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marshmallow-phd · 4 years ago

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Healing Touch

Part of The Untamed - EXO Wolf Universe

Genre: Wolf!AU

Pairing: Yixing x Reader

Summary: Medical school abroad was the last line on your to-do list before starting the rest of your life. Everything was going according to plan. Everything, that is, until tragedy strikes your campus. In the wake of a professor’s untimely death, you’re partnered with the cute boy with a breathtaking smile in the newly combined labs. You find yourself unable to resist the dimples and shy glances, but his life is here with no plans of leaving. Will you continue on as planned or will you accept the hand that Fate had dealt you?

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I Final

The smell had not changed in all the years that you used to call this place home. Pinecone potpourri mixed with traditional cooking spices and a hint of citrus from the constant dusting. Your aunt had always been a bit eccentric, a bit off beat. It had made being raised by her both adventurous and anxiety-inducing.

In the privacy of your home, her random dance parties and unfiltered way of speaking made you laugh. But when you were in public and she was pretending to be a mannequin in a window display, you ran away to the food court to hide behind a cup of boba. The explanation was always the same no matter what antics she was pulling: she wanted to break you out of your shell. It seemed like a lost cause. You were comfortable in your shell. It protected you and kept you warm.

“I don’t see how you expect to go trialing off to a place you’ve never been before,” your aunt had complained when you first told her about applying to the far away college.

“They’re two entirely different situations,” you had argued. “I can go to class and go back home without any issues.” These days there was your phone if you ever got lost or in need of food but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your apartment. Modern conveniences only enabled your shut-in ways.

“But what about, you know, friends?” She looked at you over her stylish, cat-eye glasses that she had no use for with her perfect vision.

“I have those,” you insisted. So, you might not have had a best friend, but you had people that you occasionally hung out with and collaborated on. Then there was Victoria and Amber from high school. You still spoke to them regularly, despite them going to different colleges out of the area. Your aunt didn’t realize that not everyone needed multiple circles of friends to bounce between.

Pushing her glasses back up her nose, your aunt pouted. “I just worry about you, that’s all. You still don’t like getting into cars, especially by yourself, and if you happen to be studying late….”

“I don’t mind taking the bus.” A bit of a stretch. You did mind but would still take it if the situation were dire enough. Walking was good exercise. And better for the environment. Someone had to look out for the little bunnies.

“Alright,” your aunt huffed as she sipped on her now lukewarm tea. “It is your life. I’m just a spectator of it.”

“At least you have premium seating,” you teased.

That had made your aunt laugh. She was back to her more carefree self.

“Is that my favorite niece?”

“No, it’s your least favorite nephew.”

Your aunt poked her head out of the hallway, the edge of her pink fuzzy robe telling you that she was getting ready to go out.

That was the exchange the two of you always had when you came to visit. The first time around, you had rolled your eyes and given the sarcastic answer for the cliché greeting. As your mother and aunt were the only siblings in their family and your father was the single offspring from his parents, there were no other nieces or nephews to put above or below you.

Without prompt, your aunt passed through the living room and onto the kitchen. When she came back, she had two wine glasses filled with bubble pink liquid. After handing you the lesser filled glass, she sat down on the couch while you opted for the loveseat, letting your purse drop to the hardwood floor by your feet. Your aunt leaned back on the arm rest with one elbow as she sipped on the wine. “It’s watermelon,” she informed you when you hadn’t taken a drink. “Try it.”

Shaking your head, you did as she asked. Oh, no. It was delicious. That was dangerous. You took another, larger swig before putting the glass down on the coffee table.

Growing up, you’d felt bad for your aunt. Sometimes you still did, though not as much after her many lectures as to why you shouldn’t.

She’d always been the carefree one. As a marketing consultant, she was constantly flying all over the globe, having adventures in between work meetings and bringing those experiences back to you in the form of expensive souvenirs. When your parents volunteered to go help a poorer nation with their health crisis, your aunt was quick to lend her babysitting services. It was only supposed to be temporary, after all. Then tragedy struck

Your parents never came back and suddenly your aunt was now your permanent guardian. The carefree spirit took it in stride. She shifted her strategy to more web-based conferences until you were in high school and able to be on your own for longer periods of time. She never turned into your mother; she never wanted to. For that, you were even more thankful. She was still the spontaneous, forever young aunt that you had always known. That stability in her personality was exactly what you needed. Too much had changed in your world on a dime, the less that was altered the better.

“What prompted this little visit?” she asked, a curious half smile on her lips.

You shrugged. “I hadn’t seen you in a while, so I thought I’d stop by and say hi. It looks like you’re getting ready to go out, though.”

Your aunt waved her hand limply. “Not for a few hours. Besides, anything can wait for you.”

Shifting in your seat, you smiled at the affection she had for you. “I finally heard from the university,” you told her.

Her eyebrows shot up. “You did? They finally decided to stop dangling the carrot and just give it to you, did they?”

“Not exactly,” you cringed. “They said they wanted to see how this semester went and then they would let me know.”

Your aunts face fell into a scowl as if something awful smelling had made its way into her nose. “What sense does that make?”

You shrugged. “I don’t know. But at least it’s not an outright no.”

Clicking her tongue, your aunt leaned forward so she was now balancing her elbows on her knees. “You know, there are still other options. Closer options.”

“I know,” you said with a monotone voice. “But Plan A is my focus. I’ll look to other options if that falls through.”

That knowing look you were all too familiar with formed on her face. A long, reminiscing sigh blew out from her lungs. “You are so much like your mother. It’s scary sometimes.”

You never knew how to respond when she said things like that. Should you be happy at the comparison? Sad because your mother wasn’t here to tell you herself? You were a child when your parents passed away. You remembered vague moments, birthday parties and movie nights. But when you’re that young, you don’t get a good idea of your parents’ personalities. You don’t learn what they like or don’t like, how they act in crowds versus a small group of people. You have to rely on the memories of those left behind.

You stayed at your aunt’s house for another hour or so, talking to her about her latest clients and nights out with the girls. You told her how your days were going and how you were adjusting to the new routine with the combined class. The news of Yixing sat on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t bring yourself to mention him. Her reaction would have been too predictable. She’d ask when the two of you were going to go out and when you explained that it wasn’t like that, she would ask why not. For that, you didn’t have an answer.

While you wanted to say that the two of you were just friends, it didn’t feel like the truth.

You saw more of Yixing than of anyone else, including Ran. He would walk you to class multiple times a day and the two of you would talk. Not about anything too deep. You weren’t at that level yet. He was funny and charming, never speaking a word that wasn’t kind. You learned that he lived in farmhouse in the woods with eight other people, all men. He swore it was never too crowded and that he actually enjoyed the company. He got lonely easily.

He also told you about how he took a few years off of college to figure out what he wanted to do. You’d asked him how he came to the path of becoming a doctor. He said he simply wanted to do something that would help people. He thought about opening a low-income clinic once he had his degree. Suddenly your heart was pumping under your sternum. When he asked why you went pre-med, you gave a shrug and said your parents and left it at that. These conversations were usually nice and lighthearted, you didn’t want to be the downer.

Yes, spending time with Yixing was nice, the highlight of your day, sometimes. But he also felt like a secret. One that you should keep to yourself for now. Good things didn’t always last. You wanted to see if this was a long-term investment for him before you invited anyone else in.

The next day, you needed some fresh air, so you decided to take a walk in the nature center on the edge of town. Although the woods would be a no-go area since they still hadn’t caught the animal terrorizing the area, the center would be full of people and should be quite safe. It couldn’t really be considered part of the woods given the infrastructure and the observation building, could it? Deciding to go anyway, you packed your bag with a few notes, snacks, and a water bottle. As your hand landed on the doorknob to leave, your eyes fell on the jacket lying on the back of the couch.

You hadn’t worn the comforting fabric since that day. The weather had been nice and putting it on would have seemed a bit obnoxious in your eyes. But this morning the weatherman had mentioned a chilly breeze. It wouldn’t hurt.

Arms through their designated holes, you left the apartment and started the walk to the outskirts of town. It wasn’t too far of a walk, maybe thirty, forty minutes at the most. You thanked yourself for wearing the jacket. A “chilly breeze” was an understatement. A few families and couples were dotted among the trails of the nature center that wound near and over the small creek. You passed by them all until you came to a spot that was deserted. Resting your legs, you sat on a bench with your back to the trees. The sun was shining up above. The only noise seemed to come from the rustling leaves and trickling creek. It was peaceful, just what you needed.

With your bag beside you, you took out a piece of paper with yesterday’s notes and started to review them. Some of the words were smudged and the edges were already crinkling, but you could make most of it out. The paper flopped in the wind. You thought you had a good enough grip on it, but a gust of air proved you wrong.

The paper went flying over your head and straight for the trees. Panic made you jump up, slinging your bag over your shoulder as you ran after it. The wind – now relentless – was enough to keep the paper continuously out of your reach.

It finally came to a stop when it caught on a tree root sticking out in the ground. You snatched the paper up and stuffed it into the bag to keep it from running away again. Straightening up again, your eyes settled on the horizon.

Then you screamed.

Yixing’s eyes snapped open.

He was no longer a wolf. He was human again. Sitting up, he brushed off the leaves from his arms. What time was it? Was it even the same day? He’d blacked out again. At this point, it was almost routine. His only consolation prize being the fact that he was alone. He still needed to figure out what was happening to him. He wasn’t ready to take this to his brothers. There was enough to worry about at the moment.

Getting on his feet, Yixing headed in the direction of where his things were stored. In order to avoid the others wanting to run with him, he’d entered the forest from a different area, storing his things in a bush to get back to later. He flicked his jeans to get the dirt off before pulling them on and then stuffing his feet in his shoes.

A piercing cry for cut through the air.

The hair on the back of Yixing’s neck stood up.

“Help! Somebody help!”

It was your voice.

He gasped. Then he took off. If anything happened to you-

Yixing skidded to a stop when he saw you kneeling in the grass. A body was laying in front of you, the clothes ripped and stained dark. It was lying face down, but Yixing could tell that it was a man and that he’d been attacked.

“(Y/n), what happened?”

You stared at him with wide, confused eyes. “Yixing? What are you doing here?”

He ignored your question, more worried about your own wellbeing. “What happened?” he repeated.

You shook your head as you dropped your eyes to the man lying on the ground. “I don’t know. I just found him like this. He’s still breathing but I’m not strong enough to move him.”

Yixing analyzed the situation. His car was only on the other side of the trees. The man was still alive. From Yixing’s point of view, he could make it, but they needed to act fast. Slipping his arms under the man while careful not to move him too much, he picked the man up and motioned with his head for you to follow.

He said nothing and you asked no questions as the tree line broke. Yixing scanned the parking lot of the nature center until he found his car. He rushed to the vehicle with a few glances over his shoulder to make sure you were keeping up with him.

“(y/n)?”

“Yeah?” You were huffing. Had he been running? He’d tried to go at a pace that you could keep up with.

“In my front right pocket are my keys. Can you fish them out and unlock the doors?”

You nodded. Yixing could feel your fingers trembling as they slipped into the denim opening. The shaking was even more obvious once the keys were free, the house and car keys clinking together as you searched for the fob to unlock the doors. Without prompt, you opened the back door to allow Yixing to slip the man into the bench seat. He told you to get in the front. You tossed him the keys and the two of you rushed to the hospital.

A pair of doctors rushed out of the automatic doors as soon as the car pulled into the emergency entrance.

“We found him in the woods,” Yixing explained. The doctors quickly examined the man as two more nurses came out with a stretcher.

“I think that animal attacked him,” you added.

Yixing’s eyes flickered over to you with worry. The doctors nodded in acknowledgement then helped the nurses move the man to the stretcher. The two of you followed closely but were forced to stay behind in the waiting room. Yixing sat next to you in the uncomfortable plastic chairs that were connected to the wall.

“You never answered the question.”

Yixing frowned. “What question?”

You turned to look at him with your eyebrows furrowed, making him want to reach out and smooth the creases they created. “What you were doing out in the woods.”

Yixing stiffened. He pressed his foot into the tile floor to keep it from bouncing. “I was… hiking.”

“Without a shirt?”

He looked down. Crap. He hadn’t even realized that he wasn’t finished getting dressed before he took off. “I get warm easily.”

Your eyes narrowed suspiciously. Yixing fought to keep his face neutral. It was a pathetic excuse, he knew it. But you didn’t call him out on it. Instead, you leaned forward, unzipping the polyester bomber that was easily recognizable as his own, taking it off, and holding it out to him.

“I’m fine,” Yixing said, ignoring the jacket.

“You really should put it on. I heard the front desk call the cops. They’ll be here soon, and it’ll look suspicious. What would you tell them the reason was for you not having a shirt?”

A cheeky answer came to mind. Yixing bit down to hold it back, even if it would have caused your face to heat up in an adorable fashion. The instinct of making sure his mate was okay was almost too great to ignore. You were the one who needed to stay warm, stay protected. But you had a valid point. And you were inside, out of the wind. So, he accepted the jacket and ran the zipper almost up to his neck to hide the lack of shirt underneath.

The police arrived about twenty minutes later. They separated you, making him anxious. Over the next hour or so, Yixing gave his side of the story to the officer. They took him at his word that he was strolling through the woods. The doctors had already informed the officers that the wounds were clearly animal made. While severe, they weren’t life threatening. That gave Yixing a small amount of relief.

“Would you two like to see him?” one of the nurses asked another hour later. You nodded eagerly. Yixing stayed a bit behind as the nurse led you through the halls to a large room that held several beds separated by plastic curtains.

The man was awake. Black stitches covered his arms. Three claw marks ran down the left cheek. From what Yixing knew of the other victims, this guy was lucky. He was talking to a nurse when he looked to see who his visitors were. As soon as his eyes landed on Yixing, the heart monitor spiked and his breathing quickened.

“Hey, it’s okay, these are the people who found you,” the nurse said to try and calm him down.

“Oh.” The man’s heart rate started to slow again. Each breath was deeper until they were back to normal. “I’m sorry.”

“How are you feeling?” you asked, taking a step forward. Yixing fought the urge to put himself between you and the man you’d rescued. He was probably harmless, but he had also been through a traumatic situation.

The man nodded. “I’m… alive, at least. Thank you.”

You gave a small smile. “I’m glad I came along when I did. Did you,” you bit your bottom lip nervously, “happen to see what attacked you?”

Yixing held his breath.

“It was a large gray wolf,” the man answered. “Huge. Like a mutated one you would see in the movies. He came from nowhere, knocked me down. I thought I was going to end up like the others as he clawed at me. Then he was gone.”

Yixing’s fist tightened at his side, his throat constricting. He forced down a swallow. He couldn’t panic. Not here.

You frowned. “I wonder what scared him off.”

“Maybe you did?” Yixing said with a slight tease. It was more to keep his own mental state calm than for the benefit of everyone else.

“I’m not that frightening.”

“Whatever it was,” the man shook his head, “I’m thankful.”

“He should really rest now,” the nurse said sternly. Yixing nodded in agreement and, after the goodbyes were given, led you away.

Once outside of the hospital, Yixing stopped you. “I can take you home.”

“That’s okay,” you countered, “I can walk.”

He didn’t like that one bit. Besides, he really needed you by his side right now. “Where do you live?”

“In an apartment near campus.”

No way. “That’s nearly halfway across the city. I can take you. It’s not a big deal.”

You shifted form foot to foot, refusing to meet his eye. “I don’t… really like cars.”

“You made it here alright.”

“That’s because I was too worried about him to think about it. The adrenaline blocked everything out.”

“I’m a safe driver, I promise.”

“I believe you. I just-” You blew air out between your lips, which ended in a growl. It was actually kind of cute. Yixing pushed back a grin. It wasn’t appropriate right now. “My parents were killed in a car crash, so they kind of freak me out.” You sucked in your lips as if you hadn’t meant to reveal that vital information.

Oh. That explained… a lot actually. At least, in terms of what you had been holding back from him. He never wanted to push, but he felt better knowing more about you.

“I understand,” he said sympathetically. “Can I walk you home then? I can come back for my car later.”

You shook your head. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Maybe so. But I need to make sure that you get home safe.”

You weighed his alternative for a minute or so. Yixing kept his patience. He refused to push you farther than you were willing to go. He just needed to see you walk safely into your building and then he would be okay until he saw you again.

“Okay,” you sighed. “You can drive me home.” He could have leapt with joy.

Yixing waited for you to get in the car before sliding behind the wheel himself. The death grip you had on the side handle didn’t escape his notice. He made sure to slow down easily and to take each turn with care. The only words you spoke were to give him directions. It wasn’t until the car was in park outside of your building did you finally relax.

“Thank you,” you told him in a strained voice.

“Any time.”

“I’m sorry if I was a little dramatic. I—” the growl of your empty stomach interrupted your speech. You groaned from embarrassment. Yixing couldn’t help his laugh.

Knock, knock, knock.

Leaning over and looking through the passenger window of his car was a strange girl Yixing had never seen before. He rolled down the window barely enough to be able hear what she was saying.

“How the hell did you get (y/n) into a car?” the girl gasped. You visibly cringed in the seat, sinking down a few inches.

Yixing blinked, unsure of how to respond. “Um, I—”

“Yixing, this is my roommate, Ran,” you interrupted, saving him. “Ran, this is Yixing. We have class together.”

“Oh!” The inclination behind her exclamation was more than obvious. And Yixing didn’t object to it. “I just ordered pizza and I know (y/n) usually gets hungry around this time. Do you want to join us?”

You flashed your roommate a panicked look, but Yixing couldn’t resist the opportunity. “That sounds great.” He caught you flinching, so he added, “As long as (y/n)’s okay with it.”

“Yeah,” you relented. “It’s the least I could do. For the ride.” You flashed an annoyed glare at Ran before getting out of the vehicle.

Yixing shouldn’t be this elated as he nearly sprung from the driver’s seat. He walked around the car slowly and let you and Ran lead the way, in case you changed your mind. You didn’t, thankfully, and Yixing walked up to your door with anticipation so great that he almost was able to forget what the man had said back at the hospital.

Almost.

#exo #exo wolf au #exo wolf!au #yixing x reader #zhang yixing #lay #lay x reader #exo x fem!reader #exo werewolf au #exo werewolf!au #exo fanfic #exo fanfiction #exo supernatural au #exo series #exo college au #exo college!au #The Untamed Universe #Healing Touch

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jingabitch · 5 years ago

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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ch.1

Summary: When you were ten, Taehyung adopted you and gave you a home. Now that you’re eighteen, the sudden change in your scent perplexes and confounds him.

Pairing: wolf hybrid!tae x human!reader (all bts members are hybrids)

Word count: 10.5k

A/N: here it is!! I hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think; I was really unsure about writing this, especially at the beginning. Edit: I will not be doing a taglist, so please don't ask. Thank you!

Series index

“Hyung –” Taehyung whined as he sulked on the couch of the dorm.

Yoongi sighed, looking over at his team member. “What is it, Taehyung-ie?”

“I’m bored,” Taehyung replied, crossing his arms over his chest as he slid down on the couch, his usually perky ears drooping.

The snow leopard hybrid just grunted, flicking one of his ears in irritation. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Hyung, come play with me, please?”

Namjoon, who was lying on the adjacent couch, stifled a snicker. Taehyung had been more needy than usual in the past few weeks, and he was working Yoongi’s last nerve. The older man had inherited his animal counterpart’s solitary tendencies, and while he was, for the most part, happy to socialize and hang out with the rest of them, Taehyung had been cutting into his alone time a little too much lately with his neediness, and the grey-haired hybrid was Not Happy.

Jin, their resident spotted hyena hybrid, laughed, a sound very reminiscent of his animal counterpart’s trademark sound. “Yoongi, just play with him. He’s lonely.”

Yoongi scowled. “Why do I have to do it?! Isn’t this why you got a pet in the first place, to keep you company?”

Taehyung’s frown deepened. “It is, but as you can clearly see,” he bit out, upset now, “Yeontan isn’t here.”

Hoseok, seeing the snow leopard hybrid taking in a deep breath to begin ranting, cut into the conversation to save the wolf hybrid from a scolding. “Hyung, you know how Tae is. He misses the company, is all.”

“Why don’t you just get another pet, then?” Yoongi asked.

“Because the same thing would happen, hyung,” Taehyung responded drolly, unable to hide his irritation at what he clearly thought was a ridiculous suggestion. “I don’t want to get attached to another pet, and then have to palm it off onto my parents again.”

Namjoon, ever the problem solver, lit up in that way that happened only when he had a eureka moment. “Get a human, then!”

The rest of them gawked at him. “A human?!” Jin asked skeptically.

“Yah, if he didn’t have time for a dog, how’s he going to care for a human baby? They’re even more high maintenance, and for way longer!” Yoongi snapped.

Namjoon made a rude noise. “Don’t get a baby, then! There’s lots of children and adolescents in shelters that need good homes. You can get one of those; they’re more self-sufficient.”

Taehyung’s mouth dropped open in shock. “That’s genius!”

Jungkook and Jimin, who had until now remained out of the conversation, immediately leapt up excitedly. “Yes, yes, can we adopt a human, pleaaaase,” Jimin pleaded. The black-footed cat hybrid, already small in stature and adorable because of his animal genes, opened his eyes wider and pouted up at the others.

Taehyung and Jungkook, seeing him, followed suit, and before long, the other members conceded, and they’d agreed to get a human pet. Taehyung, excited now that he was going to have a new little pack member to take care of and keep him company, immediately ran to get his laptop so he could research human shelters in Seoul.

Two hundred years ago, humans created hybrids in science labs. Splicing human genes with animals was supposed to create the perfect servant, companion and soldier – with the intelligence and capacity for emotional connection of humans and the superior physical capabilities of other animals, these new creations were supposed to make life better for humans.

What the scientists hadn’t realized, in their hubris, was that it was extraordinarily likely that the hybrids wouldn’t be content merely taking orders and serving the whims of humans, who were, after all, genetically inferior to their artificial perfection. A revolution and reordering of society occurred, and now humans were the pets, bred for the sole purpose of being the best possible companions for their hybrid owners.

You understood this history well enough, thanks to the kindly old hybrid who adopted you as a baby to soothe her empty nest syndrome after her grown-up children moved out and began their own lives, and her husband sadly passed away. She’d given you far more than she was obliged to as an owner, even ensuring that you had a basic education.

It had been a couple of years since she’d unfortunately passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack, landing you in a shelter when none of her family members wanted to take you in. Now that you were ten, you understood that the likelihood of you staying in the shelter for the rest of your childhood grew exponentially each day, as most families wanted babies or toddlers that would be more attached to their adopted families.

Plus, everyone loves babies.

You sighed as you pushed the covers off yourself. You’d finally managed to get a coveted bottom bunk bed after one of the girls in your room was adopted out, and you felt like you should be happier about it.

If only it wasn’t so sad to be happy about getting a bottom bunk in a shelter, after years of waiting your turn. You hoped against all hope that you wouldn’t spend much time in this bunk, that you’d be going home with another family soon, and you promised yourself there and then that if you ever got adopted, you’d do whatever it took to make your new family happy for saving you from this drudgery.

As you made your way to the cafeteria for breakfast, you noticed that there seemed to be a lot more… buzzing than usual. You shrugged it off – you’d been here long enough to know that it just meant a high-profile visit was scheduled for the day, and all of the children were told to dress up and be on their best behavior.

Picking up a tray and lining up for your breakfast, you held in a sigh. Most people are looking for babies and toddlers, and it’s rare that anyone wants to adopt at a shelter. Even when they do, they go for younger children, who are still cute and cuddly.

Well, not that you weren’t cuddly. It was literally in your genetic makeup to crave physical affection because hybrids like to snuggle with their pets, but you’d lost that cute doe-eyed helplessness that hybrid clients like in their pets. With a sigh, you took your tray and sat in a corner to eat, unwilling to listen to the excited chatter of the younger children. You weren’t that hopeful anymore, and it hurt too much after the first few times to get all excited and put in effort, only to not be chosen at the end of the day.

Finishing your breakfast, the same porridge with kimchi and laver that you have every morning, you went back to your room to wait. It’s standard procedure – every child has to remain by their bed in their room when the prospective client arrives and takes a tour to find the child they want to bring home.

With a sigh, you sat on your bed, propping the pillow up against the metal frame of your bunk bed, to continue reading the book you’d begged off from one of the caretakers. Most of the human children couldn’t read, because it wasn’t mandatory to teach them and many of them were rescued off the streets, but the grandmother who owned you before had taught you the basics.

