#she was never a princess she was usually a victim or a criminal

[hyenaswine]

i liked barbie better when she was an empty vessel for acting out all of my darkest childhood fantasies. give me homunculus barbie

[e-nonsense]

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟'𝗦 𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗡 - 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵. 𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘰

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pairing. batfam x batsis!reader + platonic!matt murdock x batsis!reader

warnings. swearing, child neglect, mentions of an accident that makes you blind, canon/typical violence, nothing goes with comics

series masterlist

You got to Gotham city when you were five, you didn't want to go but you had no choice your mother was dead, and had left you in the care of your father.

But even at five years old your father had no time for you. Always busy with the public, or with Batman.

At the time Dick was fifteen, he had no reason to care for a little sister, but Jason. Oh Jason Todd, to you he was an angel.

Your big brother who at eight years old you deemed cooler than Dick Grayson.

Everyday after patrol, he'd come up and check on you, tell you a story usually a more child friendly version of his missions.

You kept him grounded, you made all his anger go away, an anger you blamed Bruce for because when you two first met he wasn't angry he was a happy kid. Everytime you called his name, the soft mutter of "Jay" would knock some sense into him.

But after the accident, the one you went blind, you were nine nearly ten and Jason would stay fifteen, in that year you had lost two things.

Your sight, and your big brother.

You were often met with pity than concern because of it. Everyone always asking if you were alright, but never truly caring about the answer.

You heard about the headlines when it happened, "Y/n Wayne, gone blind" or "Gotham's little princess now Gotham's latest victim"

It's not like they actually cared, no of course not they only gave a shit about the publicity they'd get from selling stories like this.

You were only nine years old, you'd think five years would be enough to adjust.

Apparently not..

"Miss Wayne" you heard a gentle knocking at the door of your father's office- well it's your office now. Bruce signed Wayne Industries off to you, because it would make everyone's lives easier if you (someone they deemed quite useless) were actually doing something important, it gave them more vigilante time. Besides you finished school already, you were a smart kid, always top of your class you managed to skip a couple of grades and graduate early like super early.

You were a disappointed when nobody but Alfred turned up, then again you'd stopped caring about that a while ago. Jason - your beloved zombie brother - wouldn't stop apologising, and he took you for ice-cream and hung out with you for the rest of the night as an apology. You couldn't stay mad at him.

"Yes?" you'd been running the company for a few weeks, Alfred was usually helping you. Reading out things that weren't in braille, but since the first thing you did when you got Wayne Industries was buy braille embossers mainly 'cause you knew Alfred would always be there to help you with everything.

"Sorry to disturb you Miss, but y'know that guy that you fired last week?"

"Yeah, the one that was caught uh- having sex in the storage room right?"

"The very same Miss" if you could see right now Tani's face would be littered with pink on her cheeks, "He wants to sue"

"And?" you groaned, that came out harsher that you intended, you could sense that she understood.

"Well he's got a pretty compelling case against the company. When your father owned it that is, very incriminating"

"shit" you muttered under your breath, mentally thanking any godly being out their that Alfred wasn't there to hear you.

"how hard is it to get a good lawyer?"

"No" Matt's voice was firm, he didn't want to take the case and nobody could make him.

"no what do you mean, no" Foggy didn't get it, I mean he sort of did but you were offering a nice pay- like more than what's in their pay grade- but it had nothing to do with criminal law, sort of.

"I don't want to do it Foggy, it has nothing to do with my job or qualifications"

"I'm going to do it then"

"No" Foggy wasn't even listening, he had already walked out of the room and went to reply to the email your secretary had sent to him and various other lawyers.

Foggy stepped up to Tani's desk- Matt beside him- and smiled, eying to the elevator that led all the way up to your office, two security guards on each side. You had put them there for Tani because when she didn't let people up they'd harass her.

"Hi, we're here to see Miss Wayne" Foggy's voice only slightly louder than the crappy music in the background. Tani looked up, "name?"

"Nelson, Foggy Nelson"

For the first time since they arrived Matt talked, but only to utter his name.

"Through the elevator please"

They walked as silently as possible, neither in the mood to talk to one another. Once they were inside and going up Matt was talking.

"Y'know kid’s probably just gonna be another spoilt rich kid, who's daddy running the business behind their back because they can't do shit"

Foggy only let out a sigh, and walked through the elevator doors when he saw it open, only to reveal another door, one he assumed led to your office.

He was shocked to hear laughter coming from inside the room, what ever happened to professionalism?

"Alfie, I swear this guy was high-"

Matt heard a this 'Alfie' guy chuckle "Miss Wayne you can't say that about them, they're lawyers that came hear to help you"

"I know I know, but you should've seen them" you exaggerated the word seen and it made Alfred laugh.

But the laughter stopped when Foggy knocked on the door and Alfred cleared his through smiling while gesturing for them to come in.

"Oh my god, she's blind Matt" Foggy whispered, as he watched you move from leaning on the desk and stood up straight.

"Sorry I'd shake your hand but I'm not exactly sure where you are"

Matt smiled at that "Don't worry 'bout it, 'cause I don't know where you are either"

"He's blind" Foggy not so discreetly whispered to you.

"I can see that" you whispered back with a chuckle, you cleared you throat "now onto business then?"

"Of course"

Okay maybe Matt was a little wrong about you, alright very wrong about you. You were nothing like he imagined, but then again he hadn't put much thought to what you might be like.

He could tell that you could handle yourself, and that impressed him a lot. He could also tell that you were still grasping the ropes of being blind.

And well he wanted to help you, to train you. He thought it was funny, him training someone but he wanted to try. Maybe you could be the next Daredevil.... scratch that he didn't want that for you.

Now how is someone supposed to reveal a secret identity to a complete stranger?

ᴛᴀɢ/ꜱ: @fandxmslxt69 @jaguarthecat @bxdbxtxh15 @byebyeeye @8-29pm

© e-nonsense. do no copy/steal/translate. do it and I’ll bite your toes off

[mrdrhenwardhykle]

OC fact dump!

Alongside Stone- being the anti-piracy/virus/glitch program that he is- any anti-piracy blockers (if that's a thing) would also be personified-likely as a criminal, hitman, or crime boss (Something I don't want to do myself-because I know I'll get ahead of myself and lose focus. So feel free to fill in the blanks)

Because of issues like that-Stone has gone through multiple torture tolerance trainings/simulators

Often times there will be a little blocker illustration showing that your attempt for piracy has been stopped

Despite not tolerating game characters and coming off as a menace, he does a lot for each game-as it's very likely that a good half of realms/worlds would be a glitched and pirated mess without him.

Anytime you ask Stone about his personal life-even if you ask him how he's doing he'll reply with "That's classified information"

It's unknown where Stone lives or if he lives alone

Stone has participated in community programs like foster care and witness protection programs.

Unlike Pom Pom, there's more of a chance Stone has remorse for other characters

Pom Pom couldn't plead insanity, because despite her 'naive' front, she's fully aware of her actions

There's not a whole lot of hard feeling between Pom Pom and her victims. The only thing she has over them is that she's jealous that so many characters 'lower' than her get the limelight.

To Pom Pom, she's slightly convinced she's 'helping' her victims; as one bad day might be a lot better than having their worlds be scrapped and forgotten like hers.

Pom Pom obsesses over each victim before attacking, and knows huge chunks of each lore if you ask her.

Pom Pom usually doesn't full blown lie- as she does bend the truth and try her best to convince herself the same

Pom Pom would likely break character if she witnessed S/A, predatory actions, grooming, discrimination, bigotry, etc. in the middle of her hunt. She likes to kill and hurt creeps like that. It's a rare pleasure for her to do that. She would leave the victim alone after if she saw them being made uncomfortable like that.

The main reason why Pom Pom is the way she is, is because her world is short and sweet. There's nothing more than the forest, and she never grew up enough to make emotional attachments to anything, or set a ground of morality.

Really, she didn't know Mom Mom that well. Only implanted memories and some encounters during the testing remain. She knows the hand full of backstory memories she has are fake-but she still mourns.

She mainly kills to prove a point; that she was scrapped for more than being 'bizarre'. She thinks that everyone else gets things handed to them on a silver plate merely because they're not a young and independent girl like her.

Pom Pom rarely kills women. She might also free the damsel/princess of a game once the protagonist is killed.

Pom Pom has a soft spot for princesses.

Non-binary characters are not usually an exception, however.

Pom Pom gets very excited over Halloween and even has her own persona for it

Pom Pom claps and bounces a lot whenever she gets excited

If you asked Pom Pom what her favorite kind of music is she would say "TINY TIMMMM!!!" and get real excited and start gadding about him

[leviathansshadycorner]

messy house mates - Creepypasta x reader Headcannons

Fannon creepypasta portrayals ?

Also I’m sleep deprived af so if this doesn’t make sense I’m sorry lol

Living with a bunch of serial killers isn’t how you would think it is. At least in this case. When you first moved in you expected the house to be littered with dismembered body parts, pools of blood, weapons everywhere, and strange baggies with mysterious substances.

However you were wrong. It was much worse than you expected. Instead of finding dismembered limbs everywhere you found piles and piles of dirty clothes on the floor, empty energy drink cans, junk food wrappers, and foliage.

You honestly would rather deal with the limbs

It didn’t dawn on you until you were three weeks into living with them - but when it did, oh boy did you have a mental breakdown

Not only were you living with serial killers and criminals, most of them were m e n

Men that had somehow never matured as it seemed

The only ones who were actually clean and tidy were of course Slendy, Masky, EJ, Liu, Jane, and Hoodie (to an extent)

The ones who were the root of the problem were Jeff, Ben, Toby, Helen, LJ, and Sally

Smiledog gets a free pass since he’s just a little puppy (to you at least)

Although EJ was one of the few to actually bring in limbs and organs- he was surprisingly well organized. He always kept his things in Tupperware containers in his separate mini fridge, and always made sure to wash his plates afterwards.

Masky wasn’t really around the house much but when he was he always made sure to dust off his shoes before stepping foot in the house. Sure he left a few beer bottles here and there sometimes- but he would always throw them away eventually.

Slendy was the one who ran the whole operation- not to mention the fact that he is some sort of supernatural entity- but he’s always been neat. I mean- the guy wears a suit!

Liu usually spent time in his room or outside in the forest, so he didn’t really contribute to the mess that much. The one time that you did get to catch a glimpse of his room you noticed how neat it was. It was almost scary.

Now Jane was one of the few other girls in this house, and although she stopped trying to get everyone else to clean- she never stopped herself. In the mornings you’ll find her whacking a few of the residents in the house and scolding them about their chores. That’s not to say that she isn’t messy though. No no, Jane is known for leaving the bathroom cabinets a mess and never reorganizing them.

Hoodie- like masky- was also never around much. Your gripe with him was that he always tracked in leafs and rocks-sometimes even wild animals. You have a conspiracy that he might be some sort of Disney princess

Now onto the problematic housemates -

Ben was quite literally a twelve year old boy in the sense of cleanliness. You needed a spatula to get that grease stain off the couch- and when you did he would only lay back down. The coffee table was littered with his junk food wrappers and cans. There were sticky stains left from spilled drinks, and he hogged all the blankets when it got cold. Not to mention the smell- you knew about his water phobia- but you didn’t think it’d be this bad

“Ben, for the love of all that’s good- you need to fucking bathe in a shitload of oxiclean.”

“Wait - lemme just finish this level really quick-“

“Ben!”

“For fucks sake (Y/n)! I’m in the zone!”

One way or another you were gonna give that cat a bath.

Jeff was one of the worst ones

And you knew he did it on purpose to get on your nerves

For one- homeboy would bring in victims and leave them laying around. Once, you even tripped over one on your way down the stairs

He’s also notorious for leaving his weapons in the most unconventional places - for instance, underneath the couch, on your seat at the table, under your pillow, in the shower

“JEFF WHAT THE FUCK!” Was the common phrase around the house

Homeboy also has lots of hair and he sheds like a dog- so you best believe that every shower drain is clogged

He’s also the one who leaves out his dirty clothes lying around the house

“Jeff. What is this doing in my room?”

“Oh sweet you found my favorite shirt!”

“Dude this thing is drenched in blood.”

“So?”

Sweet Toby just made messes on accident. It’s usually because he tries to bake with Sally and the two of them tend to make a mess and never clean it up. Instead they both go up to Sally’s room and get distracted by their tea time- leaving the mess to you

LJ- like Sally and Toby, didn’t make messes on purpose. Whenever he walks around he drops pieces of candy and confetti without even knowing it.

Don’t call him it to his face- but some people call him the walking piñata

His costume also tends to loose a lot of its feathers from time to time, so you’ll find a bunch of those and save them for him in a ziplock baggie

Last of all there’s Helen. Boy- you expected better from him. It came as a surprise when you found out that it was him and not Jeff who was tracking in all of the blood. You caught him redhanded one fateful night.

“Helen! What are you doing you’re dragging in a lot of blood! You aren’t bringing a victim in here are you?”

“(Y/n) chill, it’s just paint.”

“Helen.”

“Ok- yes it’s blood but- my paint bucket has a hole and I don’t feel like buying new ones.”

“You’re cleaning this up.”

“You can’t silence my art (y/n)”

[lowkeyerror]

Just My Luck

Poison Ivy x Reader

Word Count: 1925

No Warnings

An: Ivy doesn't get nearly enough fan service. More Ivy fics plssss

Masterlist

Pt2

Everyone knows that Gotham is full of lowlifes and criminals. It's not a place to raise a family or settle down in. You're lucky if you make it through the day without someone trying to rob you at the least.

All of that aside, Gotham is the only home you've ever known. You were just a regular person trying to live your day to day without dying. Which was hard with your condition.

You called it a condition but no one else had seen it that way. You were terribly unlucky when it came to avoiding danger. So unlucky that you had cited yourself as a victim of Murphy's Law. Anything bad that could happen would happen.

You had so many close encounters with the villains of Gotham that they knew you by name. They actually really like you because you were around that meant they'd be getting away with whatever it was they were doing.

You'd met Scarecrow, Penguin, Riddler, Deathstroke, The Joker and all scared the living shit out of you. Seeing a fucking psychopath smile when they see you is always horrifying.

You had met some of Gotham's most illustrious women but it was different with them. Catwoman and Harley were always awfully flirty whenever they came across you.

You knew that they weren't necessarily good guys but it seemed like a stretch to say that they were just as bad as the guys.

Your thoughts always wander back to topics like these. Even at times like this, where all you were doing was sitting on the rooftop of your workplace for your break.

You had your legs dangling off the edge of the building, eating your turkey sandwich, minding your own business.

That was it until you heard thuds on the rooftop. With your sandwich in hand you turned around. You weren’t fazed when you saw Harley and Catwoman panting with their backs flat against the concrete.

They immediately put their guard up when they heard the footsteps approaching them but relaxed when they saw you.

" Thank God you're here I don't think I could run anymore'" Catwoman let her body fall back to the concrete.

" How ya doin princess?" Harley asked, causing you to blush.

" I'm ok, should I even ask what you guys are doing?"

" The usual taking something that doesn't belong to us," Harley answers for the both of them.

Your eyes dart to their bag of stolen goods. You see some clothes, some jewelry, and an odd looking plant.

" See something you like, Y/nn"

You let your eyes linger on the plant before answering," That just seems a little misplaced Catwoman"

" Does she not know your name kitty?" Harley ignores most of your comments.

" You can call me Selena, beautiful and the plant is for Ivy"

You weren’t dumb, you knew they were talking about Poison Ivy. The only villain that you hadn’t had an encounter with. Part of you was really curious as to how you hadn’t run into the woman. She was honestly hard to miss with her having green skin and all.

" Never met her"

Harley's eyes almost looked like they were going to pop out of her head," HOW HAVE YOU NEVER MET IVY? Oh my goodness, you'd love her. No chemicals needed of course."

You shook your head," You think so?"

" Ivy's more than a crazy plant lady; she's actually a certified chemist," Harley adds on.

" You know she could probably help you with your thing," Selena comments, making your eyebrows lift.

" You think she could help me with Murphy's law?"

Selena shrugs," She could at least tell you if its a chemical imbalance or something else"

All the doctors you'd previously been to were no help. They didn't take your disease seriously. They didn't believe that being unlucky was something that they could diagnose. Maybe you needed someone who was a little unhinged to check it out. Someone who would be interested enough to figure out what was wrong with you.

" I want to meet her"

Harley and Selena looked at each other for a minute as if they were having a secret conversation. Selena looked to be on the more hostile side of things whereas Harley was more relaxed.

After they'd come to a conclusion they turned their attention back to you," Well looks like you're coming with us today"

Selena led the way and Harley had dragged you along behind her. You didn't talk much during the walk, too immersed in thought.

This should've been a red flag for you. Why on Earth were you letting two fugitives take you to another fugitive on the basis that she might be able to help you? Maybe you had spent too much time around the criminals. Enough to be desensitized from their horrible deeds and be able to see them as just any other person.

Desensitized didn't feel like the right word though. A small part of your brain liked to convince you that Harley and Selena were kind of like your friends. Though you only learned Selena's name today it just felt organic with them.

" Not that I'm surprised but you're pretty quiet, beautiful. Thinking about going home?" Selena spared a glance back at you but kept her brisk walking pace.

" No, I just- it's dumb nevermind"

" Well now you've just gotta share with the class Y/nn," Harley swung your intertwined hands higher in the air causing you to laugh a little.

" Fine, it's just that I don't get out much, you know. Which means I don't have many friends and I don't know. Sometimes I like to think you guys are my friends"

Selena stopped in her tracks and turned around to make sure you could see her rolling her eyes at you," Well what a crazy thought that is. It's not like we're taking you to possibly find out a reason behind this… whatever the fuck you call it, that plagues your life"

" I-"

" Even though from a business standpoint it'd be better for us to just let you keep the chaos coming"

Harley smiles at you," What she's trying to say is of course we're friends princess. I mean trust me if we didn't like ya, you'd know by now"

You could feel the back of your neck warming with embarrassment," Well um that's good to know"

Selena scoffs a little before walking back towards you and Harley and grabbing your other hand," In all seriousness we are your friends, probably your only friends. We may be criminals but we've got your back okay?"

" Kitty's right, you can call us for anything; if ya get stuck on the toilet with no tissue, if ya need us to get rid of somebody, or if ya just wanna hang out."

" Don't call me for toilet paper Y/n," Selena says slightly disgusted, "The other stuff is fine. You could even just stop by our place." She nodded her head towards what looked to be a rundown apartment building.

" Thanks guys that means a lot"

Selena released your hand," Enough of that now, let's get you to Ivy"

When you entered their apartment it was surprisingly what you had expected. There were a couple of things scattered around that could only belong to Harley Quinn. There were a couple of claw marks on the wall that most likely came from Selena. There were also a couple of vines just laying around the floor which you assumed was Ivy's doing.

" Honey, we're home and we gotcha somethin special," Harley called out before plopping down on the couch.

You followed suit and sat right next to her. You hadn't really been nervous up until this point but when your eyes landed on Ivy your heart rate almost tripled.

You could see why she was so intoxicating. Unbeknownst to yourself, your eyes traveled the length of her body. From her toned long legs all the way up to her flowing red hair.

A panic shot through you when you realized she was strutting towards you. If your heart hadn’t wasn't beating fast before, now it was trying to escape your chest.

One of her hands reached out and brought your chin down so that you were forced to look into her eyes.

She took her time looking over you before her eyes snapped back to yours," If you two brought me this pretty little flower it must be my lucky day"

Your eyes went wide and you struggled to find the words you wanted to say.

" Absolutely not, we brought you a plant. That's Y/n"

Ivy hummed at what Selena said but didn't show any signs of moving away from you," Well Y/n, I'm Ivy. I've heard a lot about you but no one told me you were so easy on the eyes"

One of her fingers traced your jaw causing you to lose any thought that previously occupied your head.

" We were actually wondering if you could help her, Ives," Harley said, reminding you that you were right next to her.

Ivy didn't bother glancing at Harley," Are you always this reserved little flower?"

That statement was enough to slightly break you from your trance," God is a woman and her celestial beauty has made me speechless"

" Good going Ivy, you broke her even more," Harley pushed the other woman away from you before slapping you in the face.

" Y/n if you can hear speak normally. Not like you're in some cheesy romance novel. Who even uses the word celestial?"

" Ouch, what the fuck Harley?"

" Ivy's pheromones were getting all in your brain"

Selena was laughing in her seat, " Harley, I don't think those were Ivy's pheromones. I think Y/n here was good old fashioned flustered"

Your eyes shifted away in embarrassment, " So you mean to tell me you meant to say that celestial beauty line?"

" I mean, meant to say it is kind of a strong phrase. It just kind of slipped out," your eyes were focused on anything but any of the three women in the room.

" Don't worry about it Y/n, I thought it was very cute. And Harley if you ever push me again I'll leave you tied to a street lamp for a week," Ivy dusted herself off and sent a glare at Harley.

Harley rolled her eyes," Don't be so dramatic Ives."

Selena cleared her throat," I think we're getting off course. We brought Y/n here to see if you could help her with her bad luck thingy"

" Murphy's law," you corrected her.

Ivy's eyes lit up at the mention of it," Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

You nodded, " That's the one."

She circled around you a few times making you stand up straighter," I can run a few tests but I don't want to do that until after I've… thoroughly studied you"

You could feel your mouth dry almost instantly," W-well how long will that take?"

You could feel the green woman leaning closer to you from behind," Let's just say we'll be spending a lot of time together."

You almost fainted when her lips grazed your ears," Dear God"

" Yes?" Ivy answered in a melodic tone.

This was the start of a new chapter in your life. You could already tell that meeting Poison Ivy was going to change your life. It only took one look in her eyes for you to become enthralled by her. Having her help you figure out this "bad luck thing" was definitely going to be an experience.

[babymetaldoll]

DIWK - Chapter two: "Everyday I love you less and less."

Chapter nine |Word count: 13,3K

My gif ✨

Warnings: Cursing. Spoilers of season 1 Criminal Minds. Mentions of minor injuries (secondary character), and all your usual Criminal Minds content.

Summary: Young SSA (Y/N) is getting used to her demanding job at the BAU, and her friendship with Spencer Reid is growing strong. Will Lila Archer get in the middle of their dynamic?

A/N: Hello! I'm so excited to share this new chapter with you!! Thank you for your love, likes, reblogs, and comments 💖 DM me if you want to be on the taglist, or if you want to talk about this chapter.

Masterlist

Chapter one | Chapter two | Chapter three | Chapter four | Chapter five | Chapter six | Chapter seven | Chapter eight | Chapter nine | Chapter ten | Chapter eleven | Chapter twelve | Chapter thirteen | Chapter fourteen | Chapter fifteen |

━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━

(Y/N)'s point of view

February 2006. After three months in the BAU, I was already used to traveling and living in my go-bag. But from all the places I have visited so far, Los Angeles is by far one of my least favorite cities. Don't ask me why, 'cos I know it's completely irrational, but I've never felt comfortable when I'm here. And that time wasn't any better.

It wasn't just the sun. I hate the sun. It wasn't just the fact I hated Lila Archer, the fucking princess we had to protect during the case, and who seemed to give a shit someone was trying to kill her. No, though that wasn't helping either.

No, what was driving me mad was the fact the next day was my boyfriend's birthday. Instead of organizing a fantastic party, I was stuck watching a bimbo run around a fucking tv set wearing nothing but a tiny bikini, acting like she didn't care a serial killer was after her.

- "Hey! Are you ok?"- Morgan found me outside the tv set, trying to catch some fresh air.

- "Yeah, I'm just..."- I know he had always been too nice to me, but I still wasn't feeling him close enough to tell him my personal problems.

- "Tired?"- I just nodded when he finished my sentence.

- "I don't know what I was expecting, but the BAU is a lot to handle"

- "Yeah, they don't put it on the brochure"- both of them smiled for a second.

- "Guys!"- Spencer waved suddenly and sprinted over us- "Lila just got a note from the unsub!"

I quickly nodded and walked with him and Morgan to her trailer.

- "I'm intrigued by this particular version of the verb to be"- Gideon had the note in his hands, in a plastic bag. We all read it over and over again until we memorized it.

- "Past participle, steady-state of being, preceding adverb"- I analyzed, and Gideon nodded.

- "What does that mean? that he can write right? Can you just speak English?"- Lila frowned and crossed her arms on her chest.

I could understand she was nervous, Lila was the victim. And I had to understand she wasn't herself at the moment. Still, she had been a whiny bitch for the whole day, and I had it with her.

- "That's actually English"- I tried not to sound as rude as I was in my mind, but something tells me I failed terribly- "We are discussing the verb tenses"

- "(Y/N)..."- Reid tried to stop me, but I just continued speaking with a cold voice.

- "And by how he or she writes, we can conclude our stalker is someone you know, based on the tens of the verb"

I kept my eyes focused on her. She was scared, and I felt sorry I had snapped a little on her, but she deserved it. She had to drop the Hollywood act and start cooperating if she didn't want to die.

- "Maybe it's time we take her off the street"- Morgan tried to refocus the conversation on what gathered us there, helping Lila. Though it wasn't going to be easy.

- "I'm not going to hide, guys"- but it felt she didn't care- "Last night, I decided I would not be afraid of this lunatic. So, am I safe here? I only have one more scene to shoot."

- "The set is clear of everyone except essential personnel, and we have increased security at the gate"- detective Kim assured.

- "Then it's settled, I'm staying here to work"- and the princess stormed out the trailer.

- "She is one tough girl"- Elle whispered, and I rolled my eyes.

- "Yeah"- Spencer agreed, and I looked at him, trying to control the daggers that kept coming from my eyes- "What?"

- "I didn't want to say anything in front of her, but the anger about her going to the police suggest our unsub might alter his agenda"- Gideon interrupted us.

- "She didn't go alone"- Elle pointed- "Her manager took her..."

- "You guys stay here. Elle and I are going to talk to the manager"- Gideon stood up, and I quickly followed him outside the trailer.

- "Do you want me to come with you?"

- "No. I need you here. She is the target of the stalker, and we need as many eyes on her as possible."

- "I think the princess is used to having all the eyes on her"- I muttered, annoyed. Gideon looked at me for a second, and I swear I felt my dad was about to scold me.

- "We are here to help her, (Y/N)"

- "I know, sir, but she could cooperate and let us do our work. She would be safer at an undisclosed location."

- "She is safe here, and we need to avoid any change in the unsub's plan, (Y/N), are we clear?"

I sighed and looked down, a little embarrassed and still very annoyed

- "Yes, sir"- Elle stood next to me, confused

- "Everything ok?"

- "Yeah... I'll see you later"- she gave me an interrogative look and walked quickly to catch up with Gideon, who was already gone.

I walked around the set with my cellphone in hand. Morgan kept following me, trying to see what I was doing. What was I doing? I was texting Paul. No, I was thinking of what to text him because I knew I would need an excuse to miss his birthday. I was sure we weren't going to make it back to Virginia on time.

- "Ok, what is it?"- Derek stood in front of me and gave me a cup of coffee- "Don't give me the "I'm tired" excuse, 'cos I know that's not what's going on, so?"

I looked at him, knowing I was defeated.

- "It's nothing"

- "It's clearly keeping you in a bad mood, which is affecting your work, so? you know you were pretty rude at Lila back there."

- "I know, but bitch had it coming"- the words just slipped, and they seemed to shock Derek.

- "Wow... you do know there's a stalker trying to kill everyone around her, including her, right?"

- "Then she should be collaborating! Staying here working is clearing a sign she gives a shit about what we are doing and all our efforts to keep her safe!"

And I snapped. I know I shouldn't have, but I needed to let off some steam before going nuts.

- "What is this really about, girl?"- Morgan kept his calm voice, which sometimes drives me insane. He kept looking at me, not moving a muscle. Until I gave up.

- "Tomorrow's my boyfriend's birthday, and I want to get home to spend it with him"- when I heard my lame excuse, I felt like the worst SAA in the whole FBI. A girl was about to die, and there I was worried about my boyfriend.

- ("Y/N), when you join the FBI, especially this team, you have to commit to work, you have to be here 100% when we are on a case"

- "I know"- I felt like a kid that minute, and I hated it- "And in the last three months I've been working here, I've lost birthdays, family meetings, you name it... but this one..."

I didn't want, by all means, to open my heart to Derek Morgan, not in a tv set, so I stayed quiet again.

- "Do you like this job?"- that question caught me by surprise

- "What? Yes! Of course, I do! This job is why I killed myself at the academy, but what does that have to do with this?"

- "(Y/N), if you love this job and want to stay here, you will let some things go. Not being there for important dates is the first one."

And so, after three months at the BAU, I had reached my first milestone. Letting the important dates go 'cos job was more important. What I swore I was never going to do. I was getting closer to turn into my dad and my brother. And I knew what that meant.

- "And if you can't do something as simple as that, you are going to have to reconsider all this, 'cos this is not a one-time thing, this is part of this job, and it won't change."

I don't know if Morgan noticed my heart was breaking and the struggle inside my chest, but his voice softened after a few seconds.

- "Besides, your boyfriend has to understand it's not like you don't want to be there. You just happen to be saving people's lives"

And that was true. I just wasn't sure Paul was going to understand it.

- "Yeah..."- I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and shook my head- "You are right about everything, and I've been a brat with the brat."

Derek raised one of his perfect eyebrows, and I cut him a short, tiny, little, innocent smile

- "(Y/N), we are at work"- right, it wasn't the time to be me, I guess.

- "Sorry..."- I sipped my coffee and raised my eyes to him again- "No sugar, no cream, you do pay attention"

- "It happens when you work with profilers"- he chuckled and took a look around- "Check out pretty boy over there"

He pointed at Reid. The latter was utterly flustered in front of Lila.

- "You don't mind sharing with me, do you?"- she asked him, took his drink, and sipped it. He didn't even flinch. He was hypnotized by her, of course, he wasn't thinking about the germs.

