#now I'm forced to ponder what's happening while i sleep

[ambrose-d]

bro WHAT was the end of that episode is gillion okay???? they literally just got him back if he isn't okay I'm going to sue grizzly

[bigtedbear]

“ 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 “

𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭: 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐲𝐚𝐧! 𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧

content warnings: 18+ NSFW, 𝐌𝐃𝐍𝐈, general yandere themes, emotional detachment, gay sex, anal sex, anal penetration, mlm, bl, sexual coercion, dubcon to marriage, semi-public sex, choking, hair-pulling, hatefucking, oral sex (reader receiving), male reader, this is a part 2 that might be important information, semi-stockholm sydrome-y, touch-starved/horny reader

Part 1 here: " like lovers do "

Here's the continuation of a fan favorite, "like lovers do", I'm going to leave the actual plot of the fic a secret so you all can enjoy it while you read!! Special thanks to all the people who left comments basically begging me for a part 2 because that's what truly convinced me to write this LMAOOOO if you're looking for anyone to thank for this they are to blame

Fair warning, the content isn't quite as dark as it was before since a lot of people wanted to see the relationship between the reader and Ayato improve, but I also don't enjoy making the reader character complicit in forced relationships so there will still be a fair bit of resistance.

ONE LAST NOTE: i wrote and rewrote this like seven times, if the plot seems disjointed its cause I basically compiled all the different iterations to make the ultimate part 2 kthxbye

Cold.

It was really cold.

Why did Ayato feel so cold?

His eyes opened blearily, blinking rapidly to bat away the exhaustion. The room was dimly lit, like it always was. What should've been his marital bedroom was devoid of a husband, like it usually was in the morning. Ayato couldn't put his finger on it, but something felt wrong. He should've been used to an empty bed and an empty room by now, but the space still felt... desolate. Everything was in place, nothing had moved, the man was even in the same position he usually slept in. Yet despite all this, he felt cold and alone. Why was that?

He went to sit up, to rub the sleep out of his eyes, but instead of maybe a back ache from sitting up all day, he was confronted with an all-consuming pain shooting up his body. Not only that, he noticed when he peeled the covers off of himself he was completely naked.

Well, that explained why he was cold.

But why did he feel abysmally lonely?

His eyes swept over the room, looking for anything out of place, but he wasn't met with anything unusual. That seemed to be a no-go, but perhaps his memories of the previous night would become clearer if he actually got out of bed. Carefully, he swung his legs over the side of his futon, but was met with a strange numbness in his extremities and another wave of searing pain to shoot up his spine.

Things were only getting stranger the more he investigated, but it seemed his questions would be answered all too soon. The very moment his feet made contact with the ground, the brush of fabric startled him. He wondered if one of his blankets had gotten kicked off the bed in the night, but when he looked down to confirm his suspicions, the memories of the previous night stormed his mind like an angry mob.

'Oh.'

His cheeks automatically lit up a cherry red, realizing the 'suspicious fabric' he'd been stepping on was actually his own yukata. Y'know, the one his husband had taken off of him before they... engaged in a night of passion, for lack of a less vulgar term.

Just a few feet away from his clothing were yours, the same kimono he'd tugged off your shoulders, the same sash he'd watched you untie, the same pair of pants you'd left for work in the previous morning, all in a crumpled pile on the floor. He couldn't remember how the clothing specifically got on the floor, having recalled throwing it somewhere on the futon since the both of you were too impatient to properly undress.

The longer he pondered the happenings of the previous night, the more he lost sight of what he had been doing in the first place. Specifically, what he needed to do for the day. After all, the politics of Inazuma stopped for no god, much less any human.

Still, understanding why he felt so lonely didn't help the fact that he still felt lonely. You had been so open and intimate with him the previous night, did you just consider it to be some obligation you had to fulfill if you wanted to keep your family business going? It certainly didn't feel like you were as emotionally distant the night before. Ayato had basked in the glorious sunlight that was your attention, your affections even. You had not only ticked off the consummation box on the marriage contract, you didn't just stop at one round either.

It felt like he was married for once, not just inviting another guest into his home. He might have always worn his ring, caught sight of the matching one you wore when he caught a glimpse of you in the manor, but he had never felt anything close to the adoration and alert focus you'd showered him in the previous night. Even if it hadn't been exactly what he'd imagined for the night, it didn't change the fact that you had been there, in the bed when he'd fallen asleep.

When you'd first gotten married, the part of the day he looked forward to the most was falling asleep in each other's arms. You hadn't given him that satisfaction, but you not only let him hold you after sex, your own arms were cradling him close to your chest like a baby. He'd gotten to use your heart as a lullaby, to feel the burning hot skin on skin contact, the little circles you traced on the small of his back to help him fall asleep; all of it.

He'd hoped--as his eyelids began to grow heavier than lead--that even if exchanging your vows hadn't been the start of your marriage, perhaps yesterday was the true beginning of your relationship.

He knew it was wishful thinking, having sex for the first wouldn't be some kind of switch that flipped inside of you. You wouldn't start loving him just because the two of you had shared one night together, but he'd hoped it might have been the start of things. He'd hoped more than hope itself that maybe you would just barely crack open the gates to the forest containing the forbidden fruit that was your heart.

If he gave you his body on top of his eternal love and devotion, maybe you'd be open to giving him more than the cold shoulder.

He could feel a dismal sense of disappointment settling in his chest, the prospect of giving you all that he had and still not being enough. Maybe if he thought a little harder, he could come up with something to offer you. You had his heart, his body, his entire being, but maybe there was something else he could offer you. He just didn't know what it was yet.

His train of thought was immediately interrupted when the door to the room slid open.

He scrambled to cover himself with the various comforters laying next to him, not bothering to check who was at the door, but then he was met with a melodious chuckle.

His eyes darted to the doorway.

You were in a new yukata, hair completely drenched, and a used towel thrown over your shoulder. He spied your attempt to hide your smile behind the back of your hand. By now, his flush had died down, but the moment he caught sight of you, it returned tenfold. He burst into an electrifying scarlet and completely froze in his tracks like a nervous deer.

You closed the door behind you shortly after, smothering another laugh at his expense. You coughed behind a closed fist, unable to completely wipe the smug grin off your face. "Good morning."

"I-" Ayato tried to swallow some spit down his unbearably dry throat, just now realizing how parched was. "Good morning."

You crossed your arms in front of your chest, "Sorry if I scared you, I woke up feeling less than clean so I decided an early morning bath would be nice." You started walking towards a hamper of dirtied laundry, tossing your towel in before adding, "I didn't want to wake you up, you seemed exhausted yesterday."

"..."

You could only feel yourself smile wider the longer he struggled to answer. His mouth opened and closed like one of those fat koi fish you spied in town a couple weeks ago. The sly Kamisato Ayato was nothing but a flustered mess just from you walking into the room.

You began to notice a trend in what seemed to make you happy these days.

You tilted your head to the side a bit, pretending to look confused as you asked oh-so-innocently, "What?"

He finally seemed to put his thoughts into words when directly questioned. "Weren't you supposed to leave for work earlier?"

You hummed, crossing your arms as you walked towards him. "I moved my work around to a few of the higher ups." Instead of engaging with him further, you bent down and picked up his discarded sleepwear and your clothes from the previous day.

"Oh, and relax, I took care of your work for the day. I didn't exactly think it'd be proper for the head of the Yashiro Commission to be stumbling around like a newborn fawn in public."

"Please?"

You hummed, lazily tracing circles on his lower back with one hand, the other holding your book open. "I'm only taking care of you for the day, you don't need me here tonight."

You had been suspiciously good to him, willing to do just about anything he asked if he persuaded you enough. As of now, he'd managed to convince you to let him cuddle up to your side while you did your own relaxing. One of his hands lay on your chest next to his face while the other was squeezed beneath him on the futon, balled up in a fist next to his heart.

So, so sweet, you had been to him. So tender and caring and lenient; it made him feel suspicious but he had thought himself to be too cynical. Instead of being ready to be burned, he wanted to fully be able to embrace this beautiful warmth in its entirety.

Still, he knew there would be some kind of caveat.

Everything you did, everything you said, everything you let him do, it was only for today. He knew it from the start, when you'd told him upfront you were willing to support him while he was recovering from your rendezvous in the sheets the previous night. He had you wrapped around his finger, but only for the day.

He traced his finger over the hemline on your top, gingerly ghosting over it. While you were still scanning over the words in the book, it brought him some satisfaction that you were still listening to what he said. "Surely, I won't have to beg you to stay in bed tonight." There was a bashful smile on his features as he poked, "What if I need something in the night? You've been doting on me all day, but my legs are still numb."

You rolled your eyes, flipping to the next page of your book. "You are the head of the Yashiro Commission, you are not delicate or fragile. We have plenty of attendants, should you need anything you're strong enough to leave the bed and call for their assistance."

He made sure to exaggerate his expression as he pouted, stopping the movement of his free hand. "I may be the head of the Commission, but that doesn't mean I'm indestructible. Perhaps I want to be taken care of for once." He closed his eyes and huffed as he pushed his head further into your chest, "I don't sleep well at night when you aren't next to me. I need the rest if I am to make a full recovery come tomorrow."

"You're more than welcome to get your 'restful sleep' now, there is nothing stopping you." You continued to scan over the kanji sprawled across the page in front of you. Your hand stopped tracing its own circles on his back, opting to rest comfortably against the curve of his spine.

He sighed, dramatically. Even though he acted annoyed, he couldn't deny the pacifying qualities of your touch and your attention. It would be stripped from him at the end of the day he glumly realized, but being unable to have your focus on him unequivocally for the past few months truly weighed on him.

He wanted your eyes to only look at him. He wanted your arms around him every night, every single day. He wanted to be able to indulge himself in your company after work like a glutton. Every single ounce of your remaining time would be spent with him in his own little ideal fantasy world, but with every rejection he could feel his already broken heart crack and shatter just a little bit more.

Would it kill you to share a bed with him? Kill you to be willing to sit in the same room? To eat dinner together? Maybe sit down and discuss both of your work days? If you couldn't love him, could you at the very least pretend? Perhaps that was why he couldn't be mad at you for only loving him conditionally.

He couldn't convince you to love him at all otherwise.

He sat up from where he was leaning on you, pressing his hands down on one of your thighs, "What must I do to convince you, darling? Is there really nothing? I've enjoyed spending the day with you so much I fear I won't be able to take it if you withdraw so suddenly."

You raised a brow skeptically, still not taking your eyes off of your page. He playfully smacked you on the arm, trying to draw your attention away from your silly book. "No, Ayato, I've already told you there is no reason for me to sleep here tonight. You have everything you could possibly need-"

"But what if I need you here?" He urged, wrapping his hand around your bicep. He tugged, scrunching up his fist along with the fabric. "Your husband is a very greedy man, you agreed to take care of me today."

You still didn't divert your attention from the light novel in your hand, flipping to another page. "Just because you are greedy doesn't mean I'll spoil you to death. I agreed to take care of you during the day, I didn't say anything about tonight."

He whined your name, moving to straddle your hips. He put his hand over your book and pushed it to the side. His hands gripped the collar of your yukata, forcing you to look at him, focus on him without any distractions. The divine pink that surged up from your neck sent a pleasant satisfaction pooling in the bottom of his gut. "Could you just consider it a part of your obligation to me today? How can your heart stand to see your precious husband begging you to come to bed and still be so cruel-hearted?"

In any other circumstance, you'd likely shove him off, but in this scenario you let his hands wrinkle the fabric of your collar. Your hands rested tentatively on his waist, averting eye contact. "Only you seem to be calling yourself precious here, Lord Kamisato."

He gasped, putting an offended hand over his heart, "How could you still say such hurtful things to me?" He threw his other hand over his forehead, closing his eyes as he slumped away from you sadly. "You should be groveling and begging for my forgiveness, dearest."

You rolled your eyes, pressing a kiss to his exposed temple, "There, does that make up for it?"

He turned back to face you, rested his hands on your chest again. He seemed to contemplate for a moment, before resting his face in the crook of your neck. "Partially, I do believe you know what truly would make it up to me."

You huffed, "I'm afraid I will have to leave this injustice unresolved." You picked up your book from where he'd shoved it out of your hands.

Promptly, his hand rested on top of yours. His face withdrew from where it had comfortably rested, "If you aren't going to be here tonight, could you at the very least pay attention to me?"

You seemed to consider wrestling your page-turner from him, to turn him down again. But instead, you let a deep breath pass your lips before setting the hardcover on the nightstand and opening your arms. You were basically offering yourself up to him.

He let himself fall into your embrace, a happy purr passing his lips as he slumped against your chest. He let himself be babied as you wrapped your arms over his shoulders and pulled him into your chest and rested your chin on top of the crown of his head.

If he only had today, he would wring as much love from you as he could.

"What are you doing here?"

The Yashiro Commissioner hummed as he took a pointed seat across from you in front of your desk. "Will you be this suspicious of me for the rest of our lives? Is it really all that strange that I want to make a routine out of coming to visit you at work?"

You flipped to the next page of one of the various packets of documents on your desk, "I believe the question you should be asking is whether or not you will always want something from me when you make a visit." Your middle finger carefully scanned over the line of said document before carefully filling out a beautifully calculative signature.

"Oh hush," Ayato gently rested his forearms across the table, face in his palm, "I finally decide to trouble myself with the trip to your workplace and the only thing I get is a sour attitude. Whatever will I do?"

Despite the sincere nature of the words that would flow from your mouth, your dreadfully flat tone betrayed any potential endearment. "How treacherous, for such a doting lover to be so unappreciated."

He smiled, despite all your mockery, always able to find a way to twist each and every little action of yours in his mind. "Precisely, I do believe that you should make it up to me, darling."

You rolled your eyes, "It seems every time I fail to greet you as if we have been starcrossed lovers separated by the cruel writings of fate and time, you believe I have inexplicably wronged you, Ayato."

His hands came to rest on his heart, the sweet jingle of the metals on his attire creating the auditory illusion of the similarly sweet chime of bells. "Because you have!" One of his hands reached forward to rest on your table, "Each and every morning I wake and we are apart, my heart shatters into an insurmountable pile of pieces. Every moment we are apart, my very soul longs to be by your side-"

You waved him off with your non-dominant hand, "Yes, Ayato, you have made all of this clear to me since the moment we were wed. What is it that you want from me? I'm afraid I don't have as much time to entertain you today."

"How cruel," he pouted, "I only wished to invite you out for lunch today."

You raised your brow, still not taking your eyes off your current page. Carefully, you set one packet of paperwork off to the side before setting your sights on another. "What exactly do you 'wish' to get out of lunch?"

There was a saccharine chortle that resounded through the air, "Your company, dearest. I've missed you so." He absentmindedly checked for a clock somewhere around the room, "I do believe I got the time correct, you usually send for your own meal around this hour, don't you?"

You paused, setting down your brush finally. "I suppose I do."

His eyes glistened expectantly, pressing both of his palms firmly on the table. The same cunning smile you used to find so beautiful seemed to only churn a mixed cauldron of negative emotions within the bottom of your ribcage.

"..."

"..."

You sighed, "As much as I would love to join you, I'm afraid your argument falls apart when one realizes I usually work through my lunch. I can't exactly afford to fall behind."

He groaned, his hands shooting forward to grasp at your own. He seemed to completely ignore the fact that you flinched backwards at his touch. Instead, his gloved hands swallowed up your own palms in his, expression desperate as he hunched over your desk. Your eyes weren't very focused on his face when you noticed just how close his pure white sleeve was to a nearly full inkwell. "You work far too much for someone with so many subordinates who are perfectly capable of doing the same job. Surely, you can spare me just an hour? An hour, no more, I swear to you."

You bit the inside of your cheek, averting your gaze from his. "I work because I want things done correctly, I know I can trust myself to complete such matters within the given time frame. As trusted as my employees may be, in the middle of a project as large as-"

He huffed, pressing a kiss to back of your hand, "You're always beginning and ending projects back-to-back, if you don't give your workers any opportunities to prove themselves, will you simply continue to work yourself to death? You don't have a much better chance than this. Give me this one hour, give yourself this one hour, love. Just this once?"

"Ayato-" you tried to warn, however, you were interrupted by this all powerful primal sense of dread as he stood up from his seat across your desk. He circled around you like a hawk before coming to sit by your side instead. One of his hands trailed to your thigh, resting there, innocently malicious. You called his name again, reprimanding intonation, but he seemed to pay no mind.

He rested his head at the junction connecting your collarbone to your neck, just gently ghosting his lips over the skin that remained exposed above your collar. Self-pity washed over you like a flood, accompanied with an embarrassed heat flooding across your face. "This is highly inappropriate at my place of work-"

"Then let's take it out of your place of work." He whispered it tenderly against your neck, nestled right between gentle samplings of your skin. "We can always just go out for lunch too, either way, the decision is yours, darling."

You chewed your bottom lip reluctantly. It seemed, however, Ayato didn't seem to be feeling all that merciful or patient.

He bit down just beneath what would've been visible on your collar.

"Okay, okay- We can go out to lunch, give me some time to arrange for some work to be evenly redistributed." You scowled at his more than satisfied grin, pushing his face away from you, "You are such a headache."

"Yours," he hummed, all but delighted at the outcome of your conversation. He could care less about being unceremoniously being forced to get his grubby little hands off you, instead all but celebrating in his mind as he stood up and dusted himself off.

Yes, you mentally lamented, unfortunately, he was your headache.

'Would you be interested in walking me home?'

"H-Oh shiiiitttt-"

"You're much too loud, if you can't keep it down, I'll leave you here by yourself."

Chinju Forest was quiet and undisturbed a majority of the time, something that appealed to you in your younger years. You enjoyed being invited to the Kamisato Estate as a child just so you could come and sit in the tranquility of the silent trees and the whispering brook.

Pluck off your sandals, toss your socks into the grass and let the tips of your toes gently ease their way into the moving stream. You and the other young heir would come here during your fathers' meetings. Unlike you, when the two of you made your way into the forest, he enjoyed running around.

He liked to skip stones, to hunt for Crawfish underneath the large boulders, run after fireflies in the darkness created by the canopy of trees. While you rested and allowed yourself to turn off your brain, Ayato took hold of his opportunity to be a child. Despite his rather prim and proper nature as an adult, he enjoyed chasing you around with angry cicadas when he was young.

While your sword had seen the punishing end of the hilt in your older teenage years, you hated the idea of filth when you were a child. He enjoyed your screams of terror and the way you'd retreat into the creek, barefoot when he'd come to the water's edge with a screaming bug.

He was your tormentor up until your late twenties, it seemed. Now, you enjoyed tormenting him. To make him uncomfortable, that was your purpose, your passion.

Which is exactly why your pace, like always, was punishing. The grass was soft against his back, but it seemed with each connection of your hips with his you were intent on driving him into the hard ground. He should have felt humiliated, to be defiled against the soil, but he couldn't help the pleasant pulse of ecstasy freely pumping through his body.

His right hand gripped your shoulder in a bruising grasp, fingers coiling around your collarbone. His nails dug into your skin, sure to leave angry little crescent marks in their wake. His left hand was clamped over his mouth, in an attempt to be quieter.

His eyes were squeezed shut, eyebrows curled upwards towards the inner corners of his eyes. Had this been any other time, he would've been alert and at full attention. Drinking in the sight of the man of his dreams looming over him, sweaty and laser-focused on every single arch of his back and every roll of his hips. However, in the middle of the woods, with only the curtain of shadows casted by the tree tops, he couldn't seem to muster up the strength to pull open his eyelids.

What with the churning shame in the bottom of his gut and the surging tendrils of overstimulation coiling through the insides of his you were currently rearranging, he couldn't do it. With the vice grip on his hips and the piercing stare you were aiming at him, it seemed impossible.

"Tell me-" you hissed in between harsh jabs of your hips, "could you really have not waited for me to get home? Was the sole purpose of your trip to my office to lure me into your bed again?"

As much as he might've wanted to answer, Ayato could only answer in pitiful whimpers and whine into the palm of his glove. Each and every single one of them being punctuated with another angry shove of your dick further inside of him.

His eyelids darted open when your attention seemed to shift to the fabric of the glove he was currently biting. Your fingers curled around his wrist and pinned it to the grass next to his head, "Hey-" your hips halted for just a few seconds before moving agonizingly slowly. Just barely enough movement to keep fanning the flames of overwhelming want in his gut, just barely enough to be prodding at his prostate, but slowly enough he was painfully aware of the twitch of his own erection against his stomach. "I asked you a question."

He nodded blearily, shaking his head as quickly as the friction against the nape of his neck would. He tried to let a few words stumble from his swollen lips, but he could only blubber pathetically and push his perineum closer to you in response.

You pulled him to be flush against your pelvis, looming over him with a tilt of your head. "Words, Ayato, use your words."

"Yes- Archons yes- please just keep moving-" he begged.

He mewled with another quick roll of your hips into his, left hand clenching and unclenching around nothing next to his head. "Really? What did I ask you? Did you hear me or are you too much of a slut to think about anything but how to get me to touch you again?"

"I'm a slut-" his back arched up dramatically as your hand smeared the lines of white that painted his exposed stomach against his skin, "I'm yOur whore- hnnn~"

He tried to squeeze his thighs together as another teasing wave of pleasure surged past his senses, another hiccup falling past his teeth. He tried to pull you impossibly closer with his legs, but found the traitorous tremor in his muscles prevented him from exerting any real strength.

"Did you touch yourself during work? Was that really all that was on your mind while you sorted through your papers?" Your hand teased his dick, languid strokes up and down as you watched him seize up in a beautiful curve.

His mouth fell open as another string of curses slid out of his throat like a waterfall. You also couldn't help the grunt that resounded through the air past your own closed lips when he got impossibly tighter around you. You pulled his hair to get him to look at you, "Answer me."

He nodded again, "Yes, yes, yesyesyesyes-" He keened, trying to push himself further into the gentle caress of your hand. "I coUldn't stohoopp thinking about youU-"

You hummed, "So you fingered yourself open over your desk? You didn't excuse yourself to your room or anything? No breaks? Just how long did you sit there touching yourself before my lunch break?"

He shook his head, tears pricking the corners of his eyes as he tried to shy away from your prying leer. "I don't know- ouH~"

"Was it really that long?" You continued to stroke his painfully red dick through another orgasm. "Give me an estimate."

He trembled, only really trying to pull himself together as you started getting slower with your movements. "I-I-" He swallowed, "M-maybe an hour? Ahn~ I don't knohowww-"

He practically choked on his thoughts when you sped up again, pleas falling past his lips like a prayer as he arched up into another release.

You'd been nice enough to take care of him again after your escapade in the woods.

You took him home, explained he'd 'fallen ill' on the way home, and informed the staff (Thoma) you'd be back in around an hour to take care of him after sorting out work affairs.

Just like before, you let him gently wrap you around his nimble finger. Each and every little request was met as long as his words were sweet enough, as long as he played each and every one of his little cards right. As long as he looked pitiful enough, you would let him cuddle up in your lap. If he complained enough, he could convince you to give him a massage.

Sweetly, he would call your name and you'd be at his side. Patiently, you'd brush the hair off of his face and make sure he was comfortable. If he so wished it, you would let him join you in your office while you worked. Of course, while you could hand off your work to others in your company, Inazuma, the Commissions, and politics didn't stop just because he needed the day off.

Instead of getting one of his many retainers to do his work for him, you took it upon yourself to sit yourself down at his desk and take care of it yourself. A husband should be able to understand and complete his partner's job, you told him when he teased you for it. So, despite never having dipped your proverbial toe into the world of politics, you took on the mantle without hesitation.

Paper after paper, meeting after meeting. Later in the day, you even bothered yourself with hand-delivering a few signed notices and making appearances in spots he was supposed to be. It was only understandable you would return home exhausted after that. Still, in your tired daze, you insisted that you would sleep in your office once again.

"If not for me, than for yourself, darling." He pleaded, perched at the edge of the futon in his Yukata. He watched you wander around the room tucking away paper after paper and muttering to yourself. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you were to sleep on the ground tonight. You've just about worked your fingers to the bone so I could take the rest of the day off."

You waved him off with a hand, eyes still scanning over a booklet of etiquette that came with a Tricommission meeting. Seeing as the Yashiro Commission mainly served as a cultural regulator and mediator between the two commissions, the tasks of the acting representative during the meeting were relatively simple. In theory, it wouldn't be difficult to allow Ayato another day of rest. All you would need to do would be to resolve any conflicts should they-

"Would it ease your mind if I slept elsewhere tonight?"

You only really snapped out of it when you felt his arms rest themselves delicately around your hips.

"I-" You cleared your throat, "No, there's no need. I can manage just fine with you here."

You felt him sigh against your back, resting his face against your shoulder blade. "So you'll stay here tonight? I'm glad."

You paused, "That... isn't what I meant." You gently pried his arms off of the curves of your waist, snapping the booklet you'd been cradling shut. "I'm a grown man. A sore back isn't a concern I've made a priority for a long time. You can sleep here, I will be fine in my office."

He pressed himself into your back, if not only insisting with his words, than also with his actions. "I don't care if you'll be fine in your office, I care what is best for you. You've worked all day, it's nearly midnight. The futon will comfort your physical ailment if not your mental strain. I can sleep in my own office tonight for a change."

You shook your head, sliding the booklet into one of the many shelves that adorned your walls. "Absolutely not. You will sleep in bed tonight as you always have, I only worked this hard so you could recover your strength. Sleeping on the ground would only-"

He huffed, "If you don't want to sleep in the same room as me, I'll be sleeping in my office. You can't seriously think you'll be able to stop me. If you want me to sleep in bed, you will sleep in the bed with me."

You shook your head, "That-"

You flinched as he pushed you up against the wall, inhaling deeply as he rested his face in the crook of your neck. What made the position all the more embarrassing was your inability to gauge his expression. "Please?"

You sighed, "Don't make this difficult. Sleep in bed, sleeping in my office isn't a bother to me-"

He called your name again, exasperated. "Do I have to sweeten the deal for you in some way? What do I have to do for you to take my offer seriously?" He wrapped you up in his arms again, this time snuggly situating himself around your torso. "I'm tired of only catching glimpses of your grumpy face when you leave in the morning because of the lackluster sleep you managed to get. Just for tonight, I promise. If you don't believe me on anything else, just for tonight I'm asking you to sleep on the futon sincerely out of concern for your wellbeing and not my own selfish desires."

"Ayato-"

He gave your torso a squeeze. In fact, he let you unravel his arms from your figure without any of the usual fuss. "What do you say?"

