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sailornymph · 5 months ago

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jealousy, jealousy; naruto dilfs

synopsis — naruto dilfs with a younger s/o ii

content warning — exhibitionism, jealousy, dry humping, age gap, implied size difference

a/n — my schedule has been extremely tight, i am a nursing student and i work, plus, i am just getting past a snow storm, but i am off today, so i am trying to get everything out.

mostly jealousy themed short pieces since i love them

♡ kakashi hatake

awkwardly standing in front of the academy, you regretted not changing out of the revealing clothing. the slits in your skirt and top, felt too provocative, to be standing in front of a school. to make matters worse, you were getting glares from the parents and googly eyes from the shinobi.

“you look a bit lost, how can i help you miss?” the ninja with a scar across his nose asked.

“i am looking for kakashi hatake”

“he is away at the moment, but he should be back in the next fifteen to twenty minutes, i believe he went to get his students, you’re free to stick around if you’d like,” he offered.

“i will, thank you”

“would you like to come inside, your appearance is attracting a crowd,” he chuckled. nodding, you followed him inside, as he made small talk.

“you three did well today,” kakashi said, walking behind naruto, sasuke, and sakura.

“oi, kakashi, who’s the pretty lady asking about your whereabouts?” asuma called out, as he approached.

“hm? pretty lady?”

“she came to the academy with a small bag, asking for you-

“you three are free to go,” kakashi interrupted, walking in the direction of the academy.

“not a chance, i want to see this pretty lady,” naruto smirked.

“you don't think it was that bookstore owner, miss y/n?” sakura asked.

“no, a woman like her would never want someone like kakashi sensei,” naruto blurted out.

“we’ll have to follow him to see,” sasuke said, already following kakashi.

entering the academy, his eyes widened, seeing you cover your mouth, laughing at whatever iruka was saying. as much as he respected the shinobi, he couldn't deny the jealousy beginning to rise.

“kakashi,” iruka said, glancing over, making you turn.

“kakashi, iruka was only keeping me company, while i waited for you,” you said, bashfully glancing at the chūnin. reaching for your forearm, kakashi led you away, just as team seven entered.

“did you see that? it was y/n,” naruto gasped.

“i knew it, she was blushing and kept looking at him, last time we saw her,” sakura said.

“iruka sensei, what is y/n doing with kakashi sensei?” naruto asked.

“i have no idea, it is better that we mind our business, let's go, you three,” he said, leading them out of the building.

“what are you doing here, what did i tell you?” kakashi asked, as the two of you walked along the empty hallway.

“i know, but you were in such a rush this morning, you forgot your things-

“we remain a secret for your safety, not mine, showing up was careless and why were you being so casual with iruka?”

“he was only being nice to me, we’re close in age, so we have a few things in common,” you mumbled, holding the bag close to your chest.

“right,” he said, rolling his eyes, stopping to lean against the wall.

“i didn't come here to put you on the spot, to cause a scene, or catch anyone’s attention. i was worried that you wouldn't have anything to eat, and you left these, i thought you would need them,” you shoved the bag into his arms. looking inside, he saw that he had left his lunch and weapons pouch. it slipped his mind to bring them, knowing that team seven wouldn't have any real missions today — it was he, who was being careless.

“also, maybe we shouldn't see each other if i cause you so much trouble,” you said, your voice cracking, making his stomach churn.

turning to storm away, he reached for your arm, swiftly pulling you into his chest, hugging you.

“i didn't mean to be brash with you,” he said.

“but you were”

“i don't want to stop seeing you, please,” he said, softly, as he stared into your eyes. you stared at each other for what felt like forever, before you were standing on your toes, pulling down his mask, your lips connecting with his.

moaning into the kiss, he wrapped his arms around your waist, opening the staff-only restroom, pulling you inside, and leaving the small bag outside. locking the door, he hungrily kissed your lips, his hands exploring all over your body.

“you hurt my feelings,” you said, breathlessly, as he kissed your neck, lifting you onto the sink.

“allow me to make up for my mistake,” he groaned, as you squeezed the print of his cock.

“you're so hard, why is that?”

“this tiny two piece,” he admitted, reaching to squeeze your ass.

“yeah?”

“why don't you apologize with your mouth first, and we will see about your friend,” you said, staring into his eyes.

picking you up as if you were a feather, he placed your legs onto his shoulder, sliding the skirt up, and moving your thong over, his face going straight into your cunt.

“oh my g-just like that,” you moaned, as his tongue explored your pussy. so wet for him already, he could feel his cock stiffening in his pants, as your fingers made their way to his hair. unbuttoning his pants, he stroked himself, his precum dripping from his tip.

“your tongue is amazing,” you slurred, looking down at the sight. he was nose deep, licking your pussy as if it were his last meal.

“fuck me,” you continued, holding onto him as he lowered you from his shoulders. your legs went around his waist, your hands around his neck, while he aligned with your entrance.

"i love you," he whispered, as his cock slid smoothly into your creaming cunt.

gasping in pleasure, you were silenced by his tongue going into your mouth. bouncing you in the air, your low moans were drowned out by his grunting.

"you're fucking me so good," you whimpered to him, feeling yourself unraveling.

"irelease all over me," he encouraged you, as you began clinching around him repeatedly.

breathing ruggedly, you nodded earnestly, trying to concentrate, as the knot tugged in your abdomen yearning to be released.

"i'm close," you cried out, the sound of your skin slapping filled the restroom before your face was buried in his shoulder, as you moaned. your body visibly vibrated a few times, as he came inside, before you pulled away, looking at him.

smiling softly, he kissed your lips as he pulled out, slowly letting your sandals touch the floor. holding your waist, he leaned down, kissing you a few more times, before he pulled away, allowing you both to fix yourselves.

“i apologize for how i spoke to you,” he said, kissing your hand, shaking his head.

“i suppose i could forgive you this once, you did ask me to not come to the academy,” you told him.

“it is alright, thank you for being so helpful,” he told you, opening the door, allowing you to exit first.

“yeah, but it’s pointless, you're done for the day and your lunch is cold now,” you pouted, picking up the bag, but kakashi simply took it from you.

“i will still be eating this, i haven’t eaten all day”

“are you sure?”

“the temperature won’t take away the flavor,” he said, lifting his mask over his mouth. reaching to hold your hand, he began to walk you out of the school.

“i don’t like the way iruka was staring at you”

“it doesn’t matter how he stared, you’re the only shinobi i want”

“there they go,”naruto yelled, catching the attention of sakura and sasuke.

“kakashi sensei, are you-are you and miss y/n together?” sakura asked, blushing at the two of you holding hands.

“but you're holding hands”

“friends hold hands, don't they?” you asked her.

“miss y/n is a very, very special friend of mine, but excuse me, i will be walking her home”

“could i please join the next book club meeting-

“no naruto, i will see you three tomorrow morning,” he said, ignoring them, as he focused on you and getting you home.

♡ jiraiya

“you’ve done well, once again, y/n, and to finish two days sooner than what was expected, becoming a jonin was fitting for you,” kurenai told you, as you walked alongside her, entering the hidden leaf.

“thank you,” you said, smiling at her praise.

“excuse me, are you y/n?” a woman said, approaching you.

“yes, why?”

“i wanted to do what was right and confess that i've been seeing jiraiya since you’ve been away,” she said, fidgeting with her fingers, unable to meet your eyes.

“very well,” you said, walking past her.

“you're not angry with me?”

“i need to report to the hokage,” you said, continuing to walk away.

“i wouldn't pay her any mind, you're practically famous now, and i’m sure it’s just their own jealousy, trying to stir drama,” kurenai said, as you nodded, both of you continuing to lord fifth. this was becoming too frequent since everyone found out, thanks to naruto’s loud mouth.

you and jiraiya were supposed to be a secret. until one day, he hadn't told the boy that he wouldn't have any training today and naturally, he showed up to your house, hoping to ask if you had seen him. you had permitted him to walk into your home without knocking in the past and he figured today wouldn't be any different. however, he was quickly filled with disgust at the sound of your moaning, as jiraiya talked you through it.

