lazylattedgleam

[lazylattedgleam]

THIS!!! THIS IS JUST PEAK!

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Ode To Her

(A Love and Deepspace x Non!Mc Reader fic)

(TW: Angst)

(Word count: ~2.7k)

🌟 Disclaimer: If the following trigger warnings or the general genre of the fic make you uncomfortable, then please do not proceed ahead, thank you! 🌟

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(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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(Guide:

Colour codes—Pink and bold is used for MC

Blue and bold is used for Zayne

Yellow and bold is used for Xavier

Green and bold is used for Caleb

Red and bold is used for Sylus

Purple and bold is used for Rafayel.

Mixed/Multiple colouration stand for multiple characters at the same time, as to be followed by the colour code given)

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(GIF Credits: Pinterest)

Ode to Her, who intermingles and entangles the fragile webs (of our lives that) we weave.

Ode to Her, who leisures around with the fabrics (of realities), knitting them up together into a bewitching rag or even a hideous robe.

Ode to Her, who along with Lady Luck composes symphonies and dissonance.

Ode to Her, who creates the Illusio of choice and free will.

Ode to Her, who makes YOU believe to be the creator, when all you are is a mere follower…

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Time had flown like violent waves coursing through a stormy ocean. It felt as if eons had passed by, leaving a barren field behind, which once bloomed with the blossoms of Happenstance.

Happenstance? That’s right, that’s how you’d met him all those years ago, three to be exact.

If you take a tour down memory lane, it will all flash right in front of your eyes as if you were watching a high definition movie…

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You’d moved to Linkon City with hopes of something long forgotten but mainly for, continuing your passion for writing. When you were younger, you too wanted to pursue a career path in becoming a Deepspace Hunter, having a really strong affinity towards the profession. But upon growing up further, your past dream had slowly shrouded within the neural networks of your brain.

Life in Linkon was moderately hard, with the occasional Wanderer outbreaks and Hunters reaching the designated area on time for action, saving civilians. You admired them, you admired them from the depth of your Heart…you wanted to write about them, but you barely found the words to do so.

It left you frustrated and up late every night…only for the next day to continue as a torturous loop of boredom. Not even three months in the City, you were already bored…

You wanted a wish…a wish to be granted…a wish to cure your boredom…and you wanted write all over again…

You wished for it.

Three weeks into the beginning of your third month in the City, you meet someone, you never knew would play such a significant role in your life.

You met her…

MC was her name. She was a new Hunter at the Hunters’ Association but ever so skilled and compatible. A strong, independent woman; someone you soon grew close with.

It was a coincidental occurrence.

You were at Destiny Cafe, a favourite place of yours added to your recency list, when Fate did Her magic.

She was sat at the table alongside Tara,

(who was a ray of sunshine, a pure soul, her colleague and friend, one she’d made at the Association.)

As time flew, hangouts and sleepovers became more common, mostly happening at hers, Tara would often join the two of you, but if she didn’t it was the both of you…

The two of you could spend hours talking and talking, as you’d ask her about her day and missions, taking inspirations for your work, while she’d about the stuff you wrote.

“Ode to Her, who intermingles and entangles the fragile webs (of our lives that) we weave.”—your first wish was granted.

….

Two weeks into the middle of your fourth month in the City,

Perchance You were out with MC and Tara at the Kitty Cafe, playing several rounds of the Advanced Mode of Kitty Cards—

Perchance one evening to Azure Square at that one bakery that MC had told you about, to feed your craving for Macarons—

Perchance on the way to MC’s apartment when you almost run into her upstairs neighbour—

Perchance at a local Casino to feed your thirst for a game of Blackjack—

Perchance out an art store, where hung a pretty wooden board containing the symbolisms for each colour—

When you’d first met him.

There was no verbal exchange, just the meeting of gazes for the very first time.

Later that night, your heart had already started skipping beats from the encounter, your mind started creating scenarios of your second meet, if there was any to come. You hoped for it…

You wished for it.

You wrote about it. Told MC a few days after…Her face lit up, she knew him. Oh?

He was an old friend?

her primary care physician?

a colleague at work?

someone she works as a bodyguard for?

a fruit vendor?

She asked if you wanted to formally meet him. You nodded.

So you did.

at her apartment, when she’d called you over two evenings later.

at Akso Hospital when he was on his lunch break, she’d taken you to.

at the beach, she called him over.

at the Karaoke place, she told he’d like.

It was awkward as heck, what would you have said? That ‘Hello I am the girl you made eye contact with days ago.’, you were nervous.

Maybe he sensed that, he spoke first, he remembered you. You smiled.

The weeks passed, growing with them the bonds of the new friendship that you had been gifted with. The two of you would often meet up almost everyday if time permitted…but you would…

Sometimes with MC, sometimes without her.

You cherished your times spent with him, they made you feel special…a little bit too special, that your heart would strum along the strings a melody, you were oh-so utterly familiar with…but you didn’t want to hurry…

As the saying goes, “Slow and Steady, wins the race.”

Each night you’d return home, stare up at the ceiling giggling like a teenage girl with a crush.

A Crush…!

Plus you’d blame him for making you fall…

How dare he remember your favourite flower,

your favourite colour,

your favourite song,

your favourite food,

the things that make you smile or ick…

He knew the ways of your little world better than your own comprehension.

All so crystal clear, within just a matter of months…

You were bound to fall…and you did…

You fell hard…

“Ode to Her, who leisures around with the fabrics (of realities), knitting them up together into a bewitching rag or even a hideous robe.

Ode to Her, who along with Lady Luck composes symphonies and dissonance.”—your second wish was granted.

….

A year and a half had passed since you met him…and you were down bad for him…

In Every star cluster in the night sky,

Every flower blooming and blossoming in a garden making it rich,

Every flake of the gentle snow which landed upon your nose,

Every ray of the Sun that caused the ripples of the Sea to glimmer,

Every winning gamble-

-you saw him.

You envisioned him, by your side…hand in hand for as long as Space-Time marks it’s existence.

You wanted him to be happy…

You wished for it…

Your pages were diluted in his essence, as if every word you wrote was written for him…

Did he even had the hint of what went on within yourself?

Perhaps.

Did you want him to know?

Perhaps.

Would you ever tell him about it?

Perhaps.

But did the two of you hush out your deepest secrets with each other over call in the silence of the nights?

Absolutely.

“Perhaps…”

It was a word that shrouded it’s true pose from you for a long time.

A word that created the illusion of bliss over your story like a veil.

It was not sooner or later when you had finally been able to snip your way out of the veil…witnessing the harsh truths of reality…

You started noticing him and MC together more over the weeks, observing their conversing patterns… You had asked him, countless of times, if he was sick…if he was alright…if he was okay…but to no use, he would always divert the conversation, so you eventually stopped.

You knew about his past, he had told you…hence,

You would see saw how his eyes would illuminate as if they held constellations behind.

You would see saw the colours and hues that would splatter over the canvas of his face.

You would see saw the easiness in his body language whenever she was near.

As if it was all meant to be…

Each day became a new lesson upon the ways of the unfair world, each night a review of the same.

Confrontation is never an option when it’s the people you consider home.

And what would you confront about?

When you could see the Alchemy of their amalgamations transcend to the cosmic levels, it was as if the Universe had made them a pair, a bond. Eternally bound to each other.

If the word ‘Soulmates’ held ground, they would be the Altar which it stood upon.

Such was the strength of their unity…

It hurt, hurt like anything to accept this epiphany that you had come across…but did you have a choice?

How could you ever compete with what the Cosmos had set in stone…

So what did you do? You wrote about it…you wrote and wrote like there was no tomorrow, every night, all night…at least it took off a minute-fraction of the load that your heart had to carry…

Of course you didn’t stop talking to either of them or cancel meet-ups…well not with her…

With him however, you started growing a bit distant, often cancelling your usual meetings…you needed the space to get a grip on yourself…

You always covered it up over text, just like you masked off every single emotion from your external appearance…

It was on you, upon you, your fault for you had termed your third wish in the wrong way…you should’ve been selfish, not caring for his happiness…but what’s done is done…

His happiness was your happiness…

Her happiness was your happiness…

Even so this happiness was a curse,

You were happy.

The funny thing was that, the more heartbroken you got each night, the more creativity painted herself with words onto the canvas of your notepad…

So you brain came upon a gentleman’s agreement with your broken heart, a business deal if you may describe it as…your broken heart would provide the flow of emotions to the brain which in turn oozed out your creativity; while your heart would feel the weightage of the load lessen even if it meant by fractional amounts…

And what did you do? You let yourself bask in the Status Quo.

“Ode to Her, who creates the Illusio of choice and free will.

Ode to Her, who makes YOU believe to be the creator, when all you are is a mere follower…”—your third wish was granted.

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Ode to Her, who intermingles and entangles the fragile webs (of our lives that) we weave.

Ode to Her, who leisures around with the fabrics (of realities), knitting them up together into a bewitching rag or even a hideous robe.

Ode to Her, who along with Lady Luck composes symphonies and dissonance.

Ode to Her, who creates the Illusio of choice and free will.

Ode to Her, who makes YOU believe to be the creator, when all you are is a mere follower…

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Oh he cannot form sentences about the way his heart soared with elation when he met her again, in this lifetime,

for the first time…

His heart thumped loudly within his chambers, as if it were banging against a locked door, pleading to be let out, set free…If he’d ever known Love, then it was because of her existence that he understood the concept of Love.

She was the Destiny to which he elected to be Eternally bound. The connection they shared was beyond the mortal realm, transcending to the reaches even beyond metaphysics. It was Cosmic, he knew it, he felt it. It was the Universal Truth.

Hence why he felt desolate from within when she didn’t recall the past…the “Them”, that he carried on evermore in every one of his lives. He will continue to do so for eons to come.

Whatever she needed—time, familiarity, he was ready to give it to her. After all he was hers and she was his, they were an amalgamation…

Besides what Love wasn’t obsessive, sacrificial, a misconstrued treachery, or chastised.

So he waited, like he always had…

….

His days had grown monotonous without her memory.

‘When will she remember?’, was the fundamental thought that occupied his state of peace…

A change of scenery was much needed from this cyclic motion of work-life.

So he went, out for a stroll one fine evening.

Maybe he found out from his ‘trusted sources’ who sent notifications every second from her phone to his, that MC was at the Kitty Cafe along with some friends, playing several rounds of the Advanced Mode of Kitty Cards. Plus he needed to make sure she was with good company, after all he was only looking out for her—

Maybe he took a turn towards that one bakery the both had often ventured to satisfy their cravings for sugar—

Maybe he wasn’t a fan of his pre-planned stroll and instead made his way towards MC’s apartment when someone almost bumped into him. Letting out a flurry of sorries—

Maybe at a local Casino—

Maybe passing by an art store, where hung a pretty wooden board containing the symbolisms for each colour. He stopped by to judge them of their mistakes—

When his eyes met new ones, he’s never seen you before.

Maybe you were a new friend of hers, maybe even a stranger? Or an acquaintance? Whoever you are, it was of no concern to him…

….

A phone call was unexpected the very next evening, but not unwelcome. Infact he strived to hear her voice in some way or form, every single day of his being. She wishes to officially introduce him to her new companion? Oh?

Again unexpected. But if that’s what her wish was then it’d be his command. Although he was a bit hesitant upon meeting this mysterious person…majorly because he heard her go on for hours about how the two of them had gotten closer in just a matter of months.

She was sly, never mentioning the gender of this new ‘companion’ of hers. Maybe she enjoyed keeping him shrouded in half-truths.

What was his response? Yes of course. As if he could ever say No to her.

She’d assigned him a place for the meet-up along with the date and time, told him not to be late.

It was another dusk hour on a Sunday,

at her apartment,

at their assigned bakery they often go to, for replenishing their sweet teeth, well mostly his,

at the beach,

at the Karaoke place,

…You again?

Well at least it wasn’t a guy

You seemed awkward of the situation at hand, he could sense your nervousness scattered all over your features, profoundly. He wasn’t any big of a fan of first-impressions, but maybe a part of him wanted you to ease up…so he spoke up first, he remembered you.

He could see you heave a big sigh of relief internally at his words of consolation. You smiled…

The prescribed time soon had passed, enveloped within getting to know each other, while MC would often chime in to restore/uphold the fluency. He got to know considerable amounts of informations about you. You? A few adding onto the context of what you had already gathered from MC…

It was pleasant.

Days to weeks, weeks to months,

When had the Rendezvous metamorphosed into simple Hangouts, he couldn’t recall…

It started with the three of them when the familiarity was still in it’s budding stage…then slowly over time, the need for a watched maintenance of your fluency became discretionary,

for there bloomed beautifully the bonds of this new friendship, which got nurtured through your affection and dedication each day…making it grow stronger…

Hangouts became often (sometimes she would be there…sometimes not), almost everyday if permitted by time. If not? You’d substitute through calls and texts..

….

Time felt as if moving in a slow pace after ages of being driven with constraints and limits…here was none…

Things felt natural…innate with you, like the gentle breeze on a calm spring night, or the heavy shower accompanying a stormy day…

Like every phenomena in nature, often overlooked but are daily and recurring…

He couldn’t quite put his finger around it…yet…

He forgot to keep track of the exact moment when he

Started paying attention to the posters you hung above your bed—

Or the way you would try to stand your pen upright on your desk when your mind would wander off while writing—

Or the way you would duplicate multiple tabs on YouTube, each one filled with a specific song or mixed genres, while you would try resonating with it, to incorporate the same into paper—

Or the collection of hair ties that you possessed—

Maybe even the pre-existing tiny dent on the wall above your kitchen counter, which you said you would cover up with something but keep forgetting—

Maybe it was the way you’d smile everytime he was within your proximity—

Or the virtual hug you’d send him through your collection of cute bunny, crow, apple, snowman, artsy birb, stickers, every time before he went to bed—

Maybe it was the way your eyes would stare into his whenever he was over at you place and you were thinking of how to go forth with your words on paper—

Or everytime the two of you would be out, and you would feel like a breath of fresh air—

Soon he found himself accustomed to the ways of your world,

What made you ick or inspired,

Your favorites:

The certain colour of paint , or mixture gradients he’d use on his canvas that made you filled with joy, so he’d restructure his paintings like such—

The symbolism that each of the Cards and their Suits held within the deck of 52, making you speak on and on about them for hours, over text or via voice message at 3a.m—

Late night outings to go stargazing at the park, sitting on the plain grass, while you ask him about the different constellation…maybe just maybe while doing so, your head slowly tilts down to lay comfortably upon his shoulder—

How it became a regularity for you to visit the hospital every late night he got off of work, with a 6packed box of strawberry flavoured macarons…well two for each night on a row for three days, following the similar pattern for two weeks. Then came a gap for the next two weeks, as the cycle continues…but maybe what he wants to say was that, you’d be the Constant, coming over every night—

Every movie marathon you’ve been having, while he would cook for you. Not to mention how you’d constantly refer to him as ‘Maverick’ and hum along the theme song every time you watched Top Gun…Apparently it was your favourite thing to do, along with constantly complimenting his cooking in Shakespearean English and fumbling often—

Alongside the feeling of a calm warmth flowing through his body…a something else—resembling to fear??? Was slowly nibbling it’s way through his heart.

….

Uh oh…

A year and a half had passed already since he met you? And you had already confide countless of your deepest secrets to him…How could you trust him so much? Why did you trust him so much? Should he do the same…tell you about all his past lives, that haunt every hour of his existence?

Oh no…

The epiphany struck him like a truck when

In

Every star cluster in the night sky,

Every flower blooming and blossoming in a garden making it rich,

Every flake of the gentle snow which landed upon your nose,

Every ray of the Sun that caused the ripples of the Sea to glimmer,

Every winning gamble-

-he saw you.

Oh…

He had ever so slowly, fallen for you…

Now this filled him with panic,

He was panicking like a madman, like he had never before…

He didn’t know what to do, or how it was even possible for him to fall for someone else when the Love of all his Lives was MC…He needed to talk it out with MC…come up with a solution, something, anything…

All his thoughts and feelings were clogged and cluttered over his brain.

All this time he’d been beating around the bush, trying to press it down into the depths of chambers to be never found again…but somehow the feeling re-emerged, digging through every ground that he wanted to bury it beneath…

He felt like a nomad, like he knew nothing about the ways of the World…like a newborn…

Plus how would he even bring this up to MC, what if she gets heartbroken, or worse…

He couldn’t afford that…

But neither could he mute the sound of his thumping heart for you…

You…

Why did he have to fall for You? Who were you? A no-one till one and a half years ago.

He wouldn’t even have known about your existence if he didn’t meet you by Happenstance that faith-forgotten evening…

He could barely concentrate on work…Everything around him felt like a spiralling vortex and he was trapped inside…

Being the man he is, he somehow let his discomforts escape your radar eventually, after you had asked him over text, call, in-person countless number times, if he was alright…if he was sick…if he was okay…

MC eventually takes notice of this and confronts him…she had never seen him this distressed, calling him over at Destiny Cafe to talk.

Not sure how to go forth with the conversation, he hesitates…

He felt like he was stuck within a soft-lock of the game, his life had reduced to temporarily…

He had two choices,

“Either to abandon his future and stick to what Fate had woven for him eternally.”

“Or venture into the unknown and embrace the beauty of no obligations.”

She initiates.

He eases up…

Finally opening up…

Going on for weeks, he too gets to learn that she was plunged into a similar situation. There’s someone great that she met months ago during a mission, someone she saved…she’s been meaning to tell him but she didn’t know how…

‘They were on the same boat.’

Discussing upon ways how to break something that’s eternal…

Would it cause an anomaly?

Maybe a rift in Space-Time?

Or a breakage in the Universe?

What if the Cosmos punishes them, or worse the person they’ve been doing all this tallying and calculations for…

The risk was high but worth taking…

If it meant they could finally be free from this blessing-turned-curse.

Now came the part where he has to finally admit his feelings for you…

‘This scared him shitless’,

Being tied down to Fate and Eternity to one person was something he was familiar with—something he thought would last for all his lives to come…

But then you appeared, as the anomaly…

Like an error that could make a whole equation go wrong…

A glitch in the fabric of what he thought was Reality…

A new chapter added onto his story…

And he couldn’t wait to write it together with you…

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—To be continued—

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A/N: This fic was highly inspired after reading the prompt by @chika-seno, so full credits to them, and thank you so much for writing such a wondrous inspiration. Hope you enjoy, the entire fic when it’s finished.

~🌙

[lazylattedgleam]

Gonna keep this up on top for easier access.

Request:

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Storymode control buttons

(Credits: Pinterest)

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(A Sylus x NON!MC Reader fic)

(Total Word Count: -will be updated-)

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(Credits: All images from the net. Except for the color editing and brush strokes and writing are made by me.)

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“This world is guided by various forces of the Universe…who will win Destiny or Manifestation?”

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(Credits: Tumblr)

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*TW: Angst, maybe not well written, NON!MC Reader, Reader has Anemia, heavy blood loss during periods, shouting, feeling of betrayal and heartbreak, shaking, crying, feelings of self made insecurity and rejection, self sabotage.

*Index: Narration is written in regular, small size, and italicised.

Reader speeches are white, bold and italicised.

Zayne speeches are blue, bold and italicised.

MC speeches are pink, bold and italicised.

Sylus speeches are red, bold, and italicised

Others are white and just italicised.

Thoughts are written inside single inverted commas and bold (small font), sometimes struck through.

Texts and chats have ‘Indented’ font.

Call conversations are written in the ‘Chat’ font.

Actions are written inside asterisks, white and bold.

Diary entries -will be updated-

If you’re uncomfortable with the following genre or any of the trigger warnings, then please don’t read ahead.

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End or the Beginning? - 000

Mr. Ruby Eyes - 001

Yes…? No…? Maybe so…? - 002

Sylus Archives(Article: I) - 003

The art of Simplicity - 004

. . . - 004a

Coming soon…

(Credits: Tumblr)

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[lazylattedgleam]

GUYS! GUYS! LISTEN!

SYLUS PLUS HOZIER SONGS IS ENOUGH TO TRANSCEND ME TO ANOTHER WORLD OF PLEASURE AND TRUST AND WHAT NOT!!!

SYLUS…THAT MAN IS THE LITERAL EPITOME OF WHAT HOZIER’S SONGS SYMBOLISE!!! AT LEAST TO ME! UGHHHH THEY RESONATE SO FUCKING WELL TOGETHER! NO EVOL NEEDED!

TT…TT

Change my mind?

Especially Take me to Church, No Plan, Work Song, and Too Sweet…

These lyrics scream Sylus…I’m giggling and crying—

(Some of the lyrics which literally scream Sylus to me, more than the other parts of the song)

From, No Plan

“There's no plan, there's no kingdom to come

I'll be your man if you got love to get done”

“There's no plan, there's no hand on the rein

As Mack explained, there will be darkness again”

From, Too Sweet

ALL. OF. THEM. FUCKING. LYRICS

From, Take Me To Church

“My lover's got humour

She's the giggle at a funeral

Knows everybody's disapproval

I should've worshipped her sooner”

“"We were born sick," you heard them say it”

“Offer me that deathless death

Good God, let me give you my life”

“No Masters or Kings

When the Ritual begins

There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin

In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene

Only then I am human

Only then I am clean”

From, Work Song

“When my time comes around

Lay me gently in the cold dark earth

No grave can hold my body down

I'll crawl home to her”

“My babe would never fret none

About what my hands and my body done”

“Heaven and hell were words to me”

_____________________________

[lazylattedgleam]

Request:

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(Word count: ~624)

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“Shhh…let’s not speak…letting silence engulf us, till we become one…”

(Current: 004a)

(Previous: The art of simplicity-004)

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Now playing…

Apocalypse…by Cigarettes After Sex…

(Credits: GIPHY)

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A gentle tune played in your ears, dragging the music with a slow, very slow pace rippling all throughout your bodies…it emanated out a placid wave which were soon absorbed by the clayey moulds of your soul…

“You leapt from crumbling bridges watching cityscapes turn to dust

Filming helicopters crashing in the ocean from way above

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

You've been locked in here forever, and you just can't say goodbye”

You peek at him from the corner of your eye, as a form of scheduled checks…

“Kisses on the foreheads of the lovers wrapped in your arms

You've been hiding them in hollowed-out pianos left in the dark

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

You've been locked in here forever, and you just can't say goodbye”

You took in a deep breath before letting it go…the atmosphere of your room seemed to shrouded in the mist of your heartbeats, as if they were resonating along with the music…

“Your lips, my lips

Apocalypse

Your lips, my lips

Apocalypse”

Your eyes shut closed…as you let yourself with enveloped deep within the sensations…

“Go and sneak us through the rivers

Flood is rising up on your knees

Oh, please

Come out and haunt me, I know you want me

Come out and haunt me”

Each lyric seemed to hold a symbolism to itself, one you couldn’t decipher, so you let yourself bask in it’s open secrets…a strange haunting presence filled the cavities of your hearts leaving a trail of goosebumps all over your skin, as if to be a strong claim of a supernatural ongoing…

“Sharing all your secrets with each other since you were kids

Sleeping soundly with the locket that she gave you clutched in your fist

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

You've been locked in here forever, and you just can't say goodbye

You've been locked in here forever, and you just can't say goodbye”

The false ending created upon by the composition had always left you at awe whenever you would give it a listen, each time your heart fell prey to the impostor…containing something enigmatic behind…it was the same feeling you’re feeling right at this exact moment

Yet there seems to be a sense of perspicacity that came along with him…it felt so right as if you were finally listening to the song they way it was written in the stars meant only for you…You knew the song had different interpretations portrayed within the chambers of different hearts… yours claimed that this one to be veracious.

