ncillary

[ncillary]

Self Aware AU (Caleb)

Summary: You have the lowest Affinity with Caleb. The reason is because you hated him. Once. You hated yourself more as you, MC, were the cause his wings clipped, grounded. He should soar freely in the sky among clouds. You want him to forget about MC. Forget all the pain and the intense spiralling he went through much worse than the black hole he made. You will create his safe haven this time.

/🎶 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CALEB 🎂🌻🍎🎶/

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Masterlist Self Aware AU

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|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  | 6 (final...) |

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"Dummy, Flapple. Dummy dummy." You 'hit' him once, forehead collided on his chest. Silently noting it probably hurt your forehead more than his well-built chest.

"I...I'm sorry..." came the nervous reply, "You can throw a Pokeball at me..." he tried to lift the mood.

You were overwhelmed. Sobbing. Fisting his costume more. Relieved. Real. Him in your grasp.

He caressed your back quietly. Accepting his role as the outlet for all your pent up turmoil that was masked well until now.

Annoyed, you looked up. Only to pinch his cheeks while appreciating the purple irises that you had only seen behind the screen was glowing clearer in front of you.

"DUMMY. DUMMY. Why did you leave me? I know it's you. I recognize your voice."

You saw the confusion. Releasing his cheeks, you lowered your head before backing away.

You took a breath then recited a very familiar sentence.

"It's going to be a bumpy landing. Close your eyes. Hang on."

Realization flashes in his amethyst twin. You smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Pilot. You landed us safely back to our family."

His mouth gaped, a million questions passing by in his head and you knew which one you should answer first.

"When the game was out of sync that one time, I realized it was a really familiar voice. I try to find you without knowing your actual name. So I just use the game name. Captain Caleb." An amused smile.

"Who knew it worked and I found you even though it was just one old interview during your graduation day. Sure enough. Similar face. Same voice." You chuckled.

"Why are you even using your real identity? And how did you become a reference for the game?"

He sighed, "It was my grandma's lil' project. It was also how I was able to find you."

"That's a privacy breach, by the way."

"Fairly warned of death none other than my grandma if I cross the line." He put up his hands in surrender.

You realized he must be uncomfortable in the costume for so long and offered him the break room to suit off. Not before...

*GROWL*

Both stared at each other. Then the gaze moved to the stomach of the person in front of them.

"You haven't eat yet?"

"You didn't get lunch?"

Both quietened.

He chuckled, "Let me cook for us."

You huffed, "Buy me dinner first before you can step into my house."

"Breakfasts, lunches, tea times. Not dinner but I think it's enough to cover one dinner date with you right now." A wink.

Brows furrowed until it hits you, "You... So it wasn't 50% off for regular when I eat there? You stalker."

He gasped, "Call it "taking care of you", at least. You wound me, pipsqueak."

"Nickname is banned." You looked away.

The nickname reminded you of the otome game and you were not going to be a part of the charade.

He noticed, smiling gently and grasping your hand, "How about... my lil' beacon."

"Same difference."

"I assured you it's not." He kissed your knuckles.

A blush creeping in as you pulled him to the stairs, avoiding his gaze. He chuckled but took his chance to start a story. A story that refreshes your memory to an encounter you have never thought much of until now.

+---------------------------+---------------------------+

The mouth watering smell permeates all through your apartment. Once he was out of the guest room after suiting off as Mr. Puppy, he had somehow made himself like home in your kitchen. Guessing correctly on where you keep your stuff.

"Am I that predictable?" You asked as you made drinks.

"Not really. I just looked it in your point of view."

Insulted, "Are you mocking my heights?"

"No no no no... it's just..." he sighed, "I was there when you cooked the spaghetti. So... I could already get the gist of your kitchen."

Ah, the fateful incident.

"But who could have thought the shaky man at the staircase was you. And look at you now. Cooking perfectly fine in someone else's kitchen for the first time."

"Only for you, my lil' beacon." He glanced at you before continuing his cooking.

You blushed, "Okay, I'll take it back. You can call me 'pipsqueak' all you want."

"Too late."

+----------------------------+-------------------------+

"I can't believe these delicious foods are made using ingredients in my kitchen."

You picked up his plate to wash after some debate from your side that guests shouldn't have to do it. He looked sad to have lost. You ignored it.

"Actually, Caleb...."

*CRACK* *BOOM*

*PLANG* *SKID*

He was shocked to hear the loud thunder. But he was fine with it. What surprised him more was the plates falling into the sink.

He was halfway standing as he saw you stood still by the sink, "Hey, you okay? It's quite loud-"

Hand gripping the side of the sink. Water was left flowing from the faucet. Head down.

Somethings wrong.

Then, something clicked.

Why was she near the secluded emergency staircase?

What makes her realize the sunglasses actually worked?

Why did she block the sound out?

You didn't hear it but you felt the rumble of steps getting closer to you.

The faucet was turned off.

You felt warmth behind you, encasing you. Ears were gently cupped by big hands.

"Close your eyes. Hang on."

Flashes brighten your house.

A flinched, you noticed.

Hand raised to close his eyes.

"What are you-"

"You're the one who should close his eyes. I'm fine with it. Keep blocking my ears."

Both of you shuffled awkwardly towards the window as you pulled a shield of thick curtains to hide the flashes. Then, the awkward shuffle made you reach the couch. Slowly, you push him to sit and assured him it was fine to let go.

*Crack* *Boom*

A flinched.

Scratch that.

You placed your hands on top of his, "Okay. You can let go- Woah."

Falling backward as your waist was pulled, you braced yourself for the impact. The couch was nice to sit on. But now there's an extra presence on both sides of your legs. Your back wasn't on the soft couch as it was supposed to be.

It was sturdy.

It was warm.

It was annoying.

"Caleb!"

"Yes, my lil' beacon?"

"Mr. Puppy behave so much better than you." You grumbled.

With a smirk, he repositioned you so that he could see you, feet dangling on his thigh. A small protest from you was bluntly ignored with a teasing smile. He pulled you closer to hide one of your ears on his neck since the hand that cupped it previously was firmly, gently, holding your waist. The other loyally cupped the other ear.

"You were there to hide too, huh."

"The toilet was full and it actually echoed much louder in there. That's when I saw you stumbling to get through the door and helped you out. Who knew the emergency staircase could block the sound so much better."

"What a combination we are. One had to deal with the sound. The other one had to deal with the flashes." He let out an amused laugh.

You smiled to see his amethyst, shining much better now, "A great combination actually."

Relenting to his method, you let yourself fall into serene silence. Your hand holding his arm, caressing it. While he was thumbing your cheek until it lulled you to full comfort, lids got heavier within seconds.

A kiss on top of your head, you barely registered.

You huffed. Smiling, nonetheless.

"I'm here, my lil' beacon."

+---------------------------------+---------------------+

You sighed.

The secret garden was a mess.

"Pipsqueak... This is going to take more than a day to clean up."

"Good thing you'll be here everyday onwards."

"Is that a force labour I heard?"

He ruffled your hair then you splashed him with the water on the potted plant you were holding.

Yes.

This is the clear sky after the storm that you like to snapshot every time you see one.

The safe haven.

For Caleb.

Together with you.

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|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  | 6 (final...) |

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Masterlist Self Aware AU

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Taglist: @mentaltrouble2201

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[ncillary]

*Adding to the playlist*

(This is beautiful) - self whispering with tears and full heart after listening to the songs.

I just found out about this singer called Sora Sayuri who has made an entire album of songs inspired by Love and Deepspace and omfg I need all of you to drop whatever you're doing to give it a listen!!

I'm being so serious when I say you need to listen to it! This woman is so insanely talented! Her voice is heavenly, ethereal! The lyrics are chef's kiss and so are the instrumentals and she can do several different genres, even eras, of music! Some of the songs are very emotional and romantic, others super peppy and fun, others seductive... the Daddy's Home one did something to me ngl

And guys... the Sylus songs... the Sylus songs

(*Audio cinema, that is)

They're my favorites ofc. Because I'm biased but also because as a Sylus main they scratch all the right itches. 10/10 from me. Over the fucking moon

A tip though... don't listen to A Requiem For The Departed when you're out walking. Just don't. I did and

Yeah no. Couldn't keep it together. The dam broke. And I'm not even on my period. It's just that heartrending and beautiful...

Out of all the songs it's for sure the Magnum Opus (imo). My heart was swelling from beginning to end.

The Song I Forgot is also very beautiful and emotional, but in a more uplifting way. A sequel to A Requiem For The Departed.

Criminally Yours and Knockout have entirely different vibes, but are just as good in their own ways. Knockout gives me like 70s/80s Rocky vibes. It's super fun and fits Sylus so well. And Criminally Yours is a love song to Sylus' wild and dangerous – but to MC also loving – side, and is also about MC embracing her own reckless and outlaw side. Both songs really portray MC's loyalty and pride and love for her boyfriend in such an upbeat and engaging way 🫶🏻

This wasn't meant to become a mini review but I'm a certified yapper so shdghfj

Anyway, go do yourselves a favor and listen to the album ☺️❤️

[ncillary]

Self Aware AU (Caleb)

Summary: You have the lowest Affinity with Caleb. The reason is because you hated him. Once. You hated yourself more as you, MC, were the cause his wings clipped, grounded. He should soar freely in the sky among clouds. You want him to forget about MC. Forget all the pain and the intense spiralling he went through much worse than the black hole he made. You will create his safe haven this time.

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Masterlist Self Aware AU

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|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5 (current) |

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Flashing of the camera alerted him.

It was from a family laughing around as they took pictures of each other.

He breathed out shakily. A small smile to see the family having a great time. Probably the first family outing far away from home.

"Saw that."

A familiar voice before a familiar weight slung on his shoulder. He laughed.

"I thought you'd be running to your wife and kid by now."

"They're a bit late. It's an evening rush."

What a lie. Yet he smiled in appreciation.

A heavy silence and he knew what was coming.

"Srew them for making you pay for the damaged."

Unexpected words. Thus, the laughs.