You were still engrossed in the story – a classic from hundreds of years ago about a boy who found out he was a wizard and went to a school called Hogwarts – when Taehyung arrives, flanked by Namjoon on one side and Jimin on the other. The leader had accompanied Taehyung to restrain him and keep him from getting every child in the shelter, and Jimin had just wanted to see cute human children and give his two cents’ worth on the human they eventually adopted.

Because, as he said, he was Taehyung’s best friend so a pet Taehyung adopted would naturally be his business. The others didn’t quite buy it, but Taehyung seemed okay with him tagging along, so he cleared his schedule and came.

The matronly caretaker at the shelter, a middle-aged dog hybrid, came out to greet them excitedly when they arrived, gushing about all the cute children they had in the shelter, and how she hoped they would find their perfect match today.

They nodded and listened politely as she ushered them into her office, where she went over the ground rules for today. No pictures, no yelling, disturbing the children, et cetera. If there was a child they were interested in, they had to ask for permission before they were allowed to approach the child, and at all times children’s safety was paramount – if they indicated that they were uncomfortable, they could be removed from the situation without any repercussions. It was all aimed at ensuring that the humans were prioritized and felt safe in their home, and this was why Taehyung had chosen to support this shelter.

Namjoon, ever the responsible one, and Taehyung, who was dedicated to becoming a good pet owner, listened carefully as the hybrid caretaker explained what the challenges were in taking care of a human child, especially one that had lived in the shelter. Older children would be harder to train, she said, less malleable, and depending on what their circumstances had been before coming to live in the shelter, may have trauma or other psychological scars.

Jimin impatiently bounced around, aware that this was important stuff, but just excited to see some cute children and hopefully take one home today. When they finally stood up to leave the office and go to the dorm rooms where the children were waiting, Jimin could hardly keep the wide grin splitting his face under control, and Taehyung was similarly excited, the muscles under his shirt periodically tensing up as he resisted the urge to bounce along behind the caretaker. She was hardly likely to be impressed with him if he couldn’t demonstrate that he was a mature adult able to take care of a human child.

Because Taehyung had made it clear that he wanted an older, more self-sufficient human pet, the caretaker skipped the first two rooms, where the young children were, and the nursery, heading straight to your room. You were still reading your book, and she tutted as she saw you sitting there.

“Y/N, sweetie, would you like to come say hello to these nice hybrids?” she asked patiently, and you looked up from your story, surprised to see that there were indeed three men clustered behind her. Most hybrids decided on the child they wanted to bring home after seeing the younger children, so it was uncommon for you to see visitors.

You were tempted to reject the offer, but remembered your earlier promise to yourself, and smiled graciously, putting your bookmark back in and leaving your book on the bed. “Yes, ma’am,” you said sweetly, standing up and brushing imaginary lint off your skirt. “Good morning, sirs. My name is Y/N. I’m ten years old, and I’m very pleased to meet you,” you recited dutifully, remembering the spiel they taught all the children to say to visitors.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Y/N-ah,” the tall wolf hybrid said, kneeling down so he could look you in the eye. His ears twitched slightly as he looked up at you slightly, and you smiled back. He had such a friendly demeanor that you couldn’t help but feel comfortable around him immediately. “My name is Taehyung, and these are my friends Jimin and Namjoon,” he said, pointing at the other two hybrids. You weren’t certain what kind they were, although you deduced that Namjoon was some kind of canine hybrid and Jimin, based on the cute rounded ears on top of his head, was a large cat.

“It’s a pleasure you meet you all,” you said politely, looking up at them. Your speech was crisp, delicate and refined from years of being the prized companion of a wealthy old lady.

“Likewise,” Namjoon said with a nod, and Jimin said nothing, but smiled so widely that his eyes all but disappeared. You smiled back, liking them already, and hoping that they would choose you to go home with them.

“What are you reading, Y/N-ah?” Taehyung asked, and you took his hand excitedly, bringing him to the bed where you’d left your book. He trailed after you, looking back at the other two members with a wide grin. It was so cute, how you lit up when he expressed interest in what you were reading, and how at ease you seemed to be, even initiating contact with him. You didn’t seem aware of who they were, which he supposed was to be expected, since he didn’t think humans really kept up with pop culture, and it wasn’t like you were walking around the streets of Seoul where BTS music was playing all over and their photos were plastered on every available surface in the city.

Sitting down next to you, he listened, his chin in his hand, as you chattered away excitedly about the book. Namjoon and Jimin came to squat on either side of you, and you basked in the undivided attention that you hadn’t had since your previous owner passed away.

“Who taught you how to read, Y/N-ah?” Namjoon asked when you wound down, his ears sticking out of the black hair on his head flicking slightly.

“My previous owner,” you replied.

“She seems nice,” Jimin said carefully, and young as you were, you picked up the unspoken question.

“She was,” was all you said, a little quietly and sadly. You missed her, the woman who’d asked you to call her ‘mom’ and really had acted like a mother to you.

At least, you think so – you were bred by a breeder to be a pet, and you didn’t remember your own mother, having been too young when you were separated from her.

After talking for a little while more, they excused themselves and you smiled as graciously as you knew how, returning to your book as they left the room to go back to the office to discuss things further.

“Hyung, she’s so precious,” Taehyung fairly sang, spinning around in circles with his arms spread out wide.

Namjoon was more reserved, but he agreed internally. She wasn’t rambunctious in the way that Yeontan was, but adorable all the same, in the way she’d lit up while talking about her book and how easily she’d accepted their touch, clearly happy to have the physical affection.

Jimin, way more exuberant than Namjoon, grabbed Taehyung’s hands and bounced around with him. “We’re getting a human!” he cried out in excitement as they jumped like children up and down.

The wild dog hybrid just shook his head at his two younger bandmates, before leading the way into the caretaker’s office to settle the adoption paperwork.

You returned home with them that day, to your surprise and pleasure. You hadn’t allowed yourself to hope until the caretaker came back to let you know to pack your meagre possessions, and sends you off with them. Taehyung gives you a hug when you walk out of the building with your bag to join them, and straps you safely into his car before they take off, back to his apartment.

As you were travelling there, they chattered away, filling you in on what their home will be like. You found out that they were part of a boyband that live together, and you would be moving in with all seven of them. Apart from the three hybrids in the car with you – Taehyung, who bought you, the wolf hybrid; Namjoon, the serious-looking African wild dog; and Jimin, the adorable-looking black footed cat who was sitting in the back with you – there were another four. They were all predator hybrids, something Taehyung noted with some pride, beaming at your reflection in the rearview mirror.

You smiled back uncertainly at him, apprehensive about how different the new arrangement was from your previous one but still certain that no matter what, it would still be better than living at the shelter. It hadn’t been awful – it wasn’t like you’d been abused or anything while you were there – but with how stretched thin the resources at the shelter were, it had been impossible for you to get the care and attention that you required to be emotionally and mentally healthy after all this time.

Carrying yourself as stiffly as you could, in order to leave the best first impression possible, you hugged your bag tightly to your chest and stood ramrod straight in the elevator, resisting the urge to look around curiously. Your previous owner had been wealthy, but she hadn’t been this wealthy, and you’d never been in a lift that was so opulent before.

Taehyung tugged the bag out of your arms insistently, and you relinquished it after a brief struggle for control over it. You didn’t want to put him out, feeling that he’s already done enough, adopting you and giving you what looked like it would be an amazing home, but he was stronger than you and you were also concerned that he would think you were too stubborn or headstrong if you continued fighting him, so you let it go.

When they ushered you into your new home, though, your jaw dropped and you couldn’t hold back your reaction that time. The apartment was so nice and spacious, worlds away from the shared room you’d lived in at the shelter. Taehyung laughed at your expression and whisked you off to his bedroom, which was now a shared bedroom for the two of you, showing you where everything you would need was. After getting you settled in, he led you back out by the hand to the living room, where the other boys were gathered, eagerly waiting to meet you.

And that’s how you became part of the BTS family.

Your new home was very different from the one you had spent your early childhood in. Living with seven young and energetic hybrid men meant you suddenly had companions and playmates to indulge your more rambunctious impulses, whereas before you’d always had to be calm and docile, since there was no way your previous owner would have been able to keep up with a screaming and running child on the playground. It wasn’t like it had been bad – you were naturally a quieter child, but all children need space to run and play, to expend their excess energy, and as hard as she’d tried, she hadn’t been able to offer you that.

On the other hand, you played so much with your new family that you were completely exhausted every night, and Taehyung had to prod you to get ready for bed properly, instead of just collapsing in whatever you were wearing. He didn’t mind, though, pleased that you were having so much fun every day. Besides, having you around to dote on made all of them happy, especially Taehyung, who missed his young cousins and was still slightly bitter about how much of his siblings’ and cousins’ childhoods he hadn’t been around for, and later, his nieces and nephews.

And so you spent your adolescence in their company, making a home for yourself. It wasn’t just BTS that seemed to have adopted you – Big Hit as a whole did. The stylist noonas were utterly thrilled to finally have a little girl around on the regular, and treated you alternately like a little sister and a doll, dressing you up in all the cute girlish trends they privately sighed over but couldn’t experiment with.

Another benefit of having a human as a pet was that it was far easier to transport a person – humans were allowed on planes and buses, so you could travel with the boys. Your calming presence helped soothe frayed nerves and mediated fights, and ARMY loved watching the tender interactions between the boys, who were all predator hybrids, and the wide-eyed human child, claiming that it showed how nurturing the boys were despite their natural inclination, and how they would be good fathers someday. You even had your own little fanclub, like Yeontan had before you.

Speaking of Yeontan – the little dog had gone to live with Taehyung’s parents, so you didn’t get to see each other that often, but when you did, the two of you got along like a house on fire. Taehyung had to keep an eye on you at mealtimes to make sure most of the food on your plate wasn’t finding its way down to Yeontan, who lay casually across your feet at the dining table, while the dog was so excited to see you that he basically ignored Taehyung whenever the both of you arrived together.

The vlive of you and Yeontan taking a nap on the couch after Chuseok dinner with his family, curled up together as you whined about your tummy hurting while Taehyung, behind the camera, laughed as he teased you about being such a glutton but then went to rub your aching belly, became the most watched vlive ever, spawning a million GIFs.

It also became common for you to be somewhere in the background of Namjoon’s vlives, reading a book on his couch, while he chatted with fans. After many requests for you to appear on Eat Jin, you did eventually do an episode with him, although he spent the whole time comparing the food to meals he’d cooked for you in the past.

One might think that growing up the lone female around seven men might be awkward at times, especially with you going through adolescence and getting your period and all that, but they made it normal. Hybrids were far more open about normal bodily functions than human societies had been, and it would have been stranger for them to get squeamish about their pet’s bodily functions. There was no hiding from them when you got your period or anything like that, but they were so nonchalant about it that you were too, even warning you beforehand when you were going to start because they could smell the changes in your scent.

It was all fine – at least, until the boys went to the military.

All of them enlisted together when you were sixteen, and you went to live with Taehyung’s parents while they were serving. Living in Geochang was a change of pace from Seoul, but it was nice nevertheless. You helped out at his parents’ farm, got to play a lot more with Yeontan and the other animals running around, and had a lot more freedom since his parents were too busy to micromanage you.

During this time, you really grew into your own – enrolling in an online GED course, using the Internet and the enormous resources at your disposal to figure your personal style out, even finding human friends and a boyfriend. Who would have thought that Geochang had such a thriving human community?

Needless to say, by the time the two years had passed and you went back to live with Taehyung, you were a vastly different person, in both temperament and appearance, than you’d been the day he dropped you off.

Still, you’d missed being in Seoul with him, and you were excited to go with his parents to pick him up from the military base. You’d never been to visit him when his family members went, because they’d needed someone to stay home and tend to the crops and take care of the animals, and ever eager to please, you’d volunteered to do it even though you really wanted to see Taehyung too.

This time, though, you had to go, because everyone was going to Seoul to spend the night, and then you would stay with Taehyung. Although you hadn’t seen each other in two years, you’d kept in contact via text messages and video calls whenever he was free, and you knew that he’d decided to move into an apartment in Seoul without the other boys. It was about time – Seokjin was pushing thirty and planning to propose to his longtime girlfriend, and it was a little weird for seven men in their thirties to be living together anyway.

So you packed your things and prepared to move out of Geochang and back to Seoul. It wasn’t difficult – with technology it was easy for you to keep in contact with your friends in Geochang, and you’d broken up with your boyfriend a couple months ago on amicable terms. The most difficult thing for you had been saying goodbye to Tannie, who was getting on in years now and had relied on you more and more each day.

But move out you did, and you bounced in your seat all the way to the military base where Taehyung had been living for the past two years. When you first saw him walk out of the compound, still in his uniform, your excitement got the better of you and you flew towards him, perhaps uncharacteristically for you given how taken aback his parents were, but you didn’t care.

“Taehyung-oppa!” you screamed as you ran. To his credit, he didn’t waste any time processing the missile currently hurtling towards him, and just opened his arms for you to leap into.

“Hello, Y/N,” he laughed as he hugged you close. He’d missed you too, his cute little human, and after so long away from him, you didn’t smell anything like him anymore, something he was determined to change as he started rubbing his cheek on the top of your head. Used to it after living with him for so many years, you just stood still and let him do it.

Fansite photographers and more zealous fans who’d come to see him cooed and sighed at the cute picture you two made. You were still tucked under his arm, clinging to his shirt, as he greeted the people who were gathered, thanking them for coming all this way, and thanking his commanding officers and platoon mates for being there for him for the past few years.

Then it was over, and he was in the van with his family for a more private reunion. You were still clinging to him, not that he minded as he stroked your hair softly as he chatted with his family. He’d seen them when they’d come to visit, or during his breaks – it was just you that hadn’t had the chance to see him since he’d gone away.

During the drive back to Seoul, you tucked your face into his neck and took a nap, tired from all the excitement. While you were asleep, Taehyung asked his mother how you’d been. “Did she give you a lot of trouble?” he asked.

She chuckled. “No, she was an absolute angel. So good with the children and the animals, always eager to help out.”

He smiled. “Yeah? That tracks. The lady at the shelter told me she has an amazing pedigree.”

“It was a real joy having her, Taehyung-ah. You’re lucky to have such a sweet human in your life.”

“I am. I hope she had a good time in Geochang, too.”

Taehyung’s mother laughed at that. “Oh, did she ever!”

His curiosity piqued, his ears perked. “Sounds like you have some good stories to share.”

“The girl had the time of her life these past two years,” his mother snickered. “She had a lot more freedom in Geochang than in Seoul because it’s smaller and safer, so we let her go out on her own a lot more, and she’s really sociable. She even found a boyfriend.”

He raised a brow. “She did? Sounds like she had lots of fun in Geochang, then.”

He wanted to find out more about what you’d been up to, but since they were arriving in Seoul and would be at the restaurant for dinner, he couldn’t, instead waking you up since you always took a little while to be functional.

You untangled yourself from him sleepily and almost fell out of the car as you tried to get out, and it was only his father’s superior hybrid reflexes that saved you from eating asphalt as he caught you and put you back on your feet. Murmuring your thanks, you waited for Taehyung to climb out of the van and lead you into the restaurant by the hand.

Tonight, you were dining at a Korean barbeque restaurant, which was always a winner for the hybrid wolf family. Usually they just ate meat, not even bothering with lettuce wraps, but they were still nice enough to order some vegetables and king oyster mushrooms for you. You were in charge of grilling, of course, not that you minded, and hearing the praise from everyone else at the table made you glow a little every time.

Taehyung was the center of attention that evening, of course, as he regaled his family with tales of his time in the military. He was the first member of BTS to be discharged, although since they’d all enlisted at around the same time, the others were due to be discharged in the coming few months, so unfortunately there weren’t funny stories of his bandmates coming to visit him, but Bang PD had, and so had some stylist noonas.

There were also stories about silly punishments and shenanigans, water parades, being made to hold the wall and shout, “Help, help! The wall is falling,” because he’d been caught leaning against it once, that made everyone crack up and you almost drop the tongs right on the grill.

Eventually, though, he started asking about how everyone had been, which turned, perhaps inevitably, into everyone ganging up on you and trying to tell the most embarrassing story they could think of. You sighed and whined as one by one, they all took turns rehashing your various mishaps to Taehyung – you trying to climb a tree and getting stuck like a cat, your various fashion disasters as you tried to ‘find yourself’ – complete with pictures, of course, and worst of all, your theatrics when your GED certificate came in the mail.

Well, you were really proud of that last one, but did they really have to describe your joyful outburst as helpless histrionics?

Still, though, the way Taehyung squeezed your hand as he told you how proud he was of you made everything better.

Soon enough, dinner was over and all of you piled back into the van to go to Taehyung’s new apartment. It had already been set up by the multitude of assistants that BigHit had, with some input from his parents, so it was basically already liveable. With so many people helping, it wasn’t long before all your things were moved into the apartment too, and then the two of you were left alone, for the first time in two years.

Since you had so much spare room in the apartment, you had your own bedroom, and it was beautifully decorated just how you’d pictured it, with a very pretty queen-sized bed in one corner with a white cushioned headboard and pink-and-grey patterned sheets, a reading nook in front of floor-to-ceiling windows with an overstuffed chair and foot rest, a lamp, and a large bookshelf with a ladder occupying the adjacent wall, and a little coffee table with a scented candle already on it next to the chair. Fluffy rugs were strewn across the room, and a wooden dressing table sat on the opposite side of the room. It was beautiful and comfortable, everything you’d dreamed of, but when you got ready for bed, you found yourself missing Taehyung.

Which led to you in your pajamas, all scrubbed down and ready for bed, knocking plaintively on Taehyung’s bedroom door. He seemed to know that you would be there even before opening the door, which he probably had, with his enhanced senses (and the fact that there was no one else in the apartment).

When he opened the door for you, clad in just his pajama pants, all you had to do was pout up at him and he was standing aside to let you in. Generally, he indulged your every whim, because according to his life philosophy, why have pets if you weren’t going to spoil them rotten? Making a beeline for his bed, you made yourself comfortable by burrowing under his sheets and fluffing up one of his pillows.

Shaking his head at you, Taehyung followed you back to the bed, getting into the other side with an indulgent huff. “You know, I paid a lot of money for your bedroom,” he said drolly. Ignoring his remark, you cuddled close to him and shut your eyes stubbornly, and he capitulated with a sigh, stroking your head as you drifted off to sleep.

Somehow, you smelled different than he remembered. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, and it wasn’t bad by any means, but it was just… different. And he didn’t quite know what to do about it.

For some reason he’d been reluctant to ask his parents, even though they’d been the ones living with you for the past two years, if they’d sensed anything different about you. He’d rationalized it to himself at the point – since they’d been with you every day it was likely that they wouldn’t notice anything different if your scent had changed gradually, and if it had been sudden and enough to cause worry, they would already have let him know about it.

Still, his mind wouldn’t stop racing with the possibilities as he leaned in closer to take a good whiff. He could still smell the base notes of your scent, which had always been somewhat citrusy, but now it was slightly… earthier, with a musky, deeper aroma threaded through it. Was it vanilla? Perhaps cinnamon?

Whatever it was, it was nice, and he shut his eyes to allow himself to drift off after deciding to do research on humans’ scent changes tomorrow. He didn’t think it was anything to worry about – any illness would definitely have a sharper, less pleasant scent – but he didn’t know why your scent would suddenly change again. It had changed gradually once before, as you went through puberty, but based on what he’d read about humans, it shouldn’t change again for many years yet.

No harm finding out more about what could be causing it, he thought as he slipped after you into slumber. Maybe he would take you to a doctor, too, if it became necessary.

Morning dawned, and Taehyung woke up leisurely for the first time in too long, slowly blinking his eyes against the morning sunlight streaming in from the windows. As he slowly became conscious of his surroundings, he became aware that he was the most comfortable he’d ever been, probably in his life, and he nuzzled closer behind your ear.

Wait a minute. A second later, he drew back. He didn’t remember going to sleep with a lover, and he definitely hadn’t had a girlfriend since his last one broke up with him while he was in the army. So who was he currently wrapped around…?

When it dawned on him, he recoiled in horror, and almost crab scuttled away from you. Thankfully, you were still asleep and hadn’t noticed his morning boner pressed against you, because it was beyond inappropriate for him to feel that way about you, his pet.

Unfortunately, his abrupt movements pulled on the duvet that you were sharing, and jostled you awake. He froze, wide-eyed, as you stirred. “Taehyung-oppa?” you said, voice raspy with sleep.

“Shh, I’m just going to pee,” he lied. “Go back to sleep, sweetie, it’s still early.”

You hummed wordlessly as you burrowed back into the covers, and despite his own inner turmoil, he smiled at you as he straightened the duvet over you before he left the bedroom.

He darted into the bathroom, where he sat on the edge of the tub, his head in his hands. God, what the hell was wrong with him? You weren’t a hybrid, and he didn’t understand how this could have happened. In that moment before he’d woken up fully and realized what was happening, his instinct had been to treat you like a… lover. He shuddered at the thought.

Okay, he thought, getting up. He was going to take a shower, rub one out, and then pretend like everything was fine. This was an aberration, just a weird fluke. You were warm and in his bed, and it had been a really long time since he had any action, since military service tended to inhibit such activities.

He just needed to get laid, and get used to your new scent, and then everything would be fine. No one would need to know about this embarrassing little slip-up.

With renewed determination, he started stripping off his clothes to get into the shower. All soaped up, he started sliding a hand down his body to grasp his erection firmly, which had never really gone away. Biting his lip, he started stroking it slowly, running his thumb over the head on the upstroke. His mind, however, remained unfocused, flitting between various memories and porn he’d watched, never able to focus on anything long enough to immerse himself.

That is, until his enhanced wolf hearing picked up the rustling sounds in the bedroom. He could hear, even over the sound of the shower, so clearly what you were doing that his mind had no problem filling in the blanks. The rustle of the sheets meant you were pushing the covers back; the soft thud on the ground meant you’d sat up and put your feet down. Then you stretched, and he definitely had no problem imagining it – or an overly erotic version of what actually transpired. Your soft moan of satisfaction as you cracked your spine sent a shiver running through him.

After that, it was basically a race to the finish line, as he fisted himself as hard as he could, leaning forward to brace his free hand against the wall in front of him. Usually it took a little longer, and he would play with his balls more, but it wasn’t going to be necessary this time, he could feel it. Remembering how good you’d smelled this morning was enough to push him over the edge, and he muffled his groan in his shoulder as he came all over the wall of his shower, the hand on the wall curling into a fist.

“Fuck,” he panted as he washed the cum off himself and the wall. Needless to say, he didn’t feel any cleaner after that shower.

When he came out of the shower, you were already getting breakfast ready. Another perk of having a team of assistants dedicated to making your life easier – the fridge came fully stocked. You’d washed up and pulled a sweatshirt on over the cami and pajama pants, and he couldn’t help but smile when he saw that it was a BTS merchandise from several years ago.

“Good morning,” you chirped, flipping the bacon. “I didn’t know what you wanted for breakfast, but I remember how much you love bacon, so I figured this would be safe.”

He leaned his elbows on the island and watched you warily from a distance. “Are you sure you should be cooking?”

“I got better,” you shot back defensively. “You shouldn’t have let me take cooking lessons from Namjoon-oppa in the first place.”

“No, I really shouldn’t have,” he agreed absently. You really had improved in your cooking, he thought, watching how easily you moved around the kitchen. It wasn’t long before a giant helping of bacon was sitting in front of him, with a more modest, human-sized portion on your plate, and some toast.

“You really should have let me make you breakfast,” he sighed, even as he started to tuck in. “I miss spoiling you.”

You shot him a cheeky grin. “Not to worry, you spoiled me plenty while you were in the military,” you sassed him.

He huffed out a laugh. “I know, I saw the credit card statements.”

Giggling, you eat another bite of your breakfast and smile at him with your cheeks stuffed, and his heart clenches with fondness. How could someone so plainly adorable drive him so crazy this morning? It must have been a fluke; his instincts misfiring. He just needed to get laid, and then everything would be fine.

Update: everything was not fine.

Things got progressively worse over the next couple of weeks, until Taehyung was honestly filled with dread every night when you came into his room and slid under the sheets on the side of the bed you’d claimed as yours.

It was getting to the point that all you had to do was sidle up to him for some cuddles and he would start getting sidetracked from having your scent invading his personal space. And yet it wasn’t like he could ask you to dial it back – it was in your nature to be physically affectionate and needy; it was literally what you’d been bred for. What could he possibly say, anyway? “Sorry, but can you stop touching me, it turns me on”? You’d be horrified, and rightly so. You trusted him, he could see it every time you smiled up at him like the sun, looked at him with complete adoration in your eyes, came to sit on his lap for cuddles. His reaction was a complete betrayal of that trust.

