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fortunekookie07 · 8 months ago

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X amount of time ago, I got my first request for a story. I am still over the moon about that. And being that Xavier's new memories just dropped, I chose him per requesters prompt.

Potatosugar this one is for you

Moment Forever Lost

Rafayel, just thinking or hearing his name sent butterflies coursing through your stomach. Your best friend, the person you felt closest to in the world. The one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with.

Rafayel, the one existence in this world you felt you could never reach. Not after she entered the picture. How many plans had been rearranged, canceled, or simply forgotten because for Rafayel, she always came first.

When Rafayel told you that she was the one who had rescued him as a kid, and then confided in you that I'm that moment he fell in love with her. Your heart shattered into a million pieces.

After all, how could you compete with that? She was a hero to Rafayel, and he was smitten. The first time you met her you wanted to abandon all hope. She was beautiful.

Perfect, straight, long dark brown hair. A small frame and delicate features. It was like fate had created a perfect girl and then sent her your way to destroy the future you'd wanted.

You had begun to war with yourself internally. Half of you instantly hated her for stealing your place. The spot next to Rafayel had belonged to you. You'd been the one friend who stuck by him since middle school. Rafayel's personality was a bit off putting to most people after all. Even she had found his manners a bit extreme.

The other half of you actually liked her. She was nice, friendly, and very likeable. Her smile alone put anyone at ease. Then there was her talents. As a Deepspace Hunter, her skills were unrivaled amongst her graduating class. She had been named the best and she'd gotten to join the Unicorns Team that took on the most dangerous missions. It was no wonder that Rafayel was smitten with her.

You constantly compared yourself to her. Frustration rising whenever you thought about the goal you once had. Your Evol had never really developed. Making the ground shake around you would not benefit you or your partner at all. Often times you couldn't even control it. Whenever your emotions got out of hand so would your Evol. It drove you crazy to see someone else living your dream.

You hated yourself for having such negative thoughts about someone so kind. She ha never once been cruel to you. Even if she constantly seemed to but in whenever you were spending time with Rafayel.

*******************************************************

Today was your birthday, twenty four years old now. The same age as Rafayel. By a few months, as he constantly reminded you. Proud of being the older, and therefore wiser one.

Rafayel had insisted on going out to celebrate. He'd wanted to take you to his favorite restraint. It was high class and typically only catered to famous individuals and top notch business men and women. It wasn't unusual to see this place booked out for some high tech companies meeting.

Rafayel had persuaded you to come here. He wanted to make you feel important. Not just to him, but for yourself. He wanted to make this a day to remember. He had reserved a table with a fantastic view of the city below and gotten you a beautiful dress to wear.

The color was a deep, dark blue. A sheer outer skirt of intricate lace. The lace went all over the dress and the sleeves. Fitting your figure perfectly. Complimenting all of your best features.

You arrive at the restaurant and walk to the maitre'D. "Reservation for two. Under Rafayel, has he arrived yet?" You ask with a smile. The man looked down at the tablet in front oh him, scanning the list of reservations for the night.

"I'm sorry miss, I don't have any reservations for Mr. Rafayel tonight". The man looked apologetic as he relayed the news. "Oh maybe he made the reservation under my name"? You say with a question and rattle off your own name. The man shakes his head again. "No miss, no reservations under you either". You felt your heart sunk as you stepped away from his podium.

You fish your phone out of the small hand bag you'd brought and immediately call Rafayel. It goes straight to voicemail so you leave a message. "Rafayel, I'm here at the restaurant but they don't have a reservation for us. I'll just wait for you. See you in a few". After hanging up you go to sit on the cushy bench just outside the entrance doors.

Five minutes goes by and you check your phone anxiously. Nothing, no calls or texts. You tuck your phone back into the bag. Couples drift by you once in a while. Some of them glance at you curiously as they walk inside.

Fifteen minutes go by and Rafayel has still not appeared. A sinking feeling in your stomach knots your insides up. This is not the first time you've been stood up, but like a puppy everytime he calls your name you go running back. A burn in the corners of your eyes start as you desperately try not to cry.

You pull your phone out again and call Rafayel once more. It still goes straight to voice mail. "Rafayel where are you? You are coming right? I'm still here waiting for you". Your voice cracks a bit at the end before you finally manage to stave off your tears.

Still wanting to belive that he would not ditch you on your birthday, you continue waiting. Perched on the seat, hoping, just praying, that Rafayel will suddenly appear. Hair disheveled from running and face apologetic, but it doesn't.

For forty-five minutes you sit on that bench and wait. When some of the people who'd gone in for dinner are now coming out you stand up, shame burning your face red. The looks on their faces clearly peg you as having had your date ditch you. You can't take being judged by people you don't even know and run off. The tears have broken free and are streaming down your face.

You don't know or care where you are going at the moment. Just away from there. You stop running after you stumble and realize you've made it to the edge of the downtown area. The restaurant is some thirty blocks behind you. Thankfully it isn't too late and this is a well traveled area. You're able to get a taxi.

Your phone rings as the taxi pulls up in front of your apartment. Rafayel's name and picture flashing on the screen. You send the call to voice mail and pay the driver.

As you're unlocking your door your phone starts ringing again. Rafayel's name and picture showing up once more. In anger you just turn your phone straight off and stuff it into the bottom of your bag. A voice speaks behind you.

"Wow, are you so against taking my call that your abusing your phone too"? That haughty tone can only belong to one person. Rafayel.

You turn and pin him with your angriest glare. "I don't even want to see you right now, much less hear your voice." You spit, hurling all the venom you can muster with your pain and humiliation.

He reaches out to take your hand and you're quick to slap it away. You hide the wince at the loud sound if the smack and the stinging on your palm. His arm is still held out towards you. The back of his hand red with the marks of your fingers.

Tears gather in the corners of your eyes again. "I get that I am not first in your life and that I never will be, but how could you stand me up on my birthday with plans that YOU made"? You ask not looking at him as your voice cracks. He moves in closer and forces you to look at him.