"Get some rest. Maybe help out your grandma with her lil' project."

"Gideon..." He warned.

"I'm a part of the pre-production too because a certain someone wouldn't let his grandma make him into a model." Gideon fled the soon-to-be-a-scene.

He huffed out, tracing his friend's retreating form. Now he knew where his grandma got his picture during the academy. There's debts to pay to his ever so kind friend after all.

Another flash.

The memories shot through because he let down his guard. Slight hyperventilating. He quickened his step towards the emergency stairs. The heavy door felt unmovable in his state.

Another flash and this time it came from the true source of his panic attack as it was accompanied by the all too familiar crack.

Oxygen felt thin. Head dizzy. Body in a G-Force.

He was back in the tense cockpit.

Thunder flashing, surrounding him and his unconscious captain. The auto was off because of the strike from the lightning. It was all manual in another 15 minutes until he could land. Blood trickled down from his mouth, a little wound he got from the turbulence when he accidentally bit his tongue.

It's good though. His head was cleared because of it.

No comms. No assists. Just praying the crews knew to stay safely down in situations like this. Helping the passengers to remain seated all the while.

"...zzz...this....tower..."

Eyes widen. He quickly reported everything that happened. No choice but to land manually. Asking the ground crew to be prepared.

"God speed."

Comms off.

Breathed in. Breathed out. A rhythm of calmness he played for himself.

His memory fades to white.

All he knew was, he landed safely. Hands gripping the steering in death grip until the captain patted him back to reality. His dark purple eyes were looking at the dried blood on the captain's forehead.

Looking around, the passengers were being safely brought out of the plane by the ground crews. Flashes of red and blue replaced the flashes of white he saw 15 minutes before.

A shaky breath was let out.

His body shook and he slumped back onto the seat. Unconscious.

It happened a week ago.

Today he came to the airport to get a letter of suspension and was told he needed to stay grounded for three months.

Great. He could rest. Definitely not because he was traumatized. Far from it, actually.

Pshhh, yeah right?

"What a joke?"

"Care to share the joke?"

Purple eyes graced the ground he was sitting in seconds. He noticed the heavy door was closed and the stairs on the other side.

So, he did manage to hide in the emergency staircase.

Someone must have seen him sitting there, unmoving, and got concerned.

He was about to look up with a poker face to not let the stranger worry about him. Only to realize something was cupping his ears.

And he was holding onto it for dear life.

He released his hold but they were still cupping on, loyally.

Looking up, he realized another thing. It was quite dark but her face was clear. A kind smile adorned her mouth even when he looked disheveled and pathetic.

She let go and immediately rummaged her bag. An orange paper was pulled out as he stared at it questionably.

"Did you know, orange is the colour of dawn and dusk?" She folded it.

"It's beautiful and breathtaking." A few quick folds.

"Did you know, there are other colours that appeared during dusk and dawn?" He nodded unconsciously.

"That's right. It's amethyst."

She stared at him. Fully.

"Just like your eyes."

He was entranced.

An orange paper crane replaced her shining eyes. He was taken aback but eventually took it from her hand as she offered it more than once.

"It took courage to be here. Moreover, flying again."

He stared at the crane then back at her.

"If it was meant for you, you'll fly again. Home is where the heart soars."

A nod from him as she chuckled.

"I gotta go. I hope your stuff is safe and sound too. But just surviving the plane incident was a blessing already. So, take your time."

Then off she went through the heavy door.

Another memory flowing.

It was her who dragged him inside when his mind was halfway out of consciousness.

It was her that pulled out his sunglasses from around his shirt collar and made him wear it.

It was her that cupped his ears voluntarily as he was slumping, reaching her hands to ground himself from the flashback.

One of the passengers that he flew to safety.

One of the passengers who were reclaiming their belongings today just like plenty others.

One of the passengers that thought he was another passenger too because he kept standing at the reclaiming area.

He wore a guilty face when he stood for the longest time at the reclaiming area. Watching the queue of his ex-passangers. Wanting to apologize to each of them for the traumatizing experience. Before he could, he heard them talking among themselves of how lucky they were to survive. Asking the staff if they could thank the pilots and the crews.

He walked away quickly before the staff could reach him. Fleeing the scene of the people who he saved. It was overwhelming. Grateful at the same time for their kind words.

But he's still having nightmares.

He didn't deserve their kind words. That's what he thought to himself.

Meeting the paper crane lady took a turn.

Nightmares still haunted him. Not for long though. The crane always flew next to him. Assuring him.

Anchoring him.

To not stray from the ground where he could land safely. Resting his sore wings. Before he could fly again and feel the breeze caressing him, just as he liked it.

Three months passed and he flew the airplane again. Awkward but he'll get there with expertise and confidence better than before. The only regret was...

He wanted to meet her again.

Thanked her. Repaid her origami crane even though to her it must have been simply an origami she made everyday in her life.

Not to him. It was his charm now.

Chance was given to him when he saw her again at the airport but only a glance. And the content of her phone. That glance led him to find his grandmother.

"I'll do it." The confusion was clear on her weathered face.

"I'll be the voice actor for him, me, in the game. You were desperately trying to find one before the release of the new update, right?"

She sighed, "The only desperation I have is to refrain from asking for your help after... " they both quietened. She chuckled, "There's a lot of plans but it was for naught." weaving her hands, she placed her chin on top with a business look, "So, tell me. What help do you need from me?" she definitely knew her grandson.

"Gran, please... I need to find her. She's a new player. It's a breach of privacy but... I only knew her face and her name from the passengers' list. I need to thank her-"

A hand stopped him from rambling. A few calls were made. She nodded. Minutes later, a staff came in with a paper, a list of a kind. She thanked the staff and read through the list. Pulling open her side drawer, she procured a phone from within. Both of the items were handed to her grandson.

"I'll bury you myself if you ever cross the line."

He trembled as he took the list and the phone, "Remind me to visit you often, Gran. Didn't know you were such a mafioso when doing business."

She laughed, "I'm a woman of many talents. You should know that by now, apple pie. Oh, right... I miss it while you-"

"No."

"But-"

"I still know your diet even when I'm not here often. You'll get herbal chicken goji berry soup for dessert." He crossed his arms.

She pouted.

He sighed.

"And maybe some pudding."

A small cheer.

+-----------------------+---------------------+------+

He laughed as he heard she called Pokemon names to each LI as she swept through the battles.

"Can't wait to know what you'll call me, pip-squeak?"

He stared at her progress, winching at himself because she haven't gone through Main Story Chapter 4.

"Oh, crusty crust. Our first in-game meeting is already swirling in yet again another tragedy. We wouldn't be able to interact until the next update. No wonder it was all dark except for the icons."

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

+---------------------------+--------------------------+

"Liar."

It was so quiet that he almost missed it. The small sobs and sniffled didn't help.

He was pacing in his room, itching to be by her side this instant. Hugging her. Assuring her that he was very much alive.

Patience.

That's all he could do now.

The timing wasn't right, yet.

+----------+------------------------+------------------+

She cried herself to sleep.

Finally, she was there. On the other side of the screen.

"For such a tough girl, you sure cry a lot, my lil' beacon."

+---------------------------+---------------------------+

The time with her behind the screen always brighten his days.

Her cute defeated face when she selected her as a part of LI to appear at the cafe.

Her cute command, telling him to behave.

Her cute method to tease him.

Her cute tired sigh after their first battle.

Her first worrying incident.

"Careful!"

Opps!

Then, the phone flew into the hot boiling water.

"Leave it, pip-SQUEAK!"

Guilt rose in him for surprising her. But, at least, she won't be burned.

+--------------------------+--------------------------+

Caleb couldn't take this anymore. He made his way to the bookstore as soon as possible, worried for her.

*BLING*

It was her. Logging in. He took a seat on the bench at the nearby park not far from her bookstore. Nerves getting to him a bit.

I'll behave. I'll behave.

He chanted as she tried to get a response from him, in-game. Just seeing her well this morning was enough, except for the reddening bruise on her arms. Brows furrowed as she cared more about the game than treating herself properly.

He huffed, "What a girl?" as he shook his head, feeling a pang of happiness that she still wanted to interact rather than deleting the game that's becoming too real to comfort.

"Coward." She uttered, making him raise a brow as if he was just being challenged.

"It doesn't matter where you went off to. You'll always wander back to me." uttered directly to the phone receiver.

A relief smile as her big cute eyes staring at him. Sleep took her in, as it should with how the bags under her eyes were more clear as the day got brighter.

He swore.

Coward as it may seem, he didn't want to stay behind the screen anymore. He would take care of her. But he knew, he's not worth it, and so he decided to provide for her as discreetly as possible.

A cooling salve for product testing was left at the counter; he made sure no one was there before leaving it along with a make-believe-note explaining the 'sample'.

A discount for her food at the cafe she frequents; he paid half rather than fully to avoid suspicion.

Giving ideas and providing the stuff to decorate the ceiling; he's a regular now for always coming to buy recipes book.

Suggested her bookstore when Gideon asked a workplace that's not too taxing for his boy's first work experience.

Borrowing a puppy costume from Gran's company to accompany a nervous Gideon and to get a chance to be close to her without letting her know it's him.

Until...

"...why won't you show yourself in front of me anymore, apple core?"

He heard her clear as the blue sky he flew countless time in his dream when the paper crane was next to him.

Now, it was his turn to clear her jumbled up mind and feeling.

Maybe he shouldn't have been so cowardly in his approach.

"You'll see me everyday starting now, pipsqueak."

He lifted them up from the floor carefully. A clenched on the costume made him stilled. Looking down, he saw she was trembling. Noticing a barely audible sobbing.

Panic.

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|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5 (current)  | 6 |

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Masterlist Self Aware AU

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✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Taglist: @mentaltrouble2201

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[ncillary]

FINALLY got to record another reading! It may be another week for the rest of the world underneath because I got sick and lost my voice 🫠

[ncillary]

LaDS x Fruit Basket (Sylus)

Summary: Define ordinary. Waking up on time. Eat your food. Go to work. Off work. Rest yourself. Tomorrow? Repeat. Unless... there's this one fateful night that turned your ordinary into extraordinary. All because you were just minding your own business.