You slide your arm closer to his proximity in hushed hopes of something discreet…you felt his palm unite with yours, fingers entwining, a soft smile appeared on your lips as you opened your eyes to look at him…

And just at that exact moment of tranquility, the melodies of the rain outside and the song inside became fused—blending together in a perfectly imperfect ratio in order to create the highlights you were currently residing in…

It wasn’t a cosmic feeling that had been casted upon by the forces of the universe…

it was earthly, ever so purely earthly…

Realisation comes crashing down like a wave during a violent storm in the ocean…upon the both of you…and how much you resonated with the following lines to come…

“Oh, when you're all alone

I will reach for you

When you're feeling low

I will be there too”

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(All credits, TW, Index have been mentioned on the Storymode page.)

[lazylattedgleam]

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(Word count: ~3.2k)

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“If I gift you a Yellow Pansy each day…would you understand how often I think of you?”

(Current: The art of simplicity-004)

(Previous: Sylus Archives(Article: I)-003)

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Over these four months, the friendship that you two had been building was blooming ever so beautifully…it made you feel great, it was something that finally finally provided yourself enough closure that you’ve made tremendous progress with tackling with your past heartbreak. It made you value the friendships that you possessed, more than anything. You felt grateful to life for introducing him…

Your meet-ups weren’t restricted to the coffee house anymore…you’d gone to many of Linkon’s famous places, like Azure Square, Stellar Park, and many more…You’ve started taking your meds and supplements on time again, began to take better care of yourself…often times you’d ponder back upon the times where you felt like everything was lost and you were left all alone in the void and pain…you never truly understood the value of platonic love in the life of individuals, but now you do…it came to your life in the form of true amity…Your friends, be it old or new, have helped you make progress, and where you stood now. That being said of course you didn’t completely forget about the past, but you learnt to live alongside it, accepting it…you finally felt alright…

….

It was a Sunday evening, the two of you were strolling around Stellar Park, the gentle breeze hitting your features, easing a soothing sensation of peace to your demeanour…you had the overwhelming urge to invite him to your place and listen to songs together in peace…

Sylus’s arrival into your life has added an essence of music in your otherwise flat story…you couldn’t explain it to yourself why or how…but certain songs that you would play from your playlist…listening alone, maybe at home, work or perhaps even at the coffee shop, you could imagine sitting with him, or chatting with him or just being in his presence while doing so…it was a strange sensation but it brought you calmness…calmness which you’ve been yearning for too long now…

“Is there something on my face?”

“Hmm?”

“You were staring.”

“Oh! Uh sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable…I was just lost in thought…”

“Mhm.”

“Skye”

“Hmm?”

“Can we get some ice cream?”

“Sure why not.”, he bought two ice cream cones from a nearby cart, heading back towards you…

It amazed you how quickly he’d mastered the learning of your favorite ice cream flavor…well it being among the many of your favorites that he’s mastered learning about…

“…”

“…”

“…”

“I have iron-deficiency anaemia”, you blurt out…umm girl why? Anyways you don’t know why—

He looked at, confusion filled behind his eyes, mixed with the seasoning of worry and…something you couldn’t quite decipher…

“I don’t know why Skye…I just…I wanted to…maybe it’s the weather or the ice creams or the lights or the stars or the breeze or whatnot…I wanted to…”, the part of the sentence which you couldn’t complete was that you felt safe…you felt really safe and comfortable…

He held your free hand in his…and smiled…it was so soft, so warm…it made you feel all tingly and special…

“Thank you…”

You nod…you didn’t know if it was a spell that your friendship had casted upon you, but you are more vocal…vocal with your feelings, than you ever have been in the past…especially when you used to be with…

Maybe it was just because you couldn’t write anymore…you needed to have one passageway for the free flowing of your emotions…

Yet on the other hand, there were moments like right now…when the complete contrary would take place. The two of you would barely exchange words, yet the silence would range through various emotions…

…..

The next day at work, you were feeling more refreshed than ever, a smile on your face that was genuine while you hummed tunes in your head, as you did your job…

Raya looked in your direction from the Yellow Pansies section, a small smile struck her face too, these few months you’ve been making impressive progress and were finally on the verge of becoming truly you again…what more could she wish for as your best friend…she loved you, ever so dearly, she always wanted the best for you…

An idea struck her mind as she carried a yellow pansy in her hand walking over to you at the front desk, twirling the small flower’s soft petals against your cheek…while your fingers were effortlessly gliding over the computer keys, following their own rhythm, as you were entering in the records of the ongoing purchases and shipments to come…it was a slow day…yet sales went on efficiently…

“You know what they say? A yellow pansy symbolises that someone might be/is thinking about you~ or in this case, maybe you are thinking of someone~”,

She hands you over the flower, as you gently take it and swirl it around in your fingers…it was so delicate to touch, so pretty to look at…the grin on your face widened…

Were you thinking of—

“Soooo who’s the mystery that had been spiralling all across your brain, hmm? Who’s all this humming and rhythms for?”

“Shut up.”, you giggle as you place the pansy upon the ridge where your right ear and hair met.

“No way you have to tell meeeeeee!”

“Hushhhhh!”

“Cmooooon!”

“No—”

Just then a customer came in, the two of you looked at each other and greeted them in politely like always…

“Yes Ma’am, how may we help you?”

….

By the time you got off of work, it was around 11:00…it was too late, especially for Monday…well it all happened because the since evening you were experiencing rush hour, plus certain customers were rowdy, had to be kicked out…messed up the shop, though thankfully it was all minor…so yep basically arranging and rearranging everything took time for all of you, aaaaand hence the late…

The streets had grown almost fully empty, with a few people here and there… a cold breeze came in, it was chilly it gave you goosebumps…you hated this sort of scenario…

You tried to wander your mind off of unwanted thoughts which started to preoccupy your mind—

*ping!*

You take out your phone and your face instantly lights up.

SY-SY!

SY-SY!: Long day?

You: Yes ughh! I just got off of work like I’m exhausted, plus on top of that, some customers were being rowdy, messed up stuff here and there thankfully it was all minor damage…also not forgetting rush hour!!

You: I’m so happy now that you texted :DD

SY-SY!: Hmm. If you ever want to teach them a nice lesson, I’m here. All I need are the names. Even the cctv footage’s would do.

You: Oh dear Sylus don’t annihilate them off of the face of the Earth!

SY-SY!: Of course not. Just a lesson well taught…and making sure that it was well learnt too

SY-SY!: *nodding crow sticker*

You: I can sense the ominous tone from all the way here TT~TT

You giggle as you walk towards your apartment.

You: Heading towards my apt rn—WAIT I TOTALLY FORGOT! HOW DID YOU KNOW I HAD A LONG DAY AT WORK, ARE YOU SPYING ON ME HMMMMMMMM?

SY-SY!: …

SY-SY!: You didn’t know? I planted a tracker inside the ice cream we had yesterday. Now it’s inside your stomach, hence I know your every move.

SY-SY!: I’m omnipresent.

You: NOT FUNNY SY I JSUT JUMPED AND SHRIEKED, I FEel BAD FOR MU NEIGHBOURS!

SY-SY!: *shrugging crow sticker*

You: SYLUS! IM REALLY FREAKING OUT RN! DID YOU REALLY DO IT? IS THAT WHY THE ICE CREAM HAD A METALLIC AFTERTASTE TO IT!”?

You: OI! ANSWER ME! (Read: 11:30 p.m.)

You: *rabbit aggressively thumping sticker* (Read: 11:31 p.m.)

You: I CAN SEE YOU READING ALL MY MWSAAVES! (Read: 11:31 p.m.)

You: SYLUS! (Read: 11:33 p.m.)

You: SLUES! (Read: 11:33 p.m.)

You: SULUS! (Read: 11:34 p.m.)

You: SHYLOCK! (Read: 11:34 p.m.)

SY-SY!: Make more variations of my name and I might just appear at your front door sweetheart~

You: AH! THATS IT IM NOT TWLKING WITH YOU ANYMORE! (Read: 11:35 p.m.)

You didn’t even freshen up as you plopped onto your couch, fingers violently tapping onto your phone’s screen, as you dialled his number.

*ring…ring…ring…*

*click!*

“YOU! ANSWER ME TELL ME THE TRUTH.”

“What’s the point the deed is over.”

“SYLUS I AM SERIOUSLY SHITTY TERRIFIED RIGHT NOW, AND I WILL CRY!”

“*sighs* I’m sorry I was just messing with you.”

“…Should I trust you…?”

“Yes…No…Maybe so…”

“SYLUS!”

“Okay okay, I really apologise from deep within my hearts secret chambers… *he chuckles in that husky, fine-wine voice of his…ugh this man…*”

“So you were actually messing with me?”

“Mhm.”

“How do I believe you?”

“Well, a leap of faith.”

“I hate you.”

“Mhm.”

“…”

“Tell me the real truth, how’d you know I got off late?”

“…It’s obvious, you text me everytime you reach and get off of work.”

“Mondays, Tuesdays you get out at around 09:00-10:00 usually. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are hectic, and calculating up the rush hours experienced, it takes you around 11:00, like today…Thursdays you leave early so maybe earliest by 08:00, and Sundays are your day-offs.”

“…”

“…”

“Woah…it’s like you have my schedule memorised…”

“That is because I do.”

Something struck the chord of your chest, emanating out a gentle humming tune…your bpm rose…

“…”

“…”

“You should freshen up now…I know you haven’t since you were too traumatised from earlier.”

“Did you have dinner? You have to take your medicines and supplements too”

You groaned at the memory, it was a pain to do this everyday…

“Yeah…yes I will…I have leftovers from yesterday, will heat em up and have…”

“Mhm.”

“How about you Sy? Did you have dinner? Or well breakfast according to your schedule…”

“All done.”

“…”

“…”

“Sy…”

“Hmm?”

“…”

“…”

You softly let out a “nevermind” from your lips…it was as soft as a whisper which upon falling became one with the air, hence he couldn’t hear…

“I’ll hang up now Sy…you promise you truthfully didn’t put any chip inside of me…?”

He could tell the fear and nervousness in your tone…maybe he’d taken it too far…he had learnt how easily scared you could get which made you really agitated.

He spoke with a gentle tone…

“I would never.”

*click*

….

SY-SY!

You: Hi! You’re prolly sleeping since it’s noon…and you sleep during the day, work at night bla bla bla…but umm…

You: Do you wanna meet up on Thursday pretty please? Destiny Cafe? I’m bored out of my mind :p

Sending the message, you continue having your lunch.

“Sooooo who’s this mystery person, that’s been occupying your mind all the time these days? ‘Pansy’ telling me?”

“Okay first of all that was a terrible pun, secondly umm well…it’s…you remember we went to that Jameson Auction, the big rich one for delivering the bouquets months ago?”

“…”

“…”

“YOU BEFRIENDED SOMEONE FROM THE N109 ZONE?! GIRL DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH—”

“See this is why I wasn’t telling you—stop shouting in my ear! Plus you’re getting spit all over my food!”

She took a deep breath in…

“You know you could get k*dnapped or worse…”

“I know I know! But he’s not like that believe you me! He’s sophisticated, he’s nice he’s sweet—”

“Uh huh uh huh, that’s what they all say…and then one day boom you’re gone…”

“Look Ray even I’m terrified like shit sometimes…but I trust him…I really really do…”

“And how long have you known him?”

“…4 months and more I guess…”

“How can you trust someone you’ve known only for that little duration?!”

“Look I ugh! I just don’t know okay? I just do! I have this immensely strong gut feeling…and if he wanted to harm me, he would’ve by now, he’s had plenty of opportunities…”

“…”

“I know you’re worried about me…but trust me when I say this Ray…you have seen me make progress right? It’s evident upon my features right? I mean you even say that yourself…and I’m finally really happy after a long time Ray…I don’t want anything bad to happen to this friendship…”

“…”

“…”

“Just be careful…is all I have to say…and don’t hesitate to call the police, the second you see something’s fishy…”

“Mhm..”

“So what’s his name? And what does he do, lemme guess he’s a dru—”

“NO! oof! Listen! His name is Skye and—”

“That’s a bird’s name…”, she said fully judgemental

You nod, pointing your finger onto the counter, “Now _that_ I agree with. He’s the human version of a literal crow.”

“…”

“So he steals stuff he’s a thief?”

“Where’s that coming fro—”

“I mean you just said yourself, he is the epitome of ‘if crows were humans’…and we know the behaviours of crows, always attracted to shiny things…how many jewelleries of yours are missing?”

You were frustrated and a bit mad, “Hey! He’s not any of that okay?! Cmon! He’s a very successful business man!”

“He’s in the fruit selling business and he’s a very successful, fruit vendor!”, you added blurting out. Ooo you were angy…

You huff and puff, when you notice the smirk on her face…you narrow your eyes, biting onto your sandwich… “What…?”

“Do I smell adoration~”

“RAY!”

“CMON IS IT? IS IT? IS IT? You grew all defensive!”

“NO! We’re just friends!”, your face grew dark crimson…

“….plus however much time may have passed…I’m still recovering Ray…I’m still not completely over Zayne…and I don’t think I’m ready for any feelings towards anyone…”, you sighed, there was a subtle sting around your chest but your brain ignored it…

She nodded, wrapping her arms around you… “I know…I know…and I’m proud of how much progress you’ve made…I’m sorry I shouldn’t have teased you like that…but (Name)…maybe try to check for possible cues given by your heart too?”

….

…“No way in heck he had 5 million from just fruit business!”

Uh oh…she didn’t forget the bid he raised, well it was partially your fault too you kept reminding her that night…

“Well fruits are very popular! And he has the freshest of the fresh of each stack! I mean like us!”

“…Babe none of us would ever go close to making that amount, even if we calculated our individual wages of ten years…”

“It’s…a family business…”

“…Well then I might have to see the shop sometime…”

“…sure”

She looked at you, as you finished locking up the shop. Cupping your face gently… “Look hon, I love you and hence I care for you the most, just…be safe and careful okay?”

You nod…placing your palms on top of her hands… “I promise…”

You check your phone as you walked out the shop after telling your goodbyes to Raya…

SY-SY!

You: Hi! You’re prolly sleeping since it’s noon…and you sleep during the day, work at night bla bla bla…but umm…

You: Do you wanna meet up on Thursday pretty please? Destiny Cafe? I’m bored out of my mind :p (Delivered: 02:07 p.m.)

Your face falls slightly…

‘Huh…he hasn’t replied yet…must be busy…’, you thought completely ignoring the weird sensation you felt suddenly surge through your body…

….

Thursday soon arrives, you’ve heard nothing from Sylus since Tuesday…

Currently after work sitting at Destiny Cafe, in the hopes that he’d surprise you with a cameo appearance…

An hour passed, your second cup of Boba too had finished, the freshly baked star cookies and the Americano-Large, you’d ordered for him, had long gotten cold to even touch…

Your worry started to grow, what if he was hurt or what if some unpleasant situation arrived or what if he was taken hostage or—

Just then you felt a sudden tap on your shoulder, turning your head behind you saw a soft smile on his face as he subtly waved at you…

Your face lit up, as if the darkness that once shrouded your countenance had been long forgotten upon his arrival. You felt giddy with glee.

“Skye!”

“Miss me?”

“Yeah! Why didn’t you text back? I was worried sick, I thought you’d been taken hostage or something…”

He gave out his iconic deep husky chuckle, as he sat opposite to you, facing you, taking a cookie in his mouth, and a sip of his drink.

“Wait hey they’ve gotten cold…”

“Doesn’t mean they’re any less delicious. Besides you ordered them for me, it’d be a shame to let them go to waste.”

“…”

“Were you really that worried about me sweetheart~?”

“Yeah duh!”

“Well to ease your worries, look, I’m in tip-top shape. And don’t worry, anyone would think their upon their entire lifetime, before even having the thought directly aiming for me.”

“Hmm…”, you wanted to ask him…but you didn’t want to seem like a bother…

He’d sensed your uneasiness…like always, so he continued.

“I had some things that needed to be taken care of. It’s confidential.”

“Uh oh how many people did you put to sleep forever…”

“Do you really think that’s all I am ever capable of?”

“No I—”

“…”

“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to offend you I just I got really worried and umm down that you hadn’t texted back…I enjoy talking to you a lot Sy…I’m so sorry…”

He sighed, reaching out for your hand…

“Mhm…I know…so do I…”

You both sat like that for sometime…basking in your silence…as you stared out the window, it was a cloudy evening…maybe it’s gonna rain soon…

“And you?”

“Hmm?”, you diverted your gaze back at him…

“You got off of work early.”

“Oh yeah…things were taken care of and well there was no load today sooo…I thought I’d get out early today…of course I talked to Mrs. Li before and she allowed…besides Ray said she’d handle it…”

“Oh that reminds me! I still have yet to introduce you to Raya! When do you wanna meet her? Pleeeeeaaaase want to meet her…”, you spoke excitement reeling off of your posture. He smiled as he replied,

“Any day you would prefer.”

“Ok then! Next week, Thursday, come over during closing time? Well that is if you’re free…”

“Sure.”

You grinned, as your gaze went back outside…it was to be raining soon, you can’t let him go off like that, not when your apartment was only a few walks away…besides…you want to spend some more alone time with him…

All you need now is to gather up the courage and ask…Cmon you can do it girl…

“Ahem…umm…Skye…”

“Mhm?”

“Well you see it’s gonna be raining soon and umm I’d hate for you to go in the rain when my apartment is only just a few walks away plus you have no umbrella—”

“I have my bike.”

“…way to ruin it I hate you.”, he laughed out,

“Okay okay I apologise, do go on”

“…”

“I am sincerely and deeply sorry and regretful of the choices that I had put forth. The following mistake shall not ever be repeated again in the future.”

“Pffft…so yes…what I was gonna ask was that umm…do you…well do you want to come over to mine?”, there you did it, ripped the bandaid off!

“I would love to.”

…

“Did you already—”

“No.”

“Or maybe—”

“No.”

“What if—”

“No.”

…

You had tidied up your bed, to make space for the both of you. You’d even made him freshen up after you in the bathroom, where he almost knocked down your shampoos and soaps and other necessities, bonking his head onto the shelves…

“What the fuck?”, you rush inside the bathroom—

“WOAH LOCK THE DAMN DOOR! AND CLEAN UP EVERYTHING YOU DAMN LAMPPOST!”, your face fully dark crimson as you run out, slamming the door shut…that idiot was already in a towel and he didn’t even bother to lock the door first…You heard him laugh from inside, as he locked the door.

…Later you’d even him given your pair of oversized pink hello kitty pyjamas that you owned…you never understood why, because they were enormous…and they fit him perfectly…plus of course you’d made him clean and change first, because there was no way he was getting in your bed, with his outside clothes, be it however expensive.

“Pffft…”

“I look rather lovely and elegant.”, he stared at your mirror, a subtle smirk on his face.

“Ahaha oh I wish I had a ribbon on me right now!”

“I neeeeed to take a picture!”, as you quickly fish out for your phone, opening the camera app quickly without ever waiting for his permission.

“Oh! Wait!”, you rush to your closet, taking out a small round plastic box, inside which were kept, multiple tiny clips. “You cannot say no! Now sit!”

As the both of you sat down on your bed, folding your knees, you didn’t even need to ask because before you could utter he’d let his head down, within your reach for you to fasten the clips to his hair.

You happily decorated his hair with red, yellow, pink, tiny ribbon clips which contrasted oh so silly with his silvery-white coloured hair…

“Ahhhh I will cry you look so adorable! Waaa!”, you giggled.

*click!* one with a single of him

*click!* and the other with the two of you. Sitting together knees touching, as you leaned towards him, doing a heart pose with your fingers.

“Look it came out so good!”, you grinned…but little did you notice the warm soft smile and pair of ruby eyes, examining your every animation…

Sitting down on your bed, you patted the spot next to yourself…

“Make yourself at home and comfy!”, he sat down…you were about to plop down flat when he stopped you.

“Have your medicines first.”

“Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

“Now.”

“Fine.”, you huff as you did what he said.

…

Soon you two laid down beside each other in your bed,

Lights turned off, whatever illumination was present were coming from your phone, whose screen was left on…

the pitter-patter of the rain adding to the serenity of the atmosphere, both inside and outside…

Then an idea struck your mind…

“Sy…”

“Mhm?”

“Do you like songs?”

“I think you should very well know by now…”

“No I do but…I mean you’re mostly into vintage and old fashioned genre…I have some songs which I want to make you listen as well…and right now is the perfect weather…I just want to be sure…”

“I will cherish anything you make me listen to…”

…that tugged at your heartstrings…he was really getting skilled at doing so…but you didn’t mind one bit…

“Then…”

As you reached for your EarPods…changing the bud of the right one, wiping it with the white cloth delicately, as you hand it to him…

He puts it on…

You put the left one to yours…connecting your phone with bluetooth to them…

His eyes wander your every movement, as you scroll scroll scroll and tap…

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(All credits, TW, Index have been mentioned on the Storymode page.)