- "No..."

Even from that distance, I could see his cheeks flushing. And it didn't get any better when she took off her robe and walked to do her scene in a tiny bikini. Spencer looked like he had a heart attack, and Morgan and I made our best not to chuckle.

- "You don't mind sharing with me, do you?"- he teased Reid as we walked over, and he nearly jumped.

- "Shut up!"- and Reid left the building.

I laughed, feeling a little guilty to make fun of my best friend. Besides, I didn't like Lila at all... but for a second, I needed to focus on something else that wasn't my stupid silly problems.

We had all had a very long day after dealing with a dead manager, a shotted cop, and a suspect paparazzi on the run. And we were no way near getting the unsub. Spencer took care of the princess, while Morgan and I had been chasing a lead that almost got detective Kim killed. I guess it was part of the job, and it would have been ok if it wasn't for the fact Spencer Walter Reid was inside a pool making out with Lila when the whole team and I got there. Not only that, but we also caught the freaking suspect taking pictures of them from the bushes. It was clear Spencer Reid didn't have his head on the case anymore. He and Lila were in real danger, and there he was, making out with a tv actress with big tits.

And thanks to them, the case hadn't been solved, and I was stuck in Los Angeles with two teenagers flirting and making out, probably trying to get killed. I hated Lila, and at that minute, I hated Reid too.

Morgan handcuffed the suspect. Elle ruined all the pictures that asshole had taken of Reid and Lilla. And I just gave my friend one look of hate as he stood soaking wet by the pool before I followed my team and walked away from him. I didn't want to be close to Spencer at that moment.

But by the next morning, Reid had saved the day, he had a tabloid cover picture with Lila, and we were finally on our way back home. I texted Paul that I was going to be home for dinner, but he didn't reply. I guessed he was mad, but Derek was right, I was doing my job, and it was an important job, so he couldn't get upset with me. Or that's what I kept telling myself.

- "Hey"- Morgan sat next to me and elbowed my arm- "How's your boyfriend?"

- "I'm guessing he is ok. He hasn't returned my calls or texts, but he might have started the celebration early with his friends. I have the feeling he is too hungover to be functional."

Morgan chuckled, and I tried to do the same, but all I got was a lousy smile.

- "Who's hungover?"- Reid sat in front of us and tried to make conversation. But I didn't answer. Morgan stood up and walked to the bathroom, tapping on my back.

- "(Y/N)?"- Spencer had those puppy eyes right into mine. No matter how mad I had been with him the night before, we were on our way back home, which meant I didn't have a reason to be so upset just to see his face.

- "Paul"- I murmured and opened my book. I knew I wasn't going to be able to read, but I needed to ignore him, at least for a while.

- "Why?"- and of course, my best friend didn't get the cue.

- "Today's his birthday"- I answered, my eyes were still glued to the book.

- "Oh, I see. Did you know many polytheistic civilizations marked birthdays in conjunction with astrology in hopes of using that to predict their future destinies? However, celebrating birthdays were usually reserved for those potentates who could afford it?"

I always hated when people got annoyed with his random facts, but I wasn't in the mood to listen to him that day.

- "No, Reid, I didn't know, but maybe you can tell me a little more about it tomorrow because right now, I don't think I can concentrate on any fact"

I finally met his eyes and did my best to be as nice as possible. The kid hadn't done anything wrong, and I knew it. I acted like a little bitch because I wanted to be there with my boyfriend, and my boyfriend wasn't picking up the phone. It wasn't his fault at all.

- "Of... of course"- he seemed embarrassed, and I immediately felt guilty- "I'm sorry I bothered you"

- "No, you didn't bother me. I'm just not at my best right now"

- "Do you want to... talk about it?"- I could feel in his voice; he was scared to ask, but that didn't stop him. I guess he was a little more confident, at least around me.

- "(Y/N), can we talk for a minute?"

Hotch's voice made me shiver in fear, and I nodded quickly. I stood up and walked over him to the other side of the plane, leaving Spencer with an interrogative look in his eyes.

- "What is it?"- I tried to stay as calm as possible.

- "What happened to you out there yesterday?"

Hotch always goes straight to the point, which meant no matter how much I thought I was prepared to have a conversation with him, he always left me baffled. But that day, and after Gideon's words on the field, I knew I had to face my mistake,

- "I know I was unprofessional, and I very sorry I snapped at Lila"

- "I need to know when you are out there with the team; your mind is one hundred percent on the case"

I nodded, embarrassed Hotch had to tell me off about something so elemental. I should have known better, but instead, I acted like a child.

- "Yes, sir"- I whispered and looked down.

- "When we are with a victim, no matter how they are behaving, we have to stay calm, we have to help them, and most of all, we have to be at our best."

- "Yes sir."

- "I know you are young, and you still have a lot to learn, but this is basic at our daily job. I need to know you will be the agent I know you can be because we can't act selfishly. Whatever happens with us outside the office, our personal life stays outside the office, ok?"

I bit my lips and took a deep breath before I dared to look at him again. His eyes were severe but paternal at the same time. They made me feel he wasn't just reprimanding me for being an asshole, but also because he knew I could be better.

- "Yes, Hotch, first and last time. I promise"- he nodded, and I stood up.

- "(Y/N)"- he stopped me before I left, and I sat down again. Maybe there was a second part of the speech- "I haven't had the time to tell you, despite what happened yesterday, we are all very pleased with your work."

I didn't see that coming, and I knew he could tell by my eyes opened wide and the blush on my cheeks.

- "You have been a great addition, and we are all happy to have you on board."

I didn't know what to say at that. I've never been good with compliments. I nodded, smiled, and stayed in silence, one awkward silence.

- "You might want to go back to Reid and tell him you are not fired, 'cos he is looking at us like you are about to die"

I chuckled and looked his way. Spencer was hiding behind his book, trying to take a peek at what we were talking about.

- "Thank you, Hotch."

Spencer's point of view

I was all alone at the office, sitting at my desk staring at the paper Morgan had tossed at me earlier before leaving. It had a picture of Lila and me saying goodbye. My chest tightened at the thought of her lips against mines and how she felt so close to me. When we said goodbye, her sad eyes broke my heart because both of us knew it would never happen. We were never going to meet again, which was a fact from the first time we landed eyes on each other.

Still, I had reached farther than I thought I could. We kissed. Lila wanted to see me again. When had that happened to me back then? Never. When had my last date been? Before the BAU, and it didn't go as well as it did with Lila.

Kissing her and feeling whatever it was that happened inside of me- a crush or pure desire- was the best way to get rid of any feeling I had left for JJ. She and I, it was never going to happen, and if it did, it was never going to work. Not just because we were too different, but because we were better off as friends. It always felt she was my older sister, regularly taking care of me, treating me like her younger brother. I know she always wanted one. Maybe she projected the sibling she never had on me from day one. And that's ok, I've always liked that relationship with her.

I grabbed all my things, put on my jacket, satchel, purple scarf, and walked outside the office. It was time to go back home alone again. I wanted to ask (Y/N) if she wanted to see a movie with me tonight. I had been trying for weeks to get her hooked on Star Trek, considering she has always been team Star Wars. But she had her boyfriend's party that night. I wished she had fun with him. She deserved to have a good time, after everything we had been through in the latest weeks. We are always busy and always tired. But yet, I've never seemed to matter much about it.

- "So I'm guessing, tonight it's just me, Indian take-out, and a puzzle"- I said to myself out loud as I waited for the elevator.

It was Friday, which meant unless a new case came up, I was finally going to be able to rest for the whole weekend. Finish a few books, get some more. The usual. I remembered (Y/N) said she wanted to go to a library I had told her about. Maybe I could ask her if she wanted to come along.

I finished writing another letter to my mom before I prepared myself to go to bed. That night I told her about our trip back from Los Angeles and how the paparazzi got everything wrong with Lila. I hadn't had a crush on a girl in so long it's embarrassing to try to keep track of time. So, I'll just say, "in a while."

- "Should I call her? I mean, it would only be polite to ask how she is doing..."- I asked myself and sat on the edge of my bed, holding my phone. Yes, I've always talked to myself out loud a lot, and living alone, you kind of have to, in order not to go insane. Or is it the other way around?

I kept looking at my phone when I heard the sound of an income text coming from my bag. I hated cell phones. Until this day, I only carry one because of work, and back then, every text I got meant there was a new case. So nothing made me think otherwise.

- "I'm sorry I was rude today. I hope you are ok"

I read and frowned. It was (Y/N), texting me at two in the morning. I stared at the screen for a moment, not sure what I had to do. Should I write back? It was only polite to answer her text, though I honestly hated texting. But it was (Y/N), she was my best friend. And I needed to know if she was ok.

- "It's ok, are you alright?"

I read those words repeatedly before I pushed "send", and decided to leave my cellphone at the bedside table and walk to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I got back, there were three messages from (Y/N).

- "I was grumpy the whole trip, sorry I held it against you."

I didn't know she was grumpy. Did something happen to her? I never noticed there was something wrong with her, and she was my best friend. I frowned, confused, and kept reading.

- "And I'm sorry you didn't have more time with the princess."

Princess? I didn't get it at first until I remembered (Y/N) had been pretty nasty with Lila. She was probably talking either derogatorily or ironically about her. But that didn't matter at the moment. Because all I could think of for the rest of the night was her last message.

- "I missed you these days. Wanna go to the movies tomorrow?"

There was a spark that lit inside of me the second I read "I missed you" that I didn't want to fade. I held my breath for a few seconds. I didn't need to think what to answer, 'cos I had already typed a simple "Of course", and I started overanalyzing every word I had read.

Over the last three months, (Y/N) had turned into more than just my favorite co-worker. She was my best friend. There was no one at the BAU that could get me the way she understood me. We talked for hours on the plane, we analyzed cases together, we would hang out at the office, and go out for lunch. We would even hang out on weekends, I would go to her place and do a Doctor Who marathon, or she would come to my home and play chess and listen to old records. Records she brought, 'cos I didn't have much but classical music back then. Still, as soon as she found out about my obsession with vinyl records, she kept giving me classic albums she thought I needed to hear. That's how I met Bob Dylan and David Bowie. And learned to enjoy them. They reminded me of her, and I didn't feel alone when I listened to them. Like I was doing that night.

- "My place at four?"

I texted and waited. (Y/N)'s answer didn't come soon. I was actually in the middle of a Poe anthology when I heard my phone buzz at four in the morning. I know I should be sleeping, but sleep never came easy for me.

- "See you there, honey bunny."

That was the first day she called me that. It was the first time someone called me a loving nickname. Yes, JJ called me "Spence," but that wasn't a nickname, really. It was a short version of my name. This was for real. This was cute. This made my heart skip a beat. Yes, my mother called me cute names sometimes, ever since I could remember... and I remember a lot. But this felt different. It made me feel special. Loved. Closer to someone. Someone I wanted to be closer with.

(Y/N)'s point of view

That night was shit. It was one big fight with Paul. Eventually, he apologized, but I don't think I ever forgave him completely. It was the first time he blamed me for not being with me. He said I was selfish for ditching him on his day.

Because apparently, catching psychopaths across the country is an entirely selfish, self-centered, stupid job apparently.

We were at a bar with his friends, one of their bands had a gig, and they were all together, celebrating. Of course, I got there late, thanks to all the paperwork I had to do when we got back to Quantico. Paul was already tipsy when I got there, with his present. He gave me the cold shoulder for the first half-hour, and I felt so bad, sad, and alone. At first, I actually felt guilty, like I was the one who had fucked it up.

He kept talking with his friends and laughing, completely oblivious to my existence, ignoring every time I tried to engage in the conversation. I even got a round of drinks for the table. But apparently, it was the least I could do.

I was sorry I was late. But I wasn't sorry I was working. Derek and Hotch were right. When I was in the field, I had to put my head into it, and being frustrated and anxious 'cos I wanted to go back home to be with my boyfriend on his birthday was selfish. As selfish as Paul was acting that night.

It made me want to cry, but I hadn't done it in such a long time. I didn't want to crack because of something so silly.

It wasn't until I got a text from García that I realized I had to get out of there. I was finishing my third beer, trying to find a way to talk to Paul, but he kept dismissing every try I gave.

- "I'm glad you got home safe. Derek told me about the shooting."

Right, I almost got shot, I could have died, and Paul was a little bitch 'cos I was late for his birthday. I wasn't going to take that. No way. Not even my dad made a fuzz when I was late for his annual barbecue 'cos I was coming from a case in Tampa. I wasn't going to take it from Paul.

- "Ok guys, have fun!"- that was all I said, grabbed my bag, and stormed out of the bar. Fuck, it felt good.

- "Wait, wait!"- Paul showed up running behind me just as I reached the door- "Where are you going?"

- "Home, I want to rest, and you are enjoying your time with your friends. I'm glad you are having fun, today is your birthday, don't worry, I'll be fine."

- "Babe, come on, you got here late, and now you want to leave early?"- I frowned and freed my arm from his hand, 'cos he was still grabbing it tightly.

- "Are you trying to make me feel guilty? You've been an asshole! I got here 'cos I was working in Los Angeles catching a fucking psychopath! I wasn't napping! And I couldn't do anything to get here earlier! really, Paul? what the fuck?!"

Although it was clear he was drunk, I couldn't blame the alcohol for his attitude.

- "I'm sorry, I just thought you could get home earlier, ask your boss, tell him..."

- "Tell him what? "Hey Hotch, I gotta go home 'cos it's Paul's birthday! So good luck catching this murdered without me!" really? do you think that's how the FBI works?"

I was yelling, and I knew he was embarrassed 'cos people kept staring at us as they walked by, and honestly, I gave a shit. That's how mad I was.

- "I... I don't know! it just felt like you didn't even care"

- "Didn't... I didn't care?"- and that was it- "Shit, Paul, you don't even know me, do you?"

I shoved him and walked away from him immediately, not looking back.

- "Babe, come on!"- he grabbed my arm and stopped me- "Please, it's my birthday, stay!"

- "No, have fun with your friends. I am going to sleep. I'm too tired for this stupid bullshit."

But I didn't go home. The second I got into a cab, I called my best friend, enraged.

- "Hey! what's up?"- Lucy's voice was so cheerful, even though it was almost midnight- "Are you ok?"

- "Are you home?"

- "Yeah, what is it?"

- "Can I come over?"

- "Sure! I'm in my pajamas already, but..."

- "I don't care, I just... don't wanna go to my place"

- "Is everything ok?"

- "Yeah, I just need to talk to you 'cos you are emotionally smarter than I am"- she chuckled, 'cos that was something I would usually tell her.

- "I'll make some tea. I just made some oatmeal cookies"

- "Then it's girl's night."

I got to Lucy's house, took off my shoes, and fell on her couch, groaning, weary.

- "Hello to you too"- she joked and walked to the kitchen- "How are you?"

- "I'm so fucking tired, Lu. I think I need to sleep for a whole week."

- "That bad?"- my best friend appeared by my side with a cup of earl grey tea and fresh homemade cookies.

- "Fuck, I love you so much"- she laughed again and forced me to move my legs to sit next to me. I sat down and held the cup, taking a deep breath. I love that smell. Always have, always will.

- "So, what happened?"

- "I'm dating an asshole, and I almost got shot"

- "What?!"- she nearly jumped and wide opened her eyes as I took a bite of a cookie and nodded

- "Yeah, an asshole who made me feel like shit 'cos I got late to his birthday party 'cos I was catching a psychopath in California with the team."

- "When did you almost get shot?!"- she was still in shock, waiting for more info about that, instead of Paul.

- "Derek and I were following a lead when a potential unsub started shooting at us"

My friend was silent, her eyes were still wide opened, and her face was pale.

- "Nothing happened to me, Lu! look at me!"- I waved and tried to smile as wide as possible- "Nothing happened, really!"

- "I hate your job"

- "Come on! It was nothing! I mean, detective Kim was shot, but he is gonna be ok. It's part of the job."

- "That's why I hate your job."

I raised an eyebrow at my friend and took another sip of tea.

- "You are going to text me each time you get home safe 'cos now I am worried sick you are out there trying to catch fucking psychos!"- I gasped in shock.

- "Wow! You cursed!"- that was weird. It was so odd I wanted to mark the day in the calendar and celebrate it every year as the day Lu swore. She never did. She wasn't a prude, but the girl took special care of her vocabulary. I don't know why. I curse like a sailor. I guess I swore for the two of us. There is a balance in every friendship. That was ours.

- "That's how worried and mad I am! Why did you pick such a dangerous job?"

- "Because it's what I always wanted to do, and Lu, I swear, it feels so good, so fucking good"- I stood up holding my cup, and started walking across the room.

- "Yesterday, I made a linguistic analysis that helped to define the personality of the unsub"

- "What is an unsub"?- my friend looked confused.

- "An unknown subject"

- "The suspect?"

- "Yeah"

- "Why don't you just call it "suspect"?"

- "It's the proper vocabulary at work"

- "Ok... unsub"- she repeated

- "What I'm trying to tell you here is that my boss complimented my work"- Lu smiled at me and sipped her tea.

- "I know, I was just messing you with. Now, about your boyfriend..."

My friend paused her words. I could see in her face how she was making her best to rearrange the words to say whatever it was that she was going to say in the least hurtful way.

- "I know you hate him; you don't have to sugar coat it"- her pause was too long, and I was too impatient to wait for her softer version of what I already knew.

- "I never said I hate him!"- she was almost surprised by my words. Almost, 'cos I knew she was trying not to smile- "I just told you, you deserve someone who is not... an asshole."

- "Which basically means "I hate your boyfriend"- Lu gave up and shook her head.

- "Are you going to break up with him?"

- "What? no!"- I stopped walking and took a deep sigh- "Well, I don't know"

- "Are you in love with him?"

- "Nope"

- "Then?"

- "It's complicated."

I knew Lu wanted me to elaborate profoundly on that subject. Still, I didn't want to open that door. So I just shook my head, and Lucy sighed, tapped on the couch next to her, and grabbed the remote control.

- "Pride and prejudice" or "Ten things I hate about you"?

- "I need Mr. Darcy"- I mumbled and sighed, sitting next to her and wrapping myself with one of her blankets. I was lucky Lu was my best friend.

I sent Spencer the first text when I realized, out of the blue, that I had been an ass with him that day, and he didn't deserve it. I said I always wanted to listen to his ramblings, and I ultimately failed at my promise. I know I never promised it to him, but myself. I hated it when everybody acted annoyed when he started talking.

- "I'm sorry I was rude today. I hope you are ok"

After I sent it, I remembered Spencer hated technology. He was doomed with me anyway. I was always going to text him. And I knew he was never going to leave one of my messages unanswered. I knew, and I'm sure he knew it too.

- "It's ok, are you alright?"

I swear I could almost listen to Spencer's voice as I read his words. And I smiled right away, almost smelling the coffee scent he always had.

- "I was grumpy the whole trip, sorry I held it against you"

I had to confess why I had acted like a brat, though I was sure he hadn't notice 'cos he had been too busy with that stupid actress.

- "Who are you texting?"- Lu took her eyes from her knitting and turned to me. I know she was scared I would say Paul, but the thought hadn't even crossed my mind and the fact he hadn't even texted me once to apologize made it even worse.

- "Spencer"- I simply answered and continued writing

- "And I'm sorry you didn't have more time with the princess."

I never stopped to think Reid had to be feeling miserable. He couldn't get to hang out with Lila for longer. He had to be heartbroken. Or maybe not. I wished he wasn't. That girl didn't deserve his tears. As far as I was concerned, Reid was too good for Lila. She was a bimbo. I don't care what everyone else said. I know I shouldn't call girls that, but I never liked her. Besides, he took all of Reid's time those days, and I never got a chance to hang out with him.

- "Your Spencer from work?"- Lu continued knitting. She knew everything about everything there was to learn from the BAU. She had already heard me hating Gideon from time to time and Morgan's annoying jokes. He knew Hotch scared the bejesus out of me and that García was the cutest, sweetest girl in the whole FBI.

- "Yes"

- "Am I ever going to get to meet your team?"

- "Why do you want to meet them?"- I didn't mean to be rude. I just didn't feel comfortable with the idea of my worlds colliding.

- "'Cos, they all sound nice, but if you don't want to, then that's cool"- I groaned, annoyed with myself, not with my friend's request.

- "I just don't feel ready yet"

- "That's cool"- Lu made lights off of the whole deal, but I felt like I owed her an explanation.

- "I don't want to show them my true colors just yet, 'cos I'm still trying to feel comfortable around them"- Lu nodded and continued knitting.

I felt a little bad, but it was the truth. I wasn't embarrassed by my friends, no way, it was just too soon, I guess.

The only member of the team I could introduce to my friends was Spencer. Did he want to meet them? I hadn't talked much with him in the last few days... and I missed him. I remembered he said he felt people were forced to be with him, and it ached to think he had that image of everyone around him.

- "I missed you these days. Wanna go to the movies tomorrow?".

I already missed not having Spencer around after three months of working together. I think that happens when you get used to having someone around you all the time.

Spencer's point of view

Having a day for myself didn't happen that often. And it was weird. I took care of the laundry, went to the store to get the essentials: cookies, donuts, coffee, cream, sugar, and jello. Then, I found myself sitting in my living room, reading all alone. I took a look at my wristwatch. It was one-thirty.

I held my phone and left it aside. But after a few minutes, I grabbed it again and started dialing. But no, I hung up and sighed. Yes, I've always been a chicken, but calling Lila was terrifying. I didn't know what to say; I just wanted to see if she was ok. I took a deep breath and held onto that thought. I was just calling to know if she was ok.

- "Hi, it's Spencer... Hello! Hi... I'm Spencer"

Yes, I even practiced it out loud a few times.

- "Hello?"- her voice on the other side of the line froze me. I even held my breath- "Hello?"

- "Hi... Lila? it's... me... Spencer"- I could almost hear her smile through the phone, and I was grateful I was alone in my house, and no one could see me blush.

- "Hi! Spencer! I'm ok, how are you? how was the flight back home?"

- "It was ok, I'm ok, you? how are you feeling?"- she sighed and made a pause.

- "I'm ok, I guess. My parents came to stay with me, so I'm not alone. The press has been annoying, as usual. I'm basically just locked inside the house with my family, at least until things cool off."

- "I'm sorry you still have to be hidden"

- "Don't worry about it. It shouldn't take long anyway. People will forget this whole deal as soon as another scandal comes up."

Lila giggled, and I didn't know what to say. I was lost in the image of her smile after we kissed. Eidetic memory was a blessing at that moment.

- "And... what are you doing?"- she whispered.

- "I was reading for a while."

- "Are you planning to spend the day at home?"

- "Yeah, no, I mean, well, I'm going out in a bit to the movies."

- "Dr. Reid has a date?"- was she jealous? Was she just teasing? I honestly don't know.

- "Yeah, no, no, actually (Y/N) and I are going to the movies in a while, she should be here soon."

- "The rude agent? Is she your friend?"- her voice was somehow surprised. I didn't know why.

- "She is my best friend, actually"- I hadn't thought about it that way, but (Y/N) was already my best friend.

- "How can you be friends with her?"- I didn't know how to answer that.

- "Why shouldn't I?"

- "She doesn't seem to be anything like you, Spence. You are a nice guy, and she is... well, I'm surprised. She was disrespectful to me the whole time, she kept trying to make me feel stupid, and it felt she thought she was doing me a favor for being there instead of doing her job!"

Yes, (Y/N) hadn't been nice with Lila, but she did a fantastic job. Sure, she had an attitude towards her, I don't know why, but that didn't get in the way of her excellent work. That was what mattered.

- "I just can't imagine you two hanging out... anyway... I'm glad you called."

- "I... I wanted to know about you... I was worried you would be still shocked after what happened."

- "No, you saved my life"- there was a knock on my door, and I instantly stopped listening to Lila.

- "Give me a second, please"- I asked her and walked to the answer.

As soon as I opened the door, I found (Y/N), with an apologetic smile standing outside my apartment.

- "I'm sorry, I know I was supposed to be here later, but I didn't want to be home"- I nodded and invited her in.

- "What is it?"- Lila asked at the other side of the line. And somehow, I was sure she wasn't going to be happy with my answer.

- "(Y/N) is here"- and just like that, my best friend showed me a box with my favorite food.

- "I brought you coffee and a donut"- and I was thankful, 'cos I hadn't eaten anything since my breakfast that morning.

- "I see... well, maybe we can talk when you are not busy"- Lila's voice sounded upset, I don't know why- "Have fun with your friend."

- "Yes, definitely, I'll call you later"- and without another word, she hung up.

- "I'm sorry to interrupt"- (Y/N) was honestly concerned she was getting in the middle of something important- "I know we said at four, but... I just didn't..."

She looked tired, weary, actually. She was just standing in the middle of the living room, staring at her cup of coffee, not saying a word.

- "Are you ok?"- I wasn't sure she wanted to talk about it. Somehow I always had to adjust my questions to her timing. We talked about her whenever she wanted to open up. Not when I wanted to know what was going on.

- "Yeah, I just had a fight with Paul last night, and I don't want to talk to him, and I'm pretty sure he is going to drop by my apartment at some point during the day."

Her body language told me right away; she was frustrated. She kept rubbing the back of her neck as she took a deep breath and made a pause. I invited her to sit down, and she did, at the couch, while I sat back on my favorite armchair, where I had left my book.

- "What happened?"

- "Paul thought he is more important than my job, and when he realized he was wrong, he snapped."

- "Did he hit you?"- I held my breath at the thought, but she shook her head.

- "No, he is not violent, just a douche. We argued, I left his party. He has been calling, but I don't wanna talk to him, I don't know what to say..."

- "Do you love him?"- and she shook her head again- "Then, why are you with him?"

Her silence was long. Too long, maybe. She looked at her cup, and I looked at her. I couldn't read what she was feeling.

- "I guess I think if I break up with him, I'll lose the version of myself I don't want to lose."

She was clearly embarrassed, I could read it on each movement, and on her blushed cheeks.

- "I know it sounds stupid, but... you know, losing myself is what scares me the most in this job, and being with Paul is a constant reminder of who I like to be."

- "You are awesome on your own, (Y/N)"- words just left my lips, and I didn't give them much thought.

- "You are who you are because it is who you want to be, not because someone else is making you, you don't need someone to remind you anything, you just need to stay true to yourself."

For someone with a lot of problems with self-esteem and social anxiety, I was a great advisor. I felt like a fraud, but I also knew I was right.

- "Harder to be done than said"- she whispered and laid to the side of the couch, resting her head on a cushion- "Anyway, I don't want to think about Paul right now. I guess I'll have to deal with him later, or tomorrow. I don't know. What were you doing? I'm sorry to intrude."

- "No, don't worry, I was just talking with Lila- she raised her eyebrows, completely surprised

- "Wow, Reid, you dog!"- I felt my cheeks burn with those words, and I know I started shaking my head immediately, trying to take any weird thought from her mind. I don't know why.

- "No, I was just worried about her"

- "Of course, you were"- her voice was so ironic, and her smile was so big, I knew she was enjoying teasing me.

- "You were also very worried when you followed her into the pool to make sure no underwater unsub would hurt her, right?"

I knew the team was never going to let that go. I was still praying for Morgan to be a good friend and keep the jokes to a minimum. I guess I was still pretty naive back then because, of course, he didn't. It took months for him to stop.

- "So, are you planning on staying in touch with the princess?"- it was funny how still after solving the case, (Y/N) was annoyed by her.

- "Why do you hate her so much?"- I had to ask.

- "Why are you avoiding answering my question?"

- "Why don't you answer mine first?"

We looked at each other in silence, both of us waiting for a reply. (Y/N) kept a silly grin on her face, though her gestures were now more relaxed. When she got home, she worried me, 'cos she looked pretty affected, tired, and stressed.

- "I don't hate Lila, I just didn't like her. She was annoying, always ignoring our orders, keeping herself in danger, not helping, being a squeamish little princess who is used to do whatever the fuck she wants, and who didn't care to put people around her in danger."

She finally confessed and sighed. I don't know how I was looking at her, but she chuckled.

- "Of course, you were oblivious to all this 'cos you couldn't stop staring at her."

- "I didn't not!"- I nearly jumped from the couch, highly offended... pretending to be offended actually. I felt embarrassed and busted instead.

- "Spencer Walter Reid, I saw you staring at her tits while on set, so don't come here with your naive puppy eyes trying to convince me otherwise, ok?"- I couldn't help it and had a fit of laughter that ended up making her laugh too.

- "I won't deny I noticed she has a stunning figure"- I finally managed to say. I felt a cushion hit my face immediately as (Y/N) continued laughing.

- "You are just like all guys, Reid, high IQ or not, you show them big tits, and you all just lose it"

I wanted to think she was wrong, but there was a big part of those words that were true. It wasn't only the breast. It was the entire presence of a beautiful woman that made me stutter and fluster right away. It had been hard to get to talk to (Y/N) from day one. It took me weeks to get to act as human as possible around her.

My friend smiled and took a sip of her coffee. I sighed, thinking about her question. I hadn't decided yet, though a big part of me, 99% of my mind, already knew the answer. I guess I was in denial of the truth.

- "Are you gonna eat that donut?"- she asked me and took me from my thoughts a few seconds later- I still haven't had lunch, and if you don't take it from my reach in three seconds, I'm gonna...

- "Mine!"- I grabbed it and took a bite of it in a second. She couldn't even finish what she was saying.

- "I'm glad I didn't try to touch it, 'cos I'm afraid you would have chewed my finger like a zombie."- I chuckled and nodded as I chewed in silence for a moment.

- "I don't think we'll keep in touch"- I admitted out of the blue and took another bite of my donut. (Y/N) just nodded and drank her coffee in silence.

- "Me and Lila, we have nothing in common in real life. She was only attracted to me because of the circumstances."

