#INFINITY/10 WRITING ANXIOUSLY AWAITING PT 2🙏💕

[fatuismooches]

YALL PLEASE GO READ THIS OMG I LOVE IT SMMM 😭😭💖

Loyal Knight 1

ੈ♡˳ Il Dottore x Gn!Reader *ೃ༄

ੈ♡˳ 4.5k words ┊ Fluff + Hurt/comfort *ೃ༄

ੈ♡˳ Masterlist | Part 2 *ೃ༄

author's note ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

I DON'T WRITE FOR MONTHS AND I REREAD MY OLD DOTTORE FICS AND IM SUDDENLY OBSESSED WITH HIM AGAIN. I WILL RECLAIM THE TITLE OF HOUSE OF SOFT DOTTORE. a long one to make it up to yall ,, but i have to cut it into 2 parts bc its too long LMAO <3 also inspired by @fatuismooches's dottore fics, they're too good

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ cw: canon typical violence, basic dottore warnings, injuries, blood, mentions of lots of scars, experiments, and death, dottore and reader r both crazy, obsessiveness/possessiveness from both parties

i. foolishness

Peaceful and quiet are the words that describe the small village where you spent your childhood. Nothing ever happened in your village. There were no attacks from the monsters that lurked outside the lands, no arguments between neighbors, and crimes rarely occurred. People freely walked outside without a sense of fear in their hearts.

It was incredibly boring, to say the least.

Not a single form of entertainment has occurred since you came into existence, and the village will continue to be boring unless you depart as soon as possible. Playing with other children can only do so much to quell your thirst for adventure, to swing a sword— a real one, not the wooden sword your mother gave you— and finally experience the thrill of a battle, be it against a monster or a fellow adventurer. The itch for excitement consumes you, and you realize that this insignificant village will never fulfill your desires.

That is until you met him.

The sun was beginning to set among the tall trees of the forest, concealing itself within the deep shades of green from numerous leaves. However, it still managed to blind your eyes as beams of light peeked through the forest's lush trees. In your hand, you gripped a real weapon, though smaller than a sword, perfectly suited to your tiny hands. The weight was light enough for you to hold it upright with ease. It was your father's dagger, kept hidden in a chest that your parents believed you would never discover, let alone open. Yet, little did they know that your burning desire for an adventure would defy all odds.

As you ventured deeper into the forest, your eyes were drawn to the sight of smoke a few paces away from your position, casting subtle hints of orange onto the surrounding trees. Fire.

Could someone be camping out there? It seemed likely, and your heart skipped a beat at the thought of encountering another adventurer. A smile emerged on your lips as you suppressed your excitement, crouching down to stealthily approach the camp.

To your dismay, it wasn't what you had hoped for. Instead of encountering another adventurer, you found yourself overlooking a small Hilichurl camp nestled beneath the edge of the cliff where you stood. It was a rather underwhelming sight. If you could recall correctly, it was a mission your father discussed with your mother. This Hilichurl camp posed no real threat. Despite a posted mission to eliminate it, no one had bothered to undertake the task, mainly because the camp was so weak that the rewards offered were hardly worth the effort.

Nevertheless, even at the young age of six, you possessed the understanding to recognize that what might be considered weak for seasoned adventurers was still stronger than you—a battle-hungry kid. Perfect! Excitement surged through your veins as the thought of battling real monsters with your father's dagger filled your mind. But before you could proceed any further, your attention was caught by a nearby bush. The Hilichurl seemed oblivious, but you were certain you saw it tremble ever so slightly...

To your astonishment, a person of your own age crouched behind the bush, clearly hiding from the Hilichurl. Recognition immediately hit you as soon as you laid your eyes upon the kid's teal curls, the gloves on his hands that you never saw him without, and the prominent scowl on his face, sharp teeth poking out for view.

It was none other than Zandik, the child who was often subjected to rumors and whispers in the village. The other kids labeled him as a 'weirdo' due to his disinterest in playing outside like children of his age and his lack of enthusiasm for socializing. You've heard your grandparents curse Zandik behind his back, talking about being a heretic at such a young age and conducting 'weird' experiments on live animals or machinery.

He was an oddity to your village, that's something you'd agree amongst the numerous rumors about him. But he certainly spiced up your boring life in the village. You've tried speaking to him a couple of times but to no avail, getting shut down faster than you can think. Despite this, you discerned that he was just an introverted kid with unusual interests. What was so wrong about that?