[lazylattedgleam]

Request:

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(Word count: ~2.6k)

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“If I were a composer…you would be my Magnum Opus…”

(Current: Sylus Archives(Article: I)- 003)

(Previous: Yes…? No…? Maybe so…?-002)

(Storymode control buttons)

(004: -tba-)

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…

…

…

Hmm? Oh it’s my cue? Oh!

Welcome! Welcome to the world of Love and Deepspace where we—…hmm? Oh? Oh they know it already? Oh well…umm then hi! Skipping through the pleasantries…let’s move forward! Currently we are giving you the exclusive viewpoint of the story from a different character…Your usual narrator is on a break and hence I’ll be taking over.

Before we continue forth, keep in mind that, my job here is just coverage, I don’t write anyone’s stories and neither am I interested in them.

We’re sorry for the inconveniences caused….well shall we begin then?

———————————————

Sylus Qin…a man feared amongst the mass…standing as one of the most wanted criminals for the Linkon city Police and the Hunters’ Association to get their clutches upon,

a man who held such a huge bounty over his head, it had become a historical record to keep and store maybe even in the museums…Yet he held not even a flicker of distress behind his ruby eyes…

And the bounty? Oh please, he could pay four times the amount of that sum any day to any individual.

He was a man of many wonders and mysteries…one that even the cosmos failed to unravel.

He was the writer of his own Destiny. Fate? She could never ever strike the chords of his life and was merely bound to him…bound to make him end up with his beloved, in every life that is there for him to come and go…

Soon arrived that one fateful day in his current life, the one which he had eagerly waited on for eons to befall…many months ago, his first meeting with her…

….

He had returned from a long hiatus, even unknown by his own organisation about his whereabouts…

she had come to the N109 Zone for investigations to be carried out about himself and Onychinus…

The place which was deemed to be perpetually lawless, the place where even the Hunters’ Association hesitates to peep into, she had come…

When his eyes met hers for the ‘first’ time, he could strongly conclude that she hadn’t changed…not one bit…

….

She was a Deepspace Hunter now huh? When he saw her,

his breaths yearned for hers,

his touch yearned for hers,

his heart yearned for hers…

his soul yearned for hers…

but he kept his composure, his pride, he had an image to uphold…

His heart had ached, the pain flashed upon his face for a fraction of a nanosecond, disappearing soon after within the depth of his soul…when the shopkeeper had told him the reason why they couldn’t Resonate with their Evols…

…she was disgusted by him…

….

Soon after the Auction, he’d let her go, after giving her the answer she came to look for…partially

But did he have any ulterior rational motive? maybe it was to give her time to remember him? To recognise him?

….

Familiarity began to breach it’s way through within themselves, when he’d first crashed a visit at the Karaoke Bar, she’d went with her work friends…

….“Oh my god MC who’s this hottie?”

“Yeah how does he know you~?”

“Is that your boyfriend~?”, came by the fleeting questions once he’d sit at their table, talking to her…

He’d hear the obvious irritation in her tone, that means he did his job right…

….“Hi! I’m Tara, one of MC’s colleagues and good friends! *giggles* she never introduced you to us, who might you be?”, chimed in one from the table. She had short-brown-flowy hair upto her shoulders, and was honestly adorable, even he had to agree to some extent.

“Skye—you may call me as her ‘Bestie’”…

….She groaned, her friends laughed, the smirk on his face stayed…he was enjoying it too much…

They shared a duet.

For her, it was simply a song sung among two people, trying their best to make it mellifluous.

To him, it was an epiphany, a symbolism of the caricature that though space-time were ever changing; she was his forevermore…

….

A single meeting turned to two, then three, maybe even four or five, he never kept count, he’d always be overjoyed towards any small update that she pressed onto him of herself. She could talk for days, even weeks—or months, and he would hear her, hear the woman whose voice was the sole form of music to his tone-deaf life…

….

It was a long work day for Onychinus’s boss,

having five business deals to go to,

an auction to attend,

He didn’t care about any of the following, but he would have to go, go for the sake of ‘upliftment of Onychinus’s reputation’, as some would often term…

As if people were blissfully aware of what Onychinus was, or capable of doing…

An abandoned construction site, at the corner of a narrow lane? It was the same place, most chose and yet they talked of how secretive their working methods were when he could clearly tell.

He scoffed internally, frankly this all was a waste of his time… They barely ever knew the basics about business in the N109 Zone, and they had the audacity to approach him. He had never once chosen the same place to meet for work purposes, only mediocrities would make that mistake. He listened to each dealer for a maximum of two seconds, before calling in the other. He knew they all were useless. This was useless.

….

Upon returning back to his base, he heaves out a tired sigh…

he gestures at Luke and Keiran, his trusted henchmen, to take care of the stuff… “Yes bossman!”. He had enough faith them, he knew they could handle the job properly.

Right now…he needed some rest, it was a long day.

Even the leader of Onychinus gets tired…

…

…

…

*ping!*

It was a notification, from the Mephisto app,

Oh. Who’s Mephisto you ask? Well, Mephisto was his ‘companion’…It was the mechanical drone…a mechanical drone shaped like a crow to be precise, a product of intricate craftsmanship, engineering and metal... Sylus was proud of him, although he would never admit that out loud.

…

“Destiny Cafe, huh?”

He wondered, having employed his mechanical crow to ‘keep tabs’ upon his beloved and her everyday life…for ‘safety purposes’…

Well in short, the mechanical bird nearly followed her every step, where she goes when she’s free, what she does after leaving work, what condition she’d be in after a Wanderer fight or some other field mission, does she drink? Who that annoyingly clingy blonde colleague of her is, always falling asleep with his head on her shoulder whenever he gets the chance. Who that overtly handsome…wait no no…umm, what he meant was…

Whoever that overtly boring doctor friend she had at Akso, was…

Even when she was hired to be a body guard for a certain famous artist, he would roll his eyes…

Was she aware of this? For a long time now.

Did she care? No.

Was it creepy? Maybe.

Would he give a shit? N-a-h.

At least he isn’t some old family-friend, the type to secretly, plant a chip onto her and watch her every move, without her consent.

*ping*!

KITTEN 🐱

Kitten 🐱: I see Mr. Caw Caw just watching me while I try to drink my coffee.

Kitten 🐱: If you miss me so much why not just come and visit me.

Kitten 🐱: *location sent*

Kitten 🐱: Oh and don’t be late, you know how particular I am about punctuality.

She was feisty, and he loved every bit of it.

Sylus: Reaching in 20.

….

That was the first time, he ever went to Destiny Cafe…he knew there was a popular cafe in Linkon, but he didn’t bother upon learning the name…he didn’t need to, well that is until now…

“Destiny Cafe huh Kitten? What is so special about this place that draws you in?”

“Okay! First of all the menu and the quality of each product here is heavenly! Plus, I mean look around, the aesthetics, what’s not to like???”

“Now don’t tell me the Skye, has never ever drank coffee…”

She teased, as she poked at his chest. Such audacity, if it were anyone else, a bullet would go right through their head before they could’ve even adhered upon the thought…

“I’ve had my fair share of coffee, I need it to function smoothly, besides I hope you’re not forgetting that I sleep during the day and work during the night, I need tonnes of caffeine kitten.”

“Oh yeah, sometimes I forget…it’s as if you’re Batman or something.”, he had memorised every little detail about her.

Even simple conversations like such echoed throughout his heart like a loud boom. Every moment with her was a moment, worth living for. She was the sole purpose of his life in this timeline, and every other timeline that was to come…

….

His eyes used to wander throughout her entire form, while she talks with her friends, her colleague(s), even her primary care physician…and the artist that hired her as his bodyguard.

The number of people she was acquainted with seemed to know no bounds, perhaps it was all in her charm…

He had always been a keen and observant man, hence the reason he could oh-so minutely tell the differences throughout her personality as she talked to the various people revolving around her in life…

Her eyes held lyrical allegories behind them, as if each significant man were a note in the composition that upon uniting with her would result in the formation of a holistic melody…

His mind would often start to wander at intervals…did he truly know her?

…

“An auction?”

“Mhm.”

“And why do I have to go again?”

“A partner would increase the increase the reputations of Onychinus.”

“And since when do you care about that?”

She was right…he didn’t…he wouldn’t even attend them before…

But now having been reunited with her again, he had the overwhelming urge to show her off…

It was silly, silly for the leader of Onychinus, one of the most feared, top and respected organisations of the N109 Zone, Sylus Qin to feel…smitten…smitten towards his beloved from his past life…who barely even recognised him now.

What would he even form an answer with? He was left speechless. It was a pleasant feeling…

“…”

“It’s not obligatory for you to accompany me kitten.”

His tone was…disappointed?

She smirked, adding upon the final touch-up to her outfit for the night before she emerged out of her room.

“Who said I wouldn’t go?”, she pulled him closer by his dusk wood, strapped tie…

“I have to go, especially when the boss of Onychinus is being…this submissive~”, she lets go, walking towards her front door…

She knew she had him in her clutches, and he knew he wouldn’t ever dream of escaping even if he could…he wanted to drown himself within her presence…

Oh and did he speak of how she looked?

Maybe it’s best that he leaves it within himself…since no word would be even close to becoming eligible enough to describe how ethereal she looked as the moon shone it’s gleam down upon her, making her glow…as if she was one with the cosmos…

“What are you staring at? Let’s go.”,

Oh what a mess she had made out of him…

…

“May I have this dance m’lady?”, he bowed, holding out his palm in front of her…

“I would be a fool to reject an offer from the leader of Onychinus himself…”, she placed her gloved palm onto his…

The rhythm was slow, yet familiar…too familiar…as if it felt like home…home? What was the concept of a ‘home’? He had never had a home before…maybe in Tarus city…but that never truly felt like home, not until he’d gotten to know her…

She was his home, his identity…she named him ‘Sylus’, made him the one who stands upon the Earth today…

The two of them were an amalgamation of one another…their hearts were one, desires were one, souls were one…one with each other…

his existence held no meaning without her…

She twirled gracefully in his arms, the both of them dancing to the melody breathed down upon them by the universe…

It was special…it was cosmic…it was meant to be…it was destined…

They fit in each other’s arms like two puzzle pieces finally united to complete it’s holistic configuration…

Sylus was devoid of religion, but she was holy…and he had to worship her…

His movements, dipped her down, faces merely inches apart as they stared into each other’s eyes, trying to interpret one another’s intentions…

…

he took the call…it was too early…still…she needed time…

…

Strolling along the grass in the park, the drizzles from the water fountain, hitting their faces.

“See I told you it’s fun!”, she giggled.

He smiled, he always did…

Often times he’d die from the inside all over again, just to tell her about everything and their past, to check if she’d remember or recall…

“I never disagreed with you kitten.”

He feels like his thoughts don’t make sense, as if they ambiguous and scattered all across the place…

Thoughts? He never used to have those…he had them reserved…reserved for his beloved…and now that she was finally with him, he’ll let his feelings flow free….

He was like the ebb and flow of the tides, she was his moon, causing the natural phenomena with the pull of her gravitational force of attraction…

…

They sit down on the bench, cotton candies in hands. Strawberry for her, cherry for him…

“Want a taste kitten?”

“Don’t mind if I do~”, as she took a big bite out of his…

He let out a hearty chuckle, the tone filled with nothing but love and devotion.

….

Her smile widened as she texted on her phone…

Was he curious? Maybe.

But it’s her privacy and whenever she feels right she would tell him…

…

“Oh Zayne…”

“Hmm?”

“Oh it uhh…”

“Your primary care physician?”

“Yeah—”

“I umm…I usually as before you’ve noticed was used to calling him ‘Dr. Zayne’…well I guess I should tell you this…he and I used to be childhood friends, and we’re catching up, have gottten more closer…so first name basis…”

“Mhm.”

“Is that okay?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I just thought…nevermind…”

…

….“He got a new girlfriend! I’m so happy for him…”

Oh but she wasn’t, Sylus was a keen and observant man…he could easily tell…

…

He had envisioned plans…too many plans and imageries upon how their future would look like, feel like…all up in his head, like record labels, each one with a different genre and taste, yet the base remains constant…

Everything was pitch perfect…

Too perfect…

….

24/XX/2048(Tuesday)

Kitten 🐱: Sorry Sy can’t meet up tonight! I am having dinner with Zayne. See you soon, bye! (Read at 2030 hours)

26/XX/2048(Thursday)

Kitten 🐱: Hi Sylus! I am so so so sorry I forgot about our meet-up, actually me and Zayne— (Read at 2240 hours)

31/XX/2048(Tuesday)

Kitten 🐱: Sylus I am so so sorry— (Read at 2100 hours)

13/XX/2048(Friday)

Kitten 🐱: Sylus—

(Read at 0306 hours)

And so many more text messages like this carried on like a string laced with poison…he began to observe her around him…she was…happier, livelier…nothing seemed forced…it all felt natural…too natural…

The warmth that she held in her eyes, in her soul for him, was different…different from all the others he’s observed…it was real…it was pure…it was raw…

How did he know? He was a keen observer after all…

He stopped sending Mephisto out for her…he felt weird…something he couldn’t comprehend or explain…he wasn’t supposed to feel like this…he was Sylus Qin, the leader of Onychinus…

She’d left him devoid of his logical domain…his cognition failed to provide him with a calculative evaluation…

…

“Bossman, are you okay?”, Luke and Keiran asked…they were worried…‘ultra worried’ as they’d often term it…they’d never seen their boss like this…he seemed miserable, although he was a master at concealment.

He gave a nod, as he continued cleaning his weapons, checking out his gun in his armory, laptop wide opened…

They looked to each other, then left him alone…

….

She was an art piece, and whoever created her… must have loved her deeply…but she wasn’t his Magnum Opus…

He saw their love, with his own eyes…it was as exquisite as aged-wine…as pure as a melody composed form within depths of their souls…it was a melody heard upon by everyone wherever they went…

but he was tone-deaf…

However much he tried to keep himself composed, at the end of the day…

He was only man…captured within the green eyes of Jealousy…

The Sylus Qin was known to be omniscient, yet…he couldn’t decipher out his own beloved…

She was his spring…the Persephone to his Hades…

But she never fell prey to the pomegranate seeds, hence she was never bound to him…

It was after all only just an illusion…

….

Her feet were never meant for to touch the ground…her being was too holy to be cradled by the Earth and it impurities…she was one with the cosmos…

All she knew was to fly and float high…

He grew tired of it…tired off the endless fall that he was falling…he needed gravity…gravity to drag him back down onto the ground…

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(All credits, TW, Index have been mentioned on the Storymode page.)

[lazylattedgleam]

THIS THIS THIS! PREACH!

I SWEAR THEY SHOULD!!

I think the boys should just leave me and date each other.

[lazylattedgleam]

Hello everyoneee! This is gonna be Thoughts part-5!

Thinking about a Spoof!: Caleb x fem reader (can be either MC or NON!MC, as one may interpret it)

Ok…

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🚨🚨18+ MDNI (MINORS DO NOT INTERACT🚨🚨

TW: NSFW…

Lemon lemon lemon…

Sesbian lex(?).

Fingering.

Eating out.

Punishments.

Mention of orgasms.

Use of pet-names and titles.

Reader and Caleb are both taken to be Bisexual for this fic.

Implied bondage play.

Degradation kink… (use of the word s*ut).

Magic exits in this world of Love and Deepspace. Caleb doesn’t believe in it, but you do.

__________________

🚨If you are uncomfortable with any of the mentioned content warnings or the whole genre of this fic…then please do not proceed ahead. Thank you.🚨

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(Credits: All pictures have been taken from the net from websites, Tumblr and Pinterest.)

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It was a long ass day at the Fleet, filled with missions, meetings, surveillances over areas and the Deepspace Tunnel and what not…he was tired, exhausted even…

Plus only a few days ago, he had returned from a 5-day long Mission with his crew…plus the weather conditions were horrible out there that they had to remain on stand-by for almost an extra day and a half…

But right now, that he was back home…he didn’t want to think of anything else but you…only you…returning back to SkyHaven was only worth it because you were there waiting for him all the times…

__________________

The time was around 04:00 in the morning when he softly unlocked the front door to enter… “Pipsqueak…?”, he silently treaded the room, only to see you were long asleep on his bed under covers…hugging the apple plushie, along with a picture of him…He smiled…you were so cute…he wished upon for the moment to never end…

After placing a gentle and delicate kiss upon your forehead, he quietly and carefully, grabbed his usual comfort clothes, which he wore at home from the closet, going to the bathroom to change…

After he was done changing he went to the kitchen, turning on the lights to get himself a drink…maybe he wasn’t too careful…as the noise resulted in you awakening from your slumber…

…

He opened the door to his fridge, when a purple liquid, a bit sparkly, poured inside one of the glasses, filled to half, the brim of the glass covered with an airplane coaster…the ones that you had gifted him just like that, because you wanted to…

Curiosity sparked within him as he took it out…even though it seemed like grape juice, but what grape juice is that sparkly?

…….

You had woken up, from some noises coming from the kitchen…a part of you alert that someone might have broken in, but the other part thought maybe Caleb had finally returned…rubbing your eyes, and stretching a bit, you get up on your toes, gently putting your plushie back under covers, as you treaded towards the kitchen yawning…

“Mmm…mmm…Caleb…?”

“Oh hey…did I wake you up? Sorry…”, holding the glass close to his mouth

“No…no…it’s alrig—WAIT NO CALEB DONT DRINK THAT—”

Too late, he already did.

…….

“Woah woah woah, calm down Pipsqueak, what’s wrong?”

“NO NO NO YOU DRANK IT FULL!”

“You weren’t supposed to…at least not yet!”

“What do you mean…what is in this?”

“Well umm…”

“Poison???”

“Duh no! It’s well umm…it’s a well…a potion…”

“Potion…”

“Yeah, it basically turns people into their opposite sex, I got it from the Apothecary and Witchcraft store that’s located down the side lane at Azure Square.”

“Pips you drunk…? Or did you sleep too much that your brain is still dreaming?”

“Whaaat! You don’t believe me the lady said it will!”

“….yep Im definitely getting a bad stomach tomorrow…”

“Just you wait till it takes effect on you!”

“Go to bed (Name)…”

____________________

The next day when you woke up, went to the kitchen for breakfast right after freshening up…

“Soooooo feel anything different???”

“Yes I feel like I’m cultivating breasts and maybe my cock is getting transformed into a vagina…”

“You know what it will happen! I bet!”

“Oh you bet on it?”

“Yeah 100 bucks by midnight.”

“You’re on pipsqueak.”

__________________

It was almost around midnight, when you called out to him, “CALEB! BITCH COME OUT LETS WATCH A MOVIE!”

no response

So you get up and go to his bedroom…

“Caleb where—”

You walked inside of his bedroom to see him looking horrified into the mirror.

“What the actual fuck! What!”

“Told ya~”,

“Cmon up, pay the piper Caleb—or should I say…Carly~” as he paced around the room, all twirly…

She looked so pretty with her long eye-lashes and her pretty purple eyes…the necklace that you had gifted him, travelling down her neck like a ripple on the sea…

__________________

You eyes roamed all over his—her body, the way her now oversized tee, dropped all the way down to her bust, exposing the fine valleyed-line along her cleavage…the way her long luscious dark brown hair went all the way down to her slick back…the way her curves became ever so prominent…she looked tantalising…and oh lord her thighs…thank the heavens that she was wearing shorts tonight…

Your eyes wandered down to her ass, along the curve of it, then at the front to her—

You bit your lip, you were no better than a man…

Then a thought…an urge struck your mind like a lightning bolt…you quickly take out your phone, opening the camera and selecting the video option. You took out your selfie stick from the bedside drawer and place it on the dressing table, fastening your phone in its clutches as you hit record.

As you walk over to her…

“Pips you’ve got to help—mmf!”

You kissed her…hard, hands trailing down her back in a painfully slow rhythm,

as they reached her ass,

kneading the soft flesh…

making her let out a soft moan into the kiss,

your tongue delved deep inside of the warm wet crevices inside of her mouth…

…..

She tried to take control,

but you wouldn’t let her…not tonight…

as your tongues battled with each other for dominance, resulting in you finally winning…

You pushed her down onto the bed,

spreading her thighs as you knee at her clothed pussy,

grinding your knee against it,

while your head dipped down to marking as many love bites as possible…

Your hands, went down to her breasts,

fondling with them, and squeezing them…

thumb rubbing and rolling over her nipple through her tee…

All she could do was moan and moan and moan…moan out your name…out loud.

…

Your hands messily grabbed onto her tee “Arms up.”, you command, voice laced with lust and dominance.

She followed…like a puppy…

“Good girl~”, you said, your voice low and deep.

Your hands roughly took off the clothing, while your mouth moved down to her breasts, lavishing each one with the perfect amount of attention and care…

Your tongue lapped around her right boob, sucking and biting onto her nipple,

While your hand took care of the other..

“Look at these pretty tits for me…”, you slapped them, hard watching them bounce.

“Ahh ahh P-Pipsqueak! Nghh! More please!”,

“Hmm? What was that Colonel?”

“Please please more! Feel s’ good s’ good!”, your mouth continued its pace and job, determined to fill up her upper body in hickeys…

…

“Not so much of a pipsqueak now am I~?”

…

“Strip.”

She nodded, quickly kicking off her shorts and boxers, to all the way.

“Good girl…are you tired?”

“No…no…can handle m-more…”

You smirked as you went to the cupboard, opening it up searching for something….found it!

It was the pretty pastel pink lacy pair of panties that you owned, but never once used…

“Put it on.”

She did, struggling, as her wet slick stuck to the fabric, creating an irritating and sticky sensation…

“Lay back down.”

“I’m…I’m so gonna…get back at you Pipsqueak just you wait—ahh~!”

You hands slapped onto her breasts, noticing them bounce up and down again…

“You have a big mouth for someone who currently possesses no control Colonel~ But I’ll let it slide…just for this once~”

As you spread her legs, your head dropping down in between her thighs, as your nose rubbed against the wet patch on the panties, breathing in deeply…

“Mmmf…Cal you smell so good…”

She moaned and moaned, her fingers entangling within your hair, her thighs quivered, while you planted hickeys and kisses on both of them at equal intervals…sucking and trailing your tongue up and down the marks.