You shook your head, turning to face him with an annoyed expression, "Go to bed like you do every night, I don't know how many times I need to keep telling you-"

He silenced your complaints with his lips.

He wrenched his arms from your grip on them, going to trail them up and down your sides. You exploded in surprised shudders, unwittingly complicit in his little act of intimacy. Soon enough, he was sinking down on his knees, pressing his lips to your clothed body at random intervals on his way down.

"What are you doing?"

His breathing got heavier as he descended, fingers settling at your waistband. "You only finished once earlier, didn't you?" With a flick of his wrist, he exposed your flaccid dick to the cold air of your bedroom. He gave an experimental lick up the side from base to tip, listening to the sharp inhalation of air through your teeth. He could feel it getting hard under his tongue with a few more kitten licks to the tip.

"If you aren't tired enough to stay in bed as is, I'm sure I could tire you out some more."

Ayato gave a sleepy sigh as he sunk into your chest.

Today, it seemed, you two still had enough energy for some clean-up post-coitus.

You admonished him gently. "Hold still, you'll end up getting soap in your eye." Your hands gently combed through his hair and did your best to swipe the foamy bubbles off of his forehead. You did your best to scrub the sweat off his scalp while still remaining tender.

He curled up against you despite all the space that was left in your rather luxurious bathtub. His legs tangled with yours in your seat, tracing hearts over where yours was hidden beneath your skin. You grabbed the wooden bowl from beside the tub, filling it with water before pouring it over Ayato's head gently.

The suds ran down his back and into the rest of the tub. He rubbed what little soap remained around his eyes before looking up at you. Something similar to a cat purring emanated from his chest, eyes filled with a soft fondness you couldn't stomach head-on.

It would've been nice if he hadn't forced the ring on your finger half a year ago. It would've been sweet, it would've been mind-numbingly heartwarming. But as it stood, you couldn't seem to meet such a gaze without a deep resentment bubbling up in your chest. Even if you might've wanted to fall in love for the sake of your own sanity in the long run, could you really ever learn to love someone like him?

As if reading your mind, he interrupted your thoughts by reaching up to grab the bottle of shampoo himself. "Do you want me to wash your hair too?"

Still, despite knowing he would never do anything to hurt you, to so much as go out of his way to upset you, you could've let yourself to let your guard down to him in the slightest. "No, I can do it myself."

Ayato snickered, "Well, I know you can, but do you want to have your hair washed?" His laughter was soft and domestic sounding, something that should've squeezed your heart gently. Yet, the squeeze felt more like an impromptu strangling. Something hurt when he laughed so mercifully. Something felt extremely wrong when he laughed without so much as a care.

Did he care about you?

Did he have the capacity to care about anyone but himself?

Did he truly love you, or did he love the idea of the two of you together?

He waved a hand in front of your face, calling your name quizzically. "Did you hear me? Do you want me to wash your hair or would you rather just rinse it tonight?" He shook his head, the water droplets that clung to his exposed skin glistening in the low lamplight. "Nevermind, just go ahead and turn around, let me take care of it."

You shook your head. "I can do it myself, you should relax."

He clicked his tongue, "Let me do this one thing for you. You always seem to take care of me and never let me do the same for you. Do you honestly think so poorly of me? There isn't any poison in it."

'Yes', you thought breathlessly, more like admitted it to yourself. 'You did think that badly of him.'

You already told yourself earlier, reassured yourself, he wouldn't so much as hurt a hair on your head if not for your own wellbeing than his twisted ideal of this relationship. You wondered if someday, if you didn't play into this little role he'd assigned you in his head, would he ever grow bored of you?

Would he no longer be interested in playing happy little family with you?

Would he toss you to the side like all the other lives he seemed to treat like objects to creep further towards his goals?

What did it mean exactly to be one of his goals? You didn't know.

The fact that you didn't know scared you.

It scared you more than anything.

Perhaps that was the true reason you wouldn't ever let him care for you. You didn't know what his definition of care was.

"Please?" he pleaded again. He always loved to drop in that magic word whenever you were feeling more open to spending time with him. "You just used the shampoo on me, you usually use it yourself, it couldn't hurt just this once, could it?"

"Fine, but don't draw it out. I want to go to bed soon."

You watched the smile grow on his features as he gripped at the sides of your face. He peppered kisses all over, gracious thanks leaving his lips every moment they weren't attached to your face. You silently let him continue to shower you in his affections.

Finally, when he seemed to be done with kissing you wherever he could plant his mouth, you let yourself sink more into the bathtub. You leveled yourself out to where he could get to your locks.

You leaned against him, though he was quick to admonish you for being as stiff as a board. "Relax, I'm not going to do anything but wash your hair, love. You worry too much."

He planted another kiss to the wet skin of your nape before dumping a generous amount of shampoo into his waiting palm. He rubbed his hands together to gather up the suds before his hands descended upon your waiting scalp with a calculated gentleness.

He seemed to pay special attention to each and every hair on your head. The obvious devotion made you feel like you were squirming in your own skin.

Carefully, he brushed the hair away from your face, lathering each and every lock thoroughly. It seemed as though he was looking for every excuse he could to touch you.

"That's enough, my hair is more than clean by now."

He went to complain, but held his tongue. It seemed he realized just as quickly as you did that you were being far too lenient with him. But it was difficult to stop him at the same time. Usually, you were good at maintaining your boundaries and making sure he knew you weren't going to fall victim to this ludacris script he'd orchestrated in the recesses of his twisted mind.

But throughout the course of the night, there seemed to be one thought that scared you more than what Ayato's definition of care was.

What would he do to you when he stopped caring altogether?

there's a note on the side of the phone booth, read it?

" hey guys, kicks rocks "

THIS IS A REPOSTED WORK FROM MY ORIGINAL ACCOUNT BEFORE IT CRAPPED AND DIED ON ME

I USED TO BE FOUND AT @steadybear

I FEAR YOU WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH SEEING @bigtedbear INSTEAD FROM NOW ON

[yandere-sins]

So... Honkai Star Rail... have you met Dr. Ratio yet? I have literally seen him twice so far and he has my whole being in a vice grip. Man has either put me in direct danger or towered ominously over me and acted completely dismissive the entire time. I am not okay.

I have met him! (However brief that was because I'm not sure if there's more of him when you defeat the boss (and I struggle with the bosses because I don't build support characters, yes >-<)) I saw him and I knew this one is also going into my pathetic yandere shoebox with Argenti, and I wish I could see more of him because I so wanna get into his personality and yandere-fy him lol

All I can say is... since Argenti I am really into pathetic yans and Ratio just fits sooo good in that category.

Don't get me wrong, he probably started out pretty scary! He has that manipulative, confident, cocky attitude that will make everyone turn on you for being rude and conceited when you try to go against what he's preaching. He'll absolutely try to separate you from you friends and coworkers until he's that saint that still allows you to tag along with him. No one will really mind if one day he just doesn't bring you back to work. Keeps you snug and locked up and terrified in his private hideouts, enjoying that he gets to lord over you. He'll be so enarmored with the thought you now need him, you can't say anything against him, Ratio is the one you have to submit to if you want to survive in the paradise he's creating for himself.

The towering over you probably happens a lot (at night as he watches you sleep and trying to understand you) because he wants so desperately to be acknowledged by you, not even caring if it means he has to be creepy or a stalker watching the camera feed of your room. And when you don't do what he wants you to, he tries, he really tries to ignore you, lock you up and leave the whole planet if he must, but his thoughts are always circling back to you, his heart always wondering what you're doing and if you are lonely and thinking of him.

But the thing is, the situation is scary and all, but he's not exactly an example punisher from the beginning.

So yeah, I see him to a 180 after he has aquired a darling, no more pondering about science or math (I don't even know yet what exactly he is into even) but about how to make his darling like him because they really don't. Darling is just sitting their reading their book, throwing in a "mhm" - "yeah" - "sure" while he's talking, and Ratio is getting really desperate over the lack of acknowledgement and the kind of connection he wants with his darling. It's his own fault, considering he completely ignored all the reasoning and pleading you did in the beginning. And when there weren't as many awful punishments, you just grew numb to the fear of his presence.

I can just see him throw a damn fit about his darling ignoring him. Either in their presence or out of their sight, but this man hates hates hates not being in the center of his darling's attention when he demands it and he's being really pathetic about it.

The problem is just that he really expects too much from his darling. He'll be good and feed them and give them books (reluctantly even one that the darling wants and not only the other five he wants them to read so they can talk about his interests) and expect praises and teary eyes and so many thanks that honestly, he'll just be so heartbroken when the darling is "okay, thanks" and goes back to not acknowledging him or his good deeds.

And yes, he has his scary moments where he takes his darlings out on "dates" into situation that frankly would not end well for them without his presence. But he does not understand why they are angry and crying from stress and fear after he took them out and even defended them from dangers.

Ratio has times where he punishes his darling or forces them to do something they don't want to do mercilessly. Where he uses them as needed for experiments or puts them in dangerous situations, knowing it's wrong, but using these moments to put him into a better light with his darling. He might be cunning, but once he realises that really, what is the darling supposed to do except shutting down when they meet deaf ears with every other reaction? Ratio begins to panic and that makes him into such a sweet, pathetic yandere, desperate for his darling.

Anyhow, I'm sure he can be scary temperamental, but I also like to think he's just not entirely made for having the upper hand in a relationship. (Sorry, I had these thoughts for such a long time, hope it was okay to jump on yours! I know they are a little different but your thoughts about him are super valid as well ♥)

[yanderes-galore]

Hurraahh!, saw the Junkenstein! Junkrat in the drafts and I think, how about a Van Helsing! Cassidy concept

-🍀anon

Sure! Here's my thoughts on him :)

Yandere! Van Helsing! Cassidy Concept

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Death/Murder, Stalking, Manipulation, Overprotective/Possessive behavior, Some violence, Creepy behavior, Forced/Dubious relationship.

If I'm correct this version of Cassidy would be one of the mercenaries hired to protect the lord of the castle from Junkenstein.

He is called The Gunslinger and has taken up monster hunting as his job.

I would assume he'd be a monster hunter due to what this skin is based on, even if I have not seen the original source material.

Cassidy has been hired by many to track down monsters, Adlersbrunn is no different to him.

He could be hired at Adlersbrunn and finds a cute townsperson such as you to "get to know better".

As long as he's paid he doesn't mind slaying any monster.

I imagine this version of Cassidy is still as flirty as any other version.

Just because he happens to be a gunslinging monster hunter doesn't mean he isn't also a flirt.

Perhaps Cassidy hits up one of the bars in the town to get a drink before setting off to do more work.

That's when he meets you either working the bar or also drinking in it.

Unsurprisingly Cassidy tries charming you, complimenting you on a sweet tone while explaining what he does since you asked so nicely.

This could be your first encounter with the monster hunter.

Another encounter could be being saved by him.

Be it being attacked by a monster or even normal human attackers, Cassidy rolls in to dispatch them.

He may even comment on the fact you two have met before with a wink.

What may start getting suspicious is when he shows up everywhere.

You can try to excuse it as him just having work to do for the lord here.

He's got to just be sleeping in an inn, right?

However... it's weird how he always searches you in particular out when he wants a chat.

His flirting used to be charming... now it seems strange.

Behind your back Cassidy is tracking your movements like the very monsters he hunts.

Ever since your first meeting you've caught the hunter's eye.

Even the faint look of fear on your face is enough to have him wanting more.

He can't help but let his eyes wander to you.

While watching you from afar he takes a drag of his cigar and winks when you look over.

Oh, baby, he doesn't mean you any harm!

If anything he'll protect you, it's what he's good at.

Cassidy would try to play his cards right other than watching you from the corner of your eye.

He wants to get closer to you so he can make you trust him.

He's pretty good with the whole charisma thing, his tone sounding sweet like honey as he charms you.

Maybe you'll fall for him, or still find his advances creepy.

No worries, he'll wait for a pretty thing such as you.

Perhaps he'll orchestrate a monster attack just so he can save you again.

Or maybe hire a set of goons to dispatch just to do the same thing.

Cassidy is one to try and plan things out around the two of you.

Even if you try to ignore him, he always seems to be around.

Maybe he'll ask the lord if he can have you as payment instead of the money?

Crude... yet he still ponders the idea for a moment.

He knows soon he needs to put some plan into action.

He's starting to grow irritated at the people around you.

Soon it seems like he'll never leave town until he finds a solution to his obsession issue.

Sure... the money from his jobs is good...

But you seem to be a much better prize altogether once he has his hands on you.

[whirlwindimagines]

Hello! You're seriously one of the best writers for Trigun I've read! I'm super excited for future works!!! Would you be willing to write some angst? How about something like Knives continously pushing the reader away until the reader does truly disappear. You can decide how they disappear! But something introspective with Knives would be nice!

Anything for my number one fan 💙❄️💙❄️💙 CLOWN 🤡 I can’t believe you want to be down bad for Knives!!!!! Ignoring the fact I am too 🤡 I also can’t believe you read all my works get outta here 😭😭😭 song title is from Labour 😘 Also enjoy, I wasn’t sure where to go with this so open-ended it is! 

‘If our love died, would that be the worst thing?’

Millions Knives x Reader

You need to be the bigger person and let it go, you think to yourself as you know you're not going to let it go. Fighting with Knives wasn’t anything new, honestly, it’s been increasing lately. It’s more oh how the arguments went, he was dismissive at best and a childish asshole at worst and you were sick of it.

Not being able to sleep was also making these worse, you don’t even remember the last time you for a full night's rest. Knives coming in at any and all odd hours to wake up to work to continue with his plans. You knew it was important to him, it should be important to you too, but not at 3 am. You wish you go back to the early days when you were blinded by your love and commitment to knives.

You might have been a naive fool back then, but you were happy at least. And now you were starting to have doubts the closer and closer Knives got to his goals you were wavering and you don’t know what to do if Knives figured you out.

Being afraid of Knives was new to, fuck you didn’t know what to do. You were torn, because as fucked up as it all was you still loved him. How pathetic, your door opens with a slam and it startles you more than it should. Sitting up your eyes meet Knives pale blue ones, his eyes always seemed to glow in the dark.

“Come here.” His tone doesn’t leave room for arguments, but you feel like pushing it, him this thing you have. “I need to sleep, just because you don’t doesn’t mean I’ll magically be capable without it” you lay back down with a huff, heart racing as his footsteps approaches the side of the bed. 

He reaches for you grabbing you by the wrist and pulling you up, and it brings you to tears at how gentle his grip is even though his eyes are furious. “I wasn’t asking, I am not impressed by your latest tantrums.” 

You scoff you try to pull your arm back, but he tightens his grip, it’s not painful but you don’t know what will happen if you keep pushing. You know Knives was prone to violence, but he has never struck you. He probably wanted to, but Knives was complicated some days he couldn’t stand touching you the human you. And then some days he couldn’t leave you alone demanding your attention.

“My tantrums?” You hiss, you step into his face getting chest to chest with him, “if anyone been throwing a tantrum lately it’s you, I don’t want to fight with you Knives I’m tired. Why don’t you stay?” The more you talk the more the fight drains out of you. 

He drops your wrist, “if you won’t be of use then I have no reason for you.” He says it coldly and it hurts more than it should, “fine.” You reply, stepping back and sitting on the bed. “Goodnight, Knives.” He doesn’t reply as he turns and leaves, leaving you to yourself. 

Getting back under the covers, you force yourself not to cry. You’d deal with this in the morning, forcing yourself to sleep.

Morning comes quickly, you lay there for a while pondering what you should do next. You have no desire in talking to Knives, so you figure you’ll just work the day away. Knives will find you when he wants you, frowning at the thought. What were you a loyal dog waiting for their master's return?  

With that thought you force yourself from the bed and out of the room, leaving your mind perfectly blank as you continue throughout the day. Every once in a while, the memory of last night will play in your mind but you push it aside. You don’t see knives today, or the next, or even the next. 

He must be ignoring you, hating to admit you missed him. Fine if he didn’t want to talk to you, then you would seek him out instead. Marching through the halls with a purpose, you know exactly where he’ll be, already hearing the keys of a piano. He is still playing when you enter the large room, moving forward to stand beside him. 

Waiting for him to finish you speak, “I’ve always loved listening to you play, it’s been a while huh?” He doesn’t reply, and you frown reaching out a hand towards him you call out his name, and he turns quickly gripping your wrist.

“Why are you here.” So that’s how he wants to be, you sigh, “I just wanted to check up on you, we haven’t spoken– “ 

His grip tightens, and your breath hitches as he does his grip near painful, he stands narrowing his eyes at you, “whatever pathetic human emotions you are trying to convey don’t. You have become nothing but an obstacle to my endeavors.” 

You can only stare wide eyes, there is something different this time about the way he speaks to you, and your blood runs hot with anger. So, after everything, this is what Knives has come to? “Seriously? An obstacle? Is that all I am to you? After everything! All I’ve done for you it just means nothing.” 

Knives shoves you back harshly, and you stumble falling back and catching yourself on your elbows, he looks down at you as he speaks, “You are nothing to me, a means to an end.” You hate that the tears come, you hate that he’s breaking your heart and he doesn’t even care. Quickly getting to your feet the argument catches in your throat.

Fine 

You were done, this was the breaking point you needed out if that meant by his hand or yours. They would never let you escape, no not with you knew you needed to be clever, the weak and pathetic human Knives thought you were. Those who deserted the cause were met with death, you knew that yet you were not afraid.

“I’m sorry that you feel that way, I won’t bother you again.” You can’t meet his gaze; Knives doesn’t say anything just scoffs turning his back to you. As if on autopilot you reach out a hand to him, but bring it back grasping your shirt over your heart instead. 

You leave and do not look back. 

Time is not something that Knives bothers keeping track of, day and night does not matter to him. And yet he knows the passing of time has been slow without you by his side. You’ll come crawling back, it was in your human nature to not leave well enough alone.

Knives presses the keys of the piano, not playing a tune but little melodies. His mind keeps drifting to you, he knew you liked to watch him play, in a moment of weakness he had asked if you wanted to to learn how to play.

And he hates the way your eyes lit up at his words, he hated more how you made him feel in that moment, but what he hated the most is the feeling of missing you. You who was just a human, nothing but a spark in his life that would sizzle out to nothing, and he would continue on as if nothing happened. 

Slamming his hands on the piano keys he stands; he turns heading towards your room. He doesn’t need you, he doesn’t. Knives just wants to… well he doesn’t know what he wants and that frustrates him to no end. 

Opening the door with our knocking, his pale eyes dart around the room you’re not here. Walking toward the bed he placed a hand on the sheets, they are cold you haven’t been here for a while. How strange considering your constant complaints about needing sleep. 

He leaves to continue his search but isn’t able to find a trace of you. He’s not concerned, he isn’t. But he’s searched the whole damn place and nothing like you’ve ever even existed. And for some reason that scares him, more than he wants to admit. 

Then he hears the rumors, you fled in the night and didn’t look back. How you probably didn’t get far, no deserter does. The first emotion was anger, at you for leaving, for betraying him. It was the emotion he held on to the longest, then he needed to act. You haven’t been found yet, and when you were he didn’t want you killed. No, he needed you back here so he could deal with you himself.

That’s what he kept telling himself at least, the more nothing came of the search the more desperate he felt for you, now you really have turned into a distraction. He can’t afford to spend his time looking for you, he knows he has more important things to be doing. 

Knives forces himself to focus on his goals, pushing you to the back of his mind and this works for a while. But when he’s alone, or can’t seem to concentrate his mind always drifts to you and he hates you for it because after everything deep down he knows he feels something for you. 

This is bad and he knows it, he has to let it go so he will for now.

a/n: @hermitagecats Love you! <3

[ya-bug-boy]

PLEEEASE WHEN YOU HAVE TIME I AM HOOKED!! i would love to see more aware reader!! i inhaled everything you've written and it is. so good.

ahh thank you!! The Self Aware Reader x Submas has been so much fun to write thus far. I'm so glad you enjoy it!

Submas x Self Aware Reader Part 5

After a lengthy conversation of you answering questions for the boys and a shared meal of roasted meat, you decide to go to sleep. To the twins they just see the outside of the tent that they made in the mini game they participated in. But to you, their character models are standing directly outside the tent. It's a little unnerving at first but because this entire world is a strange game, you come to the logical conclusion that they can't partake in certain things; considering neither of their characters actually ate the meal you shared. Sleeping must be considered one of the things they can't physically do, since Emmet and Ingo are viewing this world through some certain kind of special lenses. When you lay your weary eyes to sleep, time immediately passes by, turning night into day. You swear you've only laid down five minutes ago but at the same time, you feel like you've received plenty of rest. Daylight peeks through the tent flaps so you put your clothes back on and exit.

When you appear out of the tent, the twins in unison in real life exclaim, "Good morning!" You smile then ponder for a moment if they've always talked to you prior to your sentience.

"Good morning," you respond back. "Now that we're deeper inside the forest, this seems like a good time to use this lure." From your backpack, you reveal an incense that's designed like a spiral. "Using this, we can attract the Killer Bee scouts to come out of hiding. There's a trick to finding their hive."

"A trick?" Emmet asks aloud.

"Scouts are indistinguishable from each other, however they tend to attack in groups. If you defeat all but one, and leave that one injured enough but not dead, it'll flee. From there, we follow it to the hive. It's a cruel tactic, but at times a necessary one."

"I was never aware of this! Bravo!" Ingo exclaims.

"However, doing this trick comes with a risk. It all depends on how many scouts we're able to defeat prior to doing this plan. If you defeat enough scouts, the hive will be left defenseless. However. Do this trick too soon and the hive will have itself enough scouts to outnumber any band of heroes. Since it is spring, the scouts are very protective of their royal honey since they need to establish who the next queen will be."

You can hear both twins hum in thought as they listen to your explanation.

"The Queen herself is rather harmless. She is completely immobile. But she does have the power to call back any remaining forces to the hive. So we need to reduce the number of scouts in the area as much as we can, without completely annihilating them all."

"So defeat as many as we can, and when the numbers start to look thin, we spare one and follow it. Does that sound ok with you two?" A "yes" or "no" box appeared for both twins. Upon clicking on the "yes" button, both of their character models nod. "Good. I'll light the lure now. Please be prepared for what happens next."

While holding the lure, with your dominant hand you snap your fingers. Immediately like akin to a blowtorch, a flame appears from your index finger. You light the lure and snuff out the fire from your fingertip, setting the lure down on the ground. The smell of incense begins to waft in the air. What starts off as silence with the sound of the forest breeze becomes tingling with the sound of loud buzzing, Killer Bee Monsters.

You ready your hands to equip your bow, you see both twins preparing their weapons as well. Ingo is armed with a magic staff adorned with a fire crystal on the top and dagger whereas Emmet dons on a pair of enchanted gauntlets, the metal gloves tingling with electric energy.

Closing your eyes for a brief moment, you tune in your senses to the forces of nature before opening them wide, "To the west!" you exclaim as you prepare an arrow.

The sounds of buzzing drowns the air, you hear the wings of numerous beasts approaching. There is nothing you can do but fight for your life.

Enormous bee monsters flood the area, taking up the forest path before you. The three of you rush forward, striking the enemies as they attack you. Because of the twins only participating in this world with a proxy, their characters don't flinch or express any sign of pain when injured, attacking and evading with reckless abandon. But you are not the same. If you get injured, you will feel the pain. Your lifespan may be many times more than the average human but there were still consequences to your mortal body. With this in mind, you do your best to keep a distance from the monsters, knowing if you were to be attacked by their poisonous stingers, it could mark the end of your journey.

The twins are even more ferocious in battle than you could ever imagine. Emmet is a quick fighter, running up to one enemy in a 1 v 1 combat, punching and tearing them apart, before running to the next. Ingo is excellent with crowd control, taking on multiple enemies at once. With your archery skills, you land critical and super effective hits to the Scout's weak spot, pronouncing them dead the moment your arrows lands their mark.

Dead monster bodies begin to pile up, carcasses trying to feebly attempt to flee before they expire. The number of scouts has quickly dwindled down, to just two left. With your arrow, you land a critical hit on one of them. With another, you hit the survivor near its stinger. It immediately turns around to try and flee. "Chase that one!" You yell, as you run past the twins, glancing back only once to see if they were following you.

The last scout tries to flee into the forest maze, but you're able to tell where to go because of its distinct buzzing sound. You go through twists and turns, not daring to look back at the twins, unless you wanted to lose track of the scout.

Then you see it. The enormous hive mounted on the cliff side, its hexagonal honeycomb walls protruding outside. You give mercy to the scout by finishing it off with one last arrow to the head. Its body jolts and stutters before falling still.

You look at the queen, nestled up high on the cliff side and stance yourself into another fighting position. It gives a deafening sharp thrill that echoes into the forest, you ready yourself to fight some more but no one appeared. You look at the queen sadly for a moment, feeling an awkward connection to the beast. But she was not real and technically, neither were you.

You reach into your backpack and pull out a glass jar. "Boys, I'm going to grab the honey." You walk up to the hive and hear the queen hiss, but otherwise she is completely powerless to do anything to you. You look at the honeycomb walls and see it, a segment of the hexagonal walls that's dripping with glimmering, golden honey, it shines by reverberating a radiant light. You fill up the jar with as much honey you can grab, reaching into your backpack to get another jar. Because of how much you've taken, there won't be another queen, which is a consequence for this world.

With your three big jars of honey, you stop to think of the ramifications of your quest. You were essentially condemning an entire species of monsters to die without this honey, it could be considered a genocide. Though Killer Bee monsters were extremely dangerous and have been a constant threat to the people who lived near the border of this forest in the mountains…did this matter? This was a game. But this was also your whole entire life. But your life was also fabricated entirely for the sake of entertainment. You're not sure how to feel about this, it doesn't sit well with you. You sigh and walk back to the twins.

"You two have done an excellent job. Wonderfully so. I could not ask for better heroes to aid me. With this quantity, I am able to produce the potion's curing traits."

"Our journey here is now over. Let's leave this forest." You walk forward but give the queen one last look, you can hear her continue to cry for help. It doesn't feel good. But you needed as much honey as you can get in case you fail to produce a working potion. Without any scouts or royal honey, she can't produce a new queen. You have essentially subjected her to perish alone; she is immobile and can't fend for herself. But she is also a monster, Killer Bees have been responsible for the deaths of many.

"One moment," you say as the twins pause. You raise your bow and fire one last arrow to the queen. She lets out a gasping shriek before she collapses.

If your actions have actual consequences to this world; Killer Bees will never appear again. But there was also the chance that could simply come back. If this is a game, then there needed to be enemies for Ingo and Emmet to fight against. You did not know. You do not want to know the answer.