“oh my god, y/n, are you up there with the pervy sage?” he screamed, running out of the house.

your heart dropped, as you quickly rushed to get dressed, going downstairs, only to find naruto outside, clearly traumatized.

“naruto,” you called out, approaching him.

“please tell me you weren't- that wasn't-

“geez kid,” jiraiya said, coming down the stairs. again, the horrified expression appeared on his face.

“y/n, you're with that old perv?” he asked loudly.

“please keep your voice down, others will hear,” you told him. however, it was too late, many had heard him and the rumors spread.

since then, for the last few weeks, random girls have approached you, telling you things like jiraiya has flirted with them, he stalks them and writes them love letters. you hadn't confronted him, but you were growing tired of it. whether it was true or not.

reporting to tsunade, you could hardly focus, as she congratulated you, paying you for your completed mission. you didn't want to go home, not when there was a chance jiraiya would stop there when he found out that you were back. instead, you went to one of your favorite restaurants, ordering ramen and a bottle of sake.

“i couldn't help but notice you when you came in, could i join you?” the man asked, making you face him. he was cute, not your type, but enough to get your mind off of what you had been thinking of.

“sure,” you smirked, watching as he sat down.

together, you sat with the handsome man known as matsune. the sun had completely gone down the moon covering the sky, as the two of you finally left the restaurant.

“thank you for keep me company,” you bit your lip.

“it was nothing-

“y/n, there you are, kakashi said that you returned nearly four hours ago, i've been looking for you-who is this?” he stopped, noticing the man standing too close for his liking.

“you know this man, y/n?

“i do, he's a pervy old sage,” you said.

“i see. sir, stay away from y/n, or i’ll have to-

before he could finish, jiraiya punched him, watching as he flew into the small business concession stand. turning to face him, before you could open your mouth, he swiftly picked you up, tossing you over his shoulder. you attempted to break free, but his hold was firm, as he carried you, stopping once in front of your house. as soon as your feet were on the ground, he pressed his hands on the sides of your head.

“what was that about? who was that guy?” he asked, frowning, as he towered over you.

“you have some nerve”

“do i now?”

“yes, every time i’m away, you're being a pervert, am i not enough? answer me,” you said angrily, trying to shove him backwards, but he didn't budge an inch.

“what are you talking about?”

“i’m not in the mood, jiraiya-

“neither am i, you’re saying things i don’t understand, after i just caught you all cozied up with another man,” he said.

“you didn’t catch me, i sensed your presence,” you said, turning your nose up to him.

“i want your things out of my house,” you continued, turning around, unlocking the door, letting him in, as he shut the door behind himself.

as you began to walk to your kitchen, he stopped you, holding your waist, spinning you around to face him, before lifting you up.

“jiraiya, put me down”

“i have no idea what you’re talking about, it feels like you’re deflecting from what just happened, we need to talk about this”

“do not talk to me like i am a child, now put me down,” you said, angrily.

“i love you too much to end things like this, it doesn’t make sense,” he said, as he began kissing your neck.

“jir-ugh, p-put me down,” you moaned, but he simply moved to your mouth, kissing your lips. instinctively, your legs wrapped around his waist.

untying your headband, you tossed it across the room, while he reached for your bag, dropping it to the floor. lifting your dress, he ripped your panties with ease. as his fingers touched your pussy, your back arched.

“i love you, my pretty jonin,” he whispered, massaging your clit.

“no you don’t, liar,” you moaned.

“i do, i would do anything for you, but i can’t leave you, not over this…confusion,” he said, teasing your hole with a finger.

“fuck,” you hissed, your face going to his shoulder.

“these she goes, let it out, princess,” he said, slapping your ass, before pushing his finger deeper.

“add another,” you moaned, opening your mouth as another thick finger slipped into your wet pussy.

“just perfect”

“kami,” you whined, as he walked to sit on the sofa.

“she’s still so tight,” he said, as your juices coated his fingers.

“i need your cock,” you moaned, impatiently, as he began to unbutton his pants.

pumping himself a few times, you were already leading his tip to your cunt. holding your hips, he pushed you down onto his shaft. both of you moaning out, your hands going to his shoulders.

“can’t you feel you how much i love you,” he groaned, lightly squeezing your hips.

lifting you, before bringing you back down, the sound of skin clapping quickly filled the room. he was fucking you as if he’d never see you again. his muscles flexed as he moaned shamelessly, praising and thanking you and your pussy for being so perfect for him.

you were unable to speak, moaning and whining as he fucked you, even after cumming, he kept going. he cock plunging in and out, until he finally came, filling up your walls.

“i hate you,” you said, tiredly, laying your head on his shoulder.

“no you don’t,” he said, picking you up, and carrying you upstairs.

“since i laid my eyes on you, the first time we met, you’ve been my muse. you’ve inspired everything i’ve written, there has been no other woman i’ve come across who makes me feel like you do, y/n,” he told you, as you dozed off, falling asleep.

waking up to the sound of knocking, you noticed you had been changed into pajamas. knowing jiraiya, he most likely provided aftercare, when you fell asleep. trying to get up, you had to pry his hands from off of you, before going downstairs. opening the door, you were surprised to see kurenai.

“hey,” you said, tiredly.

“morning, y/n, i found out something you should hear,” she told you.

“okay,” you nodded, stepping outside, shutting the door behind yourself. explaining to you the situation that she and asuma discovered late last night, your heart was on the floor.

“so jiraiya didn’t cheat?”

“no, so far it’s a group of them, fans if you will, they are in love with you and want you to themselves, so they’ve been trying to sabotage your relationship,” she said, as the guilt made its way to your chest.

“i see, thank you, kurenai,” you told her, as she nodded, leaving.

making your way inside, your heart was pounding as you walked upstairs. climbing under the blanket, you scooted close to jiraiya, wrapping your arms around him. groaning, he pulled you close, kissing your forehead.

“i'm sorry for what i did and said to you, i love you so much,” you whispered.

“i know, princess,” he said, tiredly.

“i don't you to leav—

“i'm not leaving you, get some rest, we’ll talk when i’m up, okay?” he said, lightly squeezing your ass.

“okay,” you smiled, laying your face on his chest.

♡ hashirama senju

“only those who’ve passed, earning the title of genin, will be granted the privilege of having one of our finest shinobi as your teacher, to begin your training. the rest of you will be ordinary students, but there is no need to feel down, you can try again in six months,” hashirama smiled brightly at the children and their parents. many of them clapping and cheering in excitement.

rolling your eyes, you turned away from the crowd, crossing your arms. to many, you were uninterested, the beautiful shinobi, forced to give up your career, due to the hokage’s orders. while this may have been true, you would be a liar to deny the fact that you were jealous of the hokage’s wife, who stood next to him — while you remained his secret.

“class will begin in a week, you all will be finding out who your teachers or classmates are then, good luck to you all, and again, thank you for coming out,” tobirama spoke this time.

when you were sure everyone was done talking, you were the first to walk away. this was childish of you, you knew he'd lightly scold you later, but you couldn't help it. to have spent nearly the entire night with him, just for him to not even meet your glance once today. you were beginning to question everything, you had plenty of options, and yet you were throwing them all away to be hashirama’s plaything.

“y/n,” hearing someone calling your name, you turned, surprised to see izuna approaching.

“izuna,” you acknowledged him.

“could i talk to you for a second?” he asked, as you made eye contact with madara, who was approaching.

“of course,” you nodded.

“as you know all of the uchiha children were accepted into the academy and a few of our most gifted will have a teacher training them to move up in rank-

“you’re stronger than your counterparts, if i am not mistaken, you completed the most s-rank missions before hashirama ordered you to work alongside these…teachers,” madara said, examining you.

“that may be true, but you can trust that all of the teachers will protect every students-

“no, that’s not what we’re worried about, two of those men teaching alongside you are a part of the senju clan, and we do not need senju trying to teach uchiha children,” madara interrupted.