Confused? Thought so, sweetie.

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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

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|  1 (current)  |  2  |

====================================

*KTAK* *KTAK* *KTAK*

You exhaled heavily. Blurry eyes watching the screen for the past five hours. Getting up, you went to the pantry for some refreshment and maybe some snacks. Your work was almost complete so you let yourself have an early reward for a job well done.

"It's like we're losers when they hire her."

"She was so rude to me the last time I tried to chat with her."

Scratch that.

Maybe it's better you be done with your work and clock off. A quick trip to the convenience store was better than a pantry full of imbecile cronies.

+------------------------+-----------------------------+

"How long you'll be working there this time?"

"Tomorrow or the day after."

Your friend stopped halfway on sipping her drinks. She gulped what was already in her mouth.

"Home?"

"Some alone time before home. They don't need to know."

She sighed, "Short term contract sounds tiring."

You smiled, "Actually I like it just the way it is. Nothing permanent. You get a lot of experience. Good payment... most of the time. But, I'm free."

Your friend knew. It wasn't always cherry on the top but she supported you in her own way. You've lost too much in the past.

This was probably for the best.

+----------------+------------------+----------------+

The mouse stopped scrolling. Eyes shining.

"We truly appreciate you. Even for a year, you've done well. I have no doubt in the quality of your work." Your temporary supervisor smiled at you gently.

You shook hands and went on your way to the front door, out of the company. You're going to miss a few sweet people there. Maybe you could visit next time to give them some souvenirs properly.

For now, you were glad you could get away from the nasties that's been clinging onto you, day after day. Then, they had the nerve to call you out on the mistakes that happened. On the contrary, it was mostly revolved around them. You were there to help them fix it. Saving their faces.

"Good riddance." You mumbled to yourself.

Checking in into a hotel room for three days, you prepared yourself to just enjoy the present. There was a festival happening around the corner and it was the perfect time to let loose.

+--------------------------+---------------------------+

Soft cookies. Pastries. And of course, cakes.

Desserts are best eaten to boost mood.

That's what you thought, at least, compared to other ladies who only saw it as weight inducing sin. You chuckled to yourself. Maybe having a friend working at a cafe made you immune to any guilt of late night sugary indulgence since she always shared with you after she clock off.

"Gotta surprise her with the pastries tomorrow."

You stared at the brown bag on your side while finishing your double chocolate soft cookies. A sip of your drinks combined with the view of the lake at night was something else. The bustling sound of the people enjoying the festival not too far behind you made you smile.

Tonight, you could enjoy the night time better with all of the people around rather than just passing by shortly before you forced yourself to walk to a crowded place. A lady being alone at night was not preferable in any way.

It was nice, though. The lights along the road. Beautiful design around the trees as if it was Christmas. The comfort of shadows in the night calms nerves better than seeing too much during the day.

Except now.

She came out of nowhere.

The movement by your side jolted you from your trance. A small girl had quietly climbed on the bench you were sitting and stood next to you; the same height as your sitting form.

You blinked, "Are you lost?" looking around, you saw no parents nearby, "What's your name?" focusing back on her.

She stared at you before lifting her hands up. Something quite heavy and warm being placed gently on the crown of your head. You froze. Thinking the worse but still having doubts.

Hoping it wasn't glassware or anything easily breakeable.

"What-"

"Not alone now." She grinned.

Taken aback, you smiled, "Thank you. May I see it?"

She nodded enthusiastically as she scooped up back whatever it was. The little girl thrust it on your chest, making you automatically scoop it out of her hands.

A round black plushie.

It was warm to the touch. She must have held it all night. You chuckled, imagining a little girl walking around with her parents while keeping her hands out to carry the plushie as if it was precious.

Parents! Right!

"Come on. Let's go-"

"MIA. I told you not to walk off too far."

You and the little girl whipped to the side, a man was walking fast with worry on his face. You stood up, feeling guilty somehow.

He lifted her up and she giggled, hand grabbing his face.

"Don't you act cute on me."

"Sister alone. Meeto can help not alone."

The man looked at you and saw the plushie in the cup of your hands.

"Gosh. Sorry for the trouble. Thank you for taking care of her."

"No worries. Here." You hold out the plushie back to her.

She shook her head, "Sister not alone." She smiled then pointed somewhere, "Dad help Mom." she patted him.

He chuckled, "Okay. Okay." He turned to you, in guilt, "I'm sorry to bother you but could you drop the plushie off to the Lost & Found? I don't know where she got it from but she had been relentless on letting it go after she found it hours ago. We have a stall to manage."

You were reluctant but you yielded nonetheless.

He thanked you profusely before putting a long thin paper next to the plushie, "It was stuck on its foot and she pulled it out to show it to me. I guess that's where she got the name from."

A holler from behind, both of them glanced at it, before he hollered back.

He nodded his thanks again before walking off quickly.

Now it's just you and the plushie, accompanying each other. The paper in your hand swayed and you immediately held it down.

"Mephisto?"

The one intricate word was so unique that you didn't realize you had sat down again. You caress the plushie and notice your finger was turning black.

A brow lifted.

You placed it on your lap and proceeded to pull out wet tissue.

A few wipes in, you realize the shining black coating under the soot. Some spots were white. Some were red. Until you reached a spot near, what you assumed, the neck of the plushie.

"krr"

You froze.

Softly, you touched it with your finger. Feathery. Warm. Rise and fall motion.

Alive.

Breath hitched.

It's a LIVING black bird.

Your hands jolted away in a surrender motion. Afraid. Nervous. Trembling.

Wait.

The bird was trembling.

You slowly cup it. Petting it. The warmth from your hands seemed to settle it down a bit. You stare at the living creature in your hands for quite some time.

A nod to yourself.

Back to the hotel, you decided.

Once you locked the door, you made haste.

The sink was filled with warm water. Tissue after tissue was dipped, swiped on the feather and thrown countless times until the soot was mostly off of the bird. The shiny black feather was clear under the light. A tuft of white along the neck and on top of its head. Red streaks adorned the body in a few spots.

You dried it up gently and bundled it in a towel as a makeshift nest. It never once opened its eyes but it was breathing much better now. Finally, you could assess the bird in awe.

"What kind of bird are you?" You asked aloud while reaching for your phone.

"krr"

It seemed to burrow further in but was unsatisfied. Rummaging your bag, you procure a handkerchief. You sat against the headboard and let the makeshift nest along with the bird settled on your lap. The handkerchief was laid loosely on top of the bird as if it was burrowed in a stack of hay.

"krr"

You watched over it. Realizing it was probably sleeping contently. You sighed lowly with a smile. The phone on your side lit up, ready to fill in your curiosity.

*Tap* *Tap*

"Wow. It really does look like a dragon."

"And a cat, apparently."

A quite chuckled.

"Looks like you're quite a species. Probably rare too given your colour deviating from normal brown they are usually seen as."

You halted yourself from trying to caress it, not wanting to bother it much.

"Sweet dreams, Mephisto."

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|  1 (current)  |  2  |

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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

====================================

[ncillary]

Love and Deepspace

~ Timelock Key Event ~

Visual and Audio ASMR

(Deepspace Echo Music Box Version)

Zayne : Fates Entwined

_

[ncillary]

Love and Deepspace

~ Timelock Key Event ~

Visual and Audio ASMR

(Deepspace Echo Music Box Version)

Sylus : Shadowed Past

_

[ncillary]

LaDS x Fruit Basket (Rafayel)

Summary: This is the life you were meant to live. Being someone who travels a lot is nice. New land. New scenery. New people. New culture. New mystical encounter. Mys..tical encounter... Hold that thought there.

Mysterious, isn't it?

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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

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|  1 (current)  |  2  |

====================================

A dream.

Yes. Definitely a dream.

"Breathe, girl. Breathe." Your friend pat you hard on the back a few times.

You coughed. Actually breathing after being entranced by the view upfront.

The wisteria trees.

All lush with blooming flowers and floating as if the petals were shielding the magical place from any blemish or impurities. You didn't dare to walk towards it but it was necessary. This was the perfect spot to film the scene just like how the script described.

You stopped short just before entering the canopy of flowers. Closing your eyes, the petals brushed against your skin as if welcoming you. Leading you in. You breathe in the calm it brought, enveloping you.

Opening your eyes, you smiled in satisfaction.

"If the director rejects even this place, I will personally send him to heaven for "PERFECTION" that he craved so much."

Your friend laughed. But there's extra sound reaching your ears.

Chuckling.

Turning to it, you saw a person was stealing a glance at you before focusing back on what he was doing.

"Oh, no. It's the locals. Maybe we should come back later to take pictures."

You dragged your friend away from there, opting to take a much needed rest after a long flight to reach this quaint village meant for relaxation purposes.

But of course, your purpose here was far from relaxation and more towards passion. Passion to your work as one of the line producers, leaning more to location scouting than others.

+-----------------+---------+--------------------------+

"Sorry for troubling you." Your friend laid on the bed, guilty was clear on her face.

"No worries. Just pictures. I can go on my own."

"Don't take anything from strangers and come back soon." She teased.

"Mom~ Just sleep off your jet leg away. I'll bring dinner soon." You teased back.

A few small laughs and you went on with your little adventure for the evening. The lighting would surely add to the breathtaking effect rather than just flowers. Romantic vibe would surely be stamped in all of the photos you would snap later to be sent to the director.

Most of all, you wanted to feel it again. The magical feeling of being enveloped by the canopy of flowers. If you could, you'd lay there for hours just to let the petals blanketed you in their therapeutic scent.

*SNAP* *SNAP*

You took your time to stare at each picture before sending it to the director. He was fast though. Typing a lot of syllable. Amazement in each word. Agreeing in a heartbeat.

Smiling to your success, you walked to the tree bark.

"Thank you." You whispered as you caressed it.

Thinking of rewarding yourself a bit, you took action to realize your thoughts.