There was definitely something wrong with him. It was sick for a hybrid to be thinking about his human pet in this way. Maybe he should be the one to see a doctor, but he’d probably be arrested.

Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, if it guaranteed your safety from him.

Amidst all the angst and worrying about whether he was a danger to his own pet human, there were some bright moments. All of his brothers were discharged from the military, and after Jungkook, the last to be discharged, was released, they’d all gone for a massive reunion/celebration. You’d wanted to join, but he’d said no, knowing that there would definitely be plenty of alcohol that night, which meant that firstly, he wouldn’t be in any position to look after you and/or resist your charms, and secondly, your underage self was definitely not going to see how depraved your precious oppas were going to get.

The night started off well enough, with a nice dinner at an exclusive new restaurant in Seoul. The wine flowed freely, and by the time they were done, everyone was more than a little tipsy. They then moved to a club – again, exclusive and new – where they were automatically ushered to the mezzanine. A bottle of whisky was brought to their table, but soon enough, several of them had left to hit the dance floor – Jungkook, that brat, was of course looking for someone to spend the night with, and Hoseok and Jimin just wanted to tear up the dance floor.

“How have you been spending your time off?” Namjoon asked. Taehyung had been a little off all night, quieter than usual and when he thought no one was watching, he had a little frown perpetually affixed to his face.

Taehyung forced a nonchalant shrug – or at least, what he hoped passed for nonchalance. “Just hanging around,” he said vaguely, hoping to fend off any more probing into his life. “What about you?”

Namjoon looked amused. “Tae, I was discharged three days ago. I spent it sleeping and fixing up my apartment.”

“Right, right,” he said, staring studiously into his glass of whisky as if the amber-coloured liquid could tell him the secrets of life.

“How’s Y/N?” Yoongi piped up. Of course, he would be the one to bring you up first. For all his bitching and moaning when Taehyung adopted you, he quickly grew the most attached, and the feeling was mutual. He was your very favourite oppa after Taehyung, and sometimes – like when Taehyung has no choice but to discipline you – he was pretty sure Yoongi was your favourite.

“She’s fine,” Taehyung said, aiming for the innocent enthusiasm he used to have when talking about you, but from the way Namjoon’s eyebrow went up, he knew he’d failed.

“Is everything okay?” Namjoon asked slowly.

Taehyung gulped. The jig was up. Curse his inability to hide his feelings. Well, no matter. If pretending like everything was okay at home wasn’t going to work, there was always good old avoidance.

“Yes, everything’s fine!” he exclaimed a little manically, knocking back the rest of his drink in one gulp. “I’m going to hit the dance floor,” he said, making his escape quickly.

The others, a little surprised, didn’t react, letting him leave, although they exchanged suspicious glances. Something was up with Taehyung; he’d made that obvious enough.

Stepping onto the dance floor, he saw Jungkook in one corner getting hot and heavy against a wall with his chosen companion for the night, and he sighed enviously. He wished he could still do that. It wasn’t that they were afraid someone would go to the press – this club really was exclusive, and only celebrities and the ultra-wealthy (read: chaebol relatives) could even enter the club, so discretion would be guaranteed by both parties.

Instead, it seemed that as his attraction for you grew, his ability to find other, more suitable hybrid women attractive… diminished. Which was another pretty significant part of the problem that he didn’t even know how to address. He’d tried hooking up with hybrids over the past couple of weeks, but none of them ever smelled right. There was always something that felt a little bit off that prevented him from taking things further with them, no matter how much he might want to.

He was going crazy, he was sure of it. How could his sexual attraction be focused completely on one human woman? There was no way that this was okay.

He just had to hide it from others. He didn’t know what he was going to do about it yet, and it wasn’t like he didn’t trust his brothers, but this was a little different, and as much as he wouldn’t blame them, he couldn’t imagine the judging or pitying looks they would direct at him if he told them what was going on with his life.

No, better to keep it to himself for the time being.

His resolve seemed, unfortunately, alcohol-soluble. When the night ended, Taehyung returned to his apartment, saw that his bed was empty and immediately turned around to go to your room, where you’d settled in for the night since you weren’t sure what time he would come back, if he came back at all – hey, you weren’t one to judge. Spotting the human-shaped lump under the covers of your bed in the darkness, he stumbled over to the bed and lifted the covers to slide in.

It was then that Taehyung discovered that those cute camis and pajama pants that shouldn’t drive him crazy but did were you dressing more modestly than usual for bed, out of consideration for him. Because tonight, you weren’t wearing pants.

His brain seemed to short-circuit as he stared at your panty-clad ass, but he must have lifted the covers for too long because the cold started to make you stir as you turned over, patting the area around you looking for the blanket. Not finding anything to grab on to, your eyes opened slowly, and you squinted up at Taehyung.

“Oppa?” you croaked. “You’re back.” Clearing your throat, you reached for your phone on the bedside table. “What time is it?”

He groaned as he watched the way your body stretched out as you turned away from him. “You smell so good,” he whined, flopping down on the other side of the bed, and squirming close to you.

You allowed him to press himself against you, knowing that he was a needy drunk. This wasn’t exactly new for you – Taehyung didn’t get drunk as often as his other members did, but he still did occasionally, and you’d been with him for so many years now that you had a routine by now.

“Oppa… are you still dressed?” you whined as your bare skin came into contact with his jeans. You hissed in displeasure as the cold metal on his belt buckle pressed against your thigh.

“…No,” he said unconvincingly after a moment.

You squirmed out of his grasp, and he let out a forlorn whine that reminded you of his animal half. “Come on, you should get changed at least, you won’t sleep well in your clothes. I’ll go get your pajamas, okay?”

“Nooo,” he made grabby hands at you. “Don’t leave.” He pulled you back into his embrace, pressing his face into your throat. “You smell so good,” he slurred, rubbing his face against you.

You giggled at the ticklish sensation, resisting the urge to push him away. “At least take your pants off, okay?” you negotiated. “I have some water here, you should have some before you go to sleep…” Your voice trailed off as you reached for the bottle you always kept on your bedside table, and his head fell to the pillow with a soft thump as you pulled away. His eyesight was far better than yours, and he took the opportunity to stare at you while you weren’t able to notice it.

While he drank, you wriggled yourself back into the bed, blinking sleepily in the dark as you listened to the rhythmic sound of him gulping down the water. When he’d had enough, he started to lay down, and you quickly intervened. “No, you can’t sleep in your clothes!”

He laughed in response. “You’re very eager to take my pants off, love,” he teased.

Your whole body flushed with heat and you drew back, sulking. “Fine, sleep in your clothes, then. Just don’t complain in the morning,” you snapped, turning over to go to sleep.

Instead of doing the same, Taehyung scooched closer and threw an arm around you. “Don’t be like that, baby,” he purred. “I was just teasing. I’ll take off whatever you want me to,” he promised.

Hearing him speak to you in that tone, though, had you all kinds of worked up. It wasn’t unusual for him to call you baby – he’d always used that pet name on you, and Yeontan and all his other pets as well. It was just the way he’d said it… it reminded you of the way your ex back in Geochang used to talk to you when he was horny. And you found, to your shame, that you’d reacted to it with a small shiver.

That couldn’t be right, though. Humans and hybrids weren’t compatible in that way. You’d just been reminded of Jong-in in that moment – even though you’d broken up, it had been amicable, and you’d always enjoyed physical intimacy with him; it was a natural reaction.

While you were busy rationalizing it to yourself, though, the scent of your arousal hit Taehyung and he pressed himself closer with a groan. “Why do you smell so amazing, Y/N-ie?” he asked, pushing his nose insistently into the crook behind your ear. Unfortunately, his belt buckle pressed into the strip of skin on your lower back exposed by the way your camisole rode up.

“Agh,” you cried out in displeasure, squirming away from him. “It’s cold!”

“What? What’s cold, baby?”

“Your belt,” you heaved out, and his hands immediately went to it.

“Okay, it’s going,” Taehyung responded placatingly, undoing it and throwing it onto the ground beside the bed. Now that he’d gotten started, his pants were quick to follow, being scrunched into the corner of the bed under the covers where he’d kicked them, and his button-down shirt. Finally, clad in just his boxers and undershirt, he relaxed into the mattress, and you cuddled close, satisfied now.

“Good night, oppa,” you murmured as you slotted yourself into your usual spot in his side, your eyes drifting shut as you clutched his shirt in your fist.

He mumbled something indistinct in response, but you could feel his hand resting on your back, and you went to sleep peacefully.

(line break)

Taehyung woke up in a bed that wasn’t his own, half-dressed, and was confused for a moment, wracking his brain for memories of last night. Had he finally managed to get some?

Rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand, he propped himself up on his elbow and peered around, realizing that it was your room. So he hadn’t broken his dry spell, then. Damn.

Pushing the covers away, he meandered out of your bedroom to the kitchen, where you were already working on some hangover breakfast for him. “Good morning,” you chirped, turning away from the stove to point at the glass of water and hybrid painkillers you’d laid out for him. “In case you feel bad,” you explained.

He sat down and downed the water, ignoring the painkillers – he didn’t feel that bad – as he took you in. You’d put some pants on, and a cardigan over the camisole you’d worn to bed, and tied your hair back in a messy ponytail. As a hybrid, he naturally ran warmer than you, so during winters you made sure to pile the layers on to remain warm.

This line of thinking triggered a memory of you squealing in protest at the cold metal of his belt buckle touching your skin last night, and he paled as he remembered how inappropriately he’d acted with you. He watched you carefully, but you seemed the same as always, and he wasn’t sure if he should just pretend it never happened or apologize for it.

When you deemed the yukgaejang ready and took it off the stove to serve together with two bowls of freshly cooked rice, his guilt at how boorishly he’d treated you last night overwhelmed him and he blurted, “About last night �� ”

You looked up from the drawer where you were picking the utensils out. “Yeah?”

“Um… about what I said…” he trailed off awkwardly.

“Oh, you mean the scent thing? Don’t worry, I get it,” you laughed it off, waving a hand in the air dismissively. “It’s because of the pack bond, right?”

“The what?” Completely confused, he just stared at you as you poured some soup into your rice.

“The pack bond? I read about it, that some hybrids can form pack bonds with the people around them. Like you did with the other members, or your pets, I guess,” you said, shrugging.

Instead of responding immediately, Taehyung chose to shovel a huge mouthful of stew and rice into his mouth to give him more time to think about how to respond. You’d given him the perfect cop-out for any overly affectionate behavior he might display. He was sure you didn’t know enough about hybrid pack behaviours to actually call him out on his lies.

“Y- yeah, that’s it,” he said, the visible relief on his face making you smile at him cheerily, your triumph at guessing correctly written all over your face.

As you both went back to eating, you felt something that had tensed up inside you last night unclench. It was just the pack bond. You could stop thinking about it, and you wouldn’t misinterpret anything anymore.

Returning to the studio to work on their comeback was a relief for Taehyung. For one thing, it meant that he would be spending most of his time away from you and your maddening scent. For another, he’d worried (perhaps needlessly, given the outpouring of support and congratulations on their social media when they were each discharged) that they wouldn’t be relevant anymore and he would be out of a job.

He’d also really missed his brothers, and was excited to work with them again.

However, what he hadn’t anticipated was that they’d missed you just as much as him, and you felt the same way. Every evening when he came home you were there, waiting for fun stories about the other members, and they pestered him incessantly for updates about you or, better yet, pictures or videos, or best of all, bringing you to the studio.

Since you basically begged for the same thing, he’d pretty much had no choice.

You chattered on excitedly from the front seat of his car as he drove to the studio. It was unbearably early, but that didn’t seem to deter you. Most mornings you were the one who woke him up anyway, since you were by far the most patient out of the members and producers. Even without you being there most days, the members knew that any time Taehyung showed up for practice on time and awake it was because of your efforts.

You fairly skipped from the carpark all the way to the studio where the boys were supposed to be working today, dragging Taehyung along in your wake. You knew the building like the back of your hand by now, having spent much of the time you’d been with Taehyung here. Even the boys from TXT knew you, and often kept snacks and things in their studios for you when you dropped by.

Reaching the corridor where the studio was located, you ran down it and burst into the studio, a ball of almost frenzied energy. “Hi!” you cried exuberantly, causing the current occupants of the room to look up at you. Almost all the members were there, sans Yoongi and, of course, Taehyung, who was following you at a more sedate pace, and they grinned at you.

“Y/N!” Jungkook leapt up from his seat and rushed over to you, and as you hugged him he picked you clean off the floor to swing you around, giggling. The tiger hybrid’s ears flicked excitedly as he took you in. “Don’t you look pretty today?” he cooed, rubbing his cheek over the top of your head. You stood still to let him, used to all the members attempting to scent you since it was basically an affectionate gesture.

“Thank you, Kookie-oppa,” you said politely, smiling up at him.

“You’re such a polite girl,” Seokjin complimented you, pulling a Tupperware of your favourite spicy baby octopus out of his bag. When Taehyung had texted them last night that you would be coming today, he’d immediately gotten to work preparing some of your favourite snacks.

“Ooh, thank you, Seokjin-oppa!” you sang as you stood to take it from him – with both hands, of course, and accompanied by a deep bow.

“Don’t you mean Seokjin-samchoon?” Jungkook ribbed, causing the hyena hybrid to snarl at him.

By the time Taehyung entered the room, you were sandwiched between Namjoon and Jimin, happily sharing your food with them, while Jungkook and Seokjin were playfighting, Hoseok egging both of them on. He sighed as he headed to the last empty couch and dropped down on it heavily, used to the chaos of his members.

“Where’s Suga-hyung?” Taehyung asked, looking around.

You shrugged. “Probably still in bed,” you responded to the amusement of everyone in the room.

Unfortunately for you, the man in question walked through the doors just in time to hear your remark, and he scowled. “For your information,” he bit out acerbically, “I was in my studio. I’m not Jimin,” he said, rolling his eyes, even as he bent down in front of you and opened his mouth for the proffered mouthful of food you were holding in your chopsticks for him.

“Hey!” Jimin protested. “I thought we were past that.”

“Never,” Taehyung promised, and you giggled. To ease the sting of his members teasing him, Jimin aggressively scented you, and you leaned into him to facilitate it.

Taehyung, observing your interaction with the other hybrid, tried not to show his irritation on his face, mostly because he knew it was ridiculous to feel that way. When you’d first come to live with them, the others had been cautious about getting their scents on you, just in case it was something that bothered him, but he’d made sure to assure them that he didn’t mind. After all, all of them were pack. It made sense for them to smell like each other, and it had even comforted him sometimes when you came to him drenched in the scents of his members.

Now that your scent was different, though, he didn’t like it as much when the other members rubbed up against you. It was a shameful, terrible feeling to be possessive over you like that, and he noted somewhat wryly that he could add it to the list. He really hadn’t been a paragon of virtue when it came to you recently.

When the boys started working, you pulled out the book you were currently reading and settled in. By now, you knew how to entertain yourself when at the studio, and tuned them out for the most part. As a result, you didn’t notice the way Taehyung’s attention would drift over to you instead of his members, but Namjoon did.

The older man raised his brow as Taehyung stared at you, sitting on a couch in the corner of the studio, instead of listening to the melody that Yoongi had just been working on. This was uncharacteristic of Taehyung, to say the least, and though as a leader he was somewhat annoyed at Taehyung’s inattention, he was also worried, remembering how strangely the wolf hybrid had acted the other night. He was still watching Taehyung out of his peripheral vision when he saw Taehyung catch himself staring, shake his head and frown.

He followed Taehyung’s gaze to you, wondering what it was that had captured Taehyung’s attention. You seemed unaware of it, turning the page on your book and continuing to read with a soft, relaxed expression, eagerly devouring the page. He couldn’t detect any differences, either – aside from the fact that you’d grown a little and carried yourself differently, you were much the same as you were when they’d left for the army.

Still, there must be some explanation for Taehyung’s sudden change in behavior, and he ran his eyes over your face more closely, watching for any hints.

Unfortunately, Taehyung, looking up from his notes, saw Namjoon staring at you, and before he could stop it, he growled at the wild dog hybrid. A second later, he realized what he’d just done, and shame flooded him. He got up so suddenly that the chair he was sitting in rolled away, bumping against the studio board, and fled the room.

Immediately, you put your book down and got up, ready to follow him to ask what had gotten him so upset, but Namjoon stopped you. “I’ll go talk to him,” he assured you, and looking up at the serious set of his jaw, you nodded, knowing that Taehyung was in good hands.

Namjoon found Taehyung in the restroom, bracing himself against the sinks with his head bowed. Hearing the door open and able to identify his leader by his scent, Taehyung’s hands tightened.

“You doing okay?” Namjoon asked mildly, leaning against the restroom door.

“Go away,” Taehyung grumped without moving.

“Tae, I’m worried about you. You’ve been acting weird since we came back from the military. Tell me what’s going on, please?”

“Nothing’s going on, everything’s fine,” Taehyung denied, his voice becoming increasingly whiny.

“Tae, come on. We’re brothers, you can tell me what’s up.” Namjoon went over to the wolf hybrid and rested his hand on his shoulder.

Resolutely, Taehyung stayed silent.

Left with no other recourse, Namjoon started guessing. “Is it because your heat is coming soon?”

Taehyung’s head shot up, and he stared at Namjoon in the mirror. “My what?”

Namjoon quirked his brow at the younger man. “Your heat?” he prompted. “The one you’ve had once a year for about ten years now?”

Taehyung paled. With all that had been going on with you, he’d totally forgotten about it. Fuck. He was not going to get through this heat alive.

#kim taehyung #taehyung x reader #bts #bts fic #bts hybrid au #hybrid bts #taehyung smut #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoseok #kim namjoon #park jimin #jeon jungkook #bts future au

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thegreenfairy13 · 5 years ago

Text

A Tale of Two Fathers (2/2)

A Gobblepot fanfic. You can read the first part here on Ao3.

Oswald opens the door himself. The simple gesture is as much an honor as a threat, and Jim is entirely not ready for what the criminal has in store for him.

By the time they are both seated at the Penguin’s ridiculously large dining table, facing each other from across the room as if they were both still in a standoff when Jim has already lost the battle, the cop is about to pass out from exhaustion.

Curling his lips in frustration, he elicits a little snarl. In return, the Penguin flashes a smile back at him that seems to sum up his entire being. The mayor of Gotham has remained a childlike innocence to his face, a boyish charm that makes the predatory glint in his eyes all the more unsettling. His perfect manners are nothing but a thin veil. If looking only a bit more closely, you’re facing an abyss about to swallow you whole.

Jim always knew Oswald was unhinged - right from their first encounter behind Fish’s club. He’s the kind of man who isn’t merely interested in his opponents, no, he’s obsessed with them. And Jim always knew that a fair amount of that unhealthy obsession had always been directed at him. When he had still been an umbrella boy, nothing but a faceless number in Gotham’s book of the reckless, he had unashamedly stalked him, weaseled his way into his life, and had managed to become a big part of it. It’s the reason Jim had been repulsed when they first crossed paths, and scared.

And now?

Now, he’s no longer scared. Not for himself at least. He’s still terrified though: for his girl, his colleagues, for the citizens of this city. He’s terrified of what the Penguin is capable of, and what he’ll be capable of in the future - and he’s fascinated.

He can’t deny that over the years, Oswald has become more than an occasional ally. Jim would never admit it out loud, but in times of need, it’s the Penguin he turns to first - not the Batman, not Bruce Wayne. And despite everything, he loathes the other man for the cruelty he’s capable of, can’t stop criticizing him any given moment of the day. Sometimes he wonders how he’s still alive. What makes him so special the crowned king of the underbelly doesn’t snuff out his lights?

“You’re very quiet this evening, Commissioner,” the Penguin states. Taking another sip of his excellent wine, he tzk’s condescendingly at his guest. “Even for your standards,” he adds with a fake chuckle.

Jim makes a show of rolling his eyes. He’s ready to drop his head into the scalding hot soup in front of him and take a nap right there.

“It’s funny you noticed,” he replies airily. “I’ve recently come to the conclusion you enjoy talking much more than listening.”

The mobster hisses through his teeth in response. “You haven’t tasted your food,” he notes. “Not to your liking?” he asks sincerely.

Jim stares at his untouched plate and shrugs. The food smells delicious, but after the weeks he had, all he feels is a constant urge to throw up. He’s practically running on scotch and cigars, isn’t even sure when he last ate something that didn’t come from a vending machine.

He tries the soup though and just as expected, his stomach revolts and craves more at the same time.

Briefly, Jim wonders if his invitation might have no ulterior motive. Like him, the gangster must be awfully lonely. He and Edward, or the Riddler, as he loves to call himself, had worked together for an entire decade. Yet at one point, the psychopath had become unpredictable, dangerous even for the ones closest to him. Absorbed in his need to prove his intelligence and superiority, he had forced his dangerous games upon Oswald, too. Infuriated when his lover had finally failed to solve his riddles, riddles that grew erratic and irrational over the years, Oswald had had no other choice but to team up with the cop once more to catch his former husband. At least he’s being excellently cared for - the Penguin’s money and influence made sure Nygma would never see Arkham from the inside again.

“I’d love to talk about the literal elephant in the room,” Oswald announces, effectively startling the cop. Usually, he loves playing with his prey more.

Jim is almost grateful, though. He prefers getting shot at over being slowly sliced into little pieces - and he should know, he experienced both on more than one occasion.

“And here I already thought you enjoy the privilege of my company,” the cop retorts.

“Oh, I do,” Oswald reassures, arching an eyebrow at his counterpart. “But we both know I’m only being granted this privilege whenever our beautiful city is at the brink of destruction.”

“Which is currently not the case.”

“Exactly.” The gangster nods, pleased. “But someone very important to both of us has chosen a quite dangerous path,” he adds, looking Jim directly in the eye. “And I suppose we both have an interest in…”

“Keeping things secret,” Jim finishes. “I take it there’s a price to your discretion?” he asks, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice.

Oswald’s face lights up. “Indeed,” he agrees. “I have to say, I’m truly enjoying our conversation tonight.”

“Seems like you’ve finally found my pressure-point,” Jim grumbles sarcastically.

“Well, James,” the mobster states thoughtfully, “if you know what a man loves, you know how to destroy him.”

“Wonderful,” Jim huffs. “So what’s your price? Shall I resign? Do you want me to confess breaking into your mansion? Both? Do you want me to follow you into your private torture-chamber?”

“My price?” Oswald repeats the word slowly, savors it. He’s a cat playing with a mouse. There’s an unearthly quality to the murderer when he slowly rises from his seat, only illuminated by a few candles decorating their table. He limps over, painfully slowly, yet still way too fast, and with each step, he vanishes in the darkness, only to resurface again. And then this marble, ageless face is then in front of Jim, and those sharp, intelligent eyes judge him.

Oswald’s breath feels cold on his face, and way too fresh. Sharp teeth, like a shark’s, swim into his vision when he speaks, and it takes Jim a moment to catch on.

“I want to have dinner with you.”

Jim blinks. He must have misheard. Oswald tilts his head, a sad look crossing his features before he takes the place next to him.

“I want to have dinner with you,” he repeats. “And I’d like you to enjoy it.”

“What?” Jim blurts out.

Sighing, the thin man rubs his injured leg before folding his fingers beneath his chin.

“Everyone we have known,” he commences, “everyone we have loved is either dead or insane. This city has all swallowed us whole.”

Toying with one of the rings on his fingers, he stares at Jim. “Harvey is long gone, Lee is...well, you know better than anyone else what happened when she injected herself with the Tetch virus again.”

Jim nods slowly in response.

“My Edward doesn’t remember his name, Martin…” Oswald’s voice breaks off. “I don’t forget my debts, ever,” he whispers, looking down at the table, visibly ashamed. “My tongue will remain tied for as long as you don’t use him against me.”

Rubbing his face wearily, Jim barely conceals his incredulousness. “How should I?” he blurts out.

“You know how,” he shoots back sharply. “We both know my boy is…”

“An arsonist,” Jim finishes. “And his daddy is a billionaire and one of the most influential men in this country. Whatever he burns down, you’d buy it and cover it up,” the cop states.

“And if that was a publicly-known fact, I wouldn’t be mayor.”