"You are important to me, you're my best friend. I am so sorry about tonight...". You cut him off placing your hand over his mouth before he can say her name. "I don't want to hear it Rafayel, don't say her name. Especially right now". You feel like your soul will shatter if he utters her name now.

He brushes your tears away one handed and you finally realize he's been holding his other arm behind his back. Before you can ask he's drawing his arm from behind his back and presents you with a bouquet. The fragrance hits you before your mind can register what you are seeing.

In his hands is a dozen of the largest white chrysanthemums you have ever seen. The bloom easily bigger than his hand. You didn't even know the flower could get this big. You close your eyes breathing in the scent of your favorite flower.

"I am sorry, this couldn't be avoided. It was an emergency. Let me make it up to you tomorrow. It's the first day of the lantern festival. Let me take you". You look at him in surprise. It was a well known fact that Rafayel hated crowds, for anything. It was one of the reasons why he so often skipped out on his painting exhibits. He didn't care for all the noise either. You'd never been able to get him to go to one before.

"R-really"?!? You ask hardly believing your ears as your heart soars. He nods before replying. "Really, let me take you". You hug him tightly in response. The ruined birthday all but forgotten now.

"I'll pick you up at 6:30 tomorrow". He says when you finally let go. "See you romorrow"! You tell him excitedly before going inside.

Once in the kitchen you search for your flower vases. Finding the perfect one that can hold such a large bouquet, you fill it with water and csrefully place them in it.

You take a deep whiff of the flowers before heading to your bedroom. As you get your pj's on you feel a sense of dread, like something bad is going to happen real soon. You squash it down and force yourself to sleep.

The following day can't pass fast enough. All day long you are distracted, even you co workers notice that you aren't getting much done. Seeing as you are usually zipping through your work it isn't hard to notice.

Finally the end of the work day has come. You excitedly clean up your desk and shut your computer down. Being an office consultant had its drawbacks but the job was easy and the pay was good. Even if it was boring sometimes. It was the safe and stable direction your parents had encouraged you to take after failing to qualify for the Hunter's Association.

After you got home you were quick to jump in the shower and freshen up. You only had an hour before Rafayel would be knocking at the door.

You decide to wear easy to move in clothes. A white dress and sandals with no heel. The dress is simple and cute. Having a halter style top and a point cut skirt that swishes while you walk.

Just as you finish tying your hair into place the doorbell rings. You grab your phone, keys, and wallet then slip them into your small off white knit bag and run towards the door.

Rafayel smiles in the other side and draws you into a hug. "You're right on time"! You say brightly closing thr door behind you after locking it. Rafayel casually takes your hand as he's done many times before and you start walking.

He asks you what you want to do first when the first lights appear just ahead of you. "Let's walk around the stalls and play some games"! You say just as a familiar figure comes into view. Your blood freezes as you recognize her.

You turn and look sharply at Rafayel and stop short. He tries to mask his expression and you can stop the look of betrayal on your face. You jerk your hand out of his. "Did you invite her to come with us"?!? You ask your eyes darting back and forth across his face searching for a denial.

She quickly interjects. "Rafayel didn't invite me. He told me he was going and I decided to come too. I didn't know I was interrupting a date". She says holding her hands up to calm you down. Her face is genuinely sorry and guilt is written all over her face.

"If it makes you feel better I'm meeting up with someone too. I though we could walk around as a threesome. But we can make that pairs. He's my partner from work. His name is Xavier, he's a good guy. Easy to get along with. You might like him". She says with a bashful smile.

Oh, OH there's that look on her face. You recognize it as you'd worn that same expression whenever you thought about Rafayel before. You glance at the man in question. His face is tight and there is a forced smile on his lips.

"There he is now! Xavier"! She calls waving wildly to someone coming up behind you. Turning you see a tall man with ash blond hair and a pair of the deepest blue eyes you've ever seen. "This is Rafayel and his friend". She introduces the two of you to him. He nods and looks you over before nodding with a small smile. "I'm Xavier, nice to met you". He says going to stand beside her.

This man radiates calmness but you can feel a dangerous aura lurking beneath that. As well as a fierce protectiveness for the small woman beside him. She grabs your hand and tugs you into the bustling crowd ahead. "Come on, or were going to miss all the fun"! Her excitement is contagious and your earlier anger had completely disappeared.

It seemed for once that Rafayel had not interjected her into your plans. That happiness was short lived when you noticed he kept paying attention to Xavier and suggesting that he play this and that game with her. Alot of the time she agreed, sometimes she would decline and play with Xavier. Most of the time she would play twice with both of them.

You were beginning to feel like a third wheel and regretting ever having come to this festival. Rafayel was hardly doing any of the activities with you and it stung sharply. Wasn't this supposed to be his apology for ditching you on your birthday?

Finally you could stand it no more and you stopped walking. The only one to notice was Xavier he looked back at you and asked "Are you ok"? You shook your head. "I'm not feeling well, I'm going home". You turned and walked straight back the way you'd come. Ignoring the protests from everyone coming this way and them telling you, you were going the wrong way.

It seemed like it took forever but finally you made it back to the entrance of the festival and you sat down. The tears came again. You just couldn't understand how and why you were so ignored by Rafayel. Your jealousy burned as every scene played back in your head. Rafayel had only played a few games with you and every time had been when she hadn't wanted dtonolaybwith him first. It had only been then, once she'd rejected that he would ask you like a second choice.

Once again you found yourself completely distraught for the second time, for the same man in only two days.

You walked home alone. Mood completely sour and expression dark. Fishing your keys out as you stood in front of your door you noticed your phone. Unlocking it you were unsurprised to find that there were no messages. Either Rafayel hadn't noticed you were gone yet, or he just didn't care. You shut it off and opened the door. Silence greeted you, just as it always did.