Lowering yourself, your body felt soft being cushioned by the grass. Head surrounded by the flowers on the ground, enjoying the wisteria dancing around as much as you do. You let the serene dusk playing behind closed lids.

Hands darting out to caress the flowers. Until you touch something. Somehow your hand explored more of that something.

Rough? No, it's patterned.

Warm? No, a bit cold.

And... Quite long...

Not bulky. But not too thin. Like a branch.

You turned to it to get a good look at what kind of branch you were holding.

"Didn't know wisteria branch has pattern-"

Unblinking. You stare straight at THE something in your palm. A living thing.

A mixed-coloured small snake.

"NGAAH!"

You yelped and scrambled away from it.

Coloured snake is usually a warning sign it was a part of the dangerous reptiles. Venomous mostly. One bright colour already looked hostile enough. This one had two colours of pinkish-purple blending together.

It didn't bite you, right?

You didn't get bitten, right?

You checked yourself quickly as you backed away some more. Relieved washed over you but you're still wary. While the mastermind of your slight panic attack seemed to stay still on where you threw it away. Unmoving.

"Oh, gosh. Did I kill the snake? No... I hope not. It might be scary but it's not like I want it dead."

Because of bravery or foolishness or just feeling guilty, you walked closer to it. You even prodded it with a stick you took from the ground. Unmoving. The snake looked lifeless. Probably no longer in the living world.

You sighed, "I apologize for killing you, Mr. Snake. I'll bury you properly."

You use the stick to try picking up the carcass as gently as possible.

It moved, coiling your arm in split second.

You could only watch in panic with a silent scream on your throat for the unexpected turn of event.

That's it.

You're going to die by a choke or venom from the snake.

Strangely... it didn't hurt.

At all.

It slithered calmly until it stopped moving. Coiling comfortably on your arm. Resting. Sleeping. Whichever.

Your frozen state evolved into one of disbelief. It was like your arm was a branch where it usually took an evening nap.

Then you froze. Again.

"It's nice."

A voice. A male voice.

But... from where?

You whipped around. Was there someone nearby? Could the person save you from this little predicament?

"Down here, silly."

Down?

Eyes widen before they gaze downwards.

On the snake.

Which was on your arms.

That just spoke...

To you???

"Hello, Mr. Snake."

Don't be fooled by the calm voice and the casual way you said it. Your mind was blank. That was the only thing logical enough your mouth could uttered in this ridiculousness of the situation.

"Hello to you too. I hope your director doesn't reject this place because the way you were throwing me away almost makes me reach heaven. But I survived."

Lips trembling.

"Mr. Snake..."

"Yes?"

Your feet gave out on you.

"Am I in heaven?"

====================================

|  1 (current)  |  2  |

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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

====================================

[ncillary]

LaDS x Fruit Basket (Zayne)

Summary: Vacation. You've longed for it. You take every chance you can and make it into one. Even in the middle of this nowhere. Well... somewhere because you were called here. An assistance needed. But, you assisted far more than you bargain for.

Any regrets?

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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

====================================

|  1 (current)  |  2  |

====================================

Brewing. What a nice ring to it when you combine it with tea. The aroma is exquisite. The taste will probably be light and calm. Warm to the touch as you lift the cup.

But not now.

There's an unforgiving storm brewing in a matter of hour, minute, second, just around the corner. The particles around you dance in somersaults. Caking your skin with its cold touch. A small panic rose in you.

That's not important.

"Miss! We should-"

*SNZIK*

"Secured. Now, go!"

"But-"

"GO!"

The heavy snow plowers towed the injured moose. You were by its side, helping to clear the path for the plank under it to make the towing easier.

It's risky as you could be left behind without anyone noticing since the plow driver could only gave his full focus on the road ahead. You insisted on doing it like this to refrain from giving extra pain for the moose.

"MISS! We're here. Please tell me you're still there."

"I'm ONE with the snow!"

The man laughed, "Glad you doing well back there."

+------------------------------+-----------------------+

"Brrrrr... It's freezing."

"You should be! Given how reckless you are."

The driver scolded you a bit as he handed you warm drinks. You're just done with treating the injured animal in the garage and finally able to settle in on the sofa in this mesmerizing looking lodge.

"We're terribly sorry to call you out here without looking at the weather report first."

"No worries. The storm was just in passing. I could extend my leave and told the guys back at the clinic that I'll be taking a week off because of the storm." A cheeky grin before you sipped the drink.

Hearty laugh resound the sitting area, "Good reason enough and a way to let you taste our specialty here; Puffy Stew."

A pair of eyes lit up, "Don't mind if I do."

"PLEASE!"

You both turned around.

A woman and a man looking desperate at the receptionist. The driver stood and went there to assess the situation. You only sat on the sofa, feeling anxious a bit as you thought the worse but didn't want to pry.

"I apologize, ma'am. Our party needs to hold off the search to let the storm let up a bit before continuing." The receptionist replied in sympathy.

Your worse thought came to life.

This was no time to dawdle around.

The driver asked for further information on the lost boy as you slipped in from behind, trying to hear it too. Apparently, it hadn't been long before the boy got lost then the storm hit. The parents were ushered back to the lodge by the safety guards before a few of them pressed on to search for the boy.

The driver planned with the receptionist on where to meet up with the search party before covering more ground once the storm dwindled down a hint.

The receptionist glanced behind the driver. He noticed and did so too. A hard face adorned him.

"You're not-"

"Better to have someone with medical experience to go with you than none."

"With all due respect, miss, you're an animal doctor."

A hard face was replied to him. He was taken aback.

"You need all the help you can get. My specialty may be for animals but I'm not exclusive only for it either. Please. Let me help."

The resolve in your words shook him a bit. A heavy sigh before he explained the plan to you. All focus on him.

+---------------------------+---------------------------+

"JOSHUA."

The name had a lot of meaning. Now, the meaning for it was for the owner of the name to be found safe and sound. A pray. A hope. From each of the people shouting out the name.

They tracked by foot in the heavy snow further in as the snow plow had to be switched off to better hear the boy. It was fast work from the search party even when the snow was still piling up and covering the footprint in no time.

"..eee.."

"HOLD."

A pause. Only heartbeats reached their ears.

"heeeee"

"There!"

Multiple crunching of snow went to one point where they heard him. Hope was lit.

"HEEEEEREEEE~"

He sounded fine to everyone's listening and that made the search party feel relieved a bit before actually finding him.

Tall.

He stood tall atop of big black stone as the search party found him. The cheerful boy glided down and greeted the party as if they were the one's missing.

"Hello~ Thank you for finding me. Misters and Miss look exhausted. My mom can make a nice cup of hot chocolate for everyone. Let's go."

His nonchalant action was like a wall stopping the search party to ask anything. He was lifted on the snow plow and you decided to check him over once before reaching the lodge.

"A tiny bruise on your elbow. Looks like you took a fall."

"Yeah. Then, the stick rolls away. Then, mister helped me out. It was cold. Then, the snow and the sky looks the same but it's not that cold after all."

You were taken aback.

Mister?

Is there another missing person out there?

"Hey, there's-"

"Mr. Zayne! What are you doing out here?"

You turned to see someone emerged from the nearby woods. Black hair, green eyes and tall. He looked flushed.

"I heard a boy went missing. I'm glad he was found."

The search party seemed to know him well as he was patted on the back by all of them. A relieved look playing on his stoned face before green caught on you. He paused. Backing away as if you would attack him anytime soon.

"Oh, Mr. Zayne was getting all shy with Miss Doctor. Don't worry, she is headstrong to follow us since she could help in the case of an emergency."

He eyed you and nodded to you as if thanking you. You nodded back awkwardly.

"Mr. Kitty!"

Joshua was about to jump down from the snow plow when you stopped him. A dangerous move and he was scolded for it. His eyes seemed to glance towards someone and you did too.

Mr. Zayne shook his head and gave him a small smile. One brow lifted from you. The boy was also settling down restlessly, sulking.

You've handled a lot of animals. While you're no expert, you were able to discern well the subtle hints for any discomfort or lash out from the animals.

Now, there's some secret being kept between the boy and the mysterious stoned face man.

You just didn't know what.

But it could all be settled between them once you thoroughly checked the boy for any other injuries back at the lodge.

Highly possible, the stoned face man too.

+--------------------------------+---------------------+

You patted the sobbing mother as she led you to the room. Joshua needs some warm baths before you could treat the injury. The father was carrying the talkative boy. Relieved wash over both of them.

Once the baths and the treat were done. The boy sleepily looked at you. He thanked you then nodded at you as if approving you.

"Miss, please. This is important. Can you give this bracelet back to, Mr. Kitty?"

"Mr. Kitty?"

"He saved me from the cold. This bracelet is important to him. He let me hold it so that I know someone will save me."

You nodded.

"Please... give... back to him... Now... important..."

Joshua handed an old wood beads bracelet to you. Entrusted it to you before his small body went more limp from tiredness and the bravery he carried when he got lost in the storm.

You eased his concern with a promise to give it back to Mr. Kitty as soon as possible. A cute smile and he laid down on the bed, still eyeing you.

The mother tucked him in properly as he mouthed at you something.

h.u.g.h.i.m.f.o.r.m.e

Your eyes widen. He pouted. You sighed but nodded. He smiled before finally letting sleep took him in.

+--------------------------+----------------------------+

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Deafening of hallway. A few shuffling from inside twisted your stomach. The door creaked. Green once again had their attention to you.

Awkward smile.

"Joshua told me to give this to you."

Recognition. Relieved. Wary.

So many feelings passing through the quiet looking man. He made to reach for it. You pulled back.

Confusion. Wary.

"He put a condition before giving it to you."

"I don't think he would."

"He told me to hug you for his sake."

"Not necessary."

"You wound me."

"It'll heal."

"Just like your hidden injuries?"

More wariness.

"It'll be fine."

"Hugging may be ridiculous for strangers like us. But treating you is not. Deal?"

"No deal."

"No bracelet then."

You backed away. Keeping it in your pocket.

Panic.

He sighed, "I can treat my own injuries."

"Even at the back?"