“he’s asking, despite how rude he sounds. we don’t ask for favors often, but i figured it was worth a try since you’re a friend,” izuna said, embarrassed by madara’s straight to the point nature.

“you’re the strongest teacher and hashirama seems to have a soft spot for you, so we would prefer if you picked up our gifted students, it’s three of them,” madara continued.

“i can see what i can do but, i am not educated on the sha-?”

“sharingan,” izuna finished, nodding his head.

“izuna will educate you on what you need to know, and how you can teach them, anything else about it, leave to our clan to take care of,” madara told you.

“okay,” you nodded in agreement.

“join us for dinner, you can meet the children and parents then,” madara said.

“you have to stop with the tone, i’m not sure if you’re asking or telling me, but sure, i’ll come,” you said, when suddenly, izuna snickered, and madara chuckled.

“i think everyone will like you,” he continued, holding out his hand, as you accepted it to shake, doing the same thing with izuna.

“what is going on here?” hashirama asked, mito close behind him.

“nothing that concerns hashirama senju,” madara said, walking away.

“see you then,” izuna whispered, as he left.

hashirama furrowed his eyebrows at the interaction, before facing you. you attempted to avoid his eyes, bowing before keeping your eyes focused on his cloak instead.

“y/n”

“we were only talking about the school, excuse me, lord first, i must get going,” you bowed again and were gone in a flash.

spending the rest of the evening at home, you eventually got dressed and headed to the uchiha compound for dinner. everyone was lovely, you wished outsiders could see how beautiful and kind this clan truly was. meeting the parents of the gifted students, each of them excited for their children. after the eventful night, you found yourself leaving the compound, madara alongside you.

“i am grateful for your compliance, izuna said that you two were friends, but you don't talk as much as when you were younger,” madara said.

“it's nothing, izuna and i are both very busy, but that doesn't change that he is a great friend,” you shrugged. your mind could've been playing tricks on you, but madara’s gaze lasted longer than usual.

“uchiha don’t intermingle with outsiders, but i am willing to make an exception for you, in more ways than one,” he said, making you grin, and roll your eyes.

“goodnight madara,” you shook your head, waking away. you could feel him watching you. he was reeking of sex appeal, and was very handsome, but you were unfortunately still wrapped around hashirama’s finger.

going home, you sighed in exhaustion, as you unlocked the door. shutting and locking it, just as you turned on the lights, you jumped, recovering quickly. hashirama sat in your living room, staring at you, with a blank expression.

“you were at the uchiha compound, why?” he asked.

“i don't believe that is your business,” you said, as he stood up, slowly approaching you.

“y/n, i am not in the mood for these antics,” he told you sternly.

“and why is that lord first?” you gasped, as he pressed you into his chest, within an instant. when it was just the two of you, you could forget that he was the strongest, the quickest, a god of shinobi to many.

“you're unusually close with them, especially izuna-

“i thought you wanted everyone to embrace the clan,” you said, quickly dropping the smug grin, as his hold tightened.

“yes, but you are mine, and i will not share you with anyone, senju or uchiha,” he told you.

“tch, you're a selfish man, you flaunt your wife for your village to see, ignoring my presence, but crawl in my bed and whine when i give another man the time of day,” you scoff.

“is that what you think? i never can keep my eyes off of you. i am with you, just as much as when i am with mito. you are the first person i recommended when tobirama asked about potential teachers. i love you, and i’ve never hidden that, married or not,” he glared at you.

“yeah, if you say so,” you grumbled.

“you don't think i love you?”

“i said, if you say so”

“do you love me?”

“hashirama, you know the answer-

“say it,” he said, leaning forward to kiss your lips.

“this…is… unnecessary,” you said, in between each kiss, moaning as he moved to your neck.

“say it, for me,” he whispered, reaching to open your kimono, and kissing along your neck.

“i love you too,” you said, breathlessly.

“good girl,” he said, swiftly picking you up, carrying you upstairs. swapping your legs around his waist, you whimpered as he continued placing kisses along your neck.

“what did you talk about this morning with them?” he asked, while you smiled.

“nothing that concerns hashirama senju,” you teased, as he sat on the edge of your bed, tugging at your thin undergarments.

removing your top, you reached for his hands, placing them on your breast. biting your lips, you began grinding your hips. you could feel his bulge, readying to spring free at any moment. moaning lowly, you kissed his lips, as he lightly squeezed your breast.

“my pretty girl,” he encouraged, licking his bottom lip, focused on your hips and the friction you were causing.

“i’m so close, baby,” you moaned, increasing your grinding before your leg began to lightly shake. he held back his grunts, watching as you unraveled before his eyes, holding onto him as you ruined your panties on his kimono.

reaching to pull you even closer, he was surprised when you pulled away, standing up. furrowing his eyebrows, he watched as you removed the kimono, walking back and forth, only wearing panties. you were getting ready for bed and weren’t acknowledging him at all.

“was that all you wanted to do?” he finally spoke up.

“sex doesn't solve the problem always,” you said, crossing your arms, and leaning against the wall. staring into your eyes, he put his head down.

“i love you both, equally, it doesn’t make it right, but just like i love and provide for her, i have kept my promise and i have done the same thing for you. my marriage doesn’t change my love for you, the things i have in place for you, the way i would die or kill for you and your safety. you may not have noticed, but i saw you this morning. i watched your every move, how you nervously fixed your hair and kimono, your hesitation to be serious or smile, your glances or laughs at our small comments,” he told you.

“what is your point?”

“even after this act is up, you will be my woman. you know where to find me, when you're ready to talk,” he said, standing, beginning to walk away.

“wait,” you said, watching as he stopped, you began to approach him.

“madara and izuna asked that i train the uchiha students who have already been classified as genin,” you continued, your arms wrapped around your body.

“and what of madara’s lustful eyes?”

“you had me followed?” you glared, but his face remained unchanged.

“i’m sure it was nothing but a crush, just like the others, but i was invited to learn about the sharingan and meet the children,” you said, shifting your gaze.

“students are not hand-picked by their teachers, your students are chosen based on-

“they don't want their children taught by a senju, and they figured since you have a soft spot of me, you would allow me to do so, and i agreed,” you said.

“you did what?”

“izuna is a good friend of mine, and he never asks for anything, it was the least i could do,” you said.

“of course, izuna asked, and because he asked, the rules should be changed?” he asked, angrily.

“no, because i’m asking you. the hokage. you can make an exception for me. i don't want to be with izuna and i certainly am not interested in madara uchiha, but i would like to build a connection with other clan members. despite how things seem, i can't help but think of the first hokage. he's such a man, how he speaks to me, how he holds me, takes care of me, fucks me, there isn't another man who could take his place if they wanted,” you said, wrapping your arms around him.

“am i supposed to bend rules just because you asked?”

“please, hashi, for me,” you pouted.

“fine, i’ll see you tomorrow morning,” he sighed.

“wait, come join me in the shower, i’d like to show you something,” you said, reaching for his hand, and leading him into the bathroom.

♡ minato namikaze

“i told you, we should’ve left tomorrow,” mei grumbled, as you walked through the forest.

“we’re almost there, quit your complaining,” you said, trying to pay attention to where you were headed.

“can you even see where we’re going?”

“yes, we’re close, can’t you hear the waterfall close by,” you said.

“i honestly thought it was crickets and frogs,” he said.

“no, we’re close, minato and i came through this way, a few weeks ago,” you said.

“that’s why you insisted that we leave so early, to get back to minato,” he teased.

“you’re the same way with kunari, you hate to be away from him for too long,” you said.

“totally different, i spend time away from my sugarplum, you on the other hand, left this morning and wanted to come back already, to get back to this man,” he snickered.

“i’m sorry, i can’t help it, since moving in with him, i am just enjoying being under him,” you said, your face heating up.

“how was meeting his son and ex-wife?”

“naruto is the sweetest boy ever, he wants to be hokage. kushina is also really nice, we aren’t friends but we’re cordial,” you told him.