"I'm tired of being alone". You say out loud to no one. "I don't want to be in love with someone who doesn't even see me anymore". You cry sinking to the floor and sobbing again. You don't know how long you sit with your back to the front door crying. Your thoughts are jarred when the doorbell rings. You say nothing and listen. The bell goes off again two and then three more times.

Rafayel's soft voice comes from the other side. "Why did you leave without saying anything to me? Why didn't you tell me you were feeling sick in the first place. I was worried". He says and the concern in his tone irritates you. You stand up and yank the door open.

"Were you actually worried? How long did it even take you to notice I was gone??? Did you even look for me? Why did you ignore me almost the entire time I was there? Am I just a doormat to you? Am I supposed to act grateful any time you decide to toss me even a SECOND of your precious time"? You hurl all your pent up frustrations at him as more tears slip down your face.

Rafayel frowns and you can see him getting angry but you cut him off. "I'm tired Rafayel, I'm not a puppy that will keep running back to you every time you call my name. I will not be grateful just because you remember that I exist. I can't do this anymore. Loving you hurts to much and I just can't take it. It's killing me inside". You try to wipe your tears away.

"I never asked you to love me. I told you she was important to me a long time ago. It was your stupid choice to fall in love with me knowing all that". He spots back at you angry now. Not since your days in middle school when you first met has Rafayel spoken to you this way.

"You think she'll come to love you back?!? Open your eyes and look you stupid ass! She's in love with someone else too! She won't choose you"! You slam the door in his face before he can respond and run to your room and throw yourself into your bed. You sob yourself to sleep and wish that you had never met Rafayel. He's finally driven you into that dark place you'd tried so hard to avoid.

In the days that pass you feel numb to the world. Two weeks have gone by and not a single message or call from him. Not that you were expecting any or wanted any. The last message was from him and one of the silly stickers he liked to use.

If your heart wasn't broken and you weren't trying to recover from the severe emotional beating you'd taken, you might care that your phone was so silent for the first time that you could remember.

Several times you'd opened your contacts and went to trash all his messages and then block and delete his number all together. You just couldn't bring yourself to do it yet. Maybe in a few more days. You kept telling yourself that over and over again. You were caught in this vicious cycle. Wanting to move on and finally free yourself from him altogether and being unable to do just that.

You had adjusted to your life without Rafayel in it. A few times you'd seen his writing a message bubble pop up in your conversations but he never sent anything. You still didn't care.

Two months had gone by and nothing. Once Thomas had reached out to you asking why you hadn't been to the gallery recently but you didn't answer that message either. Under different circumstances you might have felt guilty leaving him on read.

After work that day you decided to change your pace for the first time in weeks. You went to the coffee shop you used to frequent. The Cafe style had always been cute to you and the chairs were so comfortable. Just as you put your hand on the door you noticed a familiar figure in your favorite chair.

Rafayel was slouched in the chair, completely unlike him. His wavy purple hair was messy and ot looked like he was neglecting his sleep. Badly at that, if the dark circles under his eyes were anything to go by. His head was perched on his hand and he was tapping the arm of the chair.

As if sensing your gaze he looked up. His eyes went wide and he immediately stood up and took a step in your direction. You let go of the door handle and stepped back blending into the people walking as you hurriedly left. The moment your eyes met you felt a twinge in your heart. You weren't ready to see him again.

The next day at work your mood was positively black, as if a heavy thunderstorm was hanging over your head. Everyone steered clear of you. Only coming to speak to you when absolutely necessary.

The day passed by slowly and you paid little attention to anything around you. By the time you noticed that it was quiet everyone had already gone home. You packed your things up slowly and were getting ready to leave when the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end. There was a strange energy in the room and your senses screamed danger at you.

Just then a strange screech echoed in the room and something hit you out of nowhere. You flew up into the air and across the room just as alarm bells went off in the building. Metaflux! Your alarmed brain screamed at you through the pain as you were crumpled on the floor where you'd fallen. A Wanderer was inside the room with you and you had no way to defend yourself.

Sheer panic overtook you ss you lifted your head and looked behind you at the horrible monster bearing down at you. That was when the tremors started and you screamed as it's blade bore down on you.

Just as it was about to strike you a gunshot rang out. The monster was knocked sideways and it's blade swung off course. Cutting the desk in two, instead of you. The creature screeched as a flaming dagger sunk into its arm. Rafayel had showed you his Evol many times before. You knew that dagger even at a glance.

The screen around you changed suddenly and then you weren't in your office building. "Protofield"! A female voice called out. Finally you could see Rafayel and her. He called your name and tried to come to you but was held back by the group of Wanderers.

"Just stay put we'll rescue you"! She called tone serious. You couldn't exactly move. Pain and fear had you rooted to the ground. You'd read about protofields before but lacking the skills, you'd never been in one.

Gunshots, screeches, grunts, and communication between the pair sounded all around as they fought the Wanderers off. Just as quickly as it had appeared the protofield vanished. The last Wanderer seeming to have been destroyed.

The two made their way over to you, picking across the damaged desks and scattered paper. Rafayel knelt next to you. Assessing your injuries as she made a call on her watch. Relaying the situation back to the Association as well as medical support.

You hadn't realized it yet, but your breaths were coming in short gasps and you were starting to feel dizzy.

That was when the floor started shaking again. This time the tremors were violent. Rafayel glanced around as he stood up trying to hold his footing. "Earthquake"? He asked glancing at he watch. She shook her head as Rafayel looked around some more.

Only you realized where the tremors were coming from. You'd never told Rafayel you had any Evol at all. He'd believed you when you said you were born without one and had never developed one after the Wanderers first appeared.

The shaking got worse and cracks appeared in the windows as it seemed like the whole building was moving. "Danger"! You managed to gasp out feeling like your energy was being sucked out of your body. You lay on the ground feeling dizzy and nauseous. The windows busted out, sending glass straight to the ground ten floors below.