When you leave the Hive, your vision fades for a brief moment. This was another cutscene. You find yourself at the train station, at the mountain stop where you last left it when you blinked. It's hard to adjust how this world and game works.

You go home.

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: How are we feeling? We're halfway through this book hang in there! -Danny Words: 2,468 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Renegade' -by Big Red Machine ft. Taylor Swift

XXXIII: Depression Isn't a Joke, but My Will to Live Sure Is

I watch Annabeth and Percy huddle together in front of a broken altar. Behind them is Bob, the titan Percy fought with Thalia and Nico. I'm guessing he's there to help, cause he's not trying to kill them while their backs are turned.

"What are you doing?" Percy asks, his clothes are ragged and he's got scratches all over his body. The sight makes my stomach churn.

"Sending a message," Annabeth answers, looking as bad as Percy. "I just hope Rachel gets it."

"Rachel?" Percy frowns. "You mean our Rachel? Oracle of Delphi Rachel?"

"That's the one," Annabeth says with a hint of amusement.

I read over her shoulder what she's written on a crumbled-up napkin:

Connor,

Give this to Rachel. Not a prank. Don't be a moron.

Love, Annabeth

"Now I just need to burn it," she says. "Anybody got a match?"

The ground opens and swallows me, then I get hurled back out in the middle of a fight with the Kerkopes. Octavian is screaming curses and orders, Reyna is next to him looking just as harassed, but unlike Octavian, she's fighting. Further ahead I can see my camp.

"Your attempts are useless, daughter of Olympus."

This is the first time I hear Gaea's voice, but I recognize it immediately.

"I was wondering when you'd come," I look at the woman in a dirty veil, dressed in clothes that look like moss and roots. "Hard to fear your threats when every bad guy you've sent has been nothing but embarrassing."

The sleeping lady smiles. "You're as vain and stupid as your patrons." Gaea dissolves only to appear closer. "They chose you as their General because you rather die than let them down, but don't be mistaken, the children of Olympus always fall onto me. I'll feast on your power, and destroy everything you love."

She touches my chest with two fingers, pushing me back.

"And I'll start..." Gaea's sleeping smile grows. "With Leo Valdez."

Ara falls off the bed, scratching her forehead with the nightstand. She swears, getting up and feeling her wound. She's tired of waking up like this almost every day, but at least there is no blood, so she gets up to get dressed.

Ara doesn't bother to check the time, nowadays she can't go back to sleep even if she wakes up in the middle of the night, and she rarely feels tired anyway. Ara guesses that it might be the blessings, all that power ought to do something to a mortal body that was previously below average.

The girl walks to the mess hall, then stops, ponders, and walks past to go to the top deck. As expected, Nico is on the foremast, eyes glossy like his mind drifted away hours ago and he hasn't moved since then. 

Ara tries to whistle and then remembers she's never been able to, but a loud noise comes out effortlessly and makes her stop in shock. Nico looks at her scowling. "Did you just whistle at me like I'm a dog?"

"I didn't know I could do that," she replies in surprise.

"What do you want?"

"We need to talk," she says in her General voice. "Come to the mess hall."

Ara leaves knowing he'll follow her, she grabs two plates from the cabinets and fills them with nice-looking food, when Nico gets there she seizes him by the shoulders.

"You're having breakfast with me."

"Wh—don't touch me!"

"You haven't eaten in a whole day—you thought I wouldn't notice?" Ara sits in front of him. "Don't get up or I'll force-feed you."

"What is your problem?" He fixes his jacket. "I'm not hungry, you can't—"

"But you can meddle in my relationship with Leo?" She asks sharply. "You need to know your place, I won't allow this to happen a second time."

Nico looks down at his plate with scorn. "This is absurd."

"What's absurd is your attitude," Ara scowls. "I mention a tiny mistake I did before coming to this journey, and you decide to poison Leo's mind—"

"I told him what he had to hear," the boy argues. "Hades knows you won't do it."

She keeps her voice steady, furious enough to not lose it like other times. "You don't know what he needs. He's not Michael."

"You're right, he's nowhere near as strong as Mike was, or as strong as what you had with him," Nico grabs a fork begrudgingly. "I won't finish this, by the way, it's too much."

"It's enough for a kid your age and body type. Eat." Ara brushes it aside. "And I didn't have anything with Mike, he was just a friend."

Nico's eyes flare up with irritation. "He made you what you are and you do him a disservice by denying what you felt. And you're not my doctor."

"And you're not my therapist," Ara eats a mouthful of bacon angrily. "I don't want you meddling with my crew and telling them things that you don't even understand."

"I understand way more than you think."

"Why are you trying to get Leo to break up with me?"

"What?" Nico raises a brow with slight surprise. "It was you who tried to end it by dying!"

"How did you find out about the curse?" She presses.

"Why haven't you told Leo?"

Ara tenses at his question. "I wanna trust you, Nico, but then you do this... Is it impossible to understand why I said what I said to Lily?"

"You're blessed, and you waste yourself on what? Teen romance? Your selfishness is gonna get Percy killed!"

"And Annabeth."

Nico blinks. "What?"

"Percy and Annabeth," Ara corrects him, prowling to a subject she knows she shouldn't touch. "You always skip her when you're agitated."

Nico's face flushes. "I gotta give it to Valdez, I didn't think he'd ask you, considering he eats out of the palm of your hand. Perhaps he will dump you, eventually. He should. I'm not sorry I told him."

Ara jumps out of her seat, but Leo enters the hall at that moment. He notices Ara and stops. "Am I interrupting another murder attempt? Should I come back later?"

Nico pushes his plate—almost empty—away. "You know what, arae? I wish it'd been you instead of Percy and Annabeth, maybe the fall would've fixed whatever's wrong with you."

Nico walks past Leo, and Leo looks back at her and whistles lowly. "That was cruel."

"That is Nico," she retorts with composure. "The one I know, anyway..."

"Were you arguing about what I said last night?"

"I was going to kill him for three years' worth of disrespect," Ara pushes her plate—almost full—away. "I'm sick of having him on the ship, he brings out the worst in me."

Leo thinks what she says is true, but that's probably not smart to admit out loud. He watches intently, the vibrant energy she used to have during their first quest is sorely missing. "What's the deal between you two?"

"He wants to see me alone in the world," she states with certainty. "He can't hate Percy, so he puts it all on me."

"You haven't been a saint, though, have you?" Leo asks pointedly. "Not with him."

"Do you think..." She can't even finish the sentence.

Leo shakes his head. "I want to feel like before—"

"There you are!" Hazel walks into their conversation. "Ready to train me, General?"

Ara walks out of the mess hall glancing at Leo with concern. "Let's go."

"Before I forget," she rummages through her Octopi bag and pulls out a Ziploc from it. "Ginger. It'll help your seasickness."

Hazel examines it. "Where did you find it?"

"Triptolemus," the girl shrugs. "While Frank and Nico were looking for the barley, I searched through the cabinets to get some."

"Who taught you all this?" Hazel asks with curiosity. "The medicine and healing stuff."

"Michael Yew," Ara hangs her octopi over one shoulder. "Son of Apollo. Taught me many things so I wouldn't be helpless on my own... I owe my level of preparation to him and my friend Lily."

Hazel hums. "Nico told me about him. He used to train you both, right?"

Ara nods, gaze wistful. "Your brother didn't get to know him like I did," she looks back at the younger girl, now much smaller than her. "Ready to start?"

"Before we do that," Hazel lifts the bag of ginger and examines it shyly. "The way you've been acting towards Frank and me..."

Ara's expression fills with guilt. "I'm sorry, I—"

"No, I mean," the girl interrupts her. "You're helping us."

She stares at Hazel blankly. "You don't want me to?"

"You can do whatever you please, it's just... why?"

"Why am I helping?" Ara raises a brow. "I'm not following, Hazel. Why are you asking me about it just now?"

"Well, I kind of got the impression that you knew about Leo's er... situation with me."

Her cheeks get warmer. "Oh," Ara leans both arms on the railing. "Leo and I struggle with the whole sharing-is-caring part of relationships but sometimes it... spills out. I'm sorry."

"I'm glad he told you about it. It might help him."

Ara looks back at her. "What?"

Hazel tries to cover it, but Ara sees her flinch at her reaction. "He might understand the situation better this way. Does your prophecy have to do with a curse? I spent a lot of time around cursed souls during my first life, and Nico called you an—"

"Nico called me Arae, which is my name," the girl scowls at the skyline. "I'll be honest, Hazel, my prophecy didn't sound good the first time I heard it, but as time goes on I like it even less. Your brother thinks he knows all about me, but he doesn't."

Hazel shifts her weight from one foot to the other. "Curses can't be broken by the person who carries them. You've helped everyone here, we owe you our lives one way or another—"

"That's why I haven't..." Ara makes a face and groans. "You're linked to Leo by an old promise his great-grandfather made, right?"

"Yes?"

"This curse is centuries older," she explains. "I shouldn't let just anyone get involved in it—not until I have a clear view of things. I don't want to freak y'all out."

"Ara—"

"The crew is doing well," she holds so tightly onto the wooden rail that her knuckles turn white. "I don't want to taint that... I always end up making things worse, I won't do it this time."

Hazel makes a face. "So what are you planning?"

"I'm getting Annabeth and Percy out of Tartarus," then she remembers her dream. "They're still alive—Bob is with them."

"Bob?" The girl raises a brow. "Who is that?"

"An old friend, Nico knows him. My point is, that their chances of survival have increased. Not by much, but it's promising, I'll put all my focus on that."

"But what if your prophecy comes sooner?"

"It won't."

"Are you sure?"

"No," Ara moves away from the railing. "But I must believe it."

When the giant turtle shows up, Ara isn't surprised. She's been wondering when they'd face their next sea monster, and this seems to be it. They reach a narrow passageway and the turtle stops attacking them, but the real problem shows up.

"Well..." Piper glances at the creature and shrugs. "At least the turtle can't get us. We're safe here."

An arrow comes down flying and pierces the mast only a few inches away from the girl's face. Everyone scatters and gets to the ground, except Piper, who freezes in shock.

"Piper, duck!" Jason whispers hastily.

"Up there," Frank points from his hiding spot. "Single shooter. See him?"

"Who the heck is he?" Leo asks grumpily. "Why is he firing at us?"

"Guys? There's a note," Piper tells them shakily.

"Oh awesome," Ara grumbles.

Hazel gets there first and grabs the note. "First line: Stand and deliver."

"What does that mean? We are standing. Well, crouching, anyway. And if that guy is expecting a pizza delivery, forget it!" Hedge complains.

"There's more," Hazel continues. "This is a robbery. Send two of your party to the top of the cliff with all your valuables. No more than two. Leave the magic horse. No flying. No tricks. Just climb."

"Climb what?" Piper frowns.

"There," Nico points up.

Hazel continues reading "I do mean all your valuables. Otherwise my turtle and I will destroy you. You have five minutes."

"Use the catapults!" Hedge demands.

"P.S. Don't even think about using your catapults."

"Curse it! This guy is good."

"That guy made a mess of our ship with his pet and now he's robbing us?" Ara speaks with annoyance. "I'm done with men thinking they can take away my stuff without a fight. This is—"

"You're going..." Leo interrupts her with a tired tone.

"Well, yeah! He's telling us to climb and I'm the best climber here. Is anyone against it?" No one responds.

"This guy has a sharp aim, you can't fight him even if you reach the top," Leo points out. "Look, that's not a good trajectory. Even if I could arm the catapult before that guy pincushioned us with arrows, I don't think I could make the shot. That's hundreds of feet, almost straight up. He's crazy good."

"Yeah," Frank pouts. "My bow is useless too. He's got a huge advantage, being above us like that. I couldn't reach him."

Ara hates it when people tell her she's got no chance. What do they know about what she can and can't do? She's the daughter of the gods, and this stranger feels like a god sent... which she shouldn't say out loud, they already think she's unreliable.

"I'll go with Ara," Hazel offers.

After their conversation yesterday, Ara wasn't expecting this from her. "Are you sure? I mean..." her eyes go to the weasel that jumps to Hazel's shoulder. "Who is that?"

The creature screeches and farts, and Ara makes a face. Hedge snorts. "Says its name is Gale, and that she's here to check Hazel's skill."

"Listen," Hazel insists, "this robber wants valuables. I can go up there, summon gold, jewels, whatever he wants."

"If we pay him off, you think he'll actually let us go?" Leo asks skeptically.

"We don't have much choice," Nico replies. "Between that guy and the turtle..."

Ara's almost vibrating with the need to hit something. Hazel's horse (he helped them escape the turtle moments before) whines and shakes its mane with indignation. "I have to, Arion," Hazel tells him. "Well, Ara? What do you think?"

"We go together," Ara nods to the group. "You guys keep the ship safe."

"My sword," Jason looks at the water with a scowl. "It's back there at the bottom of the sea, and we don't have Percy to retrieve it."

Hazel doesn't even think about it when she opens her palm and leaves it hovering over the rail. The sword flies out of the water and the girl catches it. "Here," she says handing it to him calmly.

"How... That was like half a mile!" Jason exclaims in awe.

"I've been practicing. Now, if there are no other objections, we have a robber to meet." 

Ara pats her shoulder and gives her a grateful look. Hazel doesn't return it, she has no choice but to follow her General. Leo seizes Ara by the wrist and whispers in a heavily concerned voice.

"Don't you dare dying. We still need you."

Ara lets out a dry chuckle. "If you say so."

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicksh

[m-o-i-r-a]

Chapter 1 - The Wheel of Fate Begins to Turn

THE WHEEL OF FATE BEGINS TO TURN

Shall We Try Counting The Numbers? Chapter 1

Pair : Rhadamantys x Pandora, Ilias x Lugonis

-----

Do you know what lucid dreaming is?

Lucid dreaming is a phenomenon where all senses are convinced that what is happening is a dream. And right now, that's what's happening to me. Everything looks shattered, the only thing intact is the moonlight shining through the window. I don't know where this is, but my body moves on its own, performing movements impossible for a human to do.

I am in a battle, facing a young child clad in golden armor. My body aches all over, blood flowing and numerous bruises and scrapes from rough contact. I can feel all the pain, yet strangely my adrenaline is pumping. I am addicted to this stimulation; all the pain I feel is outweighed by how exhilarating our fight is.

The golden radiance exudes nobility, making my eyes squint unable to stare. A strong desire for justice within the body of a man who appears much younger.

He shines so brightly, this battle is a noble one. Once again, I feel addicted to every strike and wound I create for this youth.

The child continues to launch his attacks bravely. Each of his hand movements filled with grace and skill unbefitting his young age. Nonetheless, I remain superior.

With one sudden move, I manage to incapacitate my young opponent. He falls to the ground gasping for breath, yet his eyes still emit unwavering spirit. I feel strange, as if there's a force orchestrating all of this, and I'm just a player in a larger game.

Suddenly, the moonlight that was once so bright fades away abruptly. Everything around me begins to blur and spin, as if space and time itself are swaying in my lucid dream. I feel as though I'm being pulled out of this experience.

And my eyes open, revealing the white of the bedroom ceiling. I'm back, awakened from the dream.

****

Rhadamantys was a man of great discipline; amidst all his busy schedule, he never missed his recommended sleep hours. Nevertheless, his face looked pale, clearly reflected in the mirror he stared into while splashing water on his face. The mirror bore silent witness to the absence of any freshness from his face, which was often deemed eerie.

Water droplets seemed to flow down his face, for some unknown reason, before he reached for his towel to dry his face. With his face still has the wetness, he gazed into the mirror. "A very bad dream to start the day," he thought.

This was the umpteenth time Rhadamantys had the same dream, although the events never repeated. The setting was always the same: an old, dilapidated building. A cold night, and he was always wearing black armor. Initially, he thought it was unimportant, but as the dreams recurred, he became suspicious that something else was happening to him.

"Should I visit a doctor?" he pondered as he gargled to finish cleaning his mouth, only then drying his face again with a small towel. Did he have the time? Walking back to his bedroom, he grabbed his phone to check his schedule on the calendar.

That was his intention, but seeing the multitude of unread notifications—50 notifications ranging from text messages to missed calls—not just from one person, but a single name stood out, making Rhadamantys uneasy.

Pandora.

The last call had been about 15 minutes ago, right when he went to the bathroom. Rhadamantys immediately dialed the number displayed. There were two rings before the call connected, but there was no sound at all.

Silence, for several seconds. Rhadamantys knew what it meant; the person he was calling was very angry now.

"I just came from the bathroom," Rhadamantys began the conversation, offering an explanation because he knew what was considered wrong by the person on the other end.

"Never mind. I've been waiting long enough. I'm not the one who has to cater to all your needs, Rhad," Pandora said firmly, displaying her disappointment.

Rhadamantys tried to explain, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting. It was unintentional."

"You're always unintentional, aren't you?" Pandora interrupted, her voice still filled with dissatisfaction.

Whatever he said, Rhadamantys wouldn't win. His fault was indeed not replying to Pandora's messages – his girlfriend. However, it contradicted with what he did; if he knew Pandora would be angry, why did he silence his phone from all notifications? It meant he knew Pandora's anger wouldn't mean much; he had known Pandora well enough during their 3-year relationship.

"Okay, what do I need to do for you to forgive me?" He didn't want to beat around the bush; Rhadamantys was not someone who liked to sweet-talk just to please his girlfriend, and Pandora knew that.

"Accompany me for a walk this afternoon," she replied.

Rhadamantys switched the setting on his phone to loudspeaker mode. He then placed it in the drawer near his wardrobe. Opening the wardrobe to find a shirt to wear, he said, "If this afternoon doesn't work, I have a meeting with a client at the office. How about tonight?" as he put on a white shirt over his muscular frame.

"Evening," it didn't take long for Pandora to reply.

"Okay, evening. I'll make a dinner reservation too." He grabbed a suit before closing the wardrobe and returning to the desk where his phone lay.

"That's my man, deal," Pandora said with a happy tone, almost no trace of the annoyance from their conversation a few minutes ago.

Rhadamantys smiled; Pandora's actions always made him fond of her. Quick to anger, yet also quick to happiness. Despite Pandora's flaws, which could be justified by her strengths, the most important thing was that they had known each other for a long time, and that made Rhadamantys not have to worry about learning Pandora's habits while they were dating.

Their conversation continued until Rhadamantys had to end the call. As Rhadamantys had told Pandora, he had to go to the office for an important matter. This included notifications from sources other than Pandora that he had briefly read before getting ready to leave his apartment.

From: Minos

HOLLYFUCK DUDE. YOU KNOW WHO’S OUR CLIENT IS?? IT’S IT’S....

He knew there was more to the notification, and he could see the full message if he tapped on it. However, this was Minos; his brother liked to exaggerate things a lot. Rhadamantys didn't feel the need to waste time reading it; he would find out when he got to the office.

****

Driving his car, he finally arrived at the office. It was a large three-story building located in the busiest area of ​​the city they lived in. There was a history of why his boss had chosen this building as their office. Parking his car in the basement, Rhadamantys then took the elevator to the first floor. And as he stepped out of the elevator, his eyes finally met a familiar figure.

Aiacos.

The long-haired man waved as they faced each other. Aiacos was known for his thick hair – though not as thick as Minos' and their boss's. Nevertheless, Aiacos might have felt that he should at least look presentable this time, as evidenced by how he tied his hair back.

"Has Minos arrived?" Rhadamantys asked to confirm.

"He has, surprising, isn't it?" Aiacos shrugged. They were both surprised. Minos, the man they knew as the most laid-back person in the office, arrived first. Honestly, if it weren't for their three-way connection with the boss, Minos wouldn't last long in the office. It didn't mean Minos lacked intelligence. Among the three of them, Minos was the smartest, coupled with his social skills. Regardless, he would still endure even without following any company rules. "I brought an umbrella just in case there's a storm because of Minos' antics," Aiacos joked.

Rhadamantys started to think about why Minos could be so excited, recalling the message notification from him. Rhadamantys took out his phone from his pocket. "He sent me a message this morning, but I haven't read it yet. Seems to be about our client information." He finally unlocked his phone, opening the messaging app to read what Minos had sent. Aiacos, who was also curious, leaned in a bit and read the text on the screen.

The gaze of Rhadamantys and Aiacos widened immediately as they locked eyes.

"No wonder," they both thought.

It was nearing the meeting time. Aiacos and Rhadamantys took the elevator to go up, to the top floor, more precisely, to the director's office. It could be said that their director was quite eccentric, turning the entire third floor into his private office. Each room there was dedicated solely for the director's use, whether for business purposes or personal matters. But what could they protest about? They worked here, and the director's command was absolute.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Aiacos noticed that there were new sculptures and paintings displayed in the lobby. This meant the director had spent company money under the guise of office operations. Aiacos reminded himself to stop by the accounting division to check the office finances once again.

They arrived at the grand double doors. It was evident that their director liked unique items with a theme from the past. These grand doors were intricately carved, depicting the beauty and elegance of the classical era. Every carving on the old wooden door told a story of deep history and mystery.

It should be noted that this was a modern three-story office building. How could such a door exist here? Certainly, it was no doubt due to the considerable amount of money spent.

Rhadamantys knocked on the door, and it swung open, emitting the characteristic creak reminiscent of movies and games set in medieval times. Despite the classical accents, inside was simply a luxurious office space with several items predominantly made of wood, yet exuding a modern and lavish feel.

Before them stood a large desk with someone seated behind it. Striking long black hair gleamed under the lamplight. Even from afar, one could sense an unusual aura, as if the eyes were inevitably drawn to the master. For those unfamiliar, this man appeared like a masterpiece crafted by God; for those who knew him, he seemed like the God of Death ready to cast anyone he disliked into Hell.

Hades.

Whether it was his real name or not remained unknown. Suddenly, this man emerged and dominated all the business dealings behind the scenes. Only this year, the man who always hid behind shadows and evaded the law established a white-collar company under the guise of a law firm.

Inferno.

The office where Rhadamantys, Aiacos, and Minos worked now belonged to Inferno, a private legal company with three branches. Minos managed the Legal branch, Rhadamantys oversaw the Private Security branch, and Aiacos handled the Financial Consultancy branch. Meanwhile, the top seat was held by Hades, along with two other board members. Despite being only five years in the bussiness, they had already made a name for themselves among legal entities in the country.

Rhadamantys and Aiacos walked over as they saw Minos standing in front of Hades. Minos, who had arrived first, just smiled.

"Don't you know this is going to be an important meeting? Why are you both late?" His smile clearly held a hint of mockery. Aiacos showed a crease of annoyance, although they were not late. Moreover, Minos was usually the least diligent of the three of them. However, Rhadamantys remained silent and indifferent; there was no point in responding to Minos' mocking laughter.

"About our client this time, is it true?" Rhadamantys asked first, wanting to confirm once again with Hades, who still sat with authority before them.

Hades simply nodded, his posture relaxed as he leaned back in his chair, indicating that he held power over all of them present. Hades understood Rhadamantys' skepticism; the name that had emerged was one that was entirely opposite - even considered an enemy - of what Hades aimed to achieve.

Rhadamantys and Aiacos exchanged glances; it wasn't Hades' nature to accept work from someone who was an enemy. Hades seemed to understand what was on their minds—except for Minos, Minos seemed to be the happiest person about this decision.

"The world has changed," Hades continued, a final smile on his imposing yet slightly softened face. "And we must be prepared for that change, hence why this important task can only be entrusted to you three."

"Besides, those who come to us first. Isn't that the highest form of honor? They seem desperate," he chuckled with a hint of the usual sinister accent, making the three of them understand that the Hades before them was as he should be. Not under threat or hypnotized. It made them all sure that this job was purely at Hades' own will.

As the four of them continued their discussion, the intercom on Hades' desk lit up. A woman's voice, Hades' secretary, informed them that their meeting guests had arrived. The announcement honestly made Rhadamantys, Aiacos, and Minos nervous.

Who would they be meeting with?

****

The room was quiet, with only the sound of teacups being prepared by Hades' secretary, placed on the table in front of the two who were already seated. The sofa on the right was occupied by Rhadamantys, Aiacos, and Minos. Hades himself sat on the single sofa between the two long sofas.

And what about the other long sofa?

Two people were seated there. One was an older man sitting with a straight yet relaxed posture, reflecting a lifetime of experiences built over decades. His down-to-earth aura was clearly evident, especially compared to the others beside him. The lines and wrinkles on his face told stories of a rich and experienced life journey, indicating a long path involving high military ranks or leadership roles. Although his age was evident in the lines etched on his face, his presence exuded warmth like the bright sun, bathing the room in an aura of calmness and charming self-confidence.

The person beside him appeared stiffer, with a bandana covering his forehead, looking much younger, possibly the same age as the three men seated across. The man with the bandana took the initiative to hand over several documents to be read by Hades and his three subordinates.

The contents of the documents varied, but most consisted of images/screenshots of other documents. There was a mural that appeared to be written on a large wall, as well as a letter with cut-out letters from a magazine arranged into a new sentence. But amidst it all, there were several similarities. All the writings contained elements of hatred—filthy sentences expressing dissatisfaction, directed at their client.

Hades chuckled; he didn't consider this matter unserious, but the method employed was quite childish. His laughter was met with a sharp stare from the man with the bandana. However, the older man beside him remained calm.

Hades now understood the issue at hand.

"This has been happening for about a year now," the man with the bandana continued their discussion. "Initially, it was on a small scale and not dangerous, like graffiti on walls or throwing rotten food at the office. At least it didn't directly disrupt our work."

Minos began to flip through the pages of images once again. As he reached the last few pages, his eyes narrowed.

There were images of a man being carried on a stretcher, surrounded by chaotic scenes as if there had been a large explosion. Minos knew exactly what case this was; it had been a hot topic in the media a few months ago. An explosion had occurred at one of the branch offices of a company that had been established for decades.

Its name was Sanctuary, a towering business entity that encompassed various sectors within its extensive reach. Its presence spanned from the food sector to electronics and tourism, creating an impressive and diverse business scope.

Not only did Sanctuary focus on goods and services, but it also made services an integral part of its operations. By providing various services such as business consultancy, human resource management, and information technology, the company became a reliable business partner in various sectors.

With a vision and dedication like this, Sanctuary was not just a company but a haven for business diversity, making it an undeniable economic force.

Compared to Sanctuary, Inferno clearly paled in comparison. If Hades was known as the king of the underworld, then the elderly man before them was the king of the upper world and virtue.