- "Why would you say that, honey bunny?"- I froze and stared at her in silence, shocked- "Shit! Sorry! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

- "No, no, no, you didn't!"- I quickly corrected her- "I'm just surprised 'cos... well, you... no one had called me "honey bunny" before."

- "Is it too awkward? And corny?"- I shook my head and looked at her. She bit her lips and furrowed her eyes.

- "Can I call you that? Honey Bunny"

I didn't even hesitate, and nodded, as she continued talking fast.

- "Because I can't help it. I give people nicknames, and you give me the "honey bunny" vibes. And it's way cuter than "pretty boy" unless you want me to call you "Baby girl."

I chuckled and finished my donuts. (Y/N) smiled at me, and all I could do was to start talking facts.

- "Did you know pet names are actually called hypocorism?"

- "Greek, right?"- of course, master in Linguistics...

- "Yes! and in Viking societies, most people had one. They were used in addition to or instead of the first name"

- "That I didn't know"- I love when I give her facts she doesn't know.

- "In some circumstances, the giving of a nickname had a special status in Viking society. It created a relationship between the name maker and the recipient of the nickname."

- "So, now we have a relationship?"- she questioned and smiled- "You are really on fire, Spencer Reid."

- "No, that's not what I meant"- I was nearly stuttering and trying to explain.

- "I know, I know, I'm just joking with you... you can call me by a nickname if you want."

- "But I like your name,(Y/N)"

- "I know, but it would be cool to have our own nicknames, so only we call each other by those names, so you'll be my honey bunny, and I'll be your...?"

She made a pause waiting for me to finish her sentence, but I didn't know how to.

- "Ok, we'll revisit this idea later, but you got the point."

I could understand why (Y/N) didn't want the FBI to take what made her herself. She was fun and playful and not tainted by all the misery and horror we saw every day, in every case. Who wouldn't want to stay like that?

- "And by the way, honey"- she said after a few seconds- "You are awesome, and if some girl is attracted to you, it's not caused by the circumstances, it's because you are amazing."

I looked down at my hands, unable to make eye contact with her. I know I was blushing. I've never been good with compliments.

- "Thanks"- I manage to whisper, and that was it.

- "Now, what if we go to eat some real food, and then we go to the movies?"- I smiled at her and nodded.

- "Sounds like a good plan"

- "Are you up to some salads?"- and I frowned disgustedly right away- "That's what I thought."

It was a fun day. It was so comfortable talking to her. We could ramble about anything and everything for hours. We had lunch in a pizza place near my house, then walked to the movies, I picked a documentary, and she dragged me to see Taken. Then, we stopped by to get a coffee, and I walked her home.

- "You know, coffee wasn't trendy in America until the Boston Tea Party of 1773, when making the switch from tea to coffee became something of a patriotic duty."

- "Are you calling me anti-patriotic 'cos I picked an Early Gray?"- she cut me an angry gaze, though it was clear she was just kidding.

- "All I'm saying are facts, and facts aren't wrong."

- "Well, I'm sorry for not drinking the fifth coffee of the day. I may or may not need to sleep a little tonight."

I just smiled and continued walking. I could be funny with her, that was new.

- "Hey, honey"- we were about to reach her building when I felt her pulling my sleeve. (Y/N) stopped walking and looked at me with a short smile- "Thank you for today."

- "What? why?"

- "'Cos I needed to go out with you today, so... thank you for doing it."

I was surprised to hear (Y/N) saying she needed to go out specifically with me. I didn't know what to answer either. I just smiled back at her and probably blushed.

- "Babe"- Paul's voice interrupted our moment suddenly. I had never met him in person, but (Y/N) had shown me pictures of him and her friends once. He walked over and ignored me completely. He held (Y/N)'s hands and looked at her, concerned.

- "What are you doing here?"- she didn't look so happy to see him.

- "I've been waiting for you for like an hour, where were you? I have called you a million times."- I took a step back and waved at them.

- "I'm gonna go home, (Y/N)."

- "Who is this?"- and suddenly, Paul turned to me, and his eyes threatened me. I could feel how upset he was to see me. And... well, Paul is tall. And big, like Morgan. The kind of guy I wouldn't want to fight with, never.

- "My friend, Spencer"- (Y/N) freed her hands from his and took a step back, just like I had done.

- "Spencer from your work?"

- "The only Spencer I know."

Annoyed (Y/N) is a whole different person. I saw her acting rude with Lila, and now her attitude with her boyfriend was incredibly uncouth. It's always better to stay on her good side. Believe me, I know.

- "Hi"- I waved again and tried to smile, though I know I failed- "I'm gonna go home"- (Y/N) looked at me, and somehow I felt she was begging me not to leave.

- "Ok, honey... I'll see you Monday, ok?"- I nodded and waved again. Paul ignored me. I didn't like the guy immediately.

It took me a second to profile that asshole, and I instantly hated him. I've always done my best not to be a jerk to people. I try my best not to judge the book by its covers. But Paul. Paul was a completely different case.

It was clear he was controlling and insecure. The way Paul felt he needed to pull her closer to him as soon as he stood next to her. How his hands turned into fists when she called me "honey." How he clenched his teeth when (Y/N) called me her friend. He was jealous. He looked the possessive kind, and that was never good.

I hoped (Y/N) would get out of that relationship. I didn't trust Paul. It only took two minutes next to him to know he wasn't right for her.

(Y/N)'s point of view

I didn't know what I wanted to do about my relationship with Paul. That day we talked, he said he was sorry, I said I forgave him, although I didn't, and I asked him to leave, under the excuse I was tired and needed to rest.

- "This stupid job is changing you"- he spit the words from my door as I stood there, insulted. But instead of yelling, I just stared at him and made my best not to raise my voice.

- "Well, maybe you should think if this (Y/N) is the one you want to be with, 'cos it is what it is."

I slammed the door and turned around, decided not to think about anything for the rest of the weekend.

That's why Saturday night, I stayed on the couch, eating pizza and watching the whole second season of Doctor Who, again. Monday didn't come soon enough. And for the first time ever, it was Sunday, and I felt the urge to be called for a case. I wanted to see dad, but, of course, he was at work. So, I slept in, texted Lu, Frank, and Mikey, played bass, and even took a nap. It felt weird.

It was weirder to realize how happy I felt when I walked into the bullpen Monday morning to find a cup of fresh coffee waiting for me. I turned around and found Spencer sitting at his desk with a silly grin on his lips.

- "Thank you, honey bunny."

We had a local case that week, and that meant, after three months, that two of my worlds were going to collide.

When we reached the police station, I took a deep breath and walked slightly slower than the rest. I hid behind Morgan and tried to go as unnoticed as possible. I knew it wasn't going to work, but it was worth the shoot.

- "Chief (Y/L/N), nice to meet you. I'm agent Hotch, this is agent Gideon, Morgan, Greenwood, doctor Reid and..."

- "My princess."

The silence amongst my teammates was priceless. They all turned to me, surprised as I smiled, embarrassed, and waved.

- "Hi dad"

- "Oh! Chief (Y/L/N)!"- Morgan chuckled- "This is gonna be fun."

- "We have two bodies and a missing person, Derek. This is not going to be fun at all."- I argued and shook my head.

It was a little fun, though. Dad spoiled the team the whole time we stayed in their office. The number of donuts and coffee he got us was obscene. I felt spoiled and like a kid. I don't know if that was a good thing, it didn't help catch the unsub, but it didn't make it harder either.

What made it harder was sergeant Jim Brown. He was a jerk. He kept interrupting our job, making the worst observations possible and putting us back. But what was driving me crazy was his attitude towards Reid. He was an asshole. From the second he set eyes on the doctor, he started making fun of him like his sword enemy.

- "Does your mom know you are here?"- he asked as he walked over where Reid and I worked on the geographic profile.

- "Does your mother know you are an asshole?"- I answered right away, not even turning from the board to look at him. He fell silent, and Reid cleared his throat. You could tell he was uncomfortable, and he wanted to say something back, but he just froze.

- "What do you've got?"- Hotch appeared and finished with the awkward silence that hung amongst us like a dense fog.

- "Based on the geography, there are just a few places on the area the unsub may have taken the victim."- Reid pointed to the map- "Considering this is where the abduction took place, and these are the disposal sites for the first two victims, this is his radio of action."

- "Really? that's your whole analysis?"- Brown chuckled- "A triangle on a board?"

I had to stop myself from punching him right here

- "If we consider the victimology, the time of the abductions, and the disposal of each body, we can infer that he has a toddler who takes most of his time and attention, which means he is a single father"- Spencer started talking, and he didn't stop- "And the only thing the victims had in common was the fact they all had young kids, which means they frequented these two playgrounds"- Reid pointed two the park- "Those has to be the places he picks his victims, and he follows them to their houses"

- "Based on the geography, he isn't changing his victimology"- Hotch added, walking away with his phone in his hand- "I'll ask Morgan and Elle to go to the parks and show the sketch of the unsub"

- "So you just point a map, and everybody treats you like a genius?"- Brown chuckled, and that was all I could handle.

- "Brown, why don't you move your ass anywhere else but here? if you are not going to cooperate, then we don't need you"- I swear to god, I could feel my blood boiling.

- "(Y/N), I'm just..."

- "Just acting like an asshole, and we don't need your attitude, you are not of any help. And if I hear you talking to or about Dr. Reid again, I swear to god, you are gonna have nightmares about the pain that my fist is gonna cause on your face. And you are gonna have to live with the shame a twenty-four years old SSA kicked your grassy ass."

There was a silence in the room. Everyone in the office turned to look at us. Even my dad. Brown stared at me, embarrassed, but most of all, upset.

- "Who the hell do you think you are?"- Jim stood up next to me, trying to threaten me. I don't know why he felt he could. Brown was thirty, tall, a little chubby, but absolutely nothing I couldn't handle. I knew I could have him on the floor, crying in less than ten seconds.

- "An FBI agent who can't take your rude comments about one of her teammates, so really, if you are not helping, then you are on our way to catch a killer."

- "(Y/N), don't"- Spencer put a hand on my shoulder, I know he was trying to calm me down, but I don't think that was going to do the job.

- "Yes, (Y/N), listen to your boyfriend."

- "Who pissed on your cereal today, Brown?"- I would have pushed him if Spencer wouldn't have stopped me, holding my shoulders again.

- "(Y/L/N), come here"- I heard Hotchner's voice calling me from the other side of the office. His face was so mad it was red. Next to him, my dad called Brown as well.

- "Great, now you got me into trouble"- he whispered, and I had to make a significant effort to control the urge I felt of hitting him, right there.

- "That's not an excusable behavior, (Y/N). I need you back at Quantico, you are gonna help Garcia tracing the unsub, and we'll call you when we need you"- I had to bite my tongue and nod.

- "Yes, Hotch."

- "I understand you were trying to help a teammate, but that is not the language or the way. Your attitude was immature, and I could suspend you for it."

I looked down at my shoes, knowing Hotch was right. But after a few seconds, I looked into his eyes and nodded.

- "You are right, and I am sorry I was childish. I know it was silly, but I'm not sorry I defended Reid, and I won't stop protecting my team each time I need to."

- "I'm not asking you to stop doing that. I'm telling you, you have to learn how to do it acting like an SSA."

- "(Y/N), a word?"- my dad walked into the room. I could see Jim storming out of his office, slamming the door on his way out.

- "It's not a good time, dad. I have to go back to work"- I said and grabbed my jacket- "If you want to tell me off, we can talk after the case is done."

He looked at me one more time. I could read the irritation he felt, but also... was he proud? I didn't get it at the moment. I just stayed serious, grabbed my stuff, and walked outside as discreetly as possible. I wasn't in the mood for making another scene.

- "(Y/N), wait"- I heard Spencer calling out my name. I was about to get into the SUV to drive back to Quantico. He sprinted over, looking so dorky I couldn't help but giggle. So tall and so thin, those nerdy glasses. The boy was like a cartoon.

- "Where are you going?"

- "I have to go back and help Penelope"- he narrowed his eyebrows, confused.

- "Why?"

I smiled and played it cool. I didn't want Spencer to know I had gotten into trouble for defending him. Of course, he knew it, but I didn't want to whine about it. I honestly didn't care. I had done it once, and I would do it again.

- "(Y/N), you shouldn't have done that"

- "No, Spencer, Jim shouldn't have done what he did. He was an asshole out of the blue! and I wasn't going to take it."

- "But I didn't even care."

- "Yes, Reid, you did."

I could read it, it was clear. He was still afraid to stand up for himself. He didn't feel he was good enough. Reid was so insecure it made me want to slap him and yell on his face how awesome he was. That wouldn't have helped, but still, I couldn't shake the idea from my mind.

- "You don't have to, really, now you are in trouble because of me."

- "No, I'm not in trouble, and it's not your fault. I made a decision and stopped an asshole. You would have done the same for me"- the sweet way Reid looked at me was heart-melting.

- "Yes, though I don't know if I could ever be as intimidating as you are"- I laughed and punched his arm.

- "Come on! You can kick ass!"

- "(Y/N), look at me!"- he pointed at his skinny arms and geeky face- "Without a gun, I look like a teacher's assistant!"

- "Shut up, Reid, you are an incredible SSA, and you kick ass!"- he stared at me like I was bullshiting him, but I wasn't. I believed every word I said.

- "Right"

- "I mean it, and if you were a teacher assistant, you would be the hot one all the girls have a crush on."

I assured him, and the way his cheeks turned red reminded me he was a man who wasn't used to hear how amazing and gorgeous he was.

- "Now, honey, I have to go, I don't want to make Hotch even more upset, and I'm pretty sure Garcia has a chocolate bar hidden in one of her drawers, and I'll find it"- he smiled and waved.

- "Thank you"- he whispered as I turned around before I got into the car.

- "Don't thank me, I'm your friend. Friends stand up for each other, always."

Spencer's point of view

Hotch was standing in front of the board with (Y/N)'s dad when I walked back into the station. I couldn't see Sergeant Brown anywhere around, but if he was there, I didn't care. There was a fire burning inside of me that I didn't want to lose. I wanted to feel like that forever. Like I could say what I wanted to say, to who I wanted to. Like I was someone people should respect.

- "Hotch, can I talk to you for a second?"

- "If it's about (Y/N), I'm not going to tolerate that behavior. Even if she had a good reason to do it, it's not the way."

- "She was just trying to help me. I know she didn't act as... polite as she could have, but Brown wasn't actually the better person either."

- "He has always been an asshole with her"- Chief (Y/L/N) said and nodded at me- "She used to come and help me when she had free time at the academy, 'cos she wanted to learn everything she could, and Brown would always give her a hard time... his childish behavior makes me think he has a crush on her and he got jealous of you today."

I widened my eyes and stared at (Y/N)'s dad in silence. I had no idea what to say at that.

- "That's silly. (Y/N) is just my friend"- I nearly stuttered as I explained the nature of our relationship. He smiled at me and tapped on my back.

- "Don't worry about Brown. He won't come back to the station today"- Mr. (Y/L/N)º confirmed and turned to Hotch.

- "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help"

- "We'll do. Thank you."

(Y/N)'s dad walked away and I turned back to Hotch immediately.

- "No, Reid"- it was all he said- "We are not talking about this now, there's an unsub to catch, and I need you to focus on work."

That was all for the flame inside of me. I just felt silence and stared at the board. Hotch was right though, we had to catch a killer. Everything else could wait.

- "Hey! Reid!"- Morgan's voice took me from my thoughts. We were standing outside a warehouse, bulletproof vest on, gun in hand, but my head wasn't there, and that wasn't a good thing when you are on the field.

- "Kid, wake up! focus!"

- "I'm sorry, I'm sorry"- I held my gun tight and looked around.

- "What the fuck is your problem?"

- "Nothing, nothing, I'm sorry."

I shook my head and concentrated on what was going on. We were at the back of the warehouse, just about to walk in. My heart was pumping so hard, I felt it in the middle of my throat. We walked in slowly, in the middle of the dark. I hate the dark... I am actually afraid of the dark, not the dark itself, but what's in it, until today. And back then, I was a twenty-four years old FBI agent who was scared of the dark. Great. No wonder why people made fun of me.

- "He's here!"- I heard Elle from the other side of the wall, and we ran to her.

Our last victim was barely breathing but still alive. I called the medics and stayed with him while Elle and Morgan ran to catch the unsub.

- "Reid"- I heard (Y/N)'s voice in my ear. She was still back in Quantico, with Penelope- "Keep the head in the game and stay safe, ok?"- I nodded, though she couldn't see me, and smiled.

It felt good to know she was worried for me. Not that the rest of the team didn't care. But she was different. She made me feel special.

- "So, what happened back at the station?"- Morgan asked me in the drive back to the office- "And why was (Y/N) asking you to take care?"- right, everybody heard that.

- "Yeah, Hotch was clearly mad at her. What did she do?"- Elle added and turned to look at me from the passenger seat- "Did you two fight?"

- "No, no, it's nothing like that"- they stayed in silence, waiting for my side of the story- "She had an argument with an officer, Hotch overheard the conversation and sent her back to the office before things would get... out of hands."

- "Out of hands?"- Morgan sounded surprised- "Little mama wanted to fight the guy?"

I stayed quiet, I didn't know if I wanted to let them know all the details, but my silence was too much information anyway.

- "Wow"- Elle sighed and turned around to look at the road again- "What did that guy do?"

- "He was rude, and her dad told us she had always had problems with him... so apparently, she didn't want to deal with his attitude anymore."

- "He must be an asshole to push her to the edge"- I nodded at Morgan's word and stayed quiet- "And why was she worried about you?"- that I didn't know, or I didn't know how to answer.

- "'Cos she is my friend?"- the hesitation in my words wasn't because I doubted her friendship, but because I didn't know if that was the answer they wanted to hear.

- "You did seem pretty off today,"- Elle added and chuckled- "More than usual, at least."

- "I am ok."

I hated that comment. It didn't bother me that people thought I was weird; there is nothing wrong with being weird. It was the fact people talked about it like a bad thing. I was proud to be different. Most of the time, at least.

- "Spencer? hello?"- Elle snapped her fingers in front of my face and forced me to wake up from my thoughts- "Do you want to get a coffee before we reach the office?"

- "Yes, please!"

I walked back into the bullpen and found (Y/N) sitting at her desk, typing. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, and she was biting a pencil. I don't know why (Y/N) does that still, but somehow she got the habit when she concentrates on something. I'm guessing it's better than clenching her jaw, which she also does sometimes.

- "Hey"- I stood beside her and left a cup on her desk- "Earl Gray, milk, no sugar"- she smiled and held the cup right away.

- "You are the best friend on earth"- and I felt how my heart swelled in my chest.

- "Then this is unnecessary"- I opened my bag and took a chocolate bar.

- "Never!"- (Y/N) stood up and wrapped her arms around me. It was a first.

Our first hug.

I stayed still. I didn't know how to react. My eyes were wide opened, and my heart was racing. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around (Y/N)'s waist and held her tight. This wasn't about the chocolate or the tea. I could feel it.

I could smell her apple shampoo and her perfume. I could also feel her warm body close to me. It was clear my cheeks were burning at her touch.

- "Thank you"- I whispered and felt her head shaking

- "No, honey, thank you"- she let me go and smiled.

- "Reid"- Gideon's voice made me jump all of a sudden. I smiled at her one more time and ran to his office. But Morgan stopped me halfway. He put a hand on my chest and blocked my way.

- "What was that?"

- "What?"- I narrowed my eyes, confused.

- "You got her coffee and candies, and she just hugged you? she doesn't hug anyone. That's the first time I actually see her being physical with anyone around here"- I shrugged and dismissed his words.

- "We are friends, that's it"

- "You don't like touching people either."

- "I told you, we are friends, that's it... and I got her tea and chocolate, not candies and coffee"- I passed him and walked into Gideon's office.

- "Close the door"- he commanded. He looked serious. Why? What had I done to upset him?

- "I was just about to start my paperwork."

- "Reid, I need you to tell me if your head is in this job"- I stayed still, confused. Why was Gideon asking me such a thing? Had I done something wrong?

- "Of... of course it is"- I got so nervous I even stumbled over my words.

- "The last couple of weeks, I've felt you haven't been concentrating on the cases or the field. Your head is somewhere else. Was it because of Archer's case?"

I think my face betrayed me, 'cos I know I crossed my arms on my chest, fixing my eyes on the pictures on his desk. I ran my hand through my hair in a useless effort to keep it back, but it was too long, and it was getting messy, (Y/N) had already told me, though she also said she liked it.

- "Reid, I know you are young, and life is full of new experiences for you, but when you have this job, this is where your head has to be all the time."

- "Yes, sir, I know that."

- "Hotch told me what happened today"- he sat back on his chair and looked at me, waiting for my explanation. I didn't understand why he wanted to know about it or why he wanted to talk about it with me and not with (Y/N).

- "Nothing happened"- I made light of the situation and looked away.

- "(Y/N) got into trouble defending you from a cop, that's nothing to you?"- was it? I didn't know- "Reid, why didn't you stop Brown before (Y/N) did?"

- "I didn't think it was important... Whatever he said, I didn't care for it."- Gideon nodded and stayed quiet for a few seconds

- "So if people insult you or treat you like you don't matter, you don't do a thing?"

- "If it's someone like Brown, who was just trying to prove he was just as smart as me, then no, I won't do a thing."

- "But you'll leave (Y/N) to do it for you."

- "I didn't want her to get in trouble because of me. I didn't ask her to confront Brown. She was tired of him, not just because of his attitude with me; that's what her dad told me."

- "She also got in trouble when you were kissing Lila back in Los Angeles"- I frowned, puzzled, trying to understand why she had any difficulty because of me back then- "She has an explosive personality."

- "She..."

Ok, Jason was right, (Y/N) had a unique character... but that never happened to be on the way she did her work.

- "She has... a different approach to things."- I added, trying to put it in nice words.

- "She has no patience and doesn't know when to stay quiet"- I narrowed my brows, worried

- "What? No, that's not... do you think she should leave? Do you want to fire her?"- Gideon shrugged and leaned on his desk, moving closer to me.

- "Is she affecting your work?"

- "No! why would you say that?"

- "Because if she is causing you troubles."

- "No, Gideon!"

I stood up and simply snapped. I wasn't even thinking about the words leaving my lips. There it was, that fire inside of me again, making me feel I could and should say what was in my mind, no matter the consequences.

- "If anything, (Y/N) is helping me with my troubles. She encourages me to be better and grow... she listens, cares, doesn't roll her eyes when I ramble and has done more for me in the lastest months than anyone has done in years!"

Gideon didn't move a muscle as he stared at me. I had never spoken to him like that. I had never raised my voice to him, to anyone actually.

- "Good"- that was all I got as a reply- "You can go back to your paperwork now"- I didn't get what had just happened, so I didn't move.

- "So... you won't ask Hotch to fire her?"- and Gideon shook his head.

- "I wasn't planning on it."

-----

DIWK Taglist:

@all-tings-diego @big-galaxy-chaos @svveet-peas @muffin-cup

--

Do you want to be on the taglist or ramble about this chapter with me? just send me a message here.

[w-ndrr]

distraction | diana prince x batgirl!reader (m)

a/n: this is nsfw! viewer discretion advised :) i also don’t write a lot of smut so i will try my very best. thanks for reading! <3 xoxo isabelle

summary: (possessive wonder woman x batgirl!reader smut) after diana and bruce’s little sister!reader have a falling out, they meet again at bruce’s little soirée and they do the thing >.<

word count: hold up idk yet (update ok now i know it’s 4.27k+)

warnings: AHEMMM the tiniest bit of angst, overprotectiveness, jealousy, possessiveness, make up sex? idk, smut; top!diana, fingering, oral, dirty talk?, hair pulling, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, marking, body worship, and her f*cking lasso

Gotham City was the pride of criminals and wrongdoers. At every corner of any street, there is always a victim at the receiving end of these crimes. It was dark place to be—to live in. The endless corruption in this city felt suffocating to be even a part of. You couldn’t imagine why a person would want to live here. Especially, with a clown always on the loose. But, the Batman has always come to save the day... Usually.

Batman was the shoulder the people of this crime infested city would lean on. Time and time again, he’s saved his city, delivering justice to the criminal element. But, he was a busy man. Under his vigilante persona, he was Bruce Wayne; he’s got a company to run, a public to satisfy and little sister to protect.

Unfortunately, having a brother like him, you followed a lot of his footsteps and decided to go save the city sometimes, too, which he passionately protested for you not to do so. You were Batgirl. And you told him that he’s got other bigger responsibilities like being a highly treasured member of the his little superhero club, the Justice League.

You’ve met the members of the Justice League. They were interesting people and they were friendly sometimes. One of them stood out, though.

Her name was Diana. Diana Prince. And you had fallen in love with her as did she. Her intelligence and determination to protect everyone was endearing. Not to mention, she was a beauty amongst beauties and you had willingly wrapped yourself around her finger.

Her love for you was undeniable. She wanted to protect you at all costs and if any harm had come to you, she would never forgive herself for not being there. She wanted you safe all the time.

But, as Batgirl, that was something you couldn’t promise.

Sometimes you would come home to her with fatal injuries and she would have to tend to your wounds. And every second, she loathed it. She hated it when you bled. She hated it when you came home with bruises and cuts. She hated it when you would cry when it was too painful.

And after almost two years of being together, the both of you fought and argued and screamed at each other. Out of anger, Diana had admitted to you being weak with no powers. She has faced many strong dangers and she believed it would be hard for you to stand against a villain who possesses powers from beyond. The words that spilled her mouth had shocked even her and she tried to take it all back but, it was too late.

You were livid. She thought you were weak, and you were angry. You stormed off and cried into the arms of your big brother. Bruce understood what Diana was thinking. At some point, he thought of you like that, too. In a way, he still kind of does. And that was okay. He’s your big brother and he should be protective the same way Diana should be.

It had been months since you spoke to Diana; the last conversation you had together didn’t go so well. You were still angry at her, but you also missed her. You loved being with her. Sometimes, because of it, you wanted to just forget about the whole fight and go back.

But, you’re not weak. And you knew that.

Lately, Bruce has been trying really hard to make your days better. He knew it would be hard to do so without the Amazonian. He also knew she was the key to making you happy.

So, he threw a gala in an attempt to get the two of you back together.

You hated parties, whether it contained solo cups, cheap beer, and blaring music or inconsequent polite conversation, canapes, and wine. You didn’t like them. You would usually put on an act as you entered the room; Bruce Wayne’s beautiful little sister. She was charismatic, a little cocky, liked to mingle, liked to drink. All which you are not.

Even though Bruce knew you wouldn’t want to go to a stupid party at the top floor of one of his hotels, it was the only way to get you and Diana into a room together without worrying about world problems. Bruce told her about the plan. You would be angry, she already predicted that, but she missed you. By the gods, she misses you so much. She would do anything to see you.

And when she did, her body ached for you. She saw you through a sea of business men and women and other important people she could care less about. You glowed in that beautiful silk gown and her eyes stuck to you like glue. Your stride, your confidence and your back, on full display, caught the eye of innumerable people in the room and she wanted to hide you—to keep you away from their lingering eyes. You belonged to her.

As she was just about to walk towards you, she heard your laugh. When she looked to the side, there was a man dressed in a fancy, three piece suit standing in front of you with a glass of champagne in between his fingers, just like you.

Bruce walks past Diana and before he could walk away successfully, she grabbed the collar of his suit jacket and pulled him close enough to talk.

“Who is that?” Diana pointed in your direction.

Bruce’s eyes darted to you then to your partner, “Oh, that’s Jamie Harris, one of the head scientists at my Biotech department... Also, (Y/N)’s—”

“Ex. Got it.”

Diana shook her head and sighed. You had only mentioned him once when you and Diana had talked about past significant others.

“What’s your plan, princess?” Bruce raises an eyebrow at the tall woman.

“What do you think I should do?”

“I would recommend just going up to her,” Bruce suggests. “Interrupt them before they doing anything big. You never know, he could be asking her out right now.”

The Amazonian nodded as she turned her head back towards your direction. Clenching her jaw at the sight of you and this short man, she walked over confidently with her eyebrows furrowed. When she got close enough, Diana had to clear her throat to grab both of your attention.

“Ahem,” Diana pursed her lips slightly before putting on a synthetic smile. “Do you mind if I interrupt?”

Diana watched as you met her gaze before immediately taking a large sip of your champagne with your soft, pretty lips. She sees your jaw clench and your eyes glance everywhere but her.

“Not at all,” the man exclaims happily, straightening his posture as he watches the woman that joined them. “Mind I interest you in a glass, Miss...”

“Prince,” Diana nods at him although she could care less about whatever comes out of this puny man’s mouth. “(Y/N). It’s nice to see you again.”

After preparing, you give her a fake smile and say, “I wish I could say the same to you, Diana.”

The Amazonian swears her she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She licks her lips and stares at the floor. She notices your foot tapping against it as if you were getting impatient and her eyes traveled from your feet, to the hand the rested lowly at the curve your hip, up to your collarbones, then to your neck that she missed to kiss so much. Diana felt her mouth go dry. You looked so good. All she wanted now was to take you away from this man and everyone else in this room just to have you all to herself. Her body ached to touch you—to feel your skin against hers.

But, this man was in the way.

“Ahem. Nice to meet you, Miss Prince,” Jamie gives her a smug smile and puts her hand out to shake hers. “I’m Jamie Harris! You can call me Jamie. A scientist working under Bru—”

“That’s great, Mr. Harris,” Diana says without even giving him a glance given that her eyes were practically glued onto you. “You look stunning, Miss Wayne.”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Jamie butts in with a laugh. “You should see her in the morning! Her does this curl thing and it looks ridicu—”

“I beg to differ, Mr. Harris,” Diana clenched her jaw even harder and glares at him. “In fact, I hope you are not criticizing her hair when you have the same do as Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.”