Rafayel took as step towards you just as a violent shudder went through the building and the floor gave way beneath you. Then you were falling. You tried to scream as you fell. Above you Rafayel was falling too. Seeming to have jumped through the hole after you. Groaning metal and breaking glass was all that you could hear before you blacked out and then silence. Nothing but silence.

*******************************************************

Three months later

Rafayel sat at your bedside. He was usually here at this time of day. It was part of his routine now. He'd gotten used to the beeps of the machines in your hospital room. He'd thought back again and again. The Dr's had determined the earthquake like tremors had come from you. When you had panicked your body's natural instinct to protect itself forced your Evol out of control.

The result had collapsed the building you'd worked in. Thankfully everyone else had gone home for the day. His injuries were nothing compared to yours. Bumps, scrapes, and bruises. He hadn't even needed to be checked into the hospital.

You on the other hand, the list was long and scary. Broken ribs, a punctured lung, skull fractures, a dislocated arm, broken leg, the list went on. He had tried not to read all of it.

The Dr's had treated all your physical injuries and you'd had to under go three different surgeries. The skull fractures had caused the most concern for them. A concussion was the least of your problems.

Right now you were comatose. Your body had shut down all necessary functions to try and repair the damage. The extent of damage to your head had been undetermined as long as you remained asleep.

Rafayel looked at you again, glad most of the bandages were gone now. Beeing wrapped in gauze nearly from head to toe was hard to look at. He took your hand again, careful not to disturb the IV.

"Hurry and wake up, I'll even let you yell at me. I don't mind anymore. You can be mad all you want. Just don't sleep anymore. Please". His voice was a weak whisper as he rubbed his thumb on the back of your hand.

For the first time your hand twitched in his and he looked up sharply at your face. He called your name and the heart monitor picked up your increased hear rate immediately.

He waited anxiously with baited breath and then after what seemed like hours your eyes fluttered open. He leaned over and pressed the call button on your bed after informing the nurse you were awake he turned his attention back to you.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened. You were right. I acted like a jerk, and I didn't treat you very well. I knew for a while that my feelings wouldn't be returned. It's not like she didn't tell me about Xavier before. I just didn't want to listen. If you'll just forgive me, I don't need anything else. " Rafayel said in a rush. Spewing everything out that had crossed his mind in the last three months.

Confusion had knit your brows together. You were looking at him with an odd expression. The door opened as the Dr came in just as you started speaking in a raspy voice. Your words had his heart sinking to the floor.

"Who are you?"

****************************************************

Uwahhhhhh I just realized how long this was editing and proofreading 😵‍💫😵‍💫

I really do torture myself, but then again, short stories aren't very common for me. Oh, well.

I do hope you liked this one. It's a no happy end one. Unless you want to pick it up from my ending and make it happy.

#love and deepspace x reader #love and deepspace #lnds #lnds mc #lnds xavier #love and deepspace xavier #lnds rafayel #love and deepspace rafayel #angst #angsty #angst with a sad ending #@potatosugar #request fic #request prompts #requested

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sannasruins · 2 years ago

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asinine

villian!izuku midoryia x reader

warning: kidnapping, obsession, kinda yandere

a/n: just a blurb, i'm having pretty bad writers block right now, f!reader

word count: 400

“Oh, sweet girl.” he murmured, dragging a knuckle down your jaw, toying with the cloth that gagged you, “foolish in your kindness, burning yourself to keep others warm.” He gripped your chin, forcing you to look into his eyes, shining like emeralds. “Your hubris is not even your own, it seems all you've done is live for your obsession, your love.”

He circled around the chair you were bound to, lightly dragging fingers over the skin of your neck, the pressure barely there. He grabbed the hair at where your skull and spine met, yanking your head backwards violently, and meeting your tearful gaze as he loomed over you.

“How asinine of you.” his words, laced with venom, with hatred unrivaled. “How utterly feebleminded you are to dedicate your life to something that is not even your own.” He released your stinging scalp.

“You should have picked me over him.” He rounded back to the front of you, squatting down so his face was level with yours.

“Don’t you know how evil he is? How selfish? How cruel?” He tutted and shook his head, almost in mirth. “Of course, you couldn’t have, you were blinded by the love you have for your little hero. He couldn’t protect you though, could he?”

Midoriya Izuku dug two fingers into your side, causing tears to spring in your eyes as you tried to flinch away, the bounds stopping you from escaping you, as he followed along, still pressing into what must be an ever-darkening bruise. It felt like fire, it felt like your organs were screaming, and tears streamed down your face as you watched him, never letting yourself break contact with his eyes. Formerly enchanting, warm and welcoming like a sun dappled forest has turned to rot, to sticky poison, to radiation and sickness, but they still held that clever gleam. With his other hand he reached up and lightly brushed away one of your tears, a grin splitting his freckled face.

“Oh, don’t cry my sweet girl, he couldn’t protect you.” He let up the pressure behind his bruising fingers, lifting his other hand to now hold your face between his two larger palms.

“But I will.”

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annerly-san · 13 days ago

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Love and Deep Deadlines | A LaDS Corporate AU - Chapter 1

Summary:

Amidst the cut throat culture of Onyxion Enterprises where cutting-edge innovation is overshadowed by corporate chaos, no one talks about how hard it is to be an intern.

Alongside Caleb, the sales department smooth-talker; Zayne, the cold and unflappable CTO; Xavier, a director who might as well be an intern himself; and Rafayel, the overly dramatic Creative Director who brings his own flair to every meltdown, our intern is just trying to survive the workday. Oh, and don’t forget Onyxion’s very own CEO, Sylus, a walking HR violation who gets off on terrorizing his employees.

In this company, will love bloom before the deadlines run deep, or will the company go under first?

Chapter Navigation: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ?

Alternative AO3 link:

“Do you really need this coffee, pipsqueak?” Caleb grabbed the two warm drinks the barista handed to him through the drive through window and passed me a cup. “The way you’re already shaking before even drinking this is making me worried.”