“look at you, fitting right in. i still think he’s too old for you, but if you’re happy, then you have my support,” he smiles.

“thank you you, mei, it means a lot,” you cooed.

“miss y/n,” you heard, making you glance over, screaming, but stopping as you noticed kakashi.

“my goodness, kakashi, you scared me,” you laughed.

“my apologies, i was only curious what you were doing so far out, without an escort,” he explained.

“mei and i are returning from a festival, we were supposed to be escorted tomorrow morning, but we decided to leave after our fun,” you told him.

“then i will see to you getting to the hidden leaf safely for the rest of your journey,” he said, looking down.

“that is fine with me, what were you doing out here?”

“catching up on some reading, before it got so dark,” he shrugged.

“oh the icha icha series, you told me about?”

“yes,” he nodded, sheepishly.

kakashi was only a few years younger than you, already a jonin and quite handsome. however, he wasn't your type, he was very mysterious and nonchalant. while you preferred the extroverted chalant men, like minato. he was bold, straightforward, and didn't care about being judged, especially when it came to being expressive.

“kakashi, do you remember my friend, mei?”

“i believe so, he refers to his partner as sugarplum?” he asked, making you snicker.

“yes”

“i see, nice to meet you, mei,” he said, as he began to walk alongside you.

making small talk the rest of the journey, you could actually see minato, as he came from around the corner, speaking with another shinobi. every night, he walked through the village, wishing the villagers a good night, as he passed by.

“have a good night, y/n and mei,” kakashi said, leaving the two of you.

“ugh, did you see how he kept looking over at you, you should give him a chance,” mei said.

“mei, i have minato, and you just said you supported my decision”

“i take it back, why be with him, when you seem to have more in common with kakashi, he's also closer in age”

“he's younger than me,” you crossed your arms.

“by what? three years? that's better than nearly an age difference of ten years”

“it's only eight, mei”

“oh, that's such a difference,” he said, sarcastically.

“he’s cute, but not someone i’m interested in, goodnight, mei,” you said, walking towards where minato stood.

“you're back already, darling,” he smiled, embracing you.

“i seen what i had to see,” you told him, kissing his cheek.

“i’m going to get home to my sugarplum,” mei said.

“would you like to be escorted home, mei?” minato asked.

“that won't be necessary, thank you. y/n, think about what we talked about,” he said, leaving the two of you.

“i can't believe you came back so soon, it hasn't even been an entire day,” minato laughed.

“i missed you, i wish you could've come along,” you pouted.

“maybe next time, hop on,” he said, catching you as you jumped onto his back.

walking home, your conversation consisted of his jokes and your giggles, before he was let you jump onto the ground.

“naruto will be over tomorrow morning,” he told you, unlocking the door, letting you in.

going to the kitchen, you grabbed your container of strawberries and sat at the table. stretching your legs, you moaned at the taste of the sweet fruit. minato soon came into the kitchen, leaning on the counter, as he stared at you.

“your friend, mei, he doesn't seem to like me too much,” he said.

“why do you say that?”

“he frowned when you said my name,” he raised an eyebrow.

“he is convinced that i would be a better match with kakashi, we learned that we have a few things in common, when he escorted us to the village, from the waterfall,” you grumbled.

“would you rather be with kakashi?” he asked, immediately, making you frown.

“absolutely not, he was only suggesting him because he’s close to my age, mei is my friend, but his opinions are nothing more than his opinions,” you said, going to stand up, approaching minato.

“your student is a great young man, but he is not you, and i couldn't care about anyone disliking what we have,” you continued.

“i'm sorry, i get so jealous at the thought of another man taking my place,” he shook his head.

“hey, thank you for communicating how you felt,” you said, kissing his lips.

“you look amazing,” he complimented, kissing your lips again.

hungrily making out with each other, you went to the floor, staring into his blue eyes. unbuckling his pants, you lowered them, taking his cock into your hands. he was a grower, stiffening in your hands, while you got comfortable on your knees.

grabbing a handful of your hair, he caressed your cheek, as his cock slowly sprang up, pointing in your face. kissing his tip, you could taste his precum on your lips.

taking as much as possible, you relaxed your throat, taking him over and over. drool running down your jaw, as you made a small gawk noise.

“so beautiful sucking my cock,” he hummed, smirking at the vibrations from your moans. your hand deep in your panties, rubbing your clit. his breathing becoming heavy, as his cock twitched.

“i’m going to cum, fuck,” he hissed, pulling out, jerking himself off, moaning as his seed squirted on your face. letting out an exhale, he smiled at you, as you giggled, licking his tip, before standing up.

“i feel so much energized than before,” you told him, swiping away a bit of the semen, licking your finger.

“you look so cute with your facial,” he laughed, pulling you close.

“i think i’d like another,” you bat your eyelashes.

“then we better hurry, knowing naruto he will be here just as the sun rises,” he laughed picking you up, carrying you to your shared room.

♡ orochimaru

“i didn't mean to wake you,” you whispered, climbing back into his bed, your hand brushing over orochimaru’s chest.

“did you feed the child?” he asked, clearly agitated from the crying.

“yes, lord orochimaru,” you bit your lip. from your eyes and the way you were pushed against him, he figured this was your nonverbal way of asking to be fucked — however he had no intention of giving in to your wishes. he didn’t need you, sexually or emotionally, your role was to care for the heir you managed to give him and nothing more. at least these were things that he tried to convince himself to believe, despite, the secret attachment he had grown to have for you.

the way you excitedly included him in every step of the pregnancy, beyond his testing. waddling to him, as he returned from missions to give him updates, begging that he touched your stomach when the baby kicked. asking his opinion about the fetus and even how kabuto informed him that you asked to learn medical ninjutsu, your reason being that you wanted to be more useful to him. perhaps that's why he became so lenient, allowing you to sleep in bed with him.

“must you be such a nuisance,” he said, abruptly sitting up, shrugging you off.

“my apolog-

“i don't care about your apology, find something to do with yourself,” he said, sounding more like your parent than a partner, could this even be considered a partnership? you were the mother of his newborn son, it didn't seem to be more than that anymore.

“yes, my lord,” you nodded, rubbing your arms as he went into the bathroom, slamming the door.

six months, it had already been six months since giving birth and you were on your best behavior, yet he still wouldn't touch you. you occasionally caught him watching as you breastfed the infant, but he wouldn't speak. he’d allow you in his bed, but too much moving or touching him led to a threat or two. you had trained as hard as possible, trying to maintain your glow previous to your pregnancy. all you wanted was to be touched, to be looked upon in admiration, lust, anything, as long as he finally looked at you.

“lord orochimaru,” kabuto knocked on the bedroom door, before opening it, just as the bathroom door opened.

“the boy you spoke of, they have found him,” kabuto said, making his lord smirk. another vessel.

“we will leave shortly,” he said, as kabuto nodded, leaving the room, hardly sparing you a glance.

“will mamushi have any tests today?” you hesitantly asked, noticing him roll his eyes. you insisted on the nickname for the boy, due to him taking all of orochimaru’s snake-like features.

“when i return,” was all he said, satisfied when you nodded, standing to leave his room.

going to the newborn’s room, you sat beside his bassinet, watching in adoration. the only trait he had from you was your hair color and smile, the rest was orochimaru, but that didn’t change your love for him. there had been plenty of nights that you came into his room and you’d watch him sleep, amazed that you could help create such a beautiful baby.

“where is lord orochimaru?” karin stopped, as she passed by, backing up into the doorway of the room.

“he may have already left, kabuto said his next vessel has been found,” you said boredly, playing with the ribbon you had weaved into the bassinet.

“i see…are you alright?” the girl asked, making you turn to face her. you weren't necessarily close with any of his students, but the two of you found yourselves making conversation amongst each other often.

“i will be,” you smiled.

“how about i watch mamushi while you take a break, lord orochimaru most likely will not return until later today,” she offered.

“are you sure?”