Brows twitching.

Caught red handed.

"Joshua told me it's important. And to give it to you now rather than later."

Hard stare exchanged. He looked down.

"Fine. But keep your distance."

"I'm not dangerous."

"Says the one who threatens me just seconds ago."

You chuckled, "Touché."

Once inside, he pointed you towards the chair. The table nearby already had medical supplies out and ready to be used. By then you noticed his arms, bandaged wrapped around perfectly well like a professional.

"Are you secretly a doctor?" You chortled to lighten the mood.

"At least I'm for human than a reckless vet."

You stopped on your track. A disbelief whisper.

"You are one. Why didn't you say something or at least treat Joshua."

He looked at you nonchalantly, "I'm just an injured person now being threatened by a vet who insisted on treating the boy as soon as the family hug was over."

Sheepish looked plastered on your face, "I'm just worried."

He sighed, "Me too. So, thank you... for responding fast to help him."

The other chair was pulled and he sat on it, pulling his shirt halfway up.

You blinked, "Is that how-"

"Please do. I'm not comfortable leaving my back exposed too much."

The back of the chair almost obstructed his back except for the patch of skin he showed to you.

It was uncomfortable for the both of you when you treated him because he insisted that you stay on your side, behind the back of the chair as the separator between you and him. You grumbled but able to maneuver well to treat the darkening bruise.

"It's not like I'll hug you."

"I intend for that to not happen at all."

You huffed, "Put out your hand."

He glanced at you. Warily.

Another huffed, "Just do it."

"I'm not a dog." But he did put out his hand.

The bracelet landed gently on his palm, "Sorry for threatening you. Joshua really took care of this old bracelet well."

He grasped it firmly as if it was the most precious thing in the world he had ever held.

You gaze at his arm, tracing the bandage.

He froze.

"You really are meticulous in your work. How did you do it with one arm to wrap it so well?"

He immediately got up, surprising you. Your foot caught on your ankle from the shock. Your hand shot out to stabilize yourself using the table.

Missed.

Uh. Oh.

*BOMPFF*

You coughed in the midst of the blue smoke. At least you're still standing. You did feel someone caught you before your head bumped onto the table.

Swatting the smoke away, your hand collided with a soft patch.

"Sorry, Mr. Zayne. Did I hit your head?"

Green eyes staring at you once the smoke dissipated. But it no longer belongs to a man you just called out.

It belongs to a beast standing as tall as you with black fur, stripes of white could be seen. A rarity in the dictionary swirling in your head.

A black tiger.

"...Mr. Kitty..."

====================================

|  1 (current)  |  2  |

==============================

Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

==============================

[ncillary]

LaDS x Fruit Basket (Xavier)

Summary: You've wondered about how boys' hair always looks fluffy compared to girls. Maybe the question has been eating you silently that made you so bold to ruffle a boy's hair. A male. A man. Your co-worker. He was napping as usual. A few pats won't harm him, right? Nothing could go wrong...

Right?

===================================

Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

===================================

| 1 (current) | 2 |

===================================

"What is this?" You asked incredulously.

"Work." Your friend replied in boredom.

You wailed silently, "I knooowwww that~ Humour me a bit."

"The restaurant we booked can be cancelled at the last minute. We won't waste money after all."

You sighed. Your friend sighed.

"Best get going. I'd rather not miss the train." She waved at you sympathetically.

At least, she was kind enough to bring you snacks for your overtime. The work looks a lot but it can be done tonight without bothering your weekend tomorrow.

Maybe you could still continue with your plan to watch the movie you had been eyeing.

*KTHAMP*

You looked around. A bit surprised that there were a few others doing overtime like you. Feeling relieved that you won't be staying alone, you got motivated to do your work and be done with it.

+-------------------------+----------------------------+

*PING*

You stretched out. Works done. Just need to print it out then put it on the desk of your boss. It's almost midnight and some of your co-workers already went home. Maybe some drinks could accompany you while you compiled your printed works.

As you walked to the vending machine, you saw the lights in the meeting room were on. Confused, you went in. You've heard about it but seeing it with your own eyes was different.

There he was. Head on the table, his back facing you. The calm rise and fall of his shoulder, evidence that he was still breathing. Napping peacefully.

Your company's Sleeping Beauty; Xavier Shen.

(Just wake him up. Jenna said so.)

It had been going around since forever, before you even work there. Now, maybe it's your chance to finally meet with your senior, Xavier, who was so great and mysterious among the staff in the company rather than seeing him from far whilst people pointing at him with stories to share.

Or so you've heard. Never interact with him in person.

Waking him up was your first. That's actually funny.

"Mr. Shen-"

You were entranced. His fluffy ashen-blonde hair shone under the light. It was serene looking at him. Wondering how fluffy it would feel under the caress of your hand.

It was nostalgic as you were reminded of your high school days where you visited an animal farm with your class. Petting the animals. You and your friends petting each other's heads to compare the fluffiness. Then, wondering how a boy's hair would feel compared to girls. There were teasing and jokes amongst you.

Giggling.

But never proving anything.

*PAT* *PAT*

Until now.

Eyes widen. Silent gasp. But your hand kept having a mind of its own.

YOU were PETTING his head.

Xavier's head.

Your senior.

The one you've never spoken to before. Never in a million years touching him like this. How low did you stoop. This could very well be labeled as harass-

"Hmm..." He hummed in content.

Breath stuck. Hand still petting. He was slightly snoring too. Disbelief about the situation, you looked around as if asking for help.

No one.

You looked back at your senior. Slowly ending your impromptu petting session by opting to stare at him. Braving yourself to wake him up properly this time.

"Mr. Shen. I think you should go home."

A few pats on his shoulder. The correct kind of pats and PROPER way to wake someone up, this time.

He stirred. Groggy. Looking up at you, he smiled.

"Xavier."

"Huh?"

Realization hit. He backed away quickly, looking more awake than ever. You backed away too. Getting awkward suddenly.

Scratching the back of his neck, "Sorry. You must have been surprised."

"It's okay, Mr. Shen. Hope you get home safe."

You made to leave, getting embarrassed as you remembered what you just did to a defenseless man who was napping. Your senior, nonetheless.

Bowing a bit as a farewell, you turned around hastily. Only for your leg to collide with the chair behind you. It accidentally blocked your way and you almost lost your balance.

You were not panicking because you were able to straighten yourself in seconds.

But someone else did.

"Watch out!"

Arms steadying you some more. You were spooked by it and turned around in shock.

*BOMPFF*

There was a bit of purple smoke. You blinked it away as you coughed. Your view cleared.

Before you was an entirely unexpected creature to grace you in the meeting room.

A rabbit.

Sitting in its all white fluffiness on the chair where Xavier once sat.

You blinked.

It blinked.

"Hey."

"GAH!" with a jump to the side.

"What are you doing in here?"

You turned to see your co-worker at the door. Your head swivelled back and forth between your co-worker and the bunny. A few steps in and you were alarmed by the extra presence.

"What- Oh. Did you use the meeting room to catch up some sleep? Must be hard on your overtime. Try to leave it spotless when you're done napping. Cute bunny pillow, by the way."

You're co-worker wave before going out.

Now it's just you and the mysterious bunny in the meeting room.

Again.

"Switch off the light."

You yelped. Your attention was on the bunny that just spoke.

Spoke???

"I don't have much time. Please." Eyes wary.

"And... please... wait outside the door." Hesitation.

You scrambled to the light switch and waited by the door as instructed. The familiar sound from before made you dripped with cold sweat. A few shuffling and the door behind you opened. You jumped out of the way.

He chuckled.

"Just like a bunny."

There, in front of you, no one other than him.

Xavier Shen.

"Let's go."

"But... my work..."

"I'll help you. We're out in under 20."

And true to his words, you both were standing in the elevator after 12 minutes had passed.

The hum of the elevator was the only company between the distance you put with him. You were standing by the buttons while he stood at the back. Looking at you. Staring.

Will you live past tonight?

"I may be a bunny but I'm not a vegetarian."

You stiffen.

So, you will be eaten tonight.

Farewell life.

"There's a BBQ place that I've been meaning to try. I'll pay."

So, you will be grill-

"Hmm???"

You turned to him slowly. Confusion clearly etched on your face.

He laughed, "Come on. I'm sure you'll like it."

You nodded without much thought.

Xavier's face lit up. He was excited even after the incredulous situation that happened before. It didn't shook him at all.

Not like you.

+-------------------------------+---------------------+

"Are you kidding me?"

Brows furrowed.

Another meat went into your mouth. The hum of approval sounded from you. You relished in its taste of heaven. Your companion smiled.

"I have an extra coupon if you like to come here next time."

"Keep it close to you. I'm trying to save some money here. Don't entice me."

Your face was serious but the way you kept eating only pulled out small laughs from Xavier. It made you conscious a bit because somehow, he was able to make you less awkward the more you chatted with him. Even though something out of your imagination just transpired between the both of you.

He cleared his throat, "This was just a thanks."

"For?"

"Not running away."

The sizzling of the meat was louder this time. He all smiled at you then he focused back on the meat before it got burned.

You knew it was bizarre no matter what you saw. But you also knew not to pry.

You were just an incident.

+------------------------------+-----------------------+

He walked you to the cab door. Bidding you farewell, he added an unexpected statement.

"I'll call you."

*BUMP*

The door closed. The cab drove off. You were stunned in the waved position until you sat properly while thinking of what had just happened.

As you reached home, you were stunned for the umpteenth time for tonight.

"He already paid for you, miss. Have a good day."

Climbing the step to your apartment, you sighed heavily. As soon as you freshen yourself up, you let the tiredness of the day wash over you. Lid blinking smaller and smaller.

"It was so fluffy."

===================================

| 1 (current) | 2 |

===================================

Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa

===================================

[ncillary]

LaDS x Fruit Basket AU

Summary: Seeing you is a blessing. Hearing you is magical. Touching you is a sin. Hugging you means the world to him. There's a cost to pay for every connection. Would both of you be willing to commit to it?

| Xavier | Zayne | Rafayel | Sylus | Caleb |

===================================

A/N: Stay tuned for their updates.