He was right.

I clasped at the paper cup held in my hands, aware of the way it was shaking and threatening to spill its contents all over the passenger seat of Caleb’s car.

“Y-yea! I got to be awake and aware for my first day, you know!” I brought the rim of the cup to my lips to take a sip, wincing at the burning sensation of the hot liquid as it hit my tongue.

Caleb chuckled as he started to pull out of the drive through and back onto the main road to our destination.

“I guess I can’t blame you for being excited on your first day of work, huh?” Caleb had one lazy hand on the steering wheel while the other took a careful sip from his own coffee. “Though I can’t say I was as anxious as you were on mine.”

I glared at him as he laughed at me. “Hey! Stop teasing! You’re you, and that’s totally different. Stupid Caleb…” I countered in my defense. Of course he wasn’t as anxious as I was on his first day. He was personally scouted by his boss at the time and was assured in his abilities to perform at his role well.

Anyone could testify at how well Caleb was able to waltz into a room of stuffy businessmen or straight-laced engineers and convince all of them to buy a thousand units of something they don’t need. The fact that he climbed up so many levels from an associate sales position to a senior sales lead within the span of three years was irrefutable proof of how competent and unrivaled he was at his job.

On the other hand, there was me. Well into the age range of where I should have been a level two employee with a staff-- or at least an associate title-- to my name, but I was instead just starting my industry experience with an internship at a position that catered to none of my skills.

“I-I just want to prove that I can do the job, that’s all.” I fiddled with the lopsided label stuck to my cup. Caleb didn’t respond right away, and I was glad. I didn’t want to hear him say I was overthinking again.

The truth was, I was scared—scared I wasn’t good enough for this role. Scared that I would mess it up.

It was my fault for my lack of commitment to a higher degree and indecision of what field I should specialize in. Now as the market turned for the worse and the niche industry that I pursued my degree in became headlines in the news for mass layoffs and job cuts, I found myself straggling behind my peers as the consequences of my actions. A jack of trades. A master of none.

How I managed to land a role at such an esteemed company was beyond me.

I glanced at Caleb again, who was focused on navigating through the morning rush hour traffic. It was only thanks to his referral that I even landed a salary job that offered the base benefits of what’s needed to survive in today’s world. There was a sense of humiliation that ate at me inside stemming from insecurities about my inadequacies at this point in my life, but I should start to appreciate the small things that I have now.

I have a job. It doesn’t matter how I got it.

I just need to do well at it.

Even if it’s for a role that I wasn’t meant for.

“You’ll be fine, pipsqueak. They’re gonna love you!” Caleb’s voice brought me back to the present. “They’re lucky to have you, you know? You’re going to be the best intern they’ve ever had, and you’re gonna get a return offer for a full-time position before you know it!”

I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips at his encouragement.

Growing up and living together with Caleb meant that he always knew what to say and when to say it.

I let out a sigh of relief and a small laugh of gratitude. “Thanks, Caleb.”

We were driving closer and closer to the tall glass building that stood out distinctly amongst the other towers in the city. Tens of stories high and towering above the scenic river that wound itself around the city, it was an architectural marvel made from glass and steel that reflected its surroundings with a reddish hue all whilst hiding everything else behind the glass. Aloof. Refined.

Onyxion Enterprises.

It was the epicenter of all technological innovation in today’s society. Their most renowned product called “Protocores” can augment the natural human capability to expedite healing factors, boost innate strength, and cure illnesses while also being the foundation of new technology that everyone interacts with in today’s world. Protocores drive all digital and artificial technologies, and Onyxion has positioned itself so that society fundamentally runs on them alone. Just like steam was pivotal in the Industrial Revolution and electricity in the digital age, nothing could operate without Protocores. Nothing could operate without Onyxion. It was the dream to join them.

No matter how many times I saw it, my heart still leapt with excitement.

Caleb pulled the car through the security gate, his identification and registration information seamlessly pulled from the protocore band he wore around his wrist as he drove down into the multi-level parking garage beneath the Onyxion tower.

The car pulling to a stop in his designated parking location broke me from my stupor as I stumbled to unbuckle and step out.

The faint screeching of tires and distant conversation echoed in the parking lot as I followed Caleb to the elevators taking us to our appropriate floors.

“Intern orientation is on the fourth floor, pipsqueak. Want me to walk you there?”

The urge to retort and dismiss him for treating me like a little kid fought with the highly strung bundle of nerves inside of me. My thoughts got the better of me.

What if I got lost?

The building has tens of thousands of rooms.

They might as well fire me on my first day if I couldn’t find my orientation room.

I grabbed onto his sleeve, muttering a quick, “yea, could you?” before trailing behind him to hide my embarrassment.

What kind of corporate employee makes her big brother escort her all the way to orientation?

Caleb must have been surprised too, but he decided to leave it be. He pressed the button to the elevator door and we waited in silence for the car to arrive.

The doors finally swung open and the two of us stepped in.

Caleb pressed the button for the fourth floor and I gaped in wonder at the many, many buttons on the panel ranging from the underground (G20-G0) and above (L1-L150). Caleb must have noticed my shock and let out a laugh.

“I think that needless to say, in addition to planning your time around driving ten levels to find parking in the garage, you also need to plan time for riding the elevator. Depends on what floor, but you might be stuck for awhile,” he chuckled.

“Does the elevator ever get stuck?” I asked, eyeing the panel curiously.

“No, not really,” Caleb mused. “You’ll find that our CEO is a real stickler about that. Last time an elevator got stuck, he bought the company that made it and fired every single employee.”

My jaw dropped. “W-what? R-really?! Caleb, don’t mess around like that!”

Caleb shrugged, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “Yep. That’s Sylus for you. Onyxion’s very own CEO.”

Caleb was always the first to make a joke about Onyxion’s CEO, calling him names like ‘a deranged sociopath’ or ‘a mentally unstable asshole.’ But knowing his position as a sales lead, it wasn’t like he ever ran into the man.

I scoffed, shaking my head. Caleb could spin tall tales in his sleep.

From what I’d seen—reading articles, watching webinars, and browsing through the endless fan blogs—Mr. Sylus was perfectly polished. The number of stockpile images and glowing profiles online were proof enough that he was highly regarded, no matter what Caleb said.

I gave him a playful slap on the arm. “Don’t talk about the boss like that! Mr. Sylus is a respectable man.”

Caleb rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, pipsqueak. I just hope you never meet him. It’ll shatter all your little dreams.”

I shot him another glare, ready to punch him, but the elevator doors opened just in time, saving him. We scooted to the back to make room for the other riders.

“Do you have any interns in sales this summer?” I asked him quietly.

“No, not this summer,” he whispered back. “Would you rather have been assigned to my department instead?” I stared up at him, thinking that it was a serious question. Seeing the smirk on his lips, compelled my hand to slap his arm again. “No way! You’d probably work me to death and make me fetch you coffee all day.” “Hey now, pipsqueak,” he bantered back. “I’ve been the one to fetch you coffee this morning, don’t be so ungrateful.”

The elevator doors slid open on the fourth floor with a soft chime. Caleb nudged me forward as I hesitated at the threshold, my legs feeling like lead.

“This is your stop, pipsqueak.” He grinned, trying to reassure me, though I could tell by the twitch in his brow that he was gauging my nerves.

I forced a smile, clutching the straps of my bag tighter. “Yeah… thanks for walking me.”

We stepped out into the bustling hallway where a few other interns were huddled together, glancing at their phones or chatting nervously in low voices. I scanned the signs on the wall until I found the one labeled “Intern Orientation – Room 403.”

“I’m good from here,” I said, though my feet seemed reluctant to move.

Caleb eyed me for a second longer before giving me a firm pat on the back. “You’ve got this. If anyone gives you trouble, just tell them your big brother works here.” He winked.

I laughed, despite the knot of anxiety in my stomach. “Yeah, that’ll help me make friends.”

With a final nod, Caleb turned back toward the elevators. “See you at lunch?”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Definitely.”

After a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped into the orientation room, finding a seat toward the middle, somewhere inconspicuous but not too far back. I wasn’t the only one trying to blend in—most of the other interns had the same deer-in-headlights look I felt on my face.

The presentation began soon after. Onboarding videos. Policies. The usual HR spiel. My mind started to drift, despite my best efforts to focus.

Just as I was beginning to wonder how much more of this I could take, a voice broke through my haze, calling my name. “Hey there!”

I blinked, turning to see a woman standing in the doorway, her arms crossed with a friendly grin on her face. “I’m Tara, from Product Marketing. Our manager sent me to pick you up. We’re on the same team. Come with me—I’ll show you to the office.”

Relief washed over me like a cool breeze. I quickly grabbed my things and followed her out of the room, eager to escape the dull onboarding and get a glimpse of what awaited me on the real floors of Onyxion.

The ride up was silent, but not uncomfortable. Tara seemed nice enough—calm, collected, and already giving off the vibe that she knew exactly what was happening around here. Exactly the kind of person I wanted to follow on my first day.

As we stepped off on the 22nd floor, I felt my stomach flip again, but this time, it wasn’t just nerves. It was excitement.

My real first day was just beginning.

#lnds fanfic #lads #lads fanfic #love and deepspace #sylus fic #zayne fic #lads caleb #love and deepspace caleb #love and deepspace sylus #lads sylus #lads zayne #love and deepspace zayne

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nicky35 · 5 days ago

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ok, i've finally decided

who i will be rooting for in unrivaled from most to least:

lunar owls

laces

rose

mist

vinyl

phantom

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orrry47 · 21 hours ago

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I left the kpop fandom and now unrivaled is giving us nothing but what kpop gave me and I'm loving it 😭😭😭 you can't tell me this isn't a kpop idol birthday ass post.

#wnba #wnba basketball #unrivaled laces #unrivaled basketball

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sleepie-birdie · 10 months ago

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Monsieur Knight

Rating: Gen Summary: A dashing knight dares to save the trapped princess from the clutches of a vile dragon.

As I, the illustrious and indomitable Monsieur Filibert the Magnificent rode forth upon my noble steed, Dame Blanc, the very earth trembled beneath the weight of my valor as sand marked my travels in its golden glow. Its bright hue was almost as valiant as my task. What is my mission, you ask? To liberate the fair Princess Furina from the clutches of a fearsome dragon that had plagued the land for centuries, of course! Who else but I, the epitome of chivalry and gallantry, the most dashing in the land could undertake such a perilous quest and win the heart of the fair maiden? A maiden I have seen from afar months ago. With her delicate hand pressed against her delicate brow, she heaved a dainty sigh at her plight. I knew then what I must do. A woman so beautiful, so kind, that was worthy to stand next to someone such as me.

With my sword in hand and the sun beating upon my broad manly back, I the esteemed and unrivaled Monsieur Filibert the Unyielding, ventured forth into the quaint little town on the outskirts of the kingdom for Fontaine I could feel the weight of their gazes upon me as I strut to town. Oh yes, the good people of this hamlet had no doubt heard of my valiant quest to vanquish the dragon and rescue the fair Princess Furina. Yet, instead of the admiration and awe I had grown accustomed to, I was met with... incredulity. Nay, it could not be! Perhaps these natives know not the language on my tongue? For why else would they shake their head when I divulge to them my noble calling? Or perhaps this is their earnest attempt to save me from what they assume is my untimely demise.