“I highly doubt that,” the blonde growls. Dropping his face into his hands, Jim starts rubbing his temples. The warmth of the room, Oswald’s intoxicating cologne, his mere proximity, are getting to him. He had been sure this would end in a lengthy negotiation, a power-play, his resignment. He’s almost disappointed. Tomorrow, he’ll still have to carry on, he’ll still have to fight. God, he’s tired.

“I would never expose Martin to the press, and you know that,” Oswald argues.

Jim doesn’t reply. Yes, he might have thought about that possibility before, and discarded it just as quickly. Martin might be a bit insane but he never hurt anyone with his strange ‘hobby’. All he does is burning down abandoned buildings, he even makes sure they are neither inhabited by animals nor humans before setting them on fire. His addiction led to Oswald owning a lot of worthless lands though.

“Barbara,” the raven-haired man presses.

“Don’t,” Jim interrupts, voice hoarse. He’s surprised how he feels a lump in his throat merely at the mention of her name.

“Barbara has become like the rest of us,” Oswald finishes, unfazed.

The cop’s head snaps up. It’s the rage that leads to him being wide-awake once more. “She’s nothing like you or me,” he spits. “She’s…”

“Better? Mor pure? Innocent?” Oswald offers with a light shrug. “She crossed a line the other night,” he points out. “She made the decision to break the law and shoot at my men,” he concedes.

“No,” Jim yelps, horrified.

“I’d never allow for her to get harmed,” he reassures. Taking a deep breath, the mobster leans forward and before Jim has a chance to move, he feels the murderer slightly squeezing his arm. “I remember her playing on this very carpet,” he elaborates, pointing his cane at the floor. “I remember her playing with my dog while I would argue with her mother. You think I didn’t recognize her the moment she crashed through my window?” Oswald snorts. “Do you think I don’t know who’s fault all that is? Br…”

“Bratman,” Jim interrupts him quickly, eyes widening in sudden horror. The criminal laughs out loud.

“That’s an appropriate title,” he snorts. “The little brat boy billionaire. If Martin ever finds a more suitable way to express his hatred towards me, he can join Gotham’s little trust fund-kids club. He’ll fit right in with Bruce and Barbara,” Oswald acknowledges bitterly.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, Jim,” he grumbles when glancing over at the detective. “I’ve known that kid for decades. You don’t truly think I wouldn’t recognize him just because he pretends Halloween is every day of the year all of a sudden.”

“Barbara is no criminal, though,” Jim protests, folding his arms across his chest, which causes the Penguin to chuckle.

“Keep telling that yourself,” he almost sing-songs, clearly bemused.

“She’s a good kid,” Jim states stubbornly.

“And an unhinged teenager,” Oswald chides. “I have to admit, I thought you’d teach her better.”

For one insane second, Jim simply wants to strangle Oswald, wants to lunge across the table and throttle him until the life fades from his body. Instead, he breaks down.

“Barbara hates me,” he admits, at last, more to himself than to the Penguin.

Looking up, Jim finds the mobster practically boring his eyes into him. “Quite right,” he agrees. “As she hates her mother, her godfather, her granddad Harvey...She’s a teenager, Jim.”

“It’s more than that!” Jim protests and Oswald laughs.

“She’ll come around. You’re all she has.”

Tha cop snorts self-deprecatingly.

The gangster’s head snaps out. His face is open, vulnerable when addressing Jim once more. “She has no idea how much that’s worth. Calling you your guardian,” he admits, toying forlornly with his empty glass. “A child so much like you, so headstrong, so naive” he muses. “You’ve been honest with her,” he continues as he proceeds to twirl the glass between those elegant fingers. “I wonder how she’ll react should she discover the truth about her new hero.”

Before Oswald has a chance to elaborate, Jim lunges across the table and catches that spider-like hand in a bone-crushing grasp. The Penguin yelps softly, yet doesn’t move.

“Not. A. Single. Word. Else…” Jim leaves the threat hanging, causing the other man to curl his lips in bemusement.

“Else what?” he challenges. “What do you think would happen if your precious baby-girl finds out Gotham’s heroes are all nothing but hypocrites? They are all the same, those men working with the same gangster for the greater good, hmm? The earlier she grows up, the earlier she’ll be able to make up with her dad. And trust me,” he bristles, “she’ll be glad she’s given the chance before her daddy catches a bullet.”

Snarling angrily, Jim slightly pushes the Penguin away. “That a threat?” he asks.

“No, a statement,” Oswald retorts, calmly straightening out his jacket and Jim has had enough. Dropping his spoon, he rises to his feet and turns to leave.

“Sit down,” the Penguin hollers at that, dropping the false politeness immediately. “As you haven’t paid the price, I’m raising my demands.”

Spinning around on his heel, Jim drops his upper body against the table, causing the soup to spill over. “How dare you going up against your own..”

The Penguin halts his tirade with a motion of his hand. “It’s her father I’m stopping from destroying himself completely. You’re but a single man and you can’t continue sneaking out night after night to protect her. The Batman won’t be able to watch her at all times either. What I’m able to offer, though, is true protection. I’ll let it be known that anyone who lays their hands on Batgirl will have to answer me. And in return, you’ll be a good boy.”

Grinning victoriously, he indicates for Jim to sit back down. The other man freezes for a split second. Gritting his teeth, he finally obeys.

“Is that more what you expected from me?” Oswalds asks haughtily. And there is it again, this obsession, this lust for control that repulses and attracts Jim all the same.

Leaning over, the mobster reaches for the cop’s tie, slides a single digit lovingly across the uninspired pattern. “Twenty-one years,” he murmurs, slowly pulling Jim closer. “Twenty-one years and I’ve finally offered you a deal even you can’t reject.”

Swallowing heavily, Jim feels his throat run dry.

“I could control every move you make,” he contemplates. “Every word you say in public, ever.” When he looks up though, he looks nothing but victorious. “I could save this city a hundred more times and everyone you love and you still wouldn’t see anything but a monster, James.”

Not giving him a chance to reply, Oswald rolls the tie around his fist, yanking Jim closer. Dry lips crash against his own and despite himself, Jim closes his eyes, gets lost in the feeling of a wet tongue sliding into his mouth.

He moans into the other mouth, opens up willingly as he gives in all to easily. Tilting his head, Jim pulls Oswald closer until he’s all but sitting on his lap, one hand tangled in that silky hair.

Jim leans back against the chair. Embracing the gangster now fully, he feels the heat emanating the other body, hears each and every little sound the fragile, deadly creature makes as it squirms in his grasp. He remembers all the moments the other man almost died, remembers the moments he stood between the gangster and a loaded gun, willing to die for the other man.

Reluctantly, Jim pulls one hand from Oswald’s hip just so he can feel his beating heart beneath his fingers.

It’s the first time they kiss, and it feels as if they had been doing this for decades.

He doesn’t know who pulls back first, but he knows they both need a breath of air - for they are both so very much alive .

It’s Oswald, always Oswald, who takes the lead - even and especially now when Jim isn’t even sure what he’s doing. He only knows he’s being pulled down dark hallways, pushed against walls every other step just to feel a pair of lips against his own.

He vaguely notes deft fingers tugging at his tie, loosening the knot before pulling it from his form completely. His shirt follows next, almost causing him to trip when it hits the floor the very moment Oswald lures him into another room. His legs hit something soft and he’s barely aware of the fact that they reached the mobster’s bedroom.

Oswald’s weight presses him into the mattress as a delicate hand palms him through his pants and with his last coherent thought, he manages to catch said hand.

“I can’t,” he whispers so softly he isn’t sure he said it out loud. Jim’s head drops against the pillow and it takes him every last ounce of strength not to immediately fall asleep.

Above him, he registers a shocked noise. The hand pulls back, and with it, the consoling warmth of another body. Reaching forward, Jim stops Oswald from fleeing the bedroom.

“Please stay,” he begs and it sounds more like a sob. Please, please stay , he chants over and over in his own head while clinging to the other man. He can’t give Oswald what he wants, not right now, not in this state.

Opening his eyes slowly, Jim finds a confused Penguin staring back at him. His skilled, rosy tongue is caught between his teeth as he examines him with furrowed brows. Jim can’t resist, he pulls him down against his own chest, inhaling the fresh scent of cedar deeply.

This, right here, is the best feeling he’ll ever get. It’s always Oswald who gets to see him at his lowest, in his most vulnerable state without pushing him away but embracing him. Only now, he realizes something very obvious: Oswald loves him. Unconditionally.

“Please don’t leave me,” he repeats, hoping he’ll understand again - and forgive him.

The body above him relaxes ever so slightly as it eases down next to him. Jim closes his eyes again, curls up against the warmth.

“Barbara doesn’t have to know,” Oswald cautiously offers, at last, clearly thinking that’s what is holding back Jim.

Unable to collect his thoughts, he squeezes his old friend reassuringly. “I’ll tell her first thing tomorrow morning her dad and her godfather hooked up,” he murmurs, throwing an arm over his eyes. It’s such a novelty, Jim thinks, to feel finally safe, at home.

“What?” Oswald shifts in his arms, trying to get a better look at him and Jim removes his limb from his face.

“That is, if you want.” It’s his turn to look up at the gangster uncertainly.

Oswald’s face falls at the confession and Jim freezes. Fuck, he obviously got that wrong. Before he can scramble from the bed though, his expression turns into something else. As the words slowly sink in, he seems to be illuminated from the inside. What Jim witnesses can only be described as awe. Oswald stares at him like a kid seeing a Christmas-tree for the very first time and then, his features shift again. Something dark sneaks inside, something utterly possessive, and terrifying.

“You can’t possibly mean that,” he utters.

“I do,” Jim affirms simply, watching in fascination as the expression deepens. Looking at Oswald almost feels like driving through a tunnel, the lights going out one by one. He’s certain should anything ever happen to him or Barbara, he’ll set the city on fire. Oswald would have to promise him to restrain himself, Jim muses.

The Penguin searches his face once more, looks for any trace of insincerity. When he finds none, he settles down next to him.

“Is that wise?” he wonders and Jim knows he already made up his mind when he nestles his head against his chest.

“I won’t live with a lie as huge as this one,” Jim states firmly. In turn, the mobster hugs him tightly. “Oswald,” he says, and the name feels strange on his tongue, intimate. In this context, it breaks down all the remaining walls. “I won’t change though,” he says when he still can’t tell him what he wants to. It’s true nonetheless. Jim will not ever try stopping the Penguin from crossing the line. On some days, he’ll succeed, on others, he won’t.

The mobster laughs softly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less of you,” he states and Jim is relieved. They’ll be forever who they are. But now, they’ll be it together.

He drifts off to sleep with the scent of cedar and filling his nostrils and wakes to it almost sixteen hours later.

#gobblepot #fanfiction

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daydreamindollie · 5 years ago

Text

“She’s Just My Neighbour” 02

Chpt. Summary: Yoongi helps you cope with the loss of Duchess and breaks from being just a stranger to you.

Pairing: yoongi x f.reader

Genre: angst + fluff

Length: 4.1k

A/N: I’m so so sorry it took this long to update this! Forgive me! I had been planning to update weeks before but I had mock exams to study for that were detrimental to providing my predicted grades for my UCAS for University, I’m still trying to fix my life outside of school as well. I love you all so much for being patient with me and hopefully, future updates won’t be as prolonged.

Thank you and I hope you Dolls enjoy the read x

✚ ✚ ✚

Before you were even able to comprehend the situation, your body was already moving to your dearest friend. The world disappeared around you and all you could see and think about was your precious kitten being limp and unresponsive in your arms, slowly bleeding out onto your already dirt-encrusted jeans.

“Duchess…” you sob, voice broken and saturated in affliction. Your tears are the embodiment of the abundance of despair that’s flooding your shivering silhouette. The pain is excruciating and somewhat unreasonable because you know that you have no cuts or bruises or any broken bones, nothing! But you're kitty is suffering so much right now. That realisation somehow brings your wandering conscience back to your body and finally comprehend the comforting but also urging hand frantically shaking your shoulders.

“(Y/N)…(Y/N)!” looking up, your teary eyes meet worried pools of brown that immediately soften when they take in your pitiful face. It’s Yoongi, “If you want to save her, we have to get to the vet right away!”

Everything was a blur of muddy colours that were tainted a deepdeepdeep red as buildings and long stretches of scenery ran by beside you as you sit in Yoongi’s car with your sweet duchess limp in your arms. You had once read that moving an injured animal too much was bad and could potentially worsen their condition so your entire body was determined to remain frozen around her; if you didn’t move then she wouldn’t be moved either.

Parallel to you, Yoongi’s heart was silently shattering for your misfortune. He knows how precious a pet is and how close you can bond with them despite not being able to fully communicate with one another linguistically. Judging from how aged your cat was in appearance, Yoongi could comprehend how many valuable memories you had made in your cat’s company over the many years they were alive. Although he couldn’t fully relate himself to your situation as he hasn’t (or has yet to) experienced such a devastating circumstance, he can certainly empathise for you though. He has Holly at home and just the thought of losing her to something that was out of his control was crushing to his being, and that was just the thought.

Glancing at you, Yoongi bites his tongue. There’s nothing he could say or do right now in order to calm you down; your full focus and attention were solely for the close friend you had in your lap and arms. The only thing he can do for you at this moment in time was rush you to the people that knew how to deal with the situation and the only ones that could give your feline companion the chances of a continued lifespan.

Upon arriving at the vet, Yoongi helped you rush Duchess into the vicinity where she was hurriedly taken away as all you could do was sit and watch. It was hard for you to put all your trust and faith in these people; you didn’t know them and they had just taken away your dearest friend when she had been the most vulnerable, who knows if they could really help her. The only consolation you were receiving was coming from Yoongi. The neighbour you had shared your excitement in meeting to Duchess. He was your only source of ease at this moment in time and, although you hadn’t known him or were as close to him as Duchess or any other one of your friends, he was there and that’s all you needed - for someone to be there.

“Shhh…” he hushed in a husky voice despite his best attempt at reducing his rough speech into something soft just for your comfort, “it’s going to be okay…” his arm rounded your figure and brought you into a warm and tight embrace as he gave you a handful of moments to calm your heart-breaking sobs, “she’s in good hands, trust that they’ll do what’s best for her,” you nod meekly into his chest, followed with a soft whimper as you cling onto the back of his sweatshirt. The presence of time ceases to exist as you stand there hugging yourself tightly to your neighbour and expel all of your tears and sobs into his chest, soaking his sweatshirt but he doesn’t mind.

“Th-thank you, Yoongi,” you whisper, sniffling as you look up at him with a rose-dusted cheek pressed to his chest, your eyes are big and glossy as an adorable pout had your lips looking plumper than usual. Yoongi’s heart skipped many subsequent beats as he stared down at you, very well aware of the blossoming blush on his cheeks but unable to turn away; had you always been this cute? How could he miss that about you?

“I-It’s alright,” the young man assures, finally getting himself together as his arms tighten around you instinctively, “I would want someone to do this for me too,”

“You have a pet?” you moved your head away a little more so that your cheek was lifted off of his chest and was replaced by your chin.

“Yeah, you can meet her later if you want, her name is Holly,” you smile up at him, appreciating his attempt at distracting you.

“I would love that…thank you,” now the blush on your cheeks weren’t just because of your messy state.

“Why don’t we sit down?” he directs your gaze over to a set of chairs with his hand as his other still remains around your waist.

“Oh right,” you hurry to sit down, missing the somewhat disappointed look on your neighbour’s face when your missing warmth leaves him colder than normal, “I-I’m really sorry about your sweatshirt,” in your embarrassment, you look down and grimace at the blood-soaked into your jeans and the dried blood on your hands and arms.

“Don’t worry about it but I’d suggest you go and wash your hands and arms,” he motions to the toilets down a hallway, “freshening up, even if it’s just a little bit. It might do you some good,”

Nodding at his suggestion, you stand and make your way to the toilets down the hall as Yoongi sits down in the seat to the right of yours.

✚ ✚ ✚

“Her heartbeat is weak but she can easily get it back to normal with some rest,” you nodded, hopes rising only to quickly diminish at the sigh that followed the doctors statement, “However, her injuries will continue being a burden to her for the rest of her cat years, yes, she’ll always have to be on medication but I can’t guarantee that she still won’t have some ounce of pain. Her level of mobility will be limited if you give us the okay to go with the operation but…” the vet looks into your glossed eyes as you try to keep yourself from sobbing in mournfulness, “you also have the option to take her off of life support right now and end her suffering for good…”

Choking on a sob, you turn to Yoongi, who squeezes your hand as he reaches up to stroke your cheek with his thumb whilst simultaneously wiping away a stray tear. Your eyes plead him for advice on what to do but the only speech he can muster up is quietly asking the vet for more time to consider both options.

“Of course, you can stay here and I’ll leave you to discuss your options freely,” you don’t even wait for the closing sound of the door to tuck yourself into Yoongi’s embrace once more and re-dampen his drying shirt. Once again, Yoongi whispers tender words of comfort into your ear as a warm palm caresses the shaking expanse of your back.

“Wh-what do I do?” you whimper shakily, hiccupping and stuttering in between words.

It takes Yoongi a moment to pick out his words carefully, he knows it’s a hard decision for you to make but he wants to make sure that you leave the building with the least regrets, “If you really love Duchess, you will do what’s best for her…not yourself,” his words had your world tumbling out of perspective. You wanted to be selfish with your decision, the vet had given you that choice, after all, but his reasoning was something you couldn’t go against because, deep down, you know that it was the right thing to do.

Wanting to do right for your feline companion, you nod, voice too weak and broken to speak your decision. Flashing you a proud but sad smile of consolation, Yoongi brings you into his arms once more before getting up and assuring you that he’ll be back soon with the vet.

It felt surreal to run your fingers through your Duchess’ fur for the last time. You were going to miss her and her tender purrs, her gentle nature and sweet-tempered presence about the house. She had been your only company ever since you moved into that lonely semi-detached house; it was going to be hard to suddenly not have her around the.

It was a scary thought but…

“This is for the best…” you try to convince yourself, choking on a giggle when her ear flinches upon the touch of your trailing fingers, “I’m going to miss you, my lovely Duchess,…” knowing that the more you stretch out your farewell, the more painful the parting will be, you turn to the vet whilst leaning into the soft touch of your neighbour at the base of your back, “will I be able to bury her back at home?”

“Certainly,” the vet assures, as you exhale in relief. At least she wouldn’t be completely gone. Biting into your bottom lip, you nod towards the vet, taking one last glance at your feline companion before burying your face into Yoongi’s chest once more as your arms tightly cling onto his slim waist.

You were going to miss her.

There wasn’t any space in your heart or mind for the details on the burial of Duchess so Yoongi handled all the talking for that but when personal questions were raised, he made sure to ask you first. Between you, Yoongi and the vet, you had decided to keep Duchess in the clinic’s mortuary refrigerator while you order a biodegradable coffin, once it’s delivered, you will inform the clinic in advance before going to collect Duchess and proceeding with her burial. In your head, you already know the perfect place to bury her - it was bittersweet attainment, considering the circumstances. She’ll forever be peaceful asleep underneath the valerian flowers she loved to be around so much, unable to resist the catnip-like effects it had on her.

She’d love it so much there…

✚ ✚ ✚

There were no tears left for you to cry but your heart was still aching. Yoongi could read this from the disconsolate look on your face. He had been so used to seeing you happy and cheerful from outside his windows, it was always peculiar to him how jovial you were despite his, somewhat, instinctually malevolent actions towards you. However, he found your current state to be even more bizarre. The shadow cast over your sweet face and the heavy pull of your lips into a deep frown didn’t suit you at all. Despite your features still being present, the endearing charm of your profile was non-existent to him.

The uber ride home was slow but warm as Yoongi had you curled up in his arms. Your voice had become imaginary as you felt it gone from having cried and sobbed and wailed so much. Yoongi had your nose tucked into the crook of his neck as you sat in the middle seat of the back, seatbelt pushed aside so that he could have you lean into his protective embrace and almost have your entire torso laying across his. His fingers running through your silk strands was therapeutic in that it helped you calm down enough to finally begin registering the reality of the situation. In consolation for yourself, you reasoned that Duchess was already quite old for a feline, you knew that you had given her everything you could to ensure she has lived the best life any cat could have. You only wish to continue honouring her by burying her under her favourite blossoms and keeping up traditions that you’ve only made and kept for Duchess.

In silence, you were driven back home, and again, in silence you were walked to your front door by Yoongi, “make sure to get some good rest tonight, if you need someone to talk to, I’m right next door.” his voice was monotone as always but held an ounce of sympathy for your circumstance. Despite how subtle the change is, you still appreciate him for helping you cope through this. It had come out of nowhere and you weren’t at all prepared. Anybody could have accompanied you at that vet clinic but out of everyone that you knew, who would have dropped everything knowing full well how much Duchess means to you, Yoongi was the one that stayed by your side - the neighbour that was adamant at remaining a stranger to you showed you an entirely new side to him. He held you in his arms, handled you with care and immersed you with a chocolatey gaze full of compassion you had never seen in anybody’s eyes before.

“Please stay with me…” you whispered as he turned away being held back by the sweet vulnerability in your voice and the feeble grip you have on his sweatshirt hem. Upon looking back at you with hesitance in his eyes and a gentle objection ready to leave his pink lips, you pressed further, “I don’t want to feel alone.” the stiffness in his shoulders melted, “Duchess has always been there for me and I know you’re right next door b-…but I don’t think I’m ready to be completely alone yet…”

“One night,”

“One night.”

As you lead Yoongi to the couch, the male reflects over who you are from what he’s been able to gather. You’re a sweet girl, always smiling and happy and glowing, like the sun as well as its plant counterpart, the sunflower. Away from much of civilisation, he can tell that you’re lonely but still maintain an appreciation for the fauna that can only be found in rural areas. Certainly, despite the loneliness he’s been able to see in your eyes, he can tell that you crave a peaceful setting like him. However, Yoongi only hated being around so many people and that was why he was able to cope being so isolated as opposed to being in the great city, you, on the other hand, desire the close companionship of others so, not only was the rural life ideal for you but it was also detrimental to your mental well-being.

Staring down at you, drowsy in his arms as you lay atop him with your rosy cheek pressed into his chest, he can’t help but feel his heart clench at your state of affairs. You had lost your close, dearest friend. Albeit being a feline, Yoongi could easily surmise that Duchess meant the world to you. In all honesty, if he was in your position and if it was Holly instead of Duchess he found unresponsive at the side of the road, he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. Yoongi liked animals more than people and he had come to love Holly as much as the music he produced and composed. That must be what it feels like for you. Someone so sweet didn’t deserve this.

He was quick to recognise your efforts in wanting to befriend him and be on good terms and although he definitely wants to reciprocate all your kind gestures, he can’t seem to help always turning you down in some way, shape or form. Wrapping his arms securely around you and giving your waist a brief squeeze, Yoongi takes a moment to scoot you higher up his chest so that he could nuzzle his nose into the crown of your head. You always have such a pleasant scent about you. He always gets a whiff of it every time you attempt to confront him with your stupidly cute smile, sweet voice and innocent charm. It was always so so so tempting to just reach out, pull you into his arms and bury himself in your fragrance. Now that he has the chance, he can go ahead and-

What was he doing?

Biting his lip and scowling in guilt, Yoongi pulls back to throw his head against the arm of the couch and stare up at the ceiling. How dare he take advantage of you in this situation? He isn’t a man. He’s a little boy that doesn’t know any better and is allowing his secret desires get to his head…but when was the last time he had held a woman in his arms and savoured her scent and supple, bouncy body?

Never.

He has never had a girlfriend.

He has never held any girl intimately in his arms before.

He was just a pathetic guy with no self-restraint when it comes to the girl next door.

He wonders why that is; there have been many girls before you that he had encountered and been in prolonged contact with but none of them had been able to provoke such a reaction or emotion from him. You were a dangerous little minx.

‘Holly is better at cuddling…’ the frustrated male pouts at his poor attempt at finding reasons for not liking the fact that you were willingly embracing him and finding solace in him alone. He hated being around people but you seem to be growing into the only other exception aside from the six dorks he calls his friends. Did it feel this good to be needed by someone? Yes, he has his dongsengs who call him hyung and look to him for advice, but this is different. This is a different kind of dependence and he’s scared to admit that it feels so so so good.

Looking down once more, Yoongi dismisses the warmth that suddenly coats his cheeks at the sight of you wrapped up in his arms and blanketed by the moonlight. This domestic scene makes his heartache and he can’t seem to decide if it’s a good or bad thing.