“I—Uh. W-Who—”

“ A dictator. I’m sorry. I forget you’re a scientist, not a politician—”

“Diana.”

Your voice held so much authority over her; it stopped her in her tracks and she stutters only for a moment before turning her head back to you. She swallows the lump in her throat as she studies the look on your face. Your eyes were bold, glaring at her with her brows furrowed.

“A word, please,” you tell her with a sigh. “Alone.”

Diana takes a deep breath in attempt to let out some steam. She feels your hand grab her arm to take her away from the crowds and out into a secluded hall. The moment you touched her, she felt like she was on fire. She followed behind you and watched the way you walk and by the gods, she wanted nothing more than to put her hands on your hips if you’d let her.

After you decided that it was far enough from the party, you turned around with your brows furrowed as you looked at her, her brows furrowed as well. You inhaled slowly as she crossed her arms over her chest. God, she was distracting. You shook your head and closed your eyes.

“What are you doing?”

“What are you doing talking to your—”

“Ex, Diana? What’s wrong with it?” you yell at her. “I’m doing the same thing right now, aren’t I?”

Diana is taken back for a moment. Sometimes, she denies that the two of you actually broke up. You watch her as she brings her long fingers up to scratch her neck slowly. God, it was distracting.

“(Y/N). I don’t like it when you talk to other people who are obviously interested in you,” the Amazon tells you firmly. “It angers me.”

“I can do whatever I want, Diana. The last time I checked, we’re not together anymore,” you step closer to her. “And I’m not weak! I don’t need you or Bruce to tell me what I can and can’t do. I know I don’t have powers like you or Clark or Barry. I know that very well. I know I have to be more careful than all of you because I don’t get a second chance. But, Bruce does the same thing everyday! Why can’t I? I’ve trained the same as he has. I’ve fought the same as you all have! I make my own choices. Diana, I’m tired of everyone treating me like I’m glass!”

After you were finished, you heaved for air and your eyes had brimmed with tears. You had barely taken a breath since you started talking. Diana had watched your chest rise up and down and to be honest, it was really attractive when you did. Diana mentally cursed at herself for thinking about you like that after you had poured your heart out. But, by the gods, you were so distracting.

Diana had only stared at you after your speech and it only made you furious. Rubbing your fingers over your temples, you closed your eyes and let out a sigh.

“I’m done with this,” you throw your hands into the air and attempted to walk past her.

Before you could get away, Diana places her hand on your upper arm and pulls you back. She wasn’t really thinking as much as she was doing. And you weren’t exactly prepared for this next move she had in mind; in fact, it’ll leave you speechless.

“Diana—”

Her lips pressed against yours, hardly wasting no time to slide them together with a tilt of her head. Her nose brushes against yours and you sigh into the kiss. God, you’ve missed her. Even if she made you angry, you’ve missed her so much these past few months.

Diana kisses you like you were the finest thing she’ll ever taste. She kisses you with so much force that it’s all you could think about. And when she slipped her tongue past your lips to meet yours, you almost fell weak at your knees, but she released the grip on your arm and pressed her hand flat on your back, pressing you against her front firmly. You held onto her shoulders as you moaned into her mouth. Gods, when you did, Diana aggressively fought the urge to take you right there in this hall.

Diana pulls her head back to look at you. Your lipstick was slightly smudged and your eyes were half lidded as you breathed heavily.

“I’m getting us a room.”

The Amazonian thanked Bruce in her head for throwing this damn party on the rooftop of one of his hotels. So, she dragged you far, far away from the soirée and into a bed.

Before the door even opened into the room, Diana had your legs wrapped around her waist as she carried you in. She almost wanted to kick the door down after struggling to get the keycard through the slot, but it didn’t even matter. She had pressed your back against the door, lips sliding over each other, as she slipped the keycard in.

The door opened with an electronic beep and you were met with a wide room with a large white bed in front of a large window looking down at the city lights almost seventy stories up from the ground. The view illuminated the room dimly and there was no need to even turn the lights on.

Diana closed the door with her foot and slammed you against the wall (as lightly as she could without hurting you). Your hands tangled up in her hair as she moves her lips from your mouth, to your jaw, and then down to your neck. She bit on you lightly before sucking passionately until a bruise formed. And she didn’t stop. She marked you all over your neck. After she would give you a hickey, she would run her tongue over it softly. She would kiss you behind your ear, underneath your jaw, and back to you lips. She missed you so much and she couldn’t wait to mark you all over your body like you belonged to her; and you did.

Diana easily ripped your gown off and slid it down from your shoulders (it’s fine, she’ll buy you a new one). You were pressed up against her and the wall behind you as you held her waist tighter with you legs. The Amazonian rested her head in the crook of your neck as her hand slid down from your waist to your panties. She felt the warmth and wetness through the fabric and it made her groan. By the gods, you were so wet. It turned her on so much.

“Diana,” you heaved.

She waited. It was all up to you if you wanted to continue because, fuck, once she starts taking you, she won’t stop. But, if you wanted to stop, she would stop.

“Diana, Diana,” you whined as you ran a hand through her hair. “Please. Please. Fuck, Diana... I need you.”

Diana immediately slips her hand into your underwear and pushes a fingers into you. She listens to you moan as she presses against your walls. Quickly finding your g-spot, Diana pulls her head away from your neck to watch your mouth open, to watch you gasp, to watch you furrow your eyebrows, and to watch you lean your head back against the wall.

You had said her name ten times already tonight and each time it turned her on. She couldn’t wait to get you to moan and scream her name as many times as she could get you to. She couldn’t wait.

“You sound so beautiful,” she coos. “I’m going to make you come and come until you can’t take it anymore.”

Diana slips another finger into you and you held onto her shoulders as you moan at the sound of her voice and the feeling of her long fingers pistons in and out of you quickly.

“You’re going to scream for me, my love,” Diana whispers in your ear. “You’re going to let everyone know who you belong to. Okay?”

“D-Diana,” you moan.

“Is that clear?”

“Yes!” you yell. “Fuck yes, Diana!”

Her fingers move faster and faster and it keeps you moaning for her. You get tighter and tighter and soon, Diana has to speed up and apply more pressure to bring you closer and closer to the edge. Searing sensations spread from your core and through out your body and the moment she pressed her thumb onto your clit, you come undone.

You can feel wetness gushing out of you with each flick of her thumb as your legs shake around her. Diana breathes into your neck as she listens to you pant for air with a shaky breath. She lets you ride out your orgasm only for a moment because she wants to move on to the next step.

You moan as you feel her fingers slip out of you with a squelch. Without breaking eye contact, Diana brings her slick fingers to mouth and licks your juices off, sucking on her fingers like a lollipop. By the gods, you tasted divine. She can’t wait to have more. You gasp as she leans in to kiss you again with the taste of you still on her tongue. Her kisses were far from controlled as she sucked on your bottom lip, biting it softly until you groaned into her mouth.

“Shit, Diana.”

Diana smiles and easily carries you over to the bed and lays on you on top it, near the edge. She stood in between your legs and before she does anything else, you watch her slide out of her dress smoothly down her skin. Her eyes never left your gaze. She was so turned on seeing you laid out on the bed, waiting for her to take you. The Amazonian climbs on top of you and kisses you passionately with a moan as your hands meet her bare back. In a swift movement, Diana slips a hand underneath you and unclasps your bra before sliding the straps down your pretty shoulders.

Her eyes hungrily roam over your breasts and your curves and Diana wastes no time to mark you. She leaves hickeys on your shoulders, down the valley of your breasts, and on your stomach. She was in love with the way you looked right now.

“You look so beautiful, (Y/N), my love,” she says, putting a nipple into her mouth. “Your body was made for me.”

She sucks on it for a seemingly long period of time before switching to your other breast. Listening to you moan as she ducked on your nipples gave her butterflies. She starts kissing your lower stomach at the moment and hooks her thumbs through your underwear, pulling them down at a painfully slow pace. When she finally pulls your underwear off, your entrance is met with the cold air.

“Nobody can have you but me,” she tells you firmly, running her hands down your sides. “You’re mine.”

Diana excitedly pushes your knees apart for each other, spreading your legs for her. She stared desperately, eyes swallowing the beautiful sight of your slick entrance. Your thighs were still wet from earlier and she wasted no time kissing up your inner thigh. They starts off as soft, light kisses before leaving hickeys on the inside of your thighs. You were so close to her entrance but she still hasn’t put her tongue on you yet.

“Diana, please.”

She hummed against you before dragging her tongue up your thighs, tasting your juices from earlier. She used her fingers to spread your pussy lips apart. Her tongue ran up and down your lips, lapping at whatever she could to simply gather your taste. And once she did, gods, she drove her head deeper into you.

All you could do was pant and moan as the woman, with her head between legs, devours you like it was her last meal. You run your hands through her hair before pulling on it when her tongue reaches a sensitive spot. And when you moaned louder because of it, she doesn’t stop stimulating that spot over and over again until you’re a moaning mess for her.

She lapped all the juices that were spilling from your entrance like she was starving as she her fingers kept you spread open for her. Diana’s lips wrapped around your lips and sucked as hard as she could before they moved to another much more sensitive area. She pursed right around the nub of your clit, sucking it into her mouth. She flicked her tongue against it causing you to moan her name over and over again until you came a second time on her tongue.

Your juices spill out of you and your legs tremble uncontrollably as your heavy pants were heard throughout the room, however, Diana doesn’t stop just yet. She continues fuck you through your orgasm, sucking on your sensitive clit before slipping two fingers inside of you, moving at a quick pace.

“Oh, my god, D-Diana! I’m—Fuck! Please—”

You’re screaming at this point as she continues to overstimulate you. Your hands desperately pushing at her head as your legs keep trembling. Pulling her fingers out of you, she pulls her golden lasso from out of nowhere and quickly ties your wrists up to the headboard. Diana spreads your thighs as wide as they could go once while holding your hips down as she goes back to lewdly sucking your clit. Slurping at whatever she tastes, she groaning in happiness as she covers your whole pussy with her mouth. Her hands reach down to grope at your the flesh of your ass and push your hips further into her face.

“God, Diana! You’re gonna make me come,” you shake your head as moan, “I’m coming, I’m fucking comin—— Diana!”

She pushes you into a third orgasm as you arch you back against the mattress and scream her name once again. Diana happily laps and swallows all of the juices spilling out of you before pulling her head up from between her legs. You came twice on her tongue already and you felt drained of energy.

“You taste so good, (Y/N),” Diana licks her lips; there’s a visible shine on chin where your cum was dripping from her mouth.

You don’t have the energy to respond just yet, so you lay there catching your breath. Feeling lips kiss you softly up from your stomach to your neck and jaw, Diana presses her lips softly against yours with the taste of you still on her tongue, but you pull away to speak first.

“What about you?”

“I only intended to making you feel good. Besides, your pleasure gives me pleasure,” Diana shakes her head and smiles, leaning down to kiss you again.

“I’ve missed you so much,” you murmured against her lips. “I barely lasted these few months without you. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to go back to you so badly, but I’m going to stand my ground because—”

“(Y/N).”

She stops you from going any further, knowing it was the lasso making you talk. With a sigh, Diana looks away from your face and unties the golden ropes at your wrists and throws it onto the floor.

You gently place the palm of your hands on her neck just below her jaw, using your thumbs to turn her head and face you.

“I do miss you,” you quickly give her a peck, only for her to chase your lips with hers. “But, Diana, I need you to trust in me a little more. We all get hurt in our battles and we all come back stronger afterwards.”

You can feel her jaw clenching with your thumbs. Her eyes were closed shut and her breathing staggers a little bit.

Diana opens her glossy eyes after a moment as a single tear drops from her eyes to your face, “I am truly sorry for what I said. I don’t think you’re weak at all. You’re strong, (Y/N). And brave. And you’re willing to give your life to save people. I guess I’m just scared of that because—”

“I know, Diana. I understand,” you nod your head as you look up at her, propped up by her elbows so that she could hover over you. “I’m sorry.”

Diana shakes head rapidly and apologizes more. She puts a hand over one of yours which was caressing her face. She kisses the palm of your hand before finally giving in and puts her whole weight on you, placing her face in the crook of your neck where she kisses you softly.

“Are we okay?”

“Let’s just have this moment and deal with everything else later,” Diana smiles into your neck, seeing all of the hickeys she left on you.

You nod your head as your eyes start to get heavy. Closing your eyes shut, you let your self fall into a calm slumber as Diana’s voice was the last thing you hear.

“I love you. We’ll be okay.”

a/n: i’m sorry if this was kind of long and if there’s some errors bc i didn’t proofread this at all bc i’m fking lazy haha but thank you so much for reading!!

xoxo isabelle

[shirophantomvox]

Analyzing Killua Zoldyck's Character

Illumi Analysis| Hisoka Analysis| Chrollo Anaysis|

What’s up y’all?! I’ve had at least 2 cups of coffee this morning and I am ready to write my butt off! This post will be about Killua Zoldyck, my second favorite character and you will know why by the end. If you’d like me to write about your favorite character, Be sure to send me a message and I will get on it ASAP.

Here we go!

I saw Killua for the first time on Tumblr. Someone created various icons for several anime characters and edited them. They were all aesthetically pleasing but for some reason, his picture stood out. Now that I look harder, it is because he was holding a Pepsi can instead of the off-brand one they drew for him in the cartoon. I noticed everyone on TikTok and Twitter had the very same icon as their profile picture (usually those that like to troll and say racist things to others). Once I started watching Hunter x Hunter, I realized the character immediately. Thank you for your edits!

Killua Zoldyck is the youngest child in the family and is the only child that developed a mind for his own.

Instead of taking the pleasure of killing, he runs/avoids and achieves this by becoming friends with Gon. It’s interesting to think that no one in the Zoldyck family wants to kill for fun except for Illumi.

I remember Zeno telling Chrollo: “Do you think I enjoy killing?”.

This makes me think that the family’s job is to destroy enemies that are a threat to society. Are the Zoldyck’s taking on the role of cops or an extension of such? If that statement is true why does Illumi take pleasure in abusing his power when his own grandfather only does it when criminals are involved? Granted, Silva and Zeno’s reasoning for brutally fighting criminals isn’t legal, and (to me) are considered to be vigilantes, at least they don’t go around doing the horrible things like how Illumi and Hisoka do.

This very reason why Killua ran away from home. He decided to rebel against his mother and implied: “Fuck you. I’m going to do what I want.” Killua and his siblings are victims of child abuse and show that they deal with that abuse in different ways. Killua masks his abilities in public and tries to keep them under control, Kalluto seems to be very quiet and obedient, Milluki is just as abusive as Illumi, and we already know about Illumi. Milluki is physically abusive; this can be seen when he is whipping Killua for running away and threatens to destroy Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio while Illumi plays mind games on Killua and uses his Nen to do the trick.

Killua’s character is very special and in a way takes the lead as the main character instead of Gon. I don’t know if that was intentional or not. Killua is a 12-year-old boy who leaves home to escape his abusive home and see the world for his own. During phase 1 of Hunter’s Exam, he instantly clicks with Gon; probably because he’s the only 12-year-old there. They constantly challenge each other to see who will win and who will buy dinner or some other reward. Because of his abusive home, Killua often masks his feelings. This is noticeable every time Gon talks about him being his best friend and he always reacts as if he’s embarrassed by it.

Gon is his shield from going bat-shit crazy like his family. They both have faced opponents (like Hisoka and others) where Killua could have unleashed his assassin abilities but didn’t. Yes, some of the opponents are stronger than him, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Killua is the best friend Gon could ever have. Since he knows about aura and any supernatural abilities, this is why he stops Gon and even insults him for pushing himself too far. Killua stopped Gon from using too much aura in the past especially once Kite’s arm was cut off by Pitou. Because Killua wasn’t there to stop him when fighting Pitou, this resulted in Gon’s downfall. Did Killua believe it was his fault that Gon almost died? He isn’t responsible for Gon’s actions but he focused so much on running away from his “demons” and masking his temper by maintaining his friendship that he wasn’t paying attention to Gon’s noticeable and developing temper.

Killua Zoldyck is a child that suffered from abuse and to escape that reality, he runs away, takes Hunter’s Exam only to match with his brother, chooses defeat, and then kills an opponent, not of his own free will.

But wait, there’s more.

After being rescued from his prison of a home, he goes to Heaven’s Arena, met Zushi and his teacher, develop Nen, follows the Phantom Troupe around and somehow managed to survive that, meet Bisky, join a game to get closer to Ging, witnesses Gon disappearing, trying to form a relationship with Alluka, and then tries to heal Gon with a quickness.

Whew, chile!

At the beginning of the show, it appeared as if Killua was taking on too much and only did so to keep his mind off what he escaped from.

One thing to point out is Killua’s motivation to heal Gon no matter what. It is implied that he doesn’t care what will happen to him or anyone else as long as Gon can live again.

Wait.

Isn’t that along the lines of what Gon said about getting revenge for Kite? He didn’t care about what happened to him? Hmmmm. I guess they’re very similar after all!

Killua and Gon are BFFs and will do anything for each other. Friendships in real life should be this way; let’s follow his fictional example.

Face

Killua’s face is the typical shape for someone his age. His eyes are wide, as blue as the morning sky, and honestly, I wish he’d smile more. Even though he is 12 years old, he still has a babyface.

Hair

Killua’s hair color is very similar to Princess Allura’s and Lotor’s. According to verywellmind.com, the color white represents innocence and purity. Ironically, Lotor and Killua are the opposite of that while Allura has maintained her innocence. Killua’s unique hair color and hairstyle are amazing! I love how it stays in shape while he is fighting or running.

Clothes

Regarding clothes, he is JUST like his brother. Again, Illumi irks me, but they both have a great taste in fashion. Through the show, Killua changes his clothes more than Gon, which is funny. I guess if Gon changed his clothes too much it would take away from his character. Killua’s default style contains a sleeveless white shirt with a purple one underneath, basketball shorts, and gym shoes. Just look at these outfit changes! This is why Killua is my 2nd favorite character in this show.

Behavior

As stated before, Killua cares more about others. This is ironic because the Zoldyck family only cares about themselves or their family while Killua feels the complete opposite. It’s almost as if he trusts strangers more than his own family. A common phrase: “She/He turned to the streets” that I’ve heard in my hometown can be applied here. Killua probably hates his family and turned to strangers to find love and comfort since they neglected that. He is also the only one that tries to develop a relationship with Alluka. At first, I thought “Wow he’s only developing a relationship with her to heal Gon” but then I realized it was bigger than that. Alluka has been separated from her family because of her dangerous abilities. She will demand something and if that person doesn’t fulfill her demands, they will suffer horribly. Killua learns that Alluka has a healing ability and while Illumi complains that Killua was hiding rules from him, he never took the chance to talk to him about it and continued to threaten Alluka. The family “banished” her to a confined room for who knows how long because, apparently, she had been possessed by a demon from the Dark Continent and they do not know when it happened. Despite knowing that Killua could parish with the rest, he still develops a relationship with her. He is the true example of excepting someone for who they are. As far as I’m concerned, running away was the best decision he made. It saved his life and in return, he’s going to save another. I do find it ironic that something considered to be so dark has the power to bring something back to life when usually it’s something bright like a light...interesting. You all know what I’m saying. Most television shows only portray angles to heal others while demons only seek to destroy. The Zoldyck family is wrong for pushing Alluka away. How could you do that to your own kid? Shit, you should be blaming yourself for not watching her and allowing the demon to posses her.

In conclusion, Killua is my second favorite character. He is bold, loves his friends, and isn’t afraid (anymore) to step up to people he may not win against. His character has blossomed from a young boy afraid to step up to his brother to a boy who isn’t afraid to do so. He has learned about Nen and has gone through many trials and tribulations just to say he is much stronger than before. What characters would you like to hear about next? Send me a DM!

Fin.

[drmedicsgamesurgery]

Danganronpa Kirigiri Volume 2 Full Translation Part 1

Thanks to DJ Shocker, Shenmen, Chilly, LiarieCC, and Blackflirtlarping. This is a fully fixed up and complete translation with no missing bits.

Danganronpa Kirigiri Volume 2: The Norman Hotel Detective Auction

Chapter 1: Daily Life

Couples dressed to the nines for Christmas Eve wined and dined in window booths, but due to the height of the building, no matter how much I craned my neck I couldn’t see them satisfactorily.

I must have gotten a little carried away, bouncing around the hall to eagerly check out the outside scenery from the windows of this high-rise building, as I felt someone tug on the sleeve of my coat; Kyoko Kirigiri. She gazed up at me, wordlessly, with cool eyes. I felt almost as if I was being scolded.

“Thank you for waiting! Please come this way.” Both Kirigiri and I followed a waiter into the interior of the hall. Suddenly, an enormous Christmas Tree came into view. A fir tree that must have been imported from abroad, decked out in dazzling star ornaments that were determined not to lose to the lights of the city in terms of brightness.

We found ourselves being led to a wide individual room.

An antique candle holder stood in the center of a table draped in a white cloth, the candles fully aglow.

Napkins and cutlery for three people were already laid out on the table. And the furthest wall was transparent, giving us a scenic view of the city nightscape.

“Woww! This is amazing!” I dashed over to the glass wall without thinking, and gazed out at the city lights twinkling under the night sky.

“Kirigiri, come here!” I called out to Kirigiri, who stood behind me. She seemed to be hesitating. She looked at me with a slightly concerned expression on her face, then approached the giant window. She looked over the city nightscape with pink tinged cheeks, seemingly unable to tear her eyes away from the lights of the city.

“Isn’t it pretty?”

Kirigiri nodded.

“Won’t you tell me how you really feel, out loud?”

“…It’s pretty.”

At this point, Suisei Nanamura entered our private room.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, ladies. I see you’re enjoying my Christmas present to you.”

By ‘present’ did he mean this view?

I suddenly felt a little embarrassed at taking the bait so quickly and backed away from the glass wall, flustered.

Suisei pulled out a chair with a gesture that made it seem like this was something he was well accustomed to. I lowered my head to him in a quick bow and took a seat. I really wasn’t used to how to act in a place as fancy as this.

On the other hand, Kirigiri seemed used to it. She lowered herself onto the chair, almost princess-like, and gave Suisei a casual nod as her thanks.

Kirigiri continued to surprise me, but I think she was essentially a refined and well-mannered kid. When it came to being a detective and solving cases she became cool-headed and almost difficult to approach, but I wondered if that had something to do with being raised in a family of detectives.

Suisei placed the Santa hat he’d been wearing on Kirigiri’s head and sat down opposite her. He didn’t offer any explanation as to why he’d given her the Santa hat, and Kirigiri herself didn’t react.

Well, she looked cute like that so I had no complaints…

“Well, I am a happy man! Having the honor of spending Christmas Eve with such beautiful young ladies…”

After sitting down, Suisei propped both elbows onto the table and rested his chin on top of his hands, suddenly observing us intensely.

I was bewildered by the suggestive look in his eyes.

“W-what ?”

I suddenly found myself feeling very shy.

Suisei had a face as handsome as an actor - he was an attractive man. I had absolutely no objections to joining him for Christmas dinner-

‘“2,000, 9,800, 23,000.” Suisei suddenly rattled off a series of mysterious digits.

“Huh?”

“The price of your glasses, the price of your coat, and the price of your boots.”

“W-what…? How did you…?”

He knew?

The numbers were more or less correct.

“There are many ways to observe other people, and one of the most effective ways is to judge them by the value of what they’re wearing. Through knowing the value of their material possessions - in other words, their quality - is not a method to be overlooked.”

“I - I see."

“Yui Samidare-kun - for example, in your case you’re confident about your legs, so your most valuable possession is your boots. However, from the way your boots are worn down, they don’t seem to be specifically designed for sports. And you’ve chosen to walk down the path of becoming a detective. Aiming to become a detective at such a young age is probably due to something that happened in your past-”

“O-okay, I got it.”

I put both hands up in front of me, as if to evade Suisei’s words. I don’t think I wanted to hear anything else he had to say.

Suisei’s lips curled into a grin and he spread out his arms while gesturing at the clear glass wall.

“7,445,000 yen. The price of everything you can see from here. Along with the price of electricity for every building. The true essence of everything is so beautiful.”

Suisei gave me a smug wink.

Detectives were really hard to understand.

Suisei Nanamura was a Double Zero Class detective. According to the DSC (Detective Shelf Collection) at the Detective Library, his number was 900. The number nine indicated that he dealt primarily with murder investigations, and his double zero was proof of his skills.

In the past there was a detective who, due to the successful handling of his cases, moved up as far as rank three, but that took over 20 years of his career. For Nanamura to hold a double zero at the young age of 37 was, quite simply, incredible. It was not an honor you earned with half-hearted skills.

“Well then, let’s continue talking about the job over dinner.”

Suisei snapped his fingers, and from behind him a waiter appeared to fill his glass with red wine. Two more waiters also appeared by his side as if they were servants attending to a prince.

Since Kirigiri and I were still underage, we were passed a soft drink menu. I chose orange juice, and Kirigiri ordered a coffee.

“Let’s toast to our first meeting - is what I’d like to say, but allow me to refrain. After all, in our world a toast doesn’t signify the start of something, but the end.”

Suisei took a sip of his red wine.

The waiters began to lay out plates in front of Suisei. Usually when it came to French cuisine, every dish was served one by one, but for some reason they continued to pile dish after dish in front of him.

“10 hours, 28 minutes and 49 seconds.” Suisei suddenly rattled off another series of digits.

“That is the time that’s passed since I opened the letter challenging me to this Duel Noir. The time limit from when you open such a letter to who is victorious being decided is 168 hours. For my own sake, I opened the letter at exactly 10 am today.”

Suisei said with a serious expression on his face. However, he hadn’t stopped eating. It occurred to me that most of the food had already disappeared from his plate.

When did he…?

One plate each was placed in front of Kirigiri and me. If we tried to match Suisei’s pace, the food would be devoured before we could even enjoy it.

“Mr Nanamura, how many Duel Noir challenges have you participated in up until now?”

“This would be the fifth time.”

“The f-fifth time?”

“I can only call it bad luck. Out of all the detectives I know, there’s some who’ve never even heard of Duel Noirs. In fact, it’s more likely a detective will hear of Duel Noirs.”

Naturally, Kirigiri and I knew what a Duel Noir was.

Just a little earlier, Kirigiri and I had been wrapped up in one. A Duel Noir was a game organized by an organization called The Victims Catharsis Committee. Both a detective and a criminal engage in a deadly duel. After receiving a letter of challenge from a criminal, the detective will attempt to solve a case in real time.

Unlike what their name suggested, The Victims Catharsis Committee wasn’t a charitable organization at all. Under the name of providing catharsis for victims of crime, the committee lured participants into their game. It seemed that when it came to recruiting ‘challengers’, they particularly aimed for those who were driven by a need for revenge. In other words, by using those who were willing to go as far as murder, the game unfolded.

The detectives, on the other hand, were chosen out of the names registered on the Detective Index at the Detective Library.

There were approximately 65,500 detectives registered on the list, and their names were public information. It was assumed that The Victims Catharsis Committee summoned detectives from this list according to the difficulty of each case. For this, a detective’s DSC number was used as reference.

“The further you move up in rank, the amount of detectives decreases. Statistically it becomes more likely for one to be challenged to a Duel Noir.” Nanamura placed his fork on top of his plate, wiped his mouth with a napkin, then suddenly threw them all behind his back. One of the waiters caught the plate while barely moving an inch. With the space he cleared from throwing away his plate, Nanamura placed his two fingers together on top of the table.

Suisei began to stare at Kirigiri and me as if he was observing us.

“I read your file about the case you solved, you two. It was a great case for your induction.”

The Sirius Observatory was our induction case? And yet even now every time I remembered that day I felt a dreadful despair.

“However, the next one doesn’t seem to be so. Looking at the letter of challenge, the culprit seems to not only understand the aim of Duel Noirs far too well, but they also plan to win. That’s a troublesome attitude. Seems almost as if they’re enjoying the game. It’s probably a treat for the spectators as well.”

“Spectators?”

“Oh? You didn’t know? Duel Noirs are broadcast in real time. The spectators watch over them during what’s called a Closed Circuit, whilst eating and drinking together. You could call it a live-viewing.”

Speaking of which, didn’t the mastermind between the previous case say something along those lines?

The Victims Catharsis Committee didn’t just want to play a game - they wanted to offer a show.

“This is all pretty hard to believe. Who on earth would watch a Duel Noir?”

"I can’t tell you exactly who watches them, however there’s no doubt they move in high-class circles. In order to participate in a Closed Circuit, it’s said that the price is equivalent to that of the school fees from a third world country.”

What an incomprehensible and compassionless comparison. We can compare this to the duel in the arenas of Rome. People paid a lot of money to see blood and people killing each other. They want drama. Of course, I don't think I'd like to see that myself, people being killed so brutally. 

“By the way, why are you after the Victims Catharsis Committee?" asked Suisei.

"We can't leave such an organization in the wild! " I said with a cry from the heart.

"A great sense of justice, huh?" smiled Suisei. He then turned to Kirigiri. "What about you?"

Kirigiri hesitated for a moment, "There is no reason. Honestly, I haven’t received another invite to do so. "

“Um, a-ah, w-wait we should really be united on this!” I turned to retort at Kyoko. “Wait, are you telling me you aren’t willing to fight the Victim’s Catharsis Committee!?”

“No, I’m just interested in having my detective skills recognized.”

“...Seriously, you’re only interested in moving up the ranks? Are you really satisfied with that? After being manipulated, aren’t you the least bit offended?”

“...I do.” Now that actually surprised me. Still, she was answering me in that usual expression of hers. She wasn’t quite good at showing off her feelings, or rather she has an incredible poker face.

