years abroad would tell wouldn’t it?

Pairing: Reader x Jeno ft. NCT

Words: 4769 (Why was this longer than the last chapter T-T)

Warning: Mild swearing

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 6.5

“So are you guys thinking about joining the club?” Doyoung asked.

After school activities were done and a large group of people which consisted of various members of the NCT Dance Club and a few others were at a restaurant to welcome Renjun, Chenle to the school as well as welcoming back Sicheng.

“WinWin said we had no choice.” Chenle answered, “He said it was part of the transfer requirement.”

“Transfer requirement.” Taeyong said, using his fingers as air quotes, “It’s your choice but from what we’ve heard, it’d be great to have you both. I heard you aren’t a dance major Chenle.”

“I’m a voice major.” Chenle said and pointed at Renjun, “He’s the dance major.”

“Speaking of dance,” Renjun said wiping his mouth, “Jeno, I heard you won the National School dance competition as a junior soloist last year.”

Jeno looked up at the boy mid bite and nodded his head.

“Are you planning on competing again this year?” Renjun asked curiously and you looked at Jeno with the same curious look, wondering if he too was planning on competing.

“I’m still deciding.” Jeno said, mouth full of meat before swallowing, “I might just compete in the group dance this year. Give someone else a go. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. I heard through some friends that you really stole the show.” he said with a small smirk that Jeno picked up on and his eyes narrowed, “Wish I saw it myself.”

You looked at Renjun, wondering what he meant by that and the bright smile your friend gave you made you suspicious. It was that, I’m going to do something stupid but I also know what I’m doing smile. First he cut you off in the library and now he was asking weird questions.

“Yea! Jeno’s dance was one of the best I’ve ever seen him perform.” Mark said hyping him up, “It was so emotional yet so powerful. Totally deserved the national title.”

Many people around the table agreed and Doyoung almost looked like a proud father.

“Must’ve been about someone then.” Renjun said with a nod, “You know what they say, the piece comes out more meaningful when it’s meant for someone else.”

“It’s like how Y/N’s contemporary piece got her the role of Omlgmlsml” Chenle started but you were quick to lean over and muffle the brunette boy with a steamed bun and the look you gave him told him to shut up.

Renjun turned to look at you in shock, he knew what Chenle was going to say and he was surprised you didn’t tell any of your friends about it.

“You never told them you were THE Odette?” Renjun gasped and curious heads turned towards your conversation as your friends around you stared at you in shock, making you smack your head down on the table. This was not how you wanted your biggest secret to come out.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want anyone to know. You were still healing from your sprained knee at the time of auditions and despite all the late night practices(doctor approved) with Renjun, you weren’t confident. Even when Renjun said you were a shoe in for the part, you felt like you couldn’t do it. In the end you skipped the audition. What you didn’t know was that Renjun already had a plan B and that was what got you the role.

The day the roles were announced, you were floored to see that you got the part of the Swan Princess herself. When you asked the casting director how you got the role without auditioning, he had told you that your audition video made most of the team cry and they couldn’t not have you as their Swan Princess.

You knew Renjun was behind this right away and you wondered what video he had submitted on your behalf. Of course you couldn’t be mad at him even though he went behind your back. He was one of the few who knew that your dream was to play Odette in the Swan Lake Ballet production and thanks to him, you were able to achieve that dream.

The production consisted of the top ballet dancers of the junior level and students all over Europe auditioned for various parts. It was a grueling process that took several months and many students waited anxiously for the results. Once the roles were announced, the new cast would spend half a year in London practicing before performing for sold out shows in one of London’s most well known theaters.

The year that you were in the production, the producers wanted to do something fun and made you wear an elaborate Swan mask throughout the production. On the promo poster the only persons name who was not mentioned was yours and the picture was of Renjun as the Prince and you wearing that swan mask. Only those who attended the shows would’ve seen your face but tickets at the time were limited. You would think that you’d invite your friends along with your parents to at least one of the shows but no, you only invited WinWin and his family along with your parents. This was your best kept secret. What you didn’t know is that it was also known as the best portrayal of Odette performed by a junior.

“You were Odette?” Hana asked with wide eyes, “With Renjun?”

“Mhm.” you said muffled.

“But Renjun was the Prince for the Select Junior Ballet performance…” Jisung said looking down before he looked at you in shock, “W-Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“What’s chicken little getting at?” Yuta asked looking around the group and Renjun had the urge to smack you in the face but reached over and started to shake you violently instead.

“Are you serious right now? I get that you wore a mask for like half the production and your name wasn’t even in the program for surprise sakes but it’s literally you in the promo poster they’re using to promote the ballet even now!” he raged, “Why didn’t you tell anyone?! Were you that embarrassed to dance with me?! Your nickname was fucking Swan Princess for fucks sakes!”

“Stooooop!!” you whined, sitting up straight and attempted to stop Renjun from shaking you as your stomach had yet to settle, “You know I didn’t want the attention. I wasn’t going to audition and then you went and submitted the tape behind my back.”

“We promised that we’d audition together!” Renjun growled, “And what do you do? Not even show up for the audition. Thank goodness I made that excuse that you were sick and they let you send in an audition tape instead.”

“Which you broke into my apartment to get.” you growled back, “The key I gave you was for emergency’s only.”

“Yea and that was an emergency.” Renjun argued, “You were already set for the part and I was not going to put the hours of practice we put into it to waste!”

“I only rehearsed with you because you wanted to audition!” you exclaimed, agitation evident in your voice.

“Guys cut it out.” Chenle called out from his seat fed up with his friends behavior, “This is why people still think you hate each other!”

During the time, Jeno, Jisung and Jaemin could only observe your bickering with Renjun like a ping pong match. It was a side of you neither of them was familiar with and truth be told, Renjun was the only person who was able to bring this side out of you.

The two of you met on the first day of practices your first year and truth be told, you didn’t like each other right away. The two of you came into the academy under high recommendation from your previous schools so the expectations for you were high. In the beginning, the two of you would discreetly argue over the smallest of things, Renjun always acting more superior. It wasn’t till you were paired for a project that you had to suck it up and get along.

You found out that when you weren’t arguing or being nitpicky over the others posture, you actually had very decent conversations. He also had this weird side which you weren’t sure if you should be taking seriously or not but in the end, the two of you became as close as bread and butter.

“So this is a normal thing?” Jisung asked Chenle and the boy nodded.

“There’s something wrong when a day goes by where they actually agree on something. But he’s her Ying to his Yang and they both brought out the best in each other.” Chenle said eyeing his two friends who were now getting harassed by Hana for not inviting her to such an iconic performance, “He helped her heal.”

“Jeno?” Jisung asked curiously as he looked at Jeno, who was looking somewhat annoyed with the way Renjuns arm had yet to leave your shoulders and you, who was completely immersed in a story Renjun was telling. “Renjun helped her with the piece?”

“He helped her get her emotions out.” Chenle corrected, “The choreo was all her. She performed it for her end of year recital and ended up winning first place that year...she was supposed to come back the year after and claim her spot back but she got into the accident and gave it up to second place.”

“Who was that?” Jisung asked and Chenle was shocked he didn’t know.