✚ ✚ ✚

If it weren’t for you forgetting to close the blinds and day demanding the light of the sun filter in through the gap in the curtains, you would have gladly continued sleeping. Despite the horrors of the day before, that had been the most comfortable and restful sleep you had ever had the privilege to indulge in. It’s all thanks to him - Yoongi.

You can’t comprehend how much more of a wreck you would have been if he wasn’t there for you yesterday. In gratitude, you smile down at the male who happily continued to doze away, light snores escaping through the small, plush parting of his lips. This must be the first time you’ve ever seen him looking so soft. Even though this soft aesthetic is exactly parallel to the one he usually wears, you appreciate this appearance on him.

Flashes of the night before play in your head just as you’re about to reach out and fiddle with the mischievous black locks that fell haphazardly across the expanse of his forehead. Never have you ever been so embarrassed in your life. He had still been a stranger to you but you clung onto him for dear life comparable to one's lifeline to sanity. Yesterday night, he was your lifeline. You’re, both, grateful and red-faced at the fact. Not wanting to have him wake up to your entranced antics, you quickly but carefully lift yourself away from him before draping the sofa blanket across his form and tucking him comfortably in. His grunt of content and mumbling sigh of gratitude had your face lighting up as you vowed to make up for your discomposure and express gratitude for the happenings of yesterday.

Eager to communicate your gratefulness and apology as well as distract yourself from the painful ache that pulsed numbly in your chest, you slipped into the kitchen. It quickly comes as a realisation to you that neither of you had been able to indulge in a proper dinner the night before, which only spurred you on to cook the best meal you could for your stoic yet sweet neighbour. You opt for a traditional Korean breakfast, wanting to make something as filling as possible with the amount you would be serving him. There’ll be a lot to eat but you’re sure he’s just as famished as you.

Thankfully, you have banchan pre-prepared for a breakfast such as this, you also have some soups in the fridge you have made and kept throughout the week. Looking into the chilly compartment, you spot haejangguk and galbitang. Perfect! You take the two containers out to transfer their contents into separate, small saucepans and begin heating them up on the stove. As soon as you hear the pots’ contents bubbling up, you wait another few seconds before moving them into two bowls where you then allow yourself to make fresh jeon and heat up cooked rice within the rice cooker. To treat him well, you also move on to cook some bulgogi. You are swift and in your element when making things, especially food for others. Pulling out a steak of mackerel, you get ready to tease your ever-present kitty in temptation for the slab of sweet fish only to frown deeply at the realisation of her not being there. Sighing deeply, you work to finish up the breakfast as well as plating everything presentably.

“Something smells nice.” your neighbour walks through the kitchen doorway and instinctually settles himself at the kitchen table.

“You think so?” you flash a smile, finding the compliment refreshing compared to his usual silence and ignoring the blush brought about by his even deeper and rougher voice. Was he always so sexy?

“Mmm,” just his hum of confirmation has your knees quaking and hands trembling from the seductive gruffness of his voice. Has he been gargling testosterone or something? “I can’t remember the last time I had a full breakfast,” he comments once more as soon as you have everything placed at the table whilst a tower of dishes wait patiently in the sink.

“Well I hope you like it, I don’t want you disliking the first traditional breakfast you’ve had in a while,” you watch him take his first bite, savouring the taste for a moment before nodding with a hum.

“It’s tastes great, thank you for being so thoughtful.” he may be rough on the outside but he can demonstrate good manners when he intends to, it seems.

The two of you continue with breakfast, making idle chat, smiling normally. He allows you to put up this facade but he can see the glances you make towards the corner of the room where there are empty bowls for food and water. This could be your way of coping with the loss so he’s hesitant to break you from it, not until he’s watching your back doing the dishes as a fragmented tune is hummed through your pink lips. He’s a coward for finding the confidence to approach you when he isn’t staring into your doe eyes but he will allow it, the important thing is that he actually reached out to you with this confidence rather than not at all.

Peering over your shoulder, he can tell that you’re almost done with washing up and misses the sudden stiffness of your shoulders when you catch a trace of his dominating fragrance.

“If you need anything…” he begins, taking a moment to wonder if he dares to be so close, he can smell the faint scent of your hair again and fears that his temptation may turn his innocent intentions dangerous. How shameless he’d be to do so, considering your situation, “I’ll be just next door, okay?” tears well up in your eyes and if it weren’t for what he says next, you’re sure you’d have been able to keep it in, “you’re not alone,” but you couldn’t keep it in. Rushing to dry your hands, you hastily turn and capture him in a tight embrace, muttering your thanks repeatedly before pulling away mere centimetres, still pressed into his chest to smile up at him.

“You’re a great friend, Yoongi,”

“I’m a friend?” he finds your words hard to comprehend and he doesn’t know if it’s because of the sweetness of your smile or the fact that you already consider him so close.

Has he fallen for you?

“Of course…”

✚ ✚ ✚

Taglist: @viamagicul

#yoongi x reader #yoongi neighbour au #yoongi angst #yoongi fluff #min yoongi #bts yoongi

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mangled-dreams · 7 years ago

Note

A Dark Or Anti X reader (i’ll Let you choose,) soulmate AU where the reader finds the first words they ever say to each other tattooed on their arms.

So I’ve literally been doing and re-doing this story for three days. No joke. I love the premise and I will be doing two more that go along with this request in due time. For now here is Anti X Reader.

Miscommunication.

“You'recute,” it's the first thing his soulmate will utter to him. There'sonly one problem with this, he's been told this by many peoplealready, and yet none of them were his soulmate. When the tattoofirst showed up it'd been cute and interesting to see and now he'sjust annoyed each time he sees it sitting right there on his arm.

Spinning thebottle in his hand Anti Septiceye stares blankly at the mirrorreflecting various faces behind him. He hates how generic his tattoois, how easily anyone can just see him and tell him he's cute. Whycouldn't his soulmate say something profound and unique?

Even Jack, orrather Sean's soulmate tattoo is more detailed than just “you'recute.” Tightening his grip on the neck of the bottle the glassbreaks cutting into his hand. The bartender comes over and cleans upthe dark amber colored liquid, sweeps the glass into a trashcan, andplaces a newly opened bottle down in front of Anti.

“Stopbreaking the bottles Anti.” She warns him moving on to the nextcustomer waiting for her. Anti rolls his eyes taking a drag from hisbottle. The cuts in his hand have already healed.

“HappyBirthday!!!” He hears a group of women squeal behind him. Rollinghis eyes Anti looks through the mirror at a small group of four orfive woman gathered around a small round table throwing back shots.

“This is areally nice place.” You say looking around the upscale bar alreadynoticing a familiar face sitting at the bar. You've been a fan ofJackSepticEye and of his alter personalities. It was amazing to seeall his egos come to life, but not just Jack's but half a dozen otherYouTube stars and well loved actors.

“Is thatAnti?” Veronica whispers to you seeing Anti at the bar as well.

“I thinkso.” You respond quietly. Just from Anti's posture it's obvious hedoesn't want to be bothered. “But let's leave him alone. He doesn'tlook like he's in the mood to be bothered by a bunch of gigglinggirls.” You add smiling at Veronica. Like you she has a crush onthe supernatural being.

Veronica sighsa torn look on her face. Like you she really wanted to say hi but youare the voice of reason even when you're drinking. Patting her backyou pass her another shot and urge her to slam it back.

“Why do youhave to be such a good little girl?” Kendra asks already into herfourth shot. Kendra likes to go hard no matter where she is or whoshe's with.

You shrug. “Ithink it's just polite and considerate to respect other people. Wecan't all be like you, Kendra.” It's snippy and a bit bitchy butyou don't particularly enjoy Kendra's lack of caring for others. You're not a bleeding heart but still, everyone is entitled to theirprivacy and comfort. Just because it's a bar doesn't mean you have aright to act like an animal—you look at Kendra again and amendyourself, or rather an asshole.

Kendra shootsyou a dirty look but doesn't respond. No matter how she feels aboutyou she knows better than to try for a fight with you. She tried thatbefore and found herself in the dirt with a broken nose.

Youseem like a sweet and innocent little thing but man can you scrap.Your father believed in teaching his daughters how to fightconsidering the world around you. Your father's teaching reallyhadn't been something Kendra had been counting on when she picked thefight. True to your father's teaching you waited until she hit youfirst.

Smirking intoyour Sangria Tina punches your shoulder. You laugh at her light punchand sip your Sangria. You really only deal with Kendra for your bestfriend—and future maid of honor, when you find your Mr. Right,Tina.

“I'm justplaying.” You lie. Tina knows you're lying.

“Could youimagine having him as your soulmate?” Tina asks cooing over Antisitting at the bar needing something else to ease the tension in theroom.

You don't likethis conversation anymore. You don't know who your soulmate is, butwhoever he is you don't want to know him based on the tattoo you keephidden with cover up. You actually hope you never meet your soulmateand hear him say the words on your arm. Just thinking about the wordsput you in a momentary depression.

“Leave methe fuck alone.” That will be the first thing your soulmate everutters to you. Lowering your gaze you turn slightly away from yourfriends and try to shake the feeling of emptiness at what you couldhave said to elicit such a response.

“Hey, Y/n,you okay?” Tina asks nudging you in the rib lightly. Blinkingrapidly your dispelled the tears and smile big at Tina mutteringyou're okay and ask if she wants another round of drinks. “Sure,I'll take another Blue Hawaii.” She agrees.

“I'll takeanother Blue Hawaii too.” Veronica chimes in. You smile nod yourhead and make your way to the bar. Out of courtesy you keep yourdistance from Anti and place you order with the bartender. Drummingyour fingers on the wooden top to the music blasting through thespace you hum the lyric as you wait.

“Well, hellothere angel.” You don't immediately acknowledge someone's talkinguntil they speak again. “You look lonely, want some company?”Raising a brow you glance to your right and find a young looking manwith a bad choice in facial hair had slid between you and Anti.

“I'm sorry,are you talking to me?” You ask looking the guy over glad he's notyour soulmate.

“Who elsewould I be talking to? Let me buy you a drink.” He offers winkingat you.

“Ah, no.”You respond quickly. You really have no interest in the little backand forth he's trying to start up. You didn't come here looking forsomeone to go home with. You just want to have a few drinks, dancelike no one's watching you, and have a fun night with your friendsand Kendra.

“Come on, Ijust want to get to know you.” He tries and you roll your eyes.

“Does thatreally work with anyone? If you want to know someone walk up and sayhello like a normal person, introduce yourself, and if the personyou're trying to know say “no”, then back off and try againelsewhere.” You say turning to face the man, staring him directlyin the eyes. He flinches and you smirk. “I'm leaving. Better luckwith the next girl.” You add taking your drinks and walk back overto your table.

Anti chucklesunder his breath. That was quite the show, one of the best he's seenthis week. Most girls stumble or at the very least take guys like himup on the drink. Taking the last drink of his bottle Anti views youin the mirror. You're interesting.

“Did you gethis number?” Kendra asks looking at the man you'd just left in thedust.

“Hell no,that guy is not even close to being my type.” You respond quicklysetting the glasses down. “I bet he's just your type.” Kendraglares at you turning her nose in the air. You shrug, you couldcareless about her hurt feelings.

An hour passesand you've gotten more alcohol in you that you originally thought youwould and if you're being honest you don't care. Your worries are thefarthest away they've ever been and you can swear Anti's been lookingat you just about all night.

“Go talk tohim.” Tina encourages leaning on you heavily. Veronica stumblesover to you agreeing wholehearted with Tina.

“Yeah, he'ssexy. You should try and get him to...to t—take you home.”Veronica says and you realized she's drunk, but so are you andthey're making so much sense right now.

“Yeah,right, like he'd even look at you.” Kendra spits out. You glare ather. She's the drunkest of the group and still the bitchest ofeveryone.

Her tonereally irks you. You're not ugly by any means and you think he's beenlooking at you “Fuck you, Kendra, I'm doing this!” You spit backdowning the last of your drink and take a few deep breaths beforewalking over to the bar where Anti is currently sitting. He doesn'teven glance at you as you stand facing him. “Y-your cute!” Youblurt out. It's not quite what you had in mind, but it gets you pointacross.

You guess.

Anti rolls hiseyes groaning. This is the fourth person to night to come up to him.He's getting so tired of the same goddamn thing over and over again.“Leave me the fuck alone.” Anti spits glaring directly at you.

Your jaw dropsas the very words you dread come out of Anti's mouth. Anger quicklysurges through you, your filters just about completely gone as yousock Anti with a mean right hook. Instantly you regret it but remainsilent. Your father's number one rule is to never hit anyone out ofanger and you just broke that rule.

Tears fillyour eyes. You're not sad or scared, you're livid! Unfortunately whenyou get overwhelmed with any particular emotion you tear up unable tocontrol it.

“What thefuck?” Anti shouts looming over you. He's ever been socked likethat by anyone other than Dark before and to be honest it waspowerful for your smaller frame. He can see you're pissed off but thetears are off putting. He doesn't understand what's going on withyour emotions right now.

“Why doesthat have to be your first words to me?” You hiss at him. You don'tsee how oddly most people are looking at you, your vision solely onAnti's face. His face blurs momentarily as tears cloud your visionand drip down your cheek. Balling your first up you really want topunch him again but you can't. “Why did it have to be you?”Turning you walk away. You can't right now, you just can't.

Anti standsrooted to this spot for a moment, he has not a fucking clue what justhappened, but he's going to figure it out. The way you look at himdidn't sit right. Throwing some cash on the counter Anti zips outafter you. You couldn't have gone far, your stuff and friends arestill in the bar.

Looking bothways once outside Anti looks both ways spotting further than heimagined you could get. Dashing after you he grabs your arm. Hedoesn't grasp you tight enough and your arm slips. Feeling the weirdtexture on his hand Anti looks at his palm and the cover up smearedacross it.

“Don't touchme.” You hiss cradling your arm to your chest, hiding your tattoo.You can't believe by just saying he's cute he'd react so poorly toyou. You honestly question if this is in fact your soulmate.

Looking fromhis hand to your arm and back again Anti feels like the puzzlingquestions he has been confused by suddenly fit together. “Show meyour arm.” He tells you earning a quick shake of your head. “Don'tmake me ask again.”

“You didn'task in the first place.” Anti crowds you against the wall of thebuilding behind you. Nothing comes to mind as you try to formulate aplan to get away from him. When nothing comes you sob, “Do you haveany idea what it's like to have those crude words branded into yourskin? To know the very first thing you'll hear from you soulmate is“leave me the fuck alone”?”

Anti has tothink for moment about your question. Had he said that to you? It'sonly then that he realizes the gravity of it all. You are hissoulmate and his first words were in fact “leave me the fuckalone”. “Fuck.” He growls stepping away from you his handsrunning over his face. “You're really my...”

Closing youreyes you show your partially uncovered tattoo to Anti. He cursesagain looking your tattoo over twice more before grabbing your wristand pull you into his arms. “I'm so sorry.” He tells you.

As much as youwant to remain angry and scream at him for saying such a shitty thingto you, you feel a sense of security in his arms. You don't fightwith your own needs and wrap your arms under his pressing yourfingers into his back and cry into his chest. You never wanted tomeet your soulmate because of your tattoo, but now you can't imaginenever meeting him. It's not even that it's Anti Septiceye but becauseyou feel a completion you hadn't felt before.

After fewminutes Anti releases you but retains his hold on you. You're nothinglike he'd imagined, but right now he can't imagine you anydifferently. Neither of you say anything right away not sure what tosay.

“You have amean right hook.” Anti finally offers as an ice breaker.

You look awayfrom him with a guilty feeling in your heart. “Yeah, my—my dadtaught me how to fight.” You tell him.

“Your dadknow how to teach.” Anti says smiling at you. He can see why yourdad taught you to fight. Being as small as you are anyone could justpick you up and take you away, him included. “Are you cold?” Heasks when he can't think of anything else to say.

Nodding youtell him, “Yes, I left my coat and things at my table.” Anti nodstaking his jacket off and wraps it around your shoulders. “I knowit's not the best of introductions, but my name is Y/n.” You offerlooking up at Anti. Anti looks down at you smirking.

“AntiSepticeye.” he responds. He's already escorting you back to thebar. He's got to figure out a way to make up for the shitty way you'dfinally met. No wonder he was drawn to you from the moment he seteyes on you.

“Sorry I hityou.” You tell him ashamed you let your emotion get the better ofyou. “My dad taught me better.”

“Nah, Ideserved it. Not to mention I've gotten worse many times over.”Anti smirks. His response concerns you but it's well known his feudwith Darkiplier. Anti's not sure how to take your response. He'snever had anyone look so concerned about his well being. “It ain'tnothing to worry about.” He promises you holding the door to thebar open for you.

As you enterthere is a hush in the building the only noise being the music. Antishows you back over to the bar and sits you down on the stool.Keeping your head down you glance up to the mirror and see yourshocked friends staring at your back. Tina is the only one to lookthrough the mirror at you. Quickly you give her an apologetic look.

“Tell meabout yourself.” Anti prompts sitting next to you. Glancing at himyou relax a little and tell him a few things about yourself, aboutyour family and childhood. In turn Anti tells you some about himself.

The small talkturns into a full blown conversations about everything and anything.It's not until Tina gathers up the courage to check on you that it'sobvious how long you've been talking with Anti.

“Hey girl,”Tina greets glancing at Anti. Despite knowing he's really a big ol'teddy bear with a rough exterior. He's good at playing the villainand has a temper, but he's not as crude as the videos have made himappear.

“Hey, sorry,I just—I lost track of time.” Sliding off the stool. “I'mcoming back over, promise.” You tell her glancing at Anti from thecorner of your eye.

“Oh, ah, norush, Y/n, really. We were just—you know, curious as to what'sgoing on, but you look like you're having fun.” Tina respondslooking at Anti again.

Biting theinside of your lower lip you try to think of something to say toexplain what happened. “Oh. Right... earlier with the punchingthing... You see, Tina, he's actually—um, my, ah, soulmate.”

You might aswell have told Tina you're about to give birth with the way shereacted. She squealed, jumped up and down congratulating you,announcing it to the whole bar. The best part? Seeing Kendra's facefall when Anti takes your hand in a silent form of comfort with allthe attention.

Despite therough start you can't wait to spend your life getting to know Anti.

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lovemychinchilla · 4 years ago

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How to Tell If Your Chinchilla Is Depressed

While chinchillas are social and communicative, it can be difficult to tell how they feel. Figuring out whether and why your pet chinchilla is depressed is easier said than done.

Is my chinchilla depressed? They can be if their cage mates die, or if they're neglected e.g. fed the wrong food, not given a chew toy, or not kept in a suitable cage. Depression causes abnormal behavior like lethargy, not eating and fur chewing. To help a depressed chinchilla, monitor your pet and improve its care. If it lost a cage mate, consider getting it a new one.

As an owner, learning that your chinchilla is depressed can be a shock. After all, you care for it as best you can. But don't take it personally if your chinchilla is unhappy; instead, check that you're caring for it as best you can. If you want to know how to help my chinchilla when it's depressed, the guide below will help.

Signs of Depression in Chinchillas

There are many signs chinchilla depression causes. Depressed chinchillas will do things that they wouldn't normally do, or stop doing things they should be doing. You will see these if you spend time observing your pet.

1) Abnormal Behavior (Lethargy, Aggression, Not Eating)

Depression changes behavior in chinchillas. A chinchilla which formerly was hyperactive can become uninterested in playing. A chinchilla that spends most of its day foraging can suddenly go off its food. Here are three common behavioral changes you may spot:

Lethargy. Lethargy is an almost complete lack of activity. Your chinchilla stops playing, eating, and interacting with cage mates or with you.

Not eating. The worst side effect of lethargy is that your chinchilla stops eating. This includes both your chinchilla's daily hay and pellets, and any snacks you offer it.

Fur chewing and tail biting. These are signs of stress, which can accompany or cause depression in chinchillas.

These behavioral changes will persist even when they're inconvenient or harmful. So, your chinchilla will hardly eat even if it's hungry and hasn't eaten for days. But be cautious when diagnosing your chinchilla with depression (or with any health issue). Its best to rely on an experienced vet's advice.

Alternatively, your chinchilla may lash out. Whereas before it enjoyed spending time with you, now it avoids you. It may be aggressive towards you or cage mates. This is not strictly speaking a symptom of depression, but of stress. Chinchillas become stressed after changes in routine, which will be the case if its cage mate dies. So, while this isn't related to depression, it's still something you need to be aware of.

2) Observing the Causes of Depression in Chinchillas

Depression isn't the same as being upset, although the two can be linked. Rather, depression is the result of hormonal and neurochemical imbalances. This can be caused by constant stress, chronic lack of enrichment, chronic neglect or mistreatment, or a sudden upsetting event. So, in part, the question becomes "Is my chinchilla depressed or is my chinchilla sad?"

As for what causes depression in chinchillas more specifically, the following reasons are particularly common.

Does Fighting with Cagemates Cause Depression in Chinchillas?

Petty fighting between cage mates is a regular occurrence, and isn't normally serious enough to warrant intervention. This doesn't cause depression.

But if one of the chinchillas is bigger than the other, one will be dominant and one submissive. If the dominant one constantly picks on the smaller one, this can cause depression. That's because the smaller one feels helpless as it can't get away. When this happens, you have to separate the pair, otherwise the bigger chinchilla might kill the smaller one.

Do Chinchillas Grieve If Their Cagemates Die?

Chinchillas don't have consistent responses to the loss of cage mates. How your pet might react depends on its temperament and how close it was to its cage mate.

Some chinchillas will grieve, or at least become unhappy and lethargic after a loss. Others seem slightly down for a day or two before going back to normal. Others still show no reaction at all.

This can be unnerving to the owner, but there is no wrong way for your chinchilla to react to the loss of a cage mate. Contrary to popular belief, chinchillas don't mate for life, and can quickly move on. In a way, this is better because it means your pet won't become depressed!

Do Chinchillas Get Depressed If They're Neglected?

Neglect is a leading cause of depression in chinchillas. Neglect involves leaving your pet without adequate food/water for extended periods of time, or without toys, or without any interaction. Neglect doesn't necessarily involve being cruel to your pet; you can neglect it by accident.

When animals are kept in an unnatural environment that doesn't meet their needs, they become depressed. That's why depression in zoo animals occurs. Neglect causes depression because:

Animals become bored easily when there isn't much to do.

Animals need to express natural behaviors, e.g. grooming each other or foraging for food as part of a group.

Neglect can cause ill health.

Fortunately, while chinchillas are exotic pets, we know what they need to keep them safe and happy. So, you can fix this issue through the guidelines below.

You might like:

#chinchillas #chinchillahealth

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athyrabunlord · 7 years ago

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LLSHP Interlude2 - Of Feathers and Wind

Arc1: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7]

Arc2: [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14]

Arc3: [Chapter 15] [Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18 - sanguinem pudicitia (TBD)]

Interludes: [Carbonado (1)] [Carbonado (2)] [Of Feathers and Wind] [Delphinus (teaser blip)]

[Brief note about School Term] [other LLSHP AU stuff] [YohaMaRuby concept arts] [ChikaYouRiko concept arts] [KanaDiaMari concept arts] [Hogwarts Staff]

[FFN link] (up until ch14!) [Pixiv Link] [Translated to Chinese by plin2290]

A/N: Here it is, a Ruby-centric chapter! Surprised? (⌒ω⌒) Yup, this interlude is told from Ruby’s POV, about various points throughout the story so far and her relationship with the other girls, such as \CYR/ and more. And in spite of my simple 5-bullet point outline, this turned into the longest chapter ever wtf. Hope you’ll enjoy this, and any feedback is welcomed as always! Words: 10,159

“It’s rare that you have a day off.”

Ruby nods distractedly, tugging her favorite lop bunny plushie under her chin and tightening her hug. She shifts a little and smiles when she feels a warm body lying down behind her as if offering to be her cushion. Just as she leans back against the large wolf, her golden-haired companion also flops down against it, making the wolf growl in exasperation.

Ruby giggles at Kanan and Mari’s interaction, grateful for their company on an otherwise inane day at the Kurosawa Estate. It’s rather pitiful that she has no idea what to do with her free time, having very little of that in all her fourteen years of life.

Hobby? She does like creating things, whether it is plushie toys or adding accessories to her own clothing, but it’s getting more difficult to hide them. There is no trustworthy person in the House of Kurosawa, especially the house-elves. It’s not because they have bad intentions or anything, but rather they are under strict orders to obey their masters and mistresses. The word of the patriarch, her grandfather, is absolute. Even Father and Mother cannot defy him.