I've seen this crossover been going around a few times with the LaDS fans. It is very interesting. Hope you all enjoy my take on each of the LIs with their respective animal representation.

English is not my main language.

These stories are self-proofread.

Please excuse my lack of writing skills.

===================================

[ncillary]

Self Aware AU (Caleb)

Summary: You have the lowest Affinity with Caleb. The reason is because you hated him. Once. You hated yourself more as you, MC, were the cause his wings clipped, grounded. He should soar freely in the sky among clouds. You want him to forget about MC. Forget all the pain and the intense spiralling he went through much worse than the black hole he made. You will create his safe haven this time.

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

Masterlist Self Aware AU

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4 [current]  |  5  |

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Phone calmly turned, facing down on the table.

"Miss, the children are here." Your staff said with her head peaking in from the door. You nodded. She smiled then let herself out.

You turned your phone back, screen up.

Logging out, you got up from the seat and went out of your office. The cheerful laughter was muffled but you could sense their joy even behind the closed door.

Today, you employed a few kids into the store.

It's a part of their schoolwork to experience what working in their choice of place felt like. She had received an official letter from one of the schools in the town on their plan. She agreed wholeheartedly.

Opening the door, you saw tiny heads turning to you. Feet jumping up and down excitedly. They were so animated to meet you, their temporary employer.

"Good morning, Boss!"

Your eyes widen. Chirping of birds passing through was heard clearly. A few hidden chuckles could be heard. Eyes boring on your adult employees, they quietened. A cough caught your attention towards who you supposedly guessed the kids' teacher.

"Hai. I'm Gideon, their chaperon for today. There's a supermarket and cafe nearby. The teachers had to split the job to watch over them since one of them had to take a sick leave today. I'm more of a... temporary assistant teacher at the-"

"Dad~ Mom told you to give the letter. Where is it?"

A boy that looked almost similar to the man in front of you latched onto his leg. He looked at you with those big round eyes, a specialty that belongs to a child.

You gave a smile to Gideon, "I understand. I hope your wife is in good condition."

He shook his head, "Oh, she's well and bumbling at the supermarket just like her son here," he ruffled his boy's hair, "I'm replacing her friend today since I have a day off."

You both laughed then something caught your attention. Big and fluffy and hiding behind the thin lamp post compared to the occupant behind it. You blinked confusedly.

Gideon grinned, "And that's my assistant. Hope you don't mind him wearing a costume. We thought two big guys would surely make the kids cry and he somehow was able to get that costume to wear, willingly."

You nodded in disbelief as you watched the dog, puppy, costume move and bowed at you. You bowed back. He walked closer and the kids soon attached themselves to the puppy's fluffy leg. He picked one up and played 'airplane' with them. Others were excited to be next on trying the impromptu roller coaster.

Gideon explained that he won't speak, only sound, to make it more realistic for the kids to have Mr. Puppy to accompany them. He sighed tiredly as he stared at Mr. Puppy who seemed to stare back at him in warning.

The situation was far from the usual request but you'll roll with it without a hitch. You and a few of your staff showed them around on how the process of opening the bookstore went. Assigning the kids to a few simple jobs were done with the agreement of Gideon and Mr. Puppy.

One of them was assigned at the door with one staff to greet the customer. The other one followed your staff to the cashier to help out with packing the customer's purchases. The last two would help out at the shelf, arranging books properly and restocking more books, together with two staff.

All of them would rotate their current job with each other until the end of their shift. Today you decided to open the bookstore until the afternoon only to let the kids experience the process of closing the store too. Their parents were told to fetch them at their workplace today and it was the perfect timing to show them how they did their work.

Clock ticking at twelve and the kids scrambled to Gideon and Mr. Puppy for their lunch. You showed them to the male break room since it was closer and they all took a seat immediately. They eat and chat happily, small feet swinging excitedly as they told each other what they did.

You stare at Mr. Puppy who was sitting on the chair next to you, "You know... You can rest here if you want and get some lunch after the kids are done. You can lock the door and get some breather out of the costume."

Gideon walked in front of him, "He didn't want to impose and besides, he wanted to stay with the kids until they went home. He'll suit off properly after that."

You blinked at Gideon, "How did you... He didn't speak a word."

He lifted up his phone slightly, "Messaging." and tucked the phone away casually.

You laughed, "Understood. You may use this room to change and please do have some lunch before you go home."

*BLING*

Gideon pulled his phone out and scanned it for a second, he grumbled. Staring hard at Mr. Puppy, they seemed to have a silent argument before Gideon sighed and rubbed his temple.

"He insisted on going home like this. Sorry about that, Miss. He has... reputation to uphold."

You nodded, ignoring a pull of disappointment in your heart. Eyes widen, you pat your chest, confused to your own feeling. You huffed out and focused back.

"Well then, it's going to be a few more hours to go before closing time. Keep up the good work, fellas." She pumped up and walked out.

+--------------------+-----------------------+--------+

*BLING*

You stopped a few steps away from the break room. Read the notification. Tap. Log in. Claim. Staring.

You sighed.

"Your new myth is out. You stay with MC all the time. Then... why won't you show up in front of me anymore, apple core."

It's been weeks since the accident. Caleb suddenly became a magician. Doing an infamous trick of disappearing act. No longer notifying you. No longer at the cafe. Even if you try to force him out, it will just crash the game. The only time you could see him was in the Main Story.

No where else.

You log out, disappointment settled in you for the second time today.

+---------------------------------+--------------------+

"I promise to be there with you everyday, pipsqueak. Even when you don't see me."

+---------------------+---------+---------------------+

"Thank you, Boss."

They bowed at your awkward smiling face, eliciting hidden laughs from their parents. They thanked you and went home with their animated child, telling stories of their workday.

"Thank you for everything, Miss. We'll get going too to fetch his Mom." His boy was shouting for him to be faster, excited to tell his Mom about his experience.

She waved them off and saw Gideon indicating something with his head before pulling a too innocent smile at you then waved back briefly before grasping his boy's hand towards the supermarket.

You looked to the side. Mr. Puppy was still waving at them. Blinking confusedly, you let him stop on his own before he stood in rigid. Possibly avoiding your unfaltering gaze. He pushed you into the store and you just let him with a slight chuckle.

"Mr. Puppy officially off work, huh. I must say, I'm intrigued to know how you are going home with that costume still on. I can guess you came here with Gideon and didn't want to impose him since he will have family time with his wife and son."

He bopped your nose and ruffled your head. You laughed, "So, I'm right."

Your staff thanked Mr. Puppy before going home. Apparently, he had been a good caretaker by helping each of the kids around. Greeted the staff with the kids when he could. Providing them stool when it's too high to reach. A scary looking customer and he was there to lighten up the mood, making all of them smile.

How you miss those actions, you didn't know. You had been monitoring the kids too.

And then you were left alone. With Mr. Puppy. He looked restless. You sighed.

"Is there anyone you could call to come and get you?" He reluctantly nodded.

"Then, I'll be in my office. Feel free to use the store until your ride arrives. I won't take a peak. Don't worry. But please knock on my door when you're about to go home. I need to lock the store."

You were trying to be playful. Tipping your toes to pat Mr. Puppy on the head. He seemed to lower his head for you instinctively. You chuckled.

"Sorry. I'm just teasing you. You're so tall. Thanks for letting me pet you." You backed away.

Mr. Puppy was looking at you. One step forwards to try to follow you.

"Yes? Anything you need?" You asked.

He looked like he was in turmoil. Stepping back then holding the costume head. Stepping up, hand clutching the head. Then stepping back, turning slightly to the side. Exasperated, he lifted his hands, colliding with the small planets of the decorated ceiling. Spooked by it entangling in his hand, he lost his balance.

You immediately tried to steady him. His weight made you reeled back and fall together with him on the floor. You winced but all you could feel was fluffiness from the costume.

Amused chuckling, "You are one energetic puppy, huh." You glanced to the side. He froze.

Tan cheek reflected in your eyes. You froze. Realization kicked in. Swerving your head to the ceiling, you pat his back, reassuring him.

"Only your cheek. Don't worry. I'll close my eyes-"

"No."

You shivered. A familiar voice whispered in your ear.

His body moved. You could only stare straight at the ceiling. The shadows creeped in your peripheral.

You closed your eyes as your defence mechanism.

The shadow was lurking on top of you. You heard him sigh. Shuffling. Then warmth spread on your cheeks like butterflies fluttering. Fingers trailing on it.

His fingers.

"I had been keeping my promise. But it was only half of it, from my part. I want to fulfill my promise to you in its entirerity."

His warmth spreads on your eyelids.

Not finger.

Lips.

Your eyes flew open in shock. A dazzling smile adorned a familiar face.

"You'll see me everyday starting now, pipsqueak."

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

|  1  |  2  |  3  |  4 [current]  |  5  |

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

Masterlist Self Aware AU

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Taglist: @mentaltrouble2201

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[ncillary]

. . .

*badump*

?

Is this what they meant by "heart skip a beat" -blushing creeping in-

SPRING😭 BANNER 😭

[ncillary]

At least, do feed the cutie capybara 😂

the capy is too stunned to speak

this particular scene from sylus birthday card is so cute 😂😂

[ncillary]

Sylus : Cake of Memory

In-game Event : Birthday

====================================

"Don't tell me you put maple syrup all over the cake?"

"Do you want me too? Come on, hold me up once more so that I can drizzle directly from the source."

The cake box in your hand was still hiding the surprise for the birthday boy. Playful smiles were exchanged. Sylus walked closer to you.

"Ahh. Aaa. You stay right there, Mr. Smooth Hand. I'm not going to fall for the same trick like when you steal the tickets from me."

An eyebrow rose. Another step closer to you.

A challenge for you.

"Okay then, let's just leave the birthday boy to celebrate with the animals and the staff here. They seem to take a liking to you wherever you go."

You turned your back and began to walk away. Fingers slid from your elbow until it covered your whole arm. Holding on your wrist. Both of them. Your back was pressed gently to his stomach.