“Wong Yuwen, Yukhei’s sister.” he answered and thought again, “I still find it coincidental that it was Yukhei who caused her accident that summer though...I know that the girls didn’t really get along since Yuwen saw Y/N as competition from day one”

“Yukhei’s sister? You guys know Yukhei too?” Jisung asked again, his eyes wide and Chenle gave him an odd look from all of his questions but Jisung had good reasoning for it.

“Renjun was the one who introduced Yukhei to Y/N. We all knew each other in China and Yukhei came with me since his sister attended the same school when I visited the first time. We spent a lot of time together...well Y/N spent a lot of time rejecting Yukhei so..” Chenle said and noted the look on Jisungs face, “You good bro?

Jisung’s mind was boggling. It couldn’t have been a coincidence could it? He knew that you had won first place in your schools competition, he even knew bits and pieces who Renjun and Chenle were but never ever had you brought up knowing Yukhei on that personal level. He just knew that you had met briefly before camp the first year and that you rejected him once. Outside of that, he had no idea why Yukhei loved to bother you so much but now the pieces of the puzzle were coming together.

Jisung shook out of his thoughts and gave Chenle a reassuring smile and thumbs up. This new person seemed to know a lot and Jisung was curious to what else he knew about your association with Yukhei.

“Oh yea, I forgot to ask. Where are you guys staying?” Hana asked once everyone had finished eating.

“We’re both staying at a house my family bought recently nearby.” Chenle answered, “If I remember the address correctly, it’s not that far from Y/N’s.”

“That’s so cool, you guys are all in the same neighborhood.” she said, referring to you, Jeno and Jisung, “Well, Jaem and I are gonna get going. We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Do you guys need a lift?” Jaem asked, swinging his eyes around one finger while his other hand was interlocked with Hana’s, “I’m gonna take Hana home and then head back to Jenos.”

“I heard there was a Moomin Cafe in town and there’s still a few hours till it closes.” Renjun said and turned to you, “Care to join me? It’d be great to touch base on a few things.”

“I’d love to watch you weeb out for a few hours.” you said giggling, knowing your friends obsession with character, “There’s a few things I wanted to ask you as well actually.”

“Perfect, lets go then.” Renjun said,“It was nice meeting you all. We’ll see you all tomorrow.”

You gave the group a quick wave and Hana quickly hugged the two of you before you looked at Renjun and the two of you set off, with your arm looped through his.

A few hours later, you walked through your door deep in thought from your conversation with Renjun. The two of you discussed a lot in a short period of time, from a potential reunion with the rest of the cast of the Swan Lake to information regarding Yukhei.

Waving at Sicheng and Yuta(who you assumed would be a regular in the house now that Sicheng was back), who were currently digging into a piece of the chocolate cake you made the night before for Sichengs return, you made your way up to your room. Because you were so deep in thought, you literally screamed when you walked in and saw Jeno lying on your bed,hair pushed back, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and reading a book.

“SORRY, I FORGOT TO TELL YOU HE CAME OVER.” Sicheng yelled from down the stairs, there was no apology in his voice.

“What are you doing here?” you asked, hand over your heart as you tried to calm your breathing.

“Jaemin decided to bring Hana over instead of taking her home and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to the conception of Baby Na.” he responded, looking at you from the corner of his eye, noting your concentrated look and your lack of reaction to his joke, “Everything okay? How was the cafe?”

“Everythings fine.” you said distractedly, putting your things away, “Renjuns a Moomin weeb so this was like a dream come true for him. It was nice to catch up since we really haven’t talked in months minus the odd text here and there.” you said, forcefully shaking your thoughts from your mind and paid attention to the person on your bed who was currently looking like he just walked out of Mens Athletic.

It was obvious he showered before he came over since his hair was still slightly damp and pushed back while he was dressed in black sweats and a white wife beater. It was a nice sight for the eyes.

“Are you planning on staying long?” you asked curiously and Jeno looked up from the book.

“Am I intruding?” he asked back and you shook your head.

“Of course not.” you said quickly, “I just wanted to know how many pieces of cake I had to bring up.”

“Three.” Jeno said holding up his fingers and giving you that reserved for special people eye smile, “The one you made a few days ago was so good and with Yuta downstairs, there probably won’t be any left in the morning.”

“True.” you said, grabbing a few things, “Be back in a bit. I’d tell you to make yourself at home but you seem to have done a good job at doing so already.” you snickered as Jeno waved, going back to the book from your shelf he had immersed himself in.

“Don’t be long.” he said, settling himself into your bed, “Do you want to watch a movie?”

“Sure.” you said looking behind you as you stepped out the door, “My laptops on my desk. The password hasn’t changed. If you still remember that is.”

Jeno looked up when he heard the bedroom door shut and marked the place in the book he was reading, before putting it down.He made his way over to your desk which was decorated with stationary and few pictures from the past and present.

The ones that stood out were from his fifth birthday party where he had a mouthful of cake and you had the happiest grins two five year olds could muster while “Say cheese!" was being yelled at you in four different directions.

There was another one where Jaemin and Jeno were at some beach and they had you lifted in their arms during a big family vacation that the three of you somehow managed to convince your parents to have after weeks of begging. Jeno remembered that day more than any other vacation memory since seconds after that photo was taken, you were thrown into the ocean. He remembered the grovelling he and Jaemin had to do since you decided to ignore the two for the rest of the day.. He chuckled to himself at the memory, remembering that despite the one hiccup, it was one of the best vacations he’d been on in his life.

Before he could press the power button on your laptop, a polaroid under your keyboard caught his attention and Jeno couldn’t help but feel his heart swell when he realized when it was from. It was a photo of the two of you that Jaemin took during a break between dance classes when you were in middle school.

The two of you were leaning against the mirror, Jeno’s arm wrapped around your shoulder while the two of you watched something on his phone. Your head was resting on his shoulder and he was resting on top of yours. He remembered Jaemin showing him the photo, telling him that this was when he knew the two of you were meant to be more than friends. Jeno brushed it off at the time, but he couldn’t help but think how right his friend was in this present moment.

He looked to side when he heard your phone buzz and a text from someone showed up on the screen.

[9:55pm] E.T - Think about it...It’ll be fun, just like the old times. I’ve got your back Princess~

Jeno’s lips formed a straight line at the text and was tempted to check the message himself. He had an assumption as to who this “E.T” person was and fought the jealousy that bubbled inside him. You and Renjun were friends and he had no right to feel this way, he didn’t know your friendship but he couldn’t help but let that fact bother him. Were you and Renjun closer then the two of you let on or was it just his paranoia?

A few minutes later, you walked in, freshly showered with a tray that consisted of cakes and hot chocolate along with a bowl of marshmallows, a big satisfied smile on your face.

“I took like a quarter of the cake and I think Yuta growled at me.” you said placing the tray on your desk before picking up your phone and reading Renjun’s message and responding, making Jeno question what you said since you rolled your eyes.

“Yuta is aware that you’re the only one who can cook in this house right?” Jeno asked, taking the cake from your outstretched hand, his face in pure bliss after taking a bite, “You can always give his portions to me you know. Now that my parents aren’t here, I think I’m gonna starve.”

“Isn’t that the reason why Jaemin is staying with you? So you won't starve?” you asked with a lifted eyebrow, knowing that his parents had just left to meet with your parents somewhere in Europe.

It was a blessing and a curse that your parents enjoyed travelling, it meant that you and Jeno had grown up travelling together during the holidays and you always had someone to experience new things with. It may have been the main reason why your friendship with Jeno had maintained its strength during your transition from children to preteens despite the differences in personalities.

“With the amount of time he spends with Hana, I probably will.” Jeno snorted moving slightly when you settled next to him on the bed, “Did you know that he’s serious about her?”

“Good” you said, taking a bite of your chocolate cake, doing a little dance when you felt the velvety texture of the frosting on your tongue, “Cause from how our talks are going, she feels the same.”

“Ah…Young love...” Jeno sighed, leaning back thinking about his two friends before his eyes caught a small album on your bedside table that hadn’t been there before, “What’s that?”

Following his gaze, your eyes landed on the album and Jeno saw the excitement in your eyes and you put down your plate to reach for it.

“I found this while I was cleaning my room a few days ago.” you said handing him the medium sized album that contained so many memories, “I’ve been waiting for you to come over to show you.”

Jeno opened the album and was greeted by a sense of strong nostalgia. It’s contents familiar but distant memories of your combined family travels. They lasted from when the two of you were three to about the age of thirteen, where dance became more important and you were both enrolled in your respective summer programs and the year after you left for Europe.

“I can’t believe you still have these photos.” he said, slowly flipping through each page, chuckling to himself at certain photos that caught his eye “This is like a decades worth of history.”

“I couldn’t believe it either.” you said, resting your head on his shoulder so you could look at the photos too, “It made me think of all the carefree days we had. It sucks that we only went to tropical destinations. I think I would’ve liked Europe as a child.”

“Did you travel a lot while you were abroad?” Jeno asked, still looking through the photos and felt you nod against his shoulder.

“Renjun and I did a lot of that during the small breaks we had when we realized that we could actually tolerate each other” you said, looking through your phone for a specific picture, “We would travel to different places by train and spend a few days exploring. Depending on the holiday, our trips lasted several days to several weeks.”

“Just the two of you?” he asked, looking down at you from the corner of his eye, frowning at the sound of the China Princes name once more.

“Mhm.” you said and smiled when you found the photo you were looking for, “Chenle, Sicheng and Hana joined us once during winter break and we spent two weeks in Germany before we met my parents in England for Christmas. Outside of that one time, it was just Renjun and I. A travelling photographer passed our cabin while we were headed to Paris to watch Swan Lake and asked Renjun if he could take a picture and told us to hold the pose. It's still my favorite to this day..”

You flipped your phone around and showed Jeno the picture on your phone where you and Renjun were seated in a cabin on a train. The two of you must’ve been on your way to some sort of event since you were both dressed in semi-formal wear. You were wearing a long sleeved emerald dress and black tights and black boot heels. Your head was resting in your hand and you were looking out the window. Renjun, who was wearing a dress shirt and vest, was looking at you with what to Jeno looked like admiration? Adoration? Passion? A sketch book rested on the table and Renjuns hand was in mid sketch. Had you known that he was sketching you at the time?

He thought the long sleeved dress was different but brought out the more mature aspects of your figure with how it hugged you in all the right places and made your legs look longer. The beret that rested on your head while your wavy hair was thrown over one shoulder completed the look and Jeno decided that he liked seeing you in hats.

His eyes narrowed when he realized that the drawing in Renjuns sketchbook looked familiar and he looked at a painting that you recently hung up.

“Is that painting of you?” he asked and saw the wistful smile on your face.

“Yea...Renjun enjoys doing art in his free time and painted that for me after our fifth trip together. The photo itself was taken only during our first trip but he worked on it for quite some time after that. He told me that he’d been looking for a muse for a while and all the travelling did it for him. I was floored when he gave me the painting, I think I cried a bit too..” you said thinking back to your travels with your best friend from abroad.

“There was always something missing though…” you muttered quietly and Jeno almost didn’t hear you.

“What’s that?” he asked, eyes still on the painting and wondered what it would be like to travel the world with you now that you were older.

“You.” you whispered looking down, “I guess a part of me always wondered what you’d think of the places I’ve gone and what it’d be like to experience what I did with you.”

A smile made its way to Jenos face as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you snug against him and trapped you in his arms. He was glad your head was on his shoulder since it was easier to hide his blush this way. He was giddy to know that you often thought of him during your travels and even though someone else was your travel companion, he was still on your mind.

“One day,” Jeno promised, “We’ll go together and you can show me all your favorite spots you’ve been to. We can even take a summer and travel Europe by train if you want. I think that’s what our parents are meeting up to do. I saw them plan the trip and heard them talk to your parents over the phone about it. Seems like a lot of fun.”

You looked up at Jeno wide eyed, had he really just promised that he’d travel all of Europe with you? Why was he saying things like this so loosely? Did he know that when he acted so nonchalant but sweet like this, it made the butterflies in your stomach flutter?

“Y-You want to travel with me?” you managed to stutter out and he gave you a look with furrowed brows.

“Of course. You’re the only travel buddy I had for most of my life and we have five years to catch up on. I wouldn’t want to experience those things with anyone else.” he said confidently, looking down at you, moving his arms to wrap around your waist and you felt him play with your fingers when your hands met his, “A trip with just the two of us.”

“A trip with just the two of us.” you agreed quietly, settling into Jenos embrace and felt his arms tighten around you, the chocolate cake forgotten as your eyes drifted close.

You weren’t sure what was happening with your friendship. These nights had become a thing after you had woken up completely jet lagged and Jeno had so happen to be coming back from a late night bathroom run. He’d seen your light on and texted you to see if you were alright since you were in the house alone.

When you told him that you couldn’t sleep, he had come over and the two of you spent hours watching Netflix; thankfully for the two of you it had been a weekend.

After that, Jeno came over whenever he was bored, he even helped you clean the house when Sicheng said he was coming back. You constantly wondered why he’d spend time with you when he could be out with Jisung or Jaemin; though Jisung spent a lot of time playing video games at your house just as much as Jeno did. He just said that he was lazy to socialize which totally didn’t make sense since he could be a social butterfly around the right people.

You just knew that over the short time you spent together, your heart would beat faster whenever he was around at school and now you were partnered for the project so spending time together was inevitable.

Little did you know, Jeno was working hard to show you that he was serious about you and you only. He just hoped that whatever he had planned didn’t backfire, especially with the arrival of one Huang Renjun.

#nct imagine #nct #nct dream imagine #nct dream #lee jeno #jeno #jisung #jaemin #kpop #kpop scenario #kpop imagine #nct scenario #nct fiction #nct dream fiction #nct dream scenario #jeno imagine #jeno fiction #jeno scenario

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earamis · 4 years ago

Text

Crescente, cum Dilectione

“You were bound to Hojo as a protege and mentor. He had trusted you with various responsibilities, some were praiseworthy, some better kept hidden. It was a mutual kind of dependence that benefited both parties. One day the professor granted you access to a whole new part of The Shinra Tower. There laid an unfamiliar territory with a surprise at the end.

One surprise in the form of silver and jade barely two winters old.

When you first saw him, the thought of witnessing the growth of a child who'd eventually change the world for either worse or better never once crossed your mind.”

Sephiroth x reader fic reposted from my AO3 account.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24734419/chapters/59792911

Before starting to read, there are some things I want to point out:

1. I gain no profit from writing this. It is written solely for the heck of it, cause I think the fandom deserves more Sephiroth/reader stories.

2. Reader is female, uses feminine pronounce, and can conceive, but in terms of the level of femininity and visual characteristics, I try to be as vague as possible to give more space for the reader's imagination. So, please, visualize yourself as freely as you are possible to do.

3. Reader is called “Praenomen” instead of Y/N. It comes from Latin and translates to “forename”, so reader can treat “Praenomen” or “Nomen” (name) as Y/N, and change it with yours respectively.

4. I will try to include as many canon references as I am able and cater to the timeline of events accordingly (probably some tweaks of time here and there, but not much aside from the reader's part that will be added).

5. Please feel free to ask me anything or point out any mistakes that I make, I will be honored to answer your questions!

I hope you enjoy the story :)

Good day.

Chapter 1: Two Seasons Old

Rain had been pouring outside your room since midnight. The air of early morning hours became colder both outside and in. The corroded, rickety heater your landlord was too lazy to repair could only help so much. Chill seeped from the cracks between windows to invade what warmth was saved inside your blanket. You had been awake for quite some time, and been pretty much reluctant to leave the coziness of your bed. Pitter-patter of tiny raindrops kept knocking on the glass as you watched it with fluctuating sobriety.

The lids of your eyes fought to keep themselves open. Getting some more rest sounded like a really good idea. The clock showed barely six, and work wouldn’t start until nine. Yes. You supposed more sleep would do no harm. You slowly let yourself be lulled back to slumber as you gave up the thought to wake up early and actually do your laundry before going to work.

‘It was raining anyway’, your mind supplied. ‘You won’t be able to dry them.’

So you slipped back to oblivion with the drizzle of morning rain as your lullaby.

Until one and a half hour later, the loud ring of a PHS jerked you abruptly awake. You tangled yourself between the sheets and slipped twice in a hasty attempt to reach it. Swiping your unruly hair from your face, you flipped the device open, then instantly paled to find Professor Hojo’s name blinking on the screen. On what business your mentor called you, you could only guess. It was only thirty past seven, far from being considered late. Strange. So it must be another matter. You quickly fixed your appearance out of habit and cleared your throat before pushing the green button.

“Nomen!”

“Yes, professor?”

“Come to the lab, I must show you something.”

You looked at your state of your partial undress, then at the mirror to find your disarrayed reflection. Your eyes blinked frantically for a moment. “R-right now, sir?”

“Yes!” His curt response left no room for compromise.

You hadn’t got the chance to say anything for he hung up as sudden as he’d called. Stunned, you took a few seconds to process what just happened. But then another sound, this time a small ping, from your PHS broke the silence. You saw a following message from your mentor.

‘Bring the first volume on Mako Molecular Anatomy.’

That book was stranded somewhere beneath the pile of your hoard. The old shelf at the corner had been filled long ago with tomes of your past research. Dozens of newer volumes ended up getting stacked on the floor around it to accommodate them in your snug apartment. Under a brief glance, this part of the room might cause befuddlement, but for you, well, they were still chaos alright, but a neatly organized one.

The required volume laid at the bottom of a stack labeled as “mako basics”. You lifted the heavy books above it one by one, wondering if you needed to up your workout routine after all. You were panting like a dog barely halfway. An academic life really made it easy to submerge one’s attention. For years you’d been doing mostly nothing but burying your nose in books and scriptures. What free time you had you spent either assisting your mentor, writing your own research, or to catch some sleep, hence the embarrassingly lame mass of muscles in your arms. After nearly dropping the last book and toppling every towering stacks over, you breathed a loud sigh of relief at the sight of Mako: Molecular Anatomy and Structure Divisions, First Volume.

For fear of risking your mentor’s wrath, you washed yourself lightning fast, forgetting the idea of brushing your hair altogether as you grabbed a lab coat and your bag in one arm and cradled the book in the other. The sound of your rapid footsteps must be bothering the neighbors. One grandmother from somewhere in the lower floor shot you her elderly disapproving look when you rushed past her. You didn’t even have a care to say sorry. If Hojo lost his patience waiting for you, he’d ignore your reports for the rest of the day and that would be problem. He was a man slightly screwed in the head but an exceptional mentor none the less. He’d given you priceless insights to boost your performance time and time again.

You ran through the morning drizzle with the book wrapped under your coat. Shinra tower was just three blocks away. You entered one of the entrance tunnel reserved for employees to avoid getting wetter. A guard saw you panting at the entrance, definitely suspicious toward the disheveled woman holding a bundle of fabric this early in the morning.

“Halt!” The guard approached as you stood still to catch your breath. “What’s inside that?”

Still panting from exertion, you answered with haste, “It’s a book.” Hojo must be wondering where the hell you were at this point. That man did have some crazy standards.

“Show what’s inside or you will be denied entrance.”

“Oh, Shiva.” You unfurled your coat with slight difficulty, revealing the cover of a thick book.

The idiot guard was still unconvinced. “Open it.”

You blinked incredulously, what in Ifrit’s name did this look like to him? “It’s a book! See? Plain old paper!”

When the guard didn’t say anything, you chose to just ignore him and go ahead, but he pulled the strap of your bag, causing you to jerk backward. “What’s in the bag?”

“For real?!” Hojo would definitely be pissed.

“Entrance will be deni-”

Fortunately, or rather unfortunately in a sense, your PHS rang again, and it was Hojo. He was pissed. You swallowed thickly and slid the device out of your pocket. Answering him was daunting, but not answering him meant certain hell.

“Yes, professor?”

“What is taking you so long, you slug?!”

You peered at the guard. “I’m currently denied entrance, sir.”

“What?!” He screeched so hard, you had to distance your ear from the speaker. “By who?”

You looked at what was written on the man’s nametag. “Uhm…. Markus P., sir.”

Hojo spat at the end of the line, “Tell him to let you pass or he’ll be the one passed into my lab.” Then the professor hung up, leaving an awkward silence to hang between you and Markus P. Said man was dumbfounded. You decided to pass on what your mentor had said, then, in a moment of peculiar understanding, his face turned five shades paler and let you pass.

You muffled a thanks.

Down in the lower levels of the tower, was Shinra’s Science & Research Division. The floors was each designated to one specific subdivision. Environmental research would be at the topmost, followed by civil engineering, mako development, bio-engineering, and lastly were Hojo’s personalized research labs. Only authorized personnel belonging to one of the subdivisions might enter. Every subdivision hosted plenty of confidentiality that not all members were permitted to move freely between the levels. You were one of the few who were granted more access due to working directly under Hojo’s mentorship.

The elevator ride was long enough to give you plenty of time fixing yourself. You put on your white coat and combed your hair between your fingers as best as you were able to. Thanks to the early hours, you’d only have to pass three other people beside Markus P., and two of them were overtime workers already knocked out on their desks. Hojo’s labs were inaccessible via the main lift. You had to transfer into a private entrance beyond the common area. The machine blinked green when it scanned your fingerprints, allowing you to descent straight into the professor’s office.

“Nomen. You’re finally here.”

“I’m sorry. I was-”

“Yes, yes.” Hojo waved his hand dismissively, not in the mood to hear your ramblings. “Come here child, and did you bring the book? Good.”

He led you away from the main hall to a winding pathways even you weren’t familiar with. You had the urge to ask where he planned to take you, but thought better. Hojo wouldn’t have called if this was anything but pertained to his research. There was a double metal door at the end of the aisle. Hojo scanned his palm to allow both of you access. You looked around, this was definitely an area you’d never ventured into. Everything about it was unfamiliar. There was an open space with multiple doors on its walls. Several glass windows showed medical facilities and rows of sealed bio-pods. Now you couldn’t scratch the itch to ask away.

“Professor, what’s in the pods?”

Hojo knew exactly what you were referring to. “Those, my dear, are the chrysalis of my latest experiments,” he said. “Let me show you a glimpse of their beauty.”

Your course teetered to one of the door. He entered with you on his tail. From this distance you could see series of numbers written at on each pod. There were about twenty of them connected to one another and by a single gargantuan pipe. Every pod had a small window about on its door, about as high as your head, but the glasses were tinted in black that you couldn’t get a glimpse of what was inside.

Hojo stopped in front of one labeled P-XII-001. He beckoned you to come closed and you did. A panel on the right side of the window was opened. Hojo typed a series of code and with a smooth whirr, the machine came to life. The tinted glass began to set alight, revealing the familiar green of liquid mako. You stood on your tiptoes to try and get a better look.

“Chimeras?”

“Yes!” Yelled Hojo with a childlike glee. “Oh…. Aren’t they exquisite?”

You observed with keen interest. The specimen behind that door wasn’t anything you had set your eyes on before. It looked humanoid with the characteristics of a cuahl – its skin was patterned, extended whiskers protruded from the top of its mouth, and two huge feline ears stood above its head.

“Taken straight from Gaea’s Cliff, I have enhanced its ability to thrive amongst the harsh winter of the north. They are suited to conquer mountainous terrain as they please.”

“Have you made prototypes, sir?”

“I have, and none were as perfect as this one would be.”

Amazing was too degenerative a word to describe him. You always wondered just how he found the time to create this things amidst the chaos of Shinra’s busiest department. Moreover, lately President Shinra himself had decreed expeditions to plant new reactors in strategic locations. Probably half of the Science & Research Division had to be deployed and here was Hojo, managing everything under his thumb like he was merely playing chess. Even Hollander, the Division Head himself, was having difficulties splitting his responsibilities.

“Alright, that’s enough.” He said suddenly, turning the pod back to sleep. “This is not what I had intended to show you. Let’s not get sidetracked, shall we?”

The professor moved along. In deafening silence you began to wonder who else had ever roamed this place. Curious tools and paraphernalia were scattered all around. You thought the winding path would never end, but then Hojo stopped once again, now before a small metal door. He opened it with, surprisingly, a set of analog keys instead of digitalized lock system.

“Now…. I know I need not ask this of you, Nomen. You have proven yourself reliable beyond my expectation. But still, I feel like I must inquire something.”

You stared at Hojo. His black eyes behind the round spectacles probed yours. Aware that you were treading on the edge of something unknown, you hesitantly nodded your head. “Yes, professor?”

His glasses flashed for a moment as his chin upturned.

“Do you like children?”

You needed a moment to let the question sink in.

“Do you?”

“I- I’m sorry…. I fail to see how that is relevant to….”

“Just answer me.”

You cleared your throat. “Uh, I don’t have any particular feeling, or, um…emotion toward them.”

Hojo nodded, apparently the answer was enough. “I suggest you get yourself used to one.” Then he pushed the door open.

Behind it a view you would least expect to be found in the deepest part of a Shinra lab was revealed. The professor had stepped aside to give you better vision. You doubted your eyes for a moment, but as you moved inside, slow on your feet, you knew that the object lying right before you was, in fact, a crib. A baby crib, complete with colorful ornaments and a heap of soft blankets. Such infantile properties were clashing horrendously with the sterile white and grey of the lab. You scanned around it to find even more objects of similar quality littered around the floor.

“What is…,” your words were cut short. As you casted your gaze back into the crib, the previously unmoving lump of velvety blankets had sat up to stare at you with equally curious eyes. They were most beautiful color of jade you had ever seen.

And they belonged to a baby.

“Behold, my ultimate creation.” Hojo slinked past you, waving his hand to the tiny form in the crib. Said infant followed the movement of your mentor with alertness uncanny to his age. “My son, Sephiroth.”

Right in that moment, your jaw dropped. That was…?

“Your s-son…?”

Hojo pushed the rim of his glasses up his nose. His face looked maniacal with a grin splitting it. “And you, Nomen, are the only one besides me who’s privileged to witness the wonders of this being. Give me the book and take him out.”

You absently handed the book to your mentor. He had asked to get…what was his name...? Sephiroth? “Pardon me, professor, but I’ve never lifted a child in my life.” You gawked at Hojo with wide eyes, hoping for leniency, yet Hojo had buried his nose inside the pages. Just like any other scientist and their tomes, he was immediately lost, deep in his own mind. That left you with his round-faced ‘offspring’ alone. The little boy directed those jade irises at you, blinking innocently. That only served to unsettle your nerves.

‘How does one even lift an infant? What if I drop him?!’

Steeling your resolve, for the sake of your mentor’s trust and your career, you lifted your palms toward the child. They were slightly trembling and your back was damp with perspiration. This felt ridiculous in a sense. Sephiroth was just a bundle of softness oblivious to your inner turmoil when you were only supposed to lift him up. And how in Shiva’s name you were going to get used to this, pray tell.

That calm eyes flicked to your hands as you froze in your way to hold him. You swore you saw him tilt his head one side like he actually understood what was going on, and lifted his arms. Either it was an encouragement or a force of habit, you didn’t know. Since the party involved had seemingly gave you an explicit clue on how to handle him, your hands finally landed around his middle. And, boy, was he soft.

A smile inadvertently bloomed on your lips.

Sephiroth was unexpectedly heavy when you lifted him. Or you were simply weak. The living, breathing bundle in your arms offered zero resistant. You cradled him to your chest and immediately the scent of chamomile and all the things calming hit your nose. You’d like to think this was exactly how purity would smell if it had one.

“…the aforementioned properties of its distilled liquid will cause the chain reaction of so and so and such…,” Hojo’s mumbling took your attention away from the boy that had begun to suckle on his own hand. You were considering taking it out but the professor addressed you first.

“Put him on the table.”

You walked to the mentioned furniture and carefully put him down, feeling somehow reluctant. Hojo came next to you, dumping the heavy volume in front of his child. He opened a chapter on distilled mako before pointing a finger upon one passage.