Ilias. A name frequently seen in every sector of news and business articles worldwide. A man who had succeeded in building his company from a young age until now. It was said that Sanctuary was just a small trading company tucked away in a corner of Europe, selling various food necessities in extreme weather conditions. However, over time, the business continued to grow. It was not an exaggeration to consider Ilias a genius of his time.

Moreover, Ilias was also known for his philanthropy. The name Sanctuary was consistently associated with acts of kindness for the world, ranging from donations to humanitarian projects to ambitious environmental programs. Ilias's concern for the sustainability of the planet was reflected in various initiatives undertaken by Sanctuary.

He didn't just create a profit-focused company but also integrated principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. By engaging in philanthropic efforts, Ilias and Sanctuary became undeniable agents of change in addressing various global challenges.

With Inferno identified as chaos and uncertainty, Ilias and Sanctuary stood as a remarkable contrast, offering stability, sustainability, and virtue. His history etched in the lines and wrinkles of his face was evidence of the long journey from a small trading company in Europe to a respected global economic force.

However, with the magnitude of their actions, there were also many who disliked them. Idealism conflicting with business ethics made Sanctuary have many enemies. One hot rumor was the gap between Inferno and Sanctuary. These two companies were like two sides of a different coin due to the differing methods in which their businesses operated.

Hence, it was understandable when Rhadamantys, Aiacos, and Minos were taken aback upon learning that Ilias would be visiting the office.

Beside Ilias was Sisyphus, his younger brother who bore a striking resemblance to him. His handsome and gallant face emitted a strong aura of leadership. His chestnut hair was neatly arranged, giving off an elegant and classy impression.

His eyes, akin to those of an experienced warrior, radiated intelligence and wisdom. Their gaze could capture every detail, reflecting his dedication to his duties and responsibilities as the manager of Sanctuary under his brother's authority.

Sisyphus also appeared uncomfortable sitting in the Inferno building now, hence his demeanor seemed rather curt.

"However, the peak of it all, these acts of hatred have become increasingly dangerous. One of the factories of our company's branch was bombed. And this action has also resulted in the loss of our workers," Sisyphus expressed his displeasure in his tone. Considering innocent lives were being taken as casualties. Sanctuary had certainly provided compensation and reparations for the families of the victims, but there was no guarantee that the same wouldn't happen again.

But that wasn't the only reason why Ilias and Sisyphus were here.

Ilias looked at Sisyphus, as if understanding the message. Sisyphus then giving another document, this time just a piece of paper. Unlike the previous documents, this one was handwritten. He placed it on the table for everyone to see.

The paper, a single white page seemingly soaked in uncertainty, bore the weight of words etched in black ink, weaving a series of threats hidden behind each letter.

"In the shadow of your success, I see darkness. Your bold steps slowly creep into the gaping jaws of hatred. Sanctuary, your abode of glory, now becomes the target of scorn and destruction. The universe gazes with displeasure, signaling a deep-seated catastrophe.

I have launched the first attack, like a bomb tearing through your armor. Workers, innocent, become unsuspecting victims, dancing with death amidst the ruins of their love and aspirations.

But this is only the beginning of a vengeance that will flow incessantly. Your family, Ilias, will never experience peace. Death will approach them, like an ever-present shadow. Even behind closed doors, they will not be safe from the fear gripping their souls.

The Sanctuary you built with the brilliance of your achievements I shall turn into your grave. With every word I pour out, I beseech you, feel the chill of uncertainty. Do not expect a safe haven for you and your loved ones.

The Shadow Behind the Darkness."

Sick, Rhadamantys could only think as he read. Aiacos shared a similar sentiment, albeit with a hint of admiration for the lengthy yet undeniably sinister prose. But there was one person bold enough, Minos. The silver-haired man fearlessly looked directly at Hades. Why? Because it was clear that "The Shadow Behind the Darkness" was a title most befitting of Hades.

Minos had a suspicion that the author of this ominous letter was none other than Hades himself.

Hades, aware of Minos's gaze, simply smiled. Unbeknownst to Minos, he could somehow hear Hades's voice in his mind.

"Do you want me to kill you?"

Aiacos, quick to notice the ominous aura emanating from Hades, promptly slapped the back of Minos's head with the palm of his hand. This guy, Minos, could be downright disrespectful, but Aiacos also somewhat suspected that this might be coming from Hades. However, he was wiser than Minos not to act recklessly, especially considering that Sanctuary and Inferno were always portrayed as two businesses engaged in a cold war.

"Sorry, I'll get straight to the point. Are you showing us this writing as evidence that Sanctuary suspects Inferno's involvement?" Rhadamantys, more astute in his response, didn't need to look at Hades because the suspicion was evident.

Sisyphus looked at Rhadamantys, indicating that it was indeed true. He also shared the same suspicion, which is why Sisyphus decided to accompany Ilias to this place. Suddenly, the atmosphere became tense. It was as if there were sparks flying between Sisyphus's gaze and the three people in front of him.

But all of that dissipated when a calm, hearty voice was heard, originating from Ilias, followed by a smile from Hades.

"From the beginning, I had no suspicions about Inferno," replied Ilias, feeling compelled to set the record straight, his words carrying an air of honesty that needed no questioning.

Ilias had his reasons, just as Hades did, for knowing this was not their doing. There was no need for defense; the two executives seemed to understand each other implicitly. Ilias and Hades shared a hidden secret, a dark pact unknown to the outside world.

"My purpose in coming here is precisely to seek assistance from Inferno," Ilias continued, smiling to indicate that his decision had been carefully considered. "Inferno possesses advantages that cannot be ignored. We've engaged the services of other security firms, but the situation has only grown more complex."

Hades, though expressionless, casually tapped his fingers on the table, awaiting further explanation.

"Inferno has methods that can address threats of this nature. I believe Inferno is the best choice."

Hades chuckled, suggesting duplicity in those words.

"You know that we'll do whatever it takes for the success of our business," Hades leaned forward. "Which means we'll overlook all the morals and virtues that are Sanctuary's foremost vision."

The undertones of Hades' challenge to Ilias were palpable, suggesting they would engage in actions contrary to the morals upheld by Ilias and Sanctuary. Tension mounted, and the four individuals, who had remained silent until now, involuntarily held their breath in apprehension.

"Yes, I understand that Inferno's actions don't always align with the morals we uphold at Sanctuary,"

Ilias' previously calm and wise demeanor suddenly shifted. His eyes, usually filled with serenity, now glowed like smoldering embers. A resolute and determined expression adorned his face, exuding an aura of unwavering decisiveness.

"However, when my family is threatened, I can no longer prioritize morality above all else." As Ilias delivered his words, his once steady voice began to quiver, each syllable resonating with a thunderous intensity.

Sensing the emotional power behind Ilias' words, Hades couldn't ignore the intensity emanating from him. This sight awakened primitive instincts, portraying Ilias as a leader who wouldn't hesitate to confront any threat to protect his loved ones.

Rhadamantys felt stiffness creeping into the base of his neck, unable to shake off the cold sensation running down his spine. Ilias' presence, previously serene, now exuded a heart-pounding strength. He felt as if he were facing a fierce beast freshly awakened from its deep slumber.

Meanwhile, Hades, the CEO of Inferno, seated at the side of the room, merely smiled. The smile didn't reflect fear or stiffness; instead, there was a subtle sense of respect in his eyes. Witnessing Ilias express his decision with fervent passion, Hades detected a profoundly human and honest vibration.

"There is nothing more human than protecting those we love," Hades spoke softly, gazing at Ilias with eyes full of acknowledgment. "Your humanity, Ilias, is truly impressive. The courage to pursue what is most precious to you, even if it means challenging existing norms and morals."

Leaning slightly forward, Hades displayed a clear respect for Ilias' stance. To him, seeing someone willing to step outside conventional boundaries to protect their family was an inspiring sight. There was no hint of threat or fear in Hades' gaze; instead, there was recognition of the human courage faced with difficult situations.

Rhadamantys remained silent, but his fear slowly morphed into admiration. He realized that before him stood not only the steadfast leader of Sanctuary but also a human willing to forsake morality to protect what he cherished.

The tension that had been present moments ago now began to dissipate. Hades, aware of this shift, gestured for Ilias and Sisyphus to sip on the prepared drinks. It was moments like these where Hades' business acumen shone through. His words were smooth, filled with the eloquence of a skilled conversationalist. Every exchange felt seamless, devoid of any hint of condescension. Ilias and Hades engaged in a brief discussion about the country's economic growth, exchanging opinions. Meanwhile, Rhadamantys, Aiacos, and Minos now engaged in a discussion with Sisyphus about some details in the documents they had provided.

"Minos," called Hades to one of his subordinates. Minos immediately approached Hades and Ilias. "You, Rhadamantys, and Aiacos will be relieved of your duties here at the office. Instead, the three of you will focus on collaborating with Sanctuary. Prepare the transition process, inform your respective employees to handle the work here."

Rhadamantys and Aiacos exchanged looks upon hearing this.

Ilias glanced at Sisyphus, and the man understood. "This is a good opportunity for you to learn. Join them," Ilias said. Sisyphus, reluctant but unable to refuse, simply nodded.

And so, the four of them walked out of Hades' office. As the door closed behind them, they all breathed a sigh of relief. They had experienced a whirlwind of emotions today, and being in the presence of the two most influential people in the world had drained them mentally. This was true for the three employees of Inferno as well as Sisyphus.

Sisyphus remained silent for a moment, at least he was still sane and understood that all of this was because of his brother, and it all started from his own actions that showed his dislike for Inferno. "Forgive me for letting my emotions get the best of me earlier," Sisyphus said in a more relaxed tone.

"Haha, no worries, we didn't expect it to be that intense either," Aiacos replied first. From their tones, it was clear that Sisyphus and Aiacos already knew each other.

Indeed, Sisyphus and Aiacos were college friends. They were in the same year, majoring in Business Management. While Sisyphus had his own sentiments towards Inferno, he didn't blindly hate everything associated with it. Sisyphus was a wise young man; he wouldn't judge someone solely based on their job. He looked at the person themselves.

"But Mr. Ilias is truly remarkable," Minos remarked casually, glancing at his phone as he typed a message to one of his employees, Lune. "This is the first time I've seen someone unafraid of the Boss, and it's been a while since I've seen the Boss genuinely pleased with someone," Minos smiled, satisfied after witnessing a performance he rarely encountered. Although he didn't say it out loud, Rhadamantys and Aiacos agreed.

Sisyphus could only smile; he would be lying if he said he wasn't pleased to hear his brother being praised like that.

Rhadamantys now also glanced at his phone. He was seriously considering what tasks he needed to tackle. "From what I understand, the three of us will be under the auspices of Sanctuary until we can apprehend the perpetrator. So, my responsibility is to protect Sanctuary and Mr. Ilias's family, isn't it, Sisyphus?"

"Correct, we might be bothering you a lot, Rhadamantys," Because Rhadamantys was in the private security division, this thick-eyebrowed man would be the head of the Bodyguard team along with a combined team from Inferno and Sanctuary.

"Alright, I'll prepare the essentials for today. Seeing Mr. Hades like this, maybe the three of us will be kicked out of the office by tomorrow," Rhadamantys wasn't one to joke around, so his statement was one hundred percent true.

"But I don't understand," Aiacos added, his hands folded in thought.

"For that case, Rhadamantys will clearly be needed. Minos will also play a role if the culprit is apprehended,"

"Then what about me?" Aiacos himself was in the financial consulting division. It seemed like Sanctuary already had its own board for financial matters.

"Ah, about that," Sisyphus looked at him with an awkward smile. "You'll be assisting me, Aiacos."

"I've been monitoring the company's financial flow all this time. When combined, everything seems normal. But I realized there was an odd flow of money when I checked the small-scale accounting. We suspect there's an insider involved in embezzlement..."

"I can't outright say it's corruption because the main books don't show anything suspicious, so..."

"Sanctuary needs an external audit," Minos concluded before Sisyphus could finish his statement, his eyebrows furrowing indicating his dislike at being interrupted.

"Correct," Sisyphus affirmed.

Aiacos understood the gist; it meant he had to prepare as well. His face looked somber; the fact that he wouldn't be in the office for several weeks meant less time to catch up with his crush. Such was the burden of work; hopefully, no overly bold guy would approach his crush while he was away.

"So, I'll be sticking close to you, Sisyphus," Aiacos chuckled. "Just like back in college," Remembering their youth, Sisyphus and Aiacos were the two most prominent figures on their campus. Because of their similarities, they became close. There was a brief rift when Sisyphus found out that Aiacos's sponsor was Hades, but Sisyphus proved to be far more mature in judging people based on his personal experiences.

"Haha, true, sorry if I'll be a bother, Aiacos," Sisyphus just smiled, reminiscing about their youthful nostalgia.

"Alright then, Sisyphus, you're coming with me. There's a lot we need to discuss. What about you guys?" Aiacos glanced at Rhadamantys and Minos.

"I'll head to my division briefly to hand over tasks to Lune," Minos pointed towards the lift, indicating he'd soon be off to the second floor. "I'll also head to my division for preparations," Rhadamantys said, seemingly planning to accompany Minos.

"Oh, speaking of which, Rhadamantys," Sisyphus turned his gaze to Rhadamantys, who returned the look. "This is a bit trivial, but my nephew is a huge fan of yours," he said with a friendly smile. Rhadamantys raised an eyebrow.

"A fan?" Rhadamantys seemed puzzled.

"Back when you were still active in the university league," Sisyphus clarified, relieving Rhadamantys's confusion.

Before diving into the business world of Inferno, Rhadamantys had left his mark on the American football field during his college years. As a linebacker, he stood out with his extraordinary physical prowess, exuding an aura of toughness. His strong and athletic physique became a unique attraction on the gridiron.

As a linebacker, Rhadamantys became an immovable defender. His remarkable foot speed allowed him to move swiftly on the field, responding promptly to any change in situation. He was like a predator hunting its prey, always ready to charge to the front line and halt the opponent's attack.

For Rhadamantys, American football wasn't just a sport but a battle that ignited the warrior spirit within him. Absorbing body blows, ambushing opponents, and reaching victory were all part of his life's calling. From the outset, when many placed their hopes on him to become a pro player, Rhadamantys understood that his ambition was not just about fame in the sports world but about finding inner satisfaction in true combat.

Moreover, his life's path was already set. Their schooling, the three of them, was for Hades. Ever since they were confronted with misfortune in their lives, their paths changed drastically when Hades, the mysterious figure long known to the world, emerged. Rhadamantys, Minos, and Aiacos suddenly found themselves under the shadow of Hades, as if becoming pawns in the game of their destiny.

"You three will have a decent life, as long as you're willing to work for me,"

He still remembered what Hades said to them when they first met,with his hand extended. That’s when Minos, Rhadamantys, and Aiacos become brother, with no blood-relation.

Despite feeling like trading with an unpredictable entity, the three of them realized that their fate now entirely lay in Hades' hands. As they walked together, they treaded the path that had been chosen by this eternal ruler.

Thus, for Rhadamantys, working for Inferno after graduating was absolute and incomparable to becoming a pro athlete.

It had been several years since he graduated, and Rhadamantys thought that perhaps no one would bring it up again. However, unexpectedly, the man who would become his client brought it up. "The nephew you mentioned..." Rhadamantys tried to confirm first.

"The son of Mr. Ilias," Sisyphus added to avoid any confusion.

Rhadamantys responded with a puzzled expression, trying to piece together the new information he had just received. "Mr. Ilias' son, huh? It's been several years since I graduated, I didn't think anyone would still be interested in discussing those days."

Sisyphus smiled gently, as if knowing something that Rhadamantys might not have considered. "He truly holds great respect for you, Rhadamantys. Perhaps your story on the American football field is one of his inspirations."

Rhadamantys just chuckled softly, "It's been a long time since anyone brought that up, so it feels strange."

"If this agreement goes through, it's just a matter of time before you meet him. I hope you don't mind if he overwhelms you a bit," Sisyphus felt the need to mention this to Rhadamantys beforehand, knowing that his nephew could be quite explosive. He's a good kid, but his bursts of enthusiasm and emotion? Some people might find it too much.

Rhadamantys simply nodded, indicating he didn't mind.

Sisyphus patted Rhadamantys' shoulder friendly. "Thank you, Rhadamantys. I'm sure your meeting with him will be a meaningful moment for him."

And then they parted ways. Each returned to their respective divisions. Aiacos and Sisyphus were seen engaged in serious conversation with the documents they brought. Minos, now seated, was being scolded thoroughly by his assistant, Lune. And then there was Rhadamantys, discussing division preparations with his assistant, Valentine. Valentine seemed nervous upon learning he would be Rhadamantys' replacement while Rhadamantys was out of the office. Considering the important meeting was over, he felt he could keep his promise to take a stroll with Pandora.

Well, he didn't want to get a barrage of words from his girlfriend.

**** Ilias took another sip of the tea that Hades had served earlier. Unexpectedly, their conversation flowed without any rebuttals. Hades and Ilias shared similar thoughts, at least when it came to economics. If the media knew that the two most influential figures were engaging in a discussion, journalists might come flocking now.

It was indeed an anomaly for two individuals with different principles to meet like this.

"How are they doing?" Hades opened the conversation again after seeing Ilias had finished their drink.

"The last time I visited them, they seemed to be doing well," Ilias added, knowing who Hades was referring to.

Hades gave a relieved smile, although they still maintained their trademark arrogant expression.

"You don't intend to visit them anytime soon?" Ilias asked back.

Hades paused for a moment, then took another sip of their drink. "I don't feel the need to, besides, they'd be happier if I didn't visit them," they said.

Ilias just chuckled softly. "That's not true, they often ask me for updates if there's any news about you. They cut out articles with your photo, then collect them as clippings." Ilias's hand gestured scissors, mimicking what they had seen before.

Honestly, that expression made Hades feel a little happy. Imagining the person's face lighting up because of his photo, Hades coughed slightly.

"Is that so..." Hades murmured, wondering if they should schedule some time to visit them soon.

"Besides, it's about time they were able to go out freely. It would be nice if you could take them for a stroll," Ilias added, offering further advice. "My partner and I would be happy to arrange accommodation," From those words, Ilias explained their readiness to help if Hades needed an asset without involving accounts from Inferno.

And that wasn't a bad idea.

"Thank you," Hades said, knowing that if his subordinates heard, they would all think a storm was brewing today. Their superiors never said thank you to them.

Ilias just smiled, a genuine one, pleased to see Hades responding positively. Who could have connected them like this? It was just a little secret known by Hades and Ilias.

****

"What do you think?" Pandora opened the dressing room curtain, revealing the outfit she had just tried on. A black dress, the top of which featured a classic off-the-shoulder neckline, adding a touch of vintage elegance to her look. The gently curved neckline showed a hint of skin, providing a sensual touch without sacrificing modesty.

Rhadamantys glanced briefly from top to bottom, then gave a thumbs-up to indicate his approval. Rhadamantys had been sitting with several other paperbag with brand for 30 minutes. He had lost count of how many outfits Pandora had tried on in this boutique.

Pandora furrowed her brows, not entirely pleased with Rhadamantys' response. Although she immediately realized that this was typical of Rhadamantys. She looked in the mirror once again, ensuring that every side of her body looked beautiful in the black dress.

Pandora liked it.

"Alright, I'll take this," she said to one of the store employees who had been assisting her since earlier.

Finally! Rhadamantys rejoiced inwardly.

Pandora returned to change her clothes, while Rhadamantys headed straight to the cashier to pay for the dress Pandora had chosen. It was already the sixth bag he had been carrying from late afternoon until now.

Keeping his promise, Rhadamantys knew Pandora's anger would surely subside. No matter how much money he spent on his lover's enjoyment, as long as the girl wasn't angry. Pandora's anger was one of Rhadamantys' weaknesses; for some reason, he didn't want to be the subject of the beautiful black-haired woman's annoyance.

Rhadamantys and Pandora had known each other since childhood. Hades and Pandora were siblings, although not blood siblings. When Hades brought young Rhadamantys to his residence, that was when they first met. Along with Minos and Aiacos, the four of them grew up together.

From a young age, the relationship among Rhadamantys, Pandora, Hades, Minos, and Aiacos was as tight as sibling bonds. They were not only playmates but also a family that complemented each other. Hades' residence became a place where memories full of happiness and camaraderie flourished together.

With his warm and compassionate nature, Rhadamantys showed special attention to Pandora. His love for Pandora was inevitable, stemming from the affection that arose from losing his younger sister in the past. To him, Pandora was not just an adoptive sister but also a beacon of light that reminded him of the happiness and love that might have been lost in his life.

Because of this, even though Pandora had some negative traits, Rhadamantys didn't mind. Pandora was a proud woman, indulged by their father's wealth. Although Pandora's demeanor sometimes showed less favorable aspects, Rhadamantys remained faithfully supportive and loving. For Rhadamantys, Pandora's arrogance was just a small part of her complexity, and he saw beyond it.

After finishing up at the boutique, Rhadamantys invited Pandora to a restaurant in one of the five-star hotels not far from the shopping center. It was then that Rhadamantys had the opportunity to talk to Pandora about work, as she happened to be a shareholder of Inferno as well.

"Brother, and the old man?" It should be noted that they couldn't straightforwardly mention the names of the two individuals because it would obviously draw attention from anyone who might overhear. Therefore, Pandora used pseudonyms, even though they sounded rather impolite.

"Yeah, and the three of us are assigned to foster collaboration," Rhadamantys said, savoring his meal.

Pandora looked on, puzzled. Although the operations of Inferno were not her responsibility, Pandora had no right to intervene. Still, she was surprised, considering that her brother clearly harbored implicit resentment towards Sanctuary.

"Whoah, it seems like the old man takes it seriously if it concerns his family," Pandora continued eating. Rhadamantys agreed, implying that Ilias seemed impatient because the threat was also directed at his family. Therefore, it was understandable if Ilias wanted to use Inferno's services. Not because Inferno was a company operating in the legal field, but because of Hades, who was known to use any means necessary.

In essence, Ilias would use Inferno as a release from the moral shackles that were the core strength of Sanctuary.

Rhadamantys considered it cunning but also justified. Because, in essence, that was the ability of Inferno. Making the CEO of Sanctuary acknowledge that Inferno was the best choice made Rhadamantys proud.

"So, we won't see each other often?" Pandora broke Rhadamantys's reverie.

"That's right, you can still call me. Nothing's different from usual, right?" Rhadamantys often had to work as a bodyguard, leaving Pandora for more than a week at a time.

Pandora looked pensive for a moment. Then, she nodded with a pleased smile. "No problem, as long as you keep me updated every night."

Rhadamantys felt relieved; at least he knew Pandora wasn't angry about it.

"Oh, by the way, did you know that the old man's family is famous?" After finishing her meal, Pandora sat up straight, only a small piece of meat left on her plate, maintaining her graceful demeanor.

"Is that so? Isn't his family very private?" Rhadamantys only knew that the founder of Sanctuary had a family: a spouse and two children, not to mention Sisyphus as his sibling.

Pandora simply smiled gleefully; at moments like this, she took pride in her social network, ensuring that every gossip and secret information would pass through her ears. Even the media couldn't publish the information she obtained.

"His two children are quite famous. The eldest, in particular, is the epitome of beauty and grace. Every step they take seems to dance like a goddess descending from heaven," she explained.

As Rhadamantys processed Pandora's description, he felt something didn't quite align with the information he had received. Shaking his head gently, he carefully attempted to clarify, "Pandora, forgive me if I'm mistaken, but according to the reports I've received, he has two sons, not a woman as graceful and beautiful as you described."

With her mysterious smile, Pandora seemed to relish in the slight confusion she created. "Oh, Rhadamantys, you know how complicated the old man's family is. His eldest child, despite being born male, possesses unparalleled beauty. They are a testament to the beauty unbound by gender constraints."

Rhadamantys pondered for a moment, trying to grasp the concept Pandora had just unveiled.

"You should ask Minos for more details; he admires the old man first child greatly. I bet he was thrilled to hear that you three would be collaborating with the company, right?" Pandora pointed her fork at Rhadamantys, her confidence evident in her smile.

Rhadamantys nodded, remembering how enthusiastic Minos seemed earlier in the morning. Was it simply because he could see Ilias' first child up close? His friend's behavior puzzled him.

Continuing his meal, Rhadamantys pondered further. "And what about the second child?"

"You should know him, Rhadamantys, because he's shining just like you did in the past," Pandora replied cryptically.

Pandora's words confused him. His eyes narrowed slightly, and Pandora could tell that Rhadamantys needed a more detailed explanation.

"He was the MVP of the high school league last year, American Football, just like you."

"One of a kind, he got a sports scholarship from our alma mater. Doesn't that sound a lot like your story?"

Rhadamantys indeed hadn't visited his campus or his old club, especially since he started working at Inferno. He felt he needed to limit his social interactions based on his job. So it was understandable that Rhadamantys didn't know anything about the developments in the sport he once pursued, especially on a league scale that wasn't televised.

"Sisyphus told me that one of his children is a fan of yours, it seems like he's the one Sisyphus meant," Rhadamantys concluded. In his mind, he praised Ilias' child; it wasn't easy to earn a sports scholarship from their university. Their campus was renowned for consistently being the national champion in every semi-pro/university-level competition. Therefore, they would undoubtedly seek the best among the best when selecting candidates for the scholarship.

"Perhaps, but honestly, you still looked cooler back in college compared to him. He's just a kid, nowhere near as impressive as you," Pandora said with a hint of fervor, feeling she didn't want him to be compared to a snotty brat. Rhadamantys considered it a sweet gesture and chuckled softly.

Rhadamantys felt it might be enjoyable to meet Ilias' mentioned child. It had been a long time since he exchanged opinions and engaged in activities related to American Football. Aiacos and Minos weren't keen on sports, so discussing sports with them would be futile. While Valentine had engaged in sports activities before, Rhadamantys couldn't speak freely with his subordinate due to the high level of respect Valentine held.

That evening, he accompanied Pandora until his beloved was satisfied and decided to head home. Rhadamantys paid extra attention, knowing he would be busy in the days ahead. After escorting his partner back to her apartment, Rhadamantys decided to stay over when he got the green light from her.

Exhausted from a day of activities, Rhadamantys fell into a deep sleep that night.

****

"The responsibility falls on you to protect the Ilias family. Wouldn't it be better if you introduced yourself there sooner?"

That was Hades' comment two days ago. What his boss said had some truth to it. When he sought confirmation from Sisyphus and Ilias, both agreed because they felt that the sooner, the safer for their family's security.