The breath on top of your head made you smile cheekily.

Sylus nuzzled your head, "You win. Let me see the cake you specially made for me."

You hummed in consideration. He sighed.

"I'll close my eyes."

You chuckled, "And sit down properly."

He backed the both of you towards a tree, sitting and letting you plopped on his lap.

You huffed, he chuckled.

"Let me up now, Sylus. Keep your eyes close."

You could feel the pout but he relented, still keeping arms around your waist loosely. You maneuvered and let the cake be exactly straight to his vision.

"Ta-da~"

Eyes fluttering. Red gems shinning lively under the twilight. The shock and grateful were clearly playing in his irises. A small gentle smile adorned.

"Sweetie, this is great. Maybe I should let you make my dessert after this."

He looked at the box near his knee, reaching for the cake knife in it. The other hand tried to pull your waist down to sit back on his lap.

Try.

He stopped on his track, looking up at you and saw your hesitation to sit. Eyeing the cake suspiciously, he scooped a bit of cream with one finger and laced it on your nose.

The sudden cream on your nose made you stumbled and gave him the chance to make you sit on his lap. You huffed out at his cheeky grin only for it to turn warm. You've realized what he saw and could only close your eyes in embarrassment.

A finger caressing your eyelid. Going to the side to caress your cheek and finally playing with the locks of your hair, curling and uncurling it.

*Chup*

Eyes flew open. The warm mark on your forehead lingered as you lock eyes with the red gems.

"A kitten supposed to be curious. Not shy away from their person of interest."

You let the cake settled between both of you. Sylus stabilized the plate with one hand while the hand that played with your locks took your hand and cup his cheek.

"This is not the field of flower but I like spending time here with you just the same."

You slid your hand higher until your fingers caressed his scalp. You thumbed a spot, a familiar spot, then pat him there a few times. He hummed in satisfaction.

"There might be no flowers for me to put it here today but I hope you don't mind me styling it a bit."

You gave a cheeky grin as your other hand joined together to tie a simple braid on him. Just like how he did to you before.

He chuckled, "Anything from you, my sorceress, I accept."

"Anything for you, my dragon, I'll do it."

Closing the distance, his breath fanning your cheeks.

*Tap*

He blinked, there's a spot of cream on his nose. Just like yours.

You laughed, "Anything I get, you'll get it too."

He smirked. His hand cup the back of your head and let both of your nose collide, shaking his head left and right a few times, smearing more of the cream. You groaned.

He laughed cheerfully. The sound was pleasing you so much that you laughed along with him.

He cleaned your nose with a napkin and you took the napkin from him to clean his nose next. Now, both of you focused back on the cake in the middle. His hand was holding the knife, ready to cut the cake.

"Happy birthday, Sylus."

You kiss his forehead to seal the birthday wish you whispered to him.

He laughed again.

Truly enjoying his moment with you.

====================================

[ncillary]

Passing thoughts

Xavier is the light

Sylus is the abyss

Light abyss = Realm/Zone

Both of them are in their element wherever they may be. Still and continuous for as long as they exist.

[They are what's around them]

====================================

Zayne is the ice

Caleb is the gravity

Ice gravity = Phases/Forces

Both of them have a core. The closer you are to the core, the denser it becomes.

[They are what's inside them]

====================================

Rafayel is the sea

6th is the storm

Sea storm = Envelop/Characterize

Both of them are always moving. Advancing in silent. Commanding from the middle.

[They are what's curious them]

====================================

Bonus:

MC = Timeless. Boundless. White. Soulless. Void. Motionless.

She exists on the sideline = Xavier's, Prince of Philos', classmate.

She exists on her own = Zayne's, Foreseer's, field of jasmine.

She exists for the people = Rafayel's, God of Tide's, devout follower.

She exists for the greater good = Sylus', Abysm Sovereign, reaper.

She exists beyond sanity = Caleb's, Ultimate Weapon X-02's, twin-like.

She exists beyond needs = A devoted Hunter in the Alpha Team, ready to deploy when things go south.

[ncillary]

Self Aware AU (Caleb)

Summary: You have the lowest Affinity with Caleb. The reason is because you hated him. Once. You hated yourself more as you, MC, were the cause his wings clipped, grounded. He should soar freely in the sky among clouds. You want him to forget about MC. Forget all the pain and the intense spiralling he went through much worse than the black hole he made. You will create his safe haven this time.

Note: Japanese dub, English sub

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

Masterlist Self Aware AU

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

|  1  |  2  |  3 [current]  |  4  |  5  |

-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------&&&&&-------

Day two of maintenance

"There's a whole nest behind the boxes???"

"Yeah, you're right. I'm glad my staff won't be here for a week. Got to air the store out."

The night rolling in. You were drying your hair as you sat at the sofa, finally got the time to properly log into the game.

"Hey, Caleb. Just let me finish the Daily Task. Tomorrow's going to be another busy day."

+----------------------------+------------------------+

Day four of maintenance

*Cough* *Cough*

"Ah, I'm sorry for bothering your work. I was just curious. I'll be stepping back now."

"So that's where that thing had been missing. Hahaha... Thanks for finding it."

"Thank you for coming. I'll be seeing you guys in another six months for the follow up service, right?"

The staff smiled and bowed as you did the same before locking the door. Climbing up the stairs, you went straight to the nice looking couch. The phone that had been warming up in your pocket could finally breathe. Familiar music played.

"Hey, Caleb. Just Daily again. Nite~"

+--------------------------+------------------------+

Day five of maintenance

"The first toilet is between those bookshelves. The second toilet is in the Male Staff room and the third one in the Female Staff room."

*Bling*

"Hello? Oh. Wrong phone. Oh. Stamina. Thanks, Caleb. Right. I haven't eaten lunch yet."

+-------------------------+---------------------------+

Day seven of maintenance

"Yes. Those lights sometimes flickered. Is everything alright? Need a change? Okay then. Proceed with it. Please check other lights too. Thank you."

"The plugs are all in good condition. Thank goodness."

It was a routine now for you to lounge around in the living room with the game before you went to sleep.

*Yawn*

Chuckling, "Changing career from pilot to baker, huh. Nice cake top hat, by the way."

+----------------------------+-------------------------+

Day nine of maintenance

"Thank you for your hard work. Have a nice day."

You waved off towards the worker in gratefulness then you stepped inside your store.

You started cleaning some of the spots after the workers. The messiest you saw. Other spots would be done another day. Maybe you'd take your staff's offer to help.

You shook your head as you climbed the stairs to your apartment.

"It's better to let them work on a work day. I'll schedule a major clean up once the vacation is over."

You let out a long exhaled as you walked into your humble abode. It was tiring but at least everything was done.

Once you finished showering, you launched yourself heavily on the couch. It was the best couch to catch your tired body in its embrace.

The game was loading it's usual screen then flickered to the familiar face. You gave small smile.

"Hey, apple core. Cheer me up, will ya'. I'm sleepy but I need to complete the Daily Task."

You commented loosely before quickly getting with the tasks and done in just under three minutes.

He was standing there in the cafe as if waiting for you to finish up.

"Nite~ Caleb~" You drawled your words with a smile before exiting and slept with the phone on your stomach.

+----------------------------+-----------------------+

"You've worked hard. Rest. If only I could be there with you."

His hand was cupping on a spot where your cheek was there a second ago.

"Sweet dreams, my navigator."

+--------------------------+------------------------+

After ten satisfying days of overseeing the long-awaited maintenance on your precious building, your bookstore was up and about in no time. It just needed a new breath of decoration to celebrate the refurbished form of it.

Your staff was excited to step into the familiar threshold but in a better condition. They also suggested a lot of things to improve the interior design since cleaning was due after the maintenance.

After two weeks of closing the store, you were brimming with joy as you stood outside it. Your staff had told you to wait outside for their finishing touch.

*TRING* *DLING*

"Welcome, miss. May we entice you with our bookstore?"

Two staff opened the door for you and one of them acted as the host for you. Chuckling, you stepped into the building. You looked around but it was the same as how you all had decorated together. Confused, you turned to them.

They stopped giggling before pointing above you. You gasped. It was a swirling of the galaxy and probably the Milky Way. Some of the planets were in 3D form, dangling in its place by the solar system. The sun was depicted by the embedded ceiling light of the store with design around it to make it stand out from other lights.

They showed you around the extra work they did for the interior part. Tomorrow, the store will finally open for customers. It felt like a grand opening all over again.

"I heard flowers start to fully bloom today."

"You need to see it, Miss."

Your staff said to you before they went back home. The hint was too clear to not miss. You chuckled. After locking the front door, you went deeper into the building.

Stopping in front of the wall, you admired the painting created by your late grandfather. On the left, it was a painting of a tree with swings attached to it. Calm and gentle. On the right, it was a painting of a flower batched. You didn't know what it was called but you do know it smells soothing to you since forever.

Hand touching the long wooden stick under the paintings, sliding it slightly away from the middle. The creaking was barely audible as it opened somewhere. The depiction of the paintings was what you saw as the scenery was basked in the sunlight.

The secret door leading to the garden you had meticulously cared for, taking in your grandfather's footsteps. The familiar scent embraced you. Then, a new addition made you stare at it since it blended so well with the garden.

A hammock.

You walked to it. Caressing it. It looks like your staff left you a comfort gift whenever you hang out in the garden. You smiled gratefully to their surprise.

*BLING*

Your focus turned to your phone. The usual Stamina reminder from none other than your companion these past few days, you noticed. Logging in, you saw him sitting on the sofa. His not so subtle innocent boyish smile hiding behind the book he read. You quickly tapped the Claim button and met him back at the cafe.

"Didn't I decided to have low Affinity with you? Maybe I should deselect you from the choices."

You exited.

+---------------------------+-------------------------+

He blinked. Temporary stunned by her words.

"That won't do."

He closed the book. Face determined as he got up.

His mind was gearing together to form plans.

"I need to find a way to get to her." He smirked.

He'll build up a connection with her bits by bits.

Rome wasn't built in a day after all.