"It's not right to hide your emotions behind a stone face, you know? So just try to deal with this organization with me! Isn't this a detective's job? That we aren’t just limited to dealing with immediate threats!?" I questioned.

"If Yui-oneesama wants me to help her, then I will."

"You're so childish!"

I chewed my lower lip to control my frustration.

"Don't you have your own opinion? Are you just a doll that we can control as we please?"

Kirigiri simply looked at me with cold eyes. Was she actually angry?

"A detective operating without a client is just fulfilling mere self-satisfaction." Kirigiri said before looking away.

"Maybe, but at least I’m making an effort to find out the truth." I suddenly got up. Weirdly, it reminded me of my childhood, and especially of my sister. 

“Find the truth? What a childish response.”

“Says the actual child!”

After my sudden outburst, a sound echoed in the room. I looked at the source of the sound; Suisei was holding a mini trumpet. My ears began to ring. 

“Alright, no fighting. Honestly, you’re like children. No wait, not even that, but rookies” Even so, from my point of view, he was much worse. He then threw the trumpet with a bitter laugh and a waiter caught it without problem.

"A detective is nothing without an ideology, especially not trustworthy. They’re also nothing if they’re too self-serving. I guess you two have at least one half of what it means to be a proper detective." said Suisei before shrugging.

Kirigiri and I looked at each other for a moment.

"Sorry I got carried away." I said as I sat back down, my face flushed from embarrassment. Kirigiri remained silent with her face being stoic.

"Well, let's go back to our history lesson," Suisei said, “Since my investigation into the Victims Catharsis Committee began, the amount of missing detectives had reached the double digits.”

“D-double digits?”

“Get what I’m saying? It means that the situation is getting increasingly difficult to back out from.”

“Is that what you got from this investigation into such a dangerous organization? If so, then that just means we need to hurry up and eliminate them!”

“Really brave of you, Yui Samidare. The detectives that disappeared would have said the same thing. These detectives were Double Zeroes, yet even they couldn’t shake this organization. It’s proof that this situation can’t be solved so easily. Say, did you know the Victims Catharsis Committee is registered as a non-profit organization? Complete with an office building, people can freely enter and exit.”

“Really? But then… what’s the matter?”

“The matter is that the only information that can be gathered is what they have open to the public. They spread detectives thin with so much useless information, while the real information is carefully concealed. If you want to hide leaves, put them in the forest. That good example is written in ‘Father Brown’. It’s a famous detective novel by G.K. Chesterton.”

“Then...what purpose does this group have? Is it to really treat the vengeance of others as some sort of program to watch?”

"From what I know, those who traced this organization before they disappeared seem to know there was a real purpose to that.”

“There’s a purpose?"

"The detective who told me about it is still missing, so maybe he knew the real purpose of the Victims Catharsis Committee, or..."

"Well, it definitely wasn’t for ‘Catharsis’."

"What is it from you, Yui? You refer to the Victims Catharsis Committee as evil."

"Isn't that natural? They kill innocent people."

"But both parties are often criminals, aren't they? You should know that if you've ever participated in a Duel Noir." Suisei challenged me. "They're trying to get revenge on someone who's made them suffer in the past, often from a crime."

In the past Duel Noir, the culprit of it, was trying to get revenge for his family that was murdered. He wanted to avenge them.

"Life has also taken away the criminal’s common sense." Kirigiri challenged as well. "They have decided to take revenge on the people who stole from them."

"In this world, there are people who live their normal lives without being judged for the mistakes they have made, while others live a miserable life in the depths of society. Life is simply unfair. Don't you think their behavior is normal?" asked Suisei.

"I can understand that feeling... but it's still unacceptable to turn to violence." I spoke back in retort.

“In the end, what you’re saying is only the opinion of one detective. There is only a thin line that separates justice from evil. For many people, the Duel Noir is a relief or a holy war. Some people think that challengers are rewarded only because of a necessary evil that can change the world.."

The Victims Catharsis Committee was a necessary evil?

Is that really the case?

"Even if there was another reason... when you're determined to kill people, and you 

choose this path, I think you should be punished, no matter what the context is."

"You really are someone with a strong sense of justice." Suisei laughed softly. "But if the iron is twisted, it's very difficult to go back once it's done. A child like you can turn out to be the biggest threat."

"A threat..." Didn’t expect him to call me that.

“Don’t get too personally involved if you ever want to be married to an adult.” he said

"Don't let your feelings get in the way of your judgment, Yui-oneesama." warned Kirigiri. Well, I couldn't think of anything else to answer.

For a professional detective or for Kirigiri, hiding their emotions and not bringing their personal ideas into the business is very easy. I also think it is necessary. However, there's no reason to leave the Victims Catharsis Committee alone like that.

"Whatever the circumstances, I don't think it's time to change my mind about an 

organization like this," I stretched my neck slightly, "No matter the context or despair, a normal human being has to control themselves."

“So what they said about youth being both a wound and a sharp knife was correct!” 

“Mr. Nanamura! Do you really think the culprits of these Duel Noirs are innocent victims?” 

"Yep, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter to me." laughed Suisei as he answered without hesitation. "Innocent or not, as a detective, my true opponent is mystery. My existence is there to solve those that are right in front of me. Say, don’t you think it's more fun solving a mystery solo?"

“And so it turned into this…”

This was expected from a Double Zero. He really trusted his experience. "Do you really think I can forgive criminals? I'm not that naive," he said.

"I'm sorry I doubted you…”

“That’s quite alright!”

“Is there anything else we should know about the Victims Catharsis Committee?"

"I don't know anything else, but I heard another story from a single detective who had been the victim of a Duel Noir."

"Just one?"

"We call him the President, a man... I mean, they could be a woman, who is the brains of it all. Their identity is surrounded by a veil of mystery. One day they founded the Victims Catharsis Committee, a little less than 10 years ago."

"So they are the boss of the organization?"

If we could reveal the identity of the president, we would be able to charge the Victims Catharsis Committee as a criminal organization. The shadow that organization had casted was beginning to mold itself into a human figure.  

"Who could be the president? Could he have been an ex-detective?" Kirigiri said abruptly.

Suisei raised an eyebrow, placing his elbow on the table to support his chin. "Why do you think that?"

"Duel Noir targets must organize an unsolvable crime and become guilty of a false incident. In fact, it means that the organization is able to cover up the real culprit in a case and keep it for a future game. Only a top-notch detective could do that." I spoke, and was rather surprised from what came out of my mouth. Wow, guess I was getting up there in being high level as well... 

"That's right, you're absolutely correct." Kyoko nodded.

"However, if it is a high class detective who could find the real criminal very easily, he can survive their little adventure. As long as the rank is high enough, for example..." said Kirigiri, "The triple zero rank of the detective library counted four people in the past, but one of them disappeared from the records, perhaps they are the President we are after."

"This may be a consideration to be taken into account in order to identify the president of the organization." Applauded Suisei. "I'll skip the explanations, because to us, time is money. Kyoko Kirigiri, you seem to be able to follow me easily. "

"So, which detective was struck off the books?" Kirigiri asked.

"Unfortunately, I don't know." Replied Suisei, extending his arms. "When I registered in the detective library, there was nothing that could designate his identity, like most triple zeroes. All we know is that he's human. He was probably one of the first detectives in the library. If anyone knows anything, it must be a detective who handles gender cases. As far as I know, one of the founders was in this field."

Speaking of the founders, I heard that Kirigiri's grandfather is one of them. It doesn't look like he's registered, but... anyways, I might be thinking too much.

I was watching Kirigiri's reactions from the corner of my eye, but she didn't seem disturbed.

"If you're able to speculate that far, why can't anyone find him?"

Suisei took a knife & fork and raised his arms up. "It's because everything is speculation. If one of the old triple zeros turned out to be the president, it would be a shock."

"Why?" I asked 

"There is a difference between time, money or talent. That's the difference between us and the Triple Zeros. If they turn out to be criminals, it will have a big impact on the rest of us and our reputations. It's not a joke- it's a fact - and it's not an easily by-passable problem. It's an undeniable defeat." Suisei said.

For me to be a Double Zero was already above the clouds, so if someone with a lot of pride like Suisei said that... then maybe I should at least admit that I wanted to fight much harder than I already was.

"There's only one way to get closer to the Victims Catharsis Committee," said Suisei. "It's to capture the challenger, the murderer. They are in direct contact and receive private information. But then again you'll need to know the identity of the murderer. However, if we can do it, it would be a big step. Do you understand?"

"Of course!" I exclaimed. "I wouldn't let a criminal win."

"That's a powerful mantra." Suisei got up from his chair and looked at his watch.                       

"What? Are you planning to leave?"

"We are eating, but time is running out, and time is money." Said Suisei, waving to the waiter. "Even if there wasn't a confirmation, it's still a Duel Noir. Are you sure you want to come?"

"Yes." I said without hesitation. Kyoko saw my face and also nodded.

“Then let’s discuss this Duel Noir, shall we?”

The culprit of the Duel Noir can get funds from the organization in order to purchase Techniques. These Techniques range from tactics to weapons and once their ‘deck’ is assembled what they chose will be on display in the letter to the detective.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Message for the Detective

Heed the Cry of the Noir

Location — Norman Hotel — 80,000,000 yen                         

Weapon — Knife — 5,000,000 yen                        

Weapon — Revolver — 15,000,000 yen 

Weapon — Hammer — 3,000,000 yen

Weapon — Rope — 3,000,000 yen

Weapon — Automobile — 10,000,000 yen                  

Trick — Locked Room — 100,000,000 yen                       

Trick — Disappearing Act — 100,000,000 yen

Other — Cash — 1,000,000,000 yen

Total cost — 1,316,000,000 yen                         

According to the above cost, the following detective is summoned  — Suisei Nanamura.

                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seems he's the detective to ask.

I felt a little overwhelmed when my eyes met Kirigiri's. This time, the person had accumulated several weapons and tricks. He could buy this from the organization, the price being marked on the letter.

The higher the price and difficulty, the higher the rank of the detective. "I'll tell you the most important things first," said Suisei, taking the bag a waiter had handed to him. He put the letter back inside and closed it.

"In a Duel Noir, there is a rule that says the criminal cannot kill the detective in charge of investigating. It's because there's no game when the detective's not there. The detective is always asked for through a letter. If you're not the detective, you're just a secondary companion. So it could be that the culprit is one of the victims, even if they're dead. You could die." His voice suddenly resounded. "Me and the others, if you think about it, are jumping into the criminal’s trap. It may indeed be that if we apply ourselves to all this, you won't get out of it unscathed and wind up a victim."

“A...victim?” Those unexpected words made my voice change. 

We would need to think about this carefully….

If we get in the way of the culprit, we could die.

“Are you scared?” said Suisei

"I... think I'll be fine." I lied to myself.

In contrast, Kyoko looked quite calm and gave a nod of her head.

"For the criminal to win, they must kill their enemy to get revenge on them, and last 168 hours without being discovered by the detective. If you win the "Duel Noir." You win the amount of money spent on the game. For a criminal wanting to start a new life, that's a good motivation." He said. 

“That...sounds like such a desperate situation to wind up in.”

"Exactly. They can put everything aside, including their past, and have a normal life if they wish. On the other hand, if the detective manages to find out who the culprit is, they will have to refund the money they spent on the game. If they cannot pay with money, they will have to pay with their life. In tune, I will do the same and fight with my life.” 

In short, it is a game of life and death for our enemy. To stay alive, they're going to do everything they can to not get caught. But I'm not going to be beaten. I became a detective to answer the call for help. If you want to bring justice as a detective, you have to put your life aside. That's the purpose of a detective. As such, I have no qualms about risking it all and even giving up my own life for it all. In contrast, Kyoko was a detective by nature with no sense of purpose outside of the profession. She was involved in this career since she was so young, and is now about to become a detective machine, utterly incapable of feeling death.

But, no matter how much detective work was installed in her, she was still a junior high school girl still starting out. 

"The Duel Noir does not always take place in closed areas. However, as this limits the movement of detectives and drives the police back, these locations are often chosen. The Norman Hotel, which was chosen for this game, is an old abandoned hotel in the mountains. It will be very far from the city. We cannot afford to neglect the preparations. We’ll probably be there for at least 100 hours."

Suisei looked at his watch once again, and raised his hand to say goodbye.

"I have to go." Suisei began to leave, when he suddenly turned around, remembering something. "Oh, and let's confirm the schedules before that. I'll leave for the Norman Hotel the day after tomorrow, because there's something I absolutely have to do tomorrow. I will leave around 7am, and with the transport, I'll probably arrive around 10am. Is that okay for you? It's only one day, but..."

"Isn't there a time limit?"

"With my speed, we shouldn't be late. There's no problem."

“Oh...okay?”

"Let's pray for our victory!"

Suisei then headed for the exit of the private room, before diverting to the windows. He opened one of them. A strong wind rushed into the room. Suisei moved his legs to the other side of the window. "Good luck!" He gave us a thumbs up and jumped out of the window.

"Mr. Nanamura!" I quickly got up from my chair and rushed to the window that was still open. I then saw him slowly descend towards the illuminated city, a parachute deployed. The big sky-blue parachute added something to the beauty of the city. Were the high-ranking detectives all like this? I froze for a moment, watching the man slowly descend. The sound of cutlery made me return to my senses. A waiter came to close the window, blocking the wind.

"Well, let's continue this meal, even if we’re worried. D-day is only the day after tomorrow.”

"Yui-oneesama." said Kirigiri. "This could be our last Christmas."

"Don't say such a thing! Of course we won't be killed so easily! We'll have more Christmases after this!"

And I'll protect you. I couldn't get those words out of my throat. I could only superimpose 

Kirigiri's possible death based on my little sister's... Because of that, I didn't even want to think about it. I didn't really trust Suisei. Moreover, if I let myself be trapped in my little sister's illusion, it could be annoying for the investigation. I forced myself to drop a "I'll do my best for the Duel Noir."

"I guess I don't have a choice if I want to improve my rank."

It's still my little sister's voice....

"Hey, Yui-oneesama." Kirigiri was young, but her voice sounded very adult. "We must survive the Duel Noir, no matter what happens there."

A waiter approached me, and gave me something that looked like a fine notebook. When I opened it, I discovered the dinner bill. 62248 yen. 

“So Mr. Suisei Nanamura didn't pay?” 

The waiter tilted his head and smiled to remind me of his presence. I checked my wallet but I only have two 2,000 yen bills on me. 

“What’ll we do?” I whispered to Kirigiri: “That damn detective! His spectacular exits and entries show he has money, but likes to keep it!"

"Keep calm, Yui-oneesama." Kirigiri replied gently. She then took a card out of her wallet. "Can I pay at once?"

"Certainly." After settling everything, the waiter bowed and then left us alone.

"Kirigiri... you’re so cool..."

Once dinner was over, we left the building. Even if we moved as far away as possible, it was impossible not to see it. Lights that were almost blinding our eyes were emanating powerfully from across the city. I felt like I was in a paradise under the ocean, walking with Kirigiri. The Christmas lights were comforting, and a row of Christmas trees illuminated the faces of passers-by.

"Well, now that we're here... I can walk you home..." I said. Kirigiri remained silent for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night. She then turned around and started to walk away on her own.

"No need, it's too late anyways. I'll send you a message."

"But, alone at this hour..."

Kirigiri leaned her head and said to me over her shoulder: "Maybe if it was a foreign country, but there is nothing threatening on the roads of this country."

"But, if a man is attracted to young girls like you... he could do... that!"

I tried to attack her from behind, to grab her neck, but the next thing I knew, she was 

gone. She then appeared behind me and put my arms behind my back.

“Ow, this hurts…”

"See? I can defend myself." She released my arm. “You need to be careful, Yui-oneesama. If you tried you could probably beat an older man with a high kick from those legs of yours. 

"Be careful though, because if a man really wanted to attack you, you probably won't be up to it."

"Of course I will."

"Did you take a self-defense course?...And if possible can you teach me that trick too?"

"I'm going now." Kirigiri said as she looked at the street clock.

"Let's just go back together anyways, I want to talk a little more with you. It's quite boring, being alone."

Kirigiri frowned, creating a wrinkle on her forehead. She kept walking without looking at me. I ran up to her.

"We can keep talking about..."

"What, teaching you self-defense?"

"No, about the president of the Victims Catharsis Committee..."

"What's the matter?"

"He's a former detective, and one of the founders of the Detective Library... couldn't it be your grandfather?"

"It's very dramatic, but no, it's not him."

"How can you know that?" I asked.

"My grandfather was never registered in the library. He told me that before. He never became a triple zero, and it's not registered, so it couldn't be deleted."

But did her grandfather tell the truth?

"Are you sure he's not lying to you? A grandfather would never tell his granddaughter that he is the president of such an organization..."

"My grandfather is very proud to be a Kirigiri, more than anyone else in my family... He would never settle for being put in boxes like the library ranks. He was against the whole DSC classification system in the first place."

"Just pride?" I opposed. I've never heard of this family. She came from a detective 

family, there was no doubt about it. She has these abilities at only 13 years old. Maybe she really comes from a big detective family and that blood flows through her veins, but I haven't seen any other detective react to the name 'Kirigiri'. Even Suisei, who was a double zero.

"I know what you're thinking. The Kirigiri family are good detectives, but we don't want to 

be known. We live in the shadows. So the ordinary detectives don't know us. That's why my grandfather didn't register in the library, to protect the Kirigiri pride. We almost never talk about ourselves."

"It's an incredible story... but why did Kyoko-chan register in the library? Isn't that 

against your family's principles? At least, according to your grandfather.”

"First, my grandfather technically lives abroad. So he doesn't fight crime from here. It is 

impossible for him to be the president of a small organization located only in Japan."

"It's true that he's on another level... Sorry for doubting your grandfather, Kirigiri. Even 

adults fight crimes like this anonymously, ignoring the opinion of the public and the government, but maybe he knows the president of the Victims Catharsis Committee? I mean, he was the 'president' of the library."

"I wonder about that, but there's nothing I can do about it."

"Maybe if you say your name, an official will recognize him. It's probably easier to sneak in discreetly."

"It doesn't matter. It'll always be the same thing; what do I do after that? How can I sue the president of such a non-profit organization?" Kirigiri looked troubled, and she moved her fingers closer to her face, as if to warm them with her breath.

"Whatever! Everything ends up being discovered! Like how Al Capone ended up being nabbed for tax fraud. There’s probably something that can be put on him. As long as we can stop the Duel Noir"

“Such an extreme line of justice, that’s no different than succumbing to evil.”

“Erk…” 

"Yes, but being around all the time thinking about conspiracy theories will do worse than 

better. For now, we should put the president's case aside. Let's try to clean up what's in front of us." I was really getting told by a girl who was younger than me.

That's right. We have already made good progress. Suisei Nanamura's Duel Noir had already started for 12 hours. We must remain calm. We'll think about how everything will go after we arrest the Duel Noir criminal... If we manage to get out of the hotel alive.

We continued to walk, our minds clouded with questions. Kirigiri suddenly stopped.

"What? What's the matter?"

"We have arrived." I looked up to see a huge traditional house, with a huge door. I had 

trouble closing my mouth. The streetlights continued along the hill, and the white barriers extended far and wide

“Were there any houses like that left?” In this case, it was the largest traditional house I had ever seen. I watched Kirigiri, my eyes full of jealousy. Yes, she was definitely a lady.

"My curfew has already passed." Kirigiri said. "Fortunately you're not a man, because even for a detective, he would have been angry." Kirigiri seemed a little uncomfortable.

"If you had a curfew, you should have told me. We would have left sooner." I said.

"It's because I was talking to you that I'm late," Kirigiri replied, with cold eyes.

"Yes, it's because I've talked too much. I'm sorry, but I had to be absolutely sure what we discussed."

"If you say so."

“I’ll explain the situation, if that works?”

“That would help me quite a deal.” she said with a slightly softer tone than before. I felt rather pleased from it all.

Kirigiri walked to the large gate before stopping. The gate was made of wood, and I could only imagine the splinters that would be caught by touching it. It was still quite warm, but there were no signs, just an intercom.

"Aren't you coming home?”

“Only outsiders go through the front door. Family access is through the back.” She said as she walked along the wall.

“How… formal.”               

The massive trees planted on the other side did not allow me to see behind the gate. It was difficult to see the majestic residence, but it was impossible to see a human presence. For someone who didn't know the place, the residence was a total mystery.

"Do you live with your grandfather or alone?

"It depends, but there are three maids. One person is always there."

“Servants, are you serious?”

Since the school we went to was full of young girls, it was not difficult to hear that some families hired maid servants so that they would not leave their daughter alone. One of these families was Kyoko's. She had neither her father nor her mother. I didn't have the details, so I didn't understand the situation well, but I easily understood that I shouldn't ask more questions.

"By the way, didn't you live abroad for a while?"

"Yes, with my grandfather. I stayed there for 5 years. Then I had to come back to this school, as I was already enrolled here," Kirigiri said. "It had to happen at some point. There's a small portal that allows easy access."

"My life is very different from yours."

"Really?" Kirigiri stoically replied.

We walked along the fence for a while, until Kirigiri pointed to a specific place. There was a small gate to make it easier to get in. She took the key out of her pocket, inserted it and turned the key. The gate opened easily.

“Eh? You had the key for this place on-hand?”

“The problem isn’t about me having the key. The problem is what to do afterwards.”

“Is sneaking to your room not on the table?”

“He’ll definitely catch me.”

"So what should I do?" I asked.

"Wait here, I'll call Grandpa."

"Okay, I'll wait."

"I'll be back soon."

"Oh, wait a minute!"

"What?"

"Wouldn't it be better if you took that hat off your head," I replied, pointing at the Santa's hat that was on her head. She pushed it slightly. I watched it fall at my feet. Kyoko looked rather surprised. 

"What is it?"

"Didn't you notice?!" I picked up the hat and encouraged Kirigiri. "Hey, you better go."

"Oh, yeah." Kirigiri walked towards the door of the house. Once Kirigiri was out of sight, I put my hands in my pockets and leaned against the fence. It's unusual for Kirigiri to panic. Maybe her grandfather was that strict? Or maybe she really loves her grandfather. That must have been it. For her, who didn't have parents, it must have been difficult. I looked up to the sky, looking at the streetlights. 

Suddenly, little white glitter began to fall from the sky. A white Christmas? On Christmas Eve I am often alone, wondering what I will do next year, and my anxiety overwhelms me. This year, I met a girl named Kirigiri Kyoko, whose presence really helped me. I no longer have this feeling of loneliness and emptiness. We're both detectives too. Will she be here again next year? I was imagining our future: two detectives always together. I didn't want a dark future, but wasn't that the fate of a detective?

"Yui-oneesama." I heard a voice. I saw that the large gate was open. I turned around to see Kirigiri, looking at me with concern.

"Where's your grandfather?" I walked away from the white barriers by redoing the button on my coat. I approached Kirigiri looking behind her, but there was no one there.

"You're the man who wants to seduce my Kyoko!”

The voice came from above my head. An old man wearing a kimono was on the wall. I only noticed it now? I stepped back before being pulled forward again, put on the ground. A short time before, I was quietly contemplating the sky. It was disturbing to see an old man jump off a wall that high. The old man's cane kept me on the ground. Was he really that strong?! He lifted it up to try and hit my head.

"Wait, it's not her! She's a woman!"

"What?" He pulled his cane away, lifted me up, and grabbed my chest. "What are you doing!" I shouted, clearing the man's hand. I jumped away.

"It's Yui-oneesama, the detective who goes to the same school as me."

"Oh, is that true?" he said, scratching his white hair. "Sorry, I heard Kyoko was going to eat with a boy, excuse me for the misunderstanding!"

Despite his white hair, he looked pretty young. His hair was shiny, his wrinkles discreet, he stood up straight and his eyes were shiny with life. He had a cane in his right hand, but his legs didn't seem weak. Maybe it was some kind of weapon for him.

"I'm glad to know that Kyoko has made a friend. Was it you who called?" he said with a smile. He looked like another person with that soft smile on his face. “You’re taking care of my granddaughter. I’m so embarrassed. She was always alone, and didn’t seem to be used to life here. I was getting worried. If she has a good partner like you, then I can relax. Right, Kyoko?” “Yes.” 

"I'm sorry for delaying Kyoko and making her miss her curfew. She didn't seem familiar with life here, and I wanted to make sure she didn't get hurt."

Kirigiri was half hidden behind her grandfather's back. She seemed more comfortable than usual.  

"We both talked about the incident, and it took a long time... I didn't know there was a curfew. Please, don’t punish her!"

“Heh, I always wondered who Kyoko would bring back to me. Anyways, don’t worry, there’s an exception to every rule. If it involves a detective case, I'm willing to forgive her. For the Kirigiri family, detective business is very important and comes first. Even death does not deviate from its purpose."

“O-oh, so…”

“If it was detective related, then that curfew crap can wait!” he said with a merry laugh.

Was that what Kirigiri's grandfather taught? It sure explained a lot...still, glad he wasn’t unreasonable. Honestly, when he knocked me down and groped my chest, I was expecting the worst. Still, from what I’m seeing, he’s a pretty agreeable guy. Though, perhaps, that could be just his love for Kyoko, spoiling her?

“Heh, thought I was a grouchy old man? It’s all over your face!”

“Erm, s-so sorry!”

“Like I said, when it comes to being a Kirigiri, being a detective goes past one’s family, even death itself. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

"That’s my girl! If it is for a case and to see Kyoko become a first rate detective, than I suppose it's worth keeping the gate unlocked at night,” 

"Really?" Kyoko asked in wonder. 

"Of course, as long as you’re focused on your duty!”

"I'll do my best to be a good detective," Kirigiri replied, her eyes shining.

"Good girl." said the grandfather as he stroked Kirigiri's head. She and her grandfather seemed quite happy.

I felt a little uncomfortable in front of the stage, but I couldn't help but think it was cute.

"Uh, tomorrow we'll have to solve a Duel Noir case, so Kyoko will be spending the night somewhere else. O-Of course, I’ll also be there with her! Is that alright?” 

"Of course!"

Well, it was easy... but sending his little girl without hesitation into such a case... He 

didn't seem to be afraid of the death of his loved ones. Did he know a lot about the Duel Noirs? He must have heard about the Victims Catharsis Committee, thanks to Kyoko. He at least knows a little. Maybe he even knew more than we did. Such a great detective, who is also the founder of the Detective Library, necessarily knows more. I hesitated for a long time, not knowing if I should ask him or not. The man spoke again.

"Well, it's about time we head inside. You should go home too, Yui. It's cold tonight and you need to prepare to investigate. Shall I call a cab for you?" 

“Oh, no, I’m fine.”

"It was a pleasure to meet you. Kyoko, you can see her off."

I slowly lowered my head, always thinking.

"May I ask you for another cho-..."

There was no old man left in front of me. I was looking around, but nothing... nowhere. He had disappeared. Completely missing.

"Yui-oneesama, maybe you should go home..." said Kirigiri, near the gate.

I hadn't noticed it, but I was tired. The tension and my heavy breath disappeared, and I could feel the fatigue falling on my shoulders.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you, Yui-oneesama."

"It's okay, I'd let an old man touch my chest if it's for you." I said, removing the dust from my coat. "But I didn't know your grandfather was so... focused on your education. Still, it's great he’s not so uptight. "

"Hey, Yui-oneesama?"

"Yes?"

“It’s weird to choose detective work over family, yes?”

“W-w-well, I w-wouldn’t call it strange, just… well, it does seem to involve a lack of caring about people’s feelings in the matter.“ I said after a good degree of thought.

“People’s feelings?”

“Are you asking because you have doubts over your detective work?”

"No, that’s not it. Anyway, what Grandpa said earlier, that detective work was more important than the death of a family member… don't you think it's strict?"

"Well, I find it stranger than strict, but I guess that's your family's opinion of detectives..."

"No, it's different. For my family, work is really more important than the death of a family member. It's not a suggestion, it's an obligation. A dogma."

"Okay... I think it might be beautiful? It means you're very proud to be a detective, right?"

"Don't you think it's abnormal?" Kirigiri continued.

She had so much pride in her work as a detective that I could hardly see her doubting that. She was raised into it during her childhood, which made the thought of her doubts even harder to fathom. Still....

"What do you think?" I asked her.

"I don't think it's abnormal. I think… I think it's a good mentality," said Kirigiri. I thought for a moment to say that she didn't have to continue, but she opened her mouth before me. "But I feel like I force myself to think like that. Like, I live like a real detective, because I don't want to feel empty."

For her, her life was all about detective work, but even still...

"As long as I'm here, you won't be alone or empty." I hugged her.

"I want it to stay that way," Kirigiri said, looking at me.

"Of course! You're the coolest, most pure detective I know! Let's do our best together! Tomorrow and for as long as possible."

"Ah? ...Well, goodbye." Separating myself from Kirigiri, who walked back with a shyish look on her face, I laid my hand on the gate. I gave her one last look before running to the dormitories, the snow accompanying me. My curfew passed a long time ago! The dormitories were guarded, so I discreetly passed through a window.

Heh, violating the rules on Christmas night.

It felt quite nice!~

Chapter 1: End

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[boldlyanxious]

Remember when 23

Call me Maybe

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Tim almost dropped his phone in his hurry to answer. He didn't expect his phone to make a sound again until he changed the settings back but the picture of Marinette flashed on the screen with her name at the incoming call. He was feeling a bit breathless after the excitement of trying to keep hold of his phone and also because she was calling him. He tried to keep his voice even when he answered anyway.

"Hello?" He waited for a response but she didn't respond. He assumed she had to bully herself into calling a bit so he kept his voice calm so she wouldn't hang up.

"Hello… are you there?" He waited again before softly saying, "Please talk to me Marinette."

That was his first clue that something was wrong. There was no response on the line but he could hear someone talking near the phone.

"Well isn't that something, Marinette? Clearly you are hiding something if you aren't even giving out the right name."