“yes, go on, find something to do,” she waved you off. what could you do, maybe visit the said sound village? you had only been once when you were first brought to orochimaru, and while he acted like he couldn't stand you, what he hated more was other men looking at you — meaning the furthest you had been since then was outside of his main headquarters.

“thank you so much,” you told her, going off to your room. changing from out of your grey kimono, you found the soft purple kimono, gifted to you from your late mother and the matching hairpin.

waving bye to karin, you made your way out of the headquarters, towards the village. the walk was longer than anticipated, after getting lost a few times, but you soon found your way into the village. you had been told how everything was a cover-up, everyone even the store owners, were soldiers of orochimaru. immediately you noticed two things, one, the men-to-women ratio was substantially different and two, you stood out like a sore thumb.

passing the few stores and small restaurants, you bit back your smile noticing the hot spring. you hadn't been to a hot spring in nearly two years. entering the lobby, you reached for your wallet, when a shinobi spoke up.

“i will pay the beautiful woman’s fee as well,” he said, handing over extra money before you could refuse.

“thank you so much,” you bowed, taking notice of the other men staring at you. you usually weren't attention-driven, but after going almost an entire pregnancy and an additional six months with no attention or affection, other than directions of what to do with your child, you felt deprived and were taking in every second of the attention you were getting.

“this way, ma'am,” the woman said, leading you to the women's section and locker room. changing into the white towel, you made your way to the warm water. you could feel their eyes, yet you couldn't see them.

“he should be up in a few hours, my lord,” kabuto said, approaching the large window. the northern headquarters, directly above the city, allowing the perfect view of the citizens.

“very well-

“my lord, i think you would want to come see this,” kabuto said, backing away, allowing orochimaru to approach the window.

“what am i looking at?”

“the hot springs, my lord”

searching for a moment, he stopped as his eyes landed on the establishment. he never realized the hot springs could be seen from this view — he furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed you. what were you doing here? who was with his son?

the women’s hot spring surrounded by shinobi, peeping and he knew that you could sense them, after all of your training. clenching his jaw, he watched as you held the towel close to your body, before undoing it, letting it fall to the ground.

“bring the boy to me, when he is finally awake”

the flask in his hand shattering, from how hard he was squeezing it. your hips switched, as you made your way to the water, your mouth movements let him know that you released a moan. laying your head back, you closed your eyes. he felt blinded by rage, as his feet moved on their own. perhaps if his men had been away on missions, he wouldn't have made a big deal — but to intentionally flaunt your body to these men, when you were his, your hair, your breast, your womb, your pussy — all his. it didn't matter to him, even if he hadn't touched you in years, there was no man worthy to lust after the same woman he bedded.

he was in front of the hot springs in no time, the ninja and business owners bowing, as he entered. walking past the women, he entered the women's area. you sat alone in the warm water, your breasts perky as ever.

“this is not what i meant when i said find something to do with yourself,” he spoke, making you jolt, sitting up.

“lord orochimaru”

“you didn't expect me to catch you? showing off your body like some common whore, when you knew they were watching, come out, all of you,” he spat. as the other ninja made themselves visible.

“lord orochimaru, we had no idea she belonged to you, we ask for your mercy,” one of the men spoke.

“did i allow you to speak?” orochimaru frowned, making a few hand signs, before the shinobi coughed up blood, falling to his knees.

“now, back to you, you foolish woman, you wanted my attention and now you have it,” he continued, stalking towards you. with a swift movement of his hand, his clothing was coming off, as he stepped into the water.

standing up, you tried backing away from him, you stood no chance against him. however, he was much quicker than you, moving in front of you in an instant, before you could make any further movements.

“my lord-

“did i give you permission to speak?” he hissed, as you quickly shook your head.

your eyes widened as his hands pulled you closer, his hands exploring your body. your breast pressed against his chest, as he stared into your eyes. you couldn't see it before, but now it was clear jealousy. his eyes were full of jealousy.

“i’ve yearned for your affection, i am not asking for you to change your nature, but please embrace me as i have done for you. you don’t teach me anymore, advise me, touch me, i have no value to you anymore, only to take care of mamushi. so you blame me for accepting their lust-

he stopped you, by grabbing your lower face.

“if you held no value to me, you would be dead, yet here you are — my liability”

“if i am a liability, release me-

“no”

“why?”

“i’m afraid i like you too much to do that,” he confessed, lowly. staring into his eyes, you did the unthinkable, kissing his lips.

he was shocked for merely a second, before he took control, hungrily exploring your mouth. picking you up, he sat you on the edge of the hot springs. his snake like tongue trailing from your neck, back up to your mouth, as you moaned loudly.

“your pussy smells so sweet and she’s so wet,” he said, breaking the kiss to stare at your cunt. becoming shy, you began to close your legs, when he stopped you, looking back into your eyes.

“i like you too,” you whispered, making his eyes widen. pressing his lips against yours once more, he reached into his undergarments and pulled out his cock.

rubbing it against your dripping cunt, before pushing himself in. moaning loudly, you wrapped your legs around his waist. you could feel the eyes of the shinobi on you, but you still couldn't care, especially when you were finally getting what you wanted so dearly.

“oh my lord, just like that,” you cried as he sped up his thrusts. your breasts looked perfect, bouncing, he couldn't help but squeeze them. throwing your head back, your eyes began to roll.

“look at you, such a dirty whore, tell them who you belong to,” he instructed, grunting, as he continued fucking into your tight hole.

“i’m yours, only yours, m-my lord,” you whined, feeling yourself repeatedly clenching around him.

“oh, your pussy is clenching, do you want to cum?” he asked, smirking as you nodded through your lewd noises.

“cum on my cock, make it worth my while,” he ordered, grinning as your hips met him halfway, as you whined like a bitch in heat before you came all over his cock. a few thrusts later and he was cumming inside of your cunt.

“you're all dismissed,” orochimaru said, with just those words alone, the feeling of eyes disappeared. he stood in front of you, staring into your eyes.

“lord or-

“you are very aware that i am not known for giving many chances,” he told you.

“yes”

“you have one last chance, and if you ever try that stunt again, you will wish you could unsee what i will do,” he said, satisfied when you nodded.

“who is with mamushi?” he crossed his arms.

“karin”

“get dressed, we’re heading back,” he said, turning to walk away, as you followed behind closely.

“what’s with the stupid grin?” he asked, glancing over.

“you finally called him mamushi”

meanwhile back at the main headquarters…

“oh this is so cute, hold him closer sasuke,” karin cheered snapping photos of sasuke and suigetsu. they happened to be passing the room when they saw her playing with lord orochimaru’s son and became curious. however, they now regret it as they sat wearing the cat ears, forced to hold the baby close, as she took photos to show you when you returned.

#naruto x reader #naruto #kakashi x reader #kakashi hatake #jiraiya x reader #hashirama x reader #minato x reader #orochimaru x reader

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sweetstrawberryys · 2 days ago

Text

"Dumb, Dumber, Dumbest."

Summary: You, Soap, and Gaz pull off a ridiculous cart stunt that ends in hallway chaos and a defaced statue. Price and Ghost show up ready to scold the mystery hooligans—only to realize it’s their own squad. After dramatic lectures and barely-hidden laughter, the team ends the day covered in paint, sharing noodles, and embracing the chaos.

Rating: Fluff. Chaotic vibes. Peak unhinged squad energy. Certified “Found Family” fluff, sprinkled with absolute menace.

Masterlist

---

It started with a bet.

Always does.

“Ten quid says I can ride that luggage cart down the hallway and do a perfect 360 drift into the mess hall.”

“Ten quid? Mate, make it twenty and I’ll launch you,” Gaz grinned, already rolling up his sleeves.

You, unfortunately, were the idiot who made the bet and now sat perched on the squeaky cart like it was a throne of regret. Soap stood behind you, grinning like a feral child about to break the law of physics and several bones.

“We are so going to die,” you muttered, adjusting your helmet. (It wasn’t even yours. It was Soap’s. You had glittered it.)