Friends? Ruby has no friends. Unlike some Purebloods or Half-bloods who go to community schools prior to entering Hogwarts or other magical schools, she learns magic under various instructors’ tutelage. Due to her jam-packed schedule, she is unable to mingle with other peers let alone go out to have fun. She grew up watching the lonely silhouette of Dia’s back and learns to suppress that destitute feeling herself.

It’s only recent years that Ruby notices the change in her older sister’s demeanor. As soon as Dia earned her private compound after becoming a Prefect, she constructed a small garden as if in defiance of the family’s pre-set structure. Also, unbeknownst to their large family, she modified the spells to the perimeter in order to allow secret entry for her two best friends.

Mari Ohara and Kanan Matsuura, the two friends who have made Dia smile, are now keeping Ruby company as per her request. At first, Ruby feels awkward around such strangers, knowing they are just doing her sister a favor. But as time goes on, she could sense that they are genuine in trying to help out the Kurosawa siblings. In a way, they are a bridge between the sisters.

“Hehe, that bunny sure looks like Dia~”

Ruby smiles up at the smirking Mari. “It is supposed to be Onee-chan! See, I made one for Onee-chan when we were younger, and she made this lop bunny for me.”

“Daww, if only we could sneak you over to her side of the compound right now…”

Kanan huffs and paws at the tatami in agreement.

“Thank you, but I don’t want to risk you two getting caught.”

The house-elves have turned a blind eye to the two visitors, as they had entered Ruby’s room in their Animagus forms. Their orders are to keep unauthorized people out of her room, and nothing about animals, so on this technicality they are able to keep up with this arrangement. Ruby isn’t sure what their response would be if they were to leave the room, so it’s better to play safe.

“Such a cute little sister~ I’d love to adopt you but that overprotective condensed carbon would have my head, teh-heh.”

Truthfully, Ruby enjoys being pampered by Mari. Both she and Kanan are rather forward in their physical affection, something Ruby yearns for from her older sister but she could only recall a few instances that Dia ever hugged her.

After all, such open displays of emotions are not allowed in their proud Pureblood household.

Dia has always been strict towards her, unyielding and perhaps even harsh in reprimands, yet Ruby could feel that her sibling truly cares about her. All those countless times Dia would slip snacks to her, sneak into her room to read storybooks to her whenever she had nightmares, and all the times she would speak on her behalf in risk of punishment.

Ruby just doesn’t know how she could ever return such gesture. Anything she can do, Dia definitely can do too. Just how can she help her sister, if ever?

“So, just how much free time do we have?”

“Hmm, until dinner time I think? My tutor had an emergency that requires his immediate presence so he would not be available for this whole week. Father said I should use this freed-up time to prepare for next week.”

“Next week huh… my my, even Ruby-chan is going to Hogwarts now~” Mari caresses the younger girl’s hair. “How time has flown by, ne, Kanan?”

The wolf lets out a sharp bark, its unusually long tail wagging and practically sweeping the tatami.

“Yes, I’ll… finally be able to leave here and join Onee-chan at Hogwarts.” Ruby unconsciously sinks against the wolf even more and smiles appreciatively when Mari wraps a comforting arm around her.

“We’ll have so much fun together! Although, as per Dia’s request, you’ll have to pretend that you don’t know us, okay?”

Ruby pouts. “I don’t understand. Sure, I know why we have to be so secretive here, but why at Hogwarts too?”

“You never know who’s watching. Besides, Dia was… well, you have heard about unknown assailants going after her right?”

“Again!?” Ruby covers her mouth after the loud squeak, hoping that hadn’t caught a house-elf’s attention. “I thought that hasn’t happened for years, and the previous assailants have long been identified and caught…”

“Yes, but these are new enemies. Unlike the past cases, these new ones don’t seem interested in ransom, or damaging the Kurosawa name - they are keen to capture Dia alive. The way they move and cast magic… there’s something off about them. Very off.”

“T-Then, I’m sure Grandfather can figure out something and-”

“No.” Mari’s surprisingly firm voice makes Ruby wince. The older girl smiles sheepishly and softens her voice. “There’s a reason, a reason we can’t divulge, but it’s necessary to keep this a secret just between the three of us. The most I can tell you, Ruby-chan, is that this is the problem Dia’s facing. She doesn’t want to endanger you.”

“I-I can take care of myself though…”

“We know, dearie. We’ve tried persuading Dia, oh believe me, but you know how obstinate that penguin is~” Mari shakes her head, only to yelp when the furred form behind them transforms and causes her to lose balance. “Oi, Kanan!”

The ponytailed girl winks at her and gives Ruby a brief hug. “We need to keep our status as unregistered Animagi a secret as well. This gives us a lot of advantages to staying undercover - although, those attackers have already labeled me as Dia’s guard dog or even the school’s hound or something. Of course, we’ll try to keep contact as much as possible, hmm?”

“Okay…” Though still sad, Ruby relaxes in the older girl’s embrace and tries to suppress her trepidation. She truly enjoys Kanan and Mari’s company, that they are able to fill in the lonely void, but it just isn’t the same as having her Onee-chan around.

The older they become, the harsher the House of Kurosawa is at disciplining them. Indeed, this week is very rare for her, since her daily schedule is usually filled back-to-back with very little room for rest. Perhaps, her grandfather and the other elders have finally given up on her? Deeming it useless to train her because she will never be able to catch up to her sister anyway?

Such thought makes her feel both relieved and frustrated at the same time.

As if sensing her concern, Mari joins the hug and whispers encouragingly. “You have the potential. Just ignore whatever those geezers tell you! You’re a strong witch, Ruby-chan, perhaps even stronger than Dia in a way.”

Ruby blinks, unable to comprehend such concept. “Me? Stronger than Onee-chan? How is that p-possible? T-There are so many spells I can’t even cast…”

“You’ll see someday, Ruby,” Kanan chuckles warmly and also pats her head. “Believe in yourself.”

“Uyu…” Still confused, Ruby allows herself to relish in the older girls’ comforting warmth since she won’t be able to enjoy it once she goes to school. She’s used to being alone, so even if she’s unable to make any friends in Hogwarts, she should be fine, right?

Really, that dull ache in her heart is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. She just needs to keep up a good front, be the Kurosawa that her family’s raised her to be, and eventually becomes strong enough to assist her sister. Yes, that should be her goal. Otherwise, she has nothing to motivate her, nothing to work for.

What does Ruby Kurosawa want to do? She doesn’t know.

Suddenly, Kanan and Mari transform into their Animagus forms so fast that Ruby barely has time to steady herself. As she watches the wolf and cat slip out of the room, presumably off the porch and into the bushes, she realizes that someone must be coming.

Taking a deep breath, she greets the Head of the House with a courteous bow. “Grandfather.”

The maroon-haired wizard nods curtly and gestures for her to stand up. Though wizened with age, the tall Kurosawa patriarch exudes a powerful and fearsome presence. His emerald eyes are just as sharp as a cunning predator, always watching and calculating. It is through his contributions and achievements that the House of Kurosawa is able to become one of the most prestigious Pureblood families in the magical world.

Though retired now, the former Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot still holds great influence and many from the Ministry continue to seek his advice. Ruby rarely sees the busy man one-on-one and only interacts stiffly with him during family meals.

Therefore, for him to show up here in the afternoon, he must have a few choice words to deliver in person prior to her attendance to Hogwarts. Ruby prepares herself for a lecture about upholding their family prestige.

What is in a surname anyway? What does it matter if you are a Pureblood or not? You are your own person, not a puppet to a mere name. She knows fully well just how much her extensive family has contributed to society, whether as accomplished Aurors, Curse Breakers for Gringotts Bank and more. But surely, those relatives are talented because of who they are individually, not because they’re members of the Kurosawa family.

As the patriarch begins his speech, Ruby’s attention begins to wander in spite of her best effort to listen. She glances at the grand painting on the wall, a painting that every member of the main House has in their chamber.

The Black Jaguar is the representative animal for the House of Kurosawa. Proud and stealthy, the predator hunts with its cunning and prevails even in the darkest of the night, fast like the wind. Independently strong with powerful bites that can pierce even armored reptiles, the Jaguar is the Kurosawa founder’s Animagus form. Every member of the family is acquired to learn powerful offensive spells that can penetrate an opponent’s shield Charms, but Ruby has yet to master any.

After all, the Black Jaguar is everything Ruby Kurosawa is not.

No matter how you look at it, Dia resembles the graceful Black Jaguar more than Ruby could ever be.

She gazes at the slightly ajar door, where the wolf and the cat had gone. At least, Dia is no longer completely bound by her duties. As soon as she becomes an adult and graduates from Hogwarts, she should be able to gain enough freedom and assert a certain amount of power, especially with great friends like Kanan and Mari by her side.

Ruby wonders if she would ever get to experience that.

“Ruby Kurosawa.”

She flinches at the patriarch’s deep voice.

“S-Sorry, Grandfather, I w-was just nervous that I would not d-do well and-”

“It is unbecoming for a Kurosawa to lie,” the wizard’s austere demeanor is rather suffocating. “Weakness is not tolerated. You will hold your head high and speak in a clear voice when you join the House of Slytherin in your Sorting next week. Your older sister has fulfilled my expectations - I expect no less from you. Do you understand?”

She has to clench her fists so hard so that the pain would keep her focused. It takes all her willpower to not stutter as she replies with a louder tone. “Yes, I understand, Grandfather.”

No, she does not.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Ruby could faintly feel herself smiling as she turns and stretches in her cozy bed. Under layers of patchwork quilts and amazingly soft pillows, she is ready to hibernate for a long time! Alas, the biological clock due to her strict upbringing prevents her from falling back to sleep. With a reluctant sigh, she crawls out of the bed and goes about her morning routines.

In spite of just leaving the warm covers, she does not feel the morning chill at all because of how comfortable the Hufflepuff Dormitory is. Though located in the cellars, the chambers are Charmed to have the perpetual warmth of the sun and, whenever needed, provide the actual sunlight. Combined with various plants that furnish the rooms as well as the copper-themed decors, the peaceful ambiance allows students to feel as if they are out in an endless field, embraced and sheltered by Mother Nature Herself.

Ruby hums a quiet tune, greeting her Housemates with a timid smile. She holds her chin a bit higher when they return the gesture, but she still fidgets bashfully as some of the other girls inquire about her wellbeing.

Even though nearly a week has already passed since her Sorting, her Housemates remain concerned about her due to the Howler incident. Ruby will never forget how the Head of House, Professor Koizumi, had sternly eradicated the shouting mail, and how her fellow Hufflepuffs had comforted her. Muggleborn and Purebloods alike are protective her and have been since.

This is the Hogwarts House known for its sense of loyalty, fairness, and dedication. Ruby feels quite loved and relaxed here, though she would need time to adjust to this new style of life. Her magical prowess, previously deemed weak compared to her extraordinary sister, is now hailed as amazing and advanced. Already, she finds herself helping out her peers with some of the school assignments, and she greatly enjoys being able to pass on her knowledge.

Perhaps such standards have always been wrong, or perhaps there should never be such judgment at all. As Professor Koizumi told them on their first day here, everyone should be able to excel at what they enjoy and nurture that.

Truly, Ruby is proud to be Sorted into the House of Hufflepuff!

When she returns to her room, she notices that her pet owl Pana is still snoozing on the bedpost. So is her roommate and best friend.

“Hanamaru-chan?”

Hanamaru Kunikida curls up into tighter in a ball, smiling in such a relaxed way that Ruby feels her soul being healed from the sight. Giggling, she shyly prods at the brunette’s cheek. The soft sensation resembles that of a mochi, prompting her to poke even more.

“Ru~by-chan~”

Whining, Hanamaru stubbornly keeps her eyes closed. Pana lets out a sleepy hoot as well, hopping off of the bedpost to nest on Ruby’s pillow.

“Hanamaru-chan, senpai told me that there’s going to be special bread and buns for breakfast this morning! We’ll have to get ready and-”

“I’m up zura!” The brunette rolls off the bed, wrapped in the blankets and all, and bounces a bit before unfolding like an egg roll.

Ruby bursts into giggles and fondly helps her friend sit up. “Your hair’s all messy, hehe~”

“Yours too~” Hanamaru giggles as well and reaches for the comb on the nightstand. “Pigtails today?”

“Yes please!”

“Leave it to me zura~!”

Ruby closes her eyes in bliss as Hanamaru patiently and gently brushes through her tresses. The therapeutic sensation brings a nostalgic memory of a time Dia used to comb her hair, making her smile whimsically. Well, she needs to get used to the fact that time does not go backward. What’s in the past is in the past, and she has such a fun and welcoming future to look forward to!

“All done! Hehe, you’re so cute, Ruby-chan~”

Though Hanamaru is seven months younger, she has that aura of a loving grandmother that makes Ruby want to rely on her. Yet, at the same time, Hanamaru has childish bouts of excitement that makes Ruby want to protect the petite girl.

Like now.

“So what bread? Are the house-elves going to bring them to the Common Room like last time zura? Or! They’ll pop up out of thin air at the Great Hall as usual? Maybe we should really use those rice cookers Professor Koizumi’s set up for us? I’d love to have some rice for breakfast too zura~”

Ruby affectionately combs through Hanamaru’s disheveled hair, enjoying her friend’s fascination with magic. Being a Pureblood, she is unable to relate to a Muggleborn’s amazement at even the simplest of spells. However, she supposes that it is similar to how she feels about Muggle technology. Steel boxes with wheels that run on something called electricity? Small rectangular devices that can communicate with people who have the same thing no matter how far they are? In her opinion, Muggle inventions are so much more incredible than magic.

Hanamaru seems uncertain about things like ‘internet’ and ‘computer’ though. Maybe she should ask Kanan and Mari whenever she gets to see them. She did glimpse them a few times at the Great Hall and around the castle, but there hasn’t been any opportunity for them to talk in private.

As for Dia, Ruby vows to find her elusive sister. She has a feeling that Pana has something to do with Dia, and there’s so much she wants to talk with her sister after all! Such as, the House of Hufflepuff is so much more wonderful than she could ever imagine.

She cannot imagine herself as part of the House of Slytherin, as per all the other Kurosawas.

“Okay, one more try zura…”

Ruby watches with bated breath and inwardly cheers on for her friend, whose brows are furrowed in utter concentration.

“Accio glasses!”

The thick-framed glasses twitch a little but otherwise do not move from their spot on the table. Pouting, Hanamaru retrieves them manually and put them. “What am I doing wrong zura? Mari-senpai was able to summon it from who knows where!”

Having heard all about her after-curfew adventure, Ruby could only chuckle ambiguously. How is she supposed to tell her friend that the enigmatic blonde Ravenclaw is just as skilled as Onee-chan?

“You’ll get better, Hanamaru-chan! It’s a higher-level spell, and this is only our first week at Hogwarts!”

“Right… there are so many books waiting for me at the Library zura~” Hanamaru’s eyes glaze over in reverence, and she’s practically skipping as they make their way out of the Dorm and towards the Great Hall.

Ruby shakes her head in exasperated fondness, resigning to the fact that she’ll have to enlist the help of their mutual friend later to drag Hanamaru away from her Shangri-la.

And speaking of the girl, the raven-haired Slytherin is tapping her foot impatiently by the door.

“Hey! You’re late! I bet Zuramaru overslept again huh?”

Yoshiko Tsushima is an odd person but in a good way. There’s always a special zest in everything she does, a sense of purpose and confidence that awes Ruby ever since their encounter back at the King’s Cross Station. Her dramatic poses and rather comedic dialogues never fail to brighten up her day.

Yoshiko’s sharp gaze sweeps over them and, a moment later, she is fixing their scarves and picking out lint from their hair.

“Geez, you two, what can you do without me?”

Ruby nervously glances around, sheepish that she appears less than impeccable in public. Perhaps being in the relaxed atmosphere of Hufflepuff Dorm makes her drop her guard. But then, she reminds herself that she no longer has to fear any repercussions from her family now. Surely, a bit of mess is okay?

But see, Yoshiko is also a very nice girl. She might hide it under cynical remarks or seemingly aloof expressions, but Ruby could tell that Yoshiko does look out for the two of them, claiming that the ‘two critter-like Puffs need a clever Slytherin to lead them!’

Hanamaru stares at the smirking girl. “Yoshiko-chan, where’s your bun?”

“My b-?” Yoshiko flusters and combs through her hair with her fingers nonchalantly. “The great fallen angel just happens to decide upon a different hairdo today. O Little Demons, it is pitiful that you cannot sense the aura in which the night sky-”

“Ah, I know, Yoshiko-chan overslept too and only made it here just moments before us zura~”

“Did not! As I was saying, the night sky-”

“Let’s go get some of the special bread you mentioned earlier, Ruby-chan~”

“Hey, lemme finish, you mere Zuramaru!”

Ruby chuckles at their bickering, playfully allowing Hanamaru to lead her past the growling Yoshiko as they search for a vacant spot to sit down. Sometimes, Ruby still wonders if she’s dreaming, that she’s able to meet and make friends with kind girls like them.

Indeed, she’s quite blessed here at Hogwarts, especially in the company of her two best friends.

She inwardly vows that she will help them however she can, and contribute as much as she could to the House points as a thank you to the House of Hufflepuff.

This shall be her new goal!

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

“For Kanan-chan’s sake, we’ll definitely win the first Quidditch match of the year!”

Smiling slightly, Ruby watches Chika swinging her Beater clubs and shouting in the empty Pit. The bleachers creak a bit as You sits down beside her and joins her in observing the mikan-haired girl’s exercise.

“Kanan-chan was here earlier, flying on her broom but Professor Sonoda saw her and, well, you know how our Head of House is like,” You chuckles quietly, her gaze filled with fondness as it follows her teammate’s energetic movements.

Indeed, the Potions Professor is a strict witch who also has the best intention to her Cubs. “I’m sure she just doesn’t want Kanan-chan to get hurt more…”

“Haha, oh I know, Professor Sonoda cares about us a lot! Did I tell you she’s the one who took us to the Diagon Alley after delivering the letters to us? And years before, she accompanied Kanan-chan too!”

After a few moments of silence, You speaks up abruptly, her blue eyes narrowed in contemplation. “I wonder why Kanan-chan got hurt in the first place though. I mean, she is stubborn enough to not go to the Infirmary for treatment but this is preventing her from a Quidditch match! Chika-chan and I are looking forward to it so much too, so there’s no way Kanan-chan did this just because! There must be a reason…”

Ruby nods, also frowning. Something feels off ever since Yoshiko and Hanamaru brought her to the Room of Requirement, and they began intensive training under the three Fifth-Years’ tutelage. While Ruby is infinitely glad to be able to spend time with Dia, she can sense that they are not telling her a crucial fact.

After all, before her entry to Hogwarts, Mari and Kanan had told her that it was best to keep a distance from them due to Dia’s unknown attackers. Yet now they want to train her to defend herself better?

And why Hanamaru and Yoshiko too? What is she missing? Just what had injured Kanan? Why are the attackers also targeting Yoshiko?

And, why are Chika and You being kept out of the loop too?

“I’m curious too, but I trust them.”

Ruby and You look up to see Chika smiling assuredly at them. The sun-like girl twirls the bats, only to groan in frustration when they slip out of her grip and lands a few paces away. The other two girls chuckle at her antics, and Chika’s smile widens.

After the laughter dies down a little, Chika folds her arms behind her head and turns towards the Pit. “Riko-chan, Kanan-chan and the others, I believe that they have a good reason for keeping secrets from us. I don’t wholly agree with that of course, but I can understand and appreciate their sentiment.”

“You mean, if we know something that might endanger them, I’d withhold the information?” You is about to salute but hesitantly drops her hand. “I guess so, but I’d still tell them so we could all work on confronting the problem together…”

“Bingo! That’s what I would do if I were in their shoes!” Chika pulls a startled You to her feet, hugging her and spinning her a few times. “Hehe, as expected of You-chan! I knew you’d understand me!”

“Ahaha, I am your childhood friend after all,” You grins, this time giving Chika her best salute. “So, the reason we’re not pushing them for details is because-?”

“I still respect their decision.” Chika then holds out her hand towards Ruby, her smile warm and kind. “You think the same too, don’t you, Ruby-chan?”

“… yes. Onee-chan’s always wanted the best for me. I-I’m willing to wait.”

“That’s our Ruby-chan!” You and Chika both pull Ruby up and give her a brief hug. “We’ll wait until they are ready to bring us into the loop. Until then, the best we can do is give them our support.”

“Y-Yeah. I will become s-strong enough so they can depend on me more,” Ruby timidly does a Rubesty pose. She’s seen the determination in Hanamaru and Yoshiko’s gaze every time they practice-dueled against Dia and Kanan. Her friends are driven by something, making them formidable and seemingly invisible in spite of not being able to land a hit on the two older girls.

It’s aspiring to watch them.

“Ah, but you can depend on them more as well, Ruby-chan.” Chika squeezes Ruby’s hand encouragingly. “They are your best friends, just as you are theirs. I’m sure they’d want you to rely on them more too.”

“And there’s us too, Ruby-chan.” You wraps an arm around the pigtailed girl’s shoulder and nods at her partner. “We may be two grades apart, but we are more than just senpais! We’re crewmates of the same ship, aren’t we?”

Ruby bashfully shrinks but giggles at their affectionate gestures. She randomly met You one day when she was running away from the ghosts and the older girl away from her fanclub. Through You, she got to know Chika and they’ve been close ever since. Even though they are not from the same House and the same grade, she finds it incredibly relaxing and fun to be in their company.

As inseparable as the Gryffindor duo is, she’s never felt like an outsider whenever she is with them. That’s just Chika and You’s rather magical charisma.

“I really admire you two,” Ruby whispers as she shyly loops her arms through the older girls’. “S-Sometimes, I just… I just…”

Chika and You patiently wait for her to gather herself, smiling when she gives them uncertain glances. She swallows hard and lowers her head in shame when she finally allows her weakness to slip out of her heart. She hasn’t revealed this to anyone, not even to her bunny plushie or Pana.

“Sometimes I just want to curl up and pretend I don’t know anything just so I don’t have to deal with it all. I-I’m not brave at all.”

“Neither are we, Ruby-chan.”

“Ha ha, we maybe Lions, but that doesn’t mean we’re brave!”

“Uh-huh, it’s more like, we’re impulsive and don’t really think about the consequences, kishishi~”

“Act first, think later, yousorou~”

“Right behind you, Captain Watanabe!”

“That’s the spirit, Firstmate Takami! But, see, that’s why Riko-chan often gets mad at us, ahaha…”

“That’s just our way of dealing with things.” The humor from Chika’s expression is then replaced by uncharacteristic seriousness. “I try to find see the silver lining in things, to make it easier to confront whatever’s in my way.”

“So that you’d find the confidence to walk forward, to hold your head high. Always have a hopeful outlook, Ruby-chan,” You gently caresses Ruby’s hair. “You don’t have to be brave or anything. You just have to be yourself.”

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take a break, to stay away from all the hardships.”

“No one is invincible. That’s why we have each other. We know they’ll have our backs, especially during our downtime, because we will do the same too.”

“So, please don’t feel bad for coming here to the Pit for fresh air, Ruby-chan. We’re here, yeah?”

Ruby could feel her eyes dampening under the lovable duo’s warm gaze.

“And you know what? You’re braver than any of us, willing to throw yourself into this without knowing anything just so you could help your friends.”

“O-Of course, they’re very important to me.” Sniffling, Ruby hastily wipes away her tears and meets the duo’s eyes without hesitation. “I’ll do anything I can to help them!”

“Uuuu, our Ruby-chan’s grown up so much, Miss Watanabe~”

“I understand, Miss Takami, she definitely can fly on her own~”

Ruby can’t help but giggle at their parent-like theatrics. She does feel like a weight has been lifted off of her chest. Sharing a grin, Chika and You summon their respective brooms to their hands.

“Speaking of flying, now that we got all that off our chest, let’s go for a race! Nothing beats lifting the spirit than a good ol’ lap around the Castle!”

“Piki?!”

“Come on, Ruby-chan, join us! I saw how you were on your broom - I was there during the First-Years’ first Flying lesson!” Chika pumps her fist, passion blazing in her eyes. “I know both Hanamaru-chan and Yoshiko-chan enjoy flying, but so do you! You also have the most flying experience out of the three of you, so there’s potential!”

“Ever thought about joining the Quidditch team? I think I overhead Mari-chan asking you guys one time,” You smoothly Accio’d Chika’s Beater bats for her. “Dia-san was the reason why I became a Seeker. She was just so amazing - it’s unfortunate her duties don’t give her enough free time to be on the team.”