“Read, son.”

Your breath literally stopped in your chest. You made a sound teetering between a chortle and a gasp. The sun must have barely reached a quarter of its course yet today had presented so much anomaly. This infant couldn’t have lived longer than 3 winters and his self-proclaimed father asked him to read, an advanced mako science none the less! What in the world was going on, you didn’t know. Maybe your glorified mentor had finally snapped. He did have some screws loose in that big head of his.

Hojo casted a challenging look in no way you were capable of defeating, snapping you back in place. You quickly realized your slip and was planning to rectify that mistake when an ambiguous gurgling sound was heard.

If jaws could be taken off its hinges like a door, yours would certainly drop to the floor.

“mmako…ditti..aion”

“In Holy’s name….”

The pipsqueak just spelled freaking mako distillation, with baby language!

“…te…a- aometioned poppetie isth dilled…,” Sephiroth made a pause, his nose scrunching in confusion.

“Liquid…,” somehow noticing his difficulty, you unconsciously said the next word. The baby pouted for a moment before he tried to copy you and continue the rest of the passage. You were so dumbfounded, you didn’t realize when the miracle had ended until Hojo patted your back.

“I haven’t described your responsibility yet you’ve done it so well. I was right to choose you.”

There wasn’t a word to describe how you felt right then. Years of assisting research under Hojo’s mentorship had put you up against some of the strangest conditions. But this, by far, was the strangest of strange. You swore not once the thought ever crossed your mind, that you’d be a nanny when you signed up to Shinra’s exalted Science & Research Department, still green and a living proverb of an ‘empty cup ready to be filled’. You guessed there would always be things left to surprise you, huh….

“First of all, I have to remind you that what happens in my lab; my research, your work, and anything pertaining to my son, is of utmost confidentiality. You are to assist me in monitoring the growth and development of this child. To make sure he turns into the utmost prodigy, will be your sole purpose under my wing,” the professor was kind enough to explain only what you needed to hear, as you doubted you’d be able to process much right now. Not after this shocking turn of events. “You, Nomen, are thus now a member of my innermost circle of team. Pack your belongings and move to the tower. You are to stay near my son at all times.”

Your eyes opened wider than the Gold Saucer. Whether you wanted to thank Hojo for suddenly exalting your status and career prospect or sue him for dumping all this responsibility like cold water without consulting you first, you weren’t quite sure. You’d be justified if you sue him for labor extortion. But all was good still. You were the one who sold your soul to the devil when you requested Hojo a mentorship all those years ago after all.

Such was the prologue to your newest chapter in life. It was brusque and unceremonious to a fault. The oath of confidentiality forced you to keep mute. Nobody was to know about anything, not your shock, nor your bafflement upon how to properly approach the change. Your mentor was the only other person who knew and sadly was better posed as an academic than a colleague. He’d try to analyze the workings of your mind before you even finished telling a thing. Maybe, you consoled yourself, maybe some other human being would come into the picture later. Although you haven’t seen any, you were sure there must be more people wandering these labs besides just the professor and you.

At the beginning of the next day, this particular chapter had progressed quite dramatically. You found Shinra personnel moving to and fro your rickety abode with boxes and boxes of your belongings. Mainly consisted of books and clothes, then a small number of trivial objects like your favorite chocobowl with its moogle spoon. There were a couple of low-rank guards supervising the whole process, to which their purpose was quite ambiguous to you, but as they didn’t try to piss anyone off like Markus P., you supposed it was fine. Some nosy neighbors peeped with curiosity, either wanting to know with whom Shinra had business with or wondering if you were up to some shady deals with them. You tried your best to ignore them.

To be honest, the whole affair of moving was inconsequential in a greater sense. You have never felt any particular attachment to your home. There wasn’t much to incite emotional fixation, except, perhaps the memory of peace after a hard day’s work, after shower, buried beneath the layers in your bed. But it was just one between too many discontents accumulated throughout years – for instance, the heater could do with some maintenance. Winters were always arctic. You were gladder to finally break free from an old routine. Taking care of a Promethean scientist’s infant certainly opened the door to new and exciting opportunities.

The professor had prepared an empty room prior your arrival. It was deep down the basement of Shinra Tower, right next to his son’s. Whatever plan Hojo had for you to partake in, he surely thought it out well. Accommodation was taken care of and its basic facilities already provided. The new lodging had a bedroom, a living room, one spare room you planned to turn into a study, private bathroom and a kitchen. Though not by much, the space was larger than your previous home, and most importantly, the air conditioner worked out perfect. The only downside was an absence of windows. Bereft walls gave quite the forlorn impression without any chance to glimpse beyond them and into the sky. This would take some time getting used to, but you would manage. Slum residents beneath the plates had it way worse.

When the last of your boxes had been transported down, you learned two things at once. One, your hypothesis was proven true. There were other people besides you and the professor roaming these lowest levels. Janitors and technicians, mainly the latter, had been tirelessly helping you. And two, Sephiroth actually had another proper, professionally acclaimed babysitter named Eredith. You immediately approached to introduce yourself after chancing upon her with the infant. She had offered her name in return before excusing herself with the boy in her arms. It wasn’t the warmest of welcome. You didn’t mind one bit. Simply knowing that she existed to fill that role had lessened the burden you previously thought was much bigger. As they went down the aisles, the baby in her arms turned to stare at you with his jade irises. You absently waved a hand, which, to your delight and astonishment, was replied with a grabby-hand.

The rest of the day was spent unboxing. You had only a handful of things to be unpacked, except of course, the books. Half were deliberately left untouched for another day of labor. The muscles in your arm already screamed with exhaustion before you could even finish arranging the unpacked ones inside the shelves. That left you with two boxes abandoned in the corner of your to-be study. Everything else was already in place by night. You took a long bath afterward and only after you were sure pretty much everything had been settled, you allowed yourself to relax.

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You made a humble portion of toast for breakfast to start the day. Hojo didn’t require you until sometime around 10 in the morning. He had told you to prepare a list of basic science textbooks, preferably illustrated, for his son to begin reading. So you made use of the free time to continue unboxing. From this collection alone, you could submit more than 50 titles to the professor. The existence of multiple bookshelves, each one bigger than what you previously had, displayed the diversity of your collection perfectly. The books were gathered into sections of congruous topics. There were plenty to choose, you had a habit of buying whatever writings caught your attention, though when you finally thought about it, nursery rhymes and clean energy looked astoundingly disparate next to one another.

Just before 10, Hojo took you on a tour while explaining the nature of your job. Beginning from the entrance where you first arrived, to the winding halls and the rooms he deemed necessary for your work. He had programmed an almost unlimited access for you. Only one area remained off-limit for some reason. Despite your curiosity, you decided against probing further unless the man himself allowed you in. Sometimes not knowing was actually easier. The ones you were allowed to enter was interesting enough. You even thought to propose borrowing the bio lab for your own research. Maybe later after having familiarized yourself better, you’d ask the professor.

Sephiroth was waddling around his room when you entered with Hojo sometime near noon. Eredith watched attentively from a distance with his bowl of lunch half eaten. The infant had been engrossed by a stuffed chocobo that he ignored everyone else completely. The professor glanced at his son once, dismissing the babysitter with a wave of his hand.

“Pardon me, sir, but Sephiroth hasn’t finished his lunch.” Eredith tried to explain.

“Your time is up, Edith. Just put the bowl somewhere, you are no longer needed.”

Surprisingly, she didn’t leave right away. She gave you a look that could almost be interpreted as a plea. Either she was asking for your help to reason with your mentor or actually hoping you’d continue feeding the baby, you could only stood in silence. The woman received a harsher repetition of the command before she dejectedly put the bowl down on a table. She bowed to Hojo and excused herself. It was the silent frustration on her face that suddenly moved you. Maneuvering with three heavy volumes in your cradle, you called out to her as she was about to close the door.

“I’ll continue feeding him, don’t worry.”

She paused to look at you as if you had grown a wing. Her smile was subtle yet genuine as can be when it appeared. “Thank you,” she said with relief, then left.

“Troublesome woman, that one,” you heard Hojo mutter in her absence. “Sephiroth this, Sephiroth that. Always making excuses for her own incompetence.”

You’d been here barely a day. Everyone but Hojo were still strangers to you. There was no way your input on the matter would be credible, so you opted to make none. You simply headed to the table where the last half of Sephiroth’s lunch was, putting the books you brought right next to it.

“Come here, Nomen.” Your mentor gave you a clipboard. He showed the papers attached to it. There was a table containing multiple statements which had to be filled and sometimes rated from scale one to ten. “My son is unique. He is far beyond his age, he knows how to process more and more complex stimulus everyday as his adaptability runs high compared to most, mediocre infants.” You had never heard your mentor spoke with that level of pride before. “But alas,” he casted his eyes at the sight of Sephiroth not six feet away, playing with the same stuffed animal, “A child is still a child.”

Hojo closed the distance between him and his son. His figure towered over the boy. “He lacks the ability to focus on what matters.” Sephiroth didn’t even heed the other’s presence, still too happily hugging the chocobo when Hojo took it from his tiny hands. For a second there was this stifling, immovable tension going on between them. A battle of willpower between a father and his son. Hojo kept the toy away from him, staring the infant down with intense scrutiny. “Bring the book here.” You snapped out of your trance, scurrying to get the book for the man. He exchanged the book with it. In lack of a better thought of what to do, you just held it like an idiot.

The child looked really upset. His mouth curved downward, his hands made tiny fists where they previously held the stuffed animal, and his eyes…. You thought he was about to cry, but looking closer, those jade irises actually held an entirely different emotion. Never have you ever saw a baby held such anger in silence. Children are supposedly prone to tears and tantrums. Not with him. He, for the second time, looked uncannily beyond his age. It was honestly ironic because mere moments ago he looked exactly how any infant would with the toy you currently had.

“Playtime’s over, son,” Hojo shoved the book closer. He opened its first chapter. “You have so much potential. I didn’t go through the trouble to create you with failure in mind, so don’t waste your time.”

That immovable tension increase tenfold. You shifted in your spot, wondering why the mere scene of a parent scolding his child seemed to bother you. But then again, seeing as the parent was your mentor and his child had the tendency to be creepily uncanny each time you saw him, this couldn’t be considered normal at all, and you didn’t have a child anyway, you wouldn’t know.

“Make sure you don’t miss anything on that list.” He said to you. Sephiroth was still glaring at him from the floor. “All the tool you will require is in there,” he said, pointing at an overhead cabinet. “If you have questions, message me.”

“Should I call Eredith back when I’m finished?”

Hojo snorted. “Just leave after you’re done. This child gets too spoiled with her.”

Like countless times before, you shut your mouth even though you disagreed. That child was independent enough. Hojo just had illogical standards most times.

“I will leave you to it, then. Report to me later tonight.” Unexpectedly, he began to go. You hastily asked the man in panic. “Wha- You’re not staying, professor?”

Said professor sighed with his distinct flair. “I am occupied and will be for some time. The President require me. That’s why I must entrust some things to you, Nomen. I believe you can handle it well. Now, I shall leave you to it.”

Just like Eredith previously did, he was gone, leaving you and his less than pleased infant alone. You peered at him nervously. He was hunched over the book that looked too big for his tiny figure. The child still looked upset.

“Um….” There was that list in your one hand and his toy in the other. You tried to weigh the value of each. As you inspected what was on the list, you instantly thought it was both intriguing and ridiculous.

PROJECT-S

Report: 07-10-1983

J-01.S1.16817.00599.000.6

Subject Name: Sephiroth

D.O.B.: 05-05-1981

Age: 2 year 5 month

Physical Development

Cephal

Circumference:

Shape:

Facio

Length:

Width:

Iris color:

Teeth condition:

Brachium

Length:

Circumference:

Flexibility:

Strength:

(….)

The whole first page of the document was all about the boy’s physical growth. There were even 10 pages in total, things were quite normal up to the point where Hojo actually wanted you to rate the child’s understanding of certain vocabularies like ‘cathode’ and ‘anode’. You didn’t mean to underestimate Sephiroth’s ability as he had proven to be quite the anomaly just after three brief meetings, you simply found it hard to believe that a two-year-old had to put up with this level of standard. You shook your head incredulously.

Looking at him now, it kind of answered some of the mystery his uncanny behavior omitted. If Hojo had done something to make ‘his son’ biologically enhanced, he was bound to be different in some ways.

“Sephiroth?” He gave you a scrunched nose and nothing else. The child fumbled with the hem of his shirt under your constant gaze, as if hesitating with whatever he decided to do next. You were about to struck a conversation when his tiny hands landed on the book.

He began to read.

“In e be..begin’in o’ e book-”

“Um…Sephiroth?”

“-a in…indodooction o ele..men-”

“Hey,” you put a hand to cover the page gently. “Seph, stop for a second, yeah?”

He turned to look at you with the most flustered expression a baby could ever muster.

“I haven’t told you my name, right? My name’s Nomen.”

There was silence after your awkward attempt at introduction. He still didn’t say a word, just stared at you with the same expression. You started to wonder if he actually get what you said. The child got tired of looking at you after a few seconds and dived back into the book, but you were persistent yourself.

You plopped the stuffed animal in front of his line of vision.

This time when he looked at you, not only was he flustered, but his eyes also round with surprise. He was visibly teetering between holding himself back or just accept the offering. Almost a minute passed with him freezing up. To your surprise he pushed the animal back to you. His face looked so conflicted it made you feel bad.

You quickly put the toy back on top of the book. “Didn’t you want to play?”

Sephiroth now fumbled with his fingers. His pout was back. “Tis a test….”

“No! I’m not testing you, kid. Oh, by the Goddess.” Your lips turned to a smile. Without even giving it a second thought, you patted the boy’s head. He then froze again. It was unclear whether he felt offended by the touch. Do kids even feel offended? Alas, you began pulling your hand away, but he suddenly grabbed your wrist with tiny hands and put it back on his hair, looking at you with an annoyed expression.

He liked it.

Just like you would with a cat, you petted his head. He leaned into your touch with the same pissed off face, but his body was relaxed. You took the chance to shove his chocobo at him. Fortunately, he immediately accepted. The two of you stayed that way for a while. It felt comfortable. Your heart was warmed up in the face of this unexpected softness.

“I promised Eredith you’ll finish lunch, sooo…before we start everything, let’s eat first, okay?”

His jade irises peered from below your palm. He looked unsure.

“You can keep the chocobo. I won’t take it away. I promise!”

After he nodded, you immediately took the bowl temporarily abandoned on the table. He was nothing but cooperative and you were relieved for it. Sephiroth munched his food with the toy never leaving his hands. You utilized the interval between each spoon to start measuring the boy’s physique. He was quite the slow eater, taking all the time in the world to chew. By when he finally finished lunch, you had managed to fill the first page of the document.

Hours went by unnoticed as the examination process was carried on. He time and time again amazed you with the ability to maintain almost unwavering focus. He actually always wanted to play, sometimes allowing himself to take a toy lying around when your attention was elsewhere. But once you subjected him to another test, he rallied all of himself to it. It was mesmerizing to watch.

Somewhere along the way, Eredith actually came knocking at the door. She brought biscuits and a bottle of milk for the infant’s afternoon meal. The woman didn’t say much to you, she just politely asked to feed Sephiroth again and brought the empty bowl away. Nothing much happened after that. You allowed the boy to munch on his snack while you asked him questions or told him to perform some task.

At some point you came across the question of whether Sephiroth understood some terms written on the paper – the cathode and anode one. You sighed exasperatedly. The child was currently drawing something resembling his favorite stuffed animal, if you weren’t mistaken. You leaned over him, asking just for sure, “Is that your chocobo?”

“Uh-huh.”

You nodded appreciatively. His skill was decent enough for his drawing to be understood. That indicated a capability to understand and replicate the existence of objects around him. You quickly took a note.

“Um…kid?”

“Hm?”

“Can you read these two words for me?” You showed the nouns for him to spell. He studied them momentarily and tried. “Ca’ffode an’ an….”

“Anode.”

“…aode.”

“That’s right,” you gave him a smile and another pat on the head. “Do you know what they mean?”

He shook his head hesitantly.

“Alright….” You thought to yourself the best way of explaining it to him. “Do you know battery?”

“Un…yea.”

“Cathode is the part of a battery that has the [+] symbol, while anode has [-].”

Sephiroth stared at you silently. He didn’t seem to get what you mean, so you looked around. Amidst the toy lying around was a fake gun, colored in bright colors appealing to children. You took it and opened the battery case.

“Here, look, there’s a [+] sign here and a [-] sign. This one is the cathode and this one is anode. The battery has power, it runs to the gun from here to here. Without one of these two, the power is stuck in one side, just like a road that’s blocked.”

“They…’re like ‘oors?”

You smiled fondly, “Yes, yes! They’re like doors. If they’re not set in properly, the power from the battery won’t flow to the gun, just like one can’t pass through a door if it’s not opened.”

The boy was astute. You never had to explain things twice as long as you gave him a good example. Filling the rest of the document became nothing but a breeze. Before you knew it, you had completed the day’s report. Sephiroth also looked bored, the chocobo was back in his cradle as he laid on the floor, his tiny fingers fumbled with its feathery butt. You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped your lips. This was the first time you interacted with him and you could already see various shades of his personality. At times, his calm demeanor and self-restraint made you feel like there was someone much older trapped inside that tiny body, then there were also times like these, when he behaved innocently like every other child in the Planet did. He was highly intriguing at such a young age and you dared to bet he would continue to be so when he grows up.

Having nothing else to do left but gawk at the tiny fluff caressing a chocobo butt, you took another brief moment to appreciate it before preparing to leave. Your task was over technically, but you couldn’t help feeling like there was more you could do. Then an idea struck your mind.

“Seph, stay here, okay? I’m gonna get something for you.”

You hurried to your room, heading straight to the bookshelves. At the children’s section was a compilation of nursery rhymes and tales. You scanned the titles with keen eyes, finding the one you were looking for right away, then quickly headed back to Sephiroth’s. The boy was still on his back when you returned. You approached him with an enthusiastic smile plastered on your face.

“Look what I’ve got.”

The boy looked at you half-heartedly. He was definitely done for the day. Then he saw the book you had brought. He quickly sat up to take it.

Below the title – Pickle in a Fickle! – was a picture of one golden chocobo, just like his toy, staring at two gysahl greens completely bamboozled. “Chochobo!” Sephiroth pointed at the character.

“Yes, the same as yours. His name is Pickle.”

“’ickle…,” the boy copied. He wasted no time opening it, eyes seemingly glittering with wonder to see illustrated pages instead of black and white passages. You waited patiently for him to start reading. But the moment he saw some passages, he pouted.

You blinked in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“’m tired weadin’.”

Ah…. That made sense. He’d been forced to spell hundreds of words in a day. Some people didn’t even bother to read. The young boy had accomplished nothing short of a feat. You supposed he was justified to call it a day.

“Do you want me to read it to you?”

His giddiness was back instantaneously, “Yea! Wead it!”

So began your habit of bringing children’s books to him. He spent morning ‘till sundown doing his best with the examination and you rewarded him with new tale almost every day. He was always tired by the end that you had to read to him. The young boy listened with rapt attention, sometimes sitting beside you while playing with Pickle – he named his chocobo after you narrated the story, some other time getting into your lap to see the pages as you read.

Eredith started to give you smiles that grew bigger each time you saw her, though you two still hadn’t talked much aside from some pleasantries and formalities. She was always there when you came in the morning, then proceeded to make herself scarce all day long, only coming in once or twice to deliver foods and drinks. By sundown, you’d be bidding little Seph a goodbye. Eredith was already by the door when you exited. You nodded your head politely and let her be to do her job.

By night, Hojo would call you to his office and ask for report. He’d inspect the document you filled every single day, taking notes of certain aspects that he deemed significant. The professor was overall pleased with his son’s progress, seemingly unaware of the new habit you had helped him build. If your mentor knew anything about you adding non-academic books – nonsense jabberwockies, he’d said – to his son’s curriculum, he had certainly done nothing to stop it.

Sephiroth had become much more open to you after a month of constant meeting. He would happily stand by the door every day at 10 o’clock, the time you were supposed to get in. He kept urging you to hurry with the tests so he gets to hear another story. You gladly did as he asked, it was a win-win situation for all anyway. The effects of your diligence was showing and it affected everyone. Hojo rarely spoke harshly to his son nor Eredith, he gave you a raise, and most importantly, approved your proposal to borrow the bio lab for the sake of your own research. He didn’t question your intentions much, simply asked you to not let it hinder your main responsibility with Sephiroth. He only allowed you to use them at night when you were done reporting. Without hesitation you agreed.

Life became much easier than ever before. For once things were actually going the right way. You couldn’t be more grateful, to the professor, to fate, and to the fluff of silver and jade who was the reason of it all. By the time you went to bed, the only thing that came to your mind was which story you should bring tomorrow.

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