The sudden silence signaled that the call had ended. A feeling of cold horror tightened painfully in his stomach. He suspected things were going very bad for her and that he had just managed to make them far worse.

---

Barb was surprised to see Bruce in the cave when she entered. It was just as well though. They would need everyone for this. He didn't even notice her until she spoke. He looked like he had been there quite a while based on his posture and discarded plate and mug. She felt a bit bad that he felt the need to hide in his own house. She decided to just skip right over the awkward and get straight to the mission.

"Everyone is coming now to suit up," she said. "Looks like it might be a long night. Alfred is bringing tea and coffee."

He faltered for a moment. He was surprised she was talking to him. Especially after he had spent the last few hours reading all the information Tim had compiled about Rouge Gorge aside from their interactions with her. She hadn never gotten much news coverage because her saves were rather small in comparison to the Rogues or the organized crime that the bats usually dealt with.

Tim had talked to the criminals and the victims of hundreds of crimes where the response was always that she was dedicated and focused. She was friendly, efficient and never used unnecessary force. Some of the reports went back even further than when she had caught Red Robin on the rooftop and definitely before they knew anything about the new drug. He pulled away from the computer, not quite getting the folder closed before she saw it. She raised an eyebrow at him questioningly but he pretended not to notice.

"What do we know?" he asked, avoiding the awkwardness for now.

"It appears to be a coordinated attack on the drug ring. Reports indicate even more locations are being attacked than we have information on."

She pulled up a map to display as others started arriving. Bruce stepped away to suit up. Robin was already there and Black Bat. Dick and Steph came down but she said that Hood would join them out there along with Arsenal. No one had heard from Tim since Barb had left his place.

"Who is leading the attack? Who even had that kind of resources?" Dick asked.

"It seems to be mostly coming from Falcone, probably for revenge. They are being joined by other gangs to fight for the right for territory and distribution," Barb said.

"Splitting the distribution among several gangs could limit the spread of the drug. Especially if we can interrupt the process," Steph said.

"It's too early to know for sure, but I think Penguin is using the chaos to make a move. It looks like he is banding gangs together for greater force. Whether he is doing this with Falcone or as a counter move is unknown." Barb said.

"Let's see what we can find out tonight." Batman said, moving toward the exit.

---

She was surprised to be pushed down onto a cushioned surface before the cloth was removed from her eyes. The drive had been short and silent before they moved her in. She looked around the room from the old couch she was sitting on. She wasn't surprised at all to see the drug dealer from the party in front of her. Lt. Howard Branden, if she was remembering the information from the meeting she ran from before her disappearance a few months ago.

There was no sign of the other 2 he had been working with before but the group was exactly who Batman promised to turn her over to if she didn't give him more information. She knew that Batman sometimes worked with the police and Branden was, or maybe had been, a police officer with the SWAT team. She didn’t pretend to know how any of that could work but it did seem like a possible connection.

She was surprised to see the guy she had met at the party who had tried to use her for free drugs. He looked like he was currently on drugs but was seemingly willing enough to be there that he wasn't bound in any way. The leader was already looking through her phone and she could see another trying to get into her laptop. She basically had no information on her phone. It was as low tech as she could manage to find. She could see some device attached that would probably get past her 4 digit PIN. She knew it wasn't very secure but it was a burner phone with 3 saved numbers and no names. She tended to reset it frequently.

"Work, T and A. Sounds like you know what you want out of life. But look at that history. No calls in days."

Marinette shifted herself but didn't try to talk through the gag. She just watched him and hoped she could find a way out of this as he continued.

"You friend, Dustin, here told me all he knew about you but it doesn't seem like anyone knows very much. He couldn’t even get much from his friend who works with you. Apparently no one knows much about you.”

He removed the gag. But she said nothing.

"Who are you?"

"Meg," she said, offering only information he already had.

He stepped closer.

"Why is that the only information anyone knows about you, Meg?"

"I'm a private person."

"Hmm. So who is this ex in your phone. You don’t even have a name in there. I thought he had broken up with you but based on your messages you dumped him."

She looked away rather than answering.

"He wanted you to call back. Shall we try it?"

She tried to jump up and stop him when he pushed the call button but one of the henchmen blocked her. She could hear the ringing tone and then heard Tim answer. Her mouth was covered again so she couldn't call out to him but she could hear him still trying to get a response. His third try to get her to talk he gave the only clue the man before her needed.

"Well isn't that something? He called you Marinette. Clearly you are hiding something if you aren't even giving out the right name."

He hung up the phone and set it down while watching her. The man preventing her from talking removed his hand and pushed her so she fell back onto the couch.

"What does it matter to you?" she asked.

"He is like really into you," Dustin said. "He found me after that party and asked me to help him find out more about you."

"That's it. I'm interested to know all about you. Do you ever get dressed up and go out?"

"You had men kidnap me for a date?"

Marinette was fairly certain he meant something else by his question but she was certainly not going to just follow where he wanted to lead her. Batman may have told him who she was but he had nothing if she didn't confirm it and he couldn't prove anything. Even breaking into her electronics couldn't get him that information. Without finding the magical box they would have no evidence. All her non-magical equipment burned in the fire.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by movement from the henchmen. He went up to talk to the man. They spoke in low voices for a few minutes and she had a bad feeling about whatever was being discussed. After a few minutes all the others left the room. They took her phone and laptop and one of them guided a stumbling Dustin away with them. When he caught her gaze he walked closer to her. She fought to keep her breaths even but he sat directly in front of her refusing to look away.

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To Marry a Vigialnte: Part 16

MASTERLIST || First || Previous || Next

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 16

-----------

Chloé couldn’t believe it! They forced her to stay in Gotham Academy’s girls’ dorms. That witch Lila managed to talk Madame Bustier into stopping her from leaving. Marinette had her mother’s permission to stay elsewhere, but apparently, the change in accommodation plans invalidated Chloé’s father’s permission. She would resolve it with a single phone call if someone didn’t steal her phone . She of course tried to report it to Madame Bustier, but her teacher declared that she must’ve lost it somewhere and she shouldn’t be shifting the blame on others. 

That woman’s picture should be in every dictionary, right next to the definition of a hypocrite.

She turned the corridor. She could sleep one evening there and tomorrow Marinette would let her borrow the phone. She could try with one of the girls, but it’s not like she remembered every phone number in existence! She regretted that the akuma attack ruined their plans for the afternoon, but Damian had sword-fighting practice tomorrow and she would have her friend all to herself. 

“You’re Chloé, right?” A blonde cheerleader asked. The Parisian immediately recognized her as Erica and narrowed her eyes. There were five of them and one of her. 

“And you’re the Queen B. of this school. For now .” 

The Gothamite princess had the guts to actually laugh. “You can’t even touch me. You’re just some foreign student that came here on a whim of the Ice Prince.”

“Oh, right. You’re the golden princess of this school.” Chloé mocked her. “Lemme tell you something, Erica. I’ll offer you an escape deal. You leave Damienette alone and you can keep your position on top.”

“Yeah. Like you could be a threat.” A new voice joined. From behind the cheerleaders, a new girl walked. Lila now wore the cheerleader uniform too. “You’re just a walking akuma factory. It’s really no wonder that people avoid you. You caused more possessions in Paris than everyone else combined.”

“And you hold the record for times being akumatized.” The Parisian blonde retorted. “Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! You think you can take the Chloé Bourgeois?”

“Oh! We don’t think…” Erica started.

“We know.” Lila finished. 

“The deal is simple. You will stop your friendship with Maribrat and we will let you keep some dignity.” 

“Or we will make you a social outcast. Not only at school, but in the whole of Gotham.”

Inside, Chloé was raging. She wished she could show them what Cass taught her, but she quelled the idea quickly. I definitely spend too much time with Sabine and the Waynes… She thought to herself. Instead, she grinned. “You know the difference between a threat and a warning?”

“What are you babbling about?” One of the cheerleaders snorted. 

“A warning is a threat that will actually come to pass. And I warn you. You’re messing with fire here. Damian was raised very old-fashioned. He will draw blood to defend the honor of his angel.” She decided that they could receive a warning. It’s not like they would listen. “And Marinette’s aunt is very well connected.” Then, she decided to drive the nail deeper. “Plus, MDC’s client list is quite long and none would appreciate that you try to bully their favorite designer.”

“Like that doormat…” Lila started, but Chloé tested the glare Cass taught her. It worked well enough. 

“You’re not dealing with Maribear. You’re dealing with me. And I’m not going to lose.” 

“What’s going on here?” Allegra walked toward them and stood next to Chloé. 

“Scatter.” Lila snapped at her. 

“Funny. I was about to say the same thing,” she retorted. Now she stood side by side with Chloé and both stared at them. Allegra had an aura of confidence around her. 

“Be careful who you stick with, Kane. You’ll do well not to antagonize me.”

“Just because your mother married a famous baseball player doesn’t make me respect you more, Boyle.” 

“It’s Layton ,”The angry cheerleader corrected. 

“Right. I must’ve forgotten. She does change her last name a lot…” Allegra smiled. 

“You’re in over your head, Kane. You’ll do better to stay with your little outcast club.”

“Nah. I’m good. Also, don’t you have practice in five minutes? I heard the coach is in a mood today.” The mayor’s daughter smirked. “It would be a shame if he made you run around with the players.” 

This made all the girls quickly scatter to get to the practice, leaving Lila and Erica alone. “You’ve just made an enemy, Kane.” 

“You’re an inconvenience at best…” She dismissed the threat. Lila decided to cut their losses and dragged the fuming Erica away, sending the two blondes a murderous glare.

“Thanks for the backup,” Chloé started. “Of course I didn’t need any, but still.”

“No problem. I always hated that self-appointed princess.” 

“And have you seen her hair?” The Parisian huffed. “Utterly Ridiculous!”

“And I’m pretty sure her dress is too short by the school standards.”

Chloé smirked. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”

-----------

After Bruce returned, they tried to figure out what was taken from the inside of the vault. Out of various precious weapons, documents, several property deeds, the only thing that was missing turned out to be the content of the wall safe. 

During the night patrol, Marinette and Damian scoured the city for potential akumas. While he dealt with criminals, she often stopped by the victims to calm them and gave some support. After serious butt-kicking for the criminals. It just wouldn’t do for Damian to get all the fun. The superhero/vigilante duo (nobody was sure which one, not even them) made a positive first impression on the city. Citizens seemed to like them, both for their efficiency and how they always stopped to talk. 

After, Marinette noted that their transformations could hold for much longer now since they were together in this. When asked, Tikki explained that now that she had Chat Noir that was mature and they were technically both adults as far as magic was concerned, she could start developing her full potential. 

After the short report to Alfred, the teens left the Batcave to change into pajamas. Marinette fell asleep almost immediately, but Damian stayed awake for a bit. He swore he would protect his Habibti. No matter how far he would have to go. 

-----------

Marinette and Damian had roughly half of their classes together. Sadly, she didn’t share too much with her best friend, since Chloé was more into business management than arts and fashion. It was mostly the problem of the level. Classes that Marinette had at beginner, the Parisian blonde had at a higher level and vice-versa.

When she arrived at her class, Claude and Jon were saving her a place between them, which would help to protect her from the classmates that ended in the same group. There were also several GA students that she would rather not sit close to (Erica’s bunch). Generally speaking, the first part of her day went well. 

The same couldn’t have been said about Damian. He, Chloé, and Allegra were saddled with the class. And to his utter dread, there were no free places next to each other. They tried to ask some students to move. Well, Damian tried to threaten them, which worked, but too late. The teacher entered and decided to put Damian between Alya and Lila. It was as if the universe was punishing him for something. He suspected that Mister Scarlet did that on purpose to egg him. With this one, he had no idea what he did to make him dislike the Wayne heir. But the way he acted toward him made it clear that he took pleasure in the situation Damian was put in: Between Alya’s nagging to leave Marinette and ‘return’ to Lila, and the Liar who kept whispering stories about their common past. 

Finally, after they got to go for lunch, Damian stormed out of the class. Everyone in the corridor made way for him. His scowl was enough to deter anyone from trying to approach him. Well, anyone but Maps.

“Damian! You’re back!” She leaped at him and it took all of his willpower not to draw a sword. 

“Tt. Mizoguchi. It’s not the best moment.” He growled. 

“But you’re back! Did the headmaster cancel your expulsion!?”

“No. He just forgot to file the expulsion files within the week of the offense. Ergo, I was never expelled. I just joined the exchange program.” He explained. 

Her eyes practically shined. “Coooool.” 

“Tt. Can you let go of my arm?” He was really hoping it would work. 

“Nope. I just met you again. We’re glued.” 

“Sup Dames?” Claude chose that moment to appear.

“Tt. I’ve got a parasite.”

“That I can see!” The other boy laughed. Most people were still steering clear from Wayne and whoever was with him. They valued their health for the most part. 

“I’m not a parasite. I’m Maps!” The girl greeted Claude, who in turn made an exaggerated bow. 

“And I’m Claudius Chase. But please call me Claude.” He made a mock fighting stance. “Like Jean-Claude Van Damme.” 

“More like Jack Clown van Lame,” Damian muttered. “Your stance is all wrong. I could take you out in seconds.”

“Of course you could. You’re b…” The Wayne heir covered her mouth with his hand. 

“Tt. Not here. Now if you would let go of my hand, you parasite, I’m sure Habibti is waiting for me.” 

“Habibti?” She asked after letting go.

“His girlfriend.”

You could actually see Maps’ eyes form into twin stars. “Can I meet her? Can I meet her?”

“Since when are you into fashion?”

“Huh? Who said anything about fashion. She’s your girlfriend though, which means she must be sooo cooool!” Maps was practically vibrating. 

“Hero worship much?” Claude joked.

“Tt. Fine. Let’s go.”

The three arrived at the Cafeteria, where Allegra, Chloé, Jon, and Felix were already eating. They had lasagna that day. Quite a lot of people were whispering when Damian appeared, more so than usual, but nobody dared to look at him. When he sat at the table next to Marinette, they did their best not to stare.

“Grumpy Cat?” She asked, a bit worried. “You’re… tense.” 

“Tt. Because of that socially-inept, talentless, petty bookworm,” he seethed, “I had to sit between Rossi and Cesaire.” 

Immediately, Marinette pulled him into a tight hug. “Oh, my poor Kitty.”

This caused some of the gathered, who knew Damian from the previous year, to immediately tense. Some of the students sitting nearby (mostly females) even grinned, thinking that here died the relationship. There was no way that Ice Prince would allow anyone to refer to him as Kitty. Getting him on the first-name basis was considered a privilege allowed only to the family (and strangely Claude). 

To their immeasurable surprise, Damian didn’t explode. Instead, he melted slightly into the hug and some of the anger left him. It wasn’t a long hug, but after it, he was now acting less like a walking grenade looking for its pin. At least three people awwed at them. It was just too pure.

“Whoah!” And then there was Maps, who had the subtlety of a steam-train speeding through the Wild West. “You’re so cute together!” She zoomed next to Marinette to get a better look.

“And you’re…” Marinette eyed the overly energetic girl. She was short, with hair that reached barely below her ears. 

“Mia Mizoguchi. But you can call me Maps. I’m Damian’s friend.” 

“Tt. More like a stray.”

“Damian! Don’t be a Grumpy Cat.”

“Besides, isn’t collecting strays kinda a Wayne Tradition at this point.” Felix deadpanned. Everyone started laughing. Damian gave a dignified smirk. The blond proved to be able to match him in intellectual discussion, which gave some basis for mutual respect between them. 

The group talked a bit more about their classes. Marinette and Chloé compared every detail of their experience in the States with what it was like back in Paris. Maps was a fountain of questions, even if some of them were a bit… strange. But Marinette still felt she would like the little girl. That she was in the same class as her surprised her. 

After lunch came time for more classes. When they finished, Damian was supposed to stay for training while Marinette and Chloé would go shopping. They were already outside the gates when three rather packed teens from the year ahead stepped in their way. 

“You think you can steal Erica’s man and then threaten her?” The one in the middle asked. It was clear he was angry and not exactly thinking clearly. “Gotham Academy Grackles stay together. If you think you can just prance here and take over, you have another thing coming.”

“Um… Sure.” Mari just nodded. “Now excuse me while I go away.” She tried to move past them, but one decided to make a fatal mistake of trying to grab the front of her shirt. She raised her left arm under the grip, lifting his hand slightly. It exposed his stomach for the moment, which she took full advantage of and delivered a knee-kick to his liver. When he folded in half from the pain, as much as he could with her still supporting his hand, she then used her right arm to deliver a cutter toward the back of his head.

The boy was out cold in less than five seconds. 

Seeing their friend attacked, the other two charged at her. Marinette ducked under the punch from the first one and headbutted him in the stomach. She then wrapped her arms around his left legs and lifted him up. He fell on the ground and tripped the slower one. When they both were down, Marinette stomped on the hand of the one on top. There was an audible crack that signaled she managed to damage the bones. He would not be fighting. The one under tossed his pained friend away and jumped on his feet. He managed to get Marinette in a chokehold, but she pushed her arms between his extended arms and spread them apart. When he was exposed, she jumped up and kicked him with both legs. While she landed without any injury, the bigger player crashed into his two friends. 

“The police are on their way,” Chloé informed, putting away the phone that mysteriously found itself in her possession earlier that morning, giving more credence to the theory that she simply misplaced it. 

“What’s going on here!” A harsh voice boomed behind them. Hammerhead was standing there in all his glory. “To my office. All five.” 

“Maman’s going to be here in just five minutes,” Mari informed him. She was still full of adrenaline. 

“I don’t care.” He seethed in response. 

The only conscious boy helped his friends stand up. First the one with a broken hand, then they lifted the unconscious one together. They limped through the campus toward where the office was located. Behind them, Marinette and Chloé walked with heads held high. Tomorrow, the school would be full of gossip, but the bluenette was all too used to it by now and the blonde would run her PR magic to change it into something positive. Chloé loved playing the crowd. 

--------

“I’m here.” Sabine practically stormed inside the office. “Now could you explain, sir, what is it about?”

“Your daughter got into an… altercation with older students today. Right in front of the school.” Headmaster Hammer started.

“Ah. And you’re curious if we’ll be pressing charges?” The woman asked, cocking an eyebrow. 

“Charges?” She managed to baffle the man. 

“Attempted assault?”

“Madame. You misunderstood me. Your daughter…”

“Defended herself. Yes.” Sabine cut in, her eyes filled with cold fury. “Unless I’m mistaken, Self-defence is not a crime.”

“You can’t call self-defense stomping on…”

“To prevent further fighting? Debatable. She is smaller, physically weaker, and was outnumbered. A good lawyer would argue that it was necessary for her to act that way for her safety and to avoid further fighting.” She stared down at the headmaster. “As for the charges…”

At that, two officers walked in. Hammer recognized the first one as Renee Montoya. The other was a blonde officer wearing a tactical vest.

“Sorry, it took so long. We’ve been a little short-staffed since the mess with akumas started.”

“Don’t worry. Luckily, my daughter managed to defend herself. Now, officer, what must we do if we wish to press charges?” Sabine asked with a cold voice, never breaking eye-contact with the headmaster. 

“That…”

“I’ll explain everything while officer Sawyer takes the attackers into custody.” 

“Thank you so much.” The older woman finally broke the eye-contact and turned toward Montoya. She smiled with her usual peaceful smile, but the fire was still in her eyes. “My daughter is part of the exchange program while I’m visiting my niece.”

Marinette was stunned by how well her mother could take control of the situation. She wasn’t sure what precisely she was doing, but it was definitely effective. 

“Foreigners?” The officer asked, surprised. “I could hardly hear the accent. France?”

“Yes. Paris.” Sabine smiled. “Neither I nor any of my charges are really familiar with the procedures here.”

“I will walk you through it. Headmaster?” The policewoman finally acknowledged the elderly man in the room. “Were the parents of the culprits notified yet?”

“Not. Yet.” He muttered through clenched teeth.

“We will take it from here.” She smirked at the headmaster. “You will be notified if any further input is needed, sir.” She started to walk away and motioned for the three women to follow her. 

Outside, Damian was waiting with a sword. Luckily, there was no blood on it. Yet .

“Hello, Kitty. Don’t worry. I’ve managed it.” 

“Tt. I’ll still challenge them to an honor duel.” He scoffed. 

“You will probably have to wait a bit. I don’t think…” The officer took a glance at Sabine, who even with her smile looked like she was ready to fight God on equal footing. “They probably won’t be coming back to school this year.” 

“They won’t.” Chloé, Sabine, and Damian said at the same time. But they probably had different things in mind. Or maybe just Chloé…

------------

  Masterlist // Next

[sleepless-in-starbucks]

2, 15, and 94 with LoSleep?

2. Royal AU || 15. Criminal AU || 94. Hair Brushing/Braiding

~

anon i hope you know this is like the Perfect set up for a rapunzel AU. maybe you did. maybe you did this on purpose. regardless... tangled AU

imma go with remy being the lost princess, and logan the dashing thief, because while my instinct is to go the other way around i like Switching It Up on y'all

remy's bigender, using male pronouns but female titles/referrals. he figured this out solely because he preferred the way the male pronouns sounded, while also liking being a princess a good deal more than being a prince. he doesn't mention this to mother gothel tho. i mention this mostly so none of y'all get confused as i go sdkjhncfjsd

logan's transmale, and his struggles as a poor trans kid are what made him go Fuck Society Actually. he targets the crown especially bc the king and queen can stand to lose their gold

he doesn't stumble upon the tower after being chased for the crown, however; he's just looking for a place to hide in general. he's just made off with a good sack of gold, and he wants to stash it for a bit, let the heat die down, before he tries to buy anything with it

and that's how he finds the hidden clearing, with the surprisingly intact, singular tower dead center

he, of course, goes to investigate, and ends up nearly getting run through with a broomstick, which he feels would be a pretty bad way to go

but that's not entirely horrible, because the person dangerously weilding the cleaning implement is a bit absolutely stunning

he says as such and almost gets a broom through a lung, because apparently this tower dweller thinks he's a threat and is also insulting them

after a... lot of talking, and logan wisely easing up on the complimenting thing (for now...), they get things figured out. the tower dweller is remy, and he's waiting for his mother to return from a store run or smth. logan has to be gone before mother is back, or logan will be in trouble

aside from the fact logan doesn't really want to leave remy just in General, he has some doubts about 'mother'. like why she was raising her kid... here. in the middle of the woods. in a hidden clearing. in a high tower. with no clear way in or out (logan had to scale the thing, and it doesn't look like remy's used to that method of entrance). and the best defense weapon on hand being a broom

so when remy faux-indifferently asks logan what the moving lights are ("i know they're not stars... please don't tell me they're stars..."), logan jumps at the chance to invite remy to see them- it'll only be a day, mother wont mind that long, right? logan can keep remy safe from his every fear of that real world, and remy'll get to see the lights, and everyone will be happy

remy's hesitant, but it's clear he wants to go. it doesn't take that much prodding to convince him to leave mother a Very vague note about being back soon and being safe, to go with logan

that's when logan learns about remy's hair. he hadn't noticed before, the dirty blond hair on the floor not having caught his attention, but he certainly notices it when remy's jumping out the window, cascading down the way by hanging on to all... goodness knows how many yards of it

if he wasn't already suspicious there was something off about this whole situation, the hair that was Way longer than it should be- and way stronger to boot- tipped him off pretty seriously

and as their trip goes on? logan's only adding to the list of Sus, including (but oh so not limited to)

the clear fact remy's Never left the small, sheltered clearing (which in my version is still within the forest, no overhead open sky) to the extent seeing the sun has him doubling over and clutching his eyes like they burn

after making do with some cloth wrapped over remy's eyes for a bit, logan gets him some sunglasses and remy doesnt know what they are at first

remy has too much fucking anxiety in his him- he hides from a passing person faster than logan, the known and wanted criminal

and it's clear he's not just avoiding social interaction- he loves talking to logan, and he's plenty social and alive and everything then- but he just seems to have some fear against. well. the world

remy is also... oddly clingy to logan. like. wayyyy too much so. maybe logan could blame it on remy not knowing enough about the outside world, but it seems... more than that. as if just bc remy's decided to trust logan on this, logan's the end-all be-all of trust or smth. logan's not exactly how to put it to words but. it's wrong

overall, remy has a very Vibrant personality. he's confident, strong, unwilling to just be led around and nothing like a damsel in distress. but it seems much too... surface level. like if logan pushed too hard, it would all crumble, to reveal something- someone- who's not sure about anything and who's terrified because of it

making their way to the center of the kingdom makes it all the more clear to logan that Something is wrong with remy, and that there is no way he can ever go back to that tower

because logan's an orphan kid, he's seen his fair share of foster homes, of some of the kids who come back from them

he knows what child abuse victims look like

that's not all logan's learning about remy on the way to the kingdom, however. he's also learning about his favorite story, how much he's thought about the moving lights, how the world looks so different from the ground. logan's learning how remy's genuine smiles are much prettier than the faux one he wears a lot, how his laughs are rare but perfect, how incredible he is between the poorly concealed fear and hurt

logan's a thief and a cynic, someone's who had long written off most of the supposed good in the world, much too used to an orphaned childhood, growing up in poverty, misgendering, pain

something about remy makes him reconsider some of his more pessimistic beliefs

they reach the kingdom at midday, but remy stops them before they can actually go in. even with the sunglasses, logan can see the blinding fear in his eyes at the sight of civilization, of all those people. he grips his hair, takes a half step back, looking about ready to call it all off and run all the way back 'home'

logan grabs remy's hand. the grip is light, easily escaped, but remy doesnt, just looks at logan, trying to school his expression into one of cool neutrality instead of fear

"i can braid your hair." logan says, holding remy's gaze as he speaks. "so no one steps on it while we go to see the moving lights."

logan knows that's not the main thing stopping remy from entering the kingdom. it's an excuse, just for him. because it's easier to be worried about your hair being stepped on then to admit just being Afraid, right?

"I will not let it come undone" logan adds, lightly squeezing remy's hand. i will not let you get hurt

it's a long minute before remy agrees, but he does agree

they sit on the floor of the forest, just outside the kingdom, logan's deft fingers making quick work of the tangles that have developed in remy's hair over the course of the trip, the thief carefully watching the way remy's stiff as wood at first, trying not to react to logan's work on his hair, but slowly relaxes, leaning back a bit, tilting into logan's touch each time it comes back to remy's head

it takes a while, but soon enough, remy's hair is mostly restrained in a braid that's held together at key points by flower stems, leaving remy's hair decorated with wildflowers to boot

remy loves it. logan's starting to think he loves something too, but he's less willing to admit it

spending the rest of the day in the town is surprisingly wonderful- remy keeps close to logan, but he manages to talk to some people at times, and when they find the library he seems just about ready to die happy in there

logan stays close to him the entire time, usually holding his hand. he's never loved being around people more

it's getting close to the time for the lanterns to be released when logan realizes who remy is

the tower girl makes a comment about how familiar the lost princess's mural is. logan glances between it and remy, between the uniquely red-tinted brown eyes, the bright baby hair that could've easily turned dirty blond, the story of a dying queen and a magical flower springing to mind

remy is the lost princess. and as loathe as the thought of letting him go is, logan knows remy's the one treasure the thief can't have

so logan promises to himself, after they see the lanterns, he'll explain. he'll bring the princess to the king and queen, and hope he doesn't get arrested in the process. he'll set things right, and then he'll leave

because the thief doesn't get the girl anywhere other than fairytales

they still share an absolutely magical moment out on the water though. the way remy's eyes light up seeing the lanterns rise into the sky, sunglasses off in the dark evening, awe-struck... and when logan reveals the lanterns he snagged at one point, that they two of them can send up- logic help him, logan's not sure how much longer he can go on denying the truth

they don't kiss, don't even get close, bc logan's too busy trying to deny the truth and remy's still got a million trust issues

but remy's hand is slotted in logan's nearly the entire time, and they release their lanterns at the same time, and they hold each other's gazes a few times too long, and that seems pretty damn close to Something for them

they head back to the kingdom land before the other boats. logan knows remy will prefer to hear what he says without too many people around them, and if logan's being honest with himself? he's running away. he's running away from this closeness before it can get him (it's already gotten him, but he's always been so good at lying)

then logan gets shot :D

bc mother gothel found that note and she didnt like it!! she was after remy as soon as she saw it, and now she's caught up, and she's not letting anyone keep remy from her

she comes totting a crossbow that she levels on remy the moment she sees him. demanding he come home, saying the world is too dangerous for him to be out and about, pretending the crossbow is for logan instead, that he's a threat, can't remy see he needs to come home with her? where it's safe?

remy doesn't move. mother is supposed to be safety, right? he should go with her

...he doesn't want to leave logan

things escalate. logan says he'll never let gothel have remy again. remy doesn't react to this, but he doesn't step closer to gothel either. her frustration builds. the trigger gets pulled

it's unclear who she meant to hit but logan's the one who takes the arrow through his chest, barely even thinking as he made sure he was between remy and the projectile

by then, the townspeople have begun returning to the town, so there are people to grab gothel, ensure she doesn't attack further. someone runs for the king and queen, because one soldier recognizes gothel, as long ago as it's been since she was last seen and known and Wanted by the rulers, wanted for taking their baby

people try to approach logan, to help, but remy curls around him, refusing to let anyone near, not trusting them, refusing to lose the one person left in this world he cares about

remy's hair has fallen out of its braid, falling around himself and on top of logan, whose head remy is carefully supporting in his hands. logan's trying to convince remy it's okay, everything will be okay, that as long as remy is okay it'll be okay, but remy's really not buying it, not when logan's blood is staining his shirt and hair and his voice is getting weaker and weaker and weaker

"it's okay" logan tries to promise, even though remy can barely hear him over the gurgle of blood in the back of his throat

"how can it be okay? you're dying"

"...and you're safe" logan replies, just barely, wasting the last of his strength to reach up, cupping remy's cheek, holding his face like he was the most important thing in the world, "you're safe. and i love you"

logan's eyes slip closed after that, and they don't seem to be opening again soon

remy could do a lot of things now. scream, cry, breakdown. he's already pretty close to doing a lot of them

but instead, he sings. he sings the song mother gothel always made him, the one that could deage. he doesn't know what it will do. but he hopes against hope it'll do Something. that it will save logan Somehow

and before the eyes of the town, before the eyes of the king and queen just fetched from their castle, they watch as remy's hair glows with magic not seen in nearly two decades

it's dangerous for remy. gothel had always taught that. people would do Anything to take his hair if they knew. but he doesn't care right then. all that mattered was logan. nothing else

he doesn't even realize what he's managed to do until logan's gently shaking him, telling him he can stop singing, it's okay, for real now, he's okay, they're okay

and you know how it goes from there... the king and queen reveal that Yep Remy You're Our Daughter, logan is accepted by the family bc Took A Hit For Remy Our Daughter, remy and logan continue to have their own issues due to Childhood Abuse but with each other, and their love, they get better... and they get to live happily ever after

[lawandorderimagines]

SVU Squad With a Detective Who Has a Soft Girl Aesthetic (fem reader)

@infiniteoddball   @storiesofsvu 

“Hey guys, I’m going on a food run. Anyone want anything?” You offered to pick up Chinese food from the place down the street and you wrote the orders down on a piece of purple notebook paper and grabbed your coat and bag before getting on the elevator. Once the elevator doors closed, Amanda collapsed into her chair; it was a surprisingly slow day at Special Victims Unit and all anyone had to do were mountains of paperwork. “Well, she seems... nice,” the blond detective offered. You had only been at SVU for only a few weeks after transferring out of Vice and Olivia had you partner up with Amanda, and while she thought you were nice, she also felt that there was something off about you.