Soap leaned in. “No, lass. We’re going to fly.”

Cue the whoosh as he shoved the cart with all the dramatic flair of an Olympic bobsledder on caffeine and chaos.

Down the hallway it went. Fast. Too fast. Too furious.

You screamed. Gaz whooped. Soap chased after you yelling, “LEAN LEFT! NO, YOUR OTHER LEFT!”

CUT TO:

Price, walking toward the common room, holding a coffee cup and peace in his heart.

Ghost, following behind, checking something on his tablet.

Then they hear it.

Wheels. Screeching. A scream. Laughter.

CLANG.

Ghost doesn’t even look up. “What the bloody hell was that.”

Price slowly turns the corner. The hallway looks like a scene out of a low-budget action movie. There’s a dent in the wall. A fire extinguisher has gone off. You’re on the floor, groaning. Soap is sliding in sock-feet like a hockey player, trying to stop. Gaz has somersaulted into a recycling bin and is yelling for help like a turtle on its back.

Price blinks. “Who are these...hooligans?”

Ghost mutters, “Unsupervised children.”

“Where’s their CO?”

Then it hits them.

Ghost stiffens. “Wait. Those are our hooligans.”

Price sighs so deep his soul leaves his body.

---

Reprimand Room (AKA the briefing room):

You’re all lined up like schoolkids who got caught setting fire to the playground.

Price paces.

Ghost leans against the wall, arms crossed, looking like he’d rather be fighting a bear.

“I leave you three alone for ten minutes—” Price starts.

“It was actually thirteen minutes—” Gaz says helpfully.

“SILENCE.”

Soap snorts. “He’s mad.”

“I’M DISAPPOINTED.”

“Worse,” you whisper.

Price continues, absolutely on one: “You launched her down the hall in a luggage cart. There’s a dent in the wall, the fire alarm went off, and someone stuck googly eyes on the General’s statue!”

All three of you: silence.

Then Gaz, bless him, tries to salvage it. “To be fair, the statue looks much more approachable now.”

You try not to laugh. Soap fails and lets out a choked heehee.

Ghost finally speaks, low and sharp: “You lot are this close to being put on mascot duty at a children’s hospital.”

“Will there be balloons?” you ask innocently.

“SHUT IT.”

Price rubs his temples like he’s fighting demons. “What possessed you? Were you drunk? Dared? Dying?”

“I wanted to feel alive,” you shrug.

Ghost growls. “Do you want to feel a boot up your arse?”

Soap raises his hand. “Permission to make a statement?”

“No,” Price snaps.

Soap says it anyway. “Worth it.”

---

Five minutes later.

Price tries to keep a stern face, but your dumb little grin is cracking him.

Ghost glares at you. You wink. He almost smiles. Almost.

Gaz says, “Y’know, if you squint real hard, the dent looks like a heart.”

Soap adds, “Because we love this unit.”

You nod solemnly. “Love it enough to crash into walls for it.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Then Price snorts. Tries to hide it. Fails.

Ghost just straight-up facepalms and starts laughing into his glove.

Soap throws his hands up like he just won something. “SUCCESS!”

Price points at you all, laughing now too. “You’re all on clean-up duty. That wall’s not gonna undent itself.”

“Team bonding activity!” you say, skipping toward the supply closet.

“Can we at least put more googly eyes on the statue?” Gaz yells after.

Ghost: “Absolutely not.”

Price: “Only if I get to pick where.”

---

Later That Night:

You're all sitting in the mess hall, covered in paint, laughing over instant noodles.

The cart is nowhere to be seen. (Burned. Symbolically.)

You lean your head on Gaz’s shoulder while Soap pokes Ghost’s arm with a plastic spoon like a child seeking attention.

Ghost swats him away but doesn’t move further.

Price walks in, looks at the mess, and sighs—but there’s a smile on his face.

“My idiots,” he mutters.

Your idiots. The best kind.

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skeletonh0e · 3 months ago

Note

Okay, how about this? The Skeletons with a S/O That really like wearing collars; does not matter if it has bells or spikes. They just Like to wear one for style purposes specifically, and it makes them feel pretty/handsome and it makes them happy. (Love your stuff on swap sans btw, no one has made me this food in years.)

Oooo reminds me of me in high-school, I chokers all the time. Not so much anymore though

And thank you! I love my boy Swap, I'm always happy to provide, anyway-

The boys & Your Fashion Sense

Classic Sans:

Neat

All he has to say on it really, nothing to choke out about ya know? (da dum tss)

Might wanna be careful with spikes though, he'll forget you're wearing it when he nuzzles up to you

He'll probably crack outs when you wear one with bells tbh

Also might play with the bell purely for the lolz

Underswap Sans:

Actually thinks they're really cool!

Always compliments you! Especially when you wear a new one!

Show him your entire collar collection, he'll in awe

Also helps him decide which ones to get when he buys you ones

Let's just say your collection definitely grows thanks to him

Underfell Sans:

Given the general aesthetic of his underground, probably doesn't notice it as anything special until he's been with you a bit them it's just

"what are you? a god damn dog?"

Not convinced that it's not a kink thing but yeah you do you

They are kinda hot he'll admit

Jokes about getting you a lease and might actually tug on your collar when he wants your attention so be careful

Underlust Sans:

Oooo! You two can match!

Of course there's his whole underground gimmick, but he does actually like them for style purposes too

So yeah you're in good company here

The type to buy you matching pairs to wear and also buy you new ones

You're both gonna be looking and feeling fabulous together!

Horrortale Sans:

Doesn't really get it

Like yeah you look nice but also you could wear a trash bag and he'd think that

Axe is not the most fashion savvy person out there, if the fact he wears a blood stained shirt 9/10 didn't give that away

He does like the ones with the bell though so there's that

Might ask if those are uncomfortable depending how often you wear them, more out of concern than anything

Fresh Sans:

Have you seen how this man dresses?

Bro has no right to judge (not that he would anyway but yeah)

Does thing they're pretty neat though

Can he decorate one for you? 👉👈

Don't say yes unless you're willing to wear a rainbow collare with a fuzzy worm with googly eyes attached to it

Killer Sans:

"Hot."

Killer is tactful as always

He's a little shit and gonna be making jokes about you being his pet, like Fell jokes about getting you a lease but this man actually does it then just attaches it to the collar your wearing atm

Bro is just a straight up little shit alright

And yeah this man does grab your collar and pull at it to drag you somewhere. Again. He's a shithead.

Dusttale Sans:

Doesn't get it, but more for sensory reasons than anything

Dust doesn't care for extremely restrictive clothing, so he's just confused on how those don't bother you

If it were him he'd be constantly trying to rip it off

He'll just take your word for it that you do genuinely like them

Pls take it off so he shove his face into the crook of your neck during cuddles tho?

Nightmare Sans:

Also....doesn't really get it

You look good yes but he doesn't get the purpose of them even if you explain the style for him

Whatever, he'll humor it on occasion, buys you more and helps you pick out certain outfits

Forbids you from wearing them at certain gatherings and places though, he's always been a bit controlling about what you wear

Despite that though....does admit you look good

#💀 the boys (group post)#sans x reader #underfell sans x reader #underswap sans x reader #horrorfell sans x reader #fresh sans x reader #underlust sans x reader #killer sans x reader #dust sans x reader #nightmare sans x reader #asks #requests

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archaospetryx · 2 months ago

Note

Diligence but human pls pls pls/nf

I has risen to complete this task🙏

I offer thee, my attempt in human Diligence🙏🫶

I rlly tried guys forgive my lack of knowledge with hands i tried the best i can, oh Diligence how i failed u,,,/ref/hj

He makes me go🤤 GOD DILIGENCE JUST ONE CHANCE, I WANNA STARE AT HIM WITH GOOGLY EYES PLSSSSS

ONE CHANCE

Forgot to add this bc the whole shtick that they don’t have eyes or movable mouths at least for now

CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK CRUNCH CRACK YEAAAAOOOOWWWCCCHHHHHH!!!!!