“I-I actually didn’t know Onee-chan used to play Quidditch until recently, but I-I did know she’s a good flyer,” Ruby nostalgically clutches her hand to her chest. “When we were younger and had more free time, she used to take me to the sky on a specially modified broom that can seat two people.”

“Daww, that’s so sweet of her.” “Then, wouldn’t you like to play Quidditch too?”

“I did consider it, but in the end I-I’m happier on the ground,” Ruby finds herself blushing, hoping her reasoning doesn’t sound silly. “After all, all of you are up in the sky, so it’s better that I’m on the ground so that if a-any of you somehow falls, I-I’d be able to save you.”

“Ruby-chan!” “Ru~by~chan~!”

“Piki!!”

Though flustered, Ruby soon joins the older girls’ laughter. The way the duo treats her is similar yet different than how Mari and Kanan treat her, and she greatly appreciates their support. While she doesn’t understand You and Chika’s attachment to her, she’s quite content with being their cuddle toy. Dia will always be her big sister, but there’s always room for more sisters in her group of family-like friends.

“Oi, what’re you ruffians doing with her?”

Peering over Chika’s shoulder, Ruby notices Yoshiko and Hanamaru heading towards the Pit. The two girls appear disheveled, most likely after another intense dueling session with the Fifth-Years, yet they look strangely proud as if they’ve accomplished a great feat.

“Ruby-chan, we weren’t able to have lunch together earlier, so let’s go have an afternoon picnic by the Lake zura~” Hanamaru happily holds up a basket full of desserts and sweets. “Chika-san and You-san, please do join us too!”

Yoshiko strikes a pose before glaring at the Gryffindors. “Hmnff, be thankful for the benevolent Yohane-sama’s invitation, O Lost Ones. Lily is looking for the two of you, for your unfinished mock exam papers.”

Ruby giggles at Chika and You’s comically fearful expressions then and there, and even more so when they fly away at an incredible speed just as she notices the Ravenclaw Prefect approaching them from a distance.

“I think they’ll be fine. Let’s go have the picnic, Hanamaru-chan, Yoshiko-chan!”

Though puzzled, the two girls smile at her and they each automatically loop arms with hers. Everything will be fine because, at the end of the day, they are all together.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

“Um, d-do you know where Hanamaru-chan is, Riko-san?”

Riko pauses in retrieving a book from a bookshelf, lips pursed. “I… believe I saw her earlier with Kanan-chan and Mari-san.”

“R-Right.” Ruby’s shoulders droop as she returns her attention back to the thick tome on the table. Her mind, however, is definitely nowhere near the condensed paragraphs of texts.

“You’re worried about Hanamaru-chan and Yocchan, ne?”

Ruby nods shyly, unable to meet the older girl’s gaze even as the latter gingerly sits down beside her. The Moonstruck incident has affected their group dynamic more than she has expected, and the cracks are widening too much for her not to worry.

In spite of recovering steadily, Mari is being kept under watch by an unusually surly Kanan. Having known the two longer than the other two First-Years, Ruby understands that it’s just Kanan’s way of caring for her girlfriend, that she’s simply being overprotective. Alas, Hanamaru is determined to cheer up the older girls and also to train herself harder after feeling so helpless at the Shack.

Another reason is, as Hanamaru had privately revealed to her, to give Yoshiko the space she needs. The Slytherin has been brooding and unenergetic even since finding out that she may have inadvertently killed the werewolf that chased her. No matter how much they tried to convince her otherwise, Yoshiko simply closes off herself and is often wandering around the castle, looking for something.

Ruby sighs quietly. Months ago, she is certain that Hanamaru would have persisted in accompanying Yoshiko. Instead, she even forgoes her books and solely focuses on improving offensive and defensive magic with Kanan and Dia.

Does being a couple change their dynamic?

Prior to Moonstruck, her two best friends had assured her that nothing has changed, and it was true that they acted mostly the same. They had just been more open with each other, especially in imperceptible physical contacts like holding hands and lingering touches. She doesn’t know if they realized it but it was quite obvious how much they like each other just from their gaze alone.

Truly, Ruby is very happy for Hanamaru and Yoshiko from the bottom of her heart. Therefore, seeing them both like this frustrates her, due to how useless she is in helping them. She doesn’t know if she should join in Hanamaru’s training or go look for Yoshiko. Usually, she would be sparring with Chika and You as well to improve her dueling capabilities, but she feels unreasonably exhausted today and thus ends up accompanying Riko to the library.

It’s a nice change of pace in this peaceful atmosphere, and Ruby can appreciate why Hanamaru loves this sanctuary so much.

“I believe they will be fine, Ruby-chan.” Riko’s voice is gentle as she organizes the parchments strewn over the table. “It’s just my conjecture, but I think they are trying to regain their sense of self-worth, to retrieve their confidence, before they can bring themselves to face each other again.”

“I see…” Ruby says hesitantly, half-understanding Riko’s point but not really either. “Shouldn’t it be better for them to stay together, especially during such rough times?”

“Yes, it should be, but that’s something we cannot interfere with. Yocchan and Hanamaru-chan would have to take that step themselves. When they are ready, we can give them the nudge they need.”

Ruby nods in contemplation, using the minimal knowledge she has of couples. Kanan and Mari bicker quite often but it’s mostly harmless and playful, and Dia would be there to play mediator whenever necessary, or so the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw had told her. There are You and Chika, whose closeness makes Ruby think of a married couple from storybooks but it doesn’t seem like they are a couple? Prior to Moonstruck, Yoshiko was determined to set them up for some reason, and Ruby is quite supportive of that idea.

If they are indeed a couple like Kanan and Mari are, would they have avoided each other like Yoshiko and Hanamaru are doing? If one of them got injured, would the other become overbearing like Kanan does to Mari?

Ruby doesn’t know, but she dearly wishes to help her friends like how Dia is able to.

“Um, what would you do in this situation, Riko-san?”

“…me?”

“Yes, erm, w-would you seek out You-san and Chika-san to bring them together?”

Riko has an oddly distant look then, making Ruby wonder if she had spoken something she shouldn’t have. “I would… want to, to do everything I could so that things would go back to the way it was, but that’s not up to me to decide. I cannot… force them.”

“Right. I think I can understand that.” Ruby recalls all the instances when Yoshiko and Hanamaru looked like they wanted to ask her about her relationship with her sister, but they did not pry out of respect for her privacy. “T-Thank you, Riko-san.”

The older girl gives her a soft smile before resuming to tidy up the paperwork and books. As Ruby observes Riko, she couldn’t help but find similarity in how she and Dia work. Both are diligent and take everything seriously, that they would shoulder responsibilities more than they need to and they often play the anchor in their year-groups.

Is that what attracted them to each other? While it had never been stated aloud, Ruby has seen the way her sister looks at Riko, especially during the Banquet, and their respective reactions at Riko’s Patronus.

Truthfully, Ruby is rather envious of how the pretty Ravenclaw has captured Dia’s heart. She always feels like she hasn’t spent enough time with her sister, even though it’s already more than she could’ve imagined compared to back at the Kurosawa Estate. Therefore, it’s as if Riko had taken what remains of Dia’s free time away from her…

Alarmed, Ruby shakes her head and guiltily lowers her head for even thinking of such horrid thought. Riko makes her sister happy, that’s the most important thing!

“Are you okay, Ruby-chan?”

“Piki! U-Um, I was just thinking, um, it’s nothing!”

Ruby feels even more ashamed under Riko’s concerned gaze and squeaks when the latter places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I… um, if you’re okay with it, I’d be more than happy to h-help you with any problem-?”

Riko’s voice is rather uncertain, though for some reason that makes Ruby think of her sister and words slip out of her mouth before she realizes it.

“How are things between you and Onee-chan?”

“Dia-san and I-?”

Deeming it already too late to salvage the situation, Ruby nods nervously and tries to meet Riko’s eyes. “Y-Yes. I k-know Onee-chan’s busy ever since the incident at Hogsmeade, so you probably haven’t had the chance to meet often-?”

“It’s true, we are both quite busy but we try to meet as much as we could. She’d send me letters and…” Riko trails off, blushing and averting her gaze. “Why do you ask?”

Ruby wasn’t expecting the normally composed Ravenclaw to become flustered like this. Envy is slowly overcome by curiosity as she peers at the older girl. “I’ve never seen Onee-chan like that with anyone. She’s happy with Kanan-chan and Mari-chan but it’s different with you, Riko-san.”

“S-She is?” Riko’s cheeks darken and she seems to be lost in thoughts for a moment. Then, as if making up her mind, she squirms a bit before whispering. “May I ask you something, Ruby-chan?”

“What is it?” Ruby sits up straight, surprised and certainly unprepared for what Riko does next.

“T-This… this is more than just a gift, isn’t it-?” Carefully, the Ravenclaw tugs a necklace from under her collars, the black diamond glinting under the lighting. It isn’t just any other jewelry, but the carbonado necklace that Dia had received on the same day she first got her wand. Ruby herself had received a similar ruby ring dotted with spinels and small pink-sapphires during the same occasion years ago.

Such gems are considered precious not because of its value, but because of what they represent for a Kurosawa.

“D-Do you know what this is, Riko-san?”

“Dia-san’s told me that, this is a black diamond thus it represents her, that it would protect me.”

“Yes, every Kurosawa owns a piece of jewelry like this. He or she is supposed to keep the item until…” Ruby gulps, awed by the revelation before her. Any vestige of jealousy dissipates as she finds herself smiling joyously at the blushing girl. “Until she finds that special person to give it to. Onee-chan gave you the necklace because she considers you her other half, Riko-san.”

“E-Eh? Ehhhhhhh?!” Riko hastily covers her mouth, glancing around her to see if anyone’s looking their way. Thankfully, the library is quite empty on a sunny day like this. “I-I mean, I know of its importance, a-and what it means for a Pureblood to give away a jewelry but, s-still, other half? T-That’s just, I mean, we’re still so young to be thinking about-?”

“This just means Onee-chan is really serious about you, hehe.” Ruby finds Riko’s reaction rather cute. She’s always thought of Riko as a mature and reliable senpai, and now she could see why Dia is so fond of her.

“W-We’re both still students a-and-”

“Well, when did Onee-chan give it to you, Riko-san?”

“… w-when she told me she loves me.” Riko mutters quickly and proceeds to hide her face behind her scarf. Her reddened ears remain visible, however, and Ruby finds herself giggling again. Her earlier bout of jealousy seems silly now, for this means that her family truly is growing.

Dia may be the only one related to her by blood, but she deems their group of nine a family and now, one of them will become even more special.

“Yup, Onee-chan is serious about you. While this is different than an engagement ring-” Ruby beams at Riko’s incoherent stammering and continues. “- it’s still something. A promise ring or, rather, necklace. She just wants to show that she still wants to be with you after she graduates. Of course, that’s just from her, so you don’t have to feel pressured to-”

“But I love her too,” Riko blurts out and, in spite of her fierce blush, her voice is steady and firm. “I want to be with her no matter what happens.”

“I’m happy to hear that!”

Riko seems surprised when Ruby gives her a hug but returns the gesture a moment later. Ruby smiles contentedly at the older girl’s whispered words.

“Thank you for accepting me, Ruby-chan.”

And so it is with bouncing steps that Ruby heads for the Room of Requirement, ready to train until utter exhaustion to celebrate this occasion! Unexpectedly, she only finds one person in the chamber but it’s the person she wishes to speak to the most at that moment.

“Onee-chan!”

“Ruby?” The Head Girl pauses in scribbling something on a parchment and, immediately, Ruby knows what it is.

“Oh, don’t mind me, Onee-chan, I’m just going over there to practice more Transfiguration spells. Where are the others?”

“Hanamaru-san somehow convinced Kanan-san to bring Mari-san to the Quidditch Pit, and Chika-san and You-san joined them,” Dia shakes her head in exasperated fondness. “It is a nice day out after all, for once, and Professor Ayase is insisting that I join my friends out under sun instead of being cooped up in the Castle. You should go as well, Ruby. I will do so too after, uh, sending this letter.”

“Okay! Oh, by the way, Riko-san is free too and in the library right now.” Before Ruby could slip away, she hears the chair squeaking and hurried footsteps behind her.

“R-Ruby? Why would you say that? D-Do you know something-?”

Ruby smiles at her flustered sister. Though nowhere as apparent as Riko had been, Dia’s loss of composure is still visible and Ruby finds that quite endearing. “I was just talking to Riko-san and, well, I’m really happy for you both!”

Dia opens her mouth and closes it a few times, unable to utter a word. She coughs and tries to appear nonchalant. “… what do you think then?”

“Hmm?”

“Of us. Riko and I.”

The lack of honorifics, the quiet tone, and the almost pleading expression are new to Ruby. She’s never seen her sister so vulnerable, and it takes a few moments for Ruby to understand what’s happening.

Her older sister is asking her for her opinion, her approval even.

Ruby gulps nervously, uncertain what to think of this new position, but then she realizes that there is no reason to be. All she has to do is to convey her thoughts in simple words.

Smiling, she reaches for Dia’s hands and holds them firmly. “I think the two of you are perfect for each other. Congratulations, Onee-chan!”

“…thank you, Ruby. That means a lot to me, to us.”

The smile that Dia gives her is the most beautiful one she’s ever seen.

Instead of going outside to the Pit, the Kurosawa siblings then spend the rest of the afternoon chatting about random but fun topics. Even though Ruby wants to give Dia alone time with Riko, the Ravenclaw had responded to the letter that she plans to stay in the library a bit longer and would join them later.

Perhaps Riko notices that the sisters never had much opportunity to be in just each other’s company, and for that Ruby is very grateful. After all, their group of nine is tightly-knit and there are usually groups of three or more at one place at a time. Dia has her own circle, and Ruby recognizes that she has grown up as well. No longer the little girl in her sister’s shadow, and any of the senpais’ protective shrouds, she’s found her place with Hanamaru and Yoshiko.

While Ruby is slightly saddened by the thought, she is also proud of how far she’s come from the lonely critter practically confined in the Kurosawa Manor. Her world has long expanded from just her and her sister, and it will continue to grow.

Dia mentions how difficult it would be for the Elders to approve of her relationship with Riko, but she has prepared herself for the hardships ahead the moment she gave the necklace to Riko. Without any hesitation, Ruby offers her full support in anything she could do in the years to come. Dia is legally an adult and, in just a few more months, she would be officially recognized as a full independent witch upon graduation. Even though the Kurosawa Patriarch’s position remains indomitable, Dia would at least have enough power on her own since she would not have to rely on her family.

If worse comes to worst, she can choose to break away from the House of Kurosawa, like some of the blacked-out names in the family tree had done.

Of course, Ruby hopes things will not come to that, but she will be ready.

Nothing shall stop her from being her sister’s pillar of support.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Ruby jolts when something drapes around her shoulders and is about to stand up but a familiar voice halts her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I tried to get your attention a few times but, well, I thought you’ve fallen asleep.”

“I-It’s okay, I j-just didn’t hear you.”

Embarrassed, she gratefully tugs the warm shawl around her shoulders and tries to wipe away any traces of tears. To her mortification, more and more tears keep leaking out and she finds herself sobbing again. Hasn’t she cried enough already? All she’s done this morning is hide at this corner of the Greenhouse to let loose her emotions.

It’s too hard.

It’s too much to wake up in the Hufflepuff Dorm and not seeing Hanamaru’s sleepy expression.

It’s too much to go to the Infirmary and see Hanamaru’s smile while knowing her best friend no longer remembers her.

It’s too much to look up the staircase and not being able to go the Room of Requirement, especially knowing that her sister and Riko won’t be there anyway.

She so wants to be strong for her friends, knowing how much pain Chika and You must be feeling, knowing how much Yoshiko has suffered and still is, and knowing how Mari and Kanan are trying to keep everyone together.

But in the end, no matter how many encouragements she’s received since coming to Hogwarts, she’s still just a crybaby.

“Shhh, it’s okay to cry.”

When Professor Koizumi gently embraces her, Ruby crumbles and allows herself to bawl like she’s never done before. There’s only so much she could keep inside, only so long that she could fight down her flight instinct.

She’s always liked her Head of the House. The Muggleborn witch rather reminds her of Hanamaru, serene and infinitely patient, but also gets childishly excited when it comes to certain things. Such comparison makes her heart ache even more, and she clings tighter to the maternal woman.

She doesn’t how long she’s stayed like that, relishing in the protective hug and rhythmical caresses on her back. Sniffling, she reluctantly pulls away and tries to clean away the mess she’s made on the Professor’s dress.

“I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t mean to just-”

The ochre-haired witch only gives her a kind smile. “There’s nothing wrong with crying. In fact, I’d be even more worried if you aren’t crying.”

Confused, she peers up at the Professor, who taps the ground with her staff and seems to beckon the magical plants with her magic. A soothing aroma fills the air then, and it somehow helps Ruby to calm her breathing and washes away the fatigue.

“Being emotional means you still have the capacity to feel, that you have yet to lose hope. It’s better than nothing at all. You’re frustrated, you wish the outcome could’ve been different. You don’t want the same thing to ever happen again. Then, doesn’t that mean you’re still willing to fight for your beliefs? Losing emotions would allow despair to settle in, and that’s when the wall separating you from the rest of the world would be erected.”

Ruby flinches, the image of Yoshiko’s forlorn silhouette flashing in her mind. The Slytherin has become so very withdrawn, and something tells Ruby that it’s not just about Hanamaru’s loss of memory. Something else must have happened down in the Chamber of Secrets.

It’s understandable that none of them could truly smile again after everything that’s happened, but it’s as if Yoshiko’s lost the special spark that makes her who she is.

“How… how should I help? How can I take down that wall?” Ruby lowers her gaze, her grip tightening on her wand. “I will never give up, but saying it and actually achieving it are different things. I haven’t been able to help anyone, not my own sister, not my best friends. I-I feel so useless.”

“That’s something I can relate to. Something many of us can relate to, I’m sure.”

“…really? B-But Professor, you’re so a-amazing and… I can’t imagine you ever feeling helpless.”

“On the contrary, I’m only able to get this far because of my friends. It’s under their encouragements that I’m able to pursue the path I love. But see, I also believed in myself and tried my hardest.” Professor Koizumi’s voice is soft as she pats Ruby’s head. “I do not know the whole story behind you and your friends, Ruby-chan. I wish I could help you more, so just know that all of us will be here, whenever you’re ready. I’m certain the other Professors have told your friends the same thing.”

“I-I wish I could’ve told you more but w-we can’t,” Ruby swallows hard and shakes her head. “Besides, this is something between the nine of us. If we can’t solve it amongst ourselves… if I can’t do something to help them out, that… would be meaningless.”

“Nine… is it?” The Herbology Professor sweeps her gaze over the Greenhouse and taps her staff again. “Together, the nine of you can surely summon a miracle.”

“…really? But-”

“Magic is capricious. Some would even say it’s sentient. Unlike the rules of science in the Muggle world, magic is not bound by restrictions. There are always exceptions and endless possibilities in the world of magic,” Professor Koizumi reaches for the vines that have extended from the other side of the Greenhouse and dropped something in her palms. “Ruby-chan, you’re one of my seedlings, my Hufflepuff. You will bloom when the time comes.”

Ruby blinks as the woman conjures a basket and places several sweet potatoes in it before giving it to her. “Professor-?”

Her Head of the House smiles. “Replenishing your energy is important, Ruby-chan. Please have these while they are still hot.”

She could feel the warmth from the freshly baked sweet potatoes, from the Professor’s smile, and from the inner strength that coursed through her veins.

“T-Thank you for everything, Professor Koizumi! I-I’m really glad to be a ‘Puff!”

Ruby fidgets a bit and decides to give the woman a shy hug before exiting the Greenhouse. She’s very grateful for her time here in the House of Hufflepuff. Though still sad and overwhelmed by all the terrible things that happened, she’s comforted by so many good memories with her best friend - sharing snacks within the Dorm, out in the Greenhouse or even at the monthly outdoor grill hosted by her House.

Even without her memories, Hanamaru would surely appreciate this simple yet meaningful gesture.

As she continues her trek back to the Castle, a burst of gale makes her pause and wrap her scarf tighter around her neck. She turns towards the direction of the Lake and notices a dark spot fluttering near the shoreline.

“That’s… the bat, that’s Lucifer. Then that must be-” Before Ruby realizes it, she’s already heading towards the lonesome figure sitting on a boulder near the Lake.

Yoshiko doesn’t seem to notice her approach, her expression closed off and her gaze solely focused on a glimmering shape hovering in front of her. The silver Patronus resembles a fish, though it doesn’t seem like any species Ruby has seen before.

Lucifer lets out a curt screech when she gets nearer, prompting her to halt warily. Yoshiko glances at her and nods in greeting before shifting her attention back to the Patronus. Crooning, Lucifer then flies towards an overhanging branch and perches there, maintaining a distance between them as if keeping watch.

Ruby tentatively steps forward. “Yoshiko-chan-? Um, a-am I interrupting something-?”

The raven-haired girl shakes her head, her hand outstretched towards the Patronus to pat it. Even though her fingers sink through the silver fish’s translucent body, she seems satisfied with the way it glows brighter.

“S-So, that’s your Patronus, Yoshiko-chan. It looks strong.” Though still uncertain of the situation, Ruby boldly sits down next to her friend and sighs in relief when the latter doesn’t reject her presence.

“… strong, huh. Right, I guess it is.” There’s an odd smile on Yoshiko’s visage. “It’s a coelacanth. It’s… a deep sea fish that Hanamaru and I learned about together, from an encyclopedia, many years ago.”

Ruby gazes at the glimmering Patronus, marveling at its form and its saturated magic. “H-How were you able to summon the Patronus, Yoshiko-chan?”

“Honestly, I don’t know how I managed it, other than the feeling that I know I can do it.” Yoshiko’s expression becomes blank again as the coelacanth swims around the air and under the Lake’s water. “Of course, a happy memory helps. I think… Lily focused her feelings for Dia-san, while I did the same for Hanamaru. Except, rather than just thinking about a single memory, it’s more of a collective feeling.”

“Collective feeling-?”

“Yeah. A certain resolution, I’d say. It’s not exactly ‘happy’, but it’s still a positive emotion. It gives me the strength to keep going.”

Ruby gingerly gazes at Yoshiko, recalling what Professor Koizumi just told her about emotions. Yoshiko is sitting beside her right now, within arm’s reach, yet why does she feel so far away? Based on what she said, she still has hope and treasures their bonds.

Then, what is this sense of finality?

“Yoshiko-chan, d-don’t leave us, okay?”

Yoshiko turns towards her abruptly, eyes narrowed. “What makes you say that?”

“Yeek! Um, I just… it’s just a feeling…”

“You’ve always been a perceptive one,” Yoshiko chuckles quietly, flicking her wand and dispelling the Patronus. “Don’t worry. Whatever you sensed, it’s not what you think. I’m just… lost, I guess. I can still keep training, learn more spells, become better at dueling, but then what? We don’t know where the enemies went. We don’t know what’s going to happen to Hanamaru, Lily, and Dia-san.”

Ruby drops her gaze and rests her hands on her lap.

“All I can do now is try to improve and strengthen my Patronus. It’s the key to defeat Y… that feathered witch. With this goal, I have something to work towards and keep myself occupied so I don’t have to think about all… that.”

“Patronus, huh.”

“Yeah. So, what do you want to do, Ruby?”

Ruby looks up into the sky, recalling all those instances she’s set herself goals so that she would have a sense of purpose. While the specific goals change every once a while, the fundamental part remains the same, doesn’t it?

All she ever wants to do is to be helpful. But how exactly? Just stand there and wait for things to happen? Only make a move when the opportunity presents itself?

No, she needs to take control. There’s a difference between just being idle, and patiently wait for the prey to come. Sometimes, you have to chase after your goal. Hunt for it. Pounce after it.

Make the first leap.

“Ruby-?” There’s faint surprise on Yoshiko’s expression, which Ruby counts as a good sign. Smiling, she continues to untie her pigtails and loosens her hold to allow the ribbons to flutter away along with the breeze. It’s been a long time since she’s let down her hair, but she feels just as refreshed as the first time Hanamaru did her hair.

“Hanamaru-chan and I have always looked up to you, Yoshiko-chan. We may not understand the fallen angel or the feather you put in your bun, but we really look up to you.”