….

“Nghhh! Pips please s-stop teasing…”

“Patience babes…all comes in good time…”, your fingers continued to play with the waistband of her panties…while your other hand cupped her clothed pussy, pressing onto it.

She groaned further…

“Feel that Colonel…if you can be a bully in bed then…so can I~”

“Gosh just please!”

“What’s the magic wooooord~”

…

“Fuck me…”

“There it is…good girl…”, you slipped off the panties in a slow but steady manner, finally tossing them somewhere on the ground…

“Moan. My. Name. And remember eyes on the mirror, want you to watch yourself pretty girl~”

Your tongue finally lapped round her clit, sucking at her sensitive nub so so sloppily.

“Ahh! Ahhh! Oh fuck! (Name)! (Name)! Fuck so good!”,

Your hair came in the way, should’ve tied it up before, you thought.

Pulling away from between her legs, you reach for your hair tie, pulling your hair up into a neat tight bun, before delving back in…

“Fuck you’re so hot ahhh!”

…….

You continue your slow rhythm, tongue delving into her folds, sucking up her slick while your fingers teasing along her dripping entrance.

Her hands grip tightly onto the bed sheets for dear life, while her eyes close from the pleasure…

You stop the stimulation as she groans.

“Hey hey I said eyes on the mirror…watch yourself for me…watch how sl*tty you are for me Colonel…”

“I see your eyes closed again, I’ll stop and lock you up for the night, cuffed to the bed and blindfolded. Is that understood?”

“Y-Yes…”

You slapped at her cunt, her body jerking at the sensation.

“Yes what?”

“Yes Ma’am…”

“That’s more like it…Now watch.”

She did, barely able to keep her eyes onto the mirror, while you carry on your work…

The rhythm of your tongue unsteady, often times slowing down and then getting fast again. She hated how much she loved that…

“No coming until and unless I say so.”

“…”, she moaned, while you slapped her cunt again.

“Words.”

“Y-yes Ma’am!”

….

You finally pushed two fingers inside of her drooling hole…as she screamed out your name.

“Fuckk…so tight for me babe…look at you…so fucking tight…can’t even move my fingers…you like em so much you sl*t?”, as you pump your fingers in and our of her, quickening your pace along with each dragging motion…

“Look at you taking my fingers so so well…wonder how many you can take…can you take a whole fist Colonel?”

All she was now reduced to was a moaning and withering mess, chanting your name as if it was the only word she knew in the dictionary…her moans filled the entire room up with a melody, you know you could never forget ever again…

It was like a drug…who would’ve known you could reduce Caleb…to this…

You felt pride, beaming within yourself…

….

“Yeah…that’s it…”

“(Name)! OH FUCK!”, she screamed out, once your fingers hit her g-spot…

“Hit the spot huh? How long till you come babe?”

“Ahh! Ahhh!”

She couldn’t answer, she and transcended to another realm of ecstasy and euphoria…

“I want an answer Colonel, else I’ll stop…”

She managed somehow, “s-so so close…close…”

“Yeah? Cmon babe…come for me…come all over my fingers…make them messy…”

As you quickened your pace to the max, hitting her spot at every second….

She couldn’t hold in anymore, she’d reached her high…

She came all over your fingers…screaming your name…

The noise filled the room, as you slowly yet steadily lower your pace, getting her out of her high…

“That’s it…that’s a good girl…”

…..

Your fingers glistened with her juices…

“Look at the mess you made Colonel…what would the other Fleet officers and your subordinates say if they ever found out, what I’ve made out of you…how messy you are in bed…”, repeating along the same lines he always uses with you in bed..

You’ve just changed the phrases and added more flavour into it…

She pants and pants and pants, devoid of her ability to form even a single coherent word…

You tongue lapped around one of your fingers, sucking onto it…

“Taste so good…wanna taste?”

You shoved your other two fingers inside of her mouth, as she sucked onto them, tasting herself on your fingers…

“Yeah you like em, can tell how good you taste can’t you?”

….

You stood up reaching for the blindfold from your dresser…

“Oh but we’re faaaar from done yet…”

“Well I’ll be damned…”, soon everything went as dark as the void in space, for her…

__________________

You gave her a few more orgasms…before being finally done…

“Now that was the perfect midnight snack~”

…..

You giggle, “Can you walk?”

“You think?”

“Pfffffft! Lmao!”

“Seriously? This is what you say after that?!”, she glares at you.

“It’s funny if you think about it Caleb! I mean now you know how I feel!”

“Am I really this mean in bed?”, she gives you puppy dog eyes, and pouts…

“Well maybe…but then you’re again all snuggly and cuddly during aftercare…”

“Will you be the same for me?”

“Of course…”, you pecked her nose…

“But first let’s get you cleaned up!”

“Oh and—”, you whisper to her ear… “Next time…I’m using a strap~”

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Bonus: You returned back around noon. He was cooking lunch, as you called out to him in a sing-song voice. “Ohhhhhhhh Caaaaalebbb~”, he turns to look behind, to notice both your hands full with two plastic bags… one contained twenty bottles of that same potion…and the other was a long purple silicone toy…

__________________

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A/N: I have nothing to say…I hope it was alright…thank you for checking it out…

(GIF Credits: Tenor)

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[lazylattedgleam]

Request:

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(Word count: ~4.2k)

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“You knew it already, didn’t you?”

(Current: Yes…? No…? Maybe so…?- 002)

(Previous: Mr. Ruby Eyes-001)

(Storymode control buttons)

(003: Sylus Archives(Article: I))

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The coming days have been…well…weird for you, you still did harbour thoughts of Zayne and MC together, crying often at times, but another new thing had occupied your mind as well…You just couldn’t get the man you saw at the auction, you couldn’t explain how but it definitely had piqued your interest, and you allowed it to infiltrate your mind…it was a pleasant distraction from your constant thoughts about Zayne and MC, after so long…

If only you remembered his name, if only your memory didn’t suck

________________________

…“Oi why’ve you been so distracted these days? Is it about Zayne again?” “Hmm? Oh no no I’m good…” “Well if you say so…but don’t shut me out again k? I missed this…” “Of course, would never make that dumb mistake all over again…” “Well that being said, customer at the Daisies section, is nagging she can’t find a single good one, handle it with me?” “To the rescue lets!”

…“When are you planning on taking your CBC and Haemoglobin tests again?” “I will I will…” “When?? Dude you’ve already neglected your health enough, and who knows how much you’ve bled when you were at your lowest…now that you’ve been doing a bit better…at least I hope…get them, you need to check…plus I know it’s hard but he’s a busy man, he might not be available when your appointment date gets fixed…”, all you could do I nod, “Yeah you’re right…I’ll go…”

________________________

…When you reached back home that day, your mind pondered about what Raya had said earlier, she was right, you have been planning on it for sometime too, but there was always that part that told you to stay away…It is Akso after all, and the last thing you want is seeing, them together, holding hands, talking and chatting, her giggling alongside him, going out to lunch or dinner, maybe even dessert…triggering your past memories… You thought it’d have been a better choice if they had a complete online, no-call appointment process, but they didn’t…you had to talk to Serene for that… ohohoho it was gonna be hella awkward, it’s been five months and neither have you gone there nor talked to any of them. You felt bad, too bad for doing that to Serene…especially Yvonne, you two clicked so well. As you change and freshen up, getting ready to prepare for dinner, you phone beside you, contemplating on whether to dial or not. “It’s for my health! I should just do it…cmon cmon cmon…”, you repeated to yourself…aaaand well good job you finally did. Dialling the number, you put it on speaker, while you made dinner. It wasn’t too late, around 08:45, like you usually return on Tuesdays. Hopefully they pick—

*click*

“Hello this is the reception desk of Akso Hospital, how may we help you?”

“….Yes Ma’am sure, let me check her schedule once…she has appointments all day…so could you come at around say…06:00 to 06:30 p.m.?”

“Okay sure, that works for me. Thank you…Where should I proceed with the payment?”

“….Yes Ma’am sure, let me check her schedule once…she has appointments all day…so could you come at around say…06:00 to 06:30 p.m.?”

“On that day itself. You’ve had your registrations done on your number, so all you need to do is speak to the front desk of the specific department, pay your consultation fees and wait till they call you. Standard procedures.”

“Thank you…” you want to ask but are too nervous…

“You’re welcome, is there anything else we can assist you with?”

“…How have you been?”

“…Alright, same old same old…you? We’ve been missing you, didn’t think you’d totally cut off ties…”

“I’m sorry, it just, you know…”

“Yeah I know…anyways I’d have to cut the call now, but see you on Sunday?”

“Yes yes thank you, on Sunday.”

“Oh dear I’m gonna get a looong lecture from Dr. Stryx…”

________________________

…you eat while your mind goes back to wandering about that man you saw at the auction…what intrigued you the most were his eyes and the power they held in them…his name…you still couldn’t recall… “Something with an S? Yea yes S…but S what?”

________________________

…Sunday evening arrives soon, time feels as if it’s passing by too fast, you dreaded today, neither did you want to go, nor get the check up…you sigh as you enter through the automatic doors of Akso, and inside…it was like any other usual day, patients, doctors and nurses here and there, stretchers, wheelchairs, the familiar smell of antiseptic, you’d grown used to at some point in your life, but now it all felt too foreign. You smile and greet Serene, as she does too, and walk to your designated place. Fingers crossed hoping you don’t run into you-know-who.

…Oof finally you were done with it, she told you to take care of yourself better and take every medicine and supplement on time, giving two new ones to start with and advised you to continue with your old ones as prescribed before. Writing about the tests to be done in your prescription. Now the question remains when should you do them and with whom…Maybe you’ll take the break on the first half on a Saturday and take Raya along…you hate needles…As you walk along the escalators to the ground floor guess who you run into!

Uh oh…

“(Name)…it’s been so long, how are you holding up?”

She really had the audacity to ask you that? After everything? She’s nice and you admire that about her, but often times she’s just too nice, and that annoys the heck out of you. Your eyes meet his for sometime as you soon move your gaze away…oh it was gonna bother you tonight…

You smile politely, “I’ve been alright thank you. If you’ll excuse me I’ll have to leave now—”

“Oh… ok alright….take care…”, as you leave without sparing them a second glance…

________________________

Why did you have to meet them? You were finally making progress little by little, but then this happens…Yes you understand you were at the hospital where he worked…but still why why why—

You thoughts wander haywire, ‘Where were they going, to get coffee? Or maybe early dinner? Maybe to a sweet shop or bakery…he looked so calm, his gaze was so soft with her…never was the same with me…no no no I’ve had enough…I can’t not now, not when I’ve been making gradual progress…should I call Raya, she’s not offf work yet…ugh…’, as you desperately try to shove away any past memories cluttering your mind. You walk ahead and straight, setting your destination to Destiny Cafe, somewhere in the mess in your brain…

You reach the shop, hoping that they won’t be coming here…as you enter, eyes scanning the place, they weren’t there…phew... Your eyes stop their search as they fall upon a similar pair of slanty-sharp red eyes, silvery white short hair, and a tall…too too tall of a figure sitting at the table by the windows, scrolling through his phone, even though his eyes stared down at his phone, you could see the familiar strong presence emanating from within them, that was how powerful their color was. Oh it was him…it was him it was him it was him…

You get the sudden urge and curiosity to walk upto him and talk maybe introduce yourself and a word or two? Why? Again you had no answer for yourself, it was something in those eyes that drew you in…You walk in, because of course you can’t hog the doorway forever, customers enter and exit at all times…walking up to the counter you place an order for your usual Boba-drink and find a place to sit, not at your usual, but just a table behind him so that he couldn’t see you…girl you’re seeming like a creepy stalker stop…Soon you come back with your drink, have it while still contemplating. ‘Should I go or should I not go?’

Finally as I push you with my words, an invisible urge strikes inside of you, making you stand at your seat and walk over to his table…fuck your palms and feet were sweating…

…

…

…

“Umm excuse me, hello…”, his eyes fleet up at you, a color of nonchalance painted all over his face. He doesn’t seem like the type to initiate a conversation, you thought, so you went ahead.

“Hi! Umm I’m so sorry if I just came here out of nowhere, I usually don’t do so promise me, and I’m so so sorry if it’s creepy, I don’t mean any of that. I really just wanted to have a small conversation with you…I umm I don’t think you remember me—well of course you don’t, there were a lot too many people there…anyways what I’m trying to get at is I guess, umm I was at the Banquet Hall of Mr. Jameson’s last to last week, I saw you there…well actually what happened was that me and my friend, we were there for a delivery service, and he told us to enjoy the night…I don’t know why I just told you that…but yes so I uhh, we were about to leave and I didn’t want to leave before I could see the one of the famous things of an Auction event, the bidding so we stayed for sometime…And there was a call, starting price 1 Million and you immediately called 5 Million, that intrigued me really, I was like wow! And then I guess our eyes met for a while, but you don’t remember probably and I really wanted to get a chance to talk to you and now I’m here rambling, I’ve probably made you all uncomfortable, I’m sorry I’m so so sorry…”, dang girl you rambled on, in one flow—almost…

He let’s out a small, husky laugh, as he waves his hand, “Okay first of all breathe…and secondly, I’m flattered to hear that I intrigued you~ To answer to another question, yes I do remember you, you were the girls who got the flower bouquets, I had my eyes around…”

“Please sit, you entered the shop thinking how to approach me and talk to me and came all the way from your table after contemplating so hard upon how to do so, I’m thoroughly impressed.” He smirked slightly, as you sat, feeling embarrassed.

“I’m so sorry if I came out a little too strong, ohhh this is embarrassing…sooo I’m (Name), it’s a pleasure to meet you officially!”, you hold out your hand.

“Skye”, he shook it… ‘that’s it just Skye? But it doesn’t bring out the tone I heard at the auction…could he be lying about his name?’

You see him text on his phone, trying to study his expressions but all you could decipher was that he was texting, you couldn’t understand the emotion beneath…maybe he was good at hiding?

“Continue.”

“Huh?”

“You said you were intrigued, you might have question flooding your mind? Maybe one like if that’s my real name, or what you heard at the auction sounded different yet you can’t recall it…or maybe how to try and read my face as I text.”, he spoke while texting

‘Damn he’s good! Fuck I feel like a fool, uhh can I divert or dodge his accusations somehow? I don’t wanna look like a creep—’

“It’s okay to be curious, you’re not a creep.”

“Are you a mind reader or something Mr. Skye?”

“Who knows.”, as he stood up, before you could even think of anything else to ask him.

“Keep your question bank to yourself for now, and when we meet again pour them out. And try to recall harder, maybe you’ll find your answer…”, he exited through the doors…

________________________

“Woah…”

That night when you returned you paces around your room trying to recall what was that you heard at the auction…finally a pleasant distraction…

“Skylar? No…that’s like a bird’s name…ooo ooo maybe Sans! …nope nope nope…Steven? Not even close… it was like a ‘shhh’ sound…like a ‘shhhh-i…shy…’ shy? Ughhhhhh!”

You take the help of your trusty old friend, ‘the Internet’, typing ‘Rich business man names starting with the word S’…you read out most of them, some do fit, others simply ruin your mood…You search up until, 01:30 in the morning, that was when you started getting sleepy…but you didn’t want to give up just yet…your bed was a mess, food pieces here and there, pages from your notepad lying around, having scribbles on them everywhere, pen thrown across the bed in frustration, when google literally gave you a search list of eligible bachelors in your area who are businessmen…You get up to clean everything up, yawning to yourself…while you mind was still reeling over the names, seeing if their tones hit the right vibe…but none did…You soon closed your laptop, keeping it away in it’s proper place as you get to bed…

…‘Shy…Shy…Shy…shyl…it had an L for sure…shile…no no a Y…shy…’ “Shylock!”, you shout out as Raya looks over at you from the section where the Iris flowers were arranged at display, “Huh?” “Oh nothing just nothing…” “So you randomly yell out Shylock in the middle of the day and claim it’s nothing? You’re lucky it’s our break time, and no customers are here.” “Nothing nothing just something I remembered…” “About the Merchant of Venice?” “No leave it, do your job.”, as she goes back to neatly arranging them, while you go back to pondering while you eat…

“Oh btw! Oi Raya listen.” “Hmm?” “I have my CBC and Haemoglobin tests this Saturday…dude please accompany me…you know how much I fucking hate needles…” “Yeah sure I’ll be free I’ll go…”

That night a flicker of something strikes you while you were eating dinner. “Sylus! Yes! That was it! Sylus something surname, not important but yes! Now the question remains why did he hide his true name…”, you were almost done with dinner as you quickly finish up and in your bedroom you dash off to, opening your laptop to search… ‘Sylus business man’…

As you read the results gaining info about him, well the one publicly available, then there’s also some Govt. sites but you don’t open them… “He’s…one of the most feared and successful mafia leaders of the N109 Zone…head of Onichynus, richy rich rich…what’s that? Probably the name of his organisation…emmm emmm…wow…the Linkon City police are all after him, but nobody knows about his whereabouts…well I do now…makes sense why he has an alias…I’m freaking out too, I might seem calm, but I am…I talked to the guy, what if he’s planning to execute me…cuz I found out his identity…what if he’s watching me now—”, you look around your room…well duh even if he was you wouldn’t see a drone or something thing in plain sight just zooming around… “—what do I do now…do I tell the police? No no no I’ll get taken…should I tell Ray…she’ll freak out, best not to…he did say we’ll meet again, maybe he knows about my location…dammit why did I ever go upto him…!”

________________________

…Saturday arrives. “I think I might’ve gotten a good bone bruise in my right hand…” “I’m sorry…I’ll buy you coffee as compensation…” “That’s a sweet offer but I’ll have to decline, got a call from my mum, have to go now, my nephew’s coming over so gotta take him to the park…” “oh! Well goodbye then…tell them I said hi! Text me when you reach.” “Will do!”, as she walked in the other direction, while you head towards the coffee shop, dreading each step, as you felt a ominous ring to the idea of going there…what if he’s there and he takes you away…well maybe not in broad daylight but still. Suddenly your mind reels off to Zayne, since you’ve always relied on him and his presence whenever you felt uneasy or scared or anxious, it always calmed you down, although now that you think about it, it was all out of compulsion, always has been…So you have two options to yourself, go home and cry about Zayne, orrr go to the coffee shop and meet your probable doom…

“Latter sounds better, at least the chances are highly unlikely…I mean if he’s a mafia leader, he’s probably out to do something there, whatever it maybe…”

So you head in the direction of Destiny Cafe, plus you would like to blame your Destiny for putting you in such a mess…

You were just about to enter as you see a similar figure looming over you, eyes glued to his phone, entering at the same time… ‘Uh oh…this is it…’

You watch him take his seat, where he sat earlier and you quickly avert your gaze, hoping he’d not notice you…and walked over to your usual seat—

“I’m assuming you’ve figured out.”

“…if I say anything will I be hurt?”

“That depends on your next action, which will determine the result whether you will be or won’t. It is as simple as a causal-effect relationship.”

You don’t speak any more, you’re genuinely scared…

“Come on sit, maybe we can have a deal and arrangement to see which path you lead to.”

You go obeying, sitting across him.

“Now—”, his eyes still glued to the phone, “Place your offers and I’ll see what can be done.”

“B-But I don’t have enough money on me now, only a couple hundred bucks and—”

He suddenly breaks out laughing, in that similar deep, husky voice of his…

“That was fun.”, he looks up from his phone. “Look I don’t know how to make you convinced, but I’m not going to hurt you or anything, you’re not on my radar.”

“So you do have targets!”

“Seldom, but yes. Also a bit softer please, you’ll scare the whole cafe like this…or maybe even give them the wrong context.”

“You won’t harm me right…?”

“No.”

“What if I tell the police?”

“I’ll be gone before you ever get the chance.”

“Why do you dress like some sort of frat boy street biker guy aesthetic?”

“Maybe because I do have a bike.”

“Oh…”

“…I need a Boba”

“Yes I’ll get some drinks for us…”

After sometime he brings them to your table, your usual Boba flavour that you get, and an Americano-Large for himself…

“How did you know.”

“I told you I’m keenly observant. I’m not stalking you if that’s what you think.”

…..

…..

“What if you added something in my drink or poisoned them…”

“Well unless I had magical, invisible substances on me, or the barista was my subordinate, I couldn’t have done so…”

“So the barista is your subordinate?!”

He sighed, rubbing his temple, “At this point I’ll just let your imagination run wild…”

……

“I’m not gonna drink it still.”

“Be my guest.”

…..

His earlier tone seemed to be quite believable, but you still had your doubts, he’s a criminal, he can fake emotions and tones like it’s a piece of cake.

“Ok…”

“Look listen, the last day you had ordered and I heard it.”

“You remembered it becauseeee…”

“I knew today would come.”

“Now you’re being all creepy again…”

“Ok ok I sincerely apologise, do ask me whatever you want to ask me.”

…

“What business do you deal in?”

“Woah straight-forward. I’m in a successful fruit selling business, I’m a real good fruit vendor…”

…

…

…

You take a sip of your drink…

“And I’m supposed to believe that? I wouldn’t even have believed that if you told it last time…”

“Well sweetheart, I can’t go on spewing my real profession now can I, you searched it yourself, the police are after me.”

“…Ok”

As you both drink in silence…it was awkward for you, maybe not for him. He takes out his phone and texts. You can’t help but ask.

“…You’re telling your henchman the time and place to take me hostage aren’t you…”

“Very creative…but as a matter of fact, I’m texting my ‘Bestie’—”

Pffft Bestie? That sounded funny in his voice.

“Is that a codeword for—”,

He let’s out a hearty chuckle and sighs…finally showing you the phone and it’s contents as well…it was a chat opened, with many messages, here and there with the username of the other person saved as, “Kitten”, huh weird? It’s funny, also kinda cringe—

“Oh…”

“I’m sorry for suspecting you but I’m still suspecting you.”

“I’m fine with that.”

…So that was how your second meet went, he was a bad guy(?) but at least he had a sense of humour.

“Isn’t it only fair that you tell me your profession too, since I told you mine.”, he spoke as he stood up from his chair, smirking.

“You know mine, you did say it last day, me and my friend came to deliver the bouquets.”