#gaslight district diligence #the gaslight district diligence #diligence gaslight district #tgd diligence #virtue diligence #diligence #gaslight district #the gaslight district #fanart #doodles

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emperorofthedark · 2 months ago

Text

When I was a kid, my dad took me and my sister to one of the world's worst county fairs. Janky disappointing rides at the end of long lines, overpriced garbage masquerading as food, game stalls flush with unwinnable prizes. My dad was drunk, as usual.

I don't remember much of anything about it, except for my dad causing a scene over one of the rides... and the dead whale exhibit.

A sign at the entrance of the rather unspectacular trailer assured curious spectators that it was real (although if you could somehow prove otherwise, then this now absolutely worthless giant fake whale carcass would be yours, all yours, and you'd only have your own meddling ass to blame).

Inside, a glass wall stretched from one end of the space to the other, and a dead whale, skin cracked and peeling, regarded his admirers with one big plastic googly eye. I didn't ask, but my dad suggested that the "real" eye had probably rotted out some time ago; why a big, plastic googly eye seemed like an appropriate replacement was harder to explain.

In fact, I still wonder about that. Like it wasn't audacious enough to parade an immense, flaking corpse around with the very real threat of forcing you to assume ownership of it, should you dare to prove the current owner a liar, but a fucking googly eye? Like some kind of massive, ocean-dwelling pug?

Lord, help this whale and anyone else who took that taxidermy class at Michaels.

Anyway, I figured Strangetown could use a similar shitshow, so I broke out my dear cursed boy and tried to recreate one of the standout attractions from my childhood fuckery la fête.

I don't know what to call it, or which poor, unsuspecting Strangetown resident will be saddled with this glorious burden, but now everyone who has read this far knows that I could, right now at this very moment, have a giant fake whale carcass somewhere on my property.

But I don't.

And that is a fact that we will all just have to learn to live with. Somehow.

#sims 2 #ts2 #simblr #strangetown #how absolutely unforgivable will it be if i dub him jawshua?#wip #story time with spooky #please forgive me because it's late #my brain is tired and my voice is rusty #and i don't usually like to talk about myself in public #but i felt like this deserved an explanation

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dearwhs · 3 months ago

Text

obliviously, yours — mjh ⭒ 명재현

୨୧ genre: fluff, mutual pining wc: 2.4k warnings: mentions of attempted murder as a joke, reader super bitter and painfully oblivious!!!

٠ ࣪⭑ notes: THIS WAS SO CUTE. I PHYSICALLY GIGGLED ! get u a man who doesn't care if he's obvious at expressing his feelings !!!

୨୧ now playing: never loved this way before

٠ ࣪⭑

you had the biggest crush on your classmate, jaehyun. though, your friends find your taste quite questionable. why? because you like the myung jaehyun, the class clown, the prankster, the menace to your classroom. yup, that's him.

see the guy over there wearing his pants inside out? mhm, that's jaehyun. the boy who cracks jokes mid-class, turns every project into a comedy show, and makes random animal sounds for no reason. he pulls out his mask of endless hilarious faces, purposely cracking his voice when singing just to get everyone laughing. but, when serious? he'll sing you trot amazingly, even the teachers pause the class to listen. now that's a show.

٠ ࣪⭑

the moment your friends found out you were down bad for jaehyun, they just stared at you in pure shock, disbelief, and even a little bit of concern—HIM? WHAT? HOW? WHY? WHEN? WHAT. we literally have bong jaehyun, jeong jaehyun, kim jaehyun, and lee jaehyun, yet you've landed on myung jaehyun?

"yn, be honest, okay? did he hypnotize you?" your friend said, tightly gripping on your shoulders before shaking you with great force, hoping it'll wake you up from whatever voodoo this was. are they really concerned? cause for you, it felt like an attempted murder.

your other friend even scooched in the middle, butting in to add their piece, "did jaehyun drag you on a social experiment...?" – "no." – "did he pay you to be charmed??" – "no???" – "did you find out he was your lover in your past life, so you're here to retrieve what was once yours?" what? okay, oddly specific but no. the list of assumptions went on—it was raining questions, which by the way, felt like an enternity. it's safe to say your friends were crazier than jaehyun, and it made you wanna bang your head on the table, hoping that'll make their voices poof.

but the real question is—why did you, of all people, like someone as goofy and odd as jaehyun?

it's because you noticed things he did that no one else bothered to—as if it was only meant for you to see. like how he was always present, cheering people up with the dad jokes riwoo taught him. the way he might joke 80.01% of the time, but weirdly enough, despite his chaotic nature, he listens to your rambles 19.99% of the time.

you'd be casually talking to him, absentmindedly blurting out a story you've definitely told before, and as you reach towards the end, his voice will suddenly sync along with yours. "and then she tripped!" – "wait, how'd you know–" and he'd just grin, wiggling his fingers up, "magic!" okay, mr. magician.

but in all seriousness, it's not the way he'll joke around, following your voice, acting like he's some mind reader magician, but the way he'd let you finish telling the same story you told him before. and the first time you realized that, your heart did some crazy backflipping.

what confirmed your feelings for him? meeting his serious side.

2 months ago, you sat by the bench, blankly staring at the failed exam paper you received, eyes blinking rapidly as tears started to form in yours eyes, dripping one by one on your cheeks—your vision now blurry. not until a handkerchief pops up right in front of you, and to your surprise, it was jaehyun. the guy who once drew chill guy on the board and the very same guy who'd put googly eyes on everything.

that guy, slowly sat down beside you in silence. he wasn't his usual self at the moment—he didn't crack any jokes, but instead his expression was soft, patting your back lightly, just enough that it wouldn't make you feel uncomfortable.

"let it all out," he said with a gentle voice, the first time you heard this tone—that's when you felt something turn in your stomach. you slowly turned your head to look at him, and damn. why does he suddenly look so attractive?

you know those dramas where the lead actor has that moment? the camera slowly zooming in, only focused at him—shines, sparkles and whatever everywhere? yeah, that's happening to you right now. um, so... it hits you, the realization hits you. you like myung jaehyun.

٠ ࣪⭑

okay, now you're back on the present—sitting in class, admiring jaehyun as he draws faces on every object he sees: calculator, notebook, pencil case, leehan's hand, everything. as you watch him though, you didn't even realize how long you were staring at him as you witness him get dragged to a game of truth or dare by the guys in your class.

"okay! jaehyun, you should start first!" woonhak smirks as if he's gonna pull something.

"truth." jaehyun scoffs, bring it on.

before asking jaehyun, woonhak exchanges glances with everyone before leaning in to say, "so, who's your crush?"

"um, that's boring. i'll just do dare, then," he said with a sharp voice. woonhak's smirk was removable, this kid had something planned out. "i dare you to tell me your crush!" oh, this snowman.

"fine." jaehyun huffs. instead of name dropping his crush... which confirmed he has one—he just describes her instead, "she's blah blah, really blah blah, she likes blah blah–" that's not what he said, that's what you heard. at that moment, you just wished you had your earphones on, blasting music—instead of eavesdropping on silly guys playing truth or dare. this made you stand up to run to the bathroom. totally not gonna cry about it.

٠ ࣪⭑

welp, ever since that day, you acted different towards jaehyun. he'd throw funny jokes to the class, and there you are, trying your absolute best not to let any laughter escape your body—pft, i hope that made his crush laugh, sarcastically. your usual chitchats with him? now cut short. how? you'd act uninterested, even laying your head on the table, pretending to be sleepy (honestly, you deserve an acting award for this) when in reality, you're dying to know what happened next. did he really train a pigeon to send out letters just like in the movies? nope. focus, yn. remember, you don't care—i hope his crush chitchats with him instead, you mumbled to yourself.

and what bothered you the most is having the tiniest hope that maybe, just maybe, he liked you too—even if it was just a little.