Still, what was he doing in the middle of the forest? Doesn't he hate being outside— wait, why is he creeping closer to the Hilichurl camp!? Without hesitation, you swiftly lunged toward the bush, attempting to maintain as much stealth as possible, and managed to tackle the boy to the ground. Your hands moved swiftly to cover Zandik's mouth, predicting his enraged cries. Fortunately, due to his smaller stature, you easily pinned him down.

"Hey, hey- calm down!" You whispered, trying to maintain your grip on him despite his excessive squirming and weak punches "It's just me! I live a few houses down yours!" Still, that didn't subdue the furious boy, scarlet eyes glaring right at you as he dug his sharp teeth onto the tender flesh of your hands.

Biting back a scream of pain, you glared back at him with the same caliber and got off of him, holding your poor hand that was on the brink of getting bitten off by your crazy neighbor. Zandik regained composure, showing pure disdain at you and at his dirtied clothes, before pointing an accusing finger at you. "How dare you attack me!? You wretched vermin! Who do you think you are for laying your hands on me!" He spat, rubbing at his skin restlessly as if attempting to rid himself of an imagined filth.

"I-I wasn't-" You cleared your throat as you scooted away from him, giving him much-needed space, and raised your hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry, I must've startled you. I wasn't gonna attack you, I just... acted without thinking..." The boy's eyes just narrowed at you when you hastily explained yourself to him, voicing out your concern for his safety being so close to a Hilichurl camp. Understandably so, he seemed unconvinced by your words.

"Well, there's no need for you to play the role of a 'knight in shining armor', thinking you're saving me from harm." The boy scoffed, rolling his ruby eyes as he heeds you no mind once more, already over with this senseless conversation. "I am perfectly capable of handling this situation on my own, without anyone's assistance. So kindly run along and refrain from uttering another word to me ever again."

Yet you spoke anyways.

"Whuh- but you have no weapon. How are you going to fight those Hilichurls?"

Another roll of his eyes— don't you listen to a word he says? He grumpily huffed at your stubbornness, "I had no intention of engaging in a fight with them. I merely had a need for something that happened to be in their camp."

You arched a brow. "They'll attack you on sight."

"I am aware."

"Okay, then how are you going to get it then?"

Before Zandik could utter a word, a Hilichurl emerged from the bush, startling the two of you. Out of instinct, you grabbed the collar of Zandik's shirt and pulled him back, narrowly evading the swing of the Hilichurl's club. You were quick to pull out the dagger from the hilt when Zandik stopped you, a wide, toothy grin on his lips.

Something metallic emerged from the ground, ensnaring the Hilichurl that tried to pursue you both, only to perish from the electric shocks that surged through the contraption, rendering the creature unconscious within mere seconds.

"Traps..." You muttered under your breath, amazed at the machine you'd never seen before, glancing at the boy beside you. He had this crazed glint in his eyes as he relished his accomplishment. "I see, guess you really didn't need my help."

Somehow, you were more shocked to see the boy look so smug, crossing his arms at you as if to say 'I told you so'. But of course, things don't always go according to plan. Danger has a way of creeping up on unsuspecting, vulnerable sheep in the wild.

Hilichurls residing inside the small tent near the campfire emerged, their anger palpable as they confronted the sight of their fallen comrade and the presence of two children. Judging by Zandik's expression, he hadn't considered the possibility of more Hilichurls being present. And truth be told, you hadn't either. It seemed both of you had underestimated the situation, assuming there was only one Hilichurl in the camp.

"So," You began, positioning yourself in front of Zandik. You thought you saw his hands tremble at the threatening growls of the Hilichurls about to attack him, but whether it was just a delusion or if it was real, you didn't mention it to him. "How about I finally take the role of the knight and shining armor?"

Zandik still found it in himself to glare at you once more. "I-I can handle this on my own-"

You ignored the slight shake in his voice. "Can you fight?" The Hilichurls took a step forward, hissing and growling louder. When Zandik stayed silent behind you, you merely shot him a smile. "Thought so. Let me protect you then!"

That made him frown. You? Protect him? Of all people? He was well aware that the villagers would rejoice upon hearing news of him, the so-called freak, being attacked by monsters in some unknown location. Why would you bother exerting the effort to 'save' him when you could easily turn your back and abandon him to face the situation alone?

Zandik refused to express his confusion though.

"You are not gaining anything in return from this, you vermin."