“Mhm so you’re a delivery person?”

“…I don’t want to tell you but then again you already know…I’m a florist, I work at a flower shop at—no not telling you that no no. Besides you lied about your job.”

“Well you know the truth. See you.”, he left

….

It grew amusing and kind of concerning to you? As over the next few weeks, you’ve had both your third and fourth meetings as well.

Your third meeting was uncalled for too, meeting at the same place, ‘Destiny Cafe’, cuz of course, you have such great luck and Destiny. He entered while you were munching onto their star shaped rich buttery cookies, as they would just melt inside your mouth with every bite. It was such a delicate and sweet taste, making you want to gobble down more and more and more.

“Hello.”, he sat down.

Your mouth filled, you quickly, try to chew and gulp, while wiping it with a napkin.

“Easy easy there, no rush. I’m not leaving so soon”

As you finish it up and take a sip of your Boba, “Sorry, excuse me…how did you…you know what doesn’t matter. I’ll be nice to you.”

“What’s with the sudden change in attitude?”, he speaks while keeping that smirk on his face, you swore it never left…

“I just want to be.”

“Good day at work?”

“I gave a little girl a yellow rose and she hugged me.”

“Adorable.”

……

“You’re always texting, is it always your best friend?”

“Mhm.”

You drum against the table a bit, not knowing what else to ask or say…

“The Lavenders were really fresh by the way, thank you.”

“I never gave you—oh! So you were one of the special guests of Mr. Jameson?”, of course he was.

“Is he a part of your organisation?”

He chuckles, “He’s a stand-alone businessman, dealing in Protocores and Aether Cores. Know what they are?”

“Yeah.”

………

…..

.

“…Why did you pick the name Oni-dot dot dot?”

“What?”

“You know why did you pick that specific name for your organisation?”

“I have no answer to that.”

“Ok…

………

………

“How as your day?”

“Alright.”

“Am I bothering?”

“Nope.”

“I wanna show you to the flower shop.”, he looks up from his phone upon hearing that, those red eyes, casting a spell of determination within yourself…

“I’ll be honoured then.”, he said with a smile.

“Maybe on our fourth meet up?”

“Sure.”, you offered him the last two of your cookies.

“Cookies?”

“Why not.”

“Aren’t they so good!”

“Mhm. You have good taste.”

“I’ll have to leave now, get up early tomorrow, we’re having new shipments arrive. When can I meet you again?”

“Thursday.”

“Works for me, I leave early on Thursdays. Soooo here at Destiny Cafe?”

“Here at Destiny Cafe.”

“Bye!”, as you leave.

________________________

Failing to see the soft smile that you had casted upon his lips…now what might that indicate…

You were at work the next day, it was a Wednesday, it’ll be a long day and it’s going to be hectic, with the shipments coming in…yet you felt light, it was a strange sensation but it was definitely welcomed…

“Girlll!” “Yes?” “What are you daydreaming about? The things are here, cmon let’s go look to them.” “Oh yes.”

…“Is there something bothering you?” “Nope.”

________________________

Thursday came around very quickly and heck were you excited! You were really excited, you didn’t register why but you were…but you had to keep your guard up, he’s still a dangerous man (?)…as you walk towards the cafe, it was a pleasant evening…the streets bustling with people. “Hello!”, you greet him as he stood in front of the coffee shop. He looked up from his phone into your eyes, with a sly smile, “Someone’s excited.”

“You bet I am! I don’t know why though…the fact that you could still k*dnap me remains…”

“Mhm.”

“…”

“I won’t.”, he sighs.

“…Are we getting coffee first? Let’s take those biscuits on the go! We can eat while we walk.”

“After you.”

…The both of you walk along the streets of Linkon, which were brilliantly illuminated by the street lights. It was a new moon day, so the moon wasn’t visible in the sky. As you both chew and walk along…

“Sooooooo it’s down Hashcrew Lane, which we e reached as we speak…aaaand taaadaaah! This is where I work, I love this place…”

“Cosy…”

“Yeppp and thanks, although we are planning on renovating the shop.”

“Hmm.”

“…Why do I have a feeling you already knew..”

“The bouquets also came with your shop’s business card.”

“Ahh I should’ve figured it out. That one’s on me…why didn’t you tell me earlier though?”

“I wanted you to trust me…besides you are always too paranoid.”, he says with a slight chuckle, eating the last of the cookies.

You felt a smile creep up to your face as well…

On the way back, he nudges you slightly, “So you finally trust me now, don’t you?”

…….

“Yes? No? …Maybe so?”.

________________________

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(All credits, TW, Index have been mentioned on the Storymode page.)

[lazylattedgleam]

Request:

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(Word count: ~3.9k)

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“The art of eye contact lies within the possessor”

(Current: Mr. Ruby Eyes- 001)

(Previous: xxxxxerrrrorrrrrrxxxxxxxx)

(Storymode control buttons)

(002: Yes…? No…? Maybe so…?)

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Welcome back, at this point I don’t even know why I’m complaining so much about writing your narrative, it’s not like it’s got anything to me, moreover it would only be to my benefit for as long as I get to do my job…

Well a few days have passed and your periods had arrived again…first day had started, in the morning itself, awakening you from your sleep, as you groan clutching onto your abdomen. You sluggishly go to the bathroom, grabbing a pad from your cupboard. Upon returning back after sometime you finally fully open your eyes, only to see that you’d made a big stain on your sheets aaaand your blankets—thankfully the Jasmines were alright; you groan, it was only—yeah 06:27 a.m., it was too early for any of this shit. A striking pain hits you as you clutch onto your abdomen, tightly, groaning, tears forming, as you crouch on your knees, face planted upon your side pillow…

But you had to clean up, and soon else the stain would get dry and become permanent…Somehow reaching for your medicines cabinet at your bedside table, you take out a strip of your pain killers, popping one pill into your mouth as you gulped it down with the help of water from your bottle…

You stay like that for a while, and only after feeling the effects of the pain killer kicking in, you get up to bring the liquid detergent from your bathroom…Zayne had once told you to use that company…only half-cap of the liquid was required to pour, was cost-efficient, a trusted company—dermatologically tested safe, checking out the criteria, plus that’s what they mostly used to wash patient gowns at the hospital.

You hate that everything you see, touch, taste, smell, feel, hear, had some sort of connection to him…it was getting too annoying and frustrating, to be honest…good thing that you’re finally starting to realise that so too. It’s gotten too tiring to write about him everytime…

Anyways you do your job, the stain gets out.

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…Today was a Friday, meaning a rush day at the shop, too many customers to deal with, plus your mental fatigue…you’d just put on your pad a while ago, and it already started a waterfall show down there…Your periods are a bitch, always planning to start during the most hectic days at the shop, pure diabolical is what it was.

At least you took the pain killers, you can feel relatively alright for the coming six hours, can get you through work. It was too early, and you had no mere enthusiasm to make breakfast or pack your lunch yet…

…Well the time passes, you do your stuff and reach the shop…you don’t initiate greeting any longer, but just nod along with a brief smile as the others do. Cue to you doing what you usually do at work; attending to the customers, filling in the logs, yada yada… “Hey when is the new stock of Peonies and Begonias supposed to arrive today, I forgot?”, Raya looks in your direction, her eyes filled with hurt and pain…you two had been best friends, you clicked from the moment she joined, she wants to help you, and she had tried her level best, but you would never open up. You glanced at her seeing the expression in her eyes, you felt guilty…fuck of course you did…she was your best friend…you two have always been for each other’s highs and lows, even before Zayne entered your life…but the pain was too too harsh to be dealt with. So you just let her suffer? Fun aren’t you the perfect friend. “Y-Yeah they’ll be shipped in today…probably by 09:00 or 10:00…”, she searched your eyes, seeing you hesitant… ‘Talk to me (Name), please…’, she pleaded in her mind hoping that telepathically you’ll hear her…but you regained your straight face and nod going back to work.

Aren’t you a—leave it it’s none of my business after all.

…soon arrived break time, as everyone heaved out a big sigh, Fridays were a pain… “Hey (Name)…”, you look up from your mindless fiddling with your lunch, didn’t even touch your food…cmon just talk to her—!

“Excuse me.”, as you closed the lid and went to the bathroom, sighing. Poor girl.

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…Around evening, Mrs. Li visited the shop, checking on business and asking how everyone was and how everything was holding up. She does this on a monthly, but today she had a special task. After a bit of chit-chat amongst her and everyone, she comes to the counter where you and Raya were stood. “Listen girls I have a task for you”, she said in her sweet, motherly voice. She was a sweet old lady. Both of you look up as she continues, “So…umm we have received a request of ten red rose bouquets, ten blue orchid bouquets, six lavender bouquets, seven multicoloured tulip bouquets, and last but not the least two daisy bouquets…make sure everything is the freshest of the freshest and that none of the flowers have any minute imperfection—”, bruh they’re flowers, how can they not have any, not even the slightest of imperfections? “—and make sure everything is perfect and prim and proper.” You two nod along, “But Ma’am where are they need to be delivered and by when?”, you ask, “That and plus is it for a wedding or any other ceremony?”, Raya chimed in…Mrs. Li grew a bit hesitant… “Well no…but it is a pretty big event, heck it’s a huge event, I just have the location where it is to be delivered, not any specific details, since it is confidential…So…it’s in the N109 Zone.” WOAH! Both of your every widen, “Wait wait wait! Hold on—”, Raya starts, “The N109 Zone? A.k.a. THE DEATH ZONE?! How could you agree to an order like that??”, you finish. “The money is really good girls! Plus it’ll help us for further renovations of the shop, (Name) you’ve been saying we need to renovate, make it a bit bigger too remember?” “But I wouldn’t go as far the N109 Zone for that!” “Ditto! It’s like the breeding place for illegal activities and crimes!”, “Yeah what if we get k*dnapped?! Or worse t*afficked?!”. “Girls listen please, it’s for the good of the shop and all of us, beside you two are my oldest employees, I trust you the most, you two would know how to succeed at the task very well, I know it! And I assure you none of that is going to happen because, it is a trusted customer…Please.” Sure as if a soft please could change their minds— “Fine…” “Fine…we’ll do it…”, Oh for the love of—

“Great! Thank you so much both of you! I promise you your safety is my priority and it’s assured! Now you have to deliver everything by coming Saturday, 07:00 p.m., sharp, so don’t be late. You two don’t need to come to work on that day, just visit the shop and keep everything ready for delivery two hours prior, and be in your best outfits…you know these rich people things…gotta look elegant.”, welp…the both of you sigh and nod, “Yes Ma’am…”

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…Night fell, as it was closing time around 11:30, Raya and you are the last ones left, packing up to make sure everything was in place and properly, like always, as you grab the keys. She turns off all the switches and you two head out, quietly. Locking the door properly, “You have leaves on Saturday, how are you going to accompany me…?”, wow it felt weird, and nervous…

“Oh so you do remember about me.”, she spoke with an annoyance yet a slightly teasing tone… “As for your question, I’ll be free next Saturday, no family events or plannings so yes, I’ll be accompanying you...”

Cmon! You sigh finally breaking into a quiet laughter…it’s been too long since you last laughed from the bottom of your heart. She joined in too, as the both of you kept laughing like madwomen…if anyone were to be passing by, they’d feel they’re being haunted.

…Destiny Cafe remains open for 24 hours on Fridays. Sitting their with your drinks and snacks at your table, initially nervous…you apologise to her tonnes, as you two talk and gossip for what had felt like years…it was pleasant to see the cafe still filled with people, the night always brings out a different atmosphere. “Can’t believe we’re having to go to the DEATH ZONE, that also voluntarily…well not entirely voluntarily but you get the gist.” “Yeah…at least we’ll get to dress pretty…” “Oooo that’s what I’m the most excited for too! And free drinks hell yeah!” “How are you so sure they’ll allow us that?” “Gut feeling.” “Sure as if that has ever been right.” “There was the time~” “OKAY! OKAY! I GET IT!”, both of you laugh… “We’re high on caffeine…” “Who cares! To us!” “To us!”, as you clink your cups, earning a few stares here and there.

…You reached home…‘Today…especially the night…it felt nice…it was nice…’, you think to yourself, a smile on your face, it’s been too long since you felt this rejuvenating…you didn’t even think of him during the time with Raya…uh oh you just did, but you felt like your misery had decreased by 0.001 percent…it’s nice…but you were tired and the cramps were getting at it again…You ate enough at the cafe with her so you weren’t hungry. Right now, all you want to do is get to bed and sleep. So you did…of course after changing and freshening up.

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…During this week that was still left and the next, Mrs. Li visited by almost regularly, checking upon your progress and if you two were choosing everything properly… “Girls pick that rose, it looks more brighter…..that tulip is vibrant yellow go for that one…..arrange them neatly, use our that paper to wrap around the bouquet…..” “The one with the regal aesthetic?” “Yes yes that.”…it was a pain to pick and choose and inspect and wrap…there were just too many…but since you’ve been busy with all this…it kept your mind off of them to a great extent, maybe it was for the best?

Friday night comes by, as you and Raya chat while you packed up and checked if everything was all according and planned…nothing should go missing or miscounted…you take your second last count of every bouquet tonight, leaving the final for tomorrow, as she checks their quality and freshness. “All good?” “Seems so to me…you can check on after I’m done?” “Yeah sure, I’ll do that, you recount.”, as you two do that… “So what will you be wearing? Decided yet?” “Well duh yes of course the thing is tomorrow. Anyways I’ve chosen that dress, remember I sent you the picture, I bought recently online as I got it for a cheap price hehe.” “The mulberry one?” “Yeeeep!” “Ooooo! Can’t wait to see you!” “Yessss! And how about you missy?” “Hmmm not chosen yet, but I think I’ll go with the rosewood coloured one, my cousin gifted me for my last birthday…” “Oh yes please! That screams elegance and grace!” “So does yours by the way…it’s more of elegance and royalty.”

The next day arrives too fricking quickly, have you thought about Zayne the last night? Yes…plus you did cry too, but it was less than usual, and for the first time in months you felt excited (plus nervous and scared too) again…good improvement. One thing that you’re really thankful for is that the deliver date was after your periods had ended, it was a relief. You were excited so you woke up early on a day that was supposed to be your break from work,well that break was given since you had a task but yeah whatever. It was around 08:15 a.m. when you texted Raya.

RAY

You: You awake yet?

RAY: GURL DUH OFC! I. OULD BARELY SLEEEP FROM YHE EXCITWMWY LAST NIFT!!

You: Lmao can tell by your spellings.

RAY: SHHH, NO JUDGING. Anyways, will we be getting ready at the shop or from our homes?

You: Home duh. How can you get ready at the shop it’ll be too much of a hassle, plus are you forgetting it’s a work day for the others.

RAY: Oh yeah lol, they’ll be at awe when they see us hehe

You: Soooo we meeting at the shop around say, 5:00?

RAY: yeah sure, k bye! See ya!

You:👋

…You started getting ready around 04:00…it suddenly reminded you of every date that you’d try to look your absolute best for Zayne…slowly inching towards your Anniversary night…the memories bring back the pain and the agony and the betrayal you’d felt, you shook your head trying to focus on today…you wanted to look extra beautiful tonight.

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…It’s 05:15, when you reach the shop. “Hey thank god you’re finally he-WOAH!”, you chuckle at Raya, “UMM MA’AM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE WAY TO THE ROYAL PALACE?? CUZ MY OH MY!” “Says you, have you seen yourself in the mirror? A total hottie~” “Not more than you~”, as you two share a laugh, “Kk let’s go count for one last time?” “Mhm…and pray that everything is all well and proper…” Your other co-workers stare at the both of you, complimenting you two, some even flirt., Raya returns their gestures, so do you but you’re more hushed…you mind suddenly once wanders to what if Zayne had ever flirted with you like so…you’d have melted on spot…maybe he does with her, but no use of pondering upon it, you look forward to tonight, hoping to taste some of the free foods and drinks…It’s a rich party after all they’ll have pretentious yet tasty portions…

“33…34….35….aaaaaand 36….”, “Okay, we all set then?” “Seems like to me, we counted more than six times by now….so I guess…Wait didn’t Mrs. Li said she’d come to wish us luck? And count.” “…Maybe she forgot? Anyways…let’s see…ten bouquet roses, ten tulips—no no…ten blue orchids yes…two daisies…six lavenders…aaaaaaand seven tulips, ok we’re officially all set….” “Here’s to the hope that nothing bad happens to us…” “Hear…Hear…”. As you place the bouquets neatly in a big circular thermocol trays, securing each set by wrapping cellophane paper on top of each…

…Soon arrives a black limo… “Damn…” “Uh-Huh…”…a guy in a black suit and sunglasses gets out, “(Name) and Raya, Mrs. Li’s workers?” “Yes”, you two say in unison, why was the dude so intimidating :/. He checks the trays and puts them in the in the right seat, setting them down carefully, before nodding, “Get in.” You two, cross your fingers, clasping onto each other’s hands tightly, hoping to well…survive…

The Limo, had too many things, both of you had only witnessed such things in movies, a drinks table, the seats felt like royalty, a music player, a big table in the centre from where the other guards ate and drank and chatted about, and a regal lighting, the seats were of a beige color and felt a little hard to sit on to be honest. You and Raya, were sitting at either sides of the flowers, to make sure they didn’t fall down or anything, basically protecting them from any impending doom, and yours. Glancing at each other, lips pressed tightly in a thin line, as you two looked around subtly of course…

Oh and need I say how fast it was going?

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…You reach in about an hour or so, getting out carefully with the flowers in hand, as you were escorted in by a single nod given by one of the guards…

You look at the hall…wow…you’ve never seen anything this fancy, sure you’ve been to weddings but this…this was just, on another level…it was all too royal…the interior carved with intricate designs, a soft velvetty carpet covered the entire floor, there was a dance area, a huge open bar, huge stretch of a buffet system, the entire building had a rose-gold hue to it’s colouration, making it look as if one had entered the royal halls… “Woah…” “Yeah woah…”, as you keep on walking forward behind the securities…eyes falling upon every person, dressed in extravagance and glamour, showing off their elegance, jewelleries of gold and platinum and what not other precious gemstones that they possessed; chatting, mingling, drinking amongst one another…it was all too grande and screamed money money money…The two of you walk ahead a few more as you see the guards stop I front of a tall old man…probably was around the age of your Mrs. Li. “Sir they’re here.”, he nods and let them off, as they gave a subtle bow and left.

“Ahhh welcome welcome welcome, I’m Jay Jonah Jameson, the host, you must be Mrs. Li’s most trusted workers, we’re glad you could make it tonight—” pshhh as if you two had a choice; “I’ve been buying flowers from her since she first started the shop, and have never once been displeased with the quality, colour, fragrance, or aestheticism…she always had a knack for picking out the best of the best. And I strongly believe she did so too.”, as he inspected the trays in our hands. All you two do is nod along as he took the trays from yours and told his assistant to keep them at the nearby table and count properly and sort them out. “Please ladies enjoy yourselves fully. And don’t be at all bothered on your return back, the limo will be outside, whenever you want to leave, they’ll take you back safely.”, he said with a smile as we were left alone…

“Jay Jonah Jameson? What is this Spider-Man?” “Ikr…the only difference was that it was not just a J, but Jay, emphasising…” “Think he’d suit the Daily Bugle?” “Perfectly…”, as you two softly chuckle amongst each other and walk along the hall, admiring the atmosphere… “Think he overdid it just for some flowers?” “Surely…I’d say dude has a crush on Mrs. Li if I didn’t know any better…” “Atleast we get to enjoy this grandeur setting for the night woo…”

“Hey look at these big-ass rubies and gemstones, didn’t know they could be that enormous in size—”, *sigh*….you facepalm “Idiot! They’re not any gemstones, these are Protocores! They’re found inside Wanderers!” “OH! I didn’t know—wait how come you know?” “My cousin is a Deepspace Hunter, I know my tids and bits.” “Oh yeahhhhh….” “Cmon let’s eat” “Ooo yeah!”

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…“Ugh oh dear lord the food was too good…” “Yeah…half the time I wondered what the name tag meant…” “Understandable…drinks?”, as you walk over to the open bar and order two classic Margaritas, the bartender, portraying his talents on display, mixes the drink, and pours it in two glasses for the two of you, coating their brims with sugar poweder, with two limes on top as decoration. “Money money money must be funny—” “In a rich maan’s world!” “CHEERS!”, as you sip and drink and drink and sip… “Girlllll we can’t get drunk!” “We aren’t Ray, we just had three glasses. Cmon let’s get up before we get even more tempted.”, as you drag her up and away, exploring the rest of the Hall…it seems like one might need a golf cart, just to explore the place— “Ma’am what would you like to see? We have the finest starting at the most valuable prices, only 2 millions”… ‘Yeah right only .__.’, you thought to yourself, I mean for real what do they mean only, acting as if 2 millions is only a fifty bucks…ugh… “No no thank you we—” “We also have the Aether Core sets over there, starting range from 7 million!” Okay I swear this dude, I’ll hit him— “Thank you but we’ll just browse for now.”, you say politely as that would be the only way to get him outta your asses. “Well okay then! Do call me up if you need anything!”, as he left. “Finally…”, said Raya, “Oh yay you’re not drunk!” “Duh I have a high tolerance level, I ain’t a lightweight like you”, that suddenly reminded you of your drunken ramblings you made to him on your Anniversary night…you shook your head as the both of you walk forward. “When shall we leave by the way?” “In a few? Maybe see a couple dances and then?” “No please not dances.” “Alright fine we’ll leave soon, but first I wanna see some bidding prizes and offers.” “Whyyyyy—” “Girl we are at an auction event and what’s that if we don’t witness the main game.”

“—Starting at 1 Million! Everyone let’s see your cards! Starting at 1 Mil—”

…‘I see a man hold up the sign which said 5 million…damn that high of a jump…at the start itself…who is this—” oh hoho now this will be fun…well the guy was wearing a full black high quality leather set with a overcoat that had a streak of dark crimson splattered neatly creating a design…Everyone gasps, while he looked unbothered and nonchalant as ever…as if he put in only two pennies up front…You could only catch a glimpse of him from behind the line of people watching. “W-Well Mr. Sylus has done it again…would anyone l-like to raise the stakes? ….Going once! Going twice! …….SOLD! To Mr. Sylus Qin!”,

just then your eyes meet for a brief period as you feel a sudden shiver down your spine.

His gaze returning to where it was initially…your gaze shifts to Mr. Jameson, seeing a satisfied smirk on his face, when suddenly Raya drags you away and out the Banquet Hall. “You tell us to leave and then you delay it, cmon it’s already around 09:30, let’s go…we’ve had enough N109 Zone for the rest of our lives to remember. Oi! You listening?” “Huh? Oh yeah yeah…did you see that man go 5 million on the first call? What was his name again…ugh I can’t remember!” “Yeah I saw him, but why do you care? Wait don’t tell me you’ve taken a interest to him just because—” “No no! It’s not that it’s just…Did you look into his eyes? They held such strong ground, dominance and power…that aura was probably emanating through the whole room, plus the people looked very…I don’t know…umm shuddered and with utter respect…”

“Girl cmon let’s go, you’re drunk.” “No I’m not! I mean it, he had red eyes, they were like the colors of a ruby or better yet…red beryl…” “Yeah probably was wearing contacts, there’s no way those can naturally exist, cmon let’s go back I’m getting sleepy…”

“I want to know…if only I can remember…”

Maybe you will, maybe you won’t…then again how would I know, I’m just writing your story…just doing my job…

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(All credits, TW, Index have been mentioned on the Storymode page.)

[lazylattedgleam]

Request:

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Storymode control buttons

(Credits: Pinterest)

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

(A Sylus x NON!MC Reader fic)

(Total Word Count: -will be updated-)

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(Credits: All images from the net. Except for the color editing and brush strokes and writing are made by me.)

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“This world is guided by various forces of the Universe…who will win Destiny or Manifestation?”

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(Credits: Tumblr)

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*TW: Angst, maybe not well written, NON!MC Reader, Reader has Anemia, heavy blood loss during periods, shouting, feeling of betrayal and heartbreak, shaking, crying, feelings of self made insecurity and rejection, self sabotage.

*Index: Narration is written in regular, small size, and italicised.

Reader speeches are white, bold and italicised.

Zayne speeches are blue, bold and italicised.

MC speeches are pink, bold and italicised.

Sylus speeches are red, bold, and italicised

Others are white and just italicised.

Thoughts are written inside single inverted commas and bold (small font), sometimes struck through.

Texts and chats have ‘Indented’ font.

Call conversations are written in the ‘Chat’ font.

Actions are written inside asterisks, white and bold.

Diary entries -will be updated-

If you’re uncomfortable with the following genre or any of the trigger warnings, then please don’t read ahead.

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End or the Beginning? - 000

Mr. Ruby Eyes - 001

Yes…? No…? Maybe so…? - 002

Sylus Archives(Article: I) - 003

The art of Simplicity - 004

. . . - 004a

Coming soon…

(Credits: Tumblr)

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[lazylattedgleam]

Request made:

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Prelude to a New Tomorrow

Next page: xxxxerrorxxxx

TW: xxxxxxerrorxxxxxxxx

Index: xxxxxxerrorxxxxxx

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Hmm? Oh hello there, still making me write your story? Do you even ever want to try to regain back your narration or will you keep on being a puppet of your own mind? Well it’s none of my concern, as for always I’m just here to do my job assigned.

Exactly 5 months have passed by since you lost your story into the void of seemingly no return. Days and nights come and go by, time stood still for none. Yet you still think about it, about him, like he’s the oxygen that somehow keeps your brain running and functioning, call it gruelling, call it unhealthy, you can’t help it. Raya worries about you a lot, everytime you’re at work and beyond but she’s stopped trying to ask you or talk to you, except for the usual business talk.

Just a few weeks back you’d gone to Destiny Cafe, for a boba…glaring at the drink as you remember it was the same thing that you had when you and her met up…Her, the very person who appeared in your life like a ray of sunshine and just like a powerful gust of wind during a storm, blowing everything away, took away the one person who made you feel complete…But it was mean to be. They were meant to be. It’s what Fate had wanted.

You sat as you stared at the stubby glass bottle, stirring at the drink mindlessly with your straw. Did you have your meds that morning? Probably.

You hear voices and laughters, the pitch was high yet sweet…oh you knew that voice. “I’m telling you Tara, he is such a romantic! He blushes at everything I do! It’s just the sweetest!” “Ahh! Can’t believe the cold prodigy doctor of Akso could go all mushy gushy! You go girl!”…He laughed with her, expressed himself to her…you rarely ever got a smile. For you his soft expressions were a prize to be won and earned, for her they became flower petals falling from the trees during cherry blossom season…in abundance… “Uh huh! We’re going to the park this Sunday, will have snow-cones and more!”, that perked your ears…*sigh* You’re gonna do it aren’t you…?

Did he ever feel guilty? Should you go talk to her? You hated that thought with all your guts yet a part of you wanted it to happen…would she even recognise you?

You finally sip your boba, ironically you were the most expressive you’ve been in months, in the current situation.

Anyways enough with the sad flashback, currently you’re at the flower shop, working diligently, attending to customers, adding inputs and updates upon the cash register, like usual. Raya was at the Marigolds section showing a couple the best of the best, as they wanted some to decorate their newly bought apartment with, and for housewarming. Your eyes wandered to the couple, the guy was tall like him…and the woman was short like your length…they looked so happy…they looked like the version you’d yearned that you and Zayne would once reach…but alas that remained fiction. You hated it, envy and jealousy filled your heart, so you thought the best would be to go out for some fresh air.

You told your other co-worker to fill in for you, who nodded along, as you excused yourself out.

Everytime your eyes gaze at the streets, it was really pathetic how you saw him in every passing person on the streets, whether they were tall or short, light or dark or tan skinned, long, short or mid length hair and of any color, wearing monochromatic or colourful clothes, all you ever saw was him…him…and only him…

You return soon after as one of your co-workers calls out to you to handle a rather annoying customer, you’d work for long enough you knew how to deal with them, so you went.

…The next day came as usual, everything was the same old same old, you were growing tired of it, you hated Sundays now, the same Sundays you used to be eagerly waiting for. Sundays you had your break plus his shift gets over early on Sundays, you mind wanders again…maybe they’ll be on a date or lunch or dinner, or in bed, making love to each other…something which you and Zayne had never once done…heck you never even got to that point…your periods were soon to approach, your sexual desires too increased, adding on to your discomforts…They existed with Zayne too, your body would die for his hands all over, or even for a sensual touch, but you kept them under control, often times with artificial things, because your love for him transcended beyond any mortal form of lust…but now? You were annoyed and cranky, besides you don’t even want to touch anything…the recently bought bunch of Jasmines, laying on his side of the bed, as you stare at them, eyes brimming with tears…maybe you should just cry all your exhaustions out huh? You do that.

…Going out to the park was a bad bad bad idea, girl why are you self-sabotaging yourself! I know that you were hoping to see them together, to catch a glance of him and determine how elated he’s been with her!Maybe it was because you were inching close to your periods? Girl you’ve never done it, then why now! Ughhh! I swear if I wasn’t bound to writing I’d have—anyways, you sit at a bench, nearby the water fountain, (reminding you of a very specific song)…you look around subtly and…you catch a glimpse of them walking hand in hand, with snowcones in their free hands…you look at him, smiling, he looks so…happy…I’d say get a grip. But it’s none of my concern. I’m just here to do my job assigned.

They couldn’t have seen you, you were amongst the spectators that they had surrounding them and their stage of love…Go home…go home…go home…you sigh to yourself as you get up heading towards your apartment…What a fun evening spent huh?

…You crawl into your bed, wrapping yourself in a burrito in your blanket…crying…again…clutching onto the Jasmines close to your heart…

Your hopes of ever finding true love are flowing down the drain, yet still holding on…how delusional can you be, you think to yourself…

For how long will you keep on carrying your broken heart to yourself??? Why don’t you try to venture out more…your life isn’t over…talk to the people who matter, and when the right time comes you may find the right person…But it’s none of my concern. I’m just here to do my job assigned.

————————————————————————

(Credits: All images are from Pinterest)

[lazylattedgleam]

Hello everyone! How are you all? How is your day/night/evening/afternoon going on?

:D

[lazylattedgleam]

PLEASE THIS IS TOOO GOOOD IM SOBBING…MY PILLOW IS ALL WET NOW TTT^TTT

𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐛 ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬

★ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: it's your senior year at the aerospace academy, and over the course of nine months, your connection with caleb shifts from mere classmates and acquaintances to something deeper. but there's one problem—the girl he loves back home.

★ 𝐜𝐰/𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: first person pov, non-mc reader, feminine implied reader, some connections to caleb’s 4-star tender moments, angst/hurt + no comfort, kinda long but fast paced

★ 𝐰𝐜: 11.1k

★ 𝐚/𝐧: longest fic i've written yet, go me woot woot :p i wanted to write heartbreak so here it is. pls do not have your therapist bill me, thx! anyways when caleb goes, ‘i wont get a girlfriend’ in stage observer, he sounds kinda down, right? yeah imagine hes thinking about you (the reader) in this as he says that LOL. okay, (try to) enjoy lovelies!! <3

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝!

I never believed I’d let something like this happen to me. 

Yet it crept in quietly, the way all irreversible things do. A shift so subtle I almost missed it, until I was already too deep to turn back.

It was in the lingering glances, in the way the air felt charged in the spaces between us. In the laughter that came too easily, the silences that felt safe, the moments that stretched just a little too long. It was in the way he looked at me; like maybe, for a second, he saw something more.

But love, if you can call it that, isn’t always kind. Sometimes, it’s a quiet war. A battle between logic and longing, between what’s real and what’s only ever been wishful thinking. And when the person you want is still holding onto someone else, someone they can’t seem to let go of, where does that leave you?

I swore I’d keep my balance; though gravity has a mind of its own.

August-

It was breezy, as are most August days in Skyhaven. Fumbling my fingers through my hair, desperately trying to comb through any loose strands from the wind, I tried to make myself look somewhat presentable for my first day of classes. It was senior year, and I wanted to make the most of it for once, as it felt like the past few years had been me barely passing by. 

I sat down in the lecture hall, music blaring through my headphones as I fidgeted nervously with the pen in my hand. It wasn’t long before a figure sat next to me in my peripheral, and I internally groaned.

‘You have this whole ass lecture hall with so many empty seats in this row, and you sit right next to me. Dick.’ I thought to myself.

Seeing the person tap on my desk, I glanced over to notice it was Caleb.

We had crossed paths before, orbiting the same social circles through mutual friends. Our interactions had been fleeting, exchanged pleasantries at gatherings or brief moments of conversation that never really dug beneath the surface.

His lips moved as he spoke but I didn’t hear a word he said over the sound of my music. I pulled one of the speakers off my ear, “What?”

“Well first I said ‘hey, what's up?’, then told you I’m glad to know someone in this class.” Caleb smiled, “But then I realized you weren’t listening.”

His grin was infectious. Then again, everything about him was. Caleb was a campus favorite, and for good reason; his effortless charm and magnetic charisma drew everyone in, leaving them captivated.

I smiled back, “I would’ve listened, I just couldn’t hear you.”

“Shoulda tapped you sooner then.”

We talked as more people trickled in, and conversation with him flowed effortlessly. He was almost unfairly likable, the kind of person who won people over without even trying, it was no wonder he had everyone wrapped around his finger.

“Yeah, I failed this class the first time around, so if I want to graduate this spring, I have to finally retake it,” Caleb sighed, shaking his head. “The Caleb failed a class? No way…” Gasping, I clutched my chest in mock shock. “I had no idea you were even capable of failure, Mr. Perfect.”

His lips twitched into a smile at the nickname, but his eyes betrayed him. He shrugged, “Well, I can do it this time around.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I totally didn’t realize I needed this credit.” I poked his hand resting on his desk with my pen, “We’re in this together.”

The professor was about halfway through the syllabus when Caleb started writing on my notebook. 

Do you have class after this?

I looked over at him, mouthing “No”. Not for a few hours, I wrote back. 

Hangout with me after this then

And that’s how I ended up sitting in the quad with Caleb, with the itchy grass prickling my legs and a sweating can of soda in my hand beneath the warm August sun. Yet Caleb’s presence was still warmer; my cheeks and stomach hurt from laughter, and every giggle of mine only fueled the fire of his jokes. 

As the laughter died down, Caleb leaned back on his hands, squinting up at the sky. “Man, I forgot how nice it is to just sit around like this on campus. No deadlines yet, no stress… just kinda existing.”

I took a sip of my soda, nudging his knee with mine. “You make it sound like you’re constantly suffering.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I mean, maybe a little. Gotta keep up the ‘Mr. Perfect’ image, right?”

I tilted my head, studying him. For a second, he looked almost… tired. Like there was more he wanted to say but wasn’t sure how.

“You know you don’t have to be perfect all the time, right?” I said, softer now. “You’re allowed to mess up. You’re allowed to breathe.”

He glanced at me, something flickering in his eyes—surprise, maybe. Or relief. Then, just as quickly, his signature grin returned. “Good to know I’ve got my personal cheerleader.”

I rolled my eyes, but my smile gave me away. “More like your reality check.”

“Even better.” He bumped his shoulder against mine, before laying down on the ground. The sunlight hit his eyes just right, making them glimmer like polished amethyst. With his brown hair tousled against the grass and his shirt riding up just enough to reveal a hint of skin, it wasn’t hard to see why all the girls fawned over him. When it came to looks, Caleb really did live up to the whole Mr. Perfect thing.

“What about you?” Caleb glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. “What’s your kryptonite?”

I raised a brow. “Come again?”

He smirked. “Your weakness. What takes you down every time?”

I pretended to think it over, then shot him a cheeky grin. “Probably failure.”

Caleb let out a soft laugh, propping his head up on his elbow. “Alright, I’m sensing some hypocrisy here.”

“It’s not hypocrisy,” I defended, shrugging. “I just fail to take my own advice.”

He tapped his chin, feigning deep thought. “Mm, no, that just makes you a hypocrite. But hey, at least you’re self-aware, Miss perfect.”

Something between us just clicked, that unspoken feeling when you know you’re going to get along with someone. Nothing about our conversation felt forced, it unfolded with an ease that caught us both off guard. I don’t think either of us saw this coming, but somehow, it just made sense.

And so it continued; messing around with Caleb in class, then hanging out in the quad afterward. Our dynamic quickly shifted from casual acquaintances to good friends as our connection bled beyond the classroom. The progression was almost rapid; natural, but undeniable.

Conversations with him came naturally, filled with dry humor, shared ambition, and the kind of unspoken understanding that made being around each other feel easy. We started saving seats for each other without thinking, sharing notes even when we both knew we hadn’t written anything useful, and lingering just a little longer after class, stretching out the moments before we had to part ways.

Afternoons in the quad turned into grabbing coffee, which turned into late-night study sessions that often had more laughing than actual studying. It wasn’t just that we got along; we started to seek each other out, gravitating toward one another like it was the most natural thing in the world. 

It wasn’t just about sharing space; it was about the way we easily fit into each other’s lives like we had always been meant to.

I found myself opening up in ways I never had before, trusting Caleb with thoughts I usually kept locked away. And in return, he let me see past the carefully constructed walls he had built. 

I learned a lot about Caleb in our time spent together; I learned about his dreams and aspirations, his worries and fears, his home back in Linkon and how much of it still clung to him.

And her.

I learned about her.

MC; the kind of nickname all the cool girls had, lifted from their initials like it had always belonged to them. She was innocent, pretty, just the right balance of book-smart and blissfully unaware. The kind of girl who never had to try too hard because the world seemed to bend in her favor. She was perfect in that way, and maybe that’s why Caleb felt like he had to be perfect, too.

She had been his childhood friend, raised alongside him by his gran, their lives tangled together like roots beneath the same old house.

“She’s your sister?” I had asked, unsure of the dynamic.

Caleb hesitated, something unreadable flickering across his face. “No,” he said finally, his voice careful. “Not really. We just grew up together.”

She was everything to him, the quiet force that shaped him in ways he probably didn’t even realize. Everything he did, every careful step he took, was in her image. And suddenly, it all made sense.

The way Caleb kept people at arm’s length, the reason he didn’t have many real friends at the Academy. It wasn't because he didn’t want them, it was because a part of him was still anchored somewhere else; belonged to someone else.

Once, we had sat on the steps outside one of the buildings, his elbows on his knees, staring out at nothing in particular.

“You never really let people in.” I looked over at him, my statement coming out of nowhere.

He let out a short breath, almost a laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Was it that obvious?”

“I didn’t get it back then. Thought maybe you just had too many friends to be really close with any of them.”

He was quiet for a moment, then shook his head. “It wasn’t that,” he admitted. “I just… I already had MC. Growing up the way we did, it was always just us. I guess I never really learned how to need anyone else.”

I glanced at him, but his eyes stayed on the horizon, lost in something I couldn’t see.

“You still do that, you know,” I said. “Keep people just enough away.”

He swallowed hard, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Some habits don’t go away easy.”

“So why am I an exception?”

Caleb exhaled slowly, rubbing his hands together. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Maybe because you didn’t try to push your way in. You just… stayed.”

I frowned. “That’s it?”

He shook his head, a small, almost self-conscious smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “No. It’s more than that.” He glanced at me then, something raw in his eyes. “You just understand the way I think, and nobody has before.”

A silence stretched between us, thick with things neither of us knew how to say.

“You make it sound like some big thing,” I murmured. “Like I did something special.”

He tilted his head slightly, considering me. “Maybe you did.”

His words awakened something in me, an ache settling in my chest. A quiet, gnawing feeling that signaled the start of an internal war; one I never really meant to step into, but quickly became hard to ignore. A silent competition I didn’t sign up for, but suddenly felt compelled to win. 

It wasn’t against MC, not even Caleb himself.

But against the undeniable truth that no matter how close we got, I may never be the one he chooses.

September-

I barely notice the shift at first; the way August hands things off to September, smooth and effortless, like they’ve done this a million times before. Like they were always meant to meet. It feels familiar in a way I can’t explain, like stepping into a conversation that’s already halfway finished but somehow still knowing exactly what’s being said. 

Things with Caleb had settled into a familiar rhythm. On campus, we were either together or in class, our days stitched together by shared moments. Being with him was refreshing, like the first warm breeze after a long winter, a quiet promise that brighter days were ahead. Silence with him was never awkward; it was understood. He always seemed to know what I was thinking, what I meant to say, even when I didn’t say it aloud.

I’d known Caleb for a while, but the way we grew close so quickly felt natural, like we’d been moving toward this all along. It was as if there had always been a space in my mind shaped just for him, waiting for the right moment for him to step in.

The cloudy sky above turned dark with the impending storm coming, but in a rush to meet Caleb, I had hardly noticed until I was halfway to his dorm. Cursing to myself, I silently tried to manifest the rain would hold off until I got back to my own dorm later. 

It was movie day; every Friday afternoon after Caleb and I finished with our classes for the day we would have lunch and watch a movie. He was on hosting duty this week, and his dorm was on the other side of campus. If I got caught in this rain, I’d still have a bit of a walk in the storm before I arrived. 

Almost as if laughing at me, the sky cracked with lightning and thunder rumbled, and I heard the pouring of rain before I felt it.

“Shit!” I picked up the pace, my sneakers splashing through puddles forming on the sidewalks as I started to run. Thunder booming in the sky, I mentally prepared to get struck by lightning and hoped I would be eaten by the campus birds before anyone found my body. 

Trying to take a shortcut through the grass was the worst decision I could have made, as I wasn’t even two feet from the sidewalk before I slipped, landing on my back and getting waterboarded by the sky. “Argh!” I screeched, tears of frustration welling in the corners of my eyes. I sat up, glaring at the students staring at me as they passed by with their umbrellas. 

My whole body was drenched by the time I was outside of Caleb’s; my hair, jeans, and sweater caked with mud (and probably a few stray leaves). 

Making my way upstairs, my cheeks were pink from the cold and embarrassment as everyone in the building looked at me with confusion as my clothes and hair dripped all over the floor. 

Caleb swung the door open before I could knock, something he’d do as he watched for me through the peephole in his door. Looking me up and down, the corners of his mouth twitched upward as he coughed, stifling a laugh.

He leaned against his door frame, “What happened here?”

“Shut up.” I pushed past him, annoyed but a bit guilty as I continued to drip all over his floor.

“You look like a sad wet cat,” Caleb patted my wet hair, frowning when he saw I was shivering, “a cold, sad wet cat.”

He started to rummage around the room, going through his drawers and closet, pulling out clothes. Tossing them at me, he pointed to the bathroom, “Go shower, I don’t want you all soppin’ wet on my stuff.”

I glanced at the clothes he handed me; hoodie, sweatpants…his boxers? 

“Um, Caleb-”

He shook his head, “It’s only weird if you make it weird.”

Pursing my lips together I nodded, heading into the bathroom. I called out to him, “Caleb, do you have a towel?” 

“Just use the one in there.”

Okay, we were close, but I wasn’t aware we had crossed into this land.

Peeling my clothes from my body, I threw them into a pile in the corner. I nearly moaned when the hot water hit my skin, and basked in the feeling for a bit. I stared at Caleb’s shampoo and body wash, conflicted on if I should actually use them or just try to rinse myself off the best I could.

Feeling the mud and tangles in my hair, I accepted defeat.

By the time I was done, clad in Caleb’s warm clothes with every inch of me smelling like him, it felt like he was smothering me. Like I was enveloped in one of his bear hugs.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and I felt my heart jump a bit. There was something about wearing a boy’s clothes as is, but Caleb’s clothes? 

A bit ago, I had felt the shift before I could name it. 

It’s in the way my eyes flick to my phone more often than before, in the way my chest tightens, just a little, when his name lights up my screen. It’s in the way my pulse stirs when I spot him at our usual spot in the library, twirling a pen between his fingers like he’s been waiting for me. Like he knew I’d show up (and he always did). 

And maybe that’s what unsettles me the most, not just that I notice these things, but that a part of me already expects them. Like I’ve been pavloved.

It was ignorable at first, but it’s become this nagging feeling at the back of my mind. A tugging at my heart. It’s annoying, like a mosquito buzzing in my ear that’s too quick for me to smack it away.

The feeling that I didn’t want to just be friends anymore.

Coming out of the bathroom, Caleb was already sitting on the floor in front of his bed with two cups of tea and food, and my mouth watered when I saw he made my favorite.

He smiled at me, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “You look pretty good in those.”

Heat crept up my neck, and I let out a nervous laugh. “You’re just saying that because I look like you.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Caleb nodded toward the bathroom. “Your hair’s still wet. Grab the towel.”

“It’s fine,” I shrugged. “It’s not that bad.”

He raised an eyebrow, arms crossing over his chest. “You already got caught in the rain once. Stay damp any longer, and you’ll catch a cold.” Then, with a cheeky grin, he added, “And I can’t be left alone in class. That’d be tragic.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned on my heel, grabbed the towel, and tossed it at him. “Right, of course. That’s all I am to you, entertainment in class.”

“For sure,” he said smoothly, catching the towel with ease. “Now sit.”

I sat beside him, reaching for the towel, but before I could take it, his hands found my shoulders, gently turning me away. I barely had time to protest before he took the towel himself, carefully running it through my damp hair.

“Caleb, I can do it myself—” I started, trying to shift back, but his grip was steady.

“Shush,” he murmured. “Let me help.”

I could have argued, but the warmth of his touch, the slow, deliberate way he moved, made it impossible to resist. My shoulders relaxed as he worked, the soft scratch of the towel against my scalp lulling me into stillness. Silence settled between us, easy and unspoken, the only sound the steady rhythm of rain tapping against the window. It was peaceful, grounding. For a moment, I let myself sink into it, let myself be cared for.

Before long Caleb tugged on a strand of my hair, “Okay, done.”

“Thank you” I pinched his cheek, his lips curved upwards and his eyes went soft.

“Now, what should we watch?”

“Nothing crazy, I don’t think my brain can function right now after today.”

Caleb laughed, flicking through the movies, before settling on some random cartoon. I sighed dramatically when I took a bite of the food he made, “Caleb, you’ve outdone yourself yet again.”

He looked at me mischievously before stealing a bite, and I punched his shoulder, “You have your own!”

His phone lit up and I saw the name, looking away as he picked it up to respond to the incoming texts.

MC.

A wedge of jealousy crept up my throat. It was our movie time, and here she was, almost on cue.

I always listen—really listen—when he talks about her. About how much she means to him, how she’s one of the only constants in his life. And it stings, sharper than I expect, because I want to be that constant. I don’t say it, of course. Instead, I throw myself deeper into the friendship, as if proving my place will make it true.

I laugh at his jokes a little too hard. Memorize the way he takes his coffee without meaning to. Notice the small things that make him tick, the way his expression shifts when he’s lost in thought, the songs he hums under his breath.

The internal competition I created against her wasn’t intentional, but once I noticed it, everything about it became hard to unsee.

He sets his phone down just as quickly as he picked it up, shooting me an apologetic look. “Sorry, MC just had a question about something.”

‘That stupid question could’ve waited’, I think, irritation curling in my chest. But I shove it down, nudging his shoulder with a forced smile. “S’alright. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, all good.” He settles back into the movie, but I barely hear it now. The feeling of her lingers, clinging to the space between us, and I try to shake it off.

His presence beside me soothes the sting, like a bandage over a wound, and I start to loosen up, letting my head rest against the bed. The warmth of his clothes, the comfort of a full stomach, the quiet rhythm of rain against the window; it all starts to pull me under, drowsiness settling into my bones. My eyelids grow heavy, and I barely register the way Caleb shifts beside me.

“Sleepy?” His voice is soft, almost amused.

I peek one eye open, managing a lazy smile. “A bit.”

Without a word, he moves closer, wrapping an arm around the back of my neck. His hand finds the side of my head, cradling it gently as he guides me to rest against his shoulder. The touch is careful, deliberate, something more than our usual play punches and casual grabs in a crowd. This is different. More intimate.

For a moment, I forgot about the competition. Because my head fits perfectly in the crook of his neck, and the slow, absentminded way his fingers trace shapes on my shoulder feels so easy, so natural. He watches the TV like this is nothing new, like having me this close is just the way things are meant to be. And for the first time I let myself believe, just for a second, that maybe he feels the same way about me too.

October-

There's a charge in the air alongside the change in leaves, a quiet pull I feel every time Caleb leans in a little too close or looks at me like I’m the only person in the room.

But then, there’s her.

She’s not here, but she is. Always lingering in the pauses between sentences, in the spaces Caleb leaves open without realizing it. She’s in the way his face softens when he says her name, in the light that sparks behind his eyes when he talks about her. And I hate how it makes me feel; petty, ridiculous, like I’ve stumbled into a battle I was never meant to fight.

I just can’t shake it.

Because lately, there’s been something else. An even bigger shift, subtle, but impossible to ignore. The way his hand lingers a beat too long when he passes me something, like he’s reluctant to let go. The way his gaze finds me, even in a crowded room, like I’m the only person worth looking at. The late-night texts, filled with thoughts that could have waited but never do.

Maybe I’m imagining it. Maybe I’m just reading too much into things, seeing what I want to see. But a part of me, deep down, knows he feels this too.

My phone began to ring as I was getting ready for the Senior Gala the Academy holds every year for those graduating in the spring. 

“Yes?” I already know who it is without looking.

Caleb’s voice drifts through the speaker, soft and warm. “Are you almost ready, honey?” The pet name catches me off guard, a shy smile pulling at my lips before I can stop it. He’d started using it recently, and I hadn’t dared to question it out of the fear it would stop.

He was my date tonight (as friends of course), and I was running a little behind.

“I still have to finish my makeup, do my hair, and put on my dress,” I groaned in frustration, “I’m sorry Caleb, I’m trying to go as fast as I can.”

He laughs sweetly, “Well, I’m almost there. I can help you out.”

“Help me…?”

“Yep, Captain Caleb is gonna be there to save the night. See you soon!”

The phone clicks before I can respond, and not a moment later, Caleb is strolling through my door like he owns the place. 

I turned to face him, and my breath caught in my throat. His suit was a deep navy that matched my dress, the rich fabric adorned with his pilot and aviator pins. His hair, tousled yet intentional, framed a face that always felt like home. Caleb stood there composed, sharp but still him; and there was something about the way the badges gleamed against his chest that nearly brought me to my knees.

His gaze sweeps over my desk, taking in the chaos of makeup scattered around, before pausing on my curling iron.

“Is this plugged in?” He picks it up, inspecting it.

“Caleb, you are not putting that anywhere near my head.” I instinctively flinch as he reaches for a lock of my hair.

But he’s quick, his hand firmly grasping the top of my head, holding it still. “I always helped MC with her hair. I know my way around a curling iron.”

The words land harder than he meant, and I can’t help but squint at him, a frown tugging at my lips. He misreads it, thinking I’m questioning him, and gives me a serious look.

“Trust me here.”

I let the assumption hang in the air, letting him believe my discontent is just doubt. I sigh, giving in, “Alright, but if you make me look bad for my Senior Gala, I will hate you forever.”

He starts to section my hair and I raise my brows in approval, ‘Okay, yeah,’ I think, ‘Maybe he does have this’.

Caleb’s touch is gentle as I apply my mascara and lipstick, careful not to mess me up, his hands steady as he moves around me. It doesn’t take long before he pulls back, setting the curling iron down as I finish up with the last touches of my makeup.

“We make a pretty good team, don’t we?” His hands rest on my shoulders as he leans down, chin lightly resting on the top of my head, both of us watching our reflection in the mirror.

I tilt my head, inspecting my hair with a playful smile, running my fingers through a few strands. “I suppose you did an okay job.”

He pinches the bridge of my nose, a mock scowl crossing his face. Laughing, I stand up, reaching for my dress hanging in the closet.

I headed to the bathroom, “I’ll be out in a sec.”

I slipped the dress on, the blue silk molding to my body, the delicate sleeves draping off my shoulders. It was beautiful, I was beautiful; but as I caught my reflection, doubt crept in. Would I look out of place next to Caleb? He was all polished perfection, and I was just… me. Not bad, but not him.

She would look perfect beside him.

‘No.’ I straightened my shoulders. ‘I’m Caleb’s date tonight, not her. He could have asked her, but he didn’t. He chose me. It’s just us.’

Fumbling with the zipper, I let out a frustrated breath before finally pulling the door open. “Caleb, can you help me with this?”

His head snapped up, eyes widening as a flush crept up his cheeks. “Of course.”

Caleb stepped forward, hesitating for just a moment before his fingers brushed against my back. His touch was warm, a stark contrast to the cool fabric clinging to my skin. Gently, he gathered the dress, his knuckles ghosting along my spine as he found the zipper.

I held my breath.

Slowly, he pulled it up, the quiet sound of the zipper filling the space between us. With each inch, his fingertips lingered, tracing the curve of my back, sending shivers down my arms. My skin felt hypersensitive, like every nerve was tuned to him and him alone.

When he reached the top, he didn’t step away. Instead, his fingers grazed the nape of my neck, adjusting the fabric, smoothing it into place. His breath was warm against my shoulder, his voice barely above a whisper.

“There,” he murmured. “Perfect.”

I turned slightly, just enough to catch his gaze. His eyes flickered down to my lips, then back up, as if caught in some silent battle with himself. The air between us was thick, charged, pulling me toward him.

“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice barely steady.

His hand lingered for just a second longer before he finally let go, stepping back, but not too far. Not far at all.

I turned around slowly, my heart pounding as I met his gaze. His eyes traced the length of me, starting at the hem of my dress and lingering as they traveled upward, taking in every detail before finally meeting mine.

Caleb swallowed, his lips parting slightly as if he had something to say but couldn’t quite find the words. Then, as if shaken from a spell, he smiled—soft, almost bashful.

“You look beautiful.”

His voice was quiet, reverent, like he wasn’t just saying it, but feeling it. Like the words weren’t enough to capture what he saw.

Warmth spread through me, creeping up my neck, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. I’d spent so much time wondering if I looked right beside him, if I fit; but now, standing here, bathed in the glow of his gaze, I didn’t feel out of place.

I felt chosen.

“Hold your compliments until you’ve seen the whole look,” I teased, holding up a finger to silence him. “I still need to put on my shoes and pins.”

Caleb smirked. “Need help with those too?”

I rolled my eyes. “I think I can manage strapping on my own heels and pinning a badge to my dress, thanks.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” He plucked my heels off the dresser, twirling them lazily around his finger, his gaze practically daring me to challenge him.

I huffed but gave in, sinking into my chair. “Fine.”

Caleb knelt in front of me, his fingers warm as they wrapped around my ankle, steady but gentle as if I were something delicate. He slipped the first shoe on, fastening the strap with practiced ease.

“I can do most things myself, y’know,” I muttered, though my voice lacked its usual bite.

“I know.” His fingers lingered against my skin for a fraction too long before he reached for the second shoe. “I just like to be helpful.”

But he still wouldn’t look at me when he said it, and something about the way his voice softened made me think he wasn’t just talking about shoes.

I stood as he finished, reaching for my pins amidst the clutter of my desk and fastening them carefully over my heart. Turning to the mirror, I shifted from side to side, checking every angle, making sure everything was just right.

I glanced back at Caleb. “Are you sure I look okay?”

Without hesitation, he took my hand and lifted it into the air. “Twirl. Let me see.”

I spun for him, the silk of my dress catching the light, and when I turned back, there was something bright in his eyes, something warm, something real.

“You look more than okay,” he said, voice sure with conviction. “I promise.”

I held out my pinky. “Pinky promise?”

He grinned, hooking his finger around mine. “Pinky promise.”

“Lock it,” I reminded him, and he chuckled before pressing his thumb against mine, sealing the deal.

His fingers lingered for a second before he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Now come on, we’re definitely going to be late.”

When we arrived at the gala, it didn’t take long for Caleb to be swept away by a group of guys he often talked to. I lingered around, exchanging polite small talk with a few people I still considered friends. I didn’t see them much anymore, as most of my time was spent with Caleb.

“So, are you two dating?” one of the girls asked, tilting her head. “I thought he was seeing that girl from his hometown… What was her name again?”

“MC.” I said, a little too quickly.

“Right, that’s the one.”

I forced a smile. “No, we’re just good friends.”

But even as I said it, my gaze drifted to where he stood, laughing easily with his own friends, his posture loose and carefree. A quiet ache settled in my chest.

I wanted to be next to him.

But then again, I was; just not in the way they all saw. I knew him in moments no one else did, in the quiet spaces between conversations, in the unspoken gestures and late-night confessions.

And for now, that was enough. It had to be.

I excused myself from the conversation, weaving through the crowd until I reached one of the drink tables. Grabbing a glass, I slipped into the quieter halls, letting the hum of conversation and music fade behind me. The walls were lined with grand, extravagant paintings, each one demanding attention. I paused in front of a few, sipping my drink as I took them in, letting my mind settle.

I wasn’t antisocial, I could hold my own in a room full of people, I just needed a break from the carefully choreographed chaos of the ballroom. 

The rhythmic click of shoes against marble echoed through the quiet hallway, followed by a familiar, soft laugh.

“How did I know I’d find you out here?”

I hummed against the rim of my glass. “Maybe because you can read my mind.”

Caleb shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “Sometimes I wish I could.” Then, extending his hand toward me, he asked, “Dance with me?”

I glanced at his outstretched palm. “Out here?”

He tilted his head playfully. “Well, my possible mind-reading powers tell me you’d rather not go back in there.”

A slow smile spread across my face as I laced my fingers with his. “I think you might be psychic.”

The distant music from the ballroom barely reached us, muffled and softened by the grand halls, but somehow, that only made the moment feel more intimate. Caleb’s hands found my waist, warm and steady, while mine slipped around the back of his neck.

He guided us into a slow, easy rhythm. I rested my head just below his chin, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the fabric of his suit.

We moved without words; his breath against my hair was the only thing I could focus on, like everything else had paused around us.

The world outside the two of us faded, the grand chandelier lights dimming, the chatter and laughter of the crowd becoming a distant murmur. All that remained was the softness of the moment, our steps in sync, and the quiet, unspoken connection between us.

I could feel his thumb tracing gentle patterns against my back, the touch soft in a way that wasn’t rushed. There was no need to hurry, no need to speak. We simply existed in this space, suspended between the melody and the quiet.

His fingers moved up to brush a lock of hair behind my ear, the gesture tender, almost shy. I looked up at him, and his eyes held mine, reassuring.

“You feel like home,” he murmured, so quietly I almost thought I imagined it.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to. Instead, I leaned in a little closer, savoring the rhythm of our slow dance, the feeling of him holding me like this, as if the rest of the world didn’t matter at all.

“Do you want to get out of here?” Caleb tapped my shoulder lightly, pulling away just enough for the space between us to feel suddenly too wide. It wasn’t much, but the shift left a coldness in the air, and I immediately wanted to fall back into him.

“Where are you thinking?” I asked.

He pointed toward the window. “There’s a park across the street. We could go there. Away from all… this.” He gestured vaguely, as if the chaos of the gala was still buzzing around us.

I nodded without hesitation, and soon we found ourselves at the park, sitting on an old, rusty swing set. The contrast was stark; our lavish clothes against the worn, weathered metal, but I didn’t care. My dress snagged on the rust as I sat down, but I was too lost in the quiet to be bothered by it. All I wanted was this moment, the stillness, just the two of us away from everything else.

The night air wrapped around us, cool and still, with only the rhythmic creak of the swings and the occasional whisper of wind through the trees breaking the silence. It felt like we existed in a world separate from everything else, suspended in something fragile, something fleeting.

Caleb leaned back against the chain of his swing, his fingers gripping the metal tightly as he looked at me again. That look—like he could see through me, past all the walls I tried so hard to keep up. My pulse hammered in my chest under his gaze.

“You ever feel like… you don’t know where you stand with someone?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes flickered, something unreadable passing through them. “Yeah,” he said quietly, but with a certainty that made my stomach twist. “All the time.”

For a second, just a fleeting, breathless second; I wondered if he meant me.

I forced a smile, trying to ease the tension hanging between us. I nudged my swing into his, making it sway slightly. “You have a really good sense of self-restraint,” I teased, the words a shield to keep myself from feeling too much. “It’s almost a talent.”

His lips curved, but it was thin, hollow—there was something sad in it. “Is that a bad thing?”

I tilted my head, watching him. “No… well, maybe. Sometimes, I guess. I think you have a habit of depriving yourself of what you really want.”

Caleb looked down, his boot dragging against the dirt beneath him. “What if I can’t have what I want?” His voice was rougher now, lower. “What if it’s not allowed?”

I reached forward, gripping the chain of his swing, giving it a slight shake to bring his eyes back to mine. “If it’s within your reach, it’s legal, and you’re not hurting anyone, I don’t see a problem.” My breath hitched, and my chest tightened as I spoke. “If I had to guess, you’re trying to convince yourself you can’t have something.”

His exhale was shaky, and a bitter laugh barely escaped him. “Maybe, yeah.”

I saw it then—the decision in his eyes, the surrender.

And then, he moved.

Caleb leaned in first, closing the space between us with a quiet certainty that made my breath catch. I barely had time to react before his lips met mine; soft, warm, real. My fingers clenched around the swing’s chain for balance, but it didn’t matter. My whole world had already tilted.

The kiss started slow, tentative, but it didn’t stay that way for long. Caleb’s hand found my jaw, his fingers brushing my skin, grounding me as he deepened the kiss. There was no hesitation, no pulling away—only the quiet urgency of something inevitable, something long overdue.

I let myself sink into it, forget everything outside this moment. The cold night air, the weight of the past few months, the uncertainty of what came next—it all melted away as Caleb kissed me like he’d been waiting for this as long as I had.

When we finally broke apart, breathless and dazed, our foreheads nearly touching, Caleb let out a quiet, almost incredulous chuckle. His thumb brushed over my cheek, lingering there like he was memorizing the feel of me.

His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, neither of us said anything—just letting the silence settle between us like something sacred.

I tried to catch my breath, still feeling the warmth of his touch all over me. “I—uh, I didn’t think that was how tonight would go.”

“Me either,” he admitted softly.

I bit my lip, searching for something to say, but my thoughts were still tangled up in the kiss. The taste of him lingered, sweet and unfamiliar, like a song you’d heard once and couldn’t forget. The warmth of his breath was still etched into the space between us, and the silence felt heavy, like it was holding something fragile; something we both weren’t quite ready to name. I felt the words sitting at the edge of my mind, waiting, but they were lost in the echo of his touch, the weight of everything unsaid.

Caleb gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch so tender it almost felt like he was afraid to break something.

There was a quiet moment, just us sitting there, the air between us charged and delicate. Caleb’s fingers brushed along my wrist, and he gave a small, hesitant laugh.

“Is it weird to say I’m kind of glad we did this here?”

I smiled, the tension easing slightly. “Not at all. There’s something nice about having a moment that’s just ours.”

He glanced up at the dark sky, the stars scattered above us. “Yeah, it’s like we’re in our own little world. Just us.”

I took a deep breath, trying to settle the fluttering in my chest. “Then let’s not rush back. Let’s just stay here for a little longer.”

He grinned, that easy smile of his, and nodded. “I’m in.”

We swayed gently, both of us still lost in the quiet, the stillness of the park and the soft feeling that somehow, things were different now. 

Better.

November-

The moment on the swings stays with me long after it’s over, a quiet echo that pulses in the back of my mind, haunting the spaces between my thoughts. It lingers in the way Caleb reaches for my hand without thinking, in the brief touches we exchange. The kiss, though, that’s the one that lingers the longest; the warmth of him, the certainty that wrapped around me like a promise. 

He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t hold back.

I tell myself it was nothing, that it was just a rush, a fleeting spark that will eventually fade with time. 

But it doesn’t. 

Instead, it settles into the corners of me, a quiet undercurrent beneath everything else.

Everything is subtle at first, in the little things. His hand brushing against mine when we walk, his knee grazing mine when we sit side by side, the way his texts come more often now, careful and soft. When we’re together, it feels like we really have built our own little world, a space apart from everything else. And I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, it’s enough.

Though one night, I find him distant. His gaze fixed on his phone, jaw tight like he’s trying to hold something in. He barely speaks, his words sharp and short, his mind somewhere else entirely. I don’t ask, don’t press him for an answer. But I know.

It’s her.

And in that moment, something clicks.

I’m not the only one caught between two worlds. Caleb is, too.

The realization doesn’t ease the ache, it only makes it worse. Because if there’s a choice, I already know who he’ll choose.

Training’s getting harder, and graduation is only a few months away. The exhaustion is catching up to all of us, but I feel as if it's hitting me the hardest. Barely sleeping, too many long nights and even longer days, each one blending into the next until I can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. I can feel my body wearing down, but I keep pushing, because what else is there to do? Let myself stop and think?

Ha.

No.

Caleb notices, though. He’s just as drained as I am, but he’s still there, watching me. He always makes sure I eat, even when I don’t feel like it. Reminds me to drink water when I forget, and always seems to be there after training, hanging around like he’s making sure I don’t collapse right there on the floor.

I try not to let it mean anything, try not to read too much into it. He’s just being a friend, right?

But it’s hard to ignore the way he lingers, the way his eyes flicker with something I can’t quite place when I sway slightly on my feet, too tired to stand straight. He doesn’t say anything, but his hand is there, steady on my arm, holding me like he doesn’t want to let go.

Caleb picked me up from the Academy airport after a training flight. We were supposed to grab lunch, but when his eyes landed on my exhausted form, something in his expression softened.

“Let’s get you home, yeah?” he said, his voice gentle.

I shook my head, trying to shake off the exhaustion. “No, I’m fine. Let’s just go—” But before I could finish, my body betrayed me, and I stumbled forward, barely able to keep myself upright.

Caleb’s hand was there in an instant, steadying me by the shoulder and wrapping his arm around me like he wasn’t letting go. “I think you’d fall asleep in your food and suffocate. When was the last time you slept?”

“Yesterday… no, Tuesday? I don’t really remember.”

I threw on my coat, but Caleb’s gaze was still on me, studying me like he could see right through the act I was trying to put on.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I muttered, glaring at him. “I’m fine. Let’s hurry before we miss the bus.”