+----------------------------+------------------------+

*Bling*

You blinked in confusion.

"I mean... I know he has a separation issue with MC but... what's with him appearing everywhere?"

You looked at the notification. Caleb had conquered your notification reminder these past few days regarding anything about the game.

Incomplete Daily Tasks.

Redeem Stamina Supply. Both time.

Message alert of how he was missing you... MC.

Previously, different boys appeared when the notification reminded you. One might appear twice but not ALL the time like him right now.

"Huh... The new updates must have caused a few bugs since it was a load of updates in one go. Some fans shared that the plum tree was inside the photobooth. There are also missing lanterns and different coloured accessories."

You chuckled as you remembered them.

+---------------------------+------------------------+

He was grinning as today's plan worked well too.

"Should I push my luck a bit?"

Hesitation was definitely eating at him but excitement made him decide to test something out.

+--------------------------+-------------------------+

"What in the... What happened to my Daily?"

Each one of the tasks showed that it was done, even the ones that you hadn't even begun yet. You only need 10 points to reach the usual 100. The unbelievable stare of yours noticed one particular task left to do.

"Ah... Deepspace Trials. I guess that's doable..."

You pursed your lips. Today was Zayne and Caleb's turn. But somehow, Zayne's Trial remained unlit. Leaving Caleb as the only available Trial to play. Getting 300 Affinity after each Battle made you avoid Caleb's Trial like a plague.

"Oh well... I'm lazy right now to care about reporting this. Maybe it'll settle on its own before it's over."

You shrugged.

+------------------------+-----------------------------+

He hummed as the smile playing on his lips.

"Let's see how long you'll be able to ignore it, pip-squeak."

Patience is a virtue.

+---------------------------+-----------------------+

It was late evening and you were restless.

You grumbled, "Okay. That's it. No way I'm just going to sit still and waste my Daily Task like this. I'll show the game bug that it messes with the wrooong person right now."

+----------------------------+--------------------------+

*CLICK-BANG*

"Seriously, Flapple... quit it!"

Your focus on the battle was not a hundred percent. It was slowly deterring towards your companion who apparently had the gal to babble at you while flapping around you. Clinging to you. Well... the MC.

"Pip-squeak, focus shooting at two o'clock."

"Let me clear the left flank."

"Wait. Wait. Don't move too far."

*ELIMINATED*

"You've grown so much, pip-squeak."

*Tring* *_300_*

You sighed as you put the phone down. How are you so tired after only one battle?

"Is he always THIS talkative in battle? Or is this one of his perks in Trials? What a load of fanservice."

You got up to recharge yourself. The phone was still in your hold as you reached the kitchen, letting it propped up somewhere safe but still within view. You kinda want a company this evening for your early dinner.

But, of course, you won't be using Quality Time with him. Instead, you opted to see him lounging around in the cafe, more leisure than Work or Study.

Definitely NOT Workout.

You shivered.

Let's change your focus to something else.

Right.

Food.

Spaghetti meatballs sound nice and simple to prepared.

Boil the spaghetti.

Boil the tomatoes.

Put some meatballs in the oven with some sauce and butter scattered.

Mashed the boiled tomatoes in the pan with a few bayleaf and spices along with a few scoops of water taken from the spaghetti pot.

Some accidentally plooped on your hand from being mashed a little stronger than others. You flinched away from the pan in reflex.

"Yikes!"

"Careful!"

You froze. The room was tense. You scooted away.

Farther than the pan. Farther than where you heard the voice from.

Your phone.

Your body was gushing with adrenaline as you looked over. Unmoving.

There he was, standing, looking thoughtful. Just like he did countless times before. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Inch by inch, you stepped closer towards your phone, feeling incredulous.

You were holding it in your hand now. Staring him down with all of the accusations in the world.

*BLUB* *BLUB* *BLUB*

"GAHHH!"

My tomatoes!

My spaghetti!

You ran to your pot.

*PLOP*

Loud gasped.

"MY PHONE!"

Your panicked mind tried to reach your phone that was currently boiling together with your spaghetti. Bare handed.

"Leave it, pip-SQUEAK!"

You jolted away from the pot when you heard the sheer force of the command.

You calmed down quickly. Just realising the situation you're in. The incident that you were barely able to avoid from your own recklessness.

You switch off the fire on both of the stoves. Then you scooped out the boiled phone using the combination of ladle and spatula. Carefully, you placed it on a dry and clean towel.

He was not looking at you. Rather, he was in deep thought.

Hesitantly, you tap him. Once.

Nothing.

Again. One tap.

Nothing.

Your trembling finger accidentally tapped twice on the same spot.

He moved. Robotically. Giving attention to you.

You're breath hitched.

The violet amethyst pair collided with yours. You swear you saw it was more sparkling than usual.

Like gravity pulling into the black hole, you leaned in closer.

*Clang*

You hissed.

You finally realized the throbbing on your right hand. It started to get red. Your left arm made itself known it was hurting too. Must be from the panic mode you were having just moments ago.

But you put your focus back on him.

Slightly hyperventilating.

"Ca-"

*Pling*

Black.

Shocked, you hesitantly push on the power button.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

Another blank stare at the phone.

"What in the actual flying crayon just passes my mind to acknowledge how Caleb just saves me... in real life..."

Your heart was calming down. You massaged your temple as you looked around your kitchen.

No more appetite for dinner.

+------------------------+-------------------------+

Small cough to the morning crisp.

A deep exhaled before you stirred.

You took in the ceiling view. Recognising it belongs to your living room, you sat up and leaned all of your groggy body against the backrest of the couch.

You had been taking care of something. A guardian to the one thing that made you keep watch all night long. The one thing that stole your attention the moment you woke up.

Your eyes automatically focus on what's on the coffee table in front of you.

A transparent lunch box with rice grains filling it up.

What took your interest in it was the treasure sleeping inside the grains.

Your boiled phone.

"Haaaaaaa......" You drawled your loud sigh.

You put the lunch box onto your lap. One hand sat leisurely across the lid as your finger making beats mindlessly on it.

*Pap* *Tap* *Pap* *Tap*

*Tap* *Pap*

*Tap* *Pap* *Tap* *Tap*

*Tap*

*Pap* *Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

Your thoughts were travelling far. Should you find a professional to help with it? Repair? Or salvage what could be salvageable? New phone?

You were sad about it but there was nothing you could do now.

"-sigh- Maybe it's better this way. At least it's not my work phone. With it being unusable, I might get some sanity back."

+--------------------------------+--------------------+

*Trling* *Ding*

You released the breath you held when you tried to switch on your phone after its impromptu hot spring dip then straight to therapeutic rice grains spa.

The hack about rice grains was really working. You were a bit sceptical about it when you laid your phone in the lunch box full of rice grains.

Burying it to let it live.

Irony and similar to someone you know.

It was also a good tip to follow by leaving it in the grains for 24-hour before turning it on. You really owed it to the person who shared it.

*Bling*

"What is it this time?" You said as you anxiously read the notification.

*LOW BATTERY*

"Oh, right..."

You walked away to your room to get your charger. Returning seconds later to the living room as you laid down the phone on the table, connecting it warily.

It worked.

Another exhaled in relief.

Your eyes blinked.

Determination gleaming behind them.

Now... on to address the elephant in the room.

Otome game icon. Tap.

Load. Enter. Tap.

It was not him sitting on the sofa. You quickly went to the character selection to force him out.

There he was. Wearing the casual grey with black rope lining the chest to arms.

You tap.

No respond.

Unmoving.

You tap him again and again but the same thing happened. So you went back to the main screen to try something else only for the screen to flash and he was suddenly sitting.

You were staring straight to the innocent looking character in the game who was now scrolling on the holographic screen.

It feels like the pair of violet amethyst was avoiding yours, intentionally.

It reminded you of the amusement park scene where MC avoided his approach then he said something while being so close to her.

"Coward."

You smirked.

Laughing tiredly to all of the ridiculousness of this situation, you mindlessly tapped on the screen.

The sparkle of your touch encircle the flowers far from him.

Whoops. Let me try again to-

"It doesn't matter where you wander off to. You'll always find your way back to me."

"...what..."

Why was there a prompt? Shouldn't you need to touch him, tap on him, for it to appear?

Long silent stare.

You sighed.

"How can it be so out of sync. So it IS bugging. It was so bad too."

You leaned back to your couch, leaving the phone on the table.

"I must be exhausted last night to conjure up Caleb's voice in my survival mode."

You breathe out heavily.

"I think my desperation did this. Wanting to pull the chip out so you'll forget MC. Destroy any threat coming at you. Let you soar freely in your safe haven."

The breeze playing with your hair as if to ease your scattering mind.

"I WILL create your safe heaven."

The hands clutched together in certainty.

"That's my promise to you for as long as I'm here."

A meaningful stare.

"Hmhh... hahahaha..." You chuckled lowly.

The tense you exuded gone instantly.

"Heh. What am I doing? I think I've spiralled enough."

You tiredly laid down, releasing all the stress your body had been holding from last night. Sighing slowly to the beats of your heart.

Your eyes dropped.

Your breathing was even.

Your mouth ajar.

You're about to go into deep sleep.

Not having the energy to go to bed, you once again occupied the couch and its embrace.

Caleb.

As much as he did this to you, he also had undeniably become one of your solace.

Sweet dreams, apple core.

+-------------------------------+----------------------+

Light snore. No sound of shuffling. The night light seemed to envelope the sleeping figure warmly as she was pressing her body close to the backrest of the sofa.

He moved. Prayed she won't wake up anytime soon.

"Sorry for surprising you."

He walked to the screen even though he could only see the ceiling. Your house's ceiling. That was enough for him to know he was in your personal space.

"I'll behave. But I don't think I can anymore."

He craved you.

"I promise you'll see me everyday when I get back to you, my lil' beacon."

His pair of violet amethyst turned to a deep colour with such gravity to pull anything in.

"THIS is MY PROMISE to YOU and I intend to keep it for 100 years to come."

Pulling you in.

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Masterlist Self Aware AU

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