٠ ࣪⭑

at this point you're convinced—all hope perished. maybe jaehyun does really like someone. he doesn't even notice how distant you've been lately, giving him this cold shoulder of yours. he was the same as ever—still cracking his stupidly funny jokes, putting googly eyes on everything, and still drawing little faces on leehan's hands as if it was a notebook.

except, he did notice—you've been ignoring him.

٠ ࣪⭑

at first, he thought he was just overthinking things. maybe you were just tired, sleepy, or done of him reusing the same old jokes—he's literally on a dad jokes lesson 101 with riwoo now, hoping to improve.

back then, you'd be the only one laughing at all his jokes, cheesy or not. you'd pretend it's the funniest joke you've ever heard in this century, even wiping your nonexistent tear. but now? gone. even when he's drawing those silly things on leehan, you'd lock eyes with him. the next thing you know? you're sitting beside leehan as he gives you the "yup, this is our life now" face. now, you barely even react on any of the comedic things he does. that's when he knew it. something was wrong.

he even went back on time to analyze what he had done wrong. he just can't seem to pinpoint what string he pulled on you.

you think this wouldn't bother jaehyun, right? after all, he likes someone else—the girl he mentioned, the one who blah blah this, blah blah that… and yet here he was, thinking of ways to fix whatever wrong he did. turning into detective conan, investigating why you were acting this way.

why? because he likes you. i think it was pretty obvious, or were you just oblivious?

٠ ࣪⭑

remember that time jaehyun described his crush? yep, that was all you. but, you were just too caught up on the fact that he did have a crush on someone that you completely missed his words. those blah blahs you heard? those were descriptions of you.

"i dare you to tell me your crush!" - "fine," jaehyun inhales, chuckling before he even started talking about you.

jaehyun scoffed, looking eye to eye with you, hoping you'd hear him, even if it was a bit embarassing. "fine—she's loud, like really loud, especially when she laughs at my jokes. but even with that laugh she still remains beautiful. she's like an angel that landed on earth.. her smile, it melts my heart!" – he even physically melts (which caused him to not notice your sudden absence) until woonhak cuts him off to stop him from transforming into butter myung.

he's that into you, he can literally list down all the things he knows about you—your favorite song, the way despite your friends' bashing you still like mint choco, the way you'd constantly forget the book page you were reading on after being distracted for just a few seconds, and more. yet, you weren't there to hear those words—how much he admired you.

٠ ࣪⭑

but you know what? jaehyun isn't going to back down easily. he'll try to act normal, but at this point, it's so obvious he's overdoing it.

he'll go crack the bestest joke of all time (that he got from riwoo, of course) to get your laugh out—no reaction. he sees you coming? he'll pull out the chair just for you—only for you to take the sit one chair apart from him.

okay, change of plans! maybe words will help soothe you. now he's definitely being more obvious than he was before. he'd always compliment you. he'll come up to you, showing this random drink—telling you that it reminded him of you. then, he'll casually compliment your outfit (you're wearing a uniform).

jaehyun has been doing all sorts of things to get your attention. he's painfully so obvious that he'll sulk while staring at you in the classroom. he'll even let a dramatic sigh whenever you don't laugh at his jokes or give him your attention. it was so bad that one time, your teacher even asked if jaehyun was feeling sick (just lovesick).

at this point, he had been so obvious at winning your heart, leehan and woonhak just blankly stares at him—they didn't even mean to figure out his truth or dare crush was you.

٠ ࣪⭑

now, the moment he saw you outside school on your way home. his legs didn't even hesitate to catch up to walk beside you. and you? you just glanced at him, surprised—but you didn't say anything.

for a while, you two just walked in silence. his hands stuffed in his pockets, lips all curled up—the only thing you could hear was the gentle breeze of the air. this was new. the jaehyun you knew would throw the funniest (cheesiest) jokes ever and you'd be grasping for air, dying of laughter. but this jaehyun? this jaehyun was serious—it's as if you saw the same guy again, the one who handed you his handkerchief.

and then his sigh broke the silence, "i can't take this anymore."

you just blinked at him, slowly turning your head towards him, "what?"

he stopped walking, forcing you to stop along with him—and he just looks down at the road, wearing a facial expression you've never seen on his face before. "do you hate me, yn?"

"no, i don't??" you muttered. what else can you possibly say? that you've been acting this way because the thought of him liking someone somewhat puts you in a bitter feeling. what's worse? you had no rights to feel this way because you're just nothing but his mere classmate.

his hand running through his hair. he's really hesitating, should i confess right now?

"yn, i like you. i really really do. it's been driving me crazy not being able to see your laughter, to talk to you the way we used to before. i genuinely don't know what i did wrong, but i'm sorry. i really am. so please, don't push me away anymore, okay?"

you would be lying if you told him that that didn't make your heart flutter, cause right now? your heart is trying to escape your body, pounding as hard as it can as heat rushes up your body, turning your cheeks physically red.

and then it hit you. you were just too caught up on the fact he liked someone else that you missed the most obvious thing myung jaehyun could do—the way he laughed extra on the most unfunniest jokes you threw, randomly clapping as if you had won an award when you present in front of the class. even waving hello for the 60th time of the day whenever he bumped into you. it was so painfully obvious—yet you missed it.

your thoughts were paused as jaehyun waves his hands in front of you, rubbing the back of his neck as he lightly kicks the pebble on the ground. "are you.. gonna say something..? i probably look stupid right now.."

you couldn't help but to cover your face in embarrassment. all this time, the guy you were crushing over was trying his very best to catch your attention.

"i'm the one who was stupid.. i like you too, jaehyun." you murmured, hands still covering your face.

though, he was surprised you also liked him, he couldn't help but to chuckle at your reaction. he gently reached for your hands, pulling them away from your face. "really?" he said with a soft tendered voice, grinning down at you.

and just like that, all the tensions, the misunderstandings, the silly assumptions, hanging in the air started to fade away.

you two started to finally walk again, jaehyun squeezing your hands as he playfully swings it around, "so, does this mean i can finally draw a mustache on you? the same one as leehan's?"

you nudged his shoulder, laughing, "what? jaehyun, i swear i'll take it back–"

"hey! no take-backs, yn. you already confessed" he said scoffing, enjoying this little banter you two were having.

the day ended with a smile stuck on your faces. just like two little puppies walking on their way home. except, this was not jaehyun's road home. but who cares? that's a problem for later on. as long as he's walking with you.

٠ ࣪⭑

if you liked this, a like, reblog, or comment is highly appreciated, thank you! ><

#bnd imagines #bnd au #bnd jaehyun #jaehyun au #jaehyun fluff #boynextdoor #bnd x reader #bnd #jaehyun x reader #jaehyun #dearwhs

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biolumien · 1 year ago

Note

Hi!! Your rooftop smoke fic with Hoshina was just superb. 😭💖

Was wondering If could request a scenario where they had been mutually pining for one another. And they'd, on more than one occasion catch each other's eyes across the room. And a handful of people from the Defense Force notices. Cause could they be more obvious?

Whether that would end up angsty or with a happy ending is up to you! I love the way you write for Hoshina. You capture him pretty perfectly haha

Stay safe and healthy!!

notes: omg... thank you for your compliments... it means smsm! uhh... well. this kinda took on a life of its own, i'm sorry. i hope you don't mind ;-;;

say it! come on, say it!

soshiro hoshina x gn!reader alternatively: romcom except then i smacked it so hard with angst at the end. sorry. word count: 2400

“you need to close your mouth when you’re staring.” you feel the ice-cold touch of a can press against your cheek, and you shriek as you stare up at–

“ah, fuck. i’m not staring, narumi,” you mutter, taking the soda can from him. narumi seemed less than convinced, his eyes barely visible from underneath his bangs.

“o-kay. and you’re totally not ogling hoshina with googly eyes.” narumi cracks open his own soda, taking a long sip from the can. “why don’t you just date already? i’m gonna be honest, i’m sick of you looking at him like that. it’s boring, bland, predictable… fuckin’ hate that will they won’t they bullshit.”

“i can’t,” you complain dramatically.

hoