#the line she was going to be called something like Friday but aha. that never happened. i call her anything but her name | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

gc-genshin · 3 years ago

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Chapter Four: Epiphany

Epiphany (n.): a sudden insight or understanding of something.

Pairing: Various x female reader

Summary: You get an idea of what's going on… sort of.

Warnings: Explicit language.

Word count: 12.7k (holy shit my bad)

A/N: Uh… *taps mic* hello?? Is this book still relevant?? Did y'all miss me? Lmao, lot of shit happened the past months so I wasn't really able to focus on this story unfortunately. I hope this extra long chapter makes up for the wait! Plus this isn't proofread and I'll add the taglist later, I'm ready to post this chapter.

Happy reading!

Your first week of working at the Wangshu Inn was… uneventful, to say the least.

Other than being hectic trying to take care of guests because of Lantern Rite, nothing really surprising has happened. Which you suppose was a good thing.

After your little drinking incident that happened a few days ago…

—

“Perhaps…” Xiao started and you waited with a baited breath, nervous as to what he was going to say. “You are in need of some assistance, you imbecile.”

You looked at him with hazy and unfocused eyes. In your drunken stupor, you could only respond to him with an embarrassed laugh.

“Aha, yeah…” You trailed off awkwardly. Your eyes then began to droop dangerously low as a sudden wave of drowsiness had hit you. Xiao could only watch as you instantly passed out in his arms while letting out small snores. The adeptus let out an aggravated sigh as he picked up and carried you to your shared room, already regretting the decision of taking care of you.

—

It was safe to say you didn't see him for a day or two.

Today was Friday. One day before the Mingxiao Lantern was released. Goldet had decided to already pay you for your two weeks because of how hard you were working, which you tried to decline, but Goldet was as stubborn as you so you reluctantly accepted the money.

You were sweeping the reception area, bored out of your mind. You were done with all of your chores but you still wanted to work and be productive. You turn your head when you hear Goldet heave a sigh.

“Lantern Rite is nearly here, why don't we decorate the inn this year?” She asks you.

That line sounds familiar. You tilt your head, feigning confusion. “Lantern Rite? What's that?”

Goldet looks at you surprised. “Oh! Don't you know? On the first full moon of the first month each year, Liyue celebrates the Lantern Rite. It's a festival to commemorate the heroes from the past. After dark, the people release Xiao and Mingxiao Lanterns into the night sky.” She began explaining. “Ah... "May the flames of wisdom spread to all, and never be extinguished." This is the meaning of the lanterns. We believe they act as the beacons in the night, guiding bygone heroes back to their homeland.”

You gaze at her in wonder. “That sounds like a magnificent festival.” If I cried during the cutscene from the game, I wonder how much of a mess I would be if I was able to see it in person.

“Do you want to get involved in the Lantern Rite?” Goldet asks.

You nodded. “From the way you were talking about it, it sounds like a wonderful experience.”

Goldet clapped her hands excitedly. “That's great! The festive period leading up to the day itself is all part of the celebrations. If you're looking to take part, it's not too late.”

You thought for a moment. “Wait, so you're telling me that I don't have to work?” You asked Goldet.

She let out a small gasp as if she was shocked you would even suggest such a thing. “Oh Archons no! I would never ask you to work on a holiday such as Lantern Rite!” She exclaimed. You blink at her a few times, caught off guard by her slight outburst, and she laughed at your expression. “Haha... During this time, we pray to bring peace and ward off bad luck. Liyue locals call it "bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new."

After hearing Goldet exclaim, Huai’an, her husband and the innkeeper, came to see what the commotion was. “Verr, are you alright? I heard you yell.” He asked with a concerned look.

Both you and Goldet turned to him. “I'm fine, dear. I was just explaining to [Name] the history behind Lantern Rite.” Goldet tells him. “Can you believe this will be her first time celebrating it?”

Huai’an gives you a look of surprise. “You've never experienced Lantern Rite?”

From the way they were talking about it, you almost felt embarrassed to say no. You hunch your shoulders and meekly shake your head at him.

Huai’an noticed your timid state. “Well isn't this exciting?” He quietly asked Goldet. He then turned to you. “Lantern Rite truly is a wonderful experience so I have no doubt that you'll enjoy it. Plus I can teach you how to make Xiao Lanterns!” He gives you an encouraging smile.

You give them both a wide eyed stare. “So… I'll be able to go to Lantern Rite? You don't need me for anything?”

Goldet shook her head while laughing. “No, you silly girl. Everybody will be in the city to release lanterns, so the inn won’t be very busy that night.” She gives you a soft smile. “Go and have fun.”

Shit I might just cry. You looked at Goldet teary eyed. “Boss!” You wept comically. “You're too kind, boss! Paying me in advance, giving me a roof over my head, letting me go to Lanter Rite! What did I ever do to have such a wonderful boss?” You cried out and glomped her into a hug. You were totally using your younger appearance as an advantage to act more childish because you would have never done this with any other boss.

Goldet laughed at you, reciprocating the hug. “And what did I do to deserve such a wonderful employee? You've been working so hard since you've started, it would be cruel of me not to let you go and enjoy the festival.” She tells you while swaying side to side. You've come to realize that Goldet was starting to become like the older sister you never had.

You both pull away from the hug. “Plus,” Goldet began, “I paid you early in advance so that you would be able to go shopping.” She gives you a cheeky smirk. “Can't have you wearing my clothes and your uniform the entire time you're here.”

You laugh at that. “You're right.” You grin at her and Huai'an. “Thank you both so much, for all that you've done for me.” You say sincerely.

“Of course [Name]. Now go have fun shopping.” She gestures to the balcony. “I think you've just about swept the floorboards down to splinters.”

You thank Goldet again and give her one last hug before running to your room to change. But as you were making your way up the stairs, Goldet called out to you. “Oh [Name]! Um… also,” she trailed off uncertainly.

You crinkle your eyebrows in confusion. “What's up?”

“If you're able to…” she cleared her throat. “... could you... try to convince Xiao to go with you?” She asked. She then let out a sigh. “We're not close, I wouldn't know how to ask him myself. But it seems that you've grown familiar with him.”

You look at her confused. You? Being close with Xiao? Yeah, the thought sounds nice but there's no way you have already ‘grown familiar’ with him in just a week. If anything he tolerates you at best since you've forcefully wormed your way into his life.

“Really?” You tilt your head. “Xiao doesn't seem to be one for crowds.” Sorry Aether, I might have to steal your idea. “I mean, I'll try and convince him but I can't make any promises.”

Goldet let out a resigned sigh. “I suppose you're right… Anyway! Just thought I'd mention it. You should get yourselves down to the harbor.”

She then shoos you off with a smile. “Get going! If you leave too late, the city will be crowded with people and you won't be able to make the most of it.”

You nod enthusiastically. “Yes ma’am! Happy Lantern Rite!” You wave to her and Huai'an.

They both wave back. “Happy Lantern Rite!”

—

You burst into your room, practically vibrating in excitement at the thought of having your own clothes. You hurriedly started to strip out of your uniform, unaware of the curious gaze that came from your current roommate.

Xiao was currently leaning against the railing on the balcony that accompanied the room and was wondering why you were in such a rush. As he turned to question you, he instantly turned back around upon seeing you reach behind yourself to start buttoning your dress, keeping his gaze on the scenery before him. Xiao let out a deep breath and rubbed his forehead in aggitaion. I just can't get used to her doing that.

However, when you start to undress, you notice Xiao quickly turn around out of the corner of your eyes. Halting your movements, you call out to the young adeptus as you buttoned your uniform back up. “Sorry Xiao! I didn't know you were there!” And you made your way to the bathroom.

Hearing you say his name made Xiao tense up in surprise and furrow his eyebrows. He was one hundred percent certain that you would have just kept undressing in the middle of the room, being the shameless mortal that you are, but you didn't. You instead moved to change in a different room. Huh… perhaps she does have some decency.

You quickly came out of the bathroom after that interaction, dressed in Goldet’s clothes for the last time. Seeing Xiao still out on the balcony, you walk up to his side while enjoying the warm breeze.

Xiao looked at you from the corner of his eyes, nearly seeing the excitement radiate off you. “Where are you going in such a rush?” He asked. You perk up when hearing his voice and swivel your head to him.

“Goldet is letting me go experience the festival!” You exclaimed excitedly. “Isn't that great?”

Xiao rolled his eyes and let out a scoff. “What's so great about releasing glowing trash into the sky only for it to return to the sea?”

You hummed. “Well, it's like any other tradition I suppose. It's not so much the actual festival or ritual that matters but more of the meaning behind it instead.” You shrug. “Plus it gives me an excuse to go shopping, you coming with?”

“No.”

You let out a groan and roll your eyes. Even though you were expecting it, you couldn't help but feel a little disheartened at his answer. “Why not?” You question. Although I already know why.

Xiao gave you a look. “I don't enjoy large crowds of people.”

You let out a sigh. “Fiiiiine,” you drawl out, “no means no so I guess I'll stop bothering you about it.”

Xiao raised an eyebrow. Really? She's going to quit just like that? He looked at you dubiously.

“For now.” You added mischievously with a smirk.

There it is. Xiao should have known better. He found out that you were too damn stubborn to give up easily pretty quickly. He shook his head at you. “Do you plan on leaving soon?” He changed the subject.

You nod. “I was going to leave as soon as I changed but then I saw you and just had to talk to you.”

That made Xiao scrunch his eyebrows. “You just had to talk to me? Why's that?”

You look towards him and give him a closed eyes smile. “Because I wanted too! Plus you're my friend and I enjoy your company.”

Xiao gave you a once over. A heavy feeling settled in his chest when you referred to him as a “friend”. That word left a bitter taste in his mouth. Everyone that he ever considered a friend had either died or left him in some way, and he never bothered to keep in contact with the current adepti, so the thought of you wanting to be in his company was worrying. Who knows how long it'll be until his karmic debt finally catches up to him…

And drags you along with him.

Xiao narrowed his eyes at you. You immediately took notice of his tense state and swallowed at the harsh glare he gave you. Uh oh. You let out an uncomfortable laugh. I don't think he liked that.

“What have I told you about getting close?” He asked harshly which caused you to curl in on yourself slightly.

“In the thousands of years that have passed, I have taken countless wraiths,” he began, “so if you want no trouble, it’s best you keep your distance from me.” After he finished scolding you he turned to leave, going to do who knows what. You watched as he seemingly stormed away. Slightly panicking that he was leaving because you had upset him, you steeled your nerves and asked the first thing that came to your head.

“But what if I want trouble?”

Your question made Xiao stop in his tracks. He turned to look at you confused. You wore an expression that was full of confidence that waived slightly.

“What if I don’t want to keep my distance away from you?” You continued. “You told me to “stay out of your way or all that awaits me is regret”, right?” You quickly stride over to him and jab a finger in his chest.

“Well guess what honey? That's a risk I'm willing to take.” You tell him fiercely. “I make my own choices and if I happen to make bad choices then I will deal with the consequences of those choices.” You place a hand on your chest and glare at him determinedly.

“You have no say in what I ultimately can and can't do, Xiao. Only. I. do.” You finally finish and place your hands on your hips defiantly.

Xiao looked at you blankly, trying to process what you had just said. When he finally did, he looked at you sternly. “Is that really what you want?”

“More than anything.” Your eyes bore deep into him, not wavering in the slightest in your decision. “You saved my life. The least I can do for you is offer you my company and assistance in any way for not letting me splatter all over the ground. Even if you don't want it.”

After a few heartbeats of silence, Xiao reluctantly gave in and sighed while crossing his arms. “You are the most troublesome human I've had the displeasure of knowing.”

You smiled triumphantly. “Glad we're on the same page!”

“Well I'll be heading off now. Do you need anything?” You ask as you start heading towards the door.

“Nothing in the city would be of use to an adeptus.” He responds. “Don't forget your blade.”

You promptly made a 180 turn and walked towards your nightstand where a little dagger laid. Since you weren't able to fully wield a bigger weapon and don't understand how they do the whole whooshy thing to make their weapons disappear, I think he called it “particulation” or something like that, Xiao insisted that you had some form of weapon to protect yourself with.

You grabbed the knife and clipped it parallel to your belt, allowing your shirt to conceal it. “I don't see the reason as to why I have to have this thing. Aren't the Millelith scattered along the road to Liyue?” You then turn to Xiao and tilt your head. “Plus I can just call you whenever I'm in trouble.” Though that would probably be a last resort for me.

“I don't trust those lousy soldiers.” Xiao huffed.

You raised your eyebrow and pursed your lips, nodding in agreement. “Yeah… I don't blame ya.”

“Anyways,” you shrug, “are you sure you don't want to come with me?”

Xiao only shook his head. “Best you go alone. There's no need for me to be there.”

You look at him with big doe eyes, trying to convince him to at least walk you to the harbor. “But the road from here to Liyue Harbor is long and full of dangers... I need someone to ensure my safety!” You exclaim, seemingly scared.

“That's why I gave you your blade.” The adeptus gave you a bored look upon his handsome face.

You then startled Xiao when you clapped your hands into a prayer position and brought them to your head. “O Vigilant Yaksha, please escort me safely to the city!” You cry out.

Xiao tensed at your sudden decloration. Normally, Xiao was used to other’s praying to him and hearing their wishes but when you did it, it made him feel… fidgety. You seemed to hold yourself in a high regard that you didn't let anyone have control over your actions, so it was odd to see you with your head bowed to him.

Xiao crossed his arms and looked away from you. “Quit that. There's no need for you to bow to me.”

You perked up, an excited gleam in your eyes. “So you'll come with me?”

“So be it. I won't be going into the city though.” He retorted.

You throw him a smile. “That's fine!” You straighten back up and open the door. “Come on, let's go!” You wave at him.

Xiao shook his head at your antics and began to follow you. And to think that she's a grown adult. “Wait.” He called out.

You stop in your tracks and look back at Xiao confused. “Huh? Why?”

Xiao walks up to your left side and grabs your bicep. You looked at him even more perplexed. What is he doing?

You then began to feel a strong gust of wind swirl around you and in an instant, darkness flooded your vision and a familiar feeling of nausea came over you. When you opened your eyes again, you saw the gates of Liyue below the hill you were on.

You put your hands on your knees, trying to keep from puking everywhere, as you begin to process that Xiao had just teleported you both to Liyue.

“Here we are.” Xiao released your arm.

“Would have been nice to know beforehand.” You groan. After feeling like you weren't going to empty your guts out, you look up and let out a small gasp.

In front of you stood an archway that led to the bridge that entered into the city. Looking beyond that, you could see the beautiful Chinese architecture of the buildings that filled Liyue Harbor with the magnificent decorations of Lantern Rite along the city. You gaped at the scene before you. Holy shit…

Xiao swiveled his head to give a hard stare. “Don't go and cause any trouble.” He warned you.

That caused you to let out a snort. “Yeah, yeah, sure. What are you, my dad?” You raised an eyebrow at him. “Why did we teleport?”

“So I wouldn't have to listen to talk my ear off all day.” He responded bluntly, causing you to let out an offended gasp. “And I told you,” he continued before you could tell him off. “so long as you are in Liyue, it is my duty to protect you and not let any harm come to you.” Xiao reiterated.

“Wow… you really are my dad. But that's a pretty big responsibility. You sure you can follow through with it?” You question.

“Are you questioning my abilities as an adeptus?” He asked gruffly. He then leaned in closer to your face. “I always take care of my duties.” Xiao finished while staring you straight in the eyes.

Your eyes widened in surprise at his declaration. The way he said that so firmly and confidently made your chest feel light before tightening, a familiar feeling of guilt settling in, causing you to look away and frown. Shit… not now.

Noticing the change in your demeanor, Xiao tilted his head confused. “What's wrong?”

Shaking your head to get rid of the self-deprecating thoughts that were forming, you look up at him with reassuring eyes. “It's nothing.” You tell him with a small smile.

Going back to your seemingly old self, you give Xiao a look. “Alrighty,” You turn towards him and hold out your pinkie, “pinky promise it then.”

He gave your pinky an inquisitive look. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. “You have heard of a pinky promise before, right?”

Xiao squinted his eyes at you. “Is this another strange human gesture?”

“Eh, I wouldn't necessarily say it's strange. More endearing than anything.” You hold your dominant hand and make a “give it” gesture. “Give me your hand.”

Xiao hesitantly puts his hand in yours. You close it into a fist, only leaving out his pinky. You then bring your own pinky and lock it with his own. “Now say your promise again.” Xiao looked at you reluctantly. You let out a groan. “Come on dude, just do it please?” You say giving him your best puppy dog eyes.

Xiao sighed. “I promise, so long as you are in Liyue, that I will protect you and not let any harm come to you.” He looked at your still entwined pinkies. As he said this, a gentle breeze drifted between the two of as if it was sealing the promise between you and Xiao. Xiao watched as the wind suddenly made your hair flutter around you and the way the afternoon sun casted just the right amount of shadows on your features as you looked up at him. At the moment he didn't see the fifteen year old features that made up your current face but the mature, more sharper features that he saw from your most recent pictures and student ID.

“Now what?” Her hands are really warm.

You give him a smile. “That's it!” You then let go of his pinky, bringing your hand back to your side.

He looked at you confused. “That's it? Nothing special happens?”

“The special thing about pinky promises is that the person who broke the promise gets their pinky cut off by the other person who made the promise.” You say to him.

“That's quite gruesome for such a little act.” Humans confused him so much.

“I think it was more of a scare tactic for kiddos than anything really.” You shrug. You then started walking to the city. “I'll see you later Xiao!” You call out with a grin.

“Be careful.” He told you with a subtle nod, which made your smile somehow even brighter, before teleporting away. You then turned back around and practically skipped to Liyue.

—

You made your way down the hill and soon came upon the gate that led to the city. In front of it stood two guards, you couldn't bother to remember their names, who gave you a nice ‘welcome to Liyue Harbor’ as you walked past them. As you walked over the bridge you saw the Mingxiao Lantern standing tall in all its glory. Continuing on, you finally stepped foot in the city. With a look of amazement on your face, you spun around while trying to take in all of the decorations.

I can't believe I'm actually here… You let out a disbelieving laugh and began to feel your eyes become misty. Am I really tearing up right now? Oh my God I am. You shake your head trying to get your emotions in check. As you carry on walking further, the infamous somewhat creepy shipowner, Bolai spots you looking around like a lost puppy. Which you really weren't, you were just hypnotized by the decorations.

“Hello young lady!” He called out to you. You whipped your head towards him, slightly startled. When you realized who was talking, you made a small grimace. Oh… it's that really creepy guy that I don't like.

As he makes his way towards you, you put your guard up as you straighten your back. “Hello.”

Bolai raised an eyebrow as he stopped short of you. “What a strange accent. Are you perhaps foreign?” He questioned.

You furrow your eyebrows. I have an accent? “Something like that.” You reply with a shrug your shoulders nonchalantly and a ghost of a smile on your face. Ain't no way in hell are you talking about yourself to him.

Bolai narrowed his eyes at you suspiciously. How interesting. “Quite the mysterious one, you are. Tell me, young lady, where do you hail from? Fontaine? Sumeru?”

“Sure.” You tell him halfheartedly. Why the fuck is he grilling me so hard? I should probably give him some sort of answer so he'll leave me alone. “I traveled a lot so I never really had a distinctive place to call home.” You smoothly lied. Well… it wasn't entirely a lie.

Believing your little fib, Bolai’s face softens into a look of realization. A young girl like you didn't have a home growing up? Is that what you were hinting at?

Taking notice of the subtle pity look that crossed his gaze, you groan internally. Great, now he's going to think that I never had a home. Whoops!

“Well just know that you are always welcomed here in Liyue,” He reassured you, kinda. Your eyebrows raise slightly in surprise from that. “And if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, you can always come to me.” He finished ominously while giving you a smile that seemed a little too kind.

You leaned your torso away from the strange man and looked at him mildly creeped out, yet kept a polite smile on your face. “Duly noted… thanks.” Trailing off, you maneuvered your way around and sped walked away from Bolai. A fake shiver runs through your body. Ugh… just as creepy as I remember.

You continued further into the city. Your head was constantly moving from left to right, up and down, taking in the gorgeous decorations that littered the buildings and streets. Pulling out the Mora pouch that Goldet gave you, you recounted the money that you earned from your first week working. 60,500 Mora… that should be plenty right? You paused. Actually, isn't that a lot of money? This seems like a lot for just a week of work. After pondering a few moments, you shrug the thought off.

You made sure to visit almost all the food stalls that were on the harbor to experience Liyue’s cuisine authentically, as well as how to make Xiao lanterns. After doing all the activities you possibly could, you made your way up the gigantic steps that led to the main road of the city.

As you made it to the top, you put your hands on your knees trying to catch your breath. From being on your feet all day from working plus the training the Xiao puts you through, it's safe to say you were pretty damn tired. You're kidding me. I can not be this out of shape! You thought.

Heaving one last breath, you straighten back up. You looked out to see the streets bustling with people with a slight grimace on your face at the crowds of people. You absolutely hated crowds of people because being around them just completely drains your energy.

However, your curiosity and astonishment motivated you to move forward. As you walked through the city, you kept an eye out for any clothing shops because you needed your own clothes, since that's pretty much what you came here for.

Letting your gaze continue to search through the windows of various different shops, your eyes landed on an article of clothing that caught your attention. You quickly make your way to the store and opened the doors, causing a bell above the door to let out a little chime and alert the store owner and other shoppers of your presence.

“Welcome!” They called out. You give them a small wave in response as you make your way over to the outfit. Once you made it, you reached your hand out to feel the smooth silk of the fabric. It was a beautiful sleeveless, purple dress that reached the middle of your thighs. Around the skirt of the dress laid two longer pieces that were a darker purple and draped along the sides. The top of the dress was two different colors, the right being a dark purple that were the same color of the longer pieces while the left was a lighter purple that matched the skirt, and had a high collar and with an opening in the chest area. The dress also adorned what looked like a wide obi belt, but you weren't too sure. The whole dress was trimmed with gold accents and had gold swirls all along it. Next to the dress were a pair of low ankle boots that matched the color theme.

This was the one.

You yoink it off the rack and look around for the owner. When you found them, you asked if they had any dressing rooms to try on the dress to which they led you to one. You begin to strip as soon as the door closes behind you. I really hope it fits otherwise I'll be heart broken.

As you slipped the dress over your head you zipped up the side and fastened the button on the collar. When you turn around to face the mirror, your eyes widen in surprise. Holy shit… I've never had a dress fit me so well. The dress sat magnificently on you and accentuated your curves. However… You looked down at your chest to see that your bra from your universe was most definitely visible thanks to the opening that went from the collar of the dress to the belt. I'm gonna have to do something about that. Looking back in the mirror you took notice of your tattoos. Those as well. You thought for a moment. Plus I don't particularly like wearing dresses unless I have leggings or something underneath it.

You begin to take the dress off and put your other clothes back on. I wonder if they would have some kind of body suit or something… You put the dress back on the hanger but continue to hold on to it. Making your way back towards the racks of clothing you begin your search.

As you walk through the aisles of clothing, you notice a black full body suit hanging on one of the racks. Bingo! You thought with a smile. You made your way to the suit, but you failed to notice the other body that was backing up into you.

Feeling a sudden weight on your right side, you stumble a little due to the force. However, the person that ran into had lost their balance and started to fall to the ground. Eyes widening in surprise, you were quick to catch them by grabbing them under their arms. When you looked down to check on the person to see if they were okay, you felt your breath hitch.

Staring back at you startled are lavender colored eyes that were lined with dark, thick lashes that belong to the one and only Ganyu.

You begin to feel your cheeks grow warm as you look down at the gorgeous half-adeptus in your arms. Ohfuckohfuckohfu– “Are you okay?” You asked worriedly. When you looked up to see what could have caused her to trip, you were greeted with the sight of a man that looked a little too pleased with himself. As he looked away from Ganyu and up to you, you made sure to give him the coldest glare you could manage – which made the man’s smirk falter and back up just a little.

Fucker.

Ganyu blinked as she came back to her senses. “Y-yes! I'm alright.” She gives you an appreciative smile. “Thank you.”

You return her smile. “It's no problem.” As you help her upright, you lean closer to her ear. “Do you know this guy?” You whispered. She looks at you from the corner of her eye and subtly shakes her head no.

You looked up to the creep and gave him an ‘innocent’ smile. “Is everything alright here?”

Realizing the slight hostile undertone in your voice, the man gives you a strained look. “Y-yes, everything's fine!” He stuttered and gestured to Ganyu. “I just thought I'd give this young lady a little help.”

Your eyes flicker from her back to the man. “She looks to be just fine on her own. What does she need help with?”

The man’s opens then closes, trying to think of a good excuse. “I… uh… well, she-!” You cut the man off with a raised hand.

“I'm going to stop you there. You're making yourself look like a fool.” You chastise. “It's obvious what you're doing and you're clearly making her uncomfortable. I suggest you stop now before you keep digging your grave even deeper.”

Eyes blown open and mouth agape, the man stares at you in shock from your words. Was I really that obvious? The man thought. He felt himself cowering in on himself under the heavy gaze of the two girls.

“Well, whatever.” He scoffed while avoiding eye contact, seemingly trying to act tough. “It's not like she was actually attractive.” Yet he received no reaction from either of the girls, as they continued to stare. The man began to fidget from their silence, then quickly turned around and left the store.

Both you and Ganyu let out a sigh. “Thankfully, that's over.” You tilt your head at Ganyu. “Does that happen often?”

“No, that was the first time it has ever happened.” She reveals. She then bows toward you. “Thank you for helping me.” When Ganyu straightens back up, she places a hand on her chest while giving you a sweet smile. “My name is Ganyu, secretary of the Yuhai Pavilion.”

God, she's even more gorgeous in real life… You flush a little as you give her a small bow in return. “It's nice to meet you, Miss Ganyu. I'm [Name] [Last Name].”

“It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss [Last Name]. Again, I do apologize for bumping into you earlier.” She tells you.

You wave your hand dismissively. “Just call me [Name], please. Calling me by my last name makes me feel old.” You joke.

Ganyu tilts her head curiously at you. “If I may ask, how old are you?” She asks innocently.

You pause, processing her question. Damn it. “I'm fifteen.” You manage out. I really hate telling people that because then they'll treat me like a child…

“Really?” She wonders aloud. “You're quite mature for your age and you seemed to know exactly what to do in the situation that happened earlier…” She trailed off.

You freeze hearing that. Oh shit! Has she caught on already?! You let out an awkward laugh. “Yeah, mature…” You say while making a subtle face. Although Xiao would disagree otherwise.

“Anyways, thank you once again for helping me. Is there anything I can do for you in return?” Ganyu asks.

You bring a finger to your chin and hum in thought. “Actually there is.” While Ganyu waits patiently for your request, you give her a smile. “Would you know of any stores that would have a body suit?”

The beautiful half-adeptus perks up in response. “As a matter of fact, this store has the same ones that I wear. Let me show you.” She then beckons you to follow her.

You do so with a skip in your step.

—

You and Ganyu soon left the shop, with you now wearing your new outfit that screamed main character. Thankfully the body suit was able to cover all of your tattoos. As you continued through the city, making light conversations with Ganyu, you watched as two little boys, who looked to be around the age of ten, chased each other around the streets while laughing. You watched them with a small smile. While you didn't like kids, you didn't necessarily hate them either. Plus it was kind of your profession to be able to take care of them as well. But you definitely didn't want any kids. Well, right now at least.

You watched as they weaved through the legs of strangers, trying to avoid getting hit. However, as the one with light blue hair raised a hand out in order to tag the other little boy with darker blue hair and an asymmetrical cut, a man that wasn't paying attention to what was in front of him went to take a step and kneed the poor boy hard in the head. The pale blue haired boy went down in an instant.

You let out a snort and raised a hand to your mouth to hide that you were laughing. “That poor kid just ate shit.” You couldn't help but let out a few chuckles at the kids unfortunate situation. Ganyu looked at you confused from the corner of her eyes. I'm a horrible person.

“I'm so sorry, buddy! Are you okay?” The young man that hit the boy asked as he crouched down. He received no reply as the boy laid still. The man started to shake the boy, seemingly beginning to panic.

“Hey…” He called out once more. “Are you okay?” He shook the boy frantically. Still, he received no reply. “This isn't funny, kid. Wake up!”

You stopped laughing and straightened your posture as your ‘doctor mode’ kicked in. Now you were getting concerned. Thousands of scenarios ran through your mind as to why the kid wasn't getting up. Is he concussed? Is he faking it? What's going on?

The other little boy that was running away, turned around when he heard yelling. His orange eyes widened in fear. “Chongyun!” He cried out and began running back to his friend.

Realization dawned on you. Those kids were Xingqiu and Chongyun. Your feet moved before you even noticed it as you rushed towards Chongyun and the man. Ganyu jumped when you began running and raised a hand to stop you. “[Name], wait!” But you were too far away to hear her over the people walking around.

A crowd began to form around the two to see what was happening. This caused the young man to panic even more. He looked up to the crowd. “Is there a doctor here? Please, anyone!” He cried out desperately, yet no one made a move to help.

You shook your head at the crowd. I see that the Bystander Effect is still a thing here. Xingqiu made it to Chongyun before you did, then got to his knees as soon as he reached him and started tapping Chongyun on the shoulder. “Chongyun?” He asked. “Wake up ‘Yun!”

You finally made it to the crowd and started elbowing your way through. “Excuse me! I'm a doctor, please let me through!” You yell out to the pedestrians. They turned and looked at you skeptically. Your lip curled up into a sneer at the people's ignorance. I don't have time for this.

“I said MOVE!” You yell out startling them in the process and forcing them to move. “Thank you!” You say exasperatedly, not forgetting your manners apparently. You quickly made your way over to Chongyun and got to your knees behind his head, gently placing your hands on either of his cheeks in order to stabilize his neck, in case he had injured it. Xingqiu noticed you and looked at you with tears eyes, worried out of his mind for his friend.

You looked to the man who started this whole mess. “What's going on? What happened?” You asked hurriedly while you checked Chongyun’s pulse.

The man seemed to be in a daze as he answered. “This kid just came out of nowhere. I had accidentally hit him with my knee and now he's not waking up.” He explained shakily. “Then this other kid just now showed up.” He pointed to Xingqiu. He then looked at you confused. “Aren't you a little young to be a doctor?”

You look at the man and give him a glare. “I don't think that matters right now since I'm the only one who even bothered to step in and help the poor child.” You glared at the rest of the crowd when you finished which made them avoid eye contact with you. Murmurs started to float through the crowd. What was this girl doing? Who is she? She's clearly too young to be a doctor.

You ignore their not so quiet whispering and look over to Xingqiu, giving him a reassuring smile. “Hey buddy,” you started softly. “What's your name?”

The normally composed boy let out a sniffle. “Xingqiu.” He responded. “My friend, Chongyun, isn't opening his eyes! Can you help?” He asked pleadingly.

“Don't worry baby, I'm a doctor.” You tell him, the pet name subconsciously slipping out of habit from when you worked with kids. “I'm going to help him and make sure he's okay.” Seventy beats per minute. Normal heart rate. Nineteen breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rate. If he wakes up soon, it'll most likely be just a slight concussion. You mentally start going down the checklist for head trauma patients when Chongyun finally opens his eyes.

Quickly taking notice, you yell at the crowd. “Everyone back up please! The kid is waking up so give him some space!” The crowd immediately backs away. You look back down at the boy who was wincing from the sunlight.

“Hey honey,” You gently try to get his attention, “can you hear me?”

Chongyun opened his eyes fully and looked at you, confused before squinting from the sunlight. From his position on the ground and the way the sunlight was hitting his baby blue eyes, you were able to see that his pupils were equal in size. Good. No anisocoria, no serious brain damage.

“Wha…?” Chongyun groaned out. With your hands on his cheeks, you gently tapped them to shift his attention back to you.

“Hey honey, look at me.” You instructed. “What's your name?”

The boy paused for a moment. “Chongyun.” He answered.

Alright that's one question. “It's nice to meet you Chongyun.” You smile at him. “Chongyun, do you know how old you are?” You continued.

“I'm ten.” He responded a little quicker this time. You nodded your head at him. That's two.

“Do you know where you're at, Chongyun?” You made sure to keep saying his name so that he would focus on you.

After a moment of silence, he responded. “I'm in Liyue.” He then closed his eyes and let out another groan. “My head hurts.”

“I know, dear. One last question, okay?” You tell him. He nods. “Do you know what happened to you?”

He thought for a moment. “I was… I was chasing Xingqiu,” said boy perked up in response to his name, “we were playing tag. I almost caught him then it suddenly got dark.” He opened his eyes and looked at you. “Why did it go dark?”

You give him a look of reassurance. “Your noggin got hit pretty hard and you fell down. You were asleep for a few minutes but you'll be okay.” You tilt your head. That's the last question. A and O times 4. He's alert and aware. “Does your head still hurt?” You asked as you began to palpate his neck, feeling for any serious injuries. You removed your hands when you found none.

He nodded. “Do you feel pain anywhere else? How about your neck?” He shakes his head in response.

“Good. Do you feel like sitting up for me sweetie?” You ask. Chongyun slowly moves to sit upright with your help and you guide him to the curb to sit on so he was out of the road. Xingqiu crawled over to his friend to see how he was doing, with you reminding him to overwhelm Chongyun. As you look out towards the crowd, you see Ganyu, who was carrying a cup of what you assumed was water, make her way over to your little group. She hands you the cup, which you thank her profusely, and you give it to Chongyun.

“Drink it slowly.” You advise him. “I don't want you choking on me now that you're awake.” You tease gently while sending a subtle wink to Xingqiu, causing the young boy to giggle.

He gingerly takes the cup from your hand. “Thank you ma’am.”

“Thank you, ma’am!” Xingqiu tells you as well.

“It's not a problem.” You reassure both of them with a smile. As soon as they saw that Chongyun was okay, the crowd dispersed and continued what they were doing. However, not without whispering amongst themselves how seemingly a teenager knew exactly what to do when taking care of an injured child.

You continued to sit with the two boys to monitor Chongyun, in case something suddenly went awry. Ganyu stayed as well, astounded at the young girl before her.

“What you did was quite impressive Miss [Name]!” The half adeptus praised. “I didn't know you were so vast in medical knowledge, and at such a young age too.”

You let out a few chuckles. “Well you only just met me today Miss Ganyu.”

She then gives you a sheepish look. “I was surprised to see you help him so quickly,” she leans in closer to whisper to you, “given that you were laughing at him earlier.”

“Oh… yeah,” You let out an uncomfortable laugh. “As long as they're not seriously hurt or in any danger, kids getting hit or falling is hilarious to me.” You let out a wince. “Wow, that sounds awful.”

“Yet you didn't hesitate to help him as soon as you saw that something was wrong.” Ganyu pointed out.

You lifted your hand to pet Chongyun on the head. “Well I've always wanted to be able to put my life to good use and help people in some way, so what better way than this? Helping people in their times of need.” You give Ganyu a cheeky smirk. “I may act all tough but I'm actually a big softie.”

“I'm well aware of that now.” Ganyu chuckles.

As you visited with the half-adeptus and two young boys, you failed to notice a pair of red eyes gazing at you with a look of mischief.

—

After triple checking that Chongyun was okay and him constantly telling you that he was, you wave the boys goodbye who returned it in full. Ganyu then tells you that she should continue running errands for Lady Nigguang and you may or may not have freaked out a bit inside when you heard her name. Waving to the half adeptus as well, you continue to wander aimlessly through the city.

You soon found yourself at the Wanmin restaurant, chef Mao working swiftly in the kitchen. He soon brought out your order and after paying, you made your way to the south side wharf. As you make your way to the dock, you sit down on the edge and look out at the ocean before you while swinging your legs. You welcomed the smell of salt water and the ocean breeze that fluttered around you, yet it did nothing to quarrel your racing thoughts.

I can't believe I've already been in Teyvat for a week and still don't have a fucking clue as to how I got here in the first place. You slide your hands down your face and clasped them together in front of your mouth. And Xiao has been no help to me in that matter unfortunately. The guy still doesn't talk to me that much anyways. Plus training with him has been difficult as well. I've learned that he's a super strict teacher and I've only managed to construct only two Geo items with him this past week but that was only when I was extremely frustrated or upset, so I have no clue as to how I'm going to be able to properly control the element… or that ‘particulation’ thingy with the weapons as well.

You drop your head in your hands and let out a whine. This is all so confusing! I really wish someone or something just give me some fucking answers!

You then look up and run your hands through your hair. Turning your head to the left, you see the giant Mingxiao lantern that was ready to be released once it was dark enough. You let out a sigh and try to relax. I should probably start looking for a place to watch it when it releases tomorrow. You stand up and start walking back to Feiyan Slope. Soon you crossed over the little bridge that connects Chihu Rock and Feiyan Slope. You decided to stick closer to the buildings to try and stay away from the crowds.

However, as you were too preoccupied to not hit anybody, you didn't notice a hand reaching out from an alleyway until it was too late. You felt a harsh tug on your left arm which caused you to let out a yelp. You quickly caught your bearings and when you turned to slapped your assailant, you froze as you saw a pale face that looked to be thirteen years old inches from yours. Red eyes with strange, floral shaped pupils came with the face and was framed with dark hair that faded into red.

Holy… Hu Tao? You wondered. But she looks a lot younger? Younger than this “me” that's for sure.

You give her a confused smile. “Um… hello?” Am I just going to meet every character in Liyue today?

“You're the one Mr. Zhongli told me about!” She exclaims. “It's nice to meet you! My name is Hu Tao!”

You swore you felt your soul leave your body when you heard his name. ZHONGLI?! HE’S LOOKING FOR ME?! OH SHI-! You're cut from your thoughts when Hu Tao starts pulling you. “Hey! W-wait!”

“C’mon! Mr. Zhongli is waiting for you back at the funeral parlor. It seemed like he wasn't too happy with you so we shouldn't keep him waiting any longer!” She giggles.

Yup, I'm officially dead. Maybe now I can go back to my world and be normal again.

Soon the young girl brings you to the doors of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. You gnawed on your lower lip. Fuck… I'm more nervous now than I was when I was taking the MCAT. Maybe because I'm meeting a FUCKING GOD?! You begin to slightly hyperventilate, the reality of the situation finally sitting in. FUCKFUCKFUCKFU-

You are once again snapped out of your internal freak out by Hu Tao pulling on your arm. The girl pushes the doors open while bringing you with her. The inside is about what you expected from a funeral parlor with coffins lining along the walls along with different types of shrines. After a few twists and turns, you and Hu Tao reach a very intricate door with a plate on it that says “Consultant: Zhongli”. You clench your jaw as you could practically feel the intense aura that radiated from him even through the door.

Without even knocking, Hu Tao busts through his door. “Mr. Zhongli! I found her! This is the girl you were looking for right?”

The wind gets knocked out of you upon finally seeing him in person and your knees about damn near buckle from underneath when you make eye contact with him. If you thought Xiao’s eyes were intense, then you don't even know how to describe Zhongli’s.

The Geo Archon narrowed his eyes towards you. “Indeed it is, Hu Tao.” His deep voice rumbled throughout the entire room and shook you to your core. “You may take your leave now.”

The young girl pouted. “Aw… and I wanted to see you scold her.”

A quick glance from the corner of his eyes was enough to make Hu Tao take the hint and leave, however not without whining on her way out.

As soon as Hu Tao was gone, Zhongli stood up and took large strides towards you, causing you to start panicking. Hu Tao, why did you have to leave me alone with an Archon?! Soon the man towered over you, forcing you to look up at him. The shadows that casted over his being due to him blocking out the overhead light made his striking amber eyes all the more intimidating. You felt like you were about to be pounced on like a mouse cornered by a barn cat.

Then Zhongli lowered his face closer to yours. “So you're the outlander who took my vision without permission.” He accuses. You feel your breath hitch in your throat and your palms beginning to clam up. You had never been more intimidated in your life and you have fought against people twice your size no problem before!

“Oh…! Um, t-that was me?” You stutter out. Your eyes widen when you realize just how fucking stupid you sounded.

Zhongli coolly looked at you. “Of course it was you. I knew that you were not of this world the moment you arrived in Liyue.” He tells you firmly while staring straight into your soul. “Now, do inform me on how you were able to acquire this power without a Vision granted from me?”

The silence was deafening in the room. You thought you were just about to faint until your experience from working under pressure in the emergency room decided to kick in and not fail you as you quickly composed yourself.

“In my defense,” you raise your hands. “it was completely out of my control.”

Zhongli raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

You let out a sigh. “Here's what happened. A saw a Statue of Seven in Guili Plains, in all of its glory, and as soon as I was near it I felt a pulling sensation. Later that day I was extremely frustrated and all of a sudden a rock pillar just came out of the ground.”

Zhongli hummed in thought before finally standing back to his full height, allowing you to breathe again. He brought a hand to his chin and looked down in thought. “Interesting. I have not heard of such instances where that has ever happened, with me or any of the other Archons.” His eyes met yours again. “So what makes you special? So special that even the adeptus Xiao has decided to look after you?”

You couldn't help the exaggerated laugh that bubbled out of your throat. “Ha! I wish I knew, but your guess is as good as mine sweetheart.” You pause. “I also know that you're Morax too… if you haven't figured that out yet.” You finish meekly. WHAT THE FUCK AM I SAYING?!

The Geo Archon’s eyes widen at you. “How did you know that? Where exactly did you come from?” He interrogates.

You quickly explain to him the same thing that you told Xiao, that he was from a video game and that you were aware of what was to come in the future as well as how you somehow physically de-aged.

“Interesting.” Zhongli thought for a moment. “It appears that you come from a similar universe in which our’s exists but in a completely different manner.”

“How much of our universe do you know through this ''game”?” He questions.

“I know of some future events that will happen, but the lore of the story is still a complete mystery. We don't even know how long the main story of the game is.” You say.

Zhongli pondered. “I see. If you know what is to happen in the future, then it would be best to let things run their course and not intervene with it.”

“Yeah, the butterfly effect and shit like that.” Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise as you subconsciously swore. You quickly slap a hand over your mouth. “Sorry… it's a bad habit.” You apologize quietly.

Zhongli decided to ignore your mishap. “So you're aware of what could happen. And since you're already aware of my identity, I presume that you know that I go by Zhongli now?”

You nod your head. “Yes, I do.” You then realized that you haven't introduced yourself. You quickly bowed towards him. “My name is [Name] by the way! [Name] [Last Name].”

Zhongli nodded. “It's a pleasure to finally know the name of the outlander that took my Vision without consent.”

You make a face at his snarky comment. “Is it a pleasure though?” You muttered rhetorically.

“Let's continue with your situation.” Zhongli diverted the conversation back on track. He then looked towards you. “Perhaps if you tried to remember the events that happened to you before you came here, that may give us a better idea as to the reason why you're here.” He then gestures to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please have a seat. It will be easier for you to remember if you're comfortable.”

“I do remember being on a bridge but that's the only thing I know now.” Moving to sit down, you tuck your dress skirt underneath you and cross your legs, trying to look somewhat professional. You take a deep breath as you gather thoughts. What happened before coming here? What was I doing? You lean forward and rest your elbows on your knee while interlacing your hands, then put your forehead against them. You close your eyes and your eyebrow twitches into a furrow as you begin to concentrate. [e/c] eyes move rapidly behind eyelids as memories start to form.

“A hospital…” You began. “I was working a shift in the hospital.”

—

“Hi Miss Bradford!” You cheerily call out as you knock on the door. The old woman looked up from her magazine and smiled at you with dull blue eyes.

“Dr. [Last Name]. How are you doing sweetheart?” She asks softly. Miss Bradford was a quiet old lady in her seventies with salt and pepper hair and the brightest, most gorgeous blue eyes you had ever seen.

That was before she had started chemotherapy.

Miss Bradford was your most recent patient. You had treated her a few months ago when she came to your emergency room with intense chest pains. After taking multiple different CAT scans and MRIs, you and several other doctors had concluded her diagnosis as breast cancer. Although you admitted her to Oncology, she kept having complications when she had started chemotherapy; causing you to see her quite frequently.

Today was the day Miss Bradford would start her third round of chemo and you decided to bring her her favorite lunch before starting. Miss Bradford was hell bent on beating this cancer but after her most recent round she had started to lose her appetite. Which was never a good sign for a cancer patient.

“I'm doing well, thank you. And I thought I told you to call me [Name]?” You grab a chair and pull it up next to her bed.

She gives you a small smile. “But you worked so hard to earn the title of a doctor. I'm only giving you the respect you deserve.”

You shook your head playfully at the older woman. “How're you feeling today?”

She let out a sigh. “Tired, but better than yesterday. I'm ready to get this damn treatment over with.” She grumbled.

“That's good! Do you feel like eating today?” You ask.

She shook her head. “Not really but knowing you, you'll probably force me to eat anyways.” She looked at the plastic sack in your hand. “Whatcha got there?”

“Well hopefully this will bring your appetite back for today. It's your favorite!” You raise the bag higher and place it on her food tray. “Almond Tofu! I remember you telling me that it was your go to desert when you lived in Singapore, so I had one of my foreign exchange friends teach me how to make it.” You let out a dramatic sigh. “I can't tell you how many times I messed up baking this damn dessert.”

Miss Bradford looked at the sweet treat with tears in her eyes. “Oh, [Name]…” She let out a wet laugh. “You didn't have to do that.”

You smiled at the older woman. “I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to.”

She suddenly reaches over as quickly as all the tubes hooked up to her allowed her and brought you into a tight hug. You fretted over her before she cut you off.

“Thank you, [Name].” She whispered. You reciprocated her hug gently.

“You're welcome, Miss Bradford. Though I can't guarantee it'll be just like the real thing.” You playfully warned.

She let out a laugh as she pulled away from the hug. “I'm sure it will be wonderful.” She gives you a grateful smile. She then evenly separates the dessert and gives you half of it. You shook your hands no at the offer.

“No no, Miss Bradford, I made this for you so you don't have to share it with me.” You politely decline.

She glares at you but smiles. “I know I don't have to but I want to.” She quipped.

You gasp. “How dare you throw my own words back at me!”

“Just take the damn dessert, Dr. [Last Name].” She laughed out loud.

Letting out a sigh, you grab the plate from her and begin to eat with her. You both chatted for a couple of minutes after finishing before you were paged to be back down in the emergency room. You grabbed the plastic container the dessert was in and threw it away. As you moved the chair back to its proper place, you looked at Miss Bradford.

Reaching a hand out, you place it over her own. “Thank you for eating today, Miss Bradford.” You tell her sincerely. “I know it's getting hard but all of the nurses are telling me that you're doing great.”

“Just two more rounds and it will be over.” You encouraged her.

The older woman nods as she grasps your hand and gives it a tight squeeze. A nonverbal thank you.

“Do you need anything else before I leave?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “No, Dr. [Last Name]. I'm quite alright. Now go save some lives.” She lets go of your hand and shoos you off.

You roll your eyes teasingly. “I'll be back to check on you after your treatment. Try not to see me this time around!” You open the door and wave back at her. “Good luck! You got this!” You then swiftly leave the room and head back to your station.

As soon as you were gone, Miss Bradford’s smile dropped immediately. She laid her head back and lifelessly looked at the ceiling. Tears started to fall from her cobalt eyes as she thought about you and the gift you had made for her.

“I'm gonna miss you, [Name].” She whispered into the empty room.

—

After three days, you fortunately had the day off from working so you immediately went to go see Miss Bradford.

You soon made it to the familiar room. “Hi Miss Bradford! How do you feel-” You stop in your tracks upon seeing Miss Bradford lying in front of you. The older woman looked nothing like what you had seen three days prior. Her beautiful salt and pepper hair had begun to fall out and her skin looked like it was barely hanging onto her bones.

You quickly come back to reality. This is what chemo does. And elderly people tend to not survive the drug. You remind yourself.

You take a deep breath and walk towards the bed. “Miss Bradford?” You call out. “It's me, Dr. [Last Name].”

The woman slowly opened her eyes. Her bleary and glazed over eyes tiredly searched for the voice calling out to her before landing on your form. Her dull blue eyes light up in recognition.

“[Name].” She croaked out yet still gave you a smile.

You give a smile right back to her. “Hi Miss Bradford.” You greet softly. You squat down next to the bed so it was easier to make eye contact. “How're you feeling?”

She let out a tired sigh. “Like shit.”

You chuckled quietly before you both sat in silence for a few moments. You open your mouth to say something but the older woman beats you to it.

“I don't think I'm gonna make this round, sweetheart.”

You clench your jaw hearing her statement. “Don't say that.” You tell her firmly. “I thought you wanted to kick this cancer’s ass?”

The poor woman couldn't even manage a chuckle. “Don't all patients say that?” She asked. She looks past you and out the window. “I think it's my time. I can feel it.”

She then closed her eyes and gave you a grateful smile while reaching up to cup your cheek. “Thank you, [Name], for sticking by my side even when my own children didn't. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful doctor to take care of me.”

You held the hand that was on your cheek and gave the older woman a sad smile as if to say “I'm sorry for not doing enough”, yet she seemed to understand what your smile conveyed as she began to caress your cheek as a means to console you.

“Keep saving lives, Dr. [Last Name].”

The steady flat note of a heart rate monitor tells you that your patient has finally passed away.

Her hand that was on your cheek laid flaccid on your own. You closed your eyes and let out a shaky sigh. After a few minutes of sitting in silence with your deceased patient, you press the nurse’s call button. You then place her hand next to her on the bed. Shortly after several nurses come into the room and begin to console you while covering Miss Bradford’s body with the sheet. You watched them as they wheeled her out of the room.

She told you to keep saving lives and you plan on doing just fucking that.

—

It was dark out when you finally left the hospital after you said your last goodbyes to Miss Bradford. The temperature had dropped significantly causing a shiver to run down your spine and goosebumps form on your arms.

You're not going to lie. Even though she told you that she was ready and already accepted her death, you couldn't help but feel like you failed her; so you were feeling pretty depressed. Everybody was so determined to get her healthy again, to go back to a somewhat normal life again. But it was never that easy.

You passed several buildings as you continued home. Soon you were passing your current town's local park when you suddenly stopped, a sudden feeling of anxiety had come out of nowhere. It felt like there were eyes on you, watching your every move. Your face sets into a hard glare to try and look intimidating. You turn around in a circle trying to find any suspicious people, yet you only found yourself alone in the street which unsettled you even more.

A sudden rustling causes you to whip your head to the right. Your eyes immediately lock onto a bright pair of golden ones that look at you from the tree line. Neither one of you refused to blink or look away, seeing who would back down first.

Your eyes widen when the other set of eyes seem to just dissipate into thin air. After a few moments of trying to process what the hell just happened, you shake your head.

I must be going insane. You thought. When you turned around to continue home, your gaze caught sight of something on the sidewalk. On the sidewalk was what looked like gold flecks of dust hovering in front of you. Being the completely logical person you were, you tried to kick the dust away from you. However doing so only caused more gold flecks to appear and soon a trail of them started to manifest that led into the forest where you saw the pair of eyes. You looked at the trail bewildered. What the actual fuck is going on? You drop your head and let out a defeated sigh.

“Yeah, I'm over this.” You mumble out loud. You walk through the trail dead set on going home and sleeping for the entire day tomorrow. Now you weren't going to lie, yes you do get upset whenever one of your patients pass away, but normally not this upset because that was part of your job; it's bound to happen. But Miss Bradford’s death seemed to be taking a bigger toll on you than you thought.

However, as you tried to walk through the trail it forcefully turned your body to walk to the forest. Your eyes widen as your adrenaline spikes and your fight or flight kicks in as you start thrashing around, trying to release its invisible hold on you.

“Hey, wait! Stop!” You cry out. You whip your head in all directions, trying to look for someone to help you. “Help! Anyone, please!” Yet all you received was silence from the empty street. While the gold dust continued to push you toward, you still tried to fight against it though you quickly began to falter thanks to the mentally and physically taxing day you just went through.

As if it had sense you were giving up, the trail abruptly stopped pushing you. For a split second you thought about running off again but decided against it. You watched as the trail formed and led even deeper into the forest where the bushes and trees were so thick that not even the bright moon that was above could illuminate it. Your eyes flicker down to the trail before going back to the forest then back down to the trail. You grimace at the trail as if you were saying “do I really have to?” to it.

All of a sudden, your head whips up to the tree line as you hear music softly playing from it. From your limited musical knowledge, it sounded like it was a harp or some type of string instrument. You feel your muscles relax and your heart slows its frantic pace as the soft melody coursed around you, like a warm comforting blanket that had just come out of the dryer, and a sense of peace had washed over you.

The logical side of your brain was screaming at you to not listen to it. To not be a dumbass and see where it was coming from. To run away as fast as you could while screaming for help, yet you already knew that wasn't going to work. But the hypnotic song that the harp-like instrument was playing kicked that side of your brain to the curb as it lured you into the forest.

Your feet moved before you even realized it and soon you began to bush limbs away. After a few minutes of trying to follow where the music was coming from, it started to get louder and then light filtered through the trees. You quickened your pace and pushed away the last of the trees, but froze in your place as the music suddenly stopped and at what you walked upon.

In front of you was nothing but a vast and endless bright blue sky. From above where the sun continued to glow brightly but seemed to be twice the size of what it was before, to below you where you could see a single hint of land anywhere. Clouds rolled by thanks to the gentle breeze that blew past you and tall pillars were littered throughout the area, some were even floating!

You turn back to the forest behind you with a confused expression before looking back at the open sky. Wasn't it just night before? And why is this… oddly familiar? Where have I seen this before? You wondered.

You jumped nearly ten feet in the air when you heard a noise at your feet. You look down to see individual slabs of concrete form a bridge several feet out in front of you and the gold trail resumes onto the bridge.

You stare at the bridge processing what just occurred. You could practically hear the Jeopardy theme song playing in the background. You sharply inhale and your eyes widen when finally realized why this was all familiar.

Motherfucking Genshin Impact! I thought I recognized this loading screen!

You place a hesitant foot on the bridge, expecting it to crumble but it stood sturdy. You take another step, then another, and after four steps the bridge begins to form out again. You keep walking as the bridge does so. You do this for a few moments, giggling to yourself about what is actually transpiring.

“I really have gone insane.” You laughed. “Ah, and my future was so promising.”

A loud boom from below cuts you off from your self deprecating thoughts. What the hell? You get down on your knees and crawl over the edge of the bridge to see a huge black rip in the sky.

“Outlanders,” A voice boomed out. “your journey ends here.”

And out stepped the Unknown God.

Oh shit. You gasp quietly as your heart rate accelerates at the sight of her. She's hotter in person. You looked around for the twins and quickly spotted them on a platform just below the Unknown God.

“Who’re you?” The queen herself, Lumine, calls out.

“The sustainer of heavenly principles.” The Unknown God summons a black cube in her hand. “The arrogation of mankind ends here.” She then creates a cube below the twins, forcing them to jump out of the way. They spin in the air and summon their, much cooler than the ones in the game, wind gliders with swords in hand.

The Unknown God sends multiple horrifying trails of cubes after the twins, forcing them to fly and twirl out of the way of them while causing the whole sky to rumble somehow. Soon the twins fly towards the Unknown God and collide with her creating a huge explosion.

The explosion caused the bridge you were on to shake due to the force. You grabbed on tighter to the ledge in hopes of keeping your balance, but an aftershock made you slip off from the edge. You let out a terrified scream as you suddenly began to fall.

Your scream caught the trio's attention and made them look at you. The twin’s faces morph into a shocked and horrified expression as you fall while the Unknown God’s eyes narrow in recognition. “There you are.” And sent cubes after you, yet you are completely immune to what's happening around you thanks to the wind that was blowing in your ears.

Lumine quickly yelled to her brother. “Aether, catch her!” She diverted her attention back to the god. “I'll take care of this!”

Aether jumped into action and quickly flew to you. He willed his wind gliders to move faster than the cubes and was soon on you. He then flies underneath you and catches you bridal style. You let out a loud “oof” as you roughly collided with something and opened your eyes, which had subconsciously closed when you fell, to see Aether flying away with you in his arms and away from the cubes.

Aether looks down to your wind blown form. “Are you okay?” He asks gently. How you could hear him over the wind, you didn't know, but you could only stare at him in shock, not actually believing that he was real.

Taking in your silence as being in shock from the fall, he flies higher in the air and turns to the Unknown God to see his twin getting sucked into the god’s cubes.

“Lumine!” He cried out. He looked between you and his sister before ultimately throwing you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while keeping a firm hold on your thighs. He zooms to the god at high speeds which catches you off guard.

“What the fuck?!” You screech. You were starting to get a little motion sickness from all of the sudden movements.

Aether dips behind the god and swings his sword at her which causes an even larger explosion than before. You let out a scream at the loud sound. You could feel Aether’s chest rising and falling rapidly under your legs due to him panting. You hear him gasp and you turn over his head to see what was happening, though you already knew.

However, the sight of the smoke from the explosion coming back and encasing Aether’s hand was more terrifying in real life than it was in the game.

“Hold on!” He orders then quickly readjusted you so that he had a hold of your waist. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and cover your face in his shoulder, bracing for any sort of pain. Soon your vision started to turn black, but before it covered it entirely you heard Aether scream out to the Unknown God.

“Wait, don't go! Give my sister back!”

—

A/N: Kazuha is now officially the ninth member of the harem. Also, y'all... Inazuma? Lord help me I want to add Gorou and Thoma to the harem as well.

Side note, for all of the male characters that have a "young adult" physique like Aether, Kazuha, Xiao, etc. they're taller than they are in the game, from 5'6"-5'8" (Xiao still being the shortest) while those with an "adult" are anywhere from 5'10-6'2", because I said so lol.

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wizkiddx · 4 years ago

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unusable faces

i have exams hence why i needed to write something exceptionally cringe :)

PSA: this is completely inspired from one of my fave writers own blurb @blissfulparker --> completely recommend u go read hers its much better than anything i could ever write!!!! (and just her whole account) = link

Summary: pure exhaustion and mutual pining, Tom Holland x actress!reader

^(just thought this was cute, doesn't really fit aha but full credit to op!!)

A scheduling nightmare would be putting it lightly. Perhaps almost unavoidable but that didn’t make it any less of a hellish form a torture. Harry had very helpfully said it actually was a form of torture, that is sleep deprivation. Y/n loved her job - it was all she’d ever really wanted - yet that thought was quickly becoming not enough to get her through the day. Not when it felt like an interrogation tactic used by the CIA.

To give a quick timeline of the past few days may give a little context:

Thursday - filming the fight scene all day plus an evening-turned-half-the-night-shoot due to some technically difficulties delaying the process.

Friday - flying to New York while doing read throughs of scenes for the next few days; followed immediately by getting glammed and filming the tonight show with Fallon; then a dash across town to the late late show with James Corden; then straight back on a flight to Atlanta that landed at stupid o’clock in the morning

Saturday - a full day of shooting in a mock grand central station set

The press trip to NY had been unplanned… to say the least. But the star of their studios other new release had taken ill - meaning they had slots booked on some of the biggest talk shows in America that would just be abandoned (angering the shows bookers too). It was a waste of perfectly good promo time and since the studio had their two other stars together doing a block of reshoots - it wasn’t a conversation. Much more a call demanding the two of them to be on the plane.

Normally this wouldn’t be such an unmanageable ask either, except the reshoot block was really rather time pressured. You see, the promo tour wasn’t far from beginning meaning they really needed the final film in the can. So really it was a bit of a mess. Just to free up that single day the two were in New York the whole schedule had had to be rejigged - in doing so they’d lost a rare day off too. It was just typical.

The joys of success hey?

Well, that’s at least what Y/n was making herself think whilst her incredibly talented SFX artist was in the process of crafting a deep wound onto her upper arm. The reason why she would be ‘dripping with blood’ whilst at a train station was beyond Y/n to be honest - she hadn’t been allowed to read a lot of the script so even now as filming was drawing to a close, the story arc of the movie she was headlining was still a little ‘fuzzy’.

“So I watched your ‘spill your guts’ thing on YouTube” Ellie giggled whilst reaching over for more prosthetic putty- a technical term apparently

“I’m glad one of us enjoyed the experience” Y/n replied with a sigh, rolling her eyes at the mischievous smirk on her face - no doubt Ellie took great joy out of seeing her suffer through eating a thousand year old egg. Which Y/n swore the taste of was still in her mouth… and it seemed as though it’d never leave.

“Oh don’t worry darling I did too” Nelli called over from the next chair along, where she was doing Tom’s makeup for the day of shoots. “Between that and the animals on Fallon, you made a hell of a lot of people laugh last night” Tom’s artist was referencing the fact one of Jimmys other guests was a zookeeper, so at the end of the interview he had you and Tom join in trying not to scream at the snakes and spiders.

“You mean laugh at us?”

“Well of course darling!” Nelli exclaimed back in an overdramatic bronx accent making all three of the women burst out laughing, Ellie’s unceremonious snorts echoing through the trailer only egged them all on more.

Tom in response, who had otherwise been absent from conversation for the majority of the morning, exclaimed a curse and jumped up in his chair. While you and Ellie collected yourself, Nelli apologised to him.

“Oh sorry love, I’m interrupting your snooze with my uncontrollable comedic gift” She spoke sweetly, even if still taking the moment to flaunt to the other women, as she squeezed his shoulder compassionately.

“No no” Tom waved off her apology, attempting to rub his eye before Nelli swatted his arm away - a stern look for the risk of ruining all her hard work she’d put into making his face look half presentable.

“I’m impressed you can sleep while they poke you with all these er instruments” Y/n added in, having only just realised Tom had been in a light sleep for god knows how long they’d been in that chair. It did seem a bit unlikely, being able to fall asleep as you were dabbed, prodded and brushed.

“Maybe you should try though Y/n… your purple eye bags are proving a struggle even for me” Ellie quipped back, now it was Y/n’s turn to give the stern look. Tom took the explain though, shutting her off from whatever kindly meant insult she was about to throw back at her friend.

“No normally never, I just….” He was cut off by an ear splitting yawn, appearing almost powerful enough to crack his jaw - which would be a disaster, for no one should ruin such a beautiful and sharp jaw line. “…uh-sorry. I just think I ended up taking my NyQuil and DayQuil the wrong way round in the madness of yesterday.” Only Tom, the poor kid often seemed to lacking in any form of common sense - even if those closest to him knew just how intellectual and passionate he could be about the right topic. Affectionately, Nelli scalded his idiocy by jokingly swatting his head with a little tut.

“I can’t believe your still standing then! I’m barely alive and I don’t have any sedatives in my system.” It was true, Y/n was at that stage where every part of her body felt ridiculously heavy… eyes included … eyes especially.

“But I did sleep on the jet back while your stupid self was studying the script!” Tom replied with a pretty inarguable point - at the time he knew her actions were stupid; when their flight took off at 11 PM he was certain that the most valuable asset to his ability to act in the reshoots today would be sleep - rather than character development. And he’d tried to convince Y/n that briefly, but gave up. She was bloody stubborn when she wanted to be.

“Stop competing about who has it worse cos I think it’s me and Nell”Ellie announced - making Nelli agree empathically with her coworker, nodding her head as she looked first to Y/n in her chair then back at Tom.

“Yeh because we have to deal with your unusable faces!!”

After much sarcasm thrown back and fourth, the trailer slowly ebbed it’s way back into serenity and peace as both artists focused on their work. Once Nelli was done she excused herself, Tom staying in the chair in favour of studying (more like staring blankly) at the dialogue for this mornings scenes. His pretence didn’t last long though and while Ellie was busy adding the final touches of fake blood to the now almost completely believable gash that she’d crafted on Y/n’s arm - Y/n had her attention focused the opposite way.

At poor little Tom. He looked so childlike, his slightly puffy eyes looked as if they had weights tied to them - they way he was having fight against gravity to flutter his eyes open, before loosing the next second only for the process to repeat as they dragged downwards. The broad muscles of his neck occasionally seemed to occasionally let up a little, letting his head tilt slowly at first until it gathered enough momentum to throw him off balance. The then sudden movement of his head unconsciously pulling itself back in line caused his eyes to bolt open prior to the whole cycle repeating again. All Y/n wanted to do was let him lay down someone, her heart feeling a tug in her chest just seeing him like that.

Ellie proclaimed her completion of the wound, leaning back to admire her work before looking to get an affirming nod from Y/n. Yet instead, she was too preoccupied gazing at the boy slouched across from them. “Someone seems a little distracted.” Ellie smirked, finally garnering Y/n’s attention, only feeling more and more smug watching a light tint appear on the actors cheeks.

“I-well-no… we need to go.” Y/n ignored her words as though nothing had happened, instead rushing off the chair to get Tom out the chair and onto the awaiting set. They had places to be.

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||| (bcos im lazy)

Honestly when the director, Ed, called for lunch break, it was pretty apparent to be purely as a compassionate gesture to Y/n and Tom. Both of them had tried so hard this morning to fully commit, even so they’d both been almost completely useless. Y/n kept missing cues whilst all Tom’s actions and lines where slow, dragged out and at times completely prompted from someone behind the cameras.

So when the lunch break was called there was only one thing on Y/n’s mind and what sandwich was available in the mess tent was not it. Still standing on the set next to her fake holdall bag she looked toward Tom, who was pulling himself up to standing from the train station bench - the pace of his movement making him look more like an old man.

“You good?” His answer was predictable.

“I’m so fucking shattered”

Tom swore he’d never heard anything sweeter come out of Y/n’s pink lips than her next statement.

“C’mon I know somewhere we can lie down.”

Without any sort of thought Tom blindly agreed, nodding as he took her outstretched hand in his. The gesture in itself brought a fresh wave of comfort to his aching limbs and as his feet stumbled to catchup with her slight head start he leant the majority of his weight into their connected hands.

Neither would admit it but they were ‘a thing’… whatever the hell that meant. It was clear as day to everyone and anyone that worked closely to the two but neither of them had ever broached the topic with each other. They’d worked on a few films together over the years; each time they got closer and closer to the point any job without the other simply wasn’t as good. It was scary though, especially for two actors in the prime of their careers. If they weren’t working the same film they’d likely be the opposite side of the world to each other most of the time - quality time together would be few and far between, Really their jobs didn’t suit dating at all, yet it would be perhaps easier if one half of it worked a ‘normal’ job. Something with consistency, a regular structure. A level of dependability that neither Y/n nor Tom could offer to the other.

So it was terrifying, acknowledging the growth in their magnetic attraction to each other. Both were acutely aware that doing that, confronting their feelings, would most likely signal the beginning of the end.

Although none of this stoped Y/n from returning the gesture, tilting her shoulder into Tom’s left side as they took slow steps through and then out the set building. She steered the two past the hair and makeup trailer and round into a store and extra equipment trailer. Tom tilted his head as she climbed the stairs whilst beckoning for him to follow - it didn’t seem like the most obvious choice. Rolling her eyes, Y/n explained.

“It’s where all the blankets and coats and kept for the raining scenes plusssss no one will disturb us in here.” Again Tom was not in a position to disagree, eyes drooping as his shoulders sagged to the floor. Right now he’d take anything.

So he climbed up the stairs and shut the door behind him, just as Y/n flipped the light on. She was right, it was well equipped and with an almost mountainous supply of red blankets that normally the crew and extra would all be wrapped up in after the freezing rain scenes with all the ‘waterfall machines’ as Y/n called them. However it was also um…. It was cosy. “Oh I don’t think I realised how small it was” She chuckled lightly, since now the door was closed her back was pressed up against the far wall of cabinets and still her front was mere millimetres from Tom.

“I…I don’t mind… if-if you don’t?”

“I’m too tired to care” She giggled in response, and Tom , now with her seal of approval, immediately started ransacking the piled shelves for all their worth creating a floor carpeted in the pale red of the blankets, in an attempt to make it more cosy. Joining in, it was almost remarkable how quickly their bodies suddenly agreed to move, with the new promise of rest mere moments away.

Once the trailer was fully drowned, Tom kicked off his costume shoes and threw his jacket off - it haphazardly landing by the doorway. Y/n copied him, leaving her stood up whilst he had the advantaged of already settling down on the floor, her standing and looking down at him.

The space between the two opposing shelving units was not close spacious enough for two people to lie down whilst keeping a respectable level of personal space. Suddenly feeling a wave of awkwardness, Y/n stayed standing, wringing her hands slightly - whilst fairly certain Tom could hear her heart running at 100 mph.

“You er… gonna stay there or?” Tom, contrary to popular belief, wasn’t a complete idiot - he could see she was suddenly self conscious. He got it too - they’d never crossed this boundary of choosing to cuddle into each other. It had happened once of twice accidentally over there 2 years of knowing each other. Both of those times it was completely accidental, falling asleep watching a movie with a safe distance of space b between the two, only to find hours later their bodies almost completely intwined. Tom would be lying if he said that his heart didnt skip a beat when he had awoken to Y/n’s soft and gently breath fanning into his neck. He’d loved it, but understood that was unconsciously breaking down part of the wall they’d both been the constructors of.

For fear of getting hurt.

So now, as Y/n awkwardly bent down and lay on her side, he thought it was imperative to make her feel comfortable. Naturally then, his arm slid round her shoulders and pulled her down toward his chest, releasing a little breath as he felt her relax, her legs slowly wrapping round one of his.

“This okay?” He murmured, now into the crown of her head as she lay half on her side half on his chest. In reply she nodded into him and Tom couldn’t help but grin- unbeknownst to him but Y/n was doing the exact same thing.

The peace lasted all of 3 seconds until she groaned again.

“What?” Tom enquired as she wriggled out his hold and stood up. Instead of replying though she just leant over and flicked the one harsh light bulb off making Tom chuckle as she fumbled her way back onto the padded floor in the darkness, earning a few grunts from both as she accidentally kicked Tom’s thighs or banged her head on one of the now empty shelves. Fumbling her way back into a comfortable position, occasionally cursing when she stubbed her toe- or Tom did when she accidentally elbowed him in the ribs.

“Comfy?” Tom asked a little sarkily as he squeezed her a little more into his side.

“Mhmmmm… I’m gonna sleep for 100 years”

“Yeh me… me too”

And with that they both almost instantly and in complete unison sagged into each other and the blankets - the pent up stress and tension of the past few days ebbing away.

What the pair had neglected to remember was that sleeping for 100 years wasn’t really an option. The whole crew of 50 people, who wanted to restart filming after 45 minutes, had not been told about Y/n’s little hiding place. The pair were so completely safe in their own little cocoon of comfort they were completely oblivious to their teams calling there names more and more frantically. Completely oblivious to the game of hide and seek the situation had descended into, completely oblivious to Harrys natural annoyance as the director asked him for the whereabouts of the two stars - as though Harry was childminder to the pair of them.

It was Nelli who found them first. She’d and Ellie and Tom’s manager had all been recruited by Harry as part of the man hunt. Both girls, having seen first hand the state of the two this morning, were fairly certain they’d both crashed out somewhere. So Nelli, already with a sneaking suspicion, opened the door gently, her figure blocking the majority of the light from seeping through to the dimly lit inside. The sight she was met with had her actually pouting at the cuteness - and yes its a cringey word but also the only one appropriate.

Between bedding down and barely an hour later the two had managed to become impossibly tighter pressed to each other. Y/n’s face was pressed into the crook of Tom’s neck and his arms seemed to have pulled her on-top of him almost completely. Her left leg was hooked under his right, which was then sandwiched by his left too. They both looked so pure and innocent and god did Nelli know they both needed any extra time they could get.

Nelli cared a lot about Tom, she’d been working with him from the beginning, from the child star days to now. She cared about him like her very annoying surrogate son and she wanted to see him looked after. She also so completely wanted the two stars to stop pining after each other. Because frankly it was getting a little frustrating for everyone else.

So she chose to tactically forget about her discovery, sneaking a photo on the sly before silently pulling the door closed and leaving them to their sleep.

#tom holland #tom holland fluff #tom holland x reader #tom holland x famous!reader #tom holland x actress!reader #fluff

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sleeperswakewriting · 4 years ago

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fire alarm

Thank you to @nicolanoodles for the prompt: “the fire alarm went off at 3 am and now the cute guy from the flat next door is standing next to me in his underwear AU”

AO3

Rating: G

Pairing: Levi x Petra

Petra groaned and rubbed her eyes as she slid into her slippers. Not again…She thought, throwing on her robe and grabbing her phone. She padded to her front door with not nearly as much haste as she probably should have, but she was tired. For the third time this week, her building’s fire alarm had gone off, and each time had been a false alarm. Something related to a new system, is what management told everyone, but it still didn’t make up for the fact that this was now the third night this week that she had woken up at 3 AM. By the time the firetrucks were called and the all clear was given, she barely fell back asleep before waking up at a prompt 5:30 AM to get ready for work.

Her coworkers and students commented on her ragged appearance, which made her all the more frustrated since she was usually known for her sunny disposition, but even she had her limits, and she was someone who valued her sleep. It didn’t help that she recently moved into the building so she had nearly another year before her lease was up, and she was so sure that this apartment would be the perfect fit for her modest salary and being a single woman.

Skirting down the stairs, Petra noticed her neighbors also lazily making their way back down, each of them with the same annoyed and dazed look. Petra knew most of the people on her floor, an elderly couple three doors down, a single mom and son across from her, and a young couple with an adorable Pomeranian that she often saw in the afternoons when she returned from work. There were a couple neighbors unaccounted for, and Petra assumed that their schedules never aligned, but she never had any noise complaints, which was the plus side to her floor.

The summer breeze hit her as she made her way onto the grass, the moistness catching her fluffy slippers and she grumbled, wondering if the apartment complex would reimburse her for physical and emotional damage. If anything, her students will be suffering tomorrow since Ms. Ral had been at the end of her rope all week, and one more student on the red zone would take away Friday’s movie afternoon. Clearly, lack of sleep made her heartless, but at this point she didn’t care, she wanted to get back into her bed.

Petra pulled up her Snapchat to show her friends that yet again, she would be in a bad mood all day. As she raised her phone to the apartment complex to snap a picture of the screeching disaster, she immediately noticed a man standing a few feet in front of her in his underwear. Well, his black boxer’s to be exact. He had flip flops on, and he wore a scowl equal to the people around him. His eyes focused in on her, and his grimace darkened.

They made eye contact and Petra yelped, immediately turning around and slapping her phone to the side of her leg and out of sight. Oh my god, he must think I’m such a perv. Don’t turn around, Petra. Even if he is hot and has a six pack, you were not taking a picture of him in his underwear!

“Oi,” a man said, tapping her shoulder, and she went hot.

Slowly turning around to meet her judgement, Petra went crimson as the man in the boxers stood in front of her. He was glaring (as he should, Petra thought) and pointed to her phone in her hand. He was only a few inches taller than her, maybe a just bit older too, with grey eyes and an undercut.

“What the hell?” He asked, and Petra found it very hard to breathe. The last time she was this close to a near naked man was her ex-boyfriend, and that was someone she knew very well. This was a stranger! A very sexy, are-his-muscles-photoshopped stranger.

Petra took a step back, squishing further into wet grass and she stuttered, “I-I wasn’t taking a picture of you. I was just taking a Snapchat to show my friends to complain. I would show you, but you know, Snapchat.”

The main raised an eyebrow, not buying her story, and she groaned. “I promise I’m not a pervert. You’re really attractive, but I’m not the type to snap pictures of random guys.”

He raised his eyebrows even further, the annoyance disappearing and his expression softened to something closer to amusement.

Realizing what she just said, hung over from lack of sleep, Petra clamped her mouth shut and took a deep sigh.

“Let me start over. Hi, my name is Petra. I live in 34C.” She extended her hand, hoping to get into the stranger’s good graces before he reported her for harassment.

The man shook her hand. “Levi. 34B.”

God, could this day get any worse? He was her freaking neighbor too?! One of the nameless ones that apparently worked opposite hours. Feeling lightheaded, Petra released his hand and stared at the ground in embarrassment.

Seemingly uncomfortable with their silence, Levi coughed. “This shit sucks,” he said, pointing his thumb at the firetrucks that started to pour in. They were a good 100 feet away from the building, but the noise was enough to give her a headache.

“Yeah,” Petra agreed lamely, her silk robe suddenly feeling too tight.

“How long have you been living here?” He asked.

“Just two months, I got a job in the area over the summer. You?”

“A year.”

“Oh, so are these things common? I’ve been meaning to ask around but I’m always so tired when they go off, but I’m not sure how much longer I can take it.”

“Not really, but it’s still fucking annoying. Not like we have work or anything,” he mumbled sarcastically, running his fingers through his hair.

Since the conversation had mellowed out and he didn’t seem as agitated at her, she allowed herself to peek at him, admiring his muscular features. Maybe he was a personal trainer? Or in the military?

“I know, right? I have to deal with so many brats in the morning, this week has been killing me,” she commiserated.

Levi seemed to smirk as she spoke, and she amended, “Not that I don’t like my students or anything! They can be a handful, but I usually really do like them when I’m not sleep deprived.”

“You’re a teacher?”

She nodded enthusiastically, “Third grade.”

“Wow,” he replied sincerely. “I couldn’t do that, too much noise.”

“What do you do?” She asked, feeling braver.

He crossed his arms, and Petra swallowed as the action highlighted his chest and biceps. “I’m a lawyer.”

“Oh! Like defense attorney stuff?”

“Child welfare,” he replied, looking to the side, and Petra’s heart melted. Hot and chivalrous? She had to tell Nanaba about him later.

“That’s amazing!” She said enthusiastically, nearly forgetting about his unclothed state, and she stepped closer to him. His eyes widened as the side of her robe brushed against his stomach, and she caught herself, giggling.

“Aha, sorry!” She pulled the straps tighter against her. “Can I ask why you’re in your underwear?” Don’t look near his groin, Petra. Don’t try to guess how big—

“I was asleep,” Levi deadpanned, as if it were obvious. Petra looked around them, wondering if anyone else was in a similar state of disarray, but most people were in their robes or threw on a jacket to cover themselves up. Seemingly, as if Levi could read her mind, “I never know if one of these things are real or not, so I just gun for it. I guess I should know by now, but it’s a pretty knee jerk reaction.”

“Do you want my robe?” She asked suddenly, feeling bad for him and maybe he was feeling self-conscious.

“Hell no. I’d rather be like this than be caught dead in your pink lingerie.”

Petra blushed furiously. “It is not lingerie! It’s a robe!”

He nodded, and with a teasing lilt to his tone, “Sure. With a v-neck cut out to show off your cleavage. Just a robe.”

She looked down at herself for the first time since putting on the ensemble, and she grew hotter noticing the lacy and thin tank top she was wearing. It was obvious to anyone looking at her up close that she wasn’t wearing a bra, and her sleep shorts cut off before her robe, making her look pants-less.

“Do you want to sit in my car and make out until the trucks leave?”

“W-What?!” Petra gaped, and she looked up to see Levi’s face lined in amusement, holding up his car keys.

“I’m kidding. I was actually going to sit in there before I saw you taking a picture of me. We’ve already seen each other half naked, so it isn’t too weird to sit in a car together.”

Not seeing how her night could get any more embarrassing, Petra nodded and found herself following Levi to his car in the adjacent lot. Maybe I should call out of work tomorrow…

“For the record, I definitely was not taking a photo of you.”

“I wouldn’t mind if you did, though.” He said, opening the door to his black sports car, and Petra’s heart thrummed in her chest, inhaling the leather.

Maybe the fire alarm going off wasn’t so bad.

#rivetra #Levi x petra #petra ral #rivetra fanfiction

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lovelylunarwriting · 5 years ago

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Yangyang Prince!AU

Yangyang’s known around the kingdom as less of a prince and more of “the king and queen’s child”

He’s just not the princely type??? He 10/10 looks like a prince and -33/10 acts like one

While some royalty just have that "aura” about them,,,, Yangyang does not

But that’s not a bad thing! He’s incredibly approachable as a person

Not a soul would dare to address him as anything but “Prince”, though, for fear of him overhearing and being like “excuse me what the fuck did you call me”

While the country itself adores the prince and his natural personality, the king and queen take issue with his “lack of royal precedent” and hold him to a ridiculously high standard.

He doesn’t seem to let this dampen his spirit, though. Whenever local newspapers ask him about it, he always says “I’m firstborn and in line to the throne. There’s not much they can do about it regardless if I keep filling the courtyard fountains with soap so that they bubble. Who doesn’t like bubbles?”

Deep down though it takes more of a toll on him. In his eyes, it’s like his parents are saying he isn’t good enough to be king one day.

The reality is that they’re just worried that being in charge of the nation will stress him out like it has them, and they want to prepare him the best they can.

To prepare him for his eventual role, they send Yangyang into the nearby villages to meet with traders from other nations who want to open up shop in the many marketplaces.

Yangyang’s nation is known for their vast and varying markets because they’ll let just about anyone open a business as long as a member of the royal family approves it.

They go about doing this in two ways:

One, they can request an audience with the king and queen and they’ll write up a contract. The king is pretty much there for show, the queen is really the one who’s built this trade empire.

Or, two, if the person is in a rush they can schedule to meet with Prince Yangyang in town and plead their case to him. If he thinks it’s an extenuating circumstance, they essentially get a “Prince Fast-Pass” and receive an immediate audience with the king and queen.

For example, he had one woman who was a refugee from a war-torn nation across the continent and she came to their country to open up a shop to provide for her and her four kids. Yangyang was like “that sucks, I’m sorry. Do you wanna talk to my mom about it?” and personally escorted her to the palace.

You have been in this market for a h o t minute though. You got your audience with the king and queen when you were like,,,, twelve?? And you’ve been selling your family’s farms produce ever since.

One of your parents would’ve gone to the audience but there was a Very Serious Ladybug Problem going on with the tomatoes so they sent you instead (the queen was surprised but you presented a fair argument for the business,,,, she had no reason to say no)

So you set up your market every week, Monday through Friday. The weekends are for helping around at home (and sleeping off the work week, of course)

This season’s harvest hasn’t been nearly as plentiful as the previous. It’s not that there’s a shortage necessarily, just that the last season’s harvest was abnormally abundant.

Which of course means you’ll have to sell pretty much all of it to get a similar profit to last year while keeping the same standard prices (raising the prices wouldn’t be fair to your loyal customers)

“Guess there goes my Saturdays, then…”, you mumble to yourself, deciding to open up the extra day in order to sell every single tomato, carrot, and head of lettuce even if it kills you.

The first Saturday of the season comes and goes with no trouble, and so does the next.

But the third week. That’s when you notice him.

The pickpocket in the bright yellow shoes.

He weaves his way through the crowd with elegance and ease, reaching out here and there, plucking items from stalls, pockets, and displays, slowly putting them in his pockets.

You find yourself entranced, staring at him slip through stall after stall.

That is until he steps up to yours.

He glances up, making eye contact with you, and flinches.

Apparently your glare was most apparent than you’d intended.

You don’t say anything though and neither does he. He just smirks at you and makes his way to the next stall.

Your eyes follow him and you see him swipe a pair of earrings off the man’s table to your left.

You might’ve said something but:

1.) That particular jeweler is a creep to the women in town so he deserves to be robbed in your opinion, and

2.) If you snitch on some thief, that only makes you a target to whoever the thief is associated with. You don’t know if he’s got some thuggish friends and you’re not looking for a fight.

That is unless he decides to try and steal from you. Then he better be as good as fighting as he is pickpocketing.

After this initial encounter, you honestly forget about him.

That is until a few months later, when you spot a flash of bright yellow in the massive crowd on another Saturday morning rush.

You fumble to make change for the person buying three dozen heads of lettuce, trying to find his distinctly soft face in the sea of people.

At first you think you’ve lost him, until the lady buying out all your lettuce moves one of her bags and you see him snatch an apple from the barrel in front of your table.

Blinding hot rage sparks its way down your neck and shoulders, and without even thinking you shove the change into the woman’s hands and slide over the table.

The crook looks behind him just in time for you to grab him by the collar and drag him into the nearest alley.

The shock in his eyes is clear and although he tries to fight back, he can’t break your hold.

You shove him up against the brick wall of the alley and ask him one very important question.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?”

He kind of just makes a weird gurgling sound though because your knuckles are pressing into his trachea.

You loosen your grip a little and look at him expectantly.

“I’m the Prince-”, he starts, but you cut him off because listen you might not be rich but you’re not stupid.

“Bullshit. And you can keep that apple, but you better hope I never catch you stealing from me again”, you say, throwing him by the front of his shirt even further into the alley and storming back to your booth.

Once you gather your bearings, you think about the encounter.

You can’t pinpoint what it is that pisses you off so much about this guy in particular. There’s always been thieves in the market, it’s practically part of the system at this point.

But there’s always been one thing about the thieves that made you understand in a way, why they steal.

They almost always steal food and it’s because they need it. For themselves and probably their families. And you can’t find it in yourself to fault them for that.

But this bright-shoed bandit? He looks like he’s never missed a meal in his life. He’s got full cheeks, tan skin, toned muscles, and is missing that look of sheer desperation that’s in the eyes of all the thieves you’ve encountered thus far.

The only thing in this boy’s eyes is arrogance. And something else you can’t quite identify yet.

Sunday passes and you try to relax, but remembering that encounter just irks you.

Mom: “Y/N,,,, what are you doing”

You: “I’M GONNA GO PLOW THE FIELDS”

Mom: “Why would you do that by hand?? We have an ox for that??”

You: “Because I’m pissED oFF okaY”

It’s not until Monday that you hear the townspeople gossip like crazy about something that happened at the Sunday Market.

Even the vendors are talking about it instead of the usual small talk with customers.

“Did you hear? The prince rode into the marketplace on horseback yesterday”

“Hear? I was there! He made such a big scene!”

“Apparently he was looking for someone but he didn’t even know their name”

“Typical Prince Yangyang- he’s always up to something crazy. He’s such a lovely sight though~”

This goes on for hours and towards the end of the day you swear if you hear one more thing about “PriNcE YaNgyaNg anD hiS goRgEous faCe” or “PrinCe YanGyaNg aNd hiS sTeaMy mUScleS”, you might actually just close up shop and leave early.

At first it was interesting, but everyone’s repeating the same thing for h o u r s

Except for the man you’re currently selling tomatoes to.

“Yeah it wasn’t hard tah miss him with those bright ass shoes ah his”

Your whole body jolts and you drop the change the man just set in your hand.

Apologizing, you scramble to pick it all up and drop the coins on the table.

“What do you mean ‘bright ass shoes’, sir?”, you ask, your demeanor becoming physically tense.

“You know the kid loves collecting those new kinds ah shoes, right? ‘Sneakers’ or whaddeva ya call em? They’re all the rage in the next kingdom ovah, he musta gotten em imported from there-”, the man drones on and on, whilst you continue to panic.

“Sir please, what color were they?”

“Oh they were yellow like you wouldn’t believe! Brighter than the sun itself, and- hey! Where are you going?”

You hand the man his bag of tomatoes, grab what little produce is left and close down shop. If the prince comes back again today he could have you thrown in jail for treason for the way you spoke to him.

Everything's in the horse-drawn cart and you’re pretty much ready to go until you remember you left the change on the table.

Cursing to yourself, you abandon the cart for a brief moment and rush back to grab the money, but right as you reach for it, someone grabs your wrist.

Without thinking, you twist their arm around and pin them face first into the table.

Some of the coins fall off from the sudden impact and as your eyes follow them down…. you notice the man’s yellow shoes.

You quickly release him,,,, this thief,,,, the prince

As he slowly turns around, you contemplate whether you should request execution by hanging or guillotine….

But when he sees that it’s you, he just starts laughing.

Not like a maniacal “aha I’ve got you noW peasaNT” kind of laugh like you’d expect though. A genuine laugh from this boy.

From this p r i n c e

All instincts are telling you to bolt and just move to a different marketplace but,,,, you wanna know what this guy’s deal is.

Curiosity getting the better of you, you talk to him.

“Your Royal Highness”, you say in a sarcastic tone.

“Ah, so you believe me now? What’s changed?”, he asks and his voice sounds like honey. For some reason you’d expected him to be harsher.

“Your prance around town yesterday has been all anyone’s talking about today, Prince of Thieves”, you explain with disinterest dripping from your mouth.

“Prince of Thieves? I am prince of this nation, I’ll have you know”, he says and there’s that look in his eyes again that you can’t quite pin down.

“Then act like it”, you say with a certain degree of malice, and storm off to your horse and cart, leaving the money behind. It’s not worth it to grab it.

His eyes widen and he just stands there for a moment before chasing after you.

“Just- wait a minute!”, he shouts, running up behind you and putting a hand on your shoulder.

You grab his wrist, pulling him forward onto your back, and then flip him over onto the ground.

Once he’s down, you pin him down with your hands on his wrists and a knee on either side of his hips.

“I don’t care that you’re the prince. Your title means nothing to me. I care that you’re a thief. You steal from people who actually need money to live, and why? For the thrill of it? Grow up. If you want people to call you Prince then you better start acting like one”, you lay into him, letting all your frustration with him out at once.

You expect him to get angry with you. Maybe even yell. But he just looks,,,, sad. A little defeated, if anything.

“That’s not why I came here”

“You’re right, let me get off you so you can go pickpocket my customers”, you say, standing up and brushing the dirt off your pant legs.

“No, I came here looking for you. That’s why I came here yesterday, too”, he says, getting up and stepping between you and your horse. “Please, I need your help”

You take a deep breath in and out.

“My help with what exactly?”

“You fight like no one I’ve ever seen before. I need you to teach me”, he explains.

“Isn’t that what you have the knights for?”, you ask.

“They go easy on me. They’re worried if they hurt me while practicing, they’ll be fired by my mom”

“I don’t see why they’re concerned about hitting you in the face. It’s practically all I can think about right now”, you say nonchalantly.

“Wow okay- I could’ve gone without knowing that. But what do you say? Will you teach me? You’ve already showed me like three moves, just,,,, not on purpose I guess”

And for some reason,,,,, maybe because you’re lowkey worried he’ll actually have you hanged,,,,, you say yes.

You tell him it’ll have to be on Sundays and that he’ll have to come down to the family farm because “there’s no way in hell I’ll fight you that close to the queen’s wrath”

When you meet with him that Sunday though, he’s actually,,, quite charming??? And very polite to your parents, who were extremely surprised to see the prince on their front step (you might’ve forgotten to tell them about it)

This begins a routine of Prince Yangyang dragging you out of bed at dawn to spar with him in the barn out back behind your house.

The first few times he’d leave in the afternoon saying he “didn’t want to take up too much of your time”

But every time he leaves,,,, you find yourself missing his company.

Listen, he was an ass at first and he’s still an ass but it’s growing on you.

So one day, you ask him if he’d want to stay for dinner. And to your own shock, he immediately agrees.

He banters back and forth with you, makes jokes with your dad, and flatters your mom.

He’s got all of you around his finger and he’s not even trying to. He’s just being himself.

Now every Sunday he still wakes you up at dawn, much to your dismay, but he stays the whole day instead.

You spend the day together sparring, trying to knock each other into the pond, having lighthearted conversations, and getting the produce ready to go to market the next day.

To you, he stopped feeling like a prince a while ago honestly he never felt like a prince to start with but still

He’s your friend Yangyang that you throw into hay bales while teaching him self defense

One of those nights, the two of you are laying on the roof of the barn looking at the stars, when he says that he’d better head back to the castle.

“Can I ask you a question first?”, you ask, sitting up to face him.

“You technically just did”

“Oh shut up, you know what I mean”

“Hit me with it”, he says, closing his eyes and tilting his head back towards the speckled sky.

“Why do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Why do you steal from the marketplace?”, you finally ask, after silently wondering for months at this point.

“I don’t anymore”, he answers somewhat defensively, opening his eyes to look at you.

“Okay, then why did you?”

“...”

“...you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want….”, you say somewhat resigned.

Over the past month or so, things between the two of you has felt,,,, different.

You’ve been closer than ever, and talk to each other like you’ve known each other for years.

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t falling for him.

But it feels like he’s got a barrier built up between him and the world.

Everything fiber of your being aches to shatter it. For him to feel like he can trust you, even if he can’t trust anyone else.To be special to him the way he’s special to you.

“I needed to do something to break out”, he says after some silence.

“Break out of what?”, you ask, trying to be gentle.

“Out of the box my parents are desperately trying to cram me into. I know they want what’s best for me and the country but,,,, it’s just so much pressure. I needed to do something else- anything else, even if it was stupid”

You scoot over to him and he sits up. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you pull yourself closer to him.

At first he just sits there, stunned, but then tightly returns the embrace and buries his face in the crook of your neck.

The two of you stay like that for who knows how long, with him getting everything off his chest and you quietly listening and running your fingers through his hair.

From that night onward, the two of you are practically inseparable.

Neither of you have said that you’re an item,,, and for a while you were like “am I making this shit up or does he like me”.

But one day, he’s sitting behind your booth in the marketplace (like he usually is. You’d think as a prince he’d have more to do,,,), eating all of your apples, when he taps you on the shoulder.

“I’m in the middle of a sale”, you snap, and turn back around to the customer.

When you finish, you turn around and he hands you an apple that is just,,, seeping with juice.

“Yangyang,,, w h y”

“Flip it over!”

So you do, and he’s carved “for my beautiful s/o~” into the side of the apple.

You can’t help but smile at his literally sweet gesture.

But you also can’t help but make direct eye contact with him and bite straight into the carved part of the apple.

The look of horror on his face made your day.

He’s got a habit of making your day everyday, though.

302 notes · View notes

doublerainebow · 5 years ago

Text

Sanctuary

Priest Jason Todd x Reader

Another old work of mine that I decided to revive from the depths of DeviantArt and improve lol. Father Todd needs more love.

Also, the reader is partially based on an OC of mine aha.

Bonus Lines/Prompts for Sanctuary

Contains: Mentions of Abusive Relationships

~ Masterlist ~

[Name] had never been much of a religious person, but it seemed as though the only sanctuary she had from her boyfriend’s place was, funnily enough, a gothic-looking chapel. Though she hadn’t intentionally chosen to hide away under a house of God, it was the first thing she saw when she ran.

[Name] sat, huddled in the corner behind one of the many pews. Tears ran down her face as she shivered from the rain that had conveniently decided to fall when she ran away.

“Is someone there?” A voice asked, echoing through the chapel.

[Name]’s breath hitched as she tried to keep quiet. Her eyes and mouth closed tight in hopes that, by doing that, she would disappear into the floor.

The footsteps of the owner of the voice grew louder as they neared [Name]. “Are you okay?” The voice, which [Name] had identified to be a man’s, asked softly once he had reached her.

[Name] peeked her eyes open, noticing a pair of black leather shoes. Slowly opening her eyes further, [Name] was greeted with the sight of a handsome, young priest looking down at her with genuine concern. At a loss of words, [Name] uttered the first thing that came to mind. “Uh, boyfriend… Hurt me,” she let out dumbly as she took in the features of the young priest.

The priest looked to be around [Name]’s age, his jet black hair combed back neatly, save for the unruly lock of white hair that curled upward stubbornly, but added to the effect of his boyish looks. His face, however, was marred with a frown at [Name]’s words.

“You have refuge here, child,” he said gently. “Why don’t we move elsewhere to discuss your situation. You must be freezing as well,” he tutted to himself as he took off his black robes and draped it around [Name]’s shoulders, leaving him in a fitted, white button-up and black trousers.

“I’m sorry. I must be bothering you,” [Name] whimpered as she drew the robes tighter around her.

The priest shook his head. “Nonsense. It looks like you could use someone to talk to, and some hot cocoa.” He then held his hand out. “If you would, miss,” he ushered gently with a comforting smile.

[Name] was drawn to the young priest like a moth to a flame as she laid her hand atop his. She noticed how warm his hand was, though it was also rough and calloused.

The young priest gently pulled [Name] up to her feet and proceeded to guide her from the main chapel hall to a room that was a hallway away from the main hall. The room looked to be a community hall with a fireplace and multiple tables. Bookshelves lined the walls, as well as child-like drawings.

“Please take a seat, miss. I’ll be back with some hot cocoa,” the priest said as he left [Name] to her own devices.

[Name] slowly sat on one of the chairs, a slight flush on her face as she processed how she had got here. A chill soon passed through her, leaving her to let out a sneeze.

“God bless you,” the priest said, starting [Name]. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to startle you, miss,” he said gently as he placed a mug of hot cocoa in front of [Name]. He then took a seat across from her, taking a sip of his own hot cocoa as he did so. “Now, you’re welcome to tell me whatever it is you want to talk about. This is a place of understanding and forgiveness. You won’t be judged here.”

[Name] played with her mug anxiously as she pondered how to go about telling her story. She bit her lip in concentration before deciding that the beginning was probably the most appropriate place to start.

A sigh left [Name] as she finished telling her tale to the priest. Her mug of hot cocoa was long since empty, just like the anxieties that filled her mind. When [Name] looked up at the priest, he had a hard frown etched onto his face.

“I am terribly sorry to hear about all that, miss.” The priest let out a disgruntled sigh. “I don’t understand how someone could even hold up a hand to a woman, nevertheless a pretty woman like you,” he said, paying no heed to the blush that bloomed on [Name]’s face. “Why don’t you stay here for the night, miss? We can solve things with your boyfriend tomorrow,” he suggested.

[Name] nodded her head quickly, not very eager to return home after running away from her boyfriend. “If it won’t be too much of a bother.”

“Of course not!” The priest soon let out an embarrassed laugh. “Oh dear, it seems I’ve forgotten to ask for your name.”

[Name] chuckled, finding the young priest’s laugh to be contagious. She then held out her hand for him to shake. “My name’s [Name].”

The young priest smiled as he shook [Name]’s hand gently. “Most call me Father Todd, but you can just call me Jason.”

The next day, Jason woke [Name] up bright and early. He greeted her with a peaceful smile as he gently urged her to get ready. Once ready, [Name] met with Jason at the community hall.

“Good morning, [Name],” Jason greeted amicably as he set down two plates of food.

“Morning,” [Name] returned with a nod as she sat across from the young priest.

“I hope you don’t mind if we say grace before eating.”

[Name] shook her head. “No, not at all.”

Jason smiled thankfully. “Excellent. However, I do ask that you close your eyes.”

[Name] allowed her eyes to close shut and listened to Jason pray. It started off just as she had expected any prayer would go, thanking God for the food and asking for it to strengthen their bodies for the day, but then he started to ask for something different. He asked that [Name] be given the strength to persevere through her trials in hopes that her mind, body, and soul would no longer be strained by it. Listening to the earnest way he prayed for her, a person he had only just met the day before, tears ran down [Name]’s face.

“Are you alright, [Name]?” Jason asked, alarmed that she was crying. [Name] opened her eyes, more tears running down her cheeks. With a sympathetic smile, Jason reached over to gently wipe the tears away with his thumb. “I hope that I didn’t cause you any distress.”

“No! It’s not that.” [Name] took a deep breath. “It’s just that, I didn’t think that you would so readily pray for me like that, but I’m happy that you did,” she said with a shy smile.

Jason returned [Name]’s smile as he began to get ready to eat. “Well, it wouldn’t be very priest-ly of me if I didn’t pray for you, [Name],” he joked lightly. “But, I’m glad you appreciate the sentiment. That aside, we need to get to business for today.”

[Name] bit her lip with uncertainty but nodded her head nonetheless. “What do you plan on doing, Jason?” She asked.

“I plan to talk to your boyfriend in hopes that he’ll come to his senses. If not, I will be forced to take some… drastic measures, for lack of better words,” he answered nonchalantly.

[Name] tilted her head to the side. “Drastic measures?”

Jason smiled wearily. “Let’s just hope that it doesn’t come to that.”

“Oh God, please forgive me for the sin that I am about to commit,” Jason prayed as he tightly clutched the rosary that hung around his neck.

And just like that, Jason went ahead and punched [Name]’s boyfriend—or ex-boyfriend in this case—in the face, effectively knocking him out.

“O-oh,” [Name] let out dumbly as she watched as blood began to leak from her ex’s nose. “Is this what you meant by drastic?” She asked.

Jason nodded. Disgust was evident on his face as he looked at [Name]’s ex. “Unfortunately so. I have to apologize, however. I never intended for you to see that,” he said sheepishly.

[Name] shook her head. “You’re… very different from most typical priests, Jason,” she commented with a small smile.

Jason returned [Name]’s smile. “Well, when you used to run with bad people, you’re bound to learn a few things about protecting yourself.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Did you happen to learn anything about what to do with someone unconscious?” [Name] asked jokingly.

Jason chuckled. “Well, just to leave that person in an alleyway and hope that they forget about you. However, for your sake, we should take him to the police,” Jason replied. “Ah, but don’t worry about that. I’ll handle everything with the police.”

A breath of relief left [Name]. “Thank you, Jason. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything that you’re doing for me.”

The young priest smiled warmly. “Anything to help a child of God in need.”

[Name] glanced shyly away from the priest. “I hope that there’s some way I can repay you…”

Jason also turned away shyly. “Normally, I wouldn’t let anyone even attempt to repay me, but if we could see each other sometime again, I think that’s payment enough,” he said with a shy smile.

[Name] grinned, a blush dusting her cheeks. “Well, you know where I live. I would love to have lunch or dinner with you sometime.”

“That would be excellent. How does this Friday sound?” He asked.

“Yeah, Friday sounds good,” [Name] approved. “Let me give you my number,” she mumbled as she went ahead and searched for a pen and paper. As elegantly as she could, [Name] wrote down her full name and number on the paper and gave it to the young priest.

“Excellent,” Jason said with a grin. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Jason went to throw [Name]’s ex over his shoulder, “I’m going to turn your ex into the police. I know Commissioner Gordon, so I’m sure he’ll be more than willing to leave his man in a cell for more than a while.”

“Thank you again, Jason,” [Name] said gratefully. “I hope this doesn’t overstep any priest-ly boundaries, but…” She approached Jason and tiptoed slightly so as to place a kiss on his cheek.

With a large, boyish grin, Jason bade [Name] goodbye with a promise of seeing her again soon.

#jason todd x reader #red hood x reader #jason todd x you #red hood x you #jason todd #red hood #priest jason todd #flashpoint jason todd #priest au

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kehwry · 5 years ago

Text

I had to get in on the Cow Tipping Story

After seeing a screenshot of Phoenix talking about his cow tipping days - I had to write how it could have happened!

This gave me the idea to write a series of small ‘crimes’ that the Ace Attorney characters could possibly commit 🙃

I’ll cross post to AO3 but for now - we’ve got cow tipping under the cut! :D

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“Come on, dude! It’s supposed to be a lot of fun!”

“Ugh. I don’t know – doesn’t it smell kind of weird on that part of town?”

“Be a bro, dude!”

Larry and Phoenix were walking home after a long day. Larry was working at a local coffee shop near the university that Phoenix was attending and had made a habit out of following him home. Phoenix had just recently changed his major from Art to Law. While he didn’t have the time to get up to his friend’s adventures on Friday nights anymore, he still appreciated the company on the walk home.

“Come on, man! You’ll have a great time! It’s supposed to be hilarious and exhilarating! Plus, it’s not illegal – since I know you care about that sort of thing now!” Larry nudged his friend in the ribs.

Phoenix sighed, but his friend was relentless.

“Please Nicky! You’ve gotta get out and do something or you’re gonna go crazy! You can’t just mope and study all the time.” Larry pressed.

Phoenix furrowed his brow. “I don’t just mope and study.”

Larry scoffed. “Yeah, okay. Prove it. Come cow-tipping with me tonight.”

Phoenix mentally weighed his options. He had planned on cramming for Monday’s test on Statute Laws and then finally putting all his newspaper clippings into a proper scrapbook. Not exactly a crazy college night, he supposed.

“Alright, fine. Where are we meeting?” he asked, reluctantly.

Larry instantly lit up and pumped his fist in the air. “Yeah! Now that’s what I’m talking about! We’re meeting at the old farm just outside the city. Be there around ten, okay?”

They had finally reached Phoenix’s apartment and Larry usually just continued ahead. Phoenix paused before nodding in agreement. Larry clapped him on the back and ran off.

“Remember! Ten o’clock!” he shouted from up the road.

Phoenix rolled his eyes and waved his friend off. “Yeah, yeah.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dare E Farm and Ranch

Friday Night

10:05 pm

Phoenix walked up the road towards the edge of town. Asphalt eventually turned into a coarse dirt road as he approached the hill near the farm. He stood around looking at the dense trees and scrub bushes that ran the perimeter of the ranch. He had to admit, the stars were much easier to see once away from the city lights. However, the overpowering smell of grass and livestock overwhelmed any positive emotions he could have had about the place. He covered his nose and made a mental note to not breathe too deeply.

Phoenix glanced around in the dark and didn’t see any sign of his friend. Starting to feel out of place, he turned to walk back towards the city.

“Dude! Over here!”

Larry called out to him, frantically waving. He was standing under a large oak tree and had evidently brought a girl with him. Phoenix rolled his eyes and jogged over to his friend.

“Man, I am so glad you actually came! This is gonna be so good!” Larry exclaimed.

Phoenix raised an eyebrow at him and glanced at the girl that was standing next to him. She didn’t seem like the type of girl Larry would typically chase after. She had wild, poofy red hair, a green sweater and tan boots. She was standing with her hands on her hips and a huge grin.

“Well don’t just stand there and gawk! I’m Lotta!” she stuck her hand out. She had a Southern drawl and seemed to almost shout everything she said. Phoenix felt drained just listening to her.

Phoenix shook it, hesitantly. “Nice to meet you, I suppose.”

She scoffed and crossed her arms. “Huh. Well you’re awful charming.” She turned towards Larry. “Alright Harry Butz! He’s here now! You ready to do this thing?”

Larry whined and slumped. “It’s Larry. Larry Butz – but yeah! Ready, Nicky?” He clapped his friend on the back. Phoenix nodded, slightly annoyed, and brushed his friends’ hand away.

Larry was radiating excitement. “Lotta here says she used to do this all the time back home! It’s supposed to be insanely funny!”

Lotta snorted. “Yeah! I’ve never actually gotten to do it myself. But I’ve heard some pretty good stories about it!” Then she turned and started off into the woods.

Phoenix glanced at Larry, who shrugged in response as they followed her up the hill overlooking the farm. They could see a crowd of cows scattered across the grass. Some were laying down and others were standing, eating grass. They seemed oblivious to the utter chaos that was about to ensue.

“Okay,” Lotta lowered her voice “So apparently, we’re supposed to get ‘em while they’re sleepin’. When they sleep standing up, they’re supposed to be super easy to knock over. It’s gonna be a hoot – promise!”

Phoenix seemed unsure and glanced at his friend. Larry had his chin in his hand and was nodding along with Lotta’s instructions.

“So, we just…push them over?” Phoenix asked, uncertain. “Aren’t they, you know, kind of heavy?”

“Yeah, stupid! That’s why there’s three of us!” Lotta chided.

“Isn’t this going to hurt the cows…?” Phoenix hesitated, clearly worried.

“Will you stop yammering and come on?” Lotta hissed.

“Yeah! No time like the present! Let’s do this!” Larry cheered and ran down the hill. Lotta chased after him, leaving Phoenix behind.

He got up and dusted himself off. He had to admit, this seemed like a ridiculous idea, but he was already here.

‘Might as well see where it goes.’ he thought has he joined them at the bottom of the hill.

The three of them climbed over the metal fence gate with ease. Once they were in the pasture, few cows paid them any mind. Larry crept up to one and waved a hand in front of the cows’ face. The cow seemed unphased.

“Yo! Guys! This one’s half baked! He doesn’t even care!” Larry shouted.

“Yeah buddy!” Lotta cheered back “Come on!”

Lotta ran up to Larry and placed both of her hands on the side of the cow. Larry and Phoenix lined themselves up next to her and mirrored her hand placement.

“One…” Larry and Lotta began to count down in unison.

“Two…”

“THREE!” they all shouted and pushed the cow.

…

“Moo?”

The cow loudly mooed but nothing happened.

In fact, the cow didn’t seem to budge at all.

They dropped their hands from the cow and sighed exasperatedly.

“Well what the heck? He didn’t even move!” Lotta exclaimed.

“I know! Maybe he’s too awake?” Larry pondered.

Phoenix didn’t say a word. He hadn’t known what to expect tonight, but he really thought the cow would have moved back a little at least. Or be more annoyed. Secretly, he was silently thankful – a cow related accident would be pretty embarrassing to explain.

The cow continued to chew grass and walked a few feet forward, completely unbothered by the trio.

“Okay, okay. This time, I’ll pick the cow.” Lotta declared as she strut off towards another cow several yards away.

Phoenix and Larry followed behind her, checking to see if any other cows were awake or bothered by the strangers in their pasture.

“Aha!” Lotta shouted “Over here!”

The cow she was stood next to wasn’t chewing anything. It was staring off towards the woods that surrounded the property. It didn’t flinch or even move when Lotta had cried out.

Larry crept closer to the cow and resumed the same position as before.

“Okay guys – this time, let’s put our backs into it, yeah?” Larry whispered.

Lotta and Phoenix nodded in agreement and took up their places next to Larry.

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three!”

“Moooooo”

Again, they all pushed, and the cow didn’t budge.

“Come on…. you stupid…Cow!!” Larry grunted as he pressed his shoulder and most of his body into the cow. Lotta and Phoenix dug their heels into the ground and pushed with all they had.

“MOOOOOOOOORRRRRRR”

Without further warning, the cow trotted off angrily, sending the trio onto the ground with a thud.

After standing and dusting themselves off, they regrouped in shared frustration.

“Fellas, I’m starting to think that cow tipping’s a load of bull” Lotta huffed, annoyed.

Phoenix and Larry looked at each other and instantly burst into laughter.

“Ha! A load of bull!! ‘Cause they’re cows!” Larry wheezed, doubling over in laughter.

Lotta cracked a wide smile and chuckled. “Well, I reckon we’ve probably woken up any remaining sleeping cows. Wanna head out of here?”

Both guys nodded and followed Lotta back to the gate. Once they climbed over it again, they started back up the hill and started their trek back to the city.

“Hey – y’all don’t mind if we embellish this story a little bit, right?” Lotta asked, breaking the silence.

“Embellish how?” Phoenix asked. “We should probably get our story straight.”

“Why don’t we just tell people that it was super fun and that the cows mooed when we pushed them over, then we got chased out by the farmer and ran home?” Larry offered.

“Sounds good to me!” Lotta shrugged in agreement.

Phoenix sighed. It wasn’t any worse than what had actually happened. In fact, it was probably better that his Friday night story would be more entertaining this way.

Just then, a car pulled up behind them and shined bright headlights onto the trio. A brief ‘whoooop’ of a siren stopped the three in their tracks.

The dirt road crumbled underneath the sound of the car stopping. The trio stood, frozen and terrified. They watched as a sheriff in a tan uniform shirt and green slacks got out of the car and walked up to them.

“Evening, kiddos.” He said gruffly. His voice was deep and booming.

“E-evening, sir” they all clamored nervously.

“Y’all wanna tell me why I got a call about a couple of teenagers playing in a field that don’t belong to ‘em?” he said, crossing his arms, clearly sizing the group up.

Phoenix felt the color drain out of his face and his heart raced. He could see all the charges now and his mind reeled.

Trespassing

Damage or attempted murder of privately owned livestock

Misdemeanor animal abuse – or was it a felony? How much did a cow cost anyway?

Phoenix swallowed thickly. He couldn’t go to jail now! He had so many things he needed to accomplish as a lawyer!

Lotta was the first to speak.

“Sorry, sir” she said quietly. Her head was lowered, and she was staring at her shoes. This was the most respectful she had been all night, much to Phoenix’s surprise. Then she continued talking.

“We just hadta find out for ourselves!” She shouted, causing Phoenix and Larry to jump at her sudden outburst.

The sheriff grunted. “Don’t tell me you city slickers were trying your hand at cow tipping?” he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Sure as the stars at night sir! Don’t believe a word that anyone tells ya! It ain’t real! Those cows don’t go nowhere!” The fire in Lotta’s eyes had been ignited as she shook a fist at the sheriff.

The sheriff sighed again and rubbed his face. It was a long moment before he spoke again. Larry and Phoenix shot each other worried glances and stayed completely silent and still.

“Alright. Alright look.” The sheriff said after a long while. “It’s been a long day and I just don’t feel like messing around here. Stay out of fields that don’t belong to you, don’t go messing with cows that aren’t yours and go straight home, you got it?”

“YES SIR!” The trio exclaimed in unison.

“Alright. Now get outta here.” The sheriff returned to his car, leaving the three attempted cow tippers in the dust.

As they watched the taillights on his cruiser disappear down the road, relief washed over them.

“Holy crap!! Can you believe that!! We could have gone to jail! Nicky!! You couldn’t think of any law stuff to get us out of that?!” Larry babbled loudly.

“Dude, you know I’m not a lawyer yet! And he let us off the hook! Let’s just go home like he said to.” Phoenix said, bitterly. He shoved his hands into his pockets and focused on the ground. His heart was just beginning to slow down and the knot in his stomach was dissipating.

“Yeah, let’s maybe leave this part out when we tell people about this.” Lotta said quietly.

“Agreed.”

The trio walked back to the city without further incident and vowed to not mention their failed exploits that night in great detail when they parted.

Once home, Phoenix sighed loudly. This time – when something smelled, it was cows and the Butz.

#ace attorney #phoenix wright #larry butz #cow tipping #small crimes

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cchellacat · 6 years ago

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I’m Speechless

Wintershock: Bucky/Darcy

Fluff for @cametobuyplums 2000 Plums Writing Challenge.

Prompt: Je suis sans voix : I’m speechless

Nearly everyone had them, words scrawled somewhere on their bodies, the first words your soulmate would say to you. Bucky had spent his first life unmarked, something most people considered unlucky, he’d known when he left for war he probably wouldn’t come back, after all, there was no one waiting to hear his words and no one for him to say any to.

Those first weeks free of hydra had bee a blur, but one moment stood out, stepping out a of hot shower and clearing the steam from the mirror he’d seen them, the edges of words curling around his shoulder. Angling in the reflection, he’d felt confused at first, not understanding where they came from, what they were, but then the knowledge rushed back in. Soul-words. Words that meant somewhere out in the world there was a girl waiting for him. It’s why he decided to head to Europe, that and the chance to chase down leads on Hydra, try to understand better what they’d done to him. He’d found the record buried in a bunker in Germany. August 15th 1989, they’d discovered the words when they took him out of cryo. After that they’d moved him to an American base.

By the time he’d ended up in Wakanda, his mind restored, he’d felt a little more hopeful about the words, the tantalising promise of a future seemingly in his grasp. He’d never even had the chance to tell Steve about them, to share what they were, he knew he’d have got a kick outta the suggestive invitation tattooed on his skin in French.

Then Thanos came and war. The aftermath of the destruction the Titan wrought across the world was massive, but the survivors, victorious. Peter Quill had luckily been close enough to Stark to grab the man’s hand as the power of the stones flowed through him, shouting for others to do the same. A line of the world’s heroes holding each other, linked in an unbreakable chain before Thanos, channeling all that power as Stark wielded the glove and defeated him, turning him and his armies to dust.

When Steve had come to him, told him what he’d planned to do, he knew that if he told him then, his friend would have stayed, wanting to make sure he met his soulmate, wasted time he should be spending with Peggy. So, he’d done the right thing, told Steve it was time for him to go back to his girl, live the life he’d been meant to have.

Steve was staying with Stark now, life at the cabin was good for him, a good retirement and friends to visit and catch up with. The place is peaceful, tranquil. It’s why Bucky’s frowning so hard when he gets out of the truck. The sound of dance music is blaring loudly from the cabin. It’s meant to be a nice relaxing quiet Fourth of July, instead the area by the water is bustling with people, setting up tables between shouting and laughing. He can see the kid, Parker, chasing after a girl with curly hair. Morgan and Nathaniel, Cooper and Lila ducking about between the adults, playing some sorta game with water pistols and no one seeming at all concerned with the rising noise. He spots Steve, dozing on the porch, and takes determined steps inside the house to find the source of the music. He’s working himself up, ready to face Stark whom he’s certain must be behind it, but stops short when he reaches the kitchen. There’s a girl there, wearing shorts he’s sure should be illegal, hair swept up on her head and bandana tied around it. She’s singing at the top of her lungs, a mixing bowl in one arm and conducting some invisible orchestra with a spatula in her right hand. She’s gorgeous, looks like a pin up girl with her shirt tied under her curvaceous bust, her lips full and red, bright blue eyes flashing with merriment. When she spots him, she flashes a sunny smile before dancing over, looking him straight in the eye and singing the words he’s branded with, to him.

“Voulez vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?”

He stands frozen in shock, not at the question, but at the reality. He gapes like an idiot, mouth opening and closing in shock.

“Hi! I’m Darcy.” She waves at him with the spatula, beginning to look concerned. “Hey, old timer, it’s just a song, what’s got your panties in a bunch?” He’s still unable to answer and she tells Friday to turn off the music, muttering that she’s gonna get Steve and he panics, reaching for her arm and finally croaks out a response.

“Je suis sans voix!” it takes him a moment to realise he’s replied in French, but it seems he doesn’t need to translate, she looks as shocked as he felt. Her mouth making a pretty oh of surprise and the bowl in her arm drops to the tile with a clatter. For a blissful second there’s silence before she gets her voice working and starts chattering nineteen to the dozen.

“You’re speechless? Fuck me my dude, how the hell do you think I feel? Oh my god, Janie is not going to believe this! And Steve! Oh he is going to love this, do you know he talks about you all the time? Like, the guy never shuts up about you, I feel like I know you with all the stories he’s told me and he kept insisting I’d like you no matter how any times I told him I still had a mark and…. Hey, hey, earth to Barnes! Keep up soldier, we gotta go tell everyone!”

“Jesus Christ Doll, you got a mouth on you!”

“Ha! Took you long enough. I thought I’d scared you permanently mute.”

“Something tells me that wouldn’t have been a problem the way you can talk for two.” He tells her with a cheeky smile.

“I thought you were meant to be the smooth one Barnes.” She parries back sharply, eyes twinkling.

“S’not like I have to be anymore though, is it?”

“Oh! Implying you won’t need it with me?” she arches a brow, placing one had on her hip and he’s brought up short again as he notices how long her legs look in the tiny shorts.

“Now, Doll, I didn’t mean it like that… Just meant the days of me trying to charm a pretty dame are over. Why would I need to, when the prettiest gal I ever met is my soulmate?”

“Aha, now that was smooth. A + right there.”

He steps closer and finds that, although she’s larger in life in personality, she’s a tiny little thing physically. She barely comes up to his shoulder in her bare feet. Even with the height difference, she manages to look down her nose a little at him before stepping into his space and tugging down her top so he can see the words he’d said to her in neat copperplate, scrawled over her collar bone. It’s unmistakably his own hand. When he reaches out to touch it, she allows it with a small smile. Her skin is silky sooth under his touch, and she shivers as he traces the words, finally a little speechless herself.

“I don’t think we were properly introduced earlier,” he states, pulling her top back into place. “I’m James Barnes, but my friends call me Bucky.”

“Darcy Lewis, no fancy nickname”

“I really glad to finally meet you Darcy.”

He takes her hand in his, squeezing it gently, when she mirrors the gesture, it’s like something clicking into place.

“So, “ she asks after a moment, “who do you want to tell first. You’re best friend, or my Father?”

“You’re dad’s here?”

“Sure he is, Friday, where’s dad?”

“Boss is currently in the workshop Miss Lewis, would you like me to ask him to come up?”

Darcy almost agrees but then notices her shiny new soulmate is doing his best impression of a goldfish again.

“Speechless, huh? I think I could get used to this…” Darcy quips.

Bucky’ d froze again and wonders if everything she says to him from now on will end in his stunned silence, but he clears the thought from his mind and shakes his head.

“Any chance we could skip both and go straight to your first suggestion doll?”

The loud whoop of laughter that echoes through the cabin startles Steve awake on the porch.

Looking through the window he sees his best friend smiling, really smiling, the way he had before the war and Steve knows from the way he holds Darcy’s hand, his great granddaughter’s hand, that everything had worked out just fine.

#wintershock #2000 plums writing challenge #bucky/darcy #2000plumswritingchallenge #my fic

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justimajin · 6 years ago

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Catching a Case of the Doctor Blues ⌠Part 8⌡

⇢ Pairing: Taehyung x Reader

⇢ Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Angst

↳ (2.7k) Doctor/Surgeon AU, Enemies to Lovers AU

⇢ Summary: When asked about Dr. Kim, a string of beautifully aligned words are ready spew from your lips. You could possibly go on and on about how his wonderful stubbornness wasn’t similar to talking to a brick wall, or how his observation skills were especially great in preparing your blood vessels for a drastic rupture or even how one gracious stare of his nearly had you on the verge of ripping your essential documents in half. But it seems that, perhaps, there was a lot more to Dr. Kim then what meets the eye…

⇢ Warnings: a scared Jungkook panicking

⇢ Moodboard Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

⇢ Next Update: Friday, May 17

A small mischievous smile decorates the corners of his mouth when Jimin glides through his ward with some documents in hand. It was perhaps one the greatest idea’s he’s ever had; telling Dr. Kim to visit you instead and he only begins to imagine the aftermath after seeing the fellow doctor be strangely concerned about your well being.

He sing-songs to himself aimlessly when he reaches his office, the intern with a shade of chocolate hair that was styled to reveal his forehead furrowing his eyebrows at his assigned doctor’s cheery mood.

“Everything alright Dr. Park?” Jungkook questions, tilting his head when he notices Jimin standing off to the side of the door with a rather ditzy expression.

Jungkook’s voice tugs him out of it when Jimin lets out a devious smile, “Kookie, do you think I’m a good match maker?”

“Match maker…?” Jungkook wonders, eyes focusing on plain air when he shakes his head slightly. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason at all~” The questions still sticks to Jungkook when his doe eyes suddenly enlarge and he turns to look at the doctor.

“Dr. Park, did you set someone up?” Jimin’s face contorts into sheer horror, a dramatic hand placed on his chest.

“How could you accuse me of such a thing?”

Jungkook lets out an irritable sigh before getting up, “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything!” Jimin hurriedly withdraws from the office, glancing behind him when he sees Jungkook staring at him in disbelief and he chuckles at the sight. However, the faint joking tone from the underlying situation is sealed away when Jimin doesn’t realize the direction in which he is running – a fact that is only discovered when he plummets straight into another body. Jimin is sent flying backwards at the collision and he hears a low ‘Ouch’ from across him.

“Oh my gosh, are you oka-‘ His eyes lock onto the intern that was paired up with a prestigious man when she ignores him and goes on about collecting the spilled documents colouring the floor. Jimin clamps his mouth shut and hastily reaches out to assist her with her fallen work, but in between he merely glances at her when he gets no form of a reaction; only complete blankness.

“Dr. Park! Chaeyoung! Are you guys alright?” Jungkook hurriedly asks, kneeling down to pick up the remains of papers when Jimin nods.

“I’m fine.” Chaeyoung says in a quiet voice and Jimin raises an eyebrow at the particular action. Surely when he asked the same question he would have too expected some sort of a response.

Chaeyoung is handed all the documents and she wraps her arms around them, giving a brief smile in the direction of the two men before she simply walks away.

Jimin is left baffled at the gesture but Jungkook shrugs it off, “Dr. Park?”

Jimin snaps back to reality as he walks back to his office alongside his intern, “Do you think she hates me?”

“Who? Chaeyoung?” Jimin nods.

“Maybe. She did call you weird.”

He scoffs, “That was only a one time thing though!”

“I thought you were weird when I was first hired.” Jungkook quietly mumbles but Jimin widens his eyes.

“Y-you too?” There’s a small pout that settles on the man’s lips before Jungkook quickly wracks through his mind to somehow comfort him.

“N-not in a bad way. Like, a good weird. A nice weird!” A giant smile with all his bunny teeth displayed stretches out on Jungkook mouth, but Jimin doesn’t withdraw his pout; still unsure.

Jimin cautiously tip-toes his way towards the end of the hallway, head swimming with thoughts when he skims around in search for a certain individual. He plants himself right in front of the office, staring at it with clueless eyes when he slowly inches towards it and twists the knob around. The door lets out a low creak when he slightly pushes against it and she’s seen perfectly lined with his peripheral view with no sign of her daunting superior.

Now here was the hard part – Jimin had absolutely no clue what he should say.

Maybe he should go inside and offer an apology? Maybe with the prospect of food in mind?

I’m sorry for scaring you last time?

Alright, he thinks, not too bad, decent.

But just as he’s about to take a step forward and move into the room, a loud rumbling earthquake passes by and it seems like it’s headed straight in his direction. He bites his lip when he sees you storming towards him with an angry glare.

“Y-Y/N!” He innocently beams but you soon grab him by the collar and whisk him away, far from the office and soling his plans.

“Y/N! What are you doing?!” He thrashes against your grip when you don’t let go, but you bring him back into your own office for a through and clear message.

Jin briefly raises his head to see what the entire commotion was about, but his eyes dart onto Dr. Park being dragged inside by you and he decides it was best if he left, quickly grabbing on the bag of gummy bears as he exits.

“What were you even thinking?” You glare at him and he gives you a sheepish smile, hoping that it would diminish your erupting anger.

“I just thought it would be nice? He seemed pretty worried about you.” He does have a point, wouldn’t it best to send in the person that was the most concerned?

Your brows furrow and you open your mouth before shutting it up in an instant, eyes searching around to form coherent words. Jimin tilts his head at the display, wondering if him inviting Dr. Kim over for you was even the reason for your anger.

“What?”

“I’m…not sure. He’s been acting strange lately.” Flashbacks to the storage room come back to mind.

“Dr. Kim?” He merely shrugs, “Dude seemed strange since day one.”

“Not strange but like-“ You pause, needing to say this with the rightfully chosen words, “Almost like he’s different. And it’s just strange.”

Jimin nods, but he tries to think back to when the news of you not coming into work first came up. It was odd to him initially as well when Dr. Kim insisted about knowing what had happened to you but he thought it was for some basic reason, like perhaps he wanted to know how to cover your ward.

However, the man’s determination spiking out when he had only proposed the idea to him for peek interest, could surely be seen as surprising.

Jimin’s eyes enlarge when an idea comes flooding into him and he snaps his fingers, “Aha! An experiment!”

You narrow your eyes, “What are you going on about now?”

“An experiment!” Jimin’s eyes hold an intrigued sparkle within them when he waves his hands and stares off into the non-existent object in front of him, “We could try to do an experiment, see if Dr. Kim would react like he usually does and then observe to see if there really is something going on!”

The suggestion sounds so absurd, but after letting it sink into your mind for a couple of seconds, you think it might actually work.

“Where do you even come up with this stuff?”

“Oh Y/N,” He laces an arm around you, “Don’t question my ways.”

“Hmm? How are we going to even do this ‘experiment’?”

“Simple.” He steps out and gestures for you to follow him, before leading you back into his office where a boy with doe eyes stares at his computer screen and cautiously types.

“Jungkookie~” The intern looks up, mouth agape when his eyes appear like he’s staring into some other dimension.

Jimin plants himself down onto his chair right across from the man and you trail after him with crossed arms.

“How much does Dr. Kim scare you?” The boy immediately flinches at the mention, rapidly shaking his head.

“Good! Can you do us a favor?”

Jungkook’s protests flood the room with their extreme denial in opposition to the idea, but when Jimin bats his eyelashes and puts on his signature pout, the man’s firm answer begins to dwindle.

“Fine!” He exclaims, getting up, “You two owe me for this one.”

He follows you when the two of you manage to locate Dr. Kim, who didn’t seem to be in the best of moods as he racks a hand through his locks with a gaze that is focused on the work before him.

“Hold up, I don’t think I can do this.” Jungkook comes to a halt and he begins to turn around to head back.

“Jungkook, please.” Jimin paints on a pouty face and Jungkook lets out a deep sigh. You start to wonder if this was particularly Jimin’s way of getting what he wants but when Jungkook bites his lip and nods, the thought is lost in the back of your head.

“So what do you guys want me to do?”

Jimin points over to the man, “Demand his patient documentation from yesterday.”

“Demand?”

Jimin nods, “Then say that Dr. L/N needs it.”

“Jimin!” You harshly whisper, interjecting the duo, “Don’t bring this on me.”

“Fine, fine,” He says with a wave of his hand, “Tell him that Dr. Park needs it.”

“But why am I ‘demanding’ it from him?”

“Do you honestly think Dr. Kim is going to give it to you?”

“Touché.” Jungkook clicks his tongue and Jimin leads you away from the office so you can patiently wait for Jungkook’s return.

“Jimin, what’s the whole point of this?” It’s one thing you’ve never settled on with about him – Jimin would never clarify as to why he chooses to do something, he simply just does it with no care in the world.

“So this situation can have two results. If Jungkook goes in there demanding his papers, he’ll piss off Dr. Kim and then we know nothing is up. But,” You two slide behind a corner to keep talking, “If Dr. Kim doesn’t get angry, then something is definitely up.”

“And we basically sent Jungkook to his doom?” You retort, not quite understanding why Jimin would have chosen him.

“It’s to help him too, you know! Jungkook won’t go anywhere near that office and you can’t get by here being an intern and not being able to talk to one of the doctors.”

“That’s true…”

“Exactly! Now just trust me, will you?” You narrow your eyes.

“Last time I trusted you, Dr. Kim landed conveniently outside my apartment door!”

“Oh come on! Are you still mad about that?”

“Yes! Jimin, he came into my apartment, made me tea and then fell asleep next to me on my be-“

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Y/N…did Dr. Kim have a sleepover with you?” Jimin wiggles his eyebrows when a ginormous grin paints onto his lips and suddenly you regret saying anything at all.

He takes the prospect of it all from your silence, “He did, didn’t he?”

“Shouldn’t we be focusing on Jungkook right now?!” You take a peek out of the corner and away from Jimin’s blaring voice.

“Fine, but I need alll the details later.” He soon joins you and then glances at the clock.

“It’s been 10 minutes already! Where is he?”

“Should we go check?” The feeling of even having to send Jungkook to Dr. Kim makes your stomach turn and when Jimin nods, you quickly pace through to find the doe-eyed boy.

Jungkook is terrified.

His palms have accumulated a heavy coating of sweat, his nerves are vibrating through him at an accelerated speed and his feet feel like someone poured lead into his shoes.

Just go talk to him Jungkook! It can’t be so hard!

He lets out a wrangled sigh at the thought – for it was extremely difficult to even consider now that you and Jimin had planted him right in front of the office door and he’s completely unsure of how to enter without being much of a disturbance.

He subtly reaches out with a shaky head, thinking that a light knock would do the trick, but he underestimates his own strength when the door goes slamming open by his sheer force.

The man stares at him with furrowed brows, glancing at the door when Jungkook tries to somehow morph his existence with it as his face tinges a bright glow of red.

“Did you need something?” The low timbre of Dr. Kim’s voice snaps him out of it and he turns into a puddled mess, prepared to start sprouting out unnecessary apologies in the form of broken words.

“P-patient documentation!” His voice soars out in an unflattering tone, raised up way too many octaves.

Dr. Kim raises an eyebrow, before he lets out a deep sigh and turns to rummage between his files, “Which ones do you need?”

“Y-yesterday’s!” After another moment of searching, the file slips through the doctor’s fingers and he stands up to hand him the file. Jungkook immediately cowers down at the abrupt gesture, wanting to snatch the file right away and leave as soon as possible.

“Why do you need this?” The question is laced with an undertone of suspicion, but it sets Jungkook on a whole another tangent when his mind drops blank.

“I-I...uh…” He furiously tries to find an answer lodged inside his brain, however the mere presence of the man before him causes him to lose sight of any string of words he can respond with.

A warm hand lands on his shoulder and Jungkook almost screams at the action, but the doctor retorts by simply patting him gently, “It’s alright. Go take it.”

His eyes widen more than usual, a deer stuck in the middle of traffic resurfacing when they witness fond gaze emitting from the doctor’s eyes. The gaze alone is enough to diminish the spine-prickling heavy presence the man consistently holds and Jungkook actually finds himself not panicking for once throughout the entirety of the interaction.

“T-thank you, Dr. Kim.” The doctor nods as Jungkook hurriedly leaves the room, the corners of his mouth tugging.

“Jungkook!”

He spins around to find you and Jimin racing after him, concern written on your expressions, “What took you so long?!” Jimin insists.

“I got the papers….” He gestures them over to you, but your orbs are concentrated on the faint dust of pink on his cheeks and the giant bunny-toothed smile decorated on his lips.

“Jungkook, what happened?” You question.

“I went in and Dr. Kim just gave them to me.”

“He just…gave them?” You repeat the words but your brain doesn’t soak up the information.

Jungkook nods, “And he patted my shoulder…”

Both you and Jimin react at the same time with double the frequency, “WHAT?!”

Jungkook nods again, “No actual way…” Jimin mumbles.

You draw a confused face at his awe-filled tone, “What?”

“Dr. Kim’s got Jungkook wiped…”

You raise your hands, “Wait. This means that the experiment didn’t work and-“

Jimin interjects, “Something is definitely up, Y/N.”

“I knew it.” You harshly whisper under your breath.

“What’s going on here?” Your black-haired intern swoops by wondering what all the commotion is about.

“Something is wrong with Dr. Kim and we don’t know what.” Jimin says and Jin nods. As if Jimin’s words were a charm, the man walks out right at the moment his name is mentioned and Jin turns to face him.

Sheer horror flashes on all of your faces when Jin leans forward to engulf Dr. Kim into a hug. “Hope you feel better soon.”

The horror only escalates when the unfazed doctor hugs the intern back, the act itself being displayed to your eyes and making them burn.

Jimin leans into your ear, wording the same thought running through in your mind, “Y/N I think they’re might be something seriously wrong with Dr. Kim.”

#taehyung fanfic #taehyung fluff #taehyung angst #taehyung doctor au #taehyung e2l au #bts taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung #bts v fanfic #bts v fluff #bts v angst #bts taehyung doctor au #bts taehyung enemies to lovers au #taehyung childhood friends au #bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts angst #bts imagines #bts scenarios

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noona-clock · 6 years ago

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Whatever You Want to Call it - Part 3

Genre: Office!AU

Pairing: Jackson x You

By Admin B

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

The whole Copy Room Disaster incident really made you stop and think.

Yes, training Jackson had thrown a wrench in your job responsibilities, of which you now had more than usual since being assigned a project manager. Yes, Jackson was extremely chatty and the most Eager Beaver -- no, actually, the better way to describe him would be as an Eager Puppy. He definitely had a dog-like quality to him because he was hard-working and dedicated and super adorable.

You had never denied the fact Jackson was cute. More than cute, actually. He was downright gorgeous with a body to match. And he had a way of making himself look even cuter when he either was listening intently to you or felt he was in trouble for some reason. So calling him an Eager Puppy was probably the most accurate description in the world.

But anyway.

Yes, training Jackson had been inconvenient. But he was your co-worker, whether you liked it or not. He was a fellow employee, and more importantly, he was a fellow human being. (Although, with his good looks, you wouldn’t be surprised if he was actually an extraterrestrial being.)

It was really only right that you give him a fair chance. And your boss was right: what did it say about you if you couldn’t handle managing a project and training an employee? It said you valued your own career over someone else’s, and while that might be true, you did still care about your fellow man.

You were ambitious and career-driven not heartless.

So you had spent the past two weeks really and truly training Jackson.

You still found him slightly annoying, but you had to admit: you no longer disliked him. If anything, you were just indifferent. Which was a lot better than disliking him, wouldn’t you say?

I mean, it’s not like you looked forward to seeing him every day, but you didn’t necessarily dread it. And you could tell Jackson was a lot more comfortable, a lot happier. It was obvious you didn’t resent him anymore, so your dynamic was just a lot easier.

All in all, things were pretty okay. Not great but not horrible. And you really couldn’t ask for more at the moment.

Well, things were a bit more than okay now because it was Friday. You loved your job, and you kind of preferred going to work than not going to work, but you did still love the weekend. You enjoyed this small bit of time off even if you were always ready to head back to the office come Monday morning.

As you slung your bag over your shoulder after shutting down your computer, you let out a soft sigh and headed out of your cube toward the elevator. You almost ran into someone as soon as you stepped away from your desk, though, a breathy, startled cry escaping your lips.

“Oops!” Jackson chuckled, stopping suddenly as his hands darted out to steady you. “Sorry.”

“Oh, no worries,” you replied with a little smile.

“Heading out?”

You hummed positively, continuing on toward the elevator when Jackson held an arm out to usher you to go first.

“What are your plans for the weekend?” he asked as he fell into step next to you.

“Oh,” you began, a bit taken off guard by his question. You weren’t sure why but probably because the two of you hadn’t really had many personal conversations before. “Um... Nothing, really. Just relaxing, I guess.”

“Good, you deserve to relax.”

And before you could say anything or ask him why he thought you deserved to relax, he continued on.

“My sister is in town, so she’s bringing my niece over for some quality Uncle Jackson time,” he beamed. “I’ll be busy taking her everywhere and spoiling her and avoiding my sister’s scolding.”

“Sounds fun,” you said with a soft chuckle. But deep down you couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of guilt; he was scolded by his co-worker and his sister.

He was a grown man, though! He could handle it! Stop feeling sorry for him!

When you reached the elevators, Jackson continued on toward the stairwell, lifting up a hand and bidding you a nice weekend.

“You, too,” you replied with a nod, trying to tamp down the shame of taking the elevator. Not that he was judging you, but... I mean, maybe he was. On the inside.

Okay, what was your deal? First, you felt guilty for scolding him. Now, you felt ashamed for taking the elevator?!

Ugh. It was actually ridiculous.

Thankfully, by the time you arrived back at your townhouse about half an hour from the city, you’d completely forgotten about Jackson.

As was your Friday tradition, you placed an order for takeout (Chinese tonight), pulled up a cheesy romantic comedy on Netflix, selected a face mask to use, a new nail polish color, your comfiest pajamas...

You knew how to work hard, so you definitely knew how to relax hard.

But... the thing about relaxing hard... you couldn’t really do it for long. By Saturday afternoon, you were itching to be productive.

You didn’t have any extra work you’d brought home, so that was out of the question. You definitively were not going into the office on a weekend.

You’d hired a cleaning lady a few years back, so there was no vacuuming or dusting or scrubbing or anything to do around your place.

What else could you do?

Well, what else did you do when you were out of ideas? You called Jinyoung.

“What’s up?” Jinyoung answered after the second ring. You could always count on him to answer promptly, especially when you really needed to talk to him. It was like he was psychic or something...

“I’m bored, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Honestly, I don’t know how someone can get bored in this day and age. With all the technology we have?! Watch Netflix!”

“I already did last night!”

“What, you watched all of Netflix and can’t watch anything else?” he countered.

“Just talk to me and be a good friend,” you demanded with a roll of your eyes.

“Okay, fine. What’s new in the world of Y/N?”

“Well... not much...” Before you could stop yourself, you brought up your encounter with You Know Who yesterday. “Jackson asked me what my plans were this weekend as we were leaving work.”

“...Okay? So?”

“I mean, don’t you think that’s weird?”

“...No. I don’t think that’s weird, actually. I think it’s very normal.”

“Yeah, but why was he being so nice to me? It’s not like we’re friends.”

“Maybe he was being nice to you because he’s a nice guy. And...”

You paused, waiting for him to finish. But he didn’t.

“And what?” you asked.

“And I think he kinda likes you.”

“What?!” you cried with an astonished laugh. “He does not!”

“How would you know? You’re too busy ignoring him and hating him to notice anything these days.”

“I do not hate him!” you corrected, clearly offended. “I’m just indifferent to him now.”

“Whatever,” Jinyoung chuckled. “My point is, I don’t think he feels the same way.”

“Why did I call you again?” you asked with narrowed eyes.

“Because I’m a good friend, and you constantly need my help and advice --”

“I do not. I don’t need your help, I just like talking to you.”

“Okay, okay, sorry. I forgot you have that weird thing about help.”

“...What weird thing?”

“Never mind. Listen, I’m at the movies with Emily. Can I call you later?”

“Jesus, Jinyoung! If you’re with your girlfriend, you don’t have to answer your phone when I call! Have fun, watch the movie, and don’t even think about Jackson’s feelings for me.”

“I won’t,” he assured you immediately. “And you think of something to keep you busy.”

After you heard the line disconnect, you let out a deep sigh as you set your phone on the kitchen counter. Well, great. That had done nothing but stir up thoughts of Jackson maybe having feelings for you.

Come on, there had to be something productive you could do.

You gazed around your kitchen, lips pursed in thought... when your running shoes sitting by the laundry room door caught your eye.

Aha!

A little exercise never hurt anyone, right?

Since you lived a bit farther out from the city, you weren’t limited to the bustling streets or a crowded gym; in fact, there was a pretty nice park nearby with sprawling lawns, sports fields, playgrounds, and miles of trails for walking and running. The weather was fairly nice outside, if not a bit chilly, so why not?

It only took about ten minutes for you to change into some more appropriate clothes (since pajamas definitely wouldn’t do the job), and then you were off to the park.

While you wouldn’t necessarily call yourself a frequent runner, you did enjoy the peace and quiet it granted you. It gave you time to think, something you rarely got at work - especially since you’d started training Jackson.

To be fair, though, Jackson was super helpful. And he was learning quickly, as he’d told you at the very beginning. Most likely, you wouldn’t have to train him for much longer. And then you could get back to your condominium project, focus all of your energy on that. Jackson would most likely be on your team, of course, since he now knew the ins and outs of the project from being at your side for the past few weeks, so it’s not like you would really get a break from him, but --

Wait, was that --

...Were you thinking too much about Jackson and were now suddenly seeing visions of him outside of work? Did Jinyoung bringing him up cause some kind of... weird curse or something?

Or...

“Y/N!”

Oh, no. That was definitely Jackson’s voice calling your name, and that was definitely Jackson jogging over toward you with a little girl clinging to his neck.

Seriously? Why would Jackson be at the park by your house with his -- he’d said his niece was coming to visit, right? Yeah, his niece. Definitely his niece.

You plucked one earbud out, plastering on a smile as you slowed to a halt on the running trail. “Jackson,” you greeted breathlessly once he’d arrived close enough. “Hey, small world.”

“I live around here. This park has the best playgrounds, so I wanted to bring Aimee. Oh, this is Aimee, by the way,” he said, smiling at the little girl he was holding and rubbing her back. “Aimee, this is Y/N. We work together.”

The little girl simply buried her face in Jackson’s neck, and he chuckled softly.

“She’s adorable,” you grinned. “You guys having fun?”

“Oh, absolutely. Aimee loves Uncle Jackson, right?” He poked his finger into her side, his eyes lighting up when she giggled. “Right? Who is the best uncle in the world, huh?”

Aimee squirmed away from his tickles, though she still squealed out his name with glee.

Oh, good lord she was cute. It had been a while since you’d been around kids, probably since last Christmas when you’d flown back home to see your family. You had nieces and nephews, too, but you certainly weren’t the Cool Aunt.

...What did that say about you? What did it say that your brother never came to visit you with his kids? That your nieces and nephews never clung to you like Aimee was clinging to Jackson?

“Sorry to bother you,” Jackson said, successfully interrupting your (verging on an existential crisis) thoughts. “Just thought I’d say ��hello’ real quick, introduce you to my niece. You go on back to running.”

“O--oh, okay,” you stammered. You managed a half-smile before Jackson turned back around, setting Aimee down and immediately running after her, screaming that he was the Tickle Monster coming to get her.

You shook your head before resuming your own run, setting your earbud back in place and trying to let your music drown out your thoughts.

And while you did stop wondering why you weren’t close with your family... you couldn’t stop yourself from glancing over at Jackson and Aimee (and a woman you presumed to be Jackson’s sister). You saw him pushing her on the swings, helping her down the slide, picking her up and carrying her on his shoulders. And then, when she fell and scraped her knee, you saw him carry her to a bench and coddle her.

It was too freaking cute and too freaking unfair.

Unfair because now you found you were barely thinking about anything else. Your mind was filled with thoughts of Jackson and how good he was with his niece and how adorable they were and how adorable he was and how naturally he took care of her and how --

Suddenly, your foot stepped on something - a small rock, it would seem - and it threw you off just enough to send you tumbling to the ground. You felt your ankle twist as you fell, a sharp pain shooting up your calf. You cried out as your arms flew out to break your fall, the cement digging into your palms and knees.

Oh, shit.

Had you really just tripped on a rock because you’d been too distracted thinking about Jackson?!

Part 4

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thrashton · 6 years ago

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Soaring Light (chapter four, elu)

Name: Soaring Light Fandom: Skam france Pairing: Lucas Lallemant/Eliott Demaury Tags: assassin!au, falling in love, angst, hurt/comfort Summary: Don’t get attached, do not engage in any physical contact… The list of rules were long, but Lucas had never been the one to follow orders. In fact, he might have broken all of them in just a week, all because of the piercing eyes staring at him from the assignment in his hands, and the charming, mysterious boy they belonged to. Chapter summary: Lucas is walking on thin ice; his date with Eliott threatening not only his life, but the people he loves' as well.

prologue

chapter one

chapter two

chapter three

OR: click the soaring-light tag in the tags below.

CHAPTER FOUR.

Lucas had no idea how long they were just talking. He’d neveR had a problem with social interactions before, but everything just had this amazing flow with Eliott. Every silence was comfortable, his stupid jokes weren’t rushed and he never had to force a smile on his lips. Nor did Eliott seem to fake any of his emotions, his small gasps and humming in agreement to Lucas’ stupid comments seemed genuine and his laughs were loud and filled with a kind of happiness Lucas hadn’t heard in a long time.

Eliott was the definition of a sunshine. Lucas could swear if he googled his name a picture of the sun would appear as first result. His smile was out of this world and lit up the entire room. Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off him even if he wanted to; which he absolutely did not. Not even the dogs managed to draw his attention away.

Eliott told Lucas he was working at a café in the other side of town which is where he got to know Alison. He lived alone and had no relatives left nearby. It was a bit sad, Eliott admitted, but he loved Paris so much he couldn’t even consider moving. Then he winked and told Lucas he made the right choice, because now they were sitting there together. Lucas pretended he had no idea he was blushing like an idiot. Eliott told him a lot about himself, but never anything below the surface. He told him the basics; work, family, friends, but he was careful not to go too deep into anything. Lucas didn’t mention it, but he did notice.

Lucas told Eliott he had no job at the moment, but it was fine because he had a lot of savings. He didn’t want to lie to him, and that was the closest to the truth he could bring himself to tell. He knew he was doing the exact same thing as Eliott did; only scratching the surface of who he really was. Really, it shouldn’t matter what he said because Eliott would be too dead to tell anyone about it.

Eliott hummed quietly and stirred his hot chocolate with the slightly too short spoon. “So”, he said, glancing up at him through long lashes, “what kind of music do you like?”

Lucas shrugged. He hated that question, the answers were too many. “Old rock, I suppose”, he said, “like, the Clash, Nirvana?”

“Ah”, Eliott nodded, a smirk playing on his lips, “old school. Didn’t expect that.”

“What did you expect?” Lucas pressed, leaning forwards, elbows resting on the table.

Eliott pretended not to notice. “Maybe modern house music? EDM?”

“Well, it’s not bad, but maybe not what I’d put on if I got to choose.”

“Interesting. I’ll remember that.”

Lucas smiled softly. “What about you?”

“You wouldn’t know it.”

“Try me.”

“Dubstep, mostly.”

Lucas pouted. Okay, alright. Maybe not the answer he expected but he could work with it. Life wasn’t ruined because Eliott had the worst taste of music in the world, he could fix this. He could teach him.

I mean, Lucas thought, if he was going to die he might as well die with a good taste of music.

“You don’t look impressed”, Eliott grinned at Lucas laughed shortly.

“I mean, we could work with it.”

“Aha, work with it? You think it’s bad?”

“No, no, maybe I’ve just heard the wrong kind? Maybe you need to teach me.”

Eliott’s grin turned into a smirk and he tilted his head slightly, “I can teach you a lot of things.”

Lucas was just about to joke his comment away when his eyes dropped to his lips and his throat went dry. Eliott had his lips slightly parted, and his tongue darted out to wet his lower lip. Lucas swallowed thickly.

“Okay”, he got out.

Eliott chuckled. “Maybe that’s the wrong line to say in the middle of empty field? Wouldn’t want you to think I’m weird.”

“Too late for that”, Lucas told him, “I thought you were gonna kill me the moment we left central Paris.”

“That would be suspicious”, Eliott pointed out, “traffic cams would have seen us together. I’d get caught too quickly.” He winked at him.

Lucas rolled his eyes, “fair enough. I’ll put criminal mastermind on the list of your personality traits.”

“You got a list?”

“I do now.”

“Touché”, Eliott laughed at him. “How’s everyone, by the way?”

“Everyone?” Lucas suspected he knew what Eliott meant, but he asked anyways.

“Yeah, like Manon, Yann, Basile? What’s her name… Daphné?”

“They’re good! They’re good. Yann, Basile and Manon was at the bar with us, uh, with me I mean. You could’ve said hi.”

Eliott nodded. “I know, I was going to. But then I saw you.”

“You recognized me?”

Eliot hesitated shortly, but long enough for Lucas to notice. “Maybe I wouldn’t have if you didn’t like that video of me.”

Lucas groaned loudly, happy his hair was long enough to cover his red ears. “Can we not?”

“Why were you looking me up?” He didn’t sound accusing, his tone was genuinely interested.

“I wasn’t”, Lucas stared down what was left of his hot chocolate. “You showed up on my recommended-feed.”

“Oh.” Eliott sounded disappointed.

“Yeah.”

For the first time in the almost two hours they had been sitting there just talking, the silence felt thick. Lucas was sure Eliott knew he was lying.

“Well, do you wanna leave?”

“Do you?”

Eliott rolled his eyes. “Come on, let’s take a walk?”

Lucas followed him out through the empty stable. The sun was still standing high, the cloud free sky showing him what a real summer day should look like. The air around them was cool enough for a slight shiver to run down his spine as Eliott pushed the door open and let Lucas walk past him.

They walked in silence for a while, taking the long way around the barn. It was beautiful; calm, and Lucas could absolutely imagine putting a house up on the fields and live there for the rest of his life. Trying not to get lost in his own wishes, he tried to come up with something to say but everything he thought of sounded dumb in his head.

It was hard to concentrate when his inner angel and demon were having a full on fight, one of them trying to remind him of that he needed to kill this guy or he’d probably get in trouble himself, and the other one responding with but we like him! which wasn’t even an argument so why that side was winning, Lucas had no fucking clue.

His phone started to buzz in his pocket. “Sorry”, he mumbled, but he knew he had to take the call when he saw Manon’s name on the screen. “Yeah, hi.”

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Lucas pressed his lips together. Okay, what did he do now? “I don’t know, you tell me?”

“You’re on a date, with Eliott?”

“Yes?” Lucas pressed his phone closer to his ear to stop the sounds from slipping out. He had a feeling Eliott wasn’t supposed to hear this conversation. “Or I don’t know what it is, it’s something?”

“Do you realise what deep shit you’re putting yourself in? Lucas, I can’t save you when this goes to hell.”

“I’m not asking you to do that”, Lucas said calmly.

“Yes, you are! I know I’m not supposed to say this but-”

“Manon”, Lucas warned, not wanting his friend to get into trouble, “I got this.”

“Non! Lucas, listen. They’re gonna give you two weeks, okay? Don’t fuck this up. I can’t lose you.”

Lucas clenched his jaw. “I got this, just trust me, okay?”

He could practically hear hear nodding on the other end. “Alright. I’m sorry, I just got the news so I just wanted to make sure. You know things get ugly fast. You know what happened to Beatric.”

Yeah, he definitely did know what happened to his old friends. He would never forget. “Yeah. Thanks. I gotta go now, so…”

“Yeah. Bye, Lucas.”

Lucas put his phone back in his pocket, glancing up at Eliott. The taller boy was looking a little too intensely at the flowers on the ground, inspecting them like it was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen. Or pretending not to listen, Lucas guessed.

“Sorry, Manon got some family problems.”

Eliott nodded, “sure. Is it still Charles, or what was his name?”

Lucas snorted. “No, she dumped his ass a long time ago.”

“Good”, Eliott laughed lightheartedly, “so I was thinking…”

Lucas met his beautiful eyes. “Mhm?”

“I’m throwing a little get together on friday.” In two days, that was. “I would really like it if you came.”

“Really?” Lucas exclaimed, surprised.

“Yeah, why not? I mean, if you want of course.”

Lucas nodded before the rational side of him got a chance to respond. “Yeah, okay. Yes. Yes, I’ll come.”

A sweet smile grew on Eliott’s lips, “great!” he laughed happily, “I’ll text you the address. Come on, let me drive you home now.”

Lucas knew she was in his apartment. The stench of the familiar flower perfume he hated tickled his nose the second he walked through the door to the apartment building, and the black, beautiful limousine was parked outside. Eliott commented it, but Lucas quickly waved it away. ‘

His stomach turned in on itself as he walked up the stairs and he had to remind himself that if they were here to kill him, he’d be dead already. And he would definitely not be able to smell her fucking perfume everywhere, that would give away the element of surprise.

Her high heels were standing outside his apartment, the door slightly open. Lucas pressed his lips together hard, letting a shaky breath pass his lips. He always found confronting his boss’ closest in command absolutely terrifying.

She was sitting in his couch, facing the other way. Blonde curls fell down her back and a cigarette was lit in her left hand.

“You can’t smoke in here”, Lucas said as a greeting, hanging his jacket on the hook in his hallway without taking his eyes off the woman.

“I know”, she responded, tone light. “But we don’t care so much about rules, do we, Lallemant?”

Lucas clenched his jaw and folded his arms across his chest. “What are you saying?”

“Nothing”, she shrugged, still not turning to face him, “but I know I’d be very careful with rule-breaking if I had a job like yours.”

“I haven’t broken any rules.”

She tilted her head. The air felt thick and Lucas found it hard to swallow. His whole body was responding, telling him to flee the threat in front of him, but he knew he couldn’t.

“Perhaps not”, she sighed, “I can’t prove anything.” A short pause, then she added, “yet.”

“Are you referring to my client?” His target, his goal, his Eliott.

“Perhaps”, she said again, “but I’m not here to give you a lecture on rules, Lallemant. That’s not my job.”

She finally rose from the couch, turning around to face him. Her body was swept in a beautiful, white fur coat and her slim face was covered in layers of makeup.

“So what do you want?” Lucas asked her. He took a few, unsure steps towards her.

“I’m here to update you on your contract.”

“I don’t want to change client”, Lucas got out quickly. Way too quickly.

She snorted softly. “I said update, not change. A bird whispered in my ear that you got two weeks to finish your contract, that’s all.”

“You could have sent me a letter”, Lucas spit out. He was not a fan of the mocking tone she was using against him. She might be higher in ranking than him, but he was still one of the best assassins in their league, and just because pills were most efficient to use didn’t mean he didn’t know how to use weapons. He could get to the kitchen in two seconds and have a knife in his hand in three.

“You’re right. I guess there was one more thing”, she didn’t scare by Lucas’ threatening tone. Instead, she carelessly walked past him to grab her heels from outside, bending over to put them on.

Maybe that worked on others, Lucas thought, but the only thing he could find distracting in that moment was Eliott.

“If I find out you are breaking any rules, Lallemant”, she warned, voice dangerously low, “you’re not the only one who’s in big trouble.”

“I’m not breaking any rules”, Lucas almost growled out, meeting her steady gaze. “You won’t find any dirt on me.”

She shrugged, a short, high pitched laugh slipping through her lips. “I hope so, for your sake. Have a nice evening. I hope we see each other soon.”

“I don’t”, Lucas mumbled and her light laugh echoed together with her heels down the stairs. Lucas didn’t dare to move until he heard her slamming the door to the beautiful, black limousine outside.

As the sound of the screeching wheels died out, Lucas let out a shaky breath, slowly sinking down against the wall. He wasn’t sure why he was so close to tears.

#skam france #elu #skam france fanfic #skam france fic #elu fic #soaring light

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exhaustedcloudd-blog · 5 years ago

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so heres the hoedown throwdown my dudes

I come from a decent family, I haven't had any traumatic experiences, I am okay now (ish haha), and I don't usually talk about this kind of thing, but I'm here, and I'm hoping this will help someone out there somewhere. so here we go,

I am taking my GCSEs, and I am taking many creative subjects which require lots of homework and coursework. on top of this, I have had undiagnosed severe panic attacks and a bucket load of anxiety. I have a history of getting very down and hurting myself. emotions run high in me 😅.

I panic a lot, I worry a lot about things that I don't need too, I manage to work myself up a lot and bring myself down too. since I was about 7 I had a chart which I would get read to every day, I would have to answer the questions and let the teacher know how I was feeling. I used to have many fears, about things like being separated and big public spaces and getting lost and knowing what was going on.

I don't know how it came to be, but my centre point of all this is control. I feel like I need to be in control all the time, I need to know what's going on, I need to know any organisations, I need to know who's who and what's what, otherwise I panic. and it is not an obnoxious thing, it's not like I need to be best or I am being bossy, trust me I am not😅. sometimes I can be super quiet, where I don't speak up, but at the same time, I'm very social and I like meeting new people and talking lots!

some stuff has happened, a little fight in my family (meaning I didn't see my uncle and my cousins for over 3 years), for some reason I can never trust my parents and worry when they go out, and I feel like I have to act as a parent, my uncle dying, my aunty dying, and my best friend, my grandad dying of dementia in April. (all these deaths occurred between March and April this year) which kind of sucks....

I have a history of when I wasn't in control I turned to not eating and hurting myself, I hated that I was tall and skinny before I started starving, creating a vicious cycle of hatred between myself and my body meaning I wanted to not eat and be in control even more. then I started cutting, which made me feel awful, it just felt so reliving at the moment, but the marks and scars made me feel so upset and so self-conscious afterwards. I was angry and frustrated and it made me cry a lot. I had panic attacks that could last up to an hour of me hyperventilating and shaking in the corner of my shower. I got myself down into a spiral of 'depression' ((i don't know if I should/ could call it that because I haven't been to the doctor and been medically diagnosed, and if there's one thing that annoys me the most is when people say they are so 'depressed' or 'have an eating disorder' or have 'really bad anxiety' when really they are just a little bit upset or not hungry... don't even get me started on people like that!!!)), I even had horrible thoughts of killing myself a couple of times, I basically was in a really low place putting way too much pressure on myself for a couple years. luckily, by the end of year 8, I managed to dig myself out of that hole, with an unsupportive school councillor and a form tutor who really wanted to help but really didn't know how and a mum who still thinks even to this day I'm doing all this for attention.

<<if you want some specific stories on any of these then just comment and ill make one! I don't mind if it will help you!>>

I have a history of help, different charts and art therapy, counselling, just talking to a pet or my mum, group therapy and now my new school councillor has hooked me up with one to one talking therapy and a group session, and talking to her once a fortnight and also maybe an exit card for when I get panicky in class (wow she's so amazing I cant even-). however the one thing I can't do is go to the doctor, my mum doesn't think I need to, I don't know how I could without an adult's permission...

at the moment I have a love-hate relationship with myself, I'm going back into a group session on Fridays, which I do enjoy a lot because the lady who runs it is so lovely. I have some vitamin tablets with extra iron which will hopefully make me feel less tired and therefore more motivated as I think I'm lacking in that aha! I'm trying my best to keep up with school, doing art and product design does mean a lot of coursework, but I enjoy it so it should be fine! no boys for me at the moment, I still have a lot of guy friends but dating can and should wait... been there done that! my body,,, eeehhh.... I'm quite skinny in my eyes but to others, I apparently look normal... I hate my legs, think they are way too skinny... I'm starting at the gym to try and get what I want to look like, but that's a very slippery slope that again,, been there done that! I know it's what your mum or granny would say,, but social media is impacting us SO much! panic attacks are still coming and going, my most recent was my worst I think, I was in the corner of a room for about an hour and I couldn't control my breathing, my dad had to pick me up and physically help me calm down. my relationship with my parents is..... okay, this morning my mum shouted at me and in short she said something along the lines of ''you can't be bothered to do simple tasks and say its mental health issues which then you make the school pay for your therapy and you are just lazy and blaming on mental health'' which then obviously I had a go back, but it hurt a bit. I mean,,,, I'm working on it, I don't think they mean it, I just think they aren't educated as to when they were young, kids didn't really have problems like ours. anyway.... I'm working on that.

I think that's all to say for now! and I hope that I could help or relate to at least one person!! and also comment if you would like any specific stories!

thank you :) x

-exhausted cloud

#mental heath support #mental health #talking about mental health #lets talk #help #yoimnew #letschat #anxiety #depression #ocd #eating disoder things #going to the doctor #councillor #therapytings #okay cool #idk what else to put here #okay love you bye #hope you related hoesss #okay bye

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ibelieveinahappilyeverafter · 6 years ago

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Villainous Heroics - Chapter 7

Apparently daily updates are a thing - who knew! Just a quick headcanon to throw at you all, but I briefly mention that Aizawa teachers Hero Ethics as a class besides just his homeroom, which is something I picked up from @deafmic’s stories over on AO3 and Tumblr. They're really good and they're usually about EraserMic and Aizawa and Shinsou father son stuff, so give them a read if you can!

Remember to check me out on ibelieveinahappilyeverafter on tumblr for a bunch more of my stuff!

Enjoy!

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Summary: Eraserhead is an underground hero who is constantly busy and doesn’t have time to be dealing with new villains - even if they aren’t all that villainous and make the night interesting.

Present Mic is the latest up-and-coming villain in the world and he has a point to prove to everyone out there - as long as he doesn’t keep getting distracted by Eraserhead.

Aizawa Shota is someone who soon learns that there is more to someone than the mask they show to the world - especially when it comes to playing heroes and villains.

Yamada Hizashi learns that there is more to heroics and villainy than he could have ever thought - especially in a world where some heroes still care about those lost in the shadows.

(Inspired and dedicated to corndog-patrol’s Villain!Mic AU on Tumblr.)

<<First/Chapter>> <<Last Chapter>> <<Next Chapter>>

Chapter Seven

“Seriously? He actually went and made his own radio station?” Nemuri’s shocked tone faded and was quickly followed by wild laughter that had Shota wincing as he dragged the phone away from his ear. Her laugh was often worse than the sound of feedback. “And he’s still calling himself a villain! Does he even know what a villain is?”

“Probably not,” Shota sighed quietly, settling back on his couch under a heap of blankets and a purring Jelly. It was one of his rare nights off work and he was grateful for the chance to rest. His last fight as Eraserhead had been more taxing than he would have thought - even Mic had taken it easy on him in their fight a few days ago. “At least he’s not taking over radio stations anymore.”

“Oh, yeah, I heard about that - I think I managed to get reception to one of them, once!” There was a moment of thoughtful silence that Shota quickly realized wasn’t thoughtful at all. “He sounds really smitten with you, you know.”

“Please, his ‘love’ for me is just another game to play,” Shota said quickly, rolling his eyes as Jelly yowled loudly and Nemuri started lecturing him. “As I was saying when I started this call, I don’t know what to do about him.”

“Fuck him.” It wasn’t said as an insult, Shota realized after a moment, and Shota remembered his kidnapping and the song and dance Mic had done for him. He then hid himself under his blankets. “Or let him fuck you. You could do to have something up your ass that’s not a stick-”

“Nemuri,” Shota finally snapped, grateful that he was alone in his apartment and no one could see the blush that was no doubt staining his cheeks. Jelly could, of course, but Shota had faith that she wouldn’t tell on him. “I’m being serious.”

“You think I’m not?” Shota needed new friends because Kayama Nemuri was going to lead to his downfall, one day. She would at least have the decency to kill him herself, he supposed. “Okay, okay. You said he’s helping you on the Trigger case, right? Use that to get him more into hero work, maybe?”

“Possibly, but I doubt he’d be willing to work with any other heroes or even the police,” Shota said, shaking his head. “He hates the entire system of pro heroes - and for good reason, it seems like.”

“Ooh, a villain with a tragic past. Now you have me curious. Any idea behind all the details?” Nemuri finally sounded like she was taking this seriously, but Shota hesitated in telling her about the hearing aids Present Mic wore. That part seemed… personal.

“It seems he grew up in an area similar to mine and had problems with how people viewed his quirk like I did.” Really, their stories were near mirrors of each other. They had started the same, but Shota had gone on to become a bitter underground hero while Present Mic had gone on to be a cheerful villain. “The more I learn, the more it seems we had the same start.”

“Shota…” Nemuri was one of the few who knew about his past and his childhood, and if Shota had his way, then it would remain as just a few. “So, he’s trying to change the system to make sure kids don’t go through that. Jeez, he sounds like a hero, but he’s going about it with a villain’s strategy.”

“Villainous heroics,” Shota mumbled to himself, scratching Jelly behind the ear when she wiggled her way up his chest. “I’ve been listening in on his radio show, but I haven’t learned much else besides what songs are popular.”

“Shota, are you sure you’re listening to this radio station just to gather information? Because it sounds like you just want to hear his voice after having a horrible week.” That couldn’t be necessarily ruled out as a contributing factor, he conceded. “Holy shit, is that really why-”

“Of course not, Nemuri, stop seeing things that aren’t there. There is useful information scattered in there sometimes about active criminals in the area he lives in.” It was subtle, but Mic seemed to be slipping tip offs into his show every chance he had in just a way that only someone who knew what to look for could pick up on it. He really was wasted as a villain.

“Aw, Shota, you have an undercover boyfriend, that’s so cute!” At the cheerful tone, Shota reminded himself that Nemuri could never find out about when he had been kidnapped. “What’s the name of his new radio station, anyways?”

“It’s on 80.5,” Shota sighed, looking to where his radio was playing music with a slight static tinge. “He’s been calling it ‘Put Your Hands Up Radio.’”

“I’d almost be willing to call that adorable. Well, at least he’s well suited to being with you if he can stay up so late and still be coherent enough to host a radio show. How long does he host?”

“One to five on Fridays,” Shota frowned, reaching out to fiddle with the radio to try and get a clearer sound. “He plays music nonstop for forty-five minutes and then talks for fifteen before repeating the pattern.”

“Oh, Shota… You really do have it bad, don’t you?” The tone was soft and bordered on sympathetic, Shota feeling his heart speed up. Before he could defend himself, he heard Nemuri’s victorious shout. “Aha! Found it!”

“And that was Utada’s ‘Unbreakable’ which has climbed once again to reach number eight in the charts - as I told you dear listeners it would!” Mic’s voice, loud and delighted, filtered through Shota’s apartment and seemed to fill up every inch of empty space. Shota hated himself for how he relaxed back into his blankets and pillows.

“Shota,” Nemuri scolded loudly, Shota forced to move the phone a few inches back, again. “You didn’t tell me he had a voice like that! Does he look as good as he sounds?”

“Please return to hell,” Shota mumbled, trying to focus back in on Mic’s jabbering. It seemed he was taking in questions from his ‘loyal listeners.’ At least the man had the sense to use a burner phone to take in the calls.

“You’re on Put Your Hands Up Radio, listener! What can Present Mic do for you?” It made sense as to why the man was a villain after Shota had learned more of his past, but he really could have been so successful doing almost anything else.

“Yeah, hi, listen, I need your help to settle a bet.” Shota shot up, staring at the radio with narrowed eyes because he knew that voice. That was one of twenty voices he had to deal with every day.

“Shota.” Shota could hear Nemuri’s own suspicions. “Is that…?”

“Fire away, little listener! And then please get some rest - it’s almost three in the morning, you know!”

“Yes, but this is important.” Jiro Kyoka, one of his students, was calling into a radio show that was hosted by a villain. “What’s your opinion on Kaya’s new song ‘Later Lover?’ I need to prove that even villains can tell what music is actually good.”

“She’s getting detention,” Shota decided, ignoring Nemuri’s startled laugh. “What is she even doing up listening to this? There’s no way she finished her essay for Hero Ethics already.”

“You’re so mean to your students,” Nemuri gasped out, still laughing. Shota lowered his phone so he could focus on Mic’s laughter, instead.

“Well, little listener, I have to say that ‘Later Lover’ is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! It’s a lot different than what Kaya has done with her music up until this point, but I think the risk is really paying off! You can bet I’ll be one of the first in line to get her new album, which comes out next month!”

“Thank you! See, I told you-” Jiro’s voice cut out as the call ended, Mic still laughing, and it was so easy to picture his wide smile and scrunched up eyes that not even his sunglasses could hide.

“Alright, we still have a few minutes until the top of the hour, so let’s take another caller! What can I do for you, dear listener?”

“Oh, um, hi- Hi! So, uh, I was actually a bit curious about your quirk.” The new voice was almost drowned out by another burst of Nemuri’s laughter, Shota burying his face in his hands. He was going to have to expel that problem child. What were all his kids doing up at three in the morning listening to a villain’s radio show?

There was the quiet buzz of Midoriya’s rambling thoughts on the nature of Present Mic’s quirk, Mic himself sounding a little overwhelmed, “Oi, oi, just how many kids are listening to my show right now?”

Present Mic’s radio show appeared to have become a weekly event - to the point he would find a way to do it even when he was out doing one of his attention-grabbing schemes to prove the failed system of heroes and villains. Lately he had taken to dealing with threats and criminals before Shota could get there, and when Shota did arrive, Mic seemed to delight in fighting him, as well.

“Here I thought you had actually taken to being useful.” Enjoying how Mic jumped and scrambled off the bar counter he had been sitting on, Shota watched as he turned around and gave a wide grin.

“Aw, hello there, baby. Don’t get jealous, now, you know this is the best place to get word out - and I have a radio show to publicize now, you know!”

“And that involves tying up bartenders and terrorizing patrons, does it?” Shota looked to where the bartender and possible owner was indeed tied up and gagged, looking annoyed rather than scared.

“Only if they get in my way.” Mic quickly dodged Shota’s next lunge, grabbing an old, dented microphone and holding it out towards him. “Anything to say to my loyal listeners, hero?”

“Only that they should find a station that’s actually decent,” Shota snorted, watching as Mic clutched his heart and put on an exaggerated pout. “And that the kids who are listening to this trash need to turn it off and go to sleep.”

“Aw, you do listen, then!” Mic’s smile was the physical embodiment of sunshine and Shota almost wanted to squint his eyes at the sight of it. “Come on, baby, surely you want to give a few words of wisdom to my loyal listeners, here.”

“If they’re stupid enough to listen to this every week, then there’s no wisdom in them at all.” Snapping his scarf out, Shota smirked as it latched around Mic’s arm, the man giving him a grin in return as he adjusted his headphones - the same ones that Shota had returned by throwing them in his face the next time they met after their fight at the radio station.

“Sorry, listeners, I have to send you all on a music break a little early. I have a hero to teach a lesson to.” Mic twisted enough to loosen the scarf before kicking a loose bar stool towards Shota, the sudden action making him curse as he leapt out of the way. “See you next week, listeners!”

Shota wasn’t sure how long they fought until he was kneeling down next to a wrapped-up Mic, the man pouting with crooked glasses and a few strands of hair falling out of that ridiculous style of his.

“You didn’t say my name.” Shota let Mic look confused until the man figured out his words - as Shota knew he would. Present Mic seemed to have the ridiculous talent of always knowing what Shota meant.

“Of course not,” Mic tsked, shaking his head. “C’mon, Eraser.” The tone switched to something teasing, Mic giving him a smirk. “It wouldn’t be very nice of me to give out the name of an underground hero on a radio show, now would it?”

“Such a bad villain,” Shota muttered back, propping his chin up on his palm as he balanced on the balls of his feet, trying to hide his small smile. Shota had never been wrong, at least, when he had first realized that Present Mic broke up his usual night time routine for something far more interesting.

“There’s no need to go insulting me, hero,” Mic said softly, voice quiet and warm as he gave Shota a smile that didn’t seem faked or hidden behind too many secrets. “At least if I have to fight someone, it turned out to be you.”

Staring down at the sweetly smiling villain known as Present Mic, Shota was realizing just how screwed he was.

“My, my, Present Mic, you have been difficult to get a hold of.” At the average, friendly voice that wouldn’t have ever stood out on its own, Shota suddenly knew that something was wrong. Looking up from where he had been filling out paperwork for the police station, Shota stared at the radio where it was tuned in to Mic’s show.

“Oi, oi, of course I’m going to change numbers when some random person gets a hold of it!” Mic’s voice was bright and cheerful and lightly scolding, but Shota could tell it was a front. Mic was worried or, at the very least, on edge.

“I take it our product hasn’t been to your liking?” Product… Trigger. This had to be the man who had offered Mic the Trigger in the club - the polite one he had been talking about. “We do have others who detest the help themselves, I suppose.”

“Hey, now, Present Mic works alone, you know! I’m not up for joining some little club when I’ve been doing just fine on my own!” As Mic talked, Shota dug around his papers and work until he found an old tape recorder, quickly turning it on and starting to record. This could be useful for the case, if nothing else.

“The way I hear it, Present Mic, you haven’t been reaching your full potential. You’ve been in jail how many times this month alone? If you wish, I have associates who would be willing to help you finish dealing with your hero problem.”

This wasn’t just a Trigger dealer, then, but an entire operation of something that sounded far bigger. There had been an increase in villain activity over the last year or so… could this be a part of that?

“Jeez, you guys are really serious,” Mic muttered, sounding curious, but slightly unsure - just how they would expect him to sound. “Oi, you said something about an offer to help me and all that. ‘Shake the system of heroes and villains,’ yeah?”

“Indeed. My associates and I are in your type of business, Present Mic. I, and others in my line of work, represent a group of people who are intent are dismantling the current system of pro heroes. It’s really all quite messy, don’t you think? To leave the safety up to people who only care about their rankings?”

“Well, now you’re making sense!” Mic laughed, loud and dim and completely faked. “What kind of associates have you got? I might actually have to give that ‘product’ of yours a chance, now.”

“Let’s just say that we’re a league onto our own.” A league, huh… There was something dangerous rising up in the streets. “You still have my card. As I said before, this offer seems to appeal to you, doesn’t it?” There was a click that let Shota know the man had ended the call on his end, the radio buzzing with quiet static before he heard a low chuckle from Mic.

“Interesting… Well, then?” Mic’s voice was like a croon, low and deep and making Shota look to his radio out of instinct. “Did you get all that, hero?”

Fuck… Present Mic would have been a great hero.

#bnha #boku no hero academia #mha #my hero academia #erasermic #corndog-patrol #villain!mic #villainous heroics

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cecilspeaks · 6 years ago

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134 - Fall Football Preview

There is no I in “team”. This has been a partial list of letters not found in the word “team”. Welcome to Night Vale.

The Night Vale High School Scorpions kick-off the varsity football season this Friday against last year’s district champion, Red Mesa. Following the announcement this summer that Scorpions’ head coach, Nazr al-Mujaheed, would be taking a sabbatical to deal with personal matters, Night Vale promoted defensive coordinator Lutrice Beaumont to head coach. She has ten years coaching experience and was a former line backer for the Scorpions during their heyday as four time state champs in the late 1990’s. This is a historical hire for the high school football program, as Lutrice Beaumont is the first Gemini to become head coach. Beaumont called a press conference this morning to talk about her team and her coaching staff’s expectations for this season. “After only one win last year,” Beaumont explained, “we wanted to change our approach entirely. Instead of a plotting, run-focused offensive, we want our starting quarterback, sophomore Junius Duncan, to really throw that ball around, just chuck that leather (wad) any direction he wants.”

Beaumont’s team motto for 2018 is “we will win, all the time, right now”. Junius Duncan has a small frame at only 5’4’’ and 120 pounds. But he has eight legs and can leap up to 20 times his own height. He has struggled with his accuracy in training camp, as he has zero arms. And the spiny tips of his front legs cause the ball to stick and sometimes deflate.

Senior running back Prince Reynolds, who led the district in rushing last year, returns in full health. Coach Beaumont said Reynolds has been working on his upper body strength in the off-season by installing hydraulic joints on each shoulder. We’ll have more on the upcoming Scorpion football season in a moment. But first, a look at traffic.

Lisa Farmer does not like her job. She does not hate it, either. To Lisa, a job is a paid dare to sit in a chair for 10 hours every weekday for 40 years, for a little over a million dollars, paid out in bi-weekly installments. She commutes 35 minutes each way to her office. During this time, she thinks about the divorce papers her attorney gave her, but that she’s never filled out. She thinks about her husband’s lack of motivation. She thinks about having children. Not whether to have them, but the actual process of birth. She sometimes offers up an involuntary laugh, a reflex response to the forced laughter of the FM drivetime talk show. She forgets all of this when she arrives at home or work. Time pours from her like water from a broken pipe. All this time, lost to unmemorable travel. She measures her life in traffic jams, a mathematical equation that proves nothing. Commutes are the limbo of the weekday. Everything is stasis. Expect delays. This has been traffic.

In her opening press conference, Night Vale Scorpions’ head coach Lutrice Beaumont said there were some rule changes this season that will affect her team’s approach. First, helmet to helmet hits, normally assigned a personal foul penalty, will now be subject to game (ejections) and possible suspensions. Officials are also cracking down on end zone celebrations. Many fans felt the elaborate displays of joy exhibited by players last season were not in the spirit of good sportsmanship. The most egregious example was when Cactus Park’s Jamille Whiteside scored the game-winning touchdown against Pine Cliff. He and the rest of his team mates then performed in the end zone the entirety of the Tony-winning musical sensation “Wicked”. District head of officiating, Jake Camp, announced: “I’m tired of selfish kids making a team sport all about them. In my day, when we scored, we would calmly hand the ball to the ref and jog back to the sideline head down. Maybe.” He continued: “Maybe, uh, a more religious kid might offer a quick prayer to the Brown Stone Spire, an unobtrusive gesture of kneeling, cutting your finger open, drawing a nine-pointed star with your blood, as your team mates danced about shirtless and chanting something in ancient Akkadian or Greek, but nothing ostentatious like what kids these days do. Did you see that one kid who did a backflip? [angrily] A backflip! This is football, not Cirque du Soleil, son!” Camp shouted. He added that millennials are killing everything good in the world.

One reporter reported that current high schoolers are not even part of the millennial generation. Another reporter pointed out that Camp is 33 years old, which makes him a millennial. Camp paused and said, “You wanna be like that? Fine!” Camp then begun to grunt and strain, his face darkened to a deep violet, as long white hair gushed from the top of his head and out of his chin. His posture weakened, his back now hunched. Wrinkles formed around his eyes and lips, and his skin loosened. He then said hoarsely: “I’m 93 now. So you know where you can put that millennial comment of yours!” The reporter assumed Camp meant the sport section of the newspaper, so that’s where the reporter put it.

In the middle of Beaumont’s press conference, assistant coach Christopher Tisdale whispered into her ear and she frowned. When asked to elaborate, she said she’d just received word that another new rule is that all players must have two or fewer legs. Which prohibits her starting quarterback, Junius Duncan from taking the field. Upset by this sudden change, Beaumont cited the Golden Retriever who was allowed to play basketball for Cactus Park back in 1997. They named the dog Airbud, because the dog was the former CEO of an airline. Admittedly, the dog was terrible at basketball. He ran in circles and barked at the coach for treats, while opposing teams took huge advantage of the five-on-four mismatch. But according to Beaumont, a precedent was set for multi-legged players.

Oh, this is terrible news. Junius must be devastated. Beaumont’s press conference is still going on. We’ll get back to it soon.

But for now, when the first bolt of lightning struck the sea, and the first apex of rock crested the tumultuous oceans, the elders among the stars brought life onto the Earth. These children of stardust became humans, became authorities of their tiny planet. They created science and art, and they worshipped their galactic forbearers. But their hubris grew in them like a cancer, and they abandoned the benevolence of their creators. The vigilant determination of life leads only – to death. An ironic ouroboros to be laughed at by the elders of the cosmos. Diet Pepsi. Humans are a knock-knock joke of the gods.

Let’s take a look now at Night Vale High School’s district rivals this season, starting with last year’s champs, the Red Mesa Ant Carpenters. Red Mesa returns their starting quarterback, senior Salman Talib, who leads a dynamic passing offence anchored by junior wide receiver, Trung Pham. Pham’s quick feet, 6’5’’ frame, and nearly 20-inch antlers allow him to break free from smaller defenders. The Pine Cliff Lizard Monitors return with the league’s top offence. Everyone in Pine Cliff is a ghost, making them quite elusive, but the flip side of that is that their defence is terrible. In terms of total tackles made last season, they finished dead last. Pun not intended. But pun certainly embraced, because it’s not bad. Oh… Aha? A-ha. I’m getting word from my producer Ian that is in fact a bad pun, in bad taste. Ian’s grandmother was part of the Great Cataclysm of 2008, which turned all of Pine Cliff into ghosts. He says it’s no laughing matter to those living in Pine Cliff. To-to those residing in Pine Cliff, so. I’ll go back to the part where I said pun not intended.

One team to watch out for this year is the Cactus Park Shark Nurses, who have a strong defence but who have struggled with turnovers. The Shark Nurses’ senior running back Patrick Lyle had 20 fumbles last year, but said he focused on his ball carrying technique in the off season. Coachers worked with Lyle to carry the ball high and tight against his shoulder pads, instead of in his cargo shorts’ pockets.

Desert Bluffs, which has not had a team nor a high school for the past three seasons, has reincorporated in some desert otherworld and will be returning to district to play this year. League officials are concerned about the capriciousness of gateways between our reality and theirs, which could lead to visiting teams becoming lost in either a time loop or disappearing altogether. Theoretical physicist Cedric Drummond from Desert Bluffs Junior College said: “If you only focus on the bad, you’ll never see the good!” Not much is known about this Vultures team other than they’re probably – terrible.

Finally, there’s another new district rival this season, the Whispering Forest High School Wood Dogs. Whispering Forest High opened in 2016 after the forest incorporated as an independent township. No humans live in the Whispering Forest, only trees. Really polite trees, always with a quiet compliment. But if you accept one of their compliments, you too become a tree in their forest. Fun fact: Whispering Forest is the fastest growing town here in the desert. Urban planning experts think that the positivity emanating from the Whispering Forest has been a real draw for people seeking new homes. They’re unable to determine why a need for positivity suddenly became a factor in like 2016, but there it is. The Wood Dogs are sure to be the largest and toughest opponent in Night Vale’s district, but also the slowest, as they are literally trees. Their real strength won’t be in their ability to score or sack the quarterback, but to recruit entire opposing teams to their side before the game ends.

That’s a look at Night Vale High’s rivals this year. Coming up, we’ll check in with coach Beaumont and her team strategy for 2018. But first, a public service announcement.

Friends of the Night Vale Public Library announced the annual used book sale is this Saturday afternoon from 10 to 5. Librarians will hang books from invisible twine attached to blade-based traps, inside a complex cornfield labyrinth. According to the press release, which appears to be written by a detached human finger dipped in its own blood, these are… [clears throat] great books by great authors like Georg Saunders, Mohsin Hamid, and Celeste Ng. Books you really should read. Books you’ll want to reach out and grab, without noticing that the earth below you is lightly covered in branches hiding a spike-filled pit. So come down to the library for the used book sale. No need to shower beforehand, your natural scent makes you easier to track. This has been a public service announcement.

Coach Beaumont has finally completed her pre-season press conference, and she finished it off with quite a statement. When asked what the overall strategy for this year would be, Beaumont said: “Surpriiise!” But she said it just like that, with her eyes wide and arms raised and there was a looong silence as the reporters waited for what was to happen next. The energy faded as Beaumont slowly lowered her hands, a lone cough came from the back of the room. Beaumont then continued: “Oh, our strategy is surprise. We don’t want our opponents to have any time to prepare for us, so we scheduled every single game simultaneously. All five division rivals will play us at once,” she said. “We kick off in like five minutes. I should go. As the leader of this team, I can’t be late for the national anthem, the pledge of allegiance, the eldritch chant of national unity, the Secret Police helicopter flyover, and the pre-game bloodstone bacchanal dance.” Now the reporters frantically shouted the rest of their questions. “Are you going to protest your quarterback’s disqualification?” “How will you compete against five teams at once?” “How many balls will be used?” “Where do we go when we die” and “What is football? Are you a football?” But Beaumont had already left.

I’m getting word that the game has kicked off at the Night Vale High School. Now I’m not a sports fan, but even I’m intrigued. I gotta see this.

Uh, let me take you now To the weather.

[Raising Helvetica" by Sims x Air Credits x ICETEP sims.bandcamp.com ]

The Scorpions got off to a rough start. Two of their defensive line men accepted compliments from the Whispering Forest players. “Oh, that was such a nice tacklllllle, you must be very proud of your training and dedication to this spooooort,” the trees whispered. “We’re impressed by your talents and chaaaarm!” Suddenly, the two Night Vale players were trees. The opposing teams rallied together, handing the ball off to the Pine Cliff running back Alfonso Menendez, who simply could not be tackled. By the end of the first quarter, the Scorpions were down 20 to nothing. It would have been 21, but Desert Bluffs kicker, Leonard Clayton, missed an extra point, probably because he’s so poorly coached. In the second quarter, Night Vale’s Prince Reynolds scored a quick touchdown to make it 20 to 7. They followed that with a field goal after a fumble by Cactus Park’s Patrick Lyle, who was carrying the ball with his teeth, instead of holding it tight to his chest, leaving Night Vale down 20 to 10. Coach Beaumont told her team at half time that they were doing great, but they needed to focus more on the fundamentals of the game. “Keep your eyes on the runners’ hips,” she shouted, “not their feet! Wrap your tackles tight!” She encouraged her offensive players to pick up their correct blocking assignments. “Tim!” she yelled, referring to offensive guard Timothy Lano. “Stop trying to block the trees! They can’t run, and the ghosts, they can’t tackle! Worry about tangible humans, Tim!”

The team seemed dejected without their starting quarterback Junius Duncan. Beaumont began a powerful and inspiring pep talk. She brought in a ten-piece brass band to perform Gustav Holst’s “Second Suite in F” underneath her speech. “You can beat anyone if you believe in yourselves!” she began. “It would totally help if we had Duncan in the game though.” Then she said: “Surprise!” and opened up a Ralphs bag with three pairs of gloves. “Duncan, put these on like you have six arms,” she said. “Can you walk on your back two legs?” Duncan nodded yes, but no one notice because there was no joint allowing free movement of his head atop his thorax. So he had to hiss and leap up and down to demonstrate his bipedal abilities. The team let out a relieved cheer of “Win! All the time! Right now!” and ran onto the field, rejuvenated by their flouting of government issued regulations.

Duncan struggled early with his passes, as he had no fingers to fill his gloves, but he did score six touchdowns by simply leaping 20 yards at a time down the field, and tying up defenders in webs. He was penalized 15 yards, though, for attempting to use his venom to paralyze the bodies of his prey.

In the end, Night Vale won, 52-45, earning the district title before the season even started. Uh, what an exciting game! Carlos and the rest of the family joined me and we ate nachos and drank sodas and shouted cheers like, “Go team go!” and “Ooooh, blood!” And “Ooooooo, bloooood!” Carlos even bought me one of those pointing foam fingers that says “Someone talked! Identify the traitor.” [chuckles]

The whole game was visceral and communal. You know, maybe I’m a sports fan after all. I hope this victory, too, brings some joy to former coach Nazr al-Mujaheed. I’m sure it didn’t heal him, but hopefully it offered him temporary relief from pain.

Stay tuned next for Gentle Takes, our political roundtable where the hosts listen to each other talk about their days while they knit and say, “Thanks for sharing that with me.”

Good night, Night Vale, Good night.

Today’s proverb: Dress for the job you want: sports team mascot. Not the job you have: customer service manager.

#welcome to night vale #wtnv transcripts #wtnv #episode 134 #fall football preview #i know absolutely nothing about american football so if i got some terms wrong please let me know

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