These sweet citizens need not fear, for I am the best there is. The top of my rotation, the titled knight crowned by the gods themselves! A mere dragon will not kill me. No. It is his fate to die! Undeterred by the skeptical glances and murmurs that followed in my wake, I strode through the cobblestone streets with all the confidence befitting a knight of my caliber. "Fear not, good people!" I proclaimed, my voice ringing out like a lion’s roar. "For I, Knight Filibert the Fearless shall rid your lands of the dreaded dragon that plagues you and your beautiful princess!" But instead of cheers and applause, all I received were raised eyebrows and exchanged glances. Puzzled, I forged ahead, convinced that my noble cause would surely win over the hearts of these simple folk. Their poor hearts must have been clouded by their worry.

As I approached the local stall, I was met with a sight that nearly gave me pause. The innkeeper, a burly fellow with a bushy beard, regarded me with a mixture of amusement and concern. "Sir Knight," he said, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism, "are you quite sure about this... mission of yours?"

"Of course, good sir! Fret not for my safety." I replied, clapping him on the back with a hearty thud. "Why, it is my sworn duty to protect the kingdom and its fair maidens from all manner of perilous beasts!"

The storekeeper exchanged a knowing glance with his wife, who shook her head in disbelief. "Very well, Sir Knight," he said with a shrug, "but I must warn you, no one has ever returned from the dragon's tower without a harrowing tale to share."

These sweet souls! “No creature, no matter how fearsome, shall stand in the way of my quest!”

“It’s not the dragon you need to fear.” The man’s wife muttered. My brow rose.

“Ah, are there perhaps traps?” I was trained to best them!

“Ye can say something like that.”

“Then no trap shall best me. For I have labored intensively beneath the tutelage of Archduke Barthmeow the Excellent, my skill and agility know no bounds. For I am the great wind.”

With a hearty chuckle, I bid adieu to the skeptical couple, their doubts no match for the radiance of my noble spirit. With every stride of my steed and every glint of my armor, I forged ahead, my heart brimming with determination and my head held so high I feared it might scrape the sky! For I, the one and only Sir Filibert, the Unwavering had a dragon to tickle and a princess to rescue, and not even the wildest doubts of a few misguided peasants could dampen my fiery resolve!

And so, before long, my trusty mount had whisked me away to the dark and eerie forest of Erryines. Why, you might ask? Because nestled within its twisted embrace lay the very tower where our fair maiden was imprisoned! The dastardly dragon had sequestered the princess by a lake, no doubt hoping to keep her from the world's gaze. But fear not, for where others saw darkness, I saw the opportunity for valor! As I ventured deeper into the forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the emerald canopy above, I couldn't help but marvel at the tranquility that surrounded me. The gentle rustle of leaves, the melodic chirping of birds - surely, these woodland creatures recognized the presence of a true hero in their midst and bowed to my unmatched prowess.

At long last, I reached the edge of the lake, the calm waters mirroring the azure sky above. There, standing tall and foreboding against the horizon, was the dragon's tower. Its ancient stones seemed to groan with malice, warning any foolish enough to approach. But I, Sir Filibert the Unflinching, was not one to heed warnings - for my courage was a blazing fire that consumed all doubt in its path! With a steely glint in my eye and Dame Blanc snorting with determination beneath me, I urged her forward toward the tower.

As we drew nearer, a sudden movement caught my eye - a glimmer of white scales and a glow of blue mane. It was the dragon! It emerged from the shadows of the tower, its massive form casting a daunting shadow over the landscape. But I did not falter. With a swift flourish of my sword, I called out to the beast in a voice that rang out like thunder.

"FOUL MONSTER! I demand you release your maiden captive and face me like a man!”

The beast eyed me, its amethyst eyes glowed with malice.

“Begone human, there is no maiden that needs saving here.” It huffed at me a watery plume which I dodged with utmost grace.

“Wretched creature. I believe not your utter lies.” The beast dared snort at me.

Undeterred by the dragon's dismissive attitude, I squared my shoulders and raised my sword high, the light glinting off its finely honed blade.

"I care not for your trickery, foul, ugly, beast! For I have seen the tears of the fair Princess Furina and heard her cries for freedom. It is I, Sir Filibert the Valiant, who shall vanquish you and set her free and win her hand!"

The dragon let out a low rumble, its eyes narrowing in an icy glare that sent shivers down my spine. But I stood my ground, unwavering in my resolve to rescue the princess and bring justice to this cursed land.

Just as the tension between us reached its peak, a melodious voice rang out from the top of the tower. All eyes turned to behold the sight of Princess Furina herself, her pale hair cascading like a waterfall down her svelte form.

"Cease this senseless quarrel at once!" she commanded, her voice laced with authority. She disappeared from my sight for a mere moment but as she reemerged from the tower of stone, she rushed to my arms in eagerness! Yet propriety won as she skidded to a stop, her gaze burned me with its intensity.

“How dare you call my dragon a foul, ugly, beast! His name is Neuvillette and you will leave us alone.” I was aghast! The princess had been bewitched by this sinful creature.

“But princess! He is a beast!”

“He is my friend !” What kind of sorcery is this?! I raised my sword as the dragon huffed.

"Put your sword away, Sir Knight," Princess Furina commanded, her eyes flashing with fierce determination. But I did not allow myself to be swayed by her false and honeyed words. I had to find a way to sway the creature’s hold on her.

“But how can he be a friend! This senseless creature with no thoughts. Think my lady, would a friend kidnap you and —”

I could only gasp as the princess raised her dainty feet and pressed them to the ground. Her sacred ankles!

“I insist that you stop your insolent mouth right this instant. I do not stand for any slander against Neuvillette and he did not kidnap me. I walked here.” How strong was this hold on her mind? My heart ached for her as I raised my sword.

“Fret not dear maiden, this curse on your mind will cease once he is slain. It is my honor-bound duty to slay this wretched creature.” My words seemed to have an effect as a shadow crossed the pale-haired princess's visage.

“Then you must go through me if you want to hurt Neuvillette.”

The dragon in its arrogance did not deign to look at me! Instead, it turned towards the princess and opened its giant maw. To my horror she reached inside and pulled out…a blade, fashioned from the very fang of the dragon! I feel sweat bead on the back of my neck as she stabs her blade towards me. I take the blow with my chest held up high. Unwavering is her hit but I must bear it.

“If you do not cease this foolishness, I will be forced to hit—”

()xxxxx[[{:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>

“I swear, is it because it is summer, there are quite a lot more knights coming our way.” Furina huffed as she brushed away the dirt on her favorite dress. When she woke up early this morning, fighting dotty boys sent her way was not on her list of to-dos. Alas, that had been her task ever since she moved into the tower with her dearest Neuvillette.

Speaking of her dragon…

The petite princess rounded on her heels as she watched him uncover the stone slab they had engraved just a week ago. The smile on her face grew as she watched him pick up the knocked-out knight like he was a moldy dish and toss him through the newly activated portal. The dragon was silent, tail dragging across the loamy soil of the lakeside as he moved to cover the stone once more.

“Neuvillette?” There was a huff and a low hum as the hulking creature slunk closer to the water's edge.

“Neuvillette, what’s wrong? Did what the knight say affect you?” Even as she spoke, she knew it was not true. Neuvillette cared not for what the humans thought about him. He never had and he never would. It was simply how he was. Her feet tapped along the ground as she scuttled after him. Her short legs had to work double just to keep up with his longer stride. Just what had gotten him into such a huff. If she recalled, the last few times they had dealt with an interloper he had been quite…enthusiastic after. She watched as he slipped into the lake with a wet plop. Her mind coursed through their recent scuffle.

Just what had upset him? Normally, they would have been bantering by now. Normally he would have lauded her skills just a tad but today…today was different.

The knight had been just like any other. She had defended her dragon once more…like always.

He had let her handle it herself too! It was just like always.

So what? What had upset her dragon so? Her love. Her frien–

Furina’s cheeks warmed. Her silly, silly, sweet, dragon. Giggling, the princess stepped off the shore and waded deeper into their lake.

“Neuvillette…are you upset that I called you a friend? ” Was that all? He was after all her friend first and foremost but…

A scaled tail wrapped around her waist. “But you are my friend.” There was another chuckle as she felt his hold loosen enough for her to wade waist-deep into their lake. “My best friend~” She watched as the lake rippled. “My f r i e n d–”

As Furina recovered from the unexpected plunge into the cool waters of the lake, she couldn't help but emit a dramatic gasp, followed by a less-than-dignified whine as she elbowed the dragon responsible for her aquatic surprise. The dragon, Neuvillette, emitted a gruff chuckle as he wrapped his sturdy claws around her, holding her close with a strength that could crush boulders... but gently, of course.

"I am not just your friend," Neuvillette growled, his voice a curious mix of stubbornness and affection that only Furina could decipher after years of companionship. And without missing a beat, Furina relaxed into his embrace, a smile spreading across her face, bright like the sunrise.

"No... no you are not," Furina replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "You are my dearest love, my heart. My husband. My mate."

She laughed as he purred. This silly, silly, heart of hers. Furina's eyes, mismatched in color but perfectly matched in adoration, softened as she ran her palms against his scales, feeling the beat of his pulse beneath her touch. She truly loved this dragon of hers so much. He was the one who understood her the most, the one who held her hand and let her escape the stifling world that was her royal position. Here in their watery home, she had never been happier. The world around her disappeared, replaced by a curtain of silky grey. Blue tinged and much more human hands slid between hers.

Blue eyes met amethyst ones. She felt the pressure of his lips on her forehead. “You’re are my heart.” His voice rang clear. Furina’s heart squeezed. His lips ghosted over the bridge of her nose, “my dearest,” her eyes closed as he pressed his mouth across her brows, “my princess,” across her cheek, “my all.” She felt herself melt as she continued to pepper adoration across every inch of her face before settling over her lips. “My life, my mate.” Her cheeks hurt from the force of her smile. The world once more spun for her. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing.

“Eek! W-wait put me down!”

“I will when we reach our nest.”

In the heart of the lake, laughter rang clear. In the glimmer of the summer sun, their rings shone.

()xxxxx[[{:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>

“Ah…you should have stayed away. Everyone here knows Monsieur Neuvillette and Princess Furina are very much in love!” The barkeeper slid the pint of whiskey over to the hunched form of a once brave knight.

“B-but he’s a dragon!” There was an empathetic nod and a round of snickers.

“He is, that is probably why the princess fancys him. What was the popular saying last year? A beast in the sheets or sum’n like that?” A drunken man slurred somewhere to the bruised knight's left.

Sir Filibert heaved a sigh as he inhaled his liquor. Nothing in his long arduous practices had prepared him for that. The utter humiliation dealt.

“Lemme guess, ya got your face pummeled and coat sliced by the princey herself?”

He did not answer but that was all the crowd of the bar needed.

“Ay, add another tally to the chart! The princess is on a streak.” Confusion filled his gaze as he watched them slide coins across the table.

A warm hand smacked against his back. The armor echoed, low and hollow like his soul.

“Cheer up, yous neva coulda beat ‘em anyways.” The comfort was not felt by the knight. The bartender snorted before handing him another pint.

“She’s right, chin-up, look eh, if it's any consolation, another poor soul is bout to take yer place.” He turned towards the door, where a hooded figure barely hid the gleam of armor.

A chipper voice echoed through the tavern.

“Excuse me! I, Dame Birdie would like to attempt my luck at wresting Princess Furina away from the evil dragon. Please direct me to the lake.”

This poor, poor…soul.

He turned back to the bartender as he slid him a worn-out sheet.

“Wanna bet, who she’ll get beat up by? Dragon or Princess.” He turned his head to listen to the absolute ardor in the woman’s voice as she twirled her hair. His mind drifted back to the flicker of ice in draconic eyes.

“Dragon. Place my mora on the dragon.”

#neuvirina #neuvilette genshin #neuvifuri #furina #neuvillette #furina genshin #focallette

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