Yoshiko grimaces at that, clenching her fists. “About that. Don’t. That’s nothing to admire, that’s not even who I-”

“You’re you, Yoshiko-chan. If you want to return to the sky, then we will be the feathers to help you fly.That’s what Hanamaru-chan and I have promised.”

“But she doesn’t even remember us anymore, Ruby!”

Ruby determinedly meets her friend’s hollow, pained eyes. “For now. She’ll come back to us one day, Yoshiko-chan. In the meantime, I will make sure you can continue to soar without fear of falling down.”

Taking a deep breath, she holds up her wand with a steady grip. “Expecto patronum!”

A burst of light forces the two girls to clench their eyes shut. When they open their eyes again, a large silver feline is prowling along the shoreline of the Black Lake. Graceful and brimming with power, the Black Jaguar Patronus bears an uncanny resemblance to the same painting in her room back in the Kurosawa Estate.

Shocked doesn’t begin to describe Ruby’s feeling, but a part of her understands why her Patronus ends up taking this form. After years of conflict, she’s finally accepted herself and that includes being a Kurosawa. However, rather than submitting to the responsibilities expected of a Pureblood, she has vowed to take control and make it her strength instead of her weakness.

The Jaguar’s fanged grin seems to be encouraging her.

“That’s… amazing, Ruby.”

Yoshiko looks awed, the first expression Ruby’s seen in a long time that’s not wholly shadowed by sadness and pain.

Ruby hastily wipes her eyes and casts another spell. “Wingardium Leviosa.”

The basket levitates towards Yoshiko, who tilts her head questioningly at the sweet potatoes beneath the cover.

“Let’s go eat these with Hanamaru-chan. We should eat them while they’re still warm!”

Whenever you feel down, both you and Hanamaru-chan, I’ll be here to lift you both.

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furinjuru · 7 years ago

Text

Our Sea Of Today - Chapter 16 - Improvement

It’s only been a week since she actually met You, but Yoshiko thinks she’s got a pretty good idea of her personality. Although it would be a gross oversimplification of their characters, she feels like it wouldn’t be amiss to compare her to Chika. They’re energetic and passionate about the things they enjoy. They like helping people, but also somewhat self-sacrificing. If they were in an anime, You would fit a lot of different characters. The childhood friend, the girl-next-door, the energetic sports-loving girl, and the popular girl just to name a few.

There are, obviously, a few things about You that Yoshiko doesn’t think she’ll ever know the answers to. Like whether or not she actually has a senpai-complex. Still, she feels like she understands You enough to at least make an accurate guess (yes).

However, the You she saw on Monday morning seemed...off. She still smiled and did that salute she did often when they saw each other, but other than a brief greeting they barely talked to each other. And it’s not like Yoshiko wasn’t trying. They had a lot to talk about! They could talk about boring things like the weather and schoolwork, or something more exciting like the new popularity of Aqours, or what they can do to revive the Supernatural Club. Every time she tried to start a conversation, You would follow along for a few minutes before getting distracted again. It’s more than a little frustrating.

Her mood didn’t improve when she got off the bus, either. They just walked together in awkward silence before parting ways, Yoshiko heading to her class where Chika and Dia were waiting. Today, it seemed like they were the center of the conversation, something Yoshiko couldn’t be happier for. Riko had come over to them to congratulate them personally and seemed at least receptive to the idea of helping them write more songs. Other than You, no one else had signed up yet, but that’s fine. If they continued to impress, more people will come. Chika and Dia know this very well, already tossing ideas back and forth for their next live.

All things considered, today is a fantastic day. She just hopes You will be back to normal sooner than later.

By lunch break, You still isn’t back to normal. In fact, Yoshiko might think that she’s gotten worse. Her, Chika, and Dia were waiting in the schoolyard when You arrived. Apparently, she forgot her lunch at home. After refusing their offers to share their lunch, she runs towards the cafeteria while promising she’ll return soon. As soon as she’s gone, Dia glares at Yoshiko. She’s not the only one who realizes that You isn’t her usual self

“Yoshiko, did you do something to her?” She asks, suspecting the worst.

“Why would you think that?” Yoshiko did nothing wrong, of course. She’s innocent, and she tries to get that fact across to Dia, who is still glaring. “Look at me! I couldn’t hurt her if I tried!” It’s humiliating to admit that a first-year probably could kick her ass in a fight, but she’s worried that Dia would actually kick her ass.

“You’re the one who takes the bus with her every day, so I thought you had something to do with it.”

“Well, I don’t. She’s been like that all morning. Even I don’t know why.” The two turn to face the third person in the group, who’s biting down on two slices of mikan simultaneously. She realizes that all of the attention is on her and nervously gulps down the fruit before asking.

“What?”

“Chika, do you know the reason You is acting like this?” Dia asks, hopefully. “It can’t be that she’s sick of us already, right?” Chika pauses, seeming to ponder the possibility of such a scenario before shaking her head.

“Nah. I think it’s just because her dad left.” Yoshiko’s jaw drops, as well as Dia’s.

“What?!” She exclaims far too loudly. “Her dad left?” Chika nods, and the other two feel a heavy weight settling in their chest. This feels like something personal, far too personal to be casually mentioned in a conversation in public. But both of them are curious, and Yoshiko takes the risk by asking the question. “D-did something happen between him and You’s mom?”

Chika gives Yoshiko a flat stare, before bursting out into laughter, startling Yoshiko and Dia. Wiping a tear from her cheek, she grins at them. “That’s not what I meant, silly!” She says, close to another bout of laughter. “Her dad is a boat captain, so he’s back to work. Didn’t I tell you two about this before?”

“I think I remember you telling us that in the past,” Dia says calmly, as if she hadn’t been panicking as well. “I see. That’s understandable.”

“Yep,” Chika says while chewing on another mikan slice. “Her dad usually isn’t even around at the start of the school year. But since she’s starting high school, he decided to take an entire week off to see her. Usually he only comes back in summer and winter.”

Unfortunately, they’re unable to continue their conversation as You returns soon after with a few sandwiches. The way she’s acting makes more sense now that they know the reason behind it. Yoshiko’s surprised that she didn’t notice it before, but You looks more lonely rather than sad. It’s an expression she knows very well; the same expression she sometimes sees on her own face.

She knows exactly what You needs right now.

On the bus ride home, Yoshiko confronts You about it.

“I heard from Chika,” she says, finally getting You to look at her. “You dad’s heading out to sea, right? That’s why you’re a lot...quieter today.”

“Yeah.” You smiles wistfully. “Sorry. I guess it isn’t really much fun sitting with me when I don’t really answer to anything.”

“Don’t worry.” You nods, and the two fall back into silence. You stares out of the window, while Yoshiko stares at You, concerned. “...would you mind if I talk?” She asks. “You can just listen. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.” You doesn’t object, so Yoshiko continues.

“I kinda get what you’re feeling. I don’t see my dad a whole lot either, and my mom always works late. We’d probably have dinner together and then go to bed.” You turns around, facing her as if asking her to continue. “In fact, I can even remember a few times when she missed Christmas and New Years.”

“That sucks,” You says, surprising Yoshiko. She thought You would stay quiet for the entire ride. She continues.

“My mom isn’t happy about it either. But there’s not really anything she can do about it. I’m sure your dad feels the same.”

She coughs, wracking her brain for the best way to articulate her thoughts. “What I’m trying to say is, if something is bothering you, you can definitely tell me about it. You keep listening to me talk about my problems, and it feels unfair that it’s only one-way. Besides, I’m supposed to be your upperclassman, and I want you to rely on me sometimes.”

You doesn’t respond, and Yoshiko assumes the worst scenario. “B-but, you don’t have to,” she says dismissively. “I’m just saying that it’s bad to let those kinds of feelings pile up, and it wouldn’t be good if my loyal little demon was distracted by those kinds of things. So you should-” You giggles, and Yoshiko stops talking.

“Thanks, Yohane,” You smiles genuinely for the first time today. “I’m glad to hear it. Really.” Her words cause a smile to appear on Yoshiko’s features as well. The conversation dies out, but this time the silence is warm and comfortable, two friends simply enjoying each other’s comfort. In a shocking move, You breaks it. “So, I guess it gets pretty lonely at your place, huh?”

“Unfortunately,” Yoshiko replies curtly.

“Well, even though you don’t need my help with sewing or anything right now...do you want to come over to my house? I got chocolate.”

Yoshiko’s eyes widen, but she agrees without hesitation.

Maybe You wasn’t the only one who needed some company. Maybe they’re both helping each other out.

The students of Uranohoshi live peaceful lives. After a stressful first week at school for juniors and Club Day preparation for sophomores, they're eager to relax. Seniors are enjoying their last months of freedom before starting cram school and focusing on exams. Even with the possibility of their school shutting down looming over them, few know how dire the situation actually is.

Within the halls of Uranohoshi, there's one room that has become forgotten over time. Its lack of general use and absence of people entering and exiting has caused students to ignore it. But today, the room has two people occupying it. "The constant developments in Numazu are unpredictable and ever-changing, so to assume that Uranohoshi would become irrelevant within the time span of a few years is completely idiotic." Kanan sits on one of the many comfortable chairs in the room, watching as Mari performs an oration. The normally carefree expression on her face has been replaced by a steely, yet fiery gaze as she speaks loudly and passionately.

As she finishes her speech, Kanan claps her hand. “So, was it good?” Mari asks, smiling.

“A lot better than last time.”

Mari frowns. “But still not good enough, right?” Both knew the answer already, but Kanan nods nonetheless. She lets out a tired sigh, collapsing onto her plush seat. “...I need more practice.”

“What you need is a break,” Kanan interjects, standing up and walking over to Mari. “You’ve been practicing this speech for four hours now.”

“The speech has to be perfect, Kanan,” Mari mutters. “The fate of the school rests on it. I have to take this seriously.”

“When is the presentation, by the way?” Kanan asks as she goes to the water dispenser, filling a cup with water; Mari must be thirsty after reciting the speech so many times.

“This week. I’ll be meeting up with all of the board members and see if I can get them to cancel the merging.” She sighs again, closing her eyes. “It’s stressful. They don’t take me seriously because I’m just a high school student. They say I ‘don’t get it’ even though I love this school more than they do. It’s so frustrating.”

“So that’s why you want the speech to be perfect?” Kanan sounds impressed as she places the cup on the table. Mari thanks her, taking slow sips as she lets the cold water wet her parched throat. “Because you want them to take you seriously?”

“Yes. It’s alright since it’s for Uranohoshi.”

“Then...” Kanan points to herself. “Why did you ask me to help?”

“Two reasons.” Mari smiles. “You’re the former student council president. You have experience when it comes to making speeches.”

“I’m not that good.” She answers bashfully. “And the second reason?”

“Because you’re my friend.” She stares at Mari, asking her to continue. “Dia is...serious, but she thinks of us as her older sisters. I’m worried she won’t be honest when judging me. Also...” Mari looks out of the window, staring at nothing in particular. “...I don’t want her to worry too much.”

Kanan pauses, realizing that Mari has changed more than she originally thought. She’s not the same girl she remembers from childhood. Hell, Kanan might argue that she’s not the same girl who left Uchiura over a year ago.

Still, she thinks, some things never change. She goes around the table, standing behind Mari before patting her on the shoulder. That seems to do the trick, as Mari’s pulled out of her thoughts, her eyes looking at Kanan questioningly. “You’ve always cared about her a lot. You’re like her mom.”

“Ehhh?! No way!” Mari laughs. “I’m nowhere near old enough. Besides, ever since we were kids, you’re more like her mom.”

“Aren’t I younger than you?” Kanan laughs as well, smiling as Mari’s normally cheerful expression returns. She ’s still the same happy-go-lucky girl, but she’s learned when to be serious now.

“So, do you want to start practicing again?” Mari nods, turning towards a piece of paper on her desk. There are scribbles and words all over it as Mari made corrections through the course of a few hours. Kanan leans over Mari’s shoulder to look at it, not noticing the blonde tensing up and her cheeks becoming flushed. “So, I think you should change this part here.”

“Oh?” Mari asks, her voice an octave higher than normal. “W-why is that?”

“Since you want to be taken seriously, it would be better to use polite words. When we’re not sure, better safe than sorry.” She then points towards the last part. “Also here. They won’t appreciate you calling their decision ‘completely idiotic’. I think a word like ‘asinine’ would be better.”

“You do know they mean the same thing, right?”

“That’s exactly why we should change it,” Kanan says. “Since they mean the same thing, the point of your sentence doesn’t change. But I think one sounds more polite.”

“I see....”

As Kanan helps Mari practice her speech, she can’t help but feel warmth spreading inside of her. It’s almost like their childhood days, although they’re missing Dia. But for now, this is okay. Even after two years of separation, their friendship hasn’t changed.

That’s what she thinks.

She doesn’t remember feeling so much happiness just being with Mari. She doesn’t remember the way Mari’s quirky voice gives her goosebumps. She doesn’t remember feeling happy that Dia isn’t with them.

She doesn’t remember her heart beating oddly when Mari is around.

...she’s probably just nervous. Yeah, she’s nervous for Mari’s presentation, because it could decide what happens to Uranohoshi.

Nervous. That’s what she’s experiencing. She’s just nervous.

She takes a deep breath, her eyes locked onto Mari.

She feels even warmer now.

#love live #love live sunshine #fanfiction #you watanabe #chika takami #dia kurosawa #yoshiko tsushima #kanan matsuura #mari ohara

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darkdevasofdestruction · 7 years ago

Text

Malik AlSayf-Bittersweet Tragedy

The tragedy has left deep scars on more than one person, not only physically, but emotionally as well.

Malik Al-Sayf has lost it all. His brother. His left arm. His strength. His assassin skills. His confidence.

And all of these, because of the patronising arrogance of a certain ‘Master Assassin’. He was the one to save the mission, with the help of his brother and lover, but the trio had a lot to suffer. Crippled. His brother was killed. His lover’s sight and back were partially crippled. He himself was crippled, having lost an arm, due to a grave injury. And now he was stuck aiding the assassins from behind a desk, at the Jerusalem Bureau, feeling irked to no end. He received no compensation or apology, absolutely nothing to sooth his destroyed soul, whilst the man who jeopardized the mission was walking freely down the streets of Masyaf, licking the boots of his Master and still performing important assassinations.

He was alone. He sat there, mindlessly drawing a map, dipping the white feather in black ink, but he couldn’t focus. His mind wandered to the depths of despair. He was so deep in his mind,he messed up the papyrus scroll,being by then completely buried in his dark thoughts.

'It should have been me’ 'Kadar was too young to die’ 'He had all life ahead of him’ 'Three people had to sacrifice themselves, for one to leave unharmed and get all the glory’ 'I am a useless cripple now’ 'My love may lose her sight’ 'She may remain paralyzed’ 'I am not going to be a whole man for her anymore’ 'I lost all chances’ 'I am alone’

He slumped down the wall and rested his lone hand on his forehead, letting the sorrowful tears stream down his face. Being alone, he allowed himself to show weakness, at least to himself.

Nobody to judge him. Nobody to comfort him. Nobody to care about him.

He sobbed silently, trying to release all tension and emotions, for the first time after so many years of stoic façades.

He was back to being Malik. Just Malik. But an incomplete Malik. He was alone. Or so he thought. That is, because unbeknownst to him, the recovering girl had awoken and saw the whole heartbreaking crumbling of her beloved with her unbandaged, undamaged emerald eye and gripping the wooden door tightly, she kept peeking through the gap, silently letting her own tears wet her pale cheeks, not being able to react in any other way.

That was all in the morning, at the earliest hours and the tides have calmed after a long while. The girl, despite her injuries, dressed in a casual outfit worn by women in that city, covering her head, protecting herself from the scorching sun and hiding the ugly scar across her right side of her face, to get the groceries. She walked calmly, enjoying the Spring heat kissing her skin, after such a long time and sighed, lost in thought. What could she do to help her paramour? He was in a dark place and she tried to help. But…how?

Strolling slowly through the city of Jerusalem, she heard a faint angelic sound.

'Meow’

Huh? What was that?

'Meoooow’

The faint sound trailed longer and repeated again and again, making the red head snap her head towards the small animal.

A cute white kitten started prowling around the girl, rubbing itself around her ankles and purring graciously.

With a soft smile, (y/n) picked up the kitten and raised it to her eye level, only to notice an important fact.

The kitten was missing his left paw.

With a soft giggle, the girl rubbed noses with the kitten and he stuck out his tongue slightly, bleping and closing his eyes. Hoisting the groceries bag better on her arm, she put the kitten inside her blouse, hiding it with her thin green shawl and went back to the Bureau.

(y/n):Come on, sweetheart, you’re coming home with me. I’ll have to introduce you to someone. He will adore you!

There, she saw her beloved scribbling frantically, not noticing her presence. She smiled sweetly at him, then meowed slowly making her way towards his desk.

Malik: Ah, (y/n), I see you’ve returned. (y/n): I have.

‘Meow’

Malik: *raises an eyebrow* What was that? (y/n): I have a gift for you~. Malik: Huh? A what?

The girl turned around, took off the shawl from her head and carefully took the feline from her blouse, cradling him in her arms lovingly, then turned to Malik.

Malik: A cat? (y/n): Isn’t he so adorable, Malik~? Malik: He is…But why did you bring him here? This place is hardly a proper place to raise a pet. (y/n): I think we can afford a little arrogance, after all we’ve done for the Brotherhood, correct? Besides, it’s just a small ball of fur, nothing inconvenient! Malik: Are you really going to take care of him? Cats can be quite…Stubborn, to say the least. (y/n): Oh, come on, he’s very affectionate! And…Well... Malik: He’s…He’s missing a paw… (y/n): He is. He is one sweet, strong kitten, despite his incapacity…And I think he likes you a lot. I mean...I guess you’re both incredibly brave and and amazing kittens!

The girl set the cat on the table, where he looked up curiously at the man in front of him, then started rubbing his head on Malik’s hand, rolling on the table, seeking attention from the man in cause. Malik was still in slight shock at the cat’s behaviour and being in general, while the girl was watching in glee. Those two really clicked off well.

Malik: What should we name him? (y/n): I had something in mind but…Only if you-… Malik: Kadar? (y/n): Kadar.

The man sighed, seeing her sweet, sad smile as she spoke his younger brother’s name, making him hang his head down, slightly going back to his sorrowful state, but the kitten was faster and he raised his sole paw up, trying to touch Malik’s face, as if he was worried about the man’s emotional state. With a tender smile, the girl cupped her lover’s face and kissed his forehead, hugging him tightly.

(y/n): Go rest, my love. You’ve been working so hard for the past days, it’s high time you get some time off. And don’t bother trying to argue with me, just take little Kadar with you too...You both need company. Malik: *sighs* You never know when to stop. Very well then.

He clumsily picked the cat up, going to his room and staid there until late at night. The girl yawned, slightly tired and bored from the lack of activity from the day, so she decided to call it quits and went to her room, changing in one of Malik’s large shirts that she stole a while ago, trying to catch some sleep. But she couldn’t. Her mind kept flying towards her paramour, left alone with his parasitic thoughts in another room, so she sighed, got up and knocked on the door, entering slowly, trying not to disturb him.

But he wasn’t asleep. Multiple candles were still alit, as he lay there, topless, reading a book, little Kadar curled up, nuzzling his neck.

(y/n): Are you okay,Malik? You kind of…Got me worried… Malik: Exceptionally ordinary. (y/n): Don’t try to fool me, Malik. We both know that’s far from true. Malik: Did you truly expect me to admit how bad I feel? (y/n): N-No…But… Malik: I’m not fine, but it matters little now. Injustice will always win, so forget it. (y/n): Look…I-I know…I couldn’t possibly bring your brother...Or your arm back...Nor turn back time and fix everything up…But…Okay, maybe I’m really useless…But I can’t stand seeing you like this. It hurts so much... Malik: You’re already half blind, just close your eye and you’re done. (y/n): Well, you don’t really handle this situation properly! But I want to help, Malik. I’m here for you. I’ve always been…So please...Please don’t shut me away.

He put his book on the table and got in front of the small girl, looking down at her, exhaustion and depression lurking obviously on his face. Being closer also meant that the outline of each wound was times more obvious on his sun-kissed chest, making her bite her lip. Malik: Isn’t that my shirt? (y/n): Might be. Malik: Your ex-thief career is showing again. (y/n): It was a while ago…

He turned his back to the fox like girl and put his hand on his face, slightly annoyed, trying to hide any emotion that might surface.

Malik: Just go to your room, (y/n). There’s nothing to see here but depression. (y/n): If I weren’t ready to stand by your side through every danger, I wouldn’t have come here. We’ve been together for so long and braved so many problems together... Malik: You are doing a grave mistake. (y/n): I prefer to make my own mistakes. But darling, staying my your side will never be a mistake.

The girl unbuttoned her shirt and hugged his wounded back tightly, resting her forehead on his shoulder. She could feel him tense up. He was stunned. Rooted to the spot. Unaware of his next move.

What was going on? What should he do? Those questions became even more conflicting as she started slowly kissing his scars, then nuzzled her face on the crook of his neck, no doubt standing on her tippy toes, as she wasn’t tall enough otherwise. He could feel the breathe hitch in his throat as his heart started aching more and more.

Malik: (Y/N)…Why…? (y/n): I don’t need a reason to comfort my lover, do I? Or is it a crime? Malik: No, but… (y/n): But what, Malik? Have I not been what you expected? I know I am a terrible lover and all that but…I apologize if I disappointed you…I just wanted to see you happy…Smile…Especially during these times of darkness…I know I’m no good...But I’m...I’m trying, I promise... Malik: No, don’t misunderstand, please. I only wish I could properly embrace you, but now, I am unable to comfort you…It s driving me crazy...I’m not worthy of you and your love anymore. You have been everything I could wish for and more than I ever deserved from this life. I just don’t understand why would you stand by me, even now. I’m a cripple. I’m broken, (Y/N), what is there left of me that you still cling to? (y/n): Obviously, your body may be broken, but I am hardly a model anymore, love. Nevertheless, as long as you can feel my warmth and feelings, then I’m happy. I love you, Malik, with or without your arm. It’s still you, just as I’ve always told you. I’m lucky to have met you and to have your feelings. And little Kadar thinks so too. So please, for us, make an effort and reach out to these feelings. Please...Let us save each other. Malik: I don’t deserve you...You are an angel... (y/n): I’m a fox, dearest, hardly a pure deity, so I guess you’re alright.

He turned towards her and caressed her face tenderly, having her own hand over his, then he untied her eye bandage, letting it fall on the ground, as she bit her lip and casted her gaze to the ground, trying to hide the wound.

(y/n): Quite ungraceful, if you ask me. Gory as hell. Nothing pretty to see here. Malik: It’s only fair to stay this way, when we’re alone in our intimacy, don’t you think? (y/n): Since when do we play fair, Malik? Malik: We never do.

He pushed the fire-kissed strand of hair covering her damaged eye behind her ear then leaned down, kissing her gently. Parting, he traces down to her neck, then slowly removes her shirt, revealing her bare shoulders and cleavage, both beautiful, yet both covered in merciless scars and fresh wounds that have yet to properly heal.

(y/n): Why do you still hold such a depressed look, my love? I know I’m hardly at my highest glory on the beauty-department, but- Malik: No, (Y/N), you will always be perfect, no matter what you think may look like flaws...And yet, these are all my fault. Each one depicts the time I was not there on time to aid you...Save you, just like I promised I would, the day I asked you to marry me. (y/n): Seeing that you have the same problem, I suppose we’re both terrible bad at out jobs as protectors, dear husband. After all, I said a vow as well, did I not~? Malik: Will you ever have it in your heart to forgive me? (y/n): What is there to forgive, if you’ve done nothing wrong? Stop overreacting, I am not the one suffering here. You are. Malik: But I- (y/n): I love you, Malik. And so did Kadar. What happened could have been avoided, but it was not your fault and we both know it. There is no use lingering on the past, when the present is right here, in front of you, telling you to wake up to your senses. Malik: *sighs* I know you are right, but I cannot just forget what happened. Not when it was just a few days ago... (y/n): You don’t have to forget, my love. Just don’t forget that the past is over. The present is all that we have. Malik: Then, may I enjoy this present for an eternity, with you by my side? (y/n): I will always be here for you, Malik. Always and forever. Malik: Always and forever.

They sealed the promise with a solemn kiss, the same way they did when they said their vows to each other on that faithful night, only the two of them, then went back to his bed, cuddling, with little Kadar just between them, all of them enjoying the happy memories and warmth, for as long as they lasted. Dark times may come, but they will always pass, sooner or later and that is something that Malik is never going to forget any time soon.

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