And apparently, Olivia and Fin felt the same way. Fin was the first to break the awkward silence. “Are we sure this is one of the best officers in Vice? She doesn’t look like a cop. She’s too... soft.” “C’mon guys, she’s young, just give her time to mature a little bit. Her captain back in Vice said she’s young, but shows a lot of potential. And you gotta admit, she’s one hell of a runner,” Olivia responded in your defense. Truthfully, the Captain loved your presence at SVU and thought you were a breath of fresh air, even if you are a little unconventional in your ways.

“I’m just sayin’, I ain’t ever seen a rookie write notes in glitter gel pens or have pink and purple office supplies,” replied Fin. Amanda looked over at your desk and indeed, there were pastel colored office supplies. There was lavender desk calendar that took up a good amount of space on your desk with important dates scribbled on, a baby pink cup that held pens, pencils and markers in various colors, and finally, the sky blue tray that held papers and a confetti stapler. Amanda knew that in the drawers there would be pastel mini notepads and notebooks. She thought it suited you, not that she was gonna say that out loud.

Meanwhile, you sat at a table waiting for your number to be called. You passed the time by coordinating plans with your mom and younger sister for the holidays that were coming up; the two of you would be spending them in France with your dad and new stepmother. When your number was called, you paid with a fifty dollar bill and smiled in thanks to the woman who handed you the brown paper bag. Winter was clearly in full effect in New York as you gripped your jacket tighter with your free hand. Riding up in the elevator, you checked the messages you might have missed from your walk back to the precinct; your flight confirmations for you and your sister, your sister dropping subtle “hints” about her presents, and your mom complaining about grandma’s new beau which you just rolled your eyes at.

When the elevator dinged open, you expected to see the squad still sitting at their desks flipping between paperwork but they were gone. Did a call come through? You saw that the blinds to Liv’s office were down, maybe you’d peek your head in just to make sure, but then you heard voices. “I know Y/N isn’t what we’re used to but she’s doing a great job so far. And besides, we need all the help we can get,” Olivia said, and she sounded tired. They’re talking about you.

You felt bad for listening in on their conversation, but at the same time, you were curious as to what everyone thought about you, that is until it was Fin’s turn to talk. “She seems like she’ll be better suited for a kindergarten classroom.” You automatically knew he was referring to your desk and wardrobe choices and you looked down to examine your outfit: a white striped turtleneck, a pair of jeans, and the diamond half moon shaped necklace. Seemed innocent enough. Then you heard your partner laugh. 

“She dresses like an off duty Disney princess.” You felt your eyes prick with tears and willed them back; Disney princesses were pretty badass in your book. You decided you heard enough and knocked a little too loudly on the door, it would be better if you acted as if you hadn’t heard anything. “I’m back! Come and get it!” You pulled your container of egg drop soup and brought it to your desk and got a bottle of tea with some of the change in your pocket. For the next twenty minutes, you switched in between the family group chat and writing off paperwork. You didn’t speak to anyone either as the classical ballet music flowed from your headphones to your ears.

After three hours, Olivia declared that it was getting late and she had to get home to Noah, so now it was just you, Amanda and Fin. You were finally on the last page and you were just about to fill in the blank spaces when someone cleared their throat. You didn’t care about anything except finished your work so you could get home; you had already missed dinner, pizza night, and your mom texted you that she saved two slices for you. “Y/N, you got a minute?” It was Fin, and he and Amanda were standing at your desk; you quickly paused the music that was playing and yanked the earbuds out.

“Sure. What about?” There was only one last section and it wouldn’t even take you long to complete, plus you were tired and wanted to get home, wash the day off, get into your favorite pair of pjs and watch the late night Golden Girls marathon on the Hallmark Channel. “About what you heard earlier... we didn’t mean anything by it.” You snorted; isn’t that what they all say when they get caught? A part of you was telling you to let it go, keep the peace, but another part was telling you to choose violence, and you decided to go with the latter.

“Of course you did, you just didn’t mean for me to hear any of it. It’s fine. I look like an off duty princess, like I belong in a kindergarten classroom. Nothing I haven’t heard before. Anything else?” You said all of this in a bored voice, like your parents were lecturing you for staying out all night without calling. You knew that you weren’t a typical New York detective and you took pride in that. You liked writing your notes down in colored gel pens (the pink and purple pens are your favorites) in your pastel mini notepads because you think they look pretty and nice, and the items on your desk are mostly pastel colors. With all the shit you’ve seen in just your first week at SVU, you wanted to look at pretty things and thought the victims might too after the horrific stuff they experienced, and anyway, Olivia didn’t have a problem with you writing in glitter gel pens as long as they weren’t official documents.

You always dressed in light colors because it meant that perps wouldn’t suspect you as a cop while undercover, something you learned during your time in Vice. Plus, it made you feel good so you kept on doing it. The criminals felt they could trust you. “Look, we’re gonna be working together for a long time so we might as well be honest with each other, right?” They both nodded and you stapled the pages together and put them in the tray. “Great! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have two slices of pizza and a Golden Girls marathon on Hallmark Channel with my name on it. See you Monday!” 

You grabbed your coat and started packing your tablet/iPad and putting it in your backpack then reached for your wallet for your metro card; your train would arrive in fifteen minutes, and it was a short walk to the subway station. “Do you want me to give you a ride home? It’s a little too cold to be waiting for the subway,” Amanda offered. “Are you sure? I live a far ways out.” More like twenty minutes away, way too far from Amanda’s apartment. It usually takes you forty five minutes to get home every night; thirty five minute ride plus ten minutes of walking to your building.

“Sure. I have to be in that area anyway,” she answered. You decided to take her up on the offer, after all you just saved over two dollars, money you can put towards moving out of your mom’s place. Turns out, Amanda was better than any Uber driver and she had a better selection of music: lots of 90s and Y2K pop hits and you were in your neighborhood in no time when you realized she was pulling up to your building. “Thanks again Amanda, I really appreciate it.”

“No problem. And Y/N? I really am sorry about the way I behaved earlier. We’re adults, it was wrong of me, and I never should’ve said that stuff. Can you forgive me?” Amanda sounded sincere, and you could see it in her eyes that she really was sorry. “Of course. See you Monday?” She smiled, and with that, you shuffled quickly into the brightly lit lobby of you building. You hoped that this would be the start of a new page.

[writingtoforgetreality]

I just want us to be safe – Chapter 1 (Andy Barber x Daughter!Reader)

Next Chapter / I just want us to be safe-Masterlist

Summary: You were the 20-year-old daughter of Andy Barber. Nine months after a one-night-stand, your biological mother decided to give the responsibility to him. Yet, you were happy with your small family. One day, though, a scary event occured & somehow you involuntarily started being a part of this.

Words: 2,089

Warnings: none just yet, maybe a bit of swearing bc that`s me, angst if you squint

If you like my work & wanna support me: a coffee would be highly appreciated ❤

You were (Y/N) Barber. Daughter of the assistent attorney, Andy Barber. You were 20 years old & used to attend Newton high school, like your younger brother Jacob did. Now, your background is a bit more complicated. Technically, Jacob was not your biological brother. Neither was Laurie, Jacob’s mother & Andy’s wife, your biological mother. Some time ago, when your dad had not been dating Laurie yet, he had a one-night-stand with some girl he had met at a bar. Just one night, he had not seen her after that encounter. What he did not know though: the girl got pregnant & nine months later, Andy found a small basket at his doorstep. There you were, wrapped in a blanket. There was a letter, too. Your biological mother had not been ready for a child but she knew Andy would handle you just fine. And, being the guy Andy was, he obviously took you in. You were his daughter to say the last. He made sure to take a paternity test & yep, you were his daughter.

Now, do not get me wrong, you grew up with Laurie being your mother & yet, you had never, not even once, called her “mom“. You simply did not feel ready to do so & neither your dad nor Laurie pushed you into something you were not comfortable with. When you were 6 years old, Jacob was born & ever since then, you had made sure to protect him at all costs. Your dad loved seeing you with Jacob & he loved the bond you two shared. Laurie was sure that you would be more open about her being your mother after that but nope. Your guess was that you still felt neglected by your biological mother & did not want to let another “mother figure“ get close to you. Your dad never lied to you about anything. He tried to explain to you from the very beginning how your biological mother “abandoned“ you & that Laurie was & will always be your mom. While Andy did not lie to you, the two of you had kept a secret from Jacob & Laurie. Your dad said that they did not need to know & he did not want them to see him in a different light. It was not his fault that his dad had been a criminal though. It was not his fault your grandfather killed, stabbed to be exact, a girl. He had been suffering for his actions in jail, for a very long time. You had agreed on keeping it for you, never doubting your dad. You knew he only had good intentions.

After graduating from Newton High, you got into law school near your home. You wanted to follow your dad’s footsteps. He did not force you to approach the same career & let you choose a path yourself. He would lie if he said that he was not proud of you for wanting to do the same as him though. Law school was absolutely amazing, you loved going there every day, loved coming home to tell the new things you learned at your dinner table. People say sometimes you know when a decision is right, you have a gut feeling about it. You were sure: this was YOUR way. Even though your family was quite wealthy, never having a problem about money whatsoever, you still wanted to have a part-time job during college. Earning your own money simply felt amazing. Your dad & Laurie were so proud of you for being so independent.

Here you were, a nice family, a house, the best future ahead. But life does not always roll that way, does it? Every time when Jacob had a problem in school or with homework, studying for an upcoming exam, he would knock on your door, waiting for you to yell “Come in! I told you there’s no need to knock, Jay.“ Jay. You always called him that. He was your little brother & while others called him “Jake“ or simply “Jacob“, you wanted to have something for yourself. Jay it was. Anyway, after coming into your room, asking if you were busy, the two of you always ended up doing school stuff together. It was more fun to have company & Jacob was always thankful for you helping him out. Of course you would, you never had a problem in high school, always bringing home good grades. You liked helping him wherever you could.

Your alarm woke you up at 6 am. Time to get up, get ready & head to college. Usually, dad would take you with him in the mornings since his work is close to your school. Today, though, you had to take your own car to drive to school, you had to work at your local diner afterwards. Yes, you did purchase that car on your own. After saving enough money, you decided on a small black car, not really caring too much about the brand. All that mattered was that it was not too pricey & that it worked. Of course your parents offered you to buy you that car but you wanted to do this on your own. And would you look at that, you managed to buy it without being broke. As you finished showering, putting makeup on & deciding on an outfit, you made your way downstairs where dad & Jacob were already seated. Laurie was most likely out on her daily morning run. You did not understand how someone could go jogging voluntarily. It kept you healthy but at what cost?

“G’morning male beings of this household.“ you greeted them & earned a chuckle from dad. You were not a morning person but that was not your family’s fault so you would brush off your grogginess in order not to say something you might regret later. Jacob was busy writing away on his phone. Gosh, this boy & his damned phone.

“Good morning, angel. How did you sleep?” your dad shot you a grin. He had been calling you “angel“ ever since you were little & you absolutely loved this nickname.

“Like a princess, as always.“ you answered. Some might say you were a sarcastic piece of shit & you know what, maybe they were right. You were a lot like your dad & you liked yourself & your goofiness. You could be serious when it was needed though, your personality was perfectly balanced.

“Hello? Earth to Jay?“ you waved your hand in front of his face to gain his attention but his eyes were glued on his screen still.

“Morning.“ was the only word you got out of him.

“Okay, what girl are you texting? Do I know her? Does she have an older sister? Brother, maybe? Is she hot?“ you teased him & Jacob sent you a glare which made you giggle.

“I’m just texting Derek.“ Jacob stated.

“Wow…And I thought I was the one who hated mornings.“ you stated, mostly to yourself but your dad heard you & started laughing. Even Jacob let out a low giggle.

While the three of you held a conversation, Laurie got back home, greeting you & asking you about your plans for today.

“Do I need to take any of you to school?“ dad asked.

“Um, actually, I’ll be driving myself today. I’ll be back home a bit later, gotta earn that bread, y’know?“ you smirked at both, your dad & Laurie to wait for their reactions. Seeing them laugh was one of your favorite things in this world, especially when you were the reason.

“Sure thing, just text me when you know how late it’ll be.“ dad waited for you to nod, looked at Jacob & asked “What about you, buddy?“

“I’ll be walking today.“

“You sure, you know it’s no probl-” but before dad could finish, Jacob cut him off.

“I’m fine with walking.“

“Okay, just be safe.“

Checking the time, you saw that you should keep going so you went over to dad & Laurie, gave each of them a kiss on the cheek, went over to Jacob, messed up his hair a bit which earned you a groan & finally made your way outside to your car. You hopped in, turned on the engine & started driving off. Every time you would drive yourself, you always stopped at Starbucks for a quick breakfast. Your breakfast mostly consisted of a nice coffee. No offense, but the coffee you got at home just was not it. And let’s be honest: Nobody survives college without having coffee.

Finishing all of you classes for the day, you & a few of your colleagues exited the building. Usually, when you were at college, you did not look at your phone at all, finding it too distracting when you had to focus on something else. But as soon as you unlocked your phone, you knew something was off. You had two calls from Jacob, which was weird since he barely ever called you, & 5 missed calls from dad. Fuck, something was not right. You excused yourself from your friend group, teling them you had to go to work earlier, while in reality, you moved to your car, opened it & got inside. As soon as you closed your door, you called Jacob first. He picked up almost immeadiately.

“(Y/N)? Thank god, I’ve tried calling you.“ he sounded a bit shaken up? That was off.

“Yeah, I know, sorry `bout that, Jay. You know how I ignore my phone during classes but anyway…What’s up? Are you okay?” you started growing concerned now.

“Newton High is locked down. Apparently they found a 14-year-old stabbed in the woods. I am fine though.“ his voice was quiet, almost like he did not want anyone else to hear. Your heart stopped a beat. There was a killer running around town. Who the hell would stab a teenager? Who the hell would stab anyone to begin with?

“Have you talked to dad yet?“ you really did not know what else to say. You were just glad your little brother was alright. That was all that mattered right now.

“Yes, he’s on it. He said he wanted to call you. Have YOU talked to him?“

“Not yet, I’ll call him now, just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Call me if something’s wrong or if you`re scared, okay?“ your heart was literally racing. Yeah, your brother was fine but the victim was his age & Jacob usually took the way through the woods to get to school. The mere thought of your brother being the one who had been murdered scared you like crazy.

“Will do. Thanks, (Y/N). Bye.“

“Bye, Jay.“ you ended the call & let yourself breathe for a moment. Not even once in your life did you think something like this could happen in your neighborhood. You lived in one oft he safest areas in the country & yet this brutal event had happened so close to home. The world was a scary place. A few minutes later, after calming down as good as it was possible, you dialed dad’s number. He would most likely knew more. To be honest, you were not sure if you really wanted to know more about this case but on the other hand,you were curious. Of course you were, you wanted to do this as your future job. His phone rang twice before he picked up.

“(Y/N)? Angel?“ he did not sound scared, just relieved to hear your voice.

“Yeah, it’s me, dad. I’m fine, talked to Jay. He told me what happened. Well, as much as he knew, of course. What the hell is going on?“ you were rambling. You always were when you grew nervous or anxious.

“Breathe, angel. Look, there’s a lot going on. Could you come home, like, right now? I called your boss, she said it was fine if you took the evening off.“ he knew you would say you needed to go to work so he had called the diner you worked at to explain the situation.

“I’ll be home in ten.“

“Drive safe.“ your dad always made sure you were okay, trying to protect you as much as he could. He would do everything for his family to be safe.

“Always.“ & with that, you ended the call. Everthing inside you screamed to go over the speed limit but your dad’s words popped into your mind again. He would not want this. You would survive another ten minutes before coming home.

~to be continued~

Published 04/30/2020 by Cathy

[wkngsnds]

So remember when I published “Whether You Fail or Fly”? I rewrote it! Well, some parts of it; I tried my best to reach the dark tone I was aiming for, fixed some things I thought were awkward, and so and so forth. I hope y’all enjoy it all the same.

I’ll post it on here too under a read more.

Title: Your Side

RATING: Teen and older audience

Two weeks ago, he never wanted a tool. Tonight, he’s grateful to his hitwoman.

Fuyuhiko had not been the type to black out during his fights; in fact, he savored every cut and bruise that he could take before Peko eventually intervened. He exists in a constant state of irritation with his anger never falling far behind. Despite being a yakuza, or perhaps that is exactly why, his anger was his weak point— almost as blinding and fervent as Kabukicho during the night. Just like his parents, he got hot under the collar relatively quickly and chose to focus all his energy on his victim, so he’s an extremist in his own right too. Fuyuhiko preferred to handle things “a man’s way”: being direct as possible instead of exhibiting a passive aggressive attitude. He believed he could smash his way through his opponents as he refused to lose sight of his goal.

Tonight was no different.

Peko never got hit during a fight— she was fast, strong, and cunning. However, it would be more accurate to say that she couldn’t afford to get hit; a thousandth second too slow, a single hair strand out of place, and it would all be over. She exists in a hypervigilant state even within the confines of the Kuzuryuu manor. It is not that she lacks trust in her “coworkers'', per say, but protecting Fuyuhiko is the only thing she finds herself capable of doing. Truth be told, even with a small army of guards roaming the grounds it does not guarantee his safety, but by acting as his shield he’s all the more safer. It’s why she keeps her mind blank, but never loses focus; that is not to say she does not think at all— if anything, she is the type to overthink matters more than someone in her position should. These constraints both forced upon her and self practiced are why her rage is restrained. She’s not the type to anger easily, but when the emotion visits her it must be leashed and kept within bounds.

Tonight was no different. 

An ocean of alarm and disquietude drowned the underground of Tokyo, and nearly flooded the overground the day after Fuyuhiko confirmed Natsumi’s corpse. It had not been long until civilians heard of the misfortunate incident, and they took it upon themselves to go home earlier than usual as a precautionary measure. Even if they did not know Natsumi, her surname carried all the weight it needed to: it was not just a member of the clan who died, but someone with a direct relation to the leader. This action of avoidance, of course, did nothing to deter the Kuzuryu clan from their own private investigations; they were a 24/7 kind of business, after all. Each family belonging to the Kuzuryu-gumi had crawled out of their own holes-- those who supported Natsumi above Fuyuhiko worked especially hard to find their princess’s murderer. Then there were those, in their true yakuza nature, who wanted to take advantage of her death to strip the Ultimate of his inheritance. For them, it had not been a simple preference of the younger sibling, but instead a dissatisfaction and disfavor for their patriarch’s son. By extension, Peko received the same condemnation if not to a worse degree. Those in Natsumi’s faction who were slightly sympathetic to the heir blamed the bodyguard for his physical weakness and lack of will; her entire presence caused his spoiled and rotten nature. Put simply her existence, they thought, hindered his bloodlust. Others argued that the main family was not meant to kill as they were an ‘invisible hand’ which directed them all. A minority thought Peko to be a better yakuza than him, but they were smarter than to voice that opinion. There were also a few who thought him cursed— a way of karma for all the blood the clan spilled since its early days, and that blood most certainly flowed like a river. Nevertheless subsidiary matriarchs and patriarchs respected him as their heir at best, but they would not hold their breath for him either.

The funeral service would bring out the worst in the family.

Nastumi died in less than a week of attending the academy, so the two knew their investigation was limited to this timeframe. After confirming her corpse’s identity, the next step was to speak with the custodian who found her; if he had decided to keep information from the police Fuyuhiko had no qualms in using extensive methods of extraction. Meanwhile, Peko worked to address the rumors of a supposed pervert who was thought by the students to be the perpetrator. The mysterious figure had stolen one girl’s swimsuit, and then planned to violate the young mistress (the disgusted rage she felt momentarily dulled the pain in her wrist as her hand formed into a tight fist). Peko knew she needed to focus, so she took a deep breath and went to look for the first girl whose swimsuit had been taken; if the two were both victims to the degenerate, then it was important to establish a possible connection or a pattern. On the hand, if the attacks were random, it would have been hard to track down a possible suspect with the incredibly vague information. They also did not allow Fuyuhiko, understandably, to enter the crime scene, so her chances of success in that area were virtually zero. On the other hand, if this were a targeted attack, then there was a greater problem to be dealt with, and this girl might be connected.

She could not recall any subsidiaries with the name Sato, but it was also possible her mother married out of the respective family. Furthermore, Peko had not been ignorant to the clan’s...favoritism, but she would not be convinced by the apparent blind adoration; it could have been the start of a coup d’etat, and her young master would be the next target. Peko already failed both Fuyuhiko and Natsumi by not protecting the latter, failure to aid him in apprehending her killer or letting him die meant she truly was useless. Therefore, finding this girl and ‘speaking’ to her took over all her priorities. The kendo athlete scans the morning cafeteria until she spots her suspect (someone had kindly described her appearance) sitting at an empty table near the large windows. Like a tiger, she moves carefully to disappear from the girl’s direct line of sight and peripheral vision; she intended to take her by surprise— using that confusion to assert dominance in the conversation and as momentum for a potential confession. However, before Peko could get any closer Mikan had unfortunately bumped into her; like always, the nurse made a scene whenever she apologized to someone, and blew Peko’s cover. To make matters worse, she spotted the injured wrist she acquired from punching the wall yesterday, and became shockingly insistent on treating the wound. Mikan did not yield to any of her protest, and all but dragged her out of the cafeteria to the nurse’s office. For a weak willed clumsy girl, the kendo athlete did not expect her to be as firm in her handling.

True to her sensitive nature, Mikan noticed Peko’s state of irate despite the latter having a stoic face, and began to apologize once again. Stuttering throughout her explanation, it appeared as though she hardly slept the prior night. Mistaking the red eyed girl’s neutral, if not apathetic, question for sympathy the super high school level nurse rambled on about doing an emergency shift at a nearby clinic. Yet, even for Peko who was only half listening something felt off.

‘What you just said...was a lie, wasn’t it?’ A tit for tat question. 

‘H-Huh?! You w-were able t-to tell?’ She focused on the splinting for a moment, ‘U-Um...Pekoyama would it be too presumptuous to ask...if I could c-confide in you with s-something? I-It feels like my chest is going to explode if I can’t g-g-get it out.’

She’s weary of agreeing, but slowly nods her head nevertheless. 

‘I...I saw the body. Kuzuryu’s little sister...W-We found her in the music room l-last night.’ 

‘What did you say?!’

‘Eek! I..I’m sorry!’

‘Tsumiki, you need to explain to me exactly what happened. What do you mean ‘we’?’

At 7:30 pm, both yakuza convened at the heir’s off campus apartment to consolidate all the information they gathered. After deeming that he had nothing left to hide, Fuyuhiko “convinced” the custodian to allow him into the music room. There’s a tight feeling in his chest at the sight of the white tape— he had seen it plenty of time, but knowing it was his sister’s outline made him lightheaded. However, he knew there was no time to be distracted by his grief; he needed to devote all his energy on finding her murderer. Fuyuhiko mentioned to Peko that he saw the broken glass from where, according to the police report, the criminal had escaped.

‘It also said a nearby guard heard the sound of the glass breakin’ but never saw or heard anyone runnin’.’

‘That’s suspicious.’

‘Yeah, and there ain’t any security video footage of a shady person walkin’ ‘round campus. Not to mention, that hole in the window don’t look big enough for someone to jump through. None of this fucking shit adds up!’ He viciously kicks the low table before falling onto the couch behind it, rubbing his eyes and groaning loudly as he did, ‘Either this sick bastard is crafty as hell or...or someone who knows this fuckin’ school’s layout did it.’

She assumes a pensive position, ‘So, someone within the school is the culprit...? I believe that is an accurate deduction. There are even suspects to support your theory.’

‘W-What? Suspects?!’

‘Tsumiki, Koizumi, Hiyoko, Mioda, and a person by the name of Sato were at the crime scene. As it were, those five were the first to encounter the young mistress, and most likely—’

‘The ones who started the rumor of a pervert going around.’ His fists tightened to the point where his fingernails cut his skin and he began to bleed, ‘Those cunts...those goddamn fucking cunts...if it turns one of them killed Natsumi...I will never fucking forgive them. If all five of them were in on it...I don’t care how much blood is on my hands I’ll slaughter them all.’

Peko could not bring herself to calm him down; she shared his sentiments, after all. 

The next day went by in a blur. For the first time in a long while, the two yakuza were on the same wavelength: Peko advised him to avoid confronting any of the suspected girls without enough proof less he scared them away losing their only lead. Conceding to her counseling, he keeps his distance from them and their own classmates in general. However, he did not stand by, and instead went to question a few of the students in 77A. In return, he asked her to monitor the behavior of those four— they were citizens who, more than likely, had never dealt with corpses or killings in their life which he thought gave Peko a great advantage. Bluntly put, it takes a killer to know a killer. 

At the end of the day, when all was said and done their respective tasks were successful enough to narrow down their suspect list quite considerably. Fuyuhiko learned that not only was Sato with his sister on the day of the incident, but the two often bumped heads with one another. Concurrently, Peko overheard an anxious Mahiru mumble about needing to meet with the same Sato during their lunch break, so she messaged him those details when Koizumi had left the classroom. Although he didn’t find them in time to eavesdrop on their conversation, he had caught a glimpse of someone (he assumed to be Sato) throwing away what looked like paper into the garbage. At first he made sure to stay out of sight, but as soon as the coast was clear he made a beeline for the trash bin.

And just like that the number of suspects dropped from five to two to one.

In hindsight, investigating Sato and Koizumi should have been their first thought, but both were neglectful towards Natsumi’s own complaints and scheming. They had not noticed the particular animosity she held towards the photographer, and instead considered it yet another part of her antics. With Fuyuhiko constantly running away from all criticism and Peko mindlessly chasing after him, they never once considered looking behind them to see if she needed help. However, why would they need to? She was strong, probably stronger than the both of them combined and more than they’ll ever be. It is why she had been so reverend throughout the clan-- the reincarnation of a legend or perhaps something even greater than that. Where they both lacked brutality, bloodlust, and pride Natsumi made up for it a thousand times over. Fuyuhiko could still remember the day his father scolded him right after Peko rescued him from the man’s chokehold; it was a heated argument over something senseless the teenager had done earlier that week which left the patriarch a mess to clean up. 

‘This is why you need a fucking tool and your sister doesn’t. Maybe if you had your act more together like her, you would be half the fucking yakuza she is!’

Whether or not they moved forward is debatable, but they left her behind to fend for herself. Natsumi was a tough girl in a league beyond their own, and they were too wrapped up in their selfish problems. Truthfully, Fuyuhiko and Peko knew they were as responsible for her murder as Sato was. 

‘I will NEVER FORGIVE YOU!’

-- 

When the two finally returned to Fuyuhiko’s apartment they sloppily kicked off their shoes, and collapsed from exhaustion in the seats of the sleek black dining table. True to their upbringing, they had chosen a seclusive section of the nearby riverbank as the dumping ground. The route from the school to the river was relatively light, but the combined weight of the corpse, adrenaline, and guilt made it all the more treacherous to walk. Initially, Peko suggested contacting one of the nearby families who worked in construction to place the cadaver in concrete, and then toss it into the river. After a few moments, however, he refused. Fuyuhiko did not want to hide the body; he wanted her to rot for as long as possible before she was found— maggots crawling in and out of the holes they made of her. Normally, he wasn’t the morbidity type, but it would be a lie if he were satisfied with her death alone. Again, it was the first time in a very long while that they were on the same wavelength. 

Fuyuhiko could only watch as Peko stood, unsurprisingly, before he did; she had greater stamina and...experience than he did in all of this. She left his direct line of sight, but kept herself in his peripherals. For him, once the adrenaline of killing passed, the soreness dropped upon him like a ton of bricks, his muscles were tense, and it felt as though the slightest movement made his joints crack. He could feel the phantom force from swinging the corpse back and forth before throwing it down the bank. He rested his forehead on crossed fingers as his eyes briefly crossed over; part of him felt ashamed for feeling so weak-- what did that say about his future as a patriarch? He only did the killing, but Peko, like always, ended up cleaning his dirty work. In this case, she was the one who quite literally carried dead weight on their walk to the river. He did not argue when she picked up the corpse like a sack of rice and arranged it to fit in her kendo. The angles were awkward, but after breaking some joints here and a few bones there the corpse fit perfectly. All he could do was watch her. What could he say that would not end with him being in her way? He knows he can trust her to handle this, but what gave him the right to sit back and do nothing? He can do with expressing gratitude towards her or, at the very least, express a greater sense of gratification at avenging his sister. 