With a sharp laugh and a shake of your head, you raise your dagger. "Sure, I didn't expect anything anyways." Giving him a wink, it was now your turn to smile, even as your enemies closed in on you. "I'm your knight in shining armor, after all!"

ii. friendship

It was merely transactional at first.

Well, for Zandik at least. You believed that the two of you were friends after you've graciously 'saved' him from the rest of the Hilichurls that attacked you both. You were especially convinced by your own imagination when Zandik took it upon himself to patch you up from your injuries.

"To avoid suspicion," He told you, his displease was seemingly permanently etched on his expression as he put a bandaid on your cheek. "They will ask where you got your injuries from, and your mouth will blurt out the truth before you have a chance to think. I'm doing this for my own sake, to save myself from further humiliation." Though, Zandik knew that you thought otherwise if the big, dopey smile on your face wasn't telling enough.

Zandik only tolerated your presence out of convenience. He would never openly admit, especially not to you, that without your combat skills and knowledge, he wouldn't have made it out without injuries. After several days of deep contemplation, he finally proposed an agreement of sorts that would benefit both parties to you.

As long as you would provide him with your assistance for his projects, whether it involved acquiring necessary items, fighting monsters, sneaking into your grandfather's workshop, purchasing supplies (he was considerate enough to give you his allowance), or even just gathering plants during your walks outside. In return, he would help you stay out of trouble. He quickly learned that your parents would ground you if they found out about any reckless actions (you once pushed a kid into a lake to 'teach him how to swim' and you've been grounded for a week ever since).

You would tease him for this, reminding him of the words he once told you.

"You are not gaining anything in return from this, you vermin."

And Zandik would always counter it with a fierce glare, then say, "You can't be of use if you're stuck inside your house. If you want to be... 'friends' with me, then it's essential that you listen to what I tell you," It's hard not to giggle whenever he says that word with such disgust.

He might have taken you for a fool, believing that you were easily swayed by his words. However, deep down, he always had a lingering suspicion that you were merely humoring him, following along with his plans for your own hidden intentions. Despite that, he didn't see it as a significant threat to himself, considering that your compliance and patience had not caused any real harm so far.

As the years went by, Zandik's initial hostility and indifference towards you gradually transformed. From pushing you away when you get too close, straight up insulting you, or merely ignoring your very existence, to allowing brief physical contact, bringing him outside for trivial activities such as watching the sunset or having a picnic, and taking your words of criticism into consideration.

Truly, he did his best to keep you away from him, giving you dangerous tasks to somehow scare you off, but you only took this as a challenge, your physical prowess growing more day by day. In a way, he unwittingly became a catalyst for your growth. It doesn't help that you've shown genuine interest in his studies. It was an unexpected and intriguing dynamic that kept drawing him closer to you, even as he tried to maintain his distance.

The way your eyes would sparkle in wonder whilst you read his notes, or watch him tinker with whatever he was working on had an unexpected effect on Zandik. It made him feel a sense of warmth in his chest, an odd feeling of pride for managing to captivate and awe you.

Since when did he start feeling that...? No matter, it's not much of a big deal.

Zandik's attempts to deny you even a sliver of satisfaction by withholding his attention were in vain. You had a knack for asking thought-provoking questions that ignited a buzzing curiosity in his mind, questions that were too intriguing to be left unanswered.

Once, he would bury his nose in books whenever you were around, hoping to ignore your presence until you eventually went away like the pest he saw you as. But now?

Closing his book upon your grandiose entrance to his bedroom, he raised a brow at your current predicament. "You look awful." That was an understatement. You had a black eye, your clothes were tattered and blood dripped down your nose. He could also spot the subtle limp with the way you walked.

You rolled your eyes at his comment, "I did something stupid." That was all you said, too tired and hurt to quip back at him. With an annoyed sigh, Zandik stood up from his bed and went toward his drawer to grab the medicine kit inside. "Some kids found our usual spot and trashed it... Decided to give 'em a beating cuz of it." Zandik narrowed his eyes at your words and you gave him a half-hearted smile. "I hit 'em with the scabbard."

"You always do something stupid." He scowls, takes a seat beside you, and began to patch up your injuries. "There was no need for you to attack them; they might end up telling your parents about it later. Besides, we can always find a different spot."

Completely ignoring everything else he said, you brightened up against his touch. "So you do pay attention to me!"

Zandik glares at you, shaking his head. "Don't twist my words, you buffoon."

You merely laughed out loud, throwing your head back as your shoulders shook, only to be cut off with a yelp when Zandik presses his finger on a bruise on your arm. "Do not misconstrue our association as having any significance. It is purely beneficial for the both of us, and I harbor no sense of concern or attachment towards you." Zandik hissed.

Despite his digging nails onto your bruise, you chose to bear the pain and gave him a thoughtful look instead. "Mhm, is that why you took out your medicine kit even though I haven't asked you to patch me up?" You queried, tilting your head at the amusing sight of Zandik pausing for a moment, staring at his hands that held bandaids and rubbing alcohol.

"Or when I get too close to a plant that could kill me, you'd stop me and tell me how dangerous it is when I could always step on it and get whatever sickness from it, just so you could try and cure me?"

Zandik pursed his lips at that. He didn't even think of that... Why didn't he...?

For the first time in his brief existence, Zandik found himself at a loss for words. He couldn't refute the undeniable truths you presented, backed by compelling evidence that could surpass any hypothesis he could conjure. He was unable to distance himself from you as effortlessly as he once did.

You find this hilariously satisfying, so you continued. "I've been hanging out with you for a few years now, I think I'm confident to understand some shit that goes through your head. You could easily get rid of me since you can defend yourself, better than we first met, but yet here I am, inside your room, sitting on your bed." And as if you're victorious, you placed your hands on your hips, puffing out your chest. "In conclusion, we are best friends!"

What is this...? Is this what they truly called friendship? A companion who would place unwavering trust in him? Zandik couldn't help but recognize the subtle rhythm of his heartbeat whenever you were in close proximity, or the way his fingers involuntarily twitched at the sound of your laughter or the sight of your smile...

What a load of shit.

The boy rolled his eyes, "Whatever helps you sleep at night, indulge in your fantasies. You are simply a tool of convenience to me."

You couldn't have expected less. You weren't hurt by what he said, you're far more used to harsher words. But you know that you've hit him right where you wanted, seeing the boy fuming where he sat, but you'll drop it for now. You can always prod and tease him in the future.

With a bright smile that made Zandik more confused about his emotions, you let it go. "Right right, of course."

iii. familiarity

From the moment Zandik met you, you became a constant presence in his memories. You stuck by his side like some parasite, annoying him to no end but still proved yourself to be a companion worthy of praise. Strangely enough, you were obedient to him mostly, as if your world began to revolve around him.

So when he was exiled from the village, it came as no surprise to find you faithfully by his side, watchful for pursuers, hand on your sword's hilt.

Zandik had no choice but to let you follow him to the Akademiya and include you in his plans. As long as he remained in control and you willingly played the role of his complaint 'knight', he had little reason to complain. Though Zandik was sure you were going to be a thorn by his side, now that you've also decided to be his roommate.

As to why you were adamant about living in the same space as he does, "You'll die before you can even reach your goals. You can't cook for shit, forget to sleep, and the only way you'll do any of your chores is if they're starting to irritate you or get in your way." You confidently declared, earning an expected glare from Zandik.

"So you'll be the housekeeper of our dorm," he snarkily remarked, crossing his arms as he suspiciously eyed you. Your growing smile only confirmed his skepticism that you were up to something. "Is that what you want? Then go be someone else's housekeeper."

Rarely did his words offend you, but this time, you unexpectedly sighed, your smile losing a bit of its spirit. Your reaction caught Zandik off guard, but he never brought it up. Nevertheless, you wrapped an arm around his shoulder, poking at his cheek to piss him off even more. "Nah, you're not getting rid of me that easily." You chuckle when he swatted your hand away from his face, "Jus' wanna be of service of you, I guess."

Zandik couldn't help but scoff. How long were you going to cling to that foolish agreement the two of you had when you were children? He was already capable enough to go on on his own, and you've always had the freedom to do anything you pleased. And yet, Zandik never once told you to leave, nor did he provide any reason for you to depart from his side

True to your words, you did most of the housework of your own volition, nor did you voice out any complaint. In fact, you quite enjoyed it. Doing laundry, cooking, cleaning the house, throwing the random person you've kidnapped for blood samples in a random alley— while Zandik himself kept himself cooped up in your shared bedroom, slaving himself in whatever he was currently working on.

You still did whatever task Zandik has given you and allow you to contribute more and more to his projects, though you had to remind Zandik repeatedly that, while he was at the Akademiya, not to learn, but take advantage of its benefits (like a good workspace for him and abundant sources if Zandik ever sought knowledge on a certain topic), he was still required to attended classes.

Other than a few problems here and there, living together felt increasingly natural for both of you. Zandik couldn't deny that a sense of closeness had developed between you since you started sharing the same living space. It wasn't as bothersome as he originally thought. It was actually... Nevermind.

You placed a plate of his favorite meal onto the less cluttered side of his desk, as well as a piping hot cup of coffee, even though the clock just struck 12 AM. You knew Zandik would refuse to get a wink of sleep as long as his paperwork was unfinished. He didn't even spare you a glance, merely grabbed the cup of coffee and began to sip while his other hand never ceased its precise and fluid movements as he continued to write. Nothing was bound to break his concentration.

Letting out a small yawn, you gently placed down the bag full of supplies that Zandik needed to complete his current project onto his bed, before kicking off your shoes and climbing onto the top bunk. "I've got everything you needed. I also explored some ruins like you asked and jotted down anything interesting I found on paper." His writing briefly paused, his clothes rustled, and a faint hum of acknowledgment reached your ears. A smile formed on your lips as you peered down at him from above.

"You're lucky we have the same classes since we're in the same Darshan, so I also wrote you notes. It's not like I think you won't catch up, but I thought I'd just spare you the effort of trying to pay attention in class, so you can go ahead and keep doing your personal work."

You watched him momentarily stop his writing to stretch his back, popping his joints, before scarfing down the meal you've cooked just for him. "How thoughtful of you." He quipped, his own way of expressing gratitude, you've liked to think.

But of course, would it truly be a normal day without your drama?

"I know right, I am thoughtful." You said with a swoon onto your bed, dramatically sighing and expressing your woes.

You could basically feel him roll his eyes at your antics. "My, you are unbelievably humble." Zandik sarcastically remarked,

"Oh, just what would you do without me?" You teased, and you intended to leave it off from there, exhaustion weighing your bones. It was just one statement really, but you didn't expect him to cease his relentless scribbling. You raise your head and peered once more at Zandik's hunched form.

"Well, I suppose I wouldn't have made much progress in all of my projects, considering you've always taken care of obtaining my supplies and other necessities," he admitted, putting down his pen and leaning back in his chair, lost in thought. "You've grown smart enough to provide actual solid feedback, even giving me opinions when I hit dead ends. You've proven yourself to be quite useful as my assistant."

You clicked your tongue. "What a charmer."

"Though, even without you, I could still make progress. It wouldn't take me long to solve the problem of acquiring my own supplies and resources." He added, which you pouted at.

"Wow, you had me fooled by a second there. Thought you'd want me to stay by your side."

Zandik raised a curious brow at that. "You've always had the choice either do as you pleased and leave me. It's clear that I don't care much for you." You held back a laugh at that declaration, shaking your head in amusement. "I never asked you to come with me, you were the one who followed me here of your own accord. I was the only one who was exiled between the two of us. But you insisted, even going as far as raising your sword against your own parents just to be by my side."

Without much thought, you simply shrugged at that. You eyed your sword that sat at the corner of your room, eyes trailing each intricate design of its scabbard. "I just did what my heart told me."

Zandik scoffed at that, finally tilting his head up to where you looked down at him, an unimpressed expression on his face. "The heart is merely responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. It is the brain that you should listen to."

You barked out a laugh, your eyes getting heavy, but you refused to close your eyes just yet. "Hah, if I start listening to my brain, then I wouldn't be me! Besides, I do use my brain!"

He didn't seem convinced at all, snorting at the notion. "Oh? When? I don't recall a single moment that you have." A small smirk formed on his lips as he saw you glaring at him.

"When I fight! I'm a pretty good strategist."

The silence between you grew more tense than you would have liked, as you found yourself staring into Zandik's scarlet eyes for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, he broke the silence and admitted, in defeat,

"... I suppose you're right."

You let out a gasp at his words, a wide grin spread across your face as you quickly retrieved your notepad from your pocket. "Another mark for the 'agreement tally'!" You exclaimed, visibly delighted by the turn of events.

You cheered loudly, prompting an exasperated groan from Zandik at the sight of that dreaded notepad, and opted to return to his paperwork. "Unbelievable," he muttered quietly, focusing completely on the task at hand, already being held back for long enough.

Yet, he couldn't help but bite his bottom lip to stop himself from smiling.

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