Emerging from the car with firm and decisive steps, Rhadamantys appeared like a poised and resolute figure. Clad in a fitted black suit, he seemed like a black shadow ready to protect and guard. His suit looked exceptionally professional, exuding a sense of firmness and authority.

The black suit boasted precise and proper cuts, indicating the attention to detail of a professional in matters of appearance. The black buttons tracing the front of the suit added an elegant touch, while the high-quality fabric provided a subtle sheen that reinforced its professionalism.

Rhadamantys' hair was neatly combed and well-groomed, reflecting his orderliness and discipline. His sharp and vigilant gaze mirrored his mental readiness to face any situation. His sturdy and athletic physique revealed physical strength ready to be relied upon in carrying out his duties.

It needs to be emphasized that this time he's only introducing himself. Is it too much? Rhadamantys doesn't think so, as he feels that this is indeed his work attire. And who knows what might happen next.

The Ilias residence was situated in a mountainous area, a quiet and cool place. Rhadamantys caught a glimpse of other houses during the car ride. However, the distance between the Ilias house and the others was quite far.

After parking the car, he made his way to the gate. The gate of the house was singular, while the surrounding fence was made of tall concrete. Although it wasn't impossible to enter the premises by climbing, it would require extra effort and time to do so. He pressed the doorbell, waiting for a response.

"Yes?" came a male voice from the intercom.

"Good afternoon, I'm Rhadamantys from Inferno. I have an appointment with Mr. Ilias today," Rhadamantys said, realizing it wasn't a voice he recognized.

"Oh! Yes, please wait a moment. I'll open it for you."

Rhadamantys waited, assuming that the one who would open the gate might be the household staff, as that was what he usually experienced when visiting Hades' residence.

The wooden gate swung open, and a man emerged with confident strides. His dark red hair swayed in the wind, lending him a natural elegance. He stood tall and upright, although Rhadamantys was still slightly taller. The lines on his face hinted at the faint wrinkles of aging, but they did not diminish the beauty implied in his gaze.

Rhadamantys was certain that the man before him was not a household staff member. If he guessed correctly, Ilias had mentioned that only his family occupied the house. Given the age apparent in the man's face, it was unlikely he was a child. Rhadamantys concluded that this man was likely Ilias's life partner.

"You're Rhadamantys, correct? Ilias has informed me," he said again, radiating wisdom and depth, while his gaze pierced with full presence and wisdom. By merely mentioning his name without the need for any cues from Ilias, it seemed to confirm Rhadamantys's hypothesis.

"Please come in, let's talk inside."

Rhadamantys followed from behind. Stepping through the gate, he realized the house's yard was quite spacious. To the right, it appeared to be a large field, with short grass dominating among the bushes of flowers. Suitable for outdoor activities. On the other side, there was a striking flower garden, with various colorful flowers dominating. He also noticed a basket with various stems of roses being held by the man in front of him.

Returning to the house before him, Rhadamantys couldn't help but notice that it was not as he had imagined. Usually, the wealthy, especially those with businesses that seemed to have endless resources, would live in grand houses resembling castles.

But Ilias's house was modest, yet expensive. By "modest," it was simply a townhouse with two floors. It did appear more spacious than the average house, but it wasn't the type of mansion with walls that extended beyond sight. Rhadamantys could immediately grasp the shape of the house; there were no sides hidden from view.

This building created a fusion of modern architecture with traditional touches, crafting a unique atmosphere. The facade consisted of a combination of concrete, glass, and metal, creating an impressive futuristic appearance.

Honestly, this would make Rhadamantys's job easier. With all sides of the house visible, surveillance would be simplified, and anyone attempting to sneak in would face difficulties. Additionally, the large windows covering the house's walls would make any movement easily observable. It's highly likely that when Ilias constructed this house, he had the same considerations in mind.

Rhadamantys was ushered into the house. The interior was designed in an elegant minimalist style. The living room was furnished with luxurious modern furniture, adorned with striking gold or silver accents. Everything appeared spacious, allowing for comfortable movement. Aiacos might have grumbled about the considerable distance between rooms, but the airflow from the glass walls circulated well, keeping the house cool even without air conditioning.

Rhadamantys was invited to sit on the sofa in the middle of the room, which overlooked the wide field. Opposite him, the man sat down as well. He exuded elegance in every movement, his posture tall but not rigid, with his arms folded gently in his lap. His facial expression was calm and composed, reflecting maturity and self-assurance.

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Lugonis," the man began the conversation. "Ilias happens to be out with our second child at the moment, but he will return shortly."

Rhadamantys nodded respectfully upon hearing the man's name. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lugonis," he said politely. "I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you, even though Mr. Ilias is unable to be present at the moment."

Lugonis chuckled softly. "Just call me Lugonis, I'm nobody special," he objected to the title.

They both sat in comfortable silence, the atmosphere filled with tranquility. Rhadamantys pondered for a moment, observing the beautiful scenery outside the window. A vast field stretched out before him, providing a soothing panorama that contrasted with the usual scenes in Inferno.

"I understand," Rhadamantys finally said, deciding to initiate the conversation. "I believe the time I have with you is sufficient for a discussion. Is there any message or specific request from Mr. Ilias that he wishes to convey to me?"

Lugonis was slightly surprised that Rhadamantys was already prepared for his duties. He had received a summary of Rhadamantys' tasks after being informed by Ilias. Lugonis was also in agreement that their family indeed needed special protection.

"Well, there isn't actually, he just said you and your team would be taking care of us. However..." Lugonis sighed, realizing that there was a specific issue he needed to address with Rhadamantys before he began his work.

"I'll do whatever you need, no need to hesitate," Rhadamantys assured him, offering his reassurance.

"This is more about our two children," Lugonis chuckled softly before continuing his conversation. Footsteps could be heard from upstairs. Lugonis and Rhadamantys both turned their gaze towards the sound.

Long, silky platinum hair cascaded gently around his shoulders. His slender and proportionate figure exuded natural grace in every movement. Their eyes met, and Rhadamantys was slightly taken aback, finding it hard to believe that someone could radiate such natural beauty that left him stunned.

He briefly thought that the person descending the stairs was a woman, but then remembered Pandora's words. Rhadamantys now understood that Pandora's description was not exaggerated.

"Who is he, Father?" His voice was calm yet deep, confirming that he was indeed a young man. Lugonis waved his hand, motioning for the young man to come closer.

As Albafica approached, Rhadamantys couldn't help but notice the ethereal quality that seemed to envelop him. Each step he took was graceful, almost like a dancer moving across a stage. His features were delicate yet defined, with high cheekbones that caught the light and accentuated his stunning facial structure.

Closer now, Rhadamantys could see the subtle curve of Albafica's lips, painted with a natural shade that enhanced their allure. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of cerulean blue, held a depth and wisdom far beyond his years. They seemed to gleam with an inner light, drawing Rhadamantys in with their captivating gaze.

In that moment, Rhadamantys understood why Albafica was described as a living embodiment of beauty. He was not just a mere mortal but a vision of grace and elegance, a sight to behold and cherish forever.

"This is our firstborn, Albafica." Say Lugonis introducing the male.

"Albafica, this is the bodyguard Ilias mentioned earlier, Rhadamantys."

Introduced, Rhadamantys assessed the situation first. Typically, he would extend his hand for a handshake first, but having been involved in the underworld too often, he knew that initiating was frowned upon.

Fortunately, Albafica, though initially hesitant, reached out his hand first. Rhadamantys accepted it, and they shook hands as a form of introduction. However, a hint of displeasure was evident on Albafica's face.

"But father, I've already said that we both don't need it," Albafica objected, more accurately, he didn't want to stand out in public with various people wearing sunglasses.

"That's why, only Rhadamantys will be the one to protect both of you," Lugonis looked at Rhadamantys, allowing him to explain in more detail.

"If both of you are going out, then I must accompany, only me. Meanwhile, the other team members will just be on standby outside; they will blend in with the others so you don't need to worry." Explain Rhadamantys.

Albafica still showed his displeasure. But he never opposed his fathers' request. Albafica glanced at Rhadamantys from head to toe. With looks like that, this man would undoubtedly stand out.

"At the very least, wear something more casual. You look like a mobster with that outfit and demeanor," Albafica's comment caught Rhadamantys off guard, clearly slapping him with reality. Who would have thought that the decision to appear professional would backfire on him?

Albafica shifted his focus back to Lugonis, while Rhadamantys still lamented his decision. "I want to tend to the garden in the back, Father," he said.

"Oh right, I've already picked some earlier. Can you continue?" Lugonis recalled the basket he had brought and placed it on the table. Albafica nodded, briefly glancing at Rhadamantys and giving a slight nod before turning away.

With elegance and aloofness, Albafica was still more polite than Pandora, but his eyes didn't need to lie to pretend to be kind. Rhadamantys felt that Albafica's gaze considered him a nuisance. He would try to remind himself that this was his job, regardless.

"He has a strong character, doesn't he?" Lugonis said, as if knowing what was on Rhadamantys's mind. Rhadamantys nodded, as it was indeed true. "Actually, he objected, but he couldn't refuse our request. He's a good son," Lugonis then moved from his seat. "I just realized I haven't served you a drink. Would rose tea be alright for you?"

Rhadamantys responded with a thin smile, though his heart still wavered between frustration and acceptance of the situation at hand. "Rose tea would be lovely, thank you," he said, trying to restrain himself from getting too emotional.

He could still see Lugonis preparing the tea, as the line of sight between the living room and the kitchen was so wide. Rhadamantys felt relieved because it meant that surveillance would be easy as all sides of the house were visible. He considered hiring a team of four people for each shift, which would be ideal. Usually, he wouldn't be involved in escort activities, but this time, his contract as an exclusive guard required him to participate in all activities.

Lugonis was so diligent in accompanying Rhadamantys to get to know the man better. Rhadamantys didn't mind; Lugonis was also quite adept at socializing. From the way he spoke, full of authority yet softer than Ilias, whom he had met earlier.

Initially, Lugonis chatted about his two children, who were so close despite their age difference. Then Rhadamantys got caught up in the conversation and began to tell stories about his two foster brothers, Aiacos and Minos. Although Rhadamantys narrated from his own point of view, he didn't provide any information about the company.

Their conversation soon passed, and footsteps were heard from outside. "Ah, that must be them," Lugonis rose from his seat to head towards the entrance. Rhadamantys also stood up because he intended to greet Ilias.

"Father! I'm home!" exclaimed someone Rhadamantys didn't know, the bright tone of their voice indicating a younger age. Rhadamantys couldn't clearly see past Lugonis's back, which meant that the unfamiliar youth was shorter than his father. In the distance, Rhadamantys could see Ilias starting to walk towards the main door after closing the gate.

"Welcome back, Regulus" Lugonis said, patting the young man's head. "Where's brother? We found his favorite snacks earlier!" The cheerful tone of the voice led Rhadamantys to conclude that this was the couple's second child.

"He's in the garden. But first, I'd like to introduce our guest," Lugonis turned to Rhadamantys behind him. Rhadamantys, feeling granted permission, approached.

And his pupils constricted.

A young man, with an apparent age gap between him and Rhadamantys. Rhadamantys's first focus was on his eyes, bright azure, radiating warmth and hope, illuminating every corner of the room. His golden-brown hair cascaded to his neck, like strands of gold swept by the gentle spring breeze.

Rhadamantys was familiar with that face.

Regulus, meeting Rhadamantys's gaze, stood tall beside Lugonis. Ilias, who had finally joined them, stood as well, placing a hand on Regulus's shoulder, his second child.

“Rhadamantys. This is our second child, Regulus."

As Rhadamantys gazed upon him, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being in the presence of a force of nature. Regulus's demeanor exuded confidence and authority, his eyes gleaming with a primal intensity that seemed to pierce through any pretense or facade. It was as if he held the essence of the wilderness within him, untamed and untethered by the constraints of civilization.

His eyes seemed to possess the power to penetrate deep into Rhadamantys's heart. It was as if he were looking into the eyes of a lion, recognizing in them a kindred spirit that resonated with his own primal instincts and inner strength.

Yes, how could Rhadamantys forget?  This young man was the one from his dreams.

"Pleased to meet you, Rhadamantys!"

With that simple introduction, Rhadamantys felt as though he had stepped into a destiny that had been planned since ancient times. Like pieces of a puzzle finally coming together, he realized that Regulus's presence was not mere coincidence, but part of a larger plan involving his dreams, Ilias, Sanctuary, and even Inferno.

As Regulus greeted him, Rhadamantys felt as though he were awakening from a dream filled with the presence of the young man. "Nice to meet you, Regulus," he replied, his voice almost choked with the emotions stirring within him.

Their encounter, starting from that point, felt like the beginning of a grand journey that would take them across fields fraught with obstacles and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Rhadamantys could sense the excitement and tension vibrating in the air, as if the world were holding its breath to witness what would happen next.

****

"It's crowded," said Sisyphus, who was experiencing being in a large stadium for the first time to watch a sports match live. If it weren't for one of his college friends participating in the game, Sisyphus wouldn't have bothered to come here.

Meanwhile, his right hand was holding the small hand of Regulus. At that time, Regulus was only 7 years old and was eager to join when he found out his uncle was going to watch a live sports match. Regulus was a hyperactive child with excess energy, so Ilias was very grateful that Sisyphus was willing to take him along.

Regulus looked around, eager to explore many new things. For example, a barrier fence between the spectator seats and the field, from a distance, Regulus could see other athletes busy putting on their American football uniforms. Wasn't that cool? It's like wearing armor! Without feeling guilty, Regulus released his hand from Sisyphus's grip and quickly ran off, curious and excited.

"UWAH! Regulus!" Sisyphus was certainly surprised, especially since Regulus's steps were so agile that within a few seconds, they were already very far apart. "Excuse me! Hey, Regulus!" The young man tried to make his way through some spectators who were about to sit in their seats. But he was already far behind because Regulus was now at the barrier fence, gripping the side of the boards that served as a barrier, leaning his body forward to get a closer look.

It looked so cool; everything seemed larger than him, like a warrior. The large American football uniforms made them look even more powerful. He had watched the movie "Gladiator" with his father before, and the appearance of all the athletes in front of him seemed like that.

As Regulus admired all the athletes getting ready, his eyes landed on someone taking a drink. The man was already in full American Football gear except for his helmet, seen drinking from the bottle he brought. His blazing golden hair caught attention, his facial features looked serious yet calm. Little Regulus was captivated by the presence of the man, who appeared so mighty and resolute amidst the bustling stadium crowd.

"Regulus! Please don't suddenly wander off from your uncle!" Sisyphus, who finally caught up, felt relieved as he immediately held onto Regulus's small hand to prevent the little boy from running away again.

Meanwhile, Rhadamantys, who hadn't realized he had become the center of attention for a young child, felt the gaze of little Regulus on him. Rhadamantys indeed had extraordinary instincts.

Their eyes met briefly. Rhadamantys showed no expression; he wasn't adept at providing fan service, a fact often lamented by Pandora and his two foster siblings. Rhadamantys merely hoped the child wouldn't cry when looking at him. But what if he tried to offer a smile? The corners of his lips lifted, forming a stiff smile.

Regulus remained silent and still as their gazes locked. Sisyphus was puzzled by Regulus's sudden quietness. "Regulus? What's wrong?" Sisyphus asked, looking at the little boy. Rhadamantys, realizing that the child was now with someone else, quickly diverted his gaze.

"...Rhadamantys," Regulus whispered, barely audible to Sisyphus, who tried to understand the child's words. However, Regulus's expression remained unchanged, his eyes still fixed on Rhadamantys, as if trying to grasp something deeper. Finally, Sisyphus attempted to follow Regulus's line of sight, and he saw someone familiar.

"How did you know it was Rhadamantys?" Sisyphus replied, puzzled, as it was impossible for Regulus to know the athlete's name. Sisyphus himself only knew because Aiacos had once told him about his brother.

Regulus remained silent, but his facial expression began to display an odd calmness. After what felt like an eternity, he finally lifted his gaze from Rhadamantys. "From the TV!" he replied, a radiant smile appearing.

"I see," Sisyphus didn't find anything unusual, knowing that national-level matches were likely to be televised several times. "Come on, Regulus, let's sit down in our seats because the match is about to start." Sisyphus invited Regulus to find their seats again. Regulus nodded cheerfully.

It was just a small encounter amidst the bustling stadium crowd, one that Rhadamantys might not even remember in the future. However, for Regulus, it was the beginning of something bigger. The start of miracles and adventures that would change his destiny. As they both returned to their seats to watch the match, Regulus felt his heart filled with newfound spirit and joy.

[countlessrealities]

Al, since you just so casually admitted to wanting to sleep with Vox, I think the next logical step is to go in for a kiss. That's way less painful than copulating with him

Unprompted asks || Always accepting !

The first response to the words is an awfully high-pitch burst of static, loud and piercing enough to cause more than one pair of ears to bleed. The sound slowly dies down, but a dull buzzing is left in the background, ready to spike up again.

A warning and a threat.

Alastor doesn't answer right away. Instead, he twirls his microphone in his hand until a bunch of tentacles drag in a screeching Vaggie.

"Alastor! What the fuck?! Let me go!" The former Exorcist yells, hitting the shadows with the pole of her spear. She could slash through them with the blade, but she doesn't want to cause real harm...yet.

"My dear, thank you for joining us! I'm sure that you'll be a delightful guest star," Alastor starts, his gaze holding none of the fake friendliness that his tone carries. "So, you said that the little game we played earlier was just that. A game. Yet, now people are asking about it. Care to set them straight? Since you caused this...utterly unnecessary fuss I'm stuck dealing with."

Vaggie pinches the bridge of her nose. Of course he's involving her. This is petty revenge and it's obvious. Now she's regretting having forced him to answer that ask. On the other hand, though, she can sympathise with his annoyance. People should really know when not to cross a line.

"Al, they know it was a game. They know you didn't mean it," she sighs in exasperation. Still, deep down, she can't help wondering which idiots kept provoking the Radio Demon of all people. Definitely someone with a second-death wish. "But we are in Hell. People are bound to be assholes. You give them an opening, they are going to take it. You know that better than anyone. Exploiting others' weaknesses, mistakes and whatnot it's like your thing. So tell them to go fuck themselves and be done with it."

Alastor seems to ponder her words for a moment and eventually offers her a nod. Brushing it off is the best course of action.

"Oh, you're the voice of reason in the middle of this senseless mayhem, Vaggie! I knew that I could count on you!" There's definitely a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Well, my dear listener, I believe that you have your answer. Never going to happen."

His voice is as cutting as his teeth, the shadows receding as he fully slips back into his creepily charming persona.

"I'm as likely to kiss that boastful flat abomination of modern technology as our Vaggie is to kiss...oh, I don't know...Adam, mayhaps?"

An awkward silence follows as Vaggie cringes a little. She gets why he has picked her former comrade, but that was quite the unlucky choice.

"Uh, funny story," she starts after clearing her throat. "You see, I've technically kissed Adam a while ago. On the cheek, but yeah, it still counts I guess."

She doesn't think she has ever seen the grin on Alastor's face look so horrified.

".......Fuck."

"Yup, you kind of walked straight into it, but hey, you couldn't have known, so why don't we...HEY!"

The former Exorcist gets cut off mid-sentence as the Radio Demon snatches the spear out of her hand. She tries to grab it back, but Alastor is already melting away in the shadows, heading who knows where. It's only then that she realises that she's holding his microphone in the place of her weapon.

What in the Heavens is she supposed to do with that?!

"...Okay, I guess I'm the...temporary replacement radio host?" She can't believe that fucker. "What were we doing? Q&A? Alright, I can do that. Hit me?"

{ @holoharbinger / @creationtainted - mentioned }

[rumplefuckingstiltzkin]

I have always been naturally gifted at maths. When in elementary school certain family circumstances prevented me from actually attending math class and everything that came after it on a daily basis, this resulted in me scoring a 79.5% on a placement exam for middle school math classes. I still remember being frustrated but being able to figure out the answers well enough. Almost well enough. I needed an 80% to be put into the class where I belonged. (Did I really belong there? We'll never know.)

As dominoes fall, I was not challenged enough in middle school maths, found tedious the busywork designed to ingrain math I already knew, and stopped torturing myself with it. This was the start to a disillusionment with all homework, but that's another story. I was moved from regular maths into remedial maths, which was worse. I still remember trying to teach myself from my old friends' textbooks, as they were doing fun things like trigonometry and precalculus, while the other boys at my table were preoccupied by exchanging masturbation tips. (No pun intended.)

When a meeting was called to asses why I was doing so terribly on paper in maths but testing excellently, I presented the fact that I, without help, had discovered that there is a pattern to finding the next square in a sequence. (It's that (x+1)^2=x^2+2x+1.) No one taught me this. I had been moved out of algebra.

Similar misunderstandings and treatment continued to dog me throughout high school. When I discovered the trick to finding the next cube in a series, I had just graduated. But something about it bugged me. Surely there must be a way to predict the formulae for discovering the next Nth power in a series. Spoiler alert, there is! I was a second semester college freshman taking Calculus 131 with a professor who wasn't actually a teacher by any stretch when I figured out that I was right, and I rediscovered Pascal's triangle.

Pascal's triangle is an organization of figures for which each row is the coefficients for the equations I had been pondering like an orb for a decade. It's free. You can look it up, they're there, they have many other uses. I independently brute-forced Pascal's Triangle. In another place and time I would be a genius. Instead, I realized at seventeen (before voting age!) that I had been failed by the system all those years ago in the sixth grade, when my math teacher could have just said "check out this triangle" and brought me up to speed with the rest of the learned 21st century world.

Now, are my teachers to blame for this? No. Not really. Overworked, understaffed, underpaid, they were not to blame for not having the foresight to predict exactly what information could have saved me. Hindsight, only hindsight, is 20/20. Am I to blame for not having the language as a child to express what I meant, or to correctly ask what I needed to know? Again, no. I was victimized by the system. Thousands, millions worldwide like me are managed rather than encouraged because it reflects well on the school, the state, the country.

It leads to questions like "Where would we be as a populace if we were somehow able to efficiently reach every child with what they need to excel?" and "In what other areas are we failing our children with incomplete education?" I don't have these answers. "Where would I be if I had gotten what I needed?" I don't have the answer to that, either. I still teach myself calculus between work, sleep, and chores.

I suppose I'm only telling this story because you asked, OP. The most screwed up thing isn't that it happened to me, but that it keeps happening, everywhere. Still.

I'll close with just a little something to think about:

"I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." - Stephen Jay Gould, The Panda's Thumb: More Reflections in Natural History

Everyone give me the most screwed up thing that has ever happened to you in the american public school system

[aetheternity]

That only happens in the movies~

A/N: Me: I'm just gonna write a small, quick headcanon post. Also me:

Synopsis: Just little things that 5wirl does with/for you based on romantic tropes in movies or tv.

Disclaimer: No pronouns used but Venti's part refers to reader as "maiden" once.

Kaedehara "kisses you in the rain" Kazuha

Kazuha didn't know and still doesn't really know how to approach the long standing feelings you give him. But you're starting to slip away, patience wearing thin and he's watching it play out, troubled with how to deal. At some point he doesn't know what comes over him but it's nearly two am Saturday morning when he hops on a bus heading straight for your house.

Yeah it's early and yeah it's pouring now, water soaking into his socks as he knocks on the door a little too hard. But you have to hear him, you need to come to the door. He watches the light flicker on inside finally pondering just what he might be able to say at such an ungodly hour. The thuds of your footsteps behind the door matching the pound of his heart. "Do you know-" You start but Kazuha's rain soaked face stops you.

His hair undone, strands clung to his forehead and cheek. "Kazu.." You say and then the realization that Kazuha was standing at your front door overtaken by sheets of rain flooding all around him made you blink in horror. "Oh my.. you're gonna catch-" But just as soon his lips were making you forget.. His cold wet nose gently sliding against yours.

His tongue slipping past your lips allowing you to taste what could only be described as purely Kazuha in every way you'd ever imagined. His arms finding purchase around your waist as yours fell onto his shoulders. He kissed the last of his own doubt away, you kissed him till all he could think about was you. You both stayed right there for who knows how long. Until you'd managed to find yourselves indoors huddled into each other's heat beneath the warmth of a blanket. Until you both knew for certain you belonged to each other.

Aether "and his attempt at cooking breakfast while you cuddle him like a koala"

He's got your body weight wrapped around him. Your ankles latched around his waist, breaths even against his nape as he works a spatula through a pan of eggs while simultaneously sifting around the fridge for some juice. He chuckles as the hold you have on his shoulders tightens trying desperately to continue the dream he'd forced you from when you'd both left the bed.

"Do you plan on joining me at some point?" He hums, shifting your body against him so you could hold on better.

He feels the scraps of your fingernails sifting over his bare shoulder blade and a grunt of protest slips from your throat. He doesn't need a glimpse of your face, he's already picturing the precious pout decorating those adorable cheeks of yours.

He meekly sighs, "I was going to cook some hash browns seeing as you love them so much but I don't feel like eating all by myself.."

Your head jerks up, you ignore the devilish grin on his face in favor of looking at the ingredients littering the counter. Sure enough everything he uses to make his famous homemade hash browns was already littering the space. "Mm so hungry." You moan He doesn't even begin to hide his laughter, cupping your head as you press it back into his shoulder, planting a quick kiss to your forehead.

"Get a couple more minutes of sleep in. I'll have it all done soon."

Venti "arriving at your door after a fight with a boombox above his head."

He wasn't quite as emotionally resonate as he could've been when last you two spoke. And when you'd told him you were going to head home he hadn't stopped you. Hours later and the grim beacon of hope you'd always possessed when it came to Venti never dulled. You sat so close by your phone, not letting it sit more than a couple inches away at your side the entire day.

You guys didn't fight that much so this spat couldn't possibly be worse than any other you'd shared with your partner of a year and six months. You already had the list of everything you wanted, no needed to apologize for. You just needed him to call you first. Just needed his voice to let you know that he no longer needed space and that it was completely safe to shower him with the affection you'd missed out on the whole day.

Your ears quirked at the sudden blast of your favorite song. Venti's song. The one you two hummed nearly every day since he'd introduced it to you. You stood from your seat on the couch, wrenching the window open to your boyfriend's cheeky smile. His black stereo poised high above his head as the drifting melody of the chorus grew louder with the closer exposure.

"Won't you come down fair maiden?!" He called high above the booming melody.

The laugh you let out was unrelenting and you raced out the door, down the stairs and into your boyfriend's arms. Kissing your way across his cheek and neck, over the shell of his ear and atop both pretty eyelids. His giggles so refreshing as he held you tight. So so tight, close so he could hear the whispers of your apology but he shrugged them off.