Standing outside at the bus stop, I shivered against Caleb's arm around me (that was still trying to hold me up). He asked me about my day, if I had eaten breakfast; simple questions that didn’t require much thinking on my part and patient, non-expectant responses from him. I pressed my body closer into his, trying to soak up his warmth, and maybe even share a bit of my own. 

He looked down at me and chuckled, ruffling my hair, “Just a bit longer, honey.”

And he was right, seconds later the bus pulled up. I was practically bouncing to get inside and out of this weather.

Snatching the window seat, I stuck my tongue out at Caleb as he situated himself next to me. “You’re evil, you know that right.” 

The bus was a welcomed relief from the biting cold outside, the warmth inside wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. My coat was serving as a blanket, and I don’t even remember when I drifted off, but at some point I found myself asleep on Caleb’s shoulder.

I half-awoke to him nudging me gently. “Hey, this is my dorm, let’s get off here.”

Groggily, I shook my head, struggling to form a thought. “No, s’okay, my stop is next…”

He chuckled softly, and I could hear the concern in his voice. “I don’t trust you not to fall back asleep and miss your dorm.” His fingers brushed through my hair to comb the strands away from my eyes, his touch tender as he looked at me. “Just come back up with me. You can sleep there until you’re good to go back.”

I barely had the strength to argue, so I let him lead me, sleepily leaning against him the entire way. By the time we reached his room, I was barely conscious. He helped me take off my coat and shoes, and without a second thought, I crawled onto his bed, curling up into a ball as sleep claimed me again.

When I woke, the world outside was dark, and it took a moment to realize where I was. The blanket was soft against my skin, and I noticed Caleb beside me, his face relaxed in sleep. It was the first time I’d ever seen him look so at ease, so… soft.

I felt a pang of guilt when I noticed the clock beside his bed. It was nearing one in the morning. He probably wanted to sleep, but I had taken over his space.

I started to sit up, but before I could move, an arm wrapped around my waist.

“Where are you going?” Caleb’s voice was thick with sleep, and I froze, my heart skipping a beat as I turned to see him blinking slowly up at me.

“I have to go home,” I murmured, my words barely above a whisper. I reached out, hand instinctively brushing his face, but then I stopped myself and pulled it back.

He toyed with the hem of my t-shirt, and I felt the warmth of his touch spread through me. I could feel myself melting under his proximity. “It’s too late,” he said softly, his voice almost a plea. “Just stay here.”

“Caleb—”

“Or I can walk you home,” he added, his eyes still half-closed, and he stretched as if to get up, but I placed my hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

“No, really, it’s okay.”

He smirked a little, still mischievous even through sleep. “You pick. I either walk you home, or you stay here.”

In that moment, the stillness of the night seemed to press in around us, and my heart ached. Caleb was a vice. He was dangerous.

“Okay,” I whispered, my resolve crumbling. “I’ll stay.”

The room is quiet except for Caleb’s steady breathing. The city of Skyhaven hums faintly outside, the night stretching endlessly around us. I’m awake now, but I can’t bring myself to move. Caleb’s hand rests lightly on my waist, like he’s afraid I’ll slip away if he lets go. It’s nothing, really. Just a small, almost casual touch. 

But it feels like everything. 

It sets my entire body on fire, this little contact. I shouldn’t be here, not like this, not after everything. But I don’t leave. Instead, I sink back down, letting the warmth of the blanket and his presence pull me under.

We don’t speak. There’s nothing to say. No explanations, no excuses—just this fragile moment, suspended in time, hanging between us. Caleb’s breathing evens out again, his grip loosening as sleep pulls him back under. I stay awake, staring at the ceiling, listening to the soft sounds of the night. I know this is a mistake. I know when the sun rises, when the reality of the world outside finally settles in, things will go back to how they were.

He’ll wake up, stretch, rub the sleep from his eyes, and we’ll pretend like this never happened. He’ll go back to talking about MC, and whatever this—whatever we—will remain suspended in the realm of “almosts” and “what-ifs.” But for now, in this quiet moment, I close my eyes. I let myself have this, just for tonight. Because even if it means nothing to him, it means everything to me.

Morning comes too quickly.

I stir first, blinking against the soft light filtering through the blinds. For a second, everything feels warm and comforting. Caleb’s steady breathing beside me, the weight of the blanket, the quiet hum of the city waking up outside.

Then, reality crashes back in. I shouldn’t be here. Not like this.

Carefully, I try to slip out from beneath the covers, but the moment I move, Caleb stirs. His grip tightens around my waist, pulling me closer just a little before his eyes flutter open.

He looks at me, caught between sleep and consciousness, and for a second, there’s something in his gaze; a softness that makes my breath catch in my chest. But then, he blinks, and it’s gone.

“You’re awake,” his voice is thick with sleep, raspy, and it twists something inside of me. He doesn’t let go.

“Yeah,” I whisper. “I should go.”

Caleb doesn’t respond at first. His fingers absently trace the hem of my sleeve, like he’s thinking, weighing something.

Then, finally—

“You don’t have to.”

It’s quiet. Hesitant. It feels like a confession wrapped in uncertainty.

I swallow hard. “Caleb…”

I don’t even know what I’m trying to say. I just know this, this tension, this dangerous line we’re walking, is too much.

He sits up slowly, rubbing a hand over his face, and then he looks at me. His expression is unreadable, and it makes my heart clench.

“Look,” he sighs, like this is some sort of explanation. “I know things have been… complicated.”

Complicated. That’s one way to put it.

I scoff and shake my head. “You think?”

He runs a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

And that hurts more than it should. Because I know what I’m doing. I’m falling. I’ve been falling for so long, and I’m pretty sure I’m about to hit the ground.

“I can’t keep doing this,” I whisper, my voice barely steady.

His jaw tightens. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Something inside me cracks.

“Then stop making me feel like I’m something you have to choose.”

Silence. And that’s when I know.

He won’t say it, but I already have my answer. Because if I was ever truly an option, I wouldn’t be standing here, begging for clarity.

I nod to myself, standing up. “I need to go.”

This time, he doesn’t stop me.

December-

It hurts, it really hurts. 

My chest aches like it’s been hollowed out, and every breath feels too heavy, too sharp. My body trembles, like it’s trying to hold itself together, but it’s already unraveling. 

Is this what dying feels like? 

Is this death? 

The slow suffocation of something that was once whole? 

Or is this grief?

Endless, suffocating grief—bleeding through my veins, consuming everything I am.

I can’t tell anymore. Only that it hurts. So much. 

I don’t even know who I am anymore. 

I feel like a hollow shell.

January-

The snow falls lightly, dusting the pavement with delicate flakes as I walk across campus. The world feels quiet, wrapped in winter’s cold embrace, but inside me? There’s nothing but noise, a clamor I can’t silence. Just as fast as everything had began, it ended just as quickly. 

I didn’t expect Caleb to reach out. After everything, after the silence between us that’s stretched since November, I thought he’d let the distance settle. Let whatever we had fade into something unspoken, unresolved.

But then I got the text.

can we talk?

And because I’m weak, because no matter how much I want to convince myself I’ve moved on, I know I haven’t, so I agreed.

Now, I’m here, waiting outside the coffee shop, my breath clouding in the cold air. Caleb’s already inside, sitting by the window with his fingers curled around a paper cup. When he sees me, he gives a small, hesitant smile. He looks the same, yet it feels so foreign.

I steel myself and walk inside.

“Hey,” he says when I slide into the seat across from him.

“Hey,” I echo, my voice flat, unreadable.

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of everything hanging between us.

He exhales, looking down at his coffee. “I hate how things have been between us.”

I don’t say anything, just let him speak.

“I miss you,” he admits, and for a moment, my heart stumbles. But before I can process it, he adds, “I don’t want to lose you, I want us to still be friends.”

Friends.

I should have expected this. Maybe I did. Maybe I’ve just been foolish enough to hope for something else.

I swallow, my fingers tightening around my cup. “Friends.”

He nods, earnest, like he doesn’t realize he’s twisting a knife into my chest. “Yeah. I mean, we were good at that, right? Before things got… complicated.”

Complicated. That word again.

I take a slow breath, trying to force the ache in my chest to quiet. Maybe this is what we need. Maybe being friends, just friends, will hurt less than losing him completely.

So I offer a small smile, one that feels forced but I try to make it real. “Yeah. We were.”

Relief flashes across his face, and something deep inside me tugs painfully. But I ignore it.

We can do this.

We have to.

“Are we okay?” he asks carefully.

I hesitate for a second, just a moment, but then I nod. “Yeah. We’re okay.”

And maybe, if I say it enough times, it’ll start to feel true.

We step outside together, the cold air biting at my skin. We walk side by side, but it’s different now. Less certain, more fragile. But for now, it’s enough. We’re still in each other’s lives. And that has to count for something.

February-

The cold of February feels different this year. It’s sharp, biting at my skin, but it’s nothing compared to the way the distance between Caleb and me has settled; thick, suffocating.

We’re friends. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves.

But every interaction feels like a shadow of what it used to be. We pass each other on campus, exchanging forced smiles, awkward pleasantries. He texts me sometimes, but the messages are clipped, casual. The playful banter, the inside jokes—we don’t have those anymore.

I’ve gotten good at pretending it doesn’t hurt. I laugh at his jokes when we’re in class together, crack a smile when he waves in passing. I tell myself that being near him, even like this, is better than nothing.

But it isn’t. It isn’t better at all.

One afternoon, after class, Caleb waits for me while I pack my things, his hands shoved deep in the pockets of his jacket. His eyes meet mine, but they flicker away quickly, like he’s not sure how to look at me anymore.

“Hey,” he says, his voice quieter than it used to be.

I force a smile, but it feels too tight, too stretched.

We walk together, but the silence between us is thick. We’re not really talking anymore. Not like before.

“How’s everything?” I ask, trying to fill the space with something. Anything.

Caleb shrugs, his gaze far off. “Same as usual. You know how it is.”

I don’t know how it is. Not anymore.

“And you?” he asks, almost apologetically, like he’s afraid he’ll break something if he pushes too hard.

“I’m good,” I say, too quickly. Too easily. I wish I could say something that would make it sound like we haven’t drifted so far apart. But I can’t.

The truth is, I don’t feel good. Not at all.

The rest of the walk is silent, and when we reach the place where our paths diverge, Caleb gives me a tight, awkward smile.

“Catch you later,” he says, already turning away before I can say anything else.

I watch him walk off, the weight of all the things we never said hanging between us.

It’s painful. But I swallow it down. I have to.

The days pass, and we continue this dance; one of shallow conversations, stiff smiles. Every text feels like a performance. Every interaction, a reminder that we’re no longer who we used to be.

One night, I sit at my desk, the glow of my laptop screen casting a pale light over my face. My phone vibrates on the table beside me. Caleb’s name.

I hesitate before picking it up.

hey, are you free later?

My heart skips a beat, but I force myself to respond.

Yeah, what’s up?

There’s a long pause before his next message.

i was thinking we could grab coffee. but no pressure, just thought it might be nice.

The words “just thought it might be nice” sting more than I expected. It’s so casual, so simple—like the idea of spending time together doesn’t carry any of the weight it used to.

But I can’t back out now. I can’t keep pretending that I’m not still craving his company, even if it’s not the same.

Sure, sounds good.

When we meet at our usual café, the air between us is thick. We talk, but it’s like we’re strangers, circling around the things we used to share so easily. Caleb talks about his classes, and I nod, smile at the right times, but it doesn’t feel like we’re really connecting anymore.

I tell myself it’s fine. This is what we agreed to. That being friends is better than nothing.

And no matter how many times I tell myself I’m over it, no matter how many times I remind myself that this is what I chose; it still hurts.

When we part ways that evening, Caleb gives me a small, almost apologetic smile. “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah,” I reply, throat tight. “See you.”

I watch him leave, and I can’t help but feel like a piece of myself is slowly drifting farther away.

March-

I can’t keep doing this.

April-

The months start to feel like a slow, inevitable slide into something I can’t quite escape. The air has warmed, and the snow is nothing more than a distant memory, but the silence between Caleb and me cuts deeper than any winter chill.

We still see each other every day. We still share the same spaces, the same halls, the same class. But now, we’re nothing more than shadows of what we once were. Just two people who used to mean something to each other, now standing on opposite sides of a wide, unbridgeable gap.

We promised to be friends. We promised we’d make it work. But those promises feel empty now. There’s no joy in our interactions, no spark. Every conversation is forced, every laugh hollow. We’ve become experts at pretending, at wearing the mask of “just friends,” even though neither of us believes it for a second.

I’ve tried to move on, but when I see him, it’s like a miserable cold wave crashing over me. His eyes, once warm and inviting, are distant now; like he’s holding back something I’m not allowed to know. Even though he’s still there, still around, it feels like he’s lightyears away.

It was a Tuesday afternoon, sitting alone in the student lounge, my books spread out in front of me though not really focused on them. My phone buzzes, and I glance down at the message, already knowing who it’s from.

Caleb.

I hesitate before opening it, my fingers lingering over the screen.

i’m outside the library, want to grab coffee?

My heart skips. I want to say yes. 

I want to say yes more than anything. 

But a part of me knows how this will go. Another awkward conversation. Another round of small talk and unspoken feelings.

I’m tired. Tired of pretending things are fine when nothing is fine.

I can’t, sorry.

May-

The day is warm, but there’s a crispness in the air, the kind that signals a transition; between seasons, between chapters, between what was and what will be. The hum of excitement fills the air, the kind only a graduation ceremony can bring. Students in their uniforms mill around the venue, laughter and shouts of celebration ringing through the open space.

I move through the crowd, my diploma and badges in hand, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. I should feel proud, should feel accomplished. And I do, somewhere deep inside. But there’s something else, something heavier, lingering beneath the surface. The kind of feeling I’ve spent the past few months pushing away, convincing myself I’ve moved past.

Then, I see them.

Caleb stands a few feet away, surrounded by the floods of people. I notice he’s staring ahead into the crowd, and a girl comes crashing into him with the kind of ease that twists my stomach; MC.

She leans in, close—too close. And then, as if the universe had been waiting for the perfect moment to shatter the fragile balance I had built, she presses a kiss to his cheek. It’s celebratory, happy, and by the look on Caleb's face, just enough.

The world tilts.

For a second, the sounds around me blur into static, the conversations and cheers fading into the background. The weight of months of restraint, of quiet acceptance, of pretending I was fine, collapses all at once. The carefully built walls around my emotions crack under the force of everything I had tried so desperately to move past.

I thought I had let go. I thought I had made peace with everything that had happened. But in this moment, watching him, watching them, it all comes rushing back. The late nights, the quiet moments, the unspoken words that once sat between us. The way he once looked at me, the way he’s looking at her. The realization that, despite all my efforts, my heart had never truly stopped waiting.

I force my feet to move, to carry me past them, past the reminders of what could have been, of what wasn’t mine to hold onto anymore.

The weight in my chest is suffocating, but I refuse to stop, refuse to break—not here, not now. Because this is supposed to be a celebration, the closing of a chapter, the start of something new.

Maybe in another life, it was never a competition. Maybe in another universe, I don’t have to worry about her. In that world, I am her—running into Caleb’s arms, stealing his hat, and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Yes. In another universe, I am her.

[lazylattedgleam]

Okay guys! Thoughts part 4! My brain won’t let me sleep hence I shall write, forgive me if I make any spelling errors though, I might get drowsy :’)

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Thinking of Sylus x NON!MC Reader.

Ok ok ok so let’s start!

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

(Credits: All pictures are from Pinterest, Freekip)

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The night came by quite like the usual, the sky was clear, it was eerie everywhere except the “clovers” Banquet Hall where the ‘finest’ of Protocores Auction was being held. “So-called”, he knew their true value, they were worthless, yet the place was jam-packed with wannabes, who wanted nothing but to just flaunt their money and ‘elegance’, if one could even call it that…It looked more of a pity party for the spoiled rather than an Auction, people were mingling too much yet too little, nothing was right.

Then why was he there, one might ask…well it’s simple he was a nocturnal and he had nothing fun to do…so why not come in guise at an ‘Auction’ which merely stood firm ground to it’s name. His roams the velvety carpet with the strong presence and aura that he possessed, turning heads here and there. As if any of that ever came close to bother him. He’s already met the love of his life—no his love in every timeline and universe. But boohoo she couldn’t recognise him yet, so yeah maybe give her time?

He eyes the Protocores displayed, in hues of brilliant ruby, emerald, amber, lapis lazuli, and amethyst, claiming they costed millions and millions, the most precious, and valuable…

He breathed out a husky laugh to himself, he swore he saw atleast majority of them on display at a flea market selling what-not.

He wants to leave but he doesn’t, again, Onichynus is too boring tonight, Luke and Keiran are having too many “teenage tid-bits”, as he’d always call them…plus Mephisto’s battery was drained, so he couldn’t even stalk his dearest…

“Going once!

Going twice!

Sold!”

He sits at the back of the Banquet at an empty stand-alone chair, why was that even there? He didn’t know, it was out of place. His eyes wander, filled with void and boredom…

_____________

It was a complete waste of his time, even embracing boredom was better than whatever that was. So he left.

He didn’t brink his motorbike tonight, he wanted to walk, maybe even all night and sleep asleep by a manhole the next day…Weird ideas roamed his mind none that made any sense…

So he walks he walks he walks…when was the last time the N109 zone seemed so peaceful?

He comes at an opening into a wider part of the street through a lane, the moon illuminating it’s presence vividly…he knows the place, he knows the moon…but he doesn’t know the person in the far background…

Covered in a Rosewood strapless long dress upto her bare ankles, glimmering with white gemstones around her waist and bust. It had no neckline, the top end of the dress looped around her breasts secure, her neck had a band, the same colour of her dress, and a black and white choker-belted-neck piece, fastening itself, the locket had the “spades” symbol carved and settled inside of it…her hair fastened up into a bun neatly. Her hands contained silvery bangles, their ends fixed a thin long chain strands, a “red heart” at the end of each, which came upto her upper arm…

She had her phone secured to the jaws of a selfie stick, that had a “red diamond” symbol as it’s shutter button, as she pressed record, dancing around in the empty streets like a madwoman…the camera even captured him, but she didn’t care or budge, as she danced and swayed around flawlessly to whatever music was being played by her brain…

The sky suddenly emitted a crimson glow upon her form and the surroundings…he glanced up at the blood moon, he swore he’d never seen before…He kept staring, he couldn’t fathom why.

As he remembers…the curse of the blood moon which falls upon two souls, dejected by Fate, binding them together for their whole life that they shall continue to live on…

But wasn’t he tied to MC by Fate, for all his lifetimes to come and go? What game was Fate playing with him? He wanted MC with all his heart, yet he stumbles upon this unfaithful night…he searches for indicators and clues for the cause of this “brief interruption, this slight malfunction” that crashed upon his life…yet he found none…

The sky suddenly seemed to rift apart and everything became static and hazy…the world lagged…was this a glitch in the cosmos? Did space and time rift apart causing an anomaly…

Most importantly…who is she? And why does she look so regal, what veil of illusion had she casted, that he, the leader of Onichynus, one of the most notorious mafia group of the N109 zone…Sylus Qin, couldn’t even spare a glance away?

She turned to gaze at him for a fraction of a second…yet the gaze felt as if it had lasted eons…she held constellations in her eyes…

Why did she seem like she was one with the cosmos…no as if the cosmos itself was bereft of any meaning-value-principle without her…

….like she was a vision to behold, appearing whenever a new universe gets created…

Who was she and why was she so divine, that he felt like mediocrity in her vicinity…

He needed to know—xxxxx—xxxxx—xxxx—errorerrorerrorerror

—xxxxx—xxxxx—xxxx—errorerrorerrorerror

—xxxxx—xxxxx—xxxx—errorerrorerrorerror

—xxxxx—xxxxx—xxxx—errorerrorerrorerror

—xxxxx—xxxxx—xxxx—errorerrorerrorerror

Inspo song:

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Aaaaaand yep that’s that! I hope you like it! As for always thank you again for checking out my posts! Much love! :D <3

[lazylattedgleam]

*rings the bell* Helloo!! Can I just say that I love your writing and hello the storylines? Omg they just satisfy my heart. Also I had an request (only if you take them and are comfortable) Maybe you could make a story where the reader after getting out of her unrequited love relationship meets another Li maybe Sylus or anyone for the matter of fact and gets together with them but encounters the feeling of starting over, trust issues, and the eventual build up. I feel like it'll take time for reader to properly get over her ex but in the process she experiences doubt about the concept of love in general, insecurity, and overall her feeling like "Maybe I was pretty enough to be the side piece, to fill the empty space but never enough to actually be pursued. Maybe I was pretty enough to be looked at but never to be fought for" and after getting together with sylus he shows her the real love (isn't sylus the epitome of supreme standards? And a man of love TT) His actions were always more than her ex and he makes her feel loved, seen, heard!! and suddenly she realises that this is love and maybe life isn't that unfair. I am sorry if it's too long I just got this idea after reading your recent zayne fic. Also love your work so so muchhhhh <333

Hiiii!! Thank you sooo sooooo much for liking them!!! Love love love <3!!!

And might I tell you that I am absolutely ADORING this request, it’s amazing omg?? I would LOVE to do it :D! I was just thinking of writing a Sylus x NON!MC fic a while ago, looks like Fate was pulling the strings for me lol.

I just wanted to confirm something with you, it’s that: do you want me to write it as a sequel to my recent Zayne x NON!MC reader fic or as a stand-alone? (AND PLEASE YESSSSSS THAT MAN HAS MY HEART UGHHH HE MAKES MY STANDARDS TOO HIGH TT~TT)

And again I’d looove to write this! Ty again for making the request! I’ll do my best and I hope you’ll like it :D <3!

[lazylattedgleam]

girl lost among the pages is just so amazing???? Your write skills is gorgeous omg I felt the pain deep in my bones, and it completely satisfied my need for angst lol aannndd WHEN I CAYCH YOU ZAYNE🫵🏻🫵🏻 you hurt my yn’s feelings so dont forget to close the windows !!!

AHHHHHH! OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH HONEY! BLESS YOUR HEART!!! <333

I’m so glad you liked ittt and felt the pain (lmao this sounds diabolical of me)!!! Much love! UH OH ZAYNE SHOULD STAY AWARE…

And once again thank you for enjoying my work!! I hope in the future too I can write stuff that you would like ! :D <3!