But all he felt was exhaustion.

 “You need to bathe.” It is rare for her to speak with a semblance of authority in her tone towards him, so she captures his attention quickly. On any other day, he might have told her kick rocks for treating him like a child, but he can only put up half a fight tonight. 

“It can wait until morning.”

“No, it cannot.” He heard her reach into a separate duffel bag she left in his apartment earlier this morning, “The stenches of blood and death are ones that linger if you do not remove them immediately. I am sure the doorman noticed, but kept his mouth shut.”

From the bag, she first pulled out a loofah and an antibacterial wash set. Next, there was a roll of black bags, a bottle filled with what he assumed were cleaning chemicals for the bat, and a cardboard box. He handed over the baseball cap at her request; she placed them in one of the aforementioned black bags along with her own and instructed him to throw his personal trash in there as well since she would burn everything later. He could also hear the crinkling of the paper that was used to wrap the corpse being stuffed into the bag. Watching her fix the box and line it with another black bag— the way her movements were quick and sharp nearly gave him vertigo, but it’s her calm demeanor (as if doing everything from muscle memory, which was most likely the case) that causes all his hairs to stand. This...this was her true speciality, wasn’t it?

Still not being able to raise his head, he asked if his own clothes needed to be burned as well, but the kendo athlete reminded him of the suit’s hefty price tag, thus intended to send it back home to be thoroughly cleaned. However, in all her fretting of his needs the realization hits him,

“What about your clothes?”

“Please do not worry about that.” 

“You just said we have to get rid of the stench, so do you have clothes of your own--”

 “Young master. Please go bathe.” Her voice initially sounded strained, then slowed down as if she were controlling her breathing. Not only was this a part of her speciality, but it was clear she had a method for her work that she hadn’t been too keen on straying from-- it was the same inflexibility (one not so different from the blond) that would get her killed on Jabberwock Island. For all the exhaustion Fuyuhiko felt, Peko silently masked her oncoming mental fatigue whilst also trying to ignore the ton of guilt weighing on her. From her perspective, she had just failed for the second time in a row: first, by allowing Natsumi to die and second, by allowing Fuyuhiko to kill by himself. It was not as though she could rid herself of any culpability, because she has disobeyed him in the past for the “sake” of his protection. So why didn’t she refuse him now? He had instructed her to act as if they were fellow high school students, so she would have been well within her orders to randomly check on her-- if not as the young master’s sister, then as a member of the Kuzuryu family she was owed the respect of being welcomed. What made his order so particular this time around that she found herself unable to deny? To make matters even worse, she allowed him to sully his hands with death while she stood and watched the bat crack Sato’s skull open. If she were forced to make an excuse, then it was as if some external power prevented her from interfering. Maybe it was a part of her, the human part, that understood it had not been her place to interject-- that she knew him well enough to know this revenge and avenge was to quench his heart from the sorrow plaguing him. No, perhaps this humanity of hers knew from the very beginning that he would not have been satisfied if Sato died by anyone's hands but his own, so she took the extra precautions to protect him throughout the conspiracy. Taking this into account, it was only natural that the tool she considered herself to be would come into conflict with the meddlesome human she actually was. 

As per usual, his movements drew her out of her spiraling thoughts; his stumbling did not go unnoticed, but before she could reach him to help stand, he had already taken the wash set, grabbed his nightwear, and headed towards the bathroom. 

 “There’s a washer-dryer set in this closet. Wash your clothes.” The door shut promptly behind him

Normally, it took him 15 minutes to get himself clean, but the falling of hot water on his back kept him in for five minutes longer. For five minutes longer, he mulled over his ambivalent thoughts— remembering how Sato’s face contorted into shock, and then overcame by dread and terror at the sight of him...it elevated him. The way she tried to run from him, but Peko threw her to the ground; kept down by an elbow between the shoulders, yet her head kept up by her hair. He’s never felt that kind of power: having everything and everyone in his control. For once, they feared him and not her. For once, someone begged at the feet for his mercy and not his father. 

Did Natsumi beg for her life?

Was she afraid?

Did she call out for him?

Then came the boiling rage once again; the jarring reality that it didn’t matter if he killed one person or left an entire town to die, he still had to bury his little sister. He knew her death wasn’t his fault, he’s not that delusional, but he thinks he could have stopped it. If he stopped running away from being compared to her, would she still be alive? He could have been a better brother if he had not been such a damn child. Would she have come to him for her personal problems if he was? If he had convinced their father that she needed a bodyguard if only to keep her out of trouble would that have kept her safe? If he let Peko go check on her, she would still be here, wouldn’t she? He watched as the blood from his hand (there’s only a crack on the tiled wall) washed down the drain, and then turned the faucet off altogether. As he dried himself, he noticed the basket he left in the washroom before the shower had almost been emptied save for his underwear and socks. He only rolled his eyes at this; she did this every once in a while when they were at home, and he grew tired of chastising her to let the maids do their jobs. Fuyuhiko could not begin to understand why Peko did these silent and small acts for him-- her only “job” was to follow his commands; going beyond that just seemed unecessary. It only dumbfounded him more when he realized, at some point, that she’d done more for him in a single week than he’d seen his parents do for each other since he was born. Of course, it was twice as aggravating when she opposed him returning those small acts every once in a blue moon. 

He exited the bathroom with his pajamas on and towel over his head as he found her meditating in the same clothes she arrived in. Everything around her had been prepared: the box of his clothes was closed ready to be sent home, the ‘burn bag’ was placed into her kendo duffel, and her black yukata was folded neatly next to her. 

Truly, that was what a professional looked like. 

“There’s an extra clean towel in the washroom. ‘Left the soap and shampoo inside the shower for you.” 

“Thank you.” Her weakened voice does not go unnoticed by him-- in fact, much of her behavior and mannerisms are more observed than she thinks. Though Peko believed herself to have spoken in perfect monotone, Fuyuhiko was able to hear the falter in the middle syllables*. It had been easier for him to count the days they were separate than together, so it would be highly alarming if he couldn’t pick out some difference in her attitude. Of course, recognizing the problem and doing something about it were two different objectives; furthermore, doing the obvious by asking her what was wrong didn’t seem like the right answer either. How many times has she asked him, and he’d brush her off at best and yell at her ‘to leave him alone’ at worst. What right did he have to interrogate her when he wasn’t the talkative type himself**? 

Besides, the yakuza heir knew the kendo athlete well enough to sense that she would also brush him off in return just so that he would not worry about her. In this regard, he understood how she felt: just like him, she hated when people fussed about her or gave her any more attention than what she could tolerate.  Peko was simply better at masking her disdain than he was; not that Fuyuhiko tried, of course, but still better nevertheless. In fact, this had been one of the many traits they had in common; regardless of surface level differences, Peko and Fuyuhiko were more similar at heart and at will than other people, or themselves for that matter, tended to realize. It’s why they were able to coordinate manslaughter so well.        

She cleared her throat which snapped him back to reality; it’s clear he had been staring at her for far too long causing her to become both concerned and uncomfortable. She tried not to express the latter, but, again, he’s well versed in her micro expressions. 

“Is there something you need, sir?” Now it’s her turn to watch his movements as he made his way to his bedroom, hands fumbling with the towel still on his head as he slid it down to his neck. 

 “It’s nothing. Go bathe while the bathroom is still warm.” And with that she disappeared, the door shutting quietly behind her.

Fuyuhiko released a tense sigh as he sat heavily on his bed. He could feel the conflicting twitch of his nerves; his muscles ached now that the adrenaline passed, but the near state of silence save for the hum of the shower relaxed him. If he has access to a mass fortune (legality of said money’s source notwithstanding), he might as well spend it on a condo away from the loudmouths that inhabited the Hope’s Peak Academy student dorms. Slowly, he picked his feet up onto his bed and laid down on his pillow; it felt like his head would explode with all the pulsing in his veins.

2:20 AM.

In three and half more hours, he will be awake for twenty four hours— nothing unusual for him, but worth noting in silence.

He breathed. 

Shuffling was heard in the background. 

 2:36 AM

Fuyuhiko was half asleep when Peko finished showering, and caught her trying to leave quietly. He slowly got up and made his way to lean on the doorframe, hand lazily stuck in his jinbei, and watched her. Despite all her yukatas being black, they had subdued patterns on each of them if one looked closely enough-- the blond was trying to discern whether it was her plain one or one that he bought her. He had gotten two of them for her birthday and Christmas last year, and all but screamed at her in an attempt to convince her to keep them.  

He speaks up “That’s the birthday one, right? Your yukata.”

“Yes, it is. Thank you greatly once again.” With a towel in hand, she continuously wrung out the excess water out of her hair, “The material is incredibly comfortable and breathable.” 

Recognizing his semi consciousness, Peko seemed more relaxed under his watch; though it wasn’t her place to understand, she remembered him doing this when they were children. On the worst days (i.e the patriarch and matriarch endangering his life during their fights), he would not fall asleep despite being put to bed first by the maids. Instead, he would watch her nestle into her spot beside him, and only then could he fall asleep. She just like then, she told him to put his worries aside, sleep for the rest of the night, and advised him to take today off as no one would dare pester him over his absence. Though, for as long and as well as she knew him, it was ironic how concerned Peko was for Fuyuhiko yet remained oblivious to his deeper troubles. It’s why she mistook the worry in his apprehension at her leaving for a sense of weariness and exhaustion to which she promised she’d quickly leave him to rest. Of course, her words only inflamed the expression on his face (that was not ironic, but instead typical) while his arms crossed in a defensive position.    

Even if she knew her heart to be kind, she could not comprehend why that kindness would be extended to herself, a tool, and therefore she could not understand why he protested her leaving.

“I-It’s the middle of the night in Tokyo; there’s some pretty drunk bastard roaming out, no doubt.” 

“I will avoid confrontation.” 

“Didn’t you say the lock at the girls dormitory is super loud? Wouldn’t you cause a scene entering this late?”  

“I can move quickly before I am spotted.”

“Gh-- Your hair is still wet, and then you’ll get sick dumbass!”

At this she looks at him directly with a raised brow, but he doesn’t meet her gaze. Her hand rested on the string of her sword bag, “Please do not worry me. I will be fine.”

He seemed to have no more arguments.

 “Then, if there is nothing else you need of me, I shall leave you alone now.” Just as she headed to the door and reached for the handle, Peko paused. Perhaps what he needed now was...comfort, though the bodyguard is not confident enough in doing such a thing-- at least, not in the way he may need it, if at all. Who could fault her hesitation? The last time she tried to ease his worries she let too much of her own weakness show and it worsened the situation.

But if she could provide him some closure...

“What?”

Her posture straightens to face him, “Sato deserved to die-- no, she deserved a fate worse than death. Even Koizumi should...” She stabilizes her breath and unclenches her hand, “I digress. You did it: with your strength and your wits, you killed Sato. That being said, accepting the fact you’ve murdered another person is not without trouble. Regardless if they deserved to die or not, regardless of how strong or skilled you are, regardless of premeditation or in the heat of the moment. Someone’s blood is now personally on your hands.”

“And there’s going to be more in the future.” 

“Yes...I suppose that is inevitable. Please forgive my impudence, young master. Sleep well.”

Just like that she messed up again; she wonders when she’ll learn to just keep her mouth shut instead of trying to comfort him...or whatever that pathetic display of encouragement-- if one could call it that. Peko reckons that life would be easier for the both of them if she were a simple yes man. As per usual, being so wrapped in her worries of offending him she failed to perceive the true problem he was facing at hand. When the yakuza heir said there would be more bloodshed, he did not intend to brush her off, but meant that the responsibility and weight of killing was something he needed to adjust to sooner rather than later. Of course, his usual poor communication which fought with a trepidation he tried to hide from her did nothing to help her understanding.

Sometimes, Fuyuhiko forgets that Peko isn’t a mind reader, so there’s no possible way she would know he feared losing her the same way he lost Natsumi if she walked out the door this instance unless he spoke bluntly.

“Stay with me.” 

The blond wasn’t sure if the words even left his mouth, and if they did he had not been sure if she heard him. Even though he had always been told to command her, he could never bring himself to do it-- there schools lives notwithstanding as he convinced himself it was for both of their sakes. It wasn’t like Peko’s...circumstances were unique to her; in fact, there were plenty of subordinates throughout the gang who shared her position, her ‘status’ as an object. The self-justified feudal system the clan upheld made bile rise to his throat each time he thought about it. Fuyuhiko has witnessed firsthand the horrid treatment of those people (tools, as they were denoted): the fear in their eyes, the way their bodies are thrown like rag dolls, and the absolute aura despair surrounding them. He doesn’t want that for Peko, he doesn’t want her to be his victim anymore than she already is.

In the end, it seemed that she did hear him, but not in the way he expected when she kneels with her back to the door placing her shinai on her lap. 

“I don’t mean guard my door. I meant that I want you to spend the night with me.” 

So much for speaking bluntly.

“Young master...?” 

“Fucking hell-- look, what I meant was,” He exhales forcibly, “What I mean is...remember when we were really small, and I had those shit fucking nightmares? How I wouldn’t sleep until you climbed into bed next to me?” 

He relaxed when he saw her relax. 

“I understand.”

He speaks slowly hoping to regain some composure, “I know this kind of thing is inappropriate even if we’ve done it already. I-I mean, we’re high school students now, ya know? Even if it’s just sharing the same bed space, this isn’t something teenagers should be doing. But I...I just--” 

“It’s fine. You do not have to explain yourself to me.”

“So you’re okay with doing it? Sh-Sharing the bed, I mean. And don’t say just yes because I asked you, got it?!”

For the third time, “I understand.” 

Now it was Fuyuhiko’s turn to overthink their conversation; he knew neither of them were the ‘heart on the sleeve’ types, but he wonders how much exactly she keeps to herself. Whether she thinks him pathetic or weak, but wouldn’t dare tell him directly to his face. Whether she truly hated his existence, and put on a front because she had no other choice. Theoretically speaking, it was a silly thought to worry about. He knew she all but worshiped the floor he walked on-- excused his behavior when it shouldn’t have been excused, took all the cursing he threw at her without blinking, and so on and so forth. But knowing all this and hearing her curt responses did nothing to ease the tension of his nerves.

If Peko thought him incompetent, was there truly any hope for him?

 It doesn’t take him long to set up a makeshift divide on his queen size mattress with an extra pair of flat sheets. Fuyuhiko was in bed before Peko as the latter made sure to lock the door; just like earlier, all he could do was watch her move about doing her own security check. He doesn’t think he’d ever find a justifiable reason for all his starring-- perhaps hypnotism would be the closest explanation. She does everything from opening and closing the window (checking it’s bullet resistance and angles for assassins, no doubt) to leaving the room to make sure the front door and balcony door were properly locked. When she returned, Peko looked over the bedroom; with a small sigh, it seemed her rigid inspection was finally finished. 

Seconds after this, the lights were turned off as now the soft glow of his bedside lamps filled their portion of the room. The mattress dipped when she sat down, and Fuyuhiko heard the faint sound of the silver haired girl fixing her bamboo sword between the bed frame and the nightstand. Her glasses were the last to leave her body, and joined the lamp on said stand. However, before she could lay down Fuyuhiko stopped her with a sudden jolt that even caught her off guard. The yakuza heir reached under the pillow to find the tanto knife he always kept hidden. She had lent it to him long before they arrived at Hope’s Peak Academy— when they went to different high schools; if she were to be separated from him, then at least he could use it to defend himself. Obviously, there were no qualms of ‘packing’ in the estate, but no one bothered to give him a weapon in the first place-- he even had to use part of his allowance to buy his favorite brass knuckles. The clan members assumed with her by his side she was the only weapon he would use. Nevertheless, there had been a sense of satisfaction for Peko that he had kept it with him for the past two years. She had selected the knife from her collection based on what she assessed of his skills and strength.  Once he placed the weapon beneath his pillow, their bodies collapsed on top of the blankets— each letting out an exhaustive sigh. It was the kind of exhaustion that made it impossible to sleep despite a long day of physical labor. Neither of them could be bothered to switch off the lamps, so they laid in silence for a few moments, eyes facing the smooth ceiling above them.

“Hey, Peko. My bad for cutting you off like and saying shit like that.”

Peko was never sure how to take his apologies; she was not the type to hold grudges, and she had never done so with him. They were unnecessary, as she thinks she would forgive him no matter what he does (to her or otherwise). Therefore, she took a moment to choose her words carefully; perhaps if their relationship were better, she would be able to speak more comfortably around him. 

“You needn’t apologize. You are correct: once you ascend to your role as the patriarch, you will have even more enemies.” Her tone becomes more assertive, “Rest assured, I will be the one to dirty my hands and cut them down if they oppose you.”

 “I still should let you speak.” He stared back at the ceiling,  “You said something like that before, ‘Someone’s blood is my hand now’. What were you gonna say after that?”

“Simply...that it would be wise to detach yourself from what you’ve done. Regret is futile, but to associate this with any kind of pleasure is dangerous as well. If you let Sato haunt you it will be as if you never killed her at all.”

“I-Is that what you do?”

Peko eyes darted across the roof above them as if looking for something that wasn’t there. She was a child the last time she gave too much thought into her first assassination; she’s more ashamed for allowing her emotions to seep through than the killing itself. 

“I don’t feel anything when I do. Not anymore.”  

“When was the first time,” Why does he keep pushing her about this, “That you killed someone?”

How could she forget, “When Mr.Hiromitsu notified Lord Raiden that his team identified our kidnappers, I was instructed to dispose of them.” 

He could only stare horrified at her. How does one respond to that? To be told that the person laying next to you, who you grew up with and were closer to anyone else in this world, had been turned into a murder at the age of six. He knew his father wasn’t a saint and in fact might have been the devil himself, but there was something particularly putrid about involving children with his bloodthirst. What was the point of having a code if the boundaries were blurred altogether? Sure, Peko had stained her hands with blood now, but what was his father hoping to accomplish by sending her out to do something so dangerous at the age of six? What if Peko failed and died? Did his father, or his mother for that matter, think they could just replace her without him noticing or caring? His parents should be smarter than that. His parents should know... 

He might have been foolish enough to fear her as children, but they should have known how worse everything would have turned out if they let her die.

 “Young master, I am sorry for my failures on that day.” Her voice brought him back before he spiralled into an abyss.

 “Huh?! Peko, what the hell are you talking about? We’re both still alive ‘cause you were the only one who had any sense left.” 

The swordswoman sat up, feet swinging onto the floor— he couldn’t see the expression she was making, but he didn’t need to know she was blaming herself. Again.

 “My inability to control my emotions worsened our predicament. If I had controlled myself as I was supposed to,” Her fingers gripped the yukata, red eyes dulled and downcasted, “Then perhaps we would have returned to the manor sooner. If I kept my head clear…it is my fault we were lost in those woods for so long.”

He quickly sat up, “Peko, we were six! I’m pretty fuckin’ sure any normal six year old-- hell, any normal person would have also been scared out their fuckin’ wits. Weren’t you just on my case about letting shit go?”

“That is…” What he didn’t expect was for her to turn to him with a pained expression; somewhere along the lines of pleading, regret, and shame all bundled into eyes that once, unwillingly, struck fear into him, “I’m...not...a normal person, I’m-- I am my young master’s tool, a tool to protect you and to kill for you. That is my only purpose. I should never make you doubt your safety. This also means that I must protect what is precious to you, and Lady Natsumi...if I were not so useless she would still be alive and you would not have dirtied your hands.” 

It returned again: the heavy feeling in his chest that was filled with remorse and his self-loathing. He knew she was right, but not in the way she thought. How many times had he pushed for her to be independent of him, to express her opinions and insight? Then, the one time she did as he asked he proceeded to not only dismiss her altogether, but brushed off her rightful concerns for Natsumi’s adjustment into Hope’s Peak. He knew his sister better than anyone, knew the type of trouble she would get into in a normal high school; sure she could throw her weight around ordinary bastards, but this school had its fair share of freaks and superhumans. He also knew that she had Peko run her a few favors (both normal and yakuza related), so it would only be natural for the swordswoman to investigate her transfer even if had no desire of doing so. 

“You...you can’t blame yourself; you were just following my orders. Natsumi was my responsibility and mine alone, and I fucked it up by not checking in on her.” 

But Peko, as stubborn as Fuyuhiko, would not hear it.

“Sir, you mustn’t blame yourself. If I were a tool capable of being trusted, then I am sure your orders would have been different.”

“Why don’t you get it already? Out of everyone in this world, you’re the only person I can trust. Everyone else is willing to kill me without a second thought.” It felt like he was suffocating, “You’re always putting my life first with no damn regard to your own. You're not invincible, Peko!”

“That is exactly why I intend to fulfill my purpose as your tool until I am a corpse at your feet.”

“Goddamnit, we are done with that crap!” He’s grateful that the room was sound proof, “I don’t want a tool! Tools can’t die. They become dull, they break, and you replace them, but they definitely cannot die. If some fucking rotten cunt smashed your skull in you’d die!”

“I-I wouldn’t let that happen, I assure--!” 

Peko’s eyes widened when he suddenly gripped her shoulders; shaking her not violently, but almost desperately as if she would have disappeared into thin air if he didn’t cling onto her that very moment. She had not realized the full look of anxiety and fear on his face until she fully met his stare for the first time that night.

“But you can’t know that,” His voice broke, “You can’t possibly fucking know that! What the hell’s the point if you’re dead?! Natsumi thought she was untouchable, that’s why she was all starting shit with everyone around her. And now what? Now we have to cremate her.”

Finally, his guard breaks and he rests his forehead on her shoulder,

 “So, please...stop saying you’ll protect me until the day you die. I don’t...you can’t expect to keep going with whatever life you give me. It’s not worth it, because if I have to bury you too—”

“...Young master?” Peko remained as still as she could; his voice was so weak that she feared he’d fade away from existence if she made any sudden movements. He was so close to her she was sure he could hear, if not feel, her erratic heartbeat-- not that he fared any better than her at the moment, of course. Since neither were the hugging type (at least not openly), the silver haired girl thought to support him through a light touch on his arms.  

“Please don’t leave me. I’m so afraid. I can’t do this on my own, Peko, I need you.”

Suddenly, his confession sparked a fundamental shift within the two. From her shoulders, Fuyuhiko’s hands now clung onto the fabric of her back leaning into her more, and Peko welcomed him without a second thought. Relying more on her instincts, one arm supported his weight while her other hand rested below the nape of his neck. An outsider looking in may think it a fond scene: two high school sweethearts expressing their love for another in the middle of the night. However, that sort of naivety could only last so long. What the outsider misunderstood was their embrace had not stemmed from affection or intimacy, but possession and obsession as they clung to one another.

In other words

“I will never leave your side, young master. There is no other place for me than by your side. If you wish for me to stay next to you for all eternity then that is where I shall stay no matter what. Even if the world turns upside down, I will stay beside you.” 

“Good.” He pries away from shoulder just to meet her ever intensive stare; it doesn’t affect him anymore (he welcomes it), “Peko, from now on it’s just you and me. Not as master and tool...just together, okay? We live together and we die together.”

“Then let us die of old age and nothing else.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

 Finally, they laid down embracing each other and fell asleep.

 ———

[notes-from-sarah]

Coarse Talk

Link on Archive of Our Own

Link on Fanfiction.net

Rating: T

Summary: While Jabba's out getting a lotion rub, Leia Organa and Boba Fett share a little conversation in the palace. Set during Episode VI. One-shot. Canon compliant.

“Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power.”  -Oscar Wilde

*****

The air in Jabba's palace was mercifully cool, compared to the furnace that was Tatooine during the afternoon. Leia was sitting on Jabba's throne platform, still chained at the neck like all his favorite captives. As she sat, she gazed around the dingy parlour that passed for a palace on the outer rim. It was an eclectic place to be sure, a place where just about anything could happen. Jabba was currently away from his throne, some poor unfortunate was tasked with giving him a lotion bath, so Leia had the throne to herself for the time being. Her gaze moved over the sundry figures that made up the gangster's court. Heaving a sigh, this "Rescue Han" plan was taking a lot longer than she had hoped, Leia removed one of her boots in order to dump the sand that continually collected in the bottom. Movement caught her eye and she looked up to see an armored man enter the chamber. Entering the throne room, Boba Fett glanced around. He was hoping to speak with Jabba, but as usual, anytime he wanted to speak with someone they seemed to have disappeared. Instead, he spotted Leia. Striding over he decided he might as well have some attractive company while he waited on the Hutt. Being careful not to stand on Jabba's supposedly secret trap door, he stood and looked at her through his visored helmet, hoping to provoke some kind of reaction. "Like what you see?" said Leia. Her voice was challenging, and a little threatening. "I can't complain." His voice betrayed nothing, but Leia somehow felt as though his face wore a smirk. "You and Jabba have the same taste in fetish, the two of you should get together." "Ouch. Princess, that's harsh." Boba moved over to the platform and took a seat next to Leia. Purposefully sitting closer to her than would normally be comfortable. Removing his helmet he set it in his lap where it was joined by his gloves a moment later. Combing his fingers through his dark curly hair he winked at Leia. She didn't look impressed. Reaching over, he tweaked her skirt playfully. "Whatcha hiding under that tent flap?" Leia rolled her eyes. "Is that the best you can do? I've heard better come-ons from tauntauns." It seemed like all of Han's friends were full to the brim with bad come-ons and worse come-backs. "Tauntauns? It's no wonder you haven't got a boyfriend, you don't give a guy a chance before you gun him down hard." Boba gauged Leia, she didn't seem embarrassed by his words. He might have to take it up a notch. Leia shifted, a little uncomfortable. Still, this was preferable to leaning against Jabba. "Do you pester all newly enslaved royalty like this? Or, am I just lucky?" "I think it's the outfit." "Jealous?" "Maybe." Pulling on her boot and pulling off the other one to dump it, Leia said, "How about we trade. You can have my clothes, and I'll take yours." Boba smirked a little as he tried to imagine himself in Leia's skimpy outfit. "Despite the fact that I would be sexy as hell in that getup, I'll have to pass. If I were to put that on I don't think you would be able to control yourself. You would go wild with lust were I to show that much skin." Leia lowered one of her scathing looks on him. "A criminal low-life, who is Jabba's fetch-it-boy, is telling me that he would be in danger from my lust? Aren't you rather known for taking what you want?" "Well, yeah, but I'm a bounty hounter. I watch what I want and don't move until the time is right." Boba let his gaze travel up her body, finally coming to rest on her eyes. She had damn sexy eyes. "But you're a princess. You're spoiled. You're used to getting what you want immediately, and bearing no repercussions. I'd be in a lot of danger were you to ever see me half naked, or more." Leia was half incredulous. He said everything so seriously, but his eyes betrayed a wicked streak. Two could play at that game. "Are you sure you're safe to remove even your helmet so close to me? You might end up the willing victim of a temperamental princess because of your..." Leia let her eyes wander from his eyes and down the length of his body to the base of his torso. "Cockiness." Boba was hard pressed to contain his smirking now. He could see why Solo might procrastinate on paying back Jabba when he had such a stimulating combatant around. Putting on an expression of mock-hurt, Boba said, "Princess, I think you're talking dirty to me. I can't abide by such talk, because, as you know, I'm a shining beacon of death and chastity. I only kill, and I would never have any sexual contact with a person unless I was married to her, and even then I probably wouldn't because I'm just that pure." Seeing that the banter had gone into the ridiculous, Leia decided to put an end to it. "You are such a liar." Boba finally gave her a full grin. "I am, aren't I?" Leia decided it actually wasn't that bad of a grin. She doubted she would ever like the man that hunted her and Han across the galaxy, making it possible for the Empire to catch them. But as far as looking, Boba Fett wasn't that bad, when he wasn't wearing that stupid helmet all the time. "Why are you being so casual with me? I don't remember you being this talkative at Cloud City." Leia sat up a little. She wanted to scoot away from Fett, but that would mean he had won by crowding her out, and she wasn't about to lose to him. "I'm not working now." Boba moved a little closer, he was just waiting for her to blink. "When I'm not working I allow myself some of the baser pleasures, like talking, eating, looking at a woman..." Boba raised a hand, and gently slid it down her long braid. Lifting the end of the braid he toyed with it. "Other things." Leia knew he was trying to make her uncomfortable. He had no idea what he was up against. Fixing him with her gaze she said, "What do you want from me, Fett?" Boba could tell that Leia was growing tired of him. He wondered how long he could push her buttons before she finally shooed him away. Leaning in close so he could whisper into her ear, he said, "I always want as much as I can get away with." Leia turned to look at him, their noses mere millimeters apart. "I never let anyone get away with anything." She stared into his eyes feeling very certain that the first one to blink really would be the loser. With a nasty squishing sound, Jabba heaved himself into the chamber. Freshly moistened from his lotion bath he slithered across the floor quite easily. Leia and Boba broke eye contact as Jabba maneuvered himself onto the dais. Boba stood and put his helmet and gloves back on. Play time was over. Leia only cringed a little as Jabba's slimy flesh touched her. In many ways she'd rather sit there flirt-fighting with Fett, than be seated next to Jabba for who knows how long until Luke arrived. Boba started conversing quietly with Jabba, so Leia let her eyes wander around the room. In the distance, Leia could hear, or feel - she wasn't sure which - the main door to the palace opening. She had a feeling that this was all about to be over with very soon.