"Come, dance to our song with me, I've already forgiven you as I hope you'll do for me."

Shikanoin "shows up at your job toting gifts aplenty" Heizou

You didn't bother reminding your boyfriend about Valentine's day. You weren't that invested in the "holiday" as it was. But this year your disinterest was more in the form of prioritization or a need to read over the last of your notes for a work project you'd spent weeks obsessing over. Of course your darling Hei knew that because he listened to every one of your boring work stories now matter how dreadfully and painfully long.

But of course the mysterious glint in his eyes when you kissed him goodbye that day, let you know that regardless of your obvious apathy something you'd have to clean up was going to transpire today.

So it should've been no surprise to you when a chorus of giggling and gasping littered the halls outside your office door. The melody of women chattering away enthusiastically soon becoming hard to ignore. When the door to your office slid open a crowd of pink fur oozed its way in, limb by limb.

"Oh my archons!" You slapped both hands over your face, eyes nearly falling from their sockets.

"Give me a minute there's more!" He winked as he set the bear in the corner with a grunt.

A line of your co workers soon filed into your office with a large assortment of candies, flowers, smaller bears and finally a large basket of fruit filled with all of your favorites. A couple of your co workers slapped your back, some commenting about how jealous they were as your work space soon became nearly unrecognizable.

"Well? You like?" Heizou smiled gesturing with the bear he'd brought in's paw.

"I hate you so much!" You grunt, running into his arms immediately capturing his lips. "My boss, is gonna kill me!" You remark between each kiss. "We're not supposed to allow outsiders in our offices, especially not with all of this!"

Heizou let out a hum, "I needed to treat my favorite person in the whole wide world." He slid his arms tighter around your waist. "You've been working way too hard lately. He left a quick kiss in the crook of your neck, pulling away to massage your shoulders.

"Don't worry, I'll disappear before your boss comes back." He says with a wave of his hand, grabbing his jacket that he'd set down when he brought in the bear.

"Great, that solves one of my problems." You sigh, bowing your head but even so your smile is quite apparent.

"Can't wait to see what you got me.." He teases with an obvious wink.

You huff with a playful roll of your eyes shoving him out of your office as he chuckles. He turns in his stride with one final wink and an exhaustive amount of blown kisses as he heads for the exit.

Xiao "with his hand in your back pocket."

It's an enigma to anyone that knows of your relationship with Xiao. A blooming curiosity of sorts, how did you two even get together? Sometimes asked more politely than that. But even you'd questioned it on occasion when you kissed Xiao's cheek in private and he froze barely breathing. Or even just rubbing his knuckles to indicate wanting to hold his hand and getting a weird look in response.

Xiao would open up eventually, it'd only been three months you simply told yourself. But even so you still weren't quite sure how to properly approach him. You simply reminded him constantly that he was allowed to hold your hand or give you kisses whenever he desired it. And after so long it seemed as though your prayers had finally come into fruition.

Xiao had picked you up after classes as he always did and the two of you walked in almost complete silence to the ice cream truck always pulled up just outside of campus grounds at this time of day. Though as the two of you walked back towards Xiao's dorm you noticed his eyes lingering on your torso. That was new.. you had begun to assume Xiao didn't have sexual thoughts.

You opened your mouth to speak just as quickly shutting it when you saw Xiao attempt to speak in the same manner. Though disappointment soon struck when he clasped his mouth shut as well.

"Wh-what's wrong, Xiao?" You try awkwardly. He stops abruptly in his stride and in turn you do the same. The blossom of pink on his cheeks becoming less and less faint as he stared intently at your waist. "Xiao.."

He soon grunted catching you completely off guard. His eyes darted away shutting firmly almost as though your pocket had uttered something offensive. "Xiao.." You try once more reaching out to brush stray strands of his hair back from his face. "Please talk to me." You utter gently

He finds it in himself to look into your eyes then back down to your pocket. "That- movie we watched the other day.. The couple.. the man with his hand in her back pocket.." He points as though he hopes you'll piece the rest together in his stead. When you don't say a word in reply he sighs, "Do you.. wish we did that?"

And once the last of the puzzle pieces fall into line it dawns on you why Xiao was so attentive to a movie you'd been sure he wouldn't like. You have to stop yourself from snorting at the very clumsy way the two of you had approached such normal couples mannerisms.

"I'd love it, if you'd put your hand in my back pocket Xiao Xiao, thanks for asking first." Even with the encouragement Xiao was still hesitant until you graciously slipped his clenching hand into the back pocket of your jeans. "Kinda feels like it belongs there huh?" You tease a bit, a little too thrilled at the way Xiao's face flushed with red.

The two of you managed to stay that way until you reached Xiao's dorm. Straight through the hustle and bustle like the couple you'd always hoped you two could be.

[ssafloofyfoxx]

GN! Biblically Accurate Angel (Jophiel) x Afab! Reader

Hello! This is just a quick drabble that I wrote up a few nights ago. I couldn't find many biblically accurate angel fics so here we are!

CW: NSFT, Teratophilia, oral, penetration, AFAB reader, biblically accurate angel, blaspheme, mentions of the Bible, nonhuman genitalia, mentions of ab*se, possessive language, slight d/s dynamic, dirty talk, light degradation. Let me know if I'm missing any!

WC: ~4200

---------

You sit at your desk, sighing heavily as your eyes flit across the pages before you. After hours of trying to keep your focus on your studies, your mind had begun to wander yet again. It always happened when you were forced to study scripture. You couldn’t help it, really. You know the Bible inside and out by now, so you weren’t sure why your mother was so intent on making you memorize every word. You’ve been studying the Word since you were five, and that was fifteen years ago. You’ve read every version of the Bible that you possibly could get ahold of.

But, the questions you asked about why angels were always depicted as beautiful made your mother mad. As did the questions about demons being depicted as ugly, twisted creatures. Popular culture and common depictions of these beings always contradicted the word of the Old Testament. God’s warriors were described as terrifying beings that a human mind couldn’t even begin to comprehend. And wouldn’t it make more sense for demons to be ethereally beautiful in order to lure you to sin? 

These thoughts float around your head, knocking into every corner of your consciousness as you try your hardest to wrap your head around these concepts. It wasn’t easy, trying to convince your deeply religious mother that she had gotten the Bible completely wrong. You had even met the business end of her wooden spoon quite a few times for asking these questions after Sunday School. 

Something moving just outside of your field of vision pulls your attention away from the worn pages in front of you. The movement was so quick, just a small flash of darkness in the corner of your dimly-lit room. You weren’t even sure you had actually seen it.

Playing it off as just a trick of tired eyes, you decide to call it a night. Punishments be damned, you need some sleep. Standing up from your desk, you head over to grab your rosary from your nightstand before kneeling beside your bed and closing your eyes. You began to recite the prayer of the rosary while closing your eyes, trying to keep your thoughts focused on the task at hand. But, again, as you try to focus, you can’t help but notice a feeling of being watched. 

It’s been like that for a while now. And you dare not bring it up to your mother for fear of her calling in the priest for yet another exorcism. The last one she had called in was enough to keep you from talking about these feelings with her. But that didn’t mean it didn’t unsettle you. 

After you finish reciting your prayers, you get yourself ready to sleep, opting to change into your favorite sleepwear: a pair of baggy basketball shorts and an oversized old t-shirt. You crawl into your bed after going about the rest of your routine, making sure to shut off all of the lights. 

You always felt more comfortable in complete darkness. Your mother always said it was because you were trying to hide your sinful thoughts from God. But in all honesty, it just made you feel more at home. 

As you were drifting off to sleep, you couldn’t help but ask one last question to God. Pondering if he could ever answer your questions about what angels truly look like. Pleading with him to show you just a little bit of proof that your understanding of His word was not wrong. 

As the calming tendrils of sleep grip your speeding thoughts, you drift off into a deep slumber. You don’t know how much time goes by before you are awoken by a sudden bright light in your room. It could have been only minutes, or it could have been hours. Time all seems relative to your sleep-laden brain. 

When your heavy eyelids manage to pry themselves open, you are met with a glowing figure in the corner of your room. Rubbing your eyes, you blink in surprise as something begins to slowly take form before you. A tall figure, lankly limbs complimenting a kindly face and long, stark-white hair. The eyes of the being before you are what truly catch your attention, though, the orbs looking like black opal set against the stark-white skin of their face. 

“Wh-who are you,” you manage to croak out, sleep constricting your voice and dryness making it hard to speak. The being chuckles at your surprise, taking a single step towards you as you back up until your back hits your headboard. The chuckle reverberates through your mind, sounding like a chorus of a thousand voices melding into one, low rumble. 

“You had asked your God to confirm your beliefs. I heard your calls and decided to answer. My name is Jophiel, the Angel of Knowledge.” Their voice once again floats through your head, filling your senses with something akin to a sedative. It is melodic, full, and sounds as if it is echoing off of the corners of your thoughts. You can’t help but lean forward, trying to get a better look at the ethereal beauty in front of you. 

“I wanted to know if Angels were truly humanoid beings, or if they looked as the Old Testament described them. Fiery beings with 6 wings and eyes covering their entire body, or as wheels of eyes meant to be His chariot. But you look nearly human. Is that your true form, Jophiel?” As you ask this, you inch even closer to the tall figure, eyes scanning and scanning, trying to see if you could find an answer to your questions in the many details of the angel’s body. 

Yet again, hearty laughter fills your thoughts. “As you wish, dear one. But do not be afraid of my true form. Some have been known to mistake us for demons.” You just nod at the soothing voice, your eyes now trained on those opalescent eyes. Before you could even register what was happening, the form of Jophiel begins to change. Where once a nearly-human figure was, now a much taller being stands. Six pearl-white wings are stretched out behind the large body. 

And that body. Oh, that heavenly body is covered from head to toe in those dark opal eyes, all of them fixated on you. You can’t take your gaze off of them as the moonlight reflects off of the many colors that are refracted. And your thoughts begin to swim. 

The first word that comes out of your mouth surprises even the all-knowing Angel of Knowledge. “Beautiful,” you mutter, standing up from the edge of your bed. You deftly walk towards the hulking figure, absentmindedly reaching out and running a finger along the shimmering feathers of one of the many wings the being holds. 

As you stand there before the angel, your mind continues to wander. You can’t help but feel completely attracted to the form before you, a warm knot forming in the pit of your stomach. You know you shouldn’t be feeling like this towards a heavenly being, but you can’t help it. They are just so damned beautiful.

As you continue to run your fingers along the beautiful iridescent feathers, Jophiel clears their throat, chuckling softly. “I can hear your thoughts, little one. And my, what a vivid imagination you have,” they whisper, reaching out a long limb to cradle your head and make you look into their main set of eyes situated on their face. You can feel your cheeks begin to heat up as you are pulled from your treacherous thoughts. 

“I-I’m sorry,” you begin to stammer out, unsure of what to do, but unable to look away from those captivating eyes. Their intense stare does nothing to quell the fire now burning in the pit of your stomach, spreading to each of your limbs and pooling between your legs. Damn you and your licentious thoughts. You are definitely going to hell for lusting after a Seraph. 

At that thought, another chuckle reverberates through the large angel, causing your cheeks to redden even further. If that was even possible. “Oh dear,” they coo, drawing a claw across your cheek. “You really think it is a crime to sin for an angel? If humans don’t sin, then Jesus died for nothing,” they say, causing your heart to double its pace. You can practically feel it as it quickens, the blood rush causing a cacophony of echoes in your ears. This is so embarrassing, but oh so enticing. 

Your throat feels dry as something akin to a smile spreads across your new companion’s face. Did they have a mouth before? You can’t remember, but you do know that you want to feel those lips against yours. After hearing that thought, the tall angel leans down, pressing a slow, soft kiss against your trembling lips. The sudden contact catches you off guard, a little whimper escaping your throat. Your reactions are just so precious, so adorable, that your angel can’t help but chuckle against, the sound coming from their throat instead of inside of your mind. 

You melt in their large, clawed hands like butter, reaching out to take grasp of anything you can find purchase on. Your fingers dig into flesh, and you can feel their multiple eyelids flutter under your fingertips. Good gracious, even just that small kiss has you weak in the knees. Your thoughts are more lewd than ever, the feeling of electricity basically frying any rational thought you had left in that empty little brain of yours. 

Jophiel pulls away, grinning widely at the pile of goo that you have become underneath their intense gaze. “You are so beautiful, love, it’s hard to hold myself back. It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to claim a human as my own. Of course, I do need permission first. So tell me, my dear, do I have your permission to make you my obedient little pet?” Their words are like a soft purr, causing your stomach to erupt in a stampede of butterflies. Not trusting yourself to speak, you simply nod your head. That is all that your angel needs, apparently, since within the blink of an eye you are scooped up in their large arms, pulled against their frame with their lips attacking yours. They are hungrier this time, and what you assume to be a tongue is licking at your bottom lip, impatiently asking for entrance. You blindly oblige, opening your lips and letting the strong muscle roam the inside of your warm mouth. The first thing that surprises you about Jophiel’s tongue is its size. It has to be at least as thick as your wrist!

The second thing that surprises you is what feels like a long row of bumps that run along either side of the large muscle. If you didn’t know any better, you would say that their tongue is completely covered in piercings from tip to base. And good God, it feels heavenly. You let out tiny whimpers, keeping enough of your wits about you to try to keep your noise down so as to not alert your mother. 

After what feels like forever, Jophiel pulls away, leaving behind your swollen lips wanting for more. You whine at the loss of contact, causing your partner to chuckle at you. “My sweet, be patient. Tell me, which form would you rather I take you in? Of course, I can be whatever you want, and I can lay claim to your adorable little body in whichever way you wish. Just say the word and poof, your fantasies are my command.” You feel a shiver run down your spine and a bunch of debauched thoughts run through your mind. 

But what you really want is for them to mark you as theirs while in their true form. Fill you up with whatever appendage angels truly have, be it their tongue, their unbelievably large fingers, or whatever appendage they wish to use. You just wish that this beauty would hurry up and fill up your needy holes with something. 

You don’t even have to voice your thoughts and within an instant, you are set down gently onto your bed, legs being spread wide for all of those lovely eyes to peer at. The many eyes are boring into your soaking wet core even though your shorts still cover you completely, a low growl ripping through Jophiel’s chest. “My beautiful human, so thoroughly ready for me to fuck you. Spreading your pretty legs so that I can make you all mine. I can’t wait to taste you and feel you squirm all over for me.” Hearing such words from the lips of an angel causes your body to set aflame all over again with lust. Why is it so fucking hot in this room? Before you could even think of removing any of your clothing, though, you feel the cool sensation of Jophiel’s tongue sliding up your inner thigh. 

You try to buck your hips at the foreign feeling, but one of their hands covers your entire torso, pressing you firmly to the mattress. Their tongue goes to work, sliding up and down your slick folds, eliciting downright sinful moans from those pretty lips of yours. Jophiel can tell that you are going to be such a fun little human to fully break and toy with. They stare at your face as they continue to tease your needy little hole, never once entering and only circling around your entrance while their free hand moves up to wrap around your throat. It doesn’t squeeze, just rests there, but the feeling of the claws against your jugular causes an unfamiliar jolt of lighting to pulse through your heated veins. 

The best part of having an angel eat you out is them still being able to talk while their mouth is preoccupied. They continue to whisper dirty words in your mind as they slowly tease you. Your mind hazes over with lust, your eyes bouncing between all of theirs that are trained on your face. You can’t seem to look away from the divine being between your legs, fingers moving to find any type of purchase on their head. You are surprised to find a pair of thick, curved horns sitting at the top that you hadn’t noticed before. And even more surprised when a purr emits from their throat and they suddenly plunge their tongue inside of your weeping cunt when you grab hold of their horns. 

“Go on baby,” they purr, voice reverberating through your empty mind as their tongue explored your depths. “Stroke my horns while I tongue-fuck your pretty little cunt. Make your angel feel good, precious,” they continue. Both of their large hands knead at your soft skin. You comply, clumsily sliding your hands up and down the rigid growths. You are rewarded with even deeper ministrations of your angel’s tongue, the tip finding that wonderful spot that makes your toes curl. They pump their tongue in and out of your greedy little hole while keeping the tip rubbing against that delicious spot deep inside.

This much pleasure quickly sent you over the edge. Sure, you’ve played with yourself before, but you’ve never actually reached an orgasm. So, your first rolled over you in waves. Jophiel didn’t even need to touch your pretty, swollen little clit, either. They groaned as your body spasmed around their tongue, but they didn’t stop. Instead, they continued tongue-fucking you, helping their precious little deviant ride out this mind-shattering orgasm. And what an honor it is to be the one to get you to that point.

When your body stops twitching and you are plastered in sweat, they slowed down, their hand moving to stroke your cheek adoringly. “You did so well, pet. Your cum tastes absolutely divine.” You can’t help but whimper at the praise, blushing brightly. And even if your thoughts are still reeling, you can’t help but wonder how long Jophiel will actually stay by your side. Another chuckle floats through your mind, causing you to blush even deeper. 

“Oh, love, I’m going to completely ruin you tonight. I’m going to make you so addicted to me that no human will ever compare and you’ll crave nothing but my divine pleasure. My good little fucktoy is what you will be, love.” Their words are so dirty, so unholy that it works you up all over again. They can feel your juices working up around their tongue, causing another guttural groan to leave those lovely lips of theirs. But instead of impaling you with their tongue again, the withdrawal. 

Slowly, their fingers hook into the hem of your shorts, pulling the loose garment off of your body and tossing them to the floor. And then your shirt follows, leaving you completely exposed and bare for your lovely angel to marvel at. Their fingers ghost over your body and you whimper at their touch, already needy for something to be fucking you. They stay kneeled before your bed, pulling your body down and throwing your legs over their broad shoulders. You’re now barely touching your bed, having to hold on to their horns to keep the strain off of your neck and shoulders. And without warning, their long, thick tongue probes at your cunt yet again. This time, while they delve deep into your slick folds, they pull you so close that you take so much more of tongue inside. 

Your second orgasm comes much quicker, the new stimulation sending you over the edge in a matter of minutes. They let you ride out your high before pulling away from you, grinning and licking your juices from their face greedily. They set you down back onto the bed to let you catch your breath. 

“Stroke me, baby, stroke my horns while I taste every single inch of your pretty little pussy,” they demand, and you follow along. Your fingers are wrapped around the large growths and you softly stroke the smooth surfaces from tip to base. As a reward for your ministrations, Jophiel moves their thumb to deftly play with your swollen little clit. It sends a whole new sensation through your body that has you throwing your head back and basically howling with pleasure. You can't even be assed to think about your mother sleeping in the room next door. Thankfully, Jophiel made it so that she can't even hear you.

You are panting at this point, grinding as hard as you can against Jophiel’s face. It feels so good that your mind goes completely blank. You can only think of their studded, strong tongue quickly fucking you and their rough thumb toying with your sensitive bud. 

And once you do, you shyly look at them, whimpering. “I… I want to make you feel good too, Jophiel. Pl-please teach me how to pleasure you,” you whisper, moving to sit up and place a trembling hand on the side of their face. A deep purr bubbles from their chest. 

“Very well, love. Tell me, do you want to try and pleasure a pretty pussy like your own or do you want to learn how to take my holy cock down your throat, baby?” They coo at you as you run the options through your head. You can’t decide which you would rather do, honestly, so you give a tentative “both,” causing an even deeper purr to resound from your godly lover. Without warning, they stand up and move over to the chair that sits by your desk, sitting down and spreading their legs for you. 

In front of you, their body contorts and you can see a large slit open up between their legs at the same time as an unbelievably large rod grows from where a clit should be. The sight of it causes your mind to go crazy. It’s just so fucking hot. You move over, immediately kneeling between Jophiel’s legs and looking up with hopeful eyes. The angel gently begins to teach you how to please them with both your hands and your mouth, and you quickly pick up on both ways. 

You continue to switch between two configurations of pleasing your lover. One of them being with your swollen lips wrapped around the head of their lovely cock and swirling your tongue around the sensitive ridge and then your fingers pumping in and out of their slippery wet cunt. The other is with your hand pumping their large member and letting your tongue and fingers explore their dripping folds together. They coo encouragement, egging you and encouraging you to hump yourself against their foot to try and get off while you please them. 

Soon, they grow even needier, as do you. And you want something to fill you up. Reading that thought, they gently pull your lips off of their cock and lean down, giving you soft little kisses. They then pick you up and stand up, heading back over to your bed. You are laid down on your back, lips never leaving yours. You hump the air, trying to get some friction between your legs, causing a deep chuckle to rumble through your lover’s chest. 

Your angel soon pushes the large tip of their monstrously-shaped cock against your entrance, testing out to see just how wet you were. And if you’d need a little extra help fitting it inside of you. They decide that your pussy is plenty wet enough to safely slide inside, and so they do. The tapered tip spreads your hole apart deliciously, causing you to take in a sharp breath of air. But they’ve barely even got the head inside when your body begins to tremble from the pleasure. They take it slow, speaking sweet praises into your swirling thoughts and slowly coaxing your body to relax. 

Once you are fully relaxed, they are able to slip their entire cock inside of you, stretching you out so much that it stings at first. You can feel every ridge and bump that is on their thick member. Jophiel keeps their hips deathly still as your legs slowly wrap around their waist. Sooner rather than later, you are begging for them to start moving, wanting the friction of their ridges scraping your walls. 

As Jophiel slowly begins to pull their cock out and push it back into your pretty little cunt, their hands roam your body, settling on your breasts. Deft fingers work over your nipples as a warm mouth begins to kiss from your jawline down to your neck. With enough patience, they soon get you comfortable enough to the point that they can begin to fuck you faster. Sharp, pointed teeth scrape your sensitive skin, sending even more waves of pleasure through your veins. Everything is overstimulating, but it feels too damned good to stop. The feeling of his balls slapping against your ass, his teeth sinking into your skin, his one hand moving to toy with your clit and the other continuing to toy with your nipples. You move to brush your fingers against the anchor joints of their first pair of wings, earning you a needy moan from your partner. Their movements get faster as they struggle to contain themself, wanting nothing more than to pound you into this bed and leave you a quivering, mess, your mind broken and needing for their holy cock. 

The two of you pleasure each other and orgasm after orgasm racks your body. You have no thoughts at this point, only focusing on the lovely pleasure that courses through your veins. And the words coming from Jophiel push you towards yet another orgasm. 

“Oh Lord, you are downright sinful, love. Your cunt feels so delicious, hugging my cock and sucking me in. You just love being fucked in front of the eyes of the Lord, don’t you, you sinful little whore? Such a good little whore, taking my holy cock so well. Coming for me just like a good little pet. I’m so close, love. Come with me, I want to feel your cum mix with mine. I want to fill your quivering little cunt with my seed and burn your body with the memory of my blessing.” As Jophiel continues to fuck themself into you, you can feel their words drive you over the edge, and they let out a low groan into your ear. 

“Such a good little whore, your pussy quivering around me. Goodness, I’m coming, love. Your hot, tight cunt is gripping me so hard that it’s milking every last drop of my cum. Don’t you love feeling me fill you up, love?” They talk to you as they start to shoot their hot load deep inside of your convulsing walls. The sticky, hot liquid causes your head to reel. And Jophiel doesn’t stop fucking you. Oh no, they have enough stamina to keep going all night long.

And that is exactly what they do, fucking your puffy little pussy until the first light of day breaks over the horizon. By then, you are both so thoroughly tired that Jophiel collapses on your bed beside you. They keep their cock inside of you, plugging up their several loads while you cuddle into their large, hot body. Most of the eyes had gone away to accomodate your touch, but the wings stayed, wrapping around the two of you and protecting you as you slept. Your body fit perfectly against theirs, your face tucked into the crook of their alabaster-white neck.

You are now a Seraph’s partner. Their mate. And this is only the beginning of your life of debauchery together. 

[gravessyard]

To Have Loved and Lost Ch. 3

Notes from the Crypt: I'm alive! I must apologize for such a long wait, after I recovered from being sick I fell into a slump, and then things with work began popping up and I was experiencing hella writer's block. I finally sat down today to finish this last chapter of To Have Loved and Lost and I gotta say this is the biggest chapter I've ever written, so I really hope you enjoy! This is going to be the last chapter of this series but I hope you look forward to future work! Chapter 1 here, chapter 2 here and chapter 2.5 here

Tags: GN!Reader, revenge arc, angst, fluff sprinkled in

Summary: You're in your villain revenge arc and prove to Jean and Diluc that you can be the worst thing that's ever happened to them

“Alright, here’s what I was thinking… Hit them where it hurts the most”

The night ended with a brief brainstorming session, the four of you throwing out ideas on how to taint the perfect reputations of the two most prestigious names in all Mondstadt, before the last call was announced by Charles and you’re forced to leave the tavern with the date of the next meeting. Kaeya walked closely beside you, shoulders almost pressed together while you silently pondered to yourself, thinking of further ideas for your revenge.

“You don’t have to stay, you know”, Kaeya’s voice broke you from your spell, your eyes looking to meet the side profile of the cryo user, who wasn’t looking back at you. You were so enraptured by your ache and bubbling desire for revenge that you had completely forgotten why you visited Diluc in the first place; you went back for your travel permits so you could return to Inazuma. In another lifetime you would have returned to your homeland, heart aching and the drive to just cry with your closest friends and eventually move on, learn to stop being lost in thought over the what ifs and the doubts that plagued your soul, eventually find someone else who would cherish you the way you deserved. This lifetime isn’t that however, and you could only smirk devilishly, stepping closer to bump your shoulder with the man.

“I know, but after what your brother said and did to me, I’ll be damned if I return now without doing something”, there was malice in your tone, bloodthirsty almost, but Kaeya of all people knew that your intentions didn’t match your voice. He still had to suppress a shiver that threatened his spine, sending a genuine smile in your direction instead. He stayed silent the rest of the way home, knowing there was no need for further talk, the last thing you both exchanged was a gentle good night along with a hug before going about your nightly routines and heading off to bed. You were going to need the energy for the long war you were about to bring to Mond.

The morning sun offended your eyelids when it snuck through your open curtains, making you scrunch your face and turn over in hopes of getting more sleep, but your other senses were also starting to wake up as you took in the birdsong outside the window, the gentle breeze flowing through leaves and the scent of pancakes and bacon. You opened your eyes slowly, convinced you were kidnapped during the night as it was rare for Kaeya to cook. Sitting up, you rubbed the sleep from your eyes, legs moving to the side of your bed so you could stand up and stretch. Part of you wants to begin your morning routine of brushing your teeth and washing your face, but your stomach had better plans and guided you towards the kitchen, where your eyes widened slightly at the sight; Kaeya at the stove, still in his sleep bottoms and an apron that covered little of his bare chest. You learned very early on after moving in with the captain that he liked to sleep with little to no clothing on, and while he did offer to let you sleep in the same room as him, you insisted a guest room was fine since you didn’t want to end up embarrassing yourself if you got caught staring at his chest during bedtime. As much as you hate to think of it, Kaeya served as a good distraction when you found yourself thinking too deeply about what your relationship once was. There was more than one occasion where you would find your mind drifting to Diluc and then your vision would be blocked by a handsome, toned chest. There was something about Kaeya when it comes to those moments, as if he could sense your despair and used his charm and good looks to bring you out of that dark place. The sight before you, however, was just Kaeya in the rare mornings you both shared. You leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed and a sleepy smile on your face as you took in the way he flips the pancake he was cooking with elegance.

“If you’re going to just stand there, why not make yourself useful and help me set the table? I’m almost done”, his deep voice was pleasant to hear, he sounded as if he had woken up not too long ago himself. You hummed softly, moving from your place, and quietly setting up the table as he asked, setting down two sets of plates, glassware, and utensils just as Kaeya was finishing up his cooking and moving food onto plates. The morning was just comfortable silence, something you grew to appreciate as you felt it was the only time where your mind and heart were at ease, sitting here with the calvary captain enjoying some nice bacon, even if it was a little overcooked. You teased him about it while washing dishes, giggling at his feigned hurt reaction. With stomachs full and the morning becoming late, you and your icy roommate finally begin your routines of washing up and preparing for the day ahead, the ball of anxiety sits heavy in your stomach as you double checked yourself in the full length mirror that Kaeya owns, the bastard wont even entertain the idea of getting one for your room so you’re forced to use his while he’s putting his accessories on. “If you keep scowling like that, you’ll get wrinkles you know”, Kaeya chuckled from behind you, eye meeting yours in the mirror as you exhaled loudly, as if it would help calm your nerves.

“I know… Just have a lot of thoughts”, you mumbled, turning to face him. Clearing your throat, you reach out and begin to fix his shoulder pelt, not that it needed to be fixed anyway but the soft fur was doing an excellent job at grounding you. Kaeya refrains from voicing the sly comment that was on the tip of his tongue, he’ll tease you about wanting to touch him later when you don’t look like you’re on the verge of tears. Instead, he leans forward to press his lips right where your brows were creased with worry, smiling when he felt the muscles relax and your breath hitches. His hand comes up to wrap around yours as he moved his lips from your brows to your knuckles, placing a gentle kiss on each one before he gives you the softest smile you’ve ever seen. “It’s going to be okay, remember that you’re not doing this alone, and I’ll always be by your side until you’re satisfied”, his eye glints with something mischievous, and the romantic tension in the air morphs into something else as you pulled your hand back to slap at his shoulder, making Kaeya burst out in laughter. It didn’t take long to finish getting ready, meeting each other at the front door before doing your traditional routine of a tight hug, a crack of a joke and where to find the other for emergencies before separating outside, Kaeya going to the Favonius Headquarters and you returning to the tavern to meet back up with Rosaria and Venti to further discuss plans. You’ll relay whatever was said to Kaeya when he gets off work, but you knew you needed to set up a thorough plan if you wanted your justice to be swift and merciless. Before opening the tavern door, you rummaged through your bag, confirming the paperwork you had with you since before you even left home and taking a deep breath before finally entering Angel’s Share. Immediately your eyes landed on the pair you were looking for, a smile on your lips that lasted all but a few seconds, they appeared on edge. You didn’t have time to think why however as you looked over from their spot at one of the tables to the bar, where the one and only Diluc Ragnvindr was standing behind, accompanied by Charles. No one said a word, not you, not the men behind the bar, not your soon to be accomplices, and definitely not the passed-out drunkards at the other tables. Diluc stared at you, expression unreadable and like the smooth dickwad he was, resumed his conversation with Charles as if you didn’t even exist. You swallowed hard, trying to keep your own poker face intact as Charles tilted his head curiously at you, asking a silent question that you subtly shook your head at before walking towards Rosaria and Venti and sitting with them.

“This is bad… Who knew Master Diluc would actually be here today! Should we relocate?”, Venti whisper-yelled at you as soon as you sat down next to him, his question going unanswered as you reached over to pick up his drink and take a big swig out of it. You needed the alcohol to help steel your nerves and who cares if it was 10am on a Monday, no one bats an eye when Venti does his day drinking so who’s gunna fault you for starting just as early? “Just give me a second… I’m thinking”, you whispered back at Venti as you took another sip of his drink, cringing at how strong it was but you didn’t care, the poor bard had to practically wrestle his drink from your grip. “Hey, stop being idiots. He’s watching”, Rosaria whispered into her drink at you both, making you and Venti pause to look over at the bar and directly at Charles and Diluc, who were indeed watching you both wrestle for the mug. Diluc crossed his arms, unamused written all over his features and if you looked closely, you could see a faint scar on his cheek, right where you socked him the last time you saw him a few weeks ago. You felt the shortest moment of pride swell in your chest before it was snuffed out by anxiety, remembering why you were in the tavern in the first place and you were the first to break eye contact, returning your attention to your partners in crime. Diluc sighed, shaking his head, and resuming his conversation with Charles, while you made idle chit chat with Rosaria and Venti, refusing to acknowledge anything about your master plan while the very man you’re conspiring against is physically present. You listened to your bar mates dive into a story completely off topic, the alcohol seeming to affect all of you before your hearing blessed you with eavesdropping into Diluc’s conversation.

“We haven’t heard back about next month’s shipment from Ookami’s, and our current supplies are starting to dwindle, what do you suppose we do Master Diluc?”, Charles’ voice wasn’t loud, but with the lack of more active bodies in the tavern, it didn’t take much to pick up on the name he mentioned. It took a lot from you not to break out into a grin, recognizing the name immediately as it was something you were heavily involved in. Ookami’s is a rather famous sake house located in Inazuma, part of its appeal to customers was the anonymity of the owner that is said to work in the shadows, using the faces of their closest business companions to represent them in interviews and magazines. It took a lot of trial and error for the company to get to where its at now, going from a humble little sake house in Inazuma City to branching out to other nations that hold several warehouses and contracts. You’re rather proud of the work, leaving the warehouses to your business partners yet keeping the contracts of every tavern that asked to serve your goods, you felt like the most powerful being in Angel’s Share, being the object of Charles’ conversation. You knew it was only a matter of time before Diluc sent out another letter to Ookami’s, trying to get to the bottom of the sudden stop in shipment, which you absolutely did have something to do with. It was no rumor that you liked to work in the shadows, you rather liked the simplicity of your current life before it went to Hell. The spotlight wasn’t something that attracted you, you couldn’t see yourself doing these interviews or look forward to your page in magazines, so you left the task to those you knew were a much better fit to represent you. Of course, they never took the credit for themselves, always addressing you as Master Ookami and expertly redirecting conversation should it try to pry into your personal life and whereabouts. You were left to live your life as normally as you wanted, so when you visited Mondstadt to personally see how your wares were faring in Angel’s Share, a nation so far from home, you hadn’t expected to fall for the wine tycoon who still is unaware of how much power you actually had.

“I’ll send another letter today, and hopefully one of their representatives will actually respond, in the meantime just keep selling what we have”, Diluc huffs, clearly annoyed that his business was beginning to suffer a little, and you cracked a smirk at that. Two weeks ago, you sent an urgent letter to your partners, telling them to cease shipment to Angel’s Share until further notice and any letters addressed from Diluc should be redirected to you at Kaeya’s address, under no circumstances should he be made aware where his inquires are being sent to. You hummed to yourself, Rosaria and Venti going silent as you stood from the table, pointing your gaze to the door and after a few seconds they also stand, wobbling slightly towards the door and going back to bickering with each other. Diluc pauses, watching as you approach the bar with a sweet smile not aimed at him. “Charles… Be a dear and give me a shot of Ookami’s sakura sake?”, you purred, reaching into your bag for your mora pouch while your drink was being poured for you. Giving him a few coins, you picked up the glass, and while making direct eye contact with Diluc, downed the liquid in a single go and returned the glass to Charles with a wink. “You may want to think about switching to something else, as we’re experiencing… difficulties with our sponsor”, Diluc comments, tensing when you looked at him, or rather at his scar.

“From Ookami’s? Hm, wonder why, that sake is good stuff”, you feign a sigh, returning your mora pouch to your bag before bidding your farewell to Charles and leaving the tavern, returning to your tipsy friends, and guiding them to Cat’s Tail instead. You spent the majority of the day polishing up details of your revenge, giving Rosaria and Venti specific tasks that you knew they could execute flawlessly and only when the sun was beginning to set did you remember that Kaeya was getting off work soon and you rushed to finish the meeting, much to Venti’s relief after sniffling and sneezing the entire time. After making sure the drunks could actually walk themselves home, you hurried to the Knights’ Headquarters to wait for sir tall, dark, and handsome, only to interrupt what appears to be a sweet moment between Jean and Diluc. You felt bile in the back of your throat as you paused a little bit away from the entrance, noticing that Athos and Porthos were no longer guarding the front doors which gave them the needed privacy to share a kiss. You contemplated turning back, unable to face them together, let alone apart, but they already spotted you and were awkwardly stepping away from each other, as if they were still trying to keep their relationship a secret. “y/n? what can the knights help you with?”, Jean asks, putting on her acting grandmaster act that makes your blood boil, the way she still holds herself all high and mighty as if she didn’t have a hand to play in your suffering, in why you’re doing what you’re doing now. All logic went through the window the moment she spoke, and you opened your mouth to almost put your plan through the shitter if it wasn’t for Kaeya emerging from the doors, a tired look on his face that brightened up when he saw you. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting doll, thank you for coming all this way”, his voice broke through your tension, and like a true guardian angel, he takes his place by your side and drapes an arm around your shoulders, ignoring Jean and Diluc in favor of pulling you close to kiss your temple. Your eyes never strayed from the pair, watching how Diluc seems to ruffle at the act of intimacy, and how Jean is trying not to jump to conclusions regarding her calvary captain and her lover’s ex.

“What’s going on here?”, Diluc was the first to speak, choosing to call it out as he sees fit and his frown only deepens when Kaeya smirks his way. “Whatever do you mean? It’s clear to see my roommate came all this way to make sure I get home safe”, to really drive home the point, Kaeya moves his hand from your shoulders to your waist, and you had to fight the blush that was blooming on your cheeks, subconsciously putting your hands on his chest but not having the strength to push him away.

“That’s inappropriate, Kaeya”, Diluc glared at his brother, fist clenching when the cryo user only laughed in response. “Inappropriate? One would think you would know more about that than I do, Master Diluc”, Kaeya’s gaze darkened, and for once you felt the air drop in temperature around the captain, Diluc’s bold claim seemed to get under Kaeya’s skin, and he was struggling to keep his emotions and therefore his vision, in check. Acting quickly, you pulled away from Kaeya’s hold to start dragging him away, without a goodbye to the acting grandmaster and her dog. Kaeya followed without a struggle, the only noise from him was a huff as you took him home and pinched the bridge of your nose, not in annoyance with him but with yourself for almost blowing your own plan. “Hey, how about some wine?”, Kaeya takes your hands in his to lead you into the kitchen, where he wastes no time in pulling out a bottle of wine and a pair of glasses to pour it into. You set your bag on the table, nodding as you pulled out the paperwork you had with you and quietly thanking the man when he places a full glass in your waiting palm. You take a sip as you picked up the first letter Diluc sent out, the handwriting as gorgeous as the man himself as you read and re-read the contents as if you hadn’t gotten them memorized by heart. “To our friends at Ookami’s, I am writing to inquire about the sudden stop in shipment to the Angel’s Share, blah blah blah”, Kaeya began as he poured his own glass, earning a snort and a chuckle from you. Aside from your business partners in Inazuma, there was a very small number of people who knew you were the owner of the famous sake house, you chose to tell Kaeya of your ‘secret identity’ as it was a vital piece of information that you were going to use against Diluc, not to mention you couldn’t even begin to figure out how you’d continue to keep it a secret if you were having letters sent to his place addressed to ‘Master Ookami’. You thought of it as no big deal, you knew Kaeya wouldn’t go around Mondstadt boasting about some top-secret information about you, but you were unaware of how his heart flutters in the knowledge that you trusted him enough to reveal something that quite frankly, was pretty big in the alcohol industry. Not only did Diluc break your heart, but he possibly royally fucked his sponsorship over with Ookami’s, and it’s currently the number one name that’s bringing his tavern revenue.

“Come sit, I’ll bring you up to speed on what happened today”, you pull out the chair next to you as you sat down, patting the seat and giggling when Kaeya sits and makes a show of scooting closer to you. From his perspective, he can really see the hardworking individual that you are from the way you present things, laying out your master plan that you talked about with Rosaria and Venti, their roles and even walking him through his part in the plan, its clear to see that you put a lot of heart and thought into really shoving his brother and the acting grandmaster as far into the dirt as you can. It was endearing, if you ignored your want to absolutely destroy them the way they did to you, but it still brought a smile to Kaeya’s face as he studied your face through your presentation, absorbing every detail.

You gave everyone a rough estimation of two months before shit hit the fan, which was ironic since it took two months before you found out that the love of your life was cheating on you, but fate calls it karma. While you were working behind the scenes to continue stringing Diluc along with his missing shipments, your entourage were hard at work out on the streets. Like how many things start, a small rumor was all it took for your master plan to start everything planned. Similar to a seed, it was planted just outside of Cat’s Tail, a whisper here and there detailing sightings of Master Diluc and Acting Grandmaster Jean behaving inappropriately with each other around the city, and that rumor only spread like wildfire that Diluc was unloyal to poor little ole you, who most people knew you left your life behind in Inazuma to be with him. Jean grew suspicious much quicker than you thought after she tried to ask Kaeya if he had any idea of who started the rumors, which he could only shrug and say he was too busy catching up on paperwork to go out and catch whoever was starting gossip. “Can you maybe ask y/n if they’ve heard anything?”, she tried to ask, faking sincerity in her voice that Kaeya could only quirk a brow at. “Even if I wanted to, I can’t… Haven’t you heard? They went to visit Liyue days before the rumors began, so that’s evidence that they didn’t start them, don’t you think?”, he narrowed his eye at her, watching the way she deflates. He had a point, you weren’t currently in Mondstadt, part of your plan was to leave the city as soon as Rosaria began the rumor at Cat’s Tail so you could have a credible alibi and not have fingers immediately pointed at you, the scorned lover. No one needed to know exactly why you went to Liyue, but if a prying acting grandmaster really had to know, Kaeya was instructed to tell her that you were requested by a family member who moved to Liyue, even though you went not only for leisure but to see how your wares were doing at Third Round Knockout, sipping a warm cup of tea while you sat with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s consultant listening to one of his many stories. You listened without worry, knowing that your accomplices were doing their best to turn Mondstadt into your battleground, the rumors circulated, growing bigger with each passing day and with it, so did Diluc and Jean’s stress. Diluc has yet to receive a response from Ookami’s just as he had run out of their supply of sake, and with the rumors making their rounds around town, he found out from Charles that hardly anyone visits the tavern now, not wanting to be a part of any drama. Anyone that does stop by is either a traveler passing through, or a green bard who is allergic to cats and a tired nun who refuses to drink at Cat’s Tail without him.

Weeks went by just as similar, Jean and Diluc would wake and prepare for the day, only to be blindsided and left feeling uneasy seeing how the townsfolk would whisper and laugh behind their backs, no doubt adding more to the rumors that were already beginning to break away at their status. ‘Did you hear? Master Diluc was caught in bed with the acting grandmaster’, ‘Poor y/n, if they find out they’ll be crushed’, ‘The other day I saw a purple mark on acting grandmaster Jean’s neck, I wonder who that could have come from’. The stress was becoming too much for Jean as she sat with her sister in the cathedral one day, weeping into her hands while Barbara patted her shoulder in consolidation. “I just don’t understand why someone would spread those rumors, what have I ever done to deserve this?”, Jean sobbed, missing how Barbara furrowed her brows.

“Jean… I know this isn’t the best time, but I need you to be honest, here in front of Lord Barbatos”, Barbara began, and Jean lifts her head to hiccup and give her a questioning gaze. “Did you… sleep with Master Diluc while he was in a relationship with y/n?”, the words were whispered, but even through Jean’s sniffles it was clear, and to hear a question come from her own sister was enough to send a cold chill up her spine, her silence speaking volumes. “Oh archons”, Barbara teared up, the weight of revelation heavy on her as she stood, Jean following suit and breaking out into another sob. “Barbara wait, please! I… I can explain, I…”, she choked out, legs too weak to follow Barbara as she hurried off, whether to pray for forgiveness on behalf of Jean or because it was just too much for her to handle, Jean will never know. She breaks down, guilt and remorse overwhelming her as she sobs in the middle of the cathedral, thankful of its emptiness but still uncaring should anyone stumble upon her in her current state. She leaves alone, empty, and numb but with a clear mind and time to self-reflect, time to realize that no matter how you tell the story, what she did to you was unforgiveable and she knew what she had to do to begin to help make it right. So, when she sees Diluc standing outside of her abode, worry written all over his face when he spots her, she hopes that you can find it within yourself to forgive her one day. “Jean… what happened? Are you alright?”, Diluc reached out towards her but pauses when she reels back, hurt and disgust evident in her eyes that makes Diluc’s heart clench. “Diluc… I can’t do this anymore… I’m sorry”, Jean’s voice came out hoarse, but it was still enough to drive a spear through Diluc’s heart, crushing him bitterly. He remained silent despite the many questions running through his head, ones he didn’t need answers for when he knew exactly why she was breaking up with him; the rumors had a big part to play but he also knew that deep down, what he and Jean did to you was also eating away at her just as it had with him, he confirmed it after he saw the way Kaeya acted with you, protecting you as though you were something precious to him. His hand fell to his side, fist clenching as he watched Jean enter her home and promptly close the door, leaving him out of her house and her life. He returns to Dawn Winery alone and empty, the only sliver of hope in his life being the letter addressed to him from Ookami’s saying that a representative will meet with him within the next few days for further discussion.

Angel’s Share is bustling with life the next time Diluc comes in for a shift, surprising him greatly, only for his surprise to twist into anxiety when he saw that it was a welcome back party for you, who returned from Liyue the night before. At Kaeya’s insistence, he brings a number of knights with him along with Rosaria and a Venti who is tuning his lyre, prepared to sing a tale he heard of recently. Diluc doesn’t miss the way Kaeya sets his hand on your thigh while he laughs at one of the knight’s stories, nor does he miss the way your lips stretch into a smile, one that doesn’t look forced. He couldn’t help but stare at how plump your lips look, to briefly reminisce how they fit perfectly with his. “Ladies, Gentlemen… y/n~, I am now about to sing to you a recently popular tale, so sit back and enjoy!”, Venti giggles before he strums his lyre and dives into an overexaggerated telling of your story, names omitted so none would be the wiser. To the drunkards, it was the catchy tune that had them slinging arms around each other and singing the words after Venti, but for Diluc it was a nightmare. It was clear to him that the story was fabricated from the rumors, but for it to have gained enough popularity that there was a song about it, he didn’t know if he could save what’s left of his dignity by kicking the bard out. To add salt to the wounds, he caught the way you stared at him with a knowing look as Venti continued to sing your tale, and as if time were slowing down Diluc realized. ‘I hope something else comes along and ruins your life with Jean too’, those were part of the last words you exchanged with him after you punched him, and Diluc could only look on in slight horror as he realized that you were behind everything. The rumors, the citizens mocking him and Jean behind their backs, the bard currently finishing his song in his tavern, everything was your doing. He wanted to be angry, but who can he turn to when the acting grandmaster is also a victim of your heinous deeds and no one in town takes him serious anymore? He stands behind the bar, defeated as you leaned more into Kaeya and clapped along with the other patrons as they screamed for encores from the bard. Venti sang more stories well into the night, and the Knights began to filter out at Diluc’s call of last rounds, and as you bid farwell to Venti and pecked a kiss to Kaeya’s cheek with a request to wait for you outside, you’re left by yourself with the owner himself. Diluc frowns at you, wiping a glass as you sat at the bar and began to rummage through your bag, pulling out a single sheet of paper and presenting it to him on the bar. His brows knit together as he scans the sheet, recognizing it as the contract he has with Ookami’s and he nearly drops the glass he’s wiping.

“Y…You? You’re the representative from Ookami’s who’s meeting with me?”, he asks incredulously, and is even more puzzled when you tilt your head in confusion. “representative? Oh, no, I’m Master Ookami”, you chuckle as if he told you a joke as you watched his expression go from shocked to serious within seconds. It was clear he didn’t believe you, and you anticipated that as you reached into your bag to pull out the rest of your contracts, placing each one on the table as he looks over them, the serious glint in his eyes morphing into slight fear. You intertwine your hands together, chin resting atop your hands as you flashed him a mocking smile. “I’m here to cancel my contract with Angel’s Share following recent rumors, you must understand that whatever bad rumors you circulate will reflect on my brand, so we have to let you go”, you sighed, collecting your other contracts and placing them back in your bag before lifting the one you had with Diluc and tearing it in half right in front of him, then tossing the pieces at him with a frown. Diluc could only watch the paper float to the floor as he finally feels himself break under you, the nauseating sensation of defeat along with the helpless feeling of no one to turn to fills his empty shell with something he could only wonder was the same you experienced that night. He was left to wonder as you exited the tavern to a waiting Kaeya, a soft smile on his face while he takes you into his arms under moonlight. “Well, are you satisfied?”, he asks, chuckling when you pretend to think and flash him a mischievous smile.

“I’ll say this is the best ending I could have achieved, but I think it could be missing something”, you hum, eyes moving to his lips as he swallows hard. For a while you both knew something changed in the air, but with recent events it was hard to sit down and properly discuss these feelings. With your revenge arc coming to a close, you wonder if the next chapter of your life will remain in Mondstadt, a question that didn’t need a voiced answer as Kaeya leans closer to finally kiss you, your lips as soft as he dreamed.

Epitaph: This piece can also be found on AO3. Thank you guys so much for joining me on this journey, I've been keeping up with tumblr notifs while I was away and it was how this piece was still getting love in my absence that really drove me to sit down and finish this piece, so I tried to do it justice for you all <3 I do have ideas for other fics as well as a follow up to Birthday Poptart for those curious, so look forward to that!

Taglist: @seiiblue @crowleysthings @misas-toe-sucker @rendezvousedhats @gwennesy @xiaos-primordialspear

[starlightxsvt]

3 dates | epilogue

pairing ➳ badboy!Seungcheol x female!reader

genre ➳ badboy au, romance, some fluff, angst, bad attempt at humour, gets spicy at the end.

word count ➳ 3.5k (total 15.6k)

warnings ➳ cursing, mentions of killing, mentions criminal activities, slight violence(non explicit), smoking, ma man Seungcheol ain't your typical badboy, blackmailing, reader does all sorts of risky things cuz she's a SIMP, blood(nothing explicit), kissing, marking, some breast worshipping, grinding, reader is horny lol. (Please lemme know if I forgot anything.)

a/n : here's the epilogue to 3 dates since tumb1r won't let me post the whole fic in one post :) Enjoy!

Part 1

As time progresses and days turn into weeks and then into months you are not left with the luxury to cry over Seungcheol. Instead you are bombarded with assignments and projects from your uni and you drown yourself completely in work to forget the scathing pain. Katelyn figured out something is wrong with you and even though talking about that man pains you too much, you told her that you are done with him and you won't be seeing him again in this lifetime. Katelyn did not ask any questions after that as you said you needed time to heal, time to forget even though you have serious doubts he'd ever leave your mind.

You have also applied for an internship to keep you even busier so that when you return home you are too tired to let the thoughts of him plague your mind as you drift off to sleep. And just like that, you have developed a routine, work, eat and sleep, trying your best to allow yourself to not think about him.

Despite that sometimes, some very few times, you think of him, wonder how he's doing, wonder if he's safe. You ponder if he thinks of you, if he regrets his decision but you don't have any answer. You simply hope he does.

-

After another day full of assignments and projects you almost doze off to sleep as soon as you hit your bed until you are intruded by the loud ringing of your phone. Annoyed, you reach for it, wondering who would be calling so late.

The caller ID has your heart doing a backflip, the name you were unable to delete from your heart and your phone flashing on the screen as you instantly sit up in your bed. It's Seungcheol.

Why is he calling so late?

You wait a few seconds, scared to pick up, scared that he might have called accidentally. But before you lose your chance, you inhale deeply and pick the call up. "Hello?" You speak, your voice tentative.The silence from the other end makes your heart fall and your suspicion come true. He called you accidentally and now he will realize it and hang up. You're about to speak again when his voice floats through.

"Hi."

The emotions you feel are overwhelming, undescribable. You're relieved, you're sad, you're excited, you want to cry and scream at the same time. That one word from him has you feeling tingles all over and makes you feel like you just did a hundred laps. Anyhow you manage to speak. "Hey." Your voice almost cracks and tears almost slip past your cheeks. You don't know why you are so emotional. "I just...I just wanted to hear your voice." He sounds so tired...so dejected and your heart breaks. Never in your life did you imagine him to call and say those words to you but instead of feeling happy, a current of melancholy hits you.

Why does he sound so broken?

"Seungcheol? Is...is everything alright?" Your voice is feather like, soft and careful. You hear him sigh loudly and you get your answer. Instead of replying to you, he asks, "How have you been?"

"I'm...fine," you lie. You have been nowhere near fine. He hums noncommittally and you're about to ask him the same question before you realize how dumb it would be. If his voice is any indication he is anything but fine. "____?" He calls your name softly. "Y-yes?" You whisper.

He stays silent, for so long that you think he hung up. "I- I just...can I see you?" He seems to have a hard time gathering his words.

What? You lurch out of bed pushing your covers aside in excitement, trying to prevent a gasp out of your lips. Did you even hear correctly? He wants to see you?

"Wha... what do you mean?" You mumble. You hear him sigh loudly, "I...I am in front of your apartment. Just come down for a minute." You don't need to hear any more words as you are dashing towards your front door in your pajamas, not disconnecting the call. You take the elevator and come out of the building as fast as possible, bumping into things in your way but not giving a care. You feet stops as you stand in front of the entrance to your building, eyes searching wildly for Seungcheol. "Stay there," his voice comes through the phone, just as you spot him standing on the opposite to your building, decently far but not far enough that you can't see.

A horrified gasp leaves your mouth as your eyes finally land on him.

He stands there, bruised, his beautiful face marred with scratches and wounds, his clothes having patches of dirt and if you are seeing correctly his left arm is bleeding as he holds the phone next to his ear with the other.

"Seungcheol-" you're about to rush towards him. "Don't move." He cuts you off, looking you in the eye. Even from afar you don't miss the dark, commanding gaze of him. "Just...just stay there. Just...let me look at you."

No- why is he doing this?

Tears slip down your cheeks, "Seungcheol-" You are interrupted once more, "Please. I- I missed you and...I needed to see you. Just let me hear your voice and look at you like this." His voice almost cracks and you can see the emotion in his eyes.

Your heart breaks.

Why does he keep doing this? Why does he keep pushing you away? Why does he torment himself like this?

You stand there, rooted to the ground, quiet sobs leaving your mouth. He comes here all bruised and wounded and expects you to stay away? How can you when you can clearly see him in pain?

You grip the phone tighter, watching him as he stands there, not moving an inch. His eyes never leaves you as he drinks you in, like this is the last time he's gonna look at you. You can't stand it anymore. Hanging up the phone you run towards him, as fast as your nimble legs can carry you. You can't stay away, you just can't. Not when he looks so hurt and lost and lonely.

Your body smashes against his as you wrap your arms tightly around his torso, your head buried in his chest. He stumbles back from the force and for a while he stays unmoved and you hold your breath, half expecting him to shove you away. But he doesn't. Instead he pulls you firmly against him resting your head on his chest while burying his face in your hair.

The tears come naturally. Loud, ungraceful sobs emerge from you as you cling to him like your life depends on it, your grip on him unyielding. Seungcheol softly pets your hair as your cries fill the silence of the cold night. You pull back just a little to look at his face and you want to once more. There's a cut above his brow and some bruises on his cheek and nose and another cut on his lower lip. But you can't bring yourself to care as you lean above to press your lips against his. You don't dare hold back, kissing him like the world is about to end. Seungcheol reciprocates, tilting your head for better access as his tongue prods into your mouth and you taste the metallic flavour of blood. The kiss is messy, all teeth and tongue, an outpour of the bottled up feelings of the last couple months.

You both take a lungful of air when you pull back and you're about to dive in for more when you realize his arm is injured. "Wha- how did this happen?" You hiccup, wiping away your tears as you gently reach for his bleeding arm. His clothes are torn at the part of the wound and from what you can see, it looks like a knife injury, a thin, slanted cut on his upper arm as if someone slashed him. "It's nothing," he says trying to push your hand away.

"It's not nothing, Seungcheol!" You're yelling before you know it. It's the exasperation, the accumulated frustration over the days that makes you snap.

Seungcheol seems to be shocked at your outburst as he blinks at you, an astonished look on his face. He's kind enough to reply honestly this time. "Got into a fight. I was outnumbered. It's okay, it's nothing serious, I've had worse," his voice is small, almost timid which is definitely unlike him.

Of course he has had worse.

You let out a tired breath. "Come on, you're bleeding. Let me help you." You wrap a hand around his uninjured arm, tugging him towards your apartment.

"No, you don't have to-" he protests but you pin him down with a look. "Please," you speak, your voice low. "I can't let you go like this. Just let me clean your wound." Seungcheol presses his lips into a thin line as if trying to prevent himself from speaking further. When no more words leave his mouth, you drag him into your building in silence.

Entering your unit you help Seungcheol sit down in your small living space as you quickly pad towards the bathroom for the first aid kit. When you return you find him looking around your place with a curious glow in his eyes similar to a child's. As your eyes meet, he sits up straighter and tries to remove his jacket. You aid him in the process, discarding the material on the floor as you take a seat next to him, the first aid kit in your lap.

Thankfully he's wearing a tank top as it gives you easy access to his biceps. You would have stopped to admire and ogle them if he wasn't hurt, which he is and you mentally smack yourself for having such thoughts right now. Seungcheol's eyes does not leave your face as he silently gazes at you and if you didn't know any better you would say he looked at you fondly.

Swallowing, you sanitize your hands before proceeding to clean his wound. Seungcheol tenses beside you, low, pained grunts leaving his lips a few times as you disinfect the cut. But he says nothing, letting you do the work and you don't speak either focused on the task at hand. You then do the same for his face and finish your work by wrapping a bandage around his bicep and sitting back, exhaling a satisfied sigh. Unintentionally your eyes connect to his and you find his scorching gaze on you, those mesmerising eyes almost piercing through your soul. Feeling self aware, you abruptly stand up, coughing to clear your throat. "You should take a shower. I have some extra clothes for my parents when they come over. My dad's clothes should fit you."

"No, it's alright. I should leave." He murmurs. "You're already here. Might as well take a shower. There's no rush," you say sternly, trying to make him agree.

Truth is you want him to stay, at least the night.

Seungcheol sits quietly for a while as if contemplating before surrendering with a sigh. "Okay." "Good. The bathroom's this way," you point towards the attached bath in your room and Seungcheol mutely follows. You offer him a towel and you dad's pajamas, hoping they'd do the job for tonight as he closes the door behind him.

As silence fill the apartment, you quietly return to your bed and sit, anxiously chewing on your lower lip. The digital clock beside your bed reads 2:50 am but your sleep is long gone.

Choi Seungcheol is here. In your house.

Will he spend the night? Or will he be his stubborn self and leave as soon as he is out? And if he does stay, will you see him in morning? Or will he be gone before the sun is up? The thoughts running rampant in your mind gives you a headache as you groan, rubbing your temples. You are sure Seungcheol feels something for you, he has to. Otherwise why would he come to you in the middle of the night? If only he told you his feelings, spilled his heart out to you rather than hiding and pushing you away. He just needs to bare himself to you, tell you what is in his heart. Why can't he do that? Why can't he just give the two of you a chance?

Your thoughts are interrupted as Seungcheol steps out the bathroom, half naked, the pajama pants hanging low on his hips as his muscled body is displayed in all its glory, making your throat dry. He looks at you before quickly looking away as an air awkwardness and tension fills the room. You hold your breath, watching him intently, not moving a single muscle as he tentatively takes a seat at the corner of your bed while wiping his wet hair with the towel hanging around his neck.

You want to tell him to stay the night, the words right on the tip of your tongue but you're terrified that it will just make him walk out here immediately. So instead you watch him with bated breath, waiting for his next move, waiting for him to say something, anything that will put an end to this deafening silence.

Seungcheol takes mercy on you.

"Thank you," he says, voice barely audible. You don't know what he's thanking you for you reply anyway. "Welcome. Though I don't know what you are thanking me for." Seungcheol remains silent for a few beats, his eyes focused on the floor before replying. "For everything. I have a lot to thank you for."

Okay.

You nod mutely, unable to figure out a reply. Another wave of silence settles in the atmosphere like a blanket. You take this time to appreciate his beautiful profile, engraving his features in your mind. The moonlight coming from your window falls on his face partially, illuminating his sculpted lineaments. You get to admire his beauty once more as he sits there but the look on his face tugs at your heartstrings. He looks troubled and in pain, the natural glow of his face somewhat dim. You wonder how the past couple of months have treated him. You wonder how life has been treating him, if he had someone to go to, someone to share his worries with all this time.

"Do you still like me?" His words make your eyes widen as it the last thing you expected to come from him. "You wouldn't be here if I didn't," your words come out harsher than you intended making you regret instantly. Perhaps the pain you have suffered for a while is coming out finally. However, seeing his silence, you reply once more, voice much softer this time, "Of course I still like you, Seungcheol. I have...I have never liked anyone or anything as much as you."

It's an understatement. What you feel for him is love but you would rather keep that to yourself.

"Why?" Seungcheol's voice comes out as a croak as his eyes connect to yours. For the first time, you see so much emotion in them and maybe, maybe even some unshed tears, though you can't be sure because the light is not sufficient right now. Your throat closes up for some reason as your eyes mirror the emotions in his and you desperately try to think, try to give him a reply that he deserves.

"You are very easy to like," you say lamely. Your reply is insufficient but that's all you can manage without starting to bawl like a child. A humourless laugh comes out of Seungcheol and echoes through the otherwise quiet room. "I doubt that," he says, his voice deep. "It's true Seungcheol," you repeat, voice firm.

A mirthless grin settles on his face and you know he isn't buying your words. Swallowing, you carefully, too carefully, scoot towards him and sit down, maintaining a little space between the the two of you. "I don't understand why you hold such negative thoughts about yourself but believe me Seungcheol, it's hard not to fall in love with you."

Your slip-up causes your eyes to widen, face drowning in embarrassment as you realize you just said the L word. Seungcheol, however, does not react to it but turns his head to study your face and the pain and sentiment in his eyes, his passionate gaze on you makes you forget human language. You've never seen nor imagined Seungcheol to be so full of ardor and pain and now that you have, you don't know what to do. You just want to cling to him and cry like a child.

"Can't you see how fucked up I am? What and awful person I am, ____? Someone like me deserves noth-" Unable to hold yourself back you interrupt him by cupping both of his cheeks and pressing your lips to his. You kiss him softly, carefully, trying to gauge his feelings while trying not to push him too hard. Seungcheol stays immobilised, letting you kiss him like that. When you pull back, his eyes are closed and he rests his forehead against yours. "You are just fine, Seungcheol. I like you just the way you are. Don't...beat yourself up like this, hmm?" Your voice is just above a whisper as you tilt his head to meet his eyes. Seungcheol stares quietly at you for a while before suddenly pushing you back and caging you underneath his large body. A squeak of surprise leaves your lips as Seungcheol wastes no time wrapping himself around you while attaching his lips to yours.

This time the kiss is not soft, it is full of passion and vigour and longing as Seungcheol takes the reign. Your lips mold perfectly against each other and Seungcheol does not hold back, kissing you like a starved man; all teeth and tongue. He pulls back for a while, supporting himself on his elbows as you looks at you while you try to catch your breath underneath him. His hand comes to stroke your hair gently, like a lover and your eyes burn at his tenderness.

"Seungcheol-"

"Is there still a place for me in your heart?" He asks, a hopeful note in his voice. His words leave you breathless as you gape at him in suprise, you mouth open slightly. Seungcheol looks at you look longingly as he waits for your answer, which comes easily, without a second thought.

"Of course, Seungcheol. I...I love you."

This time it is his turn to be surprised as his pupils dilate and a soft gasp of surprise escapes from him. Swallowing, you hold his gaze, waiting for his next words but they never come. Instead, the man attacks your lips with renewed fervour while slotting a muscular thigh between your legs. As his toned thigh brushes against your core a wanton moan leaves your mouth and you wrap your legs around his waist. You can feel Seungcheol smirk against your skin while he kisses a path down from jaw towards your neck, taking his sweet time to plant some love bites along the way while you gasp and writhe underneath him. Soon he reaches the valley of your breasts and with skilled fingers he does a quick work of the buttons of your night shirt. His heated gaze remains on your now bare breasts and you can feel your nipples harden in the chill air of the room before he leans down to plant soft kisses all over them. While he does so you continue to grind your core against his leg, desperate for some friction which he is denying you. His assault on your neck and breasts don't stop as he remains focused in marking you, blooming kisses of red and purple on your skin.

"I missed you," His voice comes out as throaty whisper while he keeps his lips attached to your heated skin. "Me too," you choke between moans as his ministrations on your body leaves you aching all over for him.

He pulls back to meet your gaze, "I want you. I... always have and I've been hiding it. But I can't anymore."

"Take me then, Seungcheol," It isn't the most romantic thing to say but that is all your lust clouded brain can manage as you keep grinding yourself against him. You feel his hard on poke your belly and unlike your lover, you really can't wait anymore. You need him now.

Seungcheol keeps looking at you, too busy studying your features rather than doing something about the wetness between your legs and you're about to tell him to do something when he speaks, "I love you, ____. I'm sorry for the hurt I've caused you. Let me make it up to you."

Great. Now you're horny and emotional.

His confession brings tears to your eyes but your neediness is growing so you pull his face down closer to yours and whisper, "You can start doing that by making me cum. And then you can stay. With me. Forever. How about that?" A mischievous grin kisses his face, "I'd love that sweetheart."

You grin in happiness not wasting anymore time as you reconnect your lips with his.

a/n 2: Whew~ a whopping 15k+! I can't believe I wrote something this huge. But it was well worth it! I just hate this damn app like I don't understand?? I've seen ppl post fics with 40k+ words yet tumb1r says I've reached 250 blocks like what?? Anyhow, I really really hope you enjoyed reading this baby cuz I've been working on it for soooo long! If you did please reblog and share as always your feedbacks are highly appreciated so please leave them in the comments or my ask box!

[evacado3]

Omgg is it okay if you could write a johan as a needy s/o? (nsfw maybe) idk if your requests are currently open but its fine if you decline this!!! i love ur oneshots theyre so fun to read (>’o’)> ♥ <(‘o'<)

Wait cause this made my day🥺, thank you so much for liking my writing! I’m honestly not sure if you wanted to say “as a needy s/o” or “with a needy s/o” but I'm just gonna go with what you wrote.

One Day Off

Warning: implied nsfw

Word count: 680

The alarm you set didn't wake up the person it was supposed to, though Johan considered it as god's wish. His finger moved towards the ringing phone, wanting to turn it off for good.

'Wait, will she get mad at me? But...' he thought, his finger pondered there for a little. Sighing, he left the phone alone, turning over to you who was still in dreamland.

He felt a sense of comfort, is this what 'settling down' feels like? The peace he's now experiencing could've never been found during his days wandering around on the street. Doubtful if he could even feed himself or his dogs.

He's thankful you brought him back to home, which he never knew was simply beside you.

The buzzing eventually stopped without even startling you, well, it certainly didn't do anything. It was mostly Johan who wakes you up instead since he's a light sleeper.

The weight of blankets covered you again, driving you more into sleep. He tip-toed out of the room after laying a kiss on your head, wanting to give you a small surprise.

'Whatever she can skip school today, it shouldn't matter too much' he reasoned, 'and if she does get mad'

"I'll make it up to her."

-----

You woke up to the faint smell of food, making you take a deep whiff. The curtain was already opened, sunshine crawled over your face. Squinting your eyes a little, hold on, isn't it Tuesday? You snatched the phone off the counter.

"SHIT"

The man was shocked when you burst into the kitchen, panting harshly while holding out the cellphone.

"Johan! Why didn't you wake me up, what are you doing right now?" you confronted, the phone chimed and the text 'where are you miss y/n' showed up.

"Shit it's my teacher, damn it what happened Johan?"

He only shrugged, like it wasn't his business at all. "The phone stopped ringing itself, it wasn't me."

"Don't give me that crap, you could've woke me up!" yelling at the man, you sent the apology text to your teacher, saying you were in fact 'sick' and has a fever.

"But you looked really tired so I didn't want the disturb you," he explained.

That's plain bullshit, he just wanted to spend more time with you, alone.

He was even planning to go cuddle you after finishing cooking. This guy isn’t merely affectionate, he’s clingy.

Clingy on another level. He probably has some separation issues cause of his past, but this is different. He’s absolutely insecure and needs to have complete possession over you to feel at ease.

After all, he's a needy boy solely for you.

“I made you some food, cheer up and take a day off school. It’s just one day.”

You groaned, evidently he doesn’t go to school, he doesn’t know missing out one day could've meant you’ve literally missed a whole ass war.

Though the scrambled eggs on the table looked enticing, you weren't sure if that was enough to deserve your forgiveness. "I'm furious you know? You think some eggs gonna change the fact tha..."

While listening to your ranting, he couldn't help but eye you up and down. Only his long shirt on your body, hanging just above your knees, maybe a pair of cute panties beneath too. He zoned out while staring at your exposed neck, perhaps having some naughty daydreams.

Or you could say, flashbacks.

"Hey! Are you even listening right now? I can't believe you. Wait, Johan?"

He marched towards you whilst you took steps back, forcing you back in your room.

"Uh hey, you know what? Eggs does sound nice, should we go back? haha-"

"You'll have something else for breakfast."

"Woah jeez who taught you to say that?" You chuckled awkwardly while taking a seat on the bed, avoiding his eyes whose burning holes into your body.

He pulled off his shirt then made his way to you. Now it was your turn to eye him up and down, cause damn those muscles ain’t no joke.

"Come here, I’ll make it up to you"

==============================

I'll leave the rest to your imagination~ I feel like I have sinned 🧎🏻‍♀️

Do not cringe, leave that to me

[tartagliaxx]

“ 3AM NOODLE RUN ”

━━ ☆ PAIRING: chongyun/reader

━━ ☆ GENRE: fluff

━━ ☆ SUMMARY: technically, you should be rational like the 'adult' you're supposed to be but as someone once said, not everything needs to make sense.

━━ ☆ WARNINGS: established relationship, college!au like... three cursed words... i think

not everything has to make sense.

whether it's about drinking a shot of pure lemonade and not wincing or if it's about laughing at that old sitcom from the 80s that everybody you know hates.... it doesn't matter. sometimes, it's all right to be so peculiar that the human mind could ponder and try to decipher your mysteries and yet, still fail. it's not because of those 'even your flaws are perfect' propaganda nor is it because of those 'not like everyone else' bullshit. rather, it's all right to not make sense because making sense is all that you've known and it gets tiring really quickly. sometimes, it's just nice to let go of inhibitions and live — crazily, merrily, freely, happily. they did say that being young isn't forever so you might as well spend it as best as you know: by living without making any sense that it just makes sense.

it's 3am now and you're still not making any sense but if you did, you would've been sitting on your desk, nightlight on as you attempt to finish your thesis paper's conclusion.

but as we all know, not everything has to make sense.

fishing out your phone from the bundle that has become of your thick comforter, you dialed the number of the one person you knew that would never refuse your sudden bout of misplaced energy. once, twice, thrice. the ringing beats that came from your phone were not something unfamiliar. the call has been made before — far too many times to count now and yet, he never once failed to answer.

just like now.

"hello?"

"hi, chongyun."

you heard him sigh through the phone before he chuckled. "it's late. don't you have an 8am session tomorrow?"

"today," you corrected as you slumped down the wall. "but yes. i do."

"then why are you still up?" his concern was cute and you found yourself smiling as you cuddled your knees closer.

"i was doing my thesis — well, was trying but to no avail..."

"i see... can't sleep?"

"nah... i'm used to being wide-awake at this hour. can't bring myself to sleep properly anymore. and you?"

"same thing."

this conversation was also familiar. it's happened every single time and no matter how you tried to switch it up, it always revolves around a paper needing to be passed sometime soon and the ever-present grip of insomnia on your necks. now, it's more of a form of courtesy — small talk is what they call it but in your mind, it doubles over as an apology and an invitation.

"wanna go out?"

you sighed in bliss, "that's my line."

"we both saw it coming."

"cute. very cute."

despite the faux irritation that laced your tone, you both knew that the truth couldn't be farther from that. on your face — and on his but you didn't know that — was the biggest, possibly cheesiest grin you have ever mustered. you just had that effect on each other, you supposed. chongyun doesn't comment on the odd decisions that you would definitely regret in the morning while you don't question why he doesn't seem to know how the most basic things worked. he accompanies you and you teach him the wildest of things. it was once just a relationship founded by mutualism but as time went by, unnecessary touches were thrown in and playful jokes and forced piggyback rides home became a part of your midnight routine. even then, your relationship was easy to understand. comfort without any need for an explanation.

"do you want me to pick you up?"

"nah," you threw on an old jumper — ugly in your definition but still something you bought for a reason that also didn't make any sense. "same place?"

"same place."

you whispered a quiet 'see you soon' before you dropped the call, walking to your door with a skip on your steps because who wouldn't? it's kind of romantic — like the modern-day version of sneaking around the palace gardens to rendezvous with your true love but at the same time, it's romantic only because having someone to be with you at the dead of the night doing nothing in particular for no real reason aside from just being with them for a moment longer... that is the most of romance that you could afford to give as a college student struggling to keep up with your workload and the looming finals just around the corner.

sending one final glance to your dorm that looked a little bit drearier than it did a few moments ago, you left without your rationality in your pockets.

the sidewalks were empty. heck, the entire block was silent save for the occasional barks of the stray dogs in the alleyways. it's yet another thing that didn't make any sense. how is it that the same place habited by the same people felt, feels, would always feel as if a different place as soon as the clock strikes three? there was no explanation for the split in reality — for the ambiguous disorientation that came with the warm streetlamps and frenzied stars but a part of you knew that to question is to be ungrateful. the echo of your footsteps and the peace that came so rarely in such a busy place... it was all needed and it's probably one of the many reasons why you keep making spontaneous decisions such as this.

it wasn't as if you didn't enjoy the walk because you did. it's just instinctual to mutter 'finally' as soon as the flickering neon lights of the 24/7 gasoline station came into view. running the few steps remaining, you grinned brightly as you caught sight of a tuft of the skies itself, covered mostly by the hood of your university's sweater.

"hey."

chongyun breathed out before sending you a soft smile, eyes drooping low but holding the small twinkle it holds whenever you meet up like this. "hey."

"so... should we get popsicles?" he hummed in thought before shaking his head and hesitantly accepting your hand with a small blush on his pale skin.

"my throat hurts."

now that's alarming. immediately, your head snapped in his direction, brows furrowed, and about to question his well-being but before you could, he beat you to it.

"i'm fine. just overused it earlier. community service, remember?"

now that he mentioned it, his voice did sound rougher — huskier and a little deeper. clearing your throat, you hoped that chongyun's obliviousness would make a timely appearance. you didn't need him asking you about the sudden rush of heat all along your body or about the way your pulse jumped up with just one thought of him.

"are you feeling well?"

"peachy!" you squeaked out — a little too fast to be considered true but you, yourself, beat him from questioning you any further. "are noodles better?"

"are there... any mild ones?"

right, he can't handle spice. "there are non-spicy ones, i'm sure."

"oh... sounds good, then."

should you do it? fuck it. you reached up to softly pat his head. he's adorable, just like a little puppy still trying to learn how to use its limbs. gods, he's too adorable that you worry for your heart's condition and also for his because chongyun wasn't exactly used to physical affection and even the slightest touches had him going on an overdrive.

"shall we?" you doubt that the small whimper he accidentally let out was an answer to your question but you went with it anyway.

the bell rang as you opened the door to the small convenience store at the corner of the station. sticky floors, buzzing freezers, stray chip packets in the chocolate aisle, and a passive-aggressive cashier. nothing was special about this place but somehow, being there felt right. was it your body's muscle memory, effortlessly navigating around the place to find solace in the energy drinks section, or was it the 'no-one-gives-a-shit' vibe that had set your mind at ease?

it was neither, you decided as soon as chongyun took your interlocked hands to his hoodie's pockets. a bold move but one look at him and you figured that he didn't even know that he did it. going back, something about this empty, easy-to-miss place made it easy to feel as if there were no expectations on you. you could come in with your pajamas just to buy the cheapest beer they had and no one would tell you to fix yourself up. you might even get a sympathetic smile from the attendant if they had a good morning's rest before all of this. a big part of the comfort though, came from the boy beside you who was far too invested in reading through the instant noodle labels. he, too, came in looking like a hot mess — hair tousled from the twisting and turning he did on his bed and his godforsaken fake gucci slides that xingqiu got as a joke. the bigger joke? chongyun likes wearing it, claiming that it's comfortable and that he doesn't care much about appearances.

"which one did you get?"

"this one." he showed you the blue packet and you rose a brow in surprise. "bibim naengmyeon."

"you sure? that's kinda spicy. maybe you should try this instead?" you shook the cream-colored packet, hururuk guksu, a type of ramen proven and tested to be non-spicy. at least, as long as you don't add the chili flavoring.

"it's fine. i'll manage."

you stared at him for a minute longer before relenting with a sigh. "suit yourself."

but just in case, you sneakily threw in a box of milk in the basket.

the kettle on the corner of the store was broken, or so you assumed because it whistled so horrifyingly loud that you couldn't even make out the words to the indie song that played through the scratchy speakers in the backroom. did that stop you from twirling around like an idiot, laughing as chongyun took your photos exactly like those 'aesthetic pinterest girls' you always see on your feed? no. no, it didn't. similarly, it didn't make sense for you to do it, not when your pants were stained by dinner's sauce and your eyes were glossed over from the nth yawn that escaped your lips. he thought otherwise though, and somehow, the way chongyun tipped his head down to hide the fond smile that appeared as he looked through the photos he took was enough to fuel the fire that awakened every single nerve in your body.

"finally! it's ready now... careful, it's cold."

he hummed in reply before gently tugging you out of the store and into the half-assed tent that apparently served as a dining area. gross, you scrunched your face with disapproval. when was the last time they wiped the tables?

"that's a no, right?"

"are you kidding me? of course that's a no! maybe we should've just gotten chips like before."

"well... we're here now."

"you're telling me... is the park still open?"

he paused before he tugged the strings of his hoodie tighter. "don't think so... should we eat home?"

"the noodles would get soggy and — well, cold for mine and not cold for yours."

"what now then?"

it didn't make sense for you to be sitting down on the steps of some random apartment you found but you were there anyway. trapping your drink in between your thighs, the savory aroma of the cup noodles immediately wafted the air. it didn't look very appetizing but it certainly smelled like it did. besides, it certainly looked better than most meals you've had in your cafeteria.

"h-help—"

"huh?" you furrowed your brows, eyes not leaving your food that was starting to look better the more your stirred. "speak up. i can't hear you."

"HELP!"

you jumped up in surprise only to panic as you saw chongyun's terrifyingly red face as he tried to fan his tongue to no avail. "i told you it was spicy!"

"m-milk!"

you missed the stabbing point not once, not twice but thrice and for some reason, your half-asleep form found that very funny.

"hurry!"

"right, right..." you watched as he aggressively sucked on the straw as if his life depended on it, and in a way it was. perhaps you should've warned him earlier but by the time you were enunciating 'slow down,' chongyun was already coughing his lungs out and you attempted to help him out by awkwardly patting his back — maybe a little weaker than what would actually help.

seven minutes and three seconds. that's how long it took before chongyun regathered his wits.

"maybe... i should've listened to you." the sheepish and bashful smile he sent you had you chuckling.

"you should've. do you want to switch? i got a non-spicy one just in case."

not everything has to make sense but you and him together made perfect sense.

━━ ☆ NOTES: sigh... how long until i stop projecting myself and my feelings in my writing?

━━ ☆ SIMILAR WORKS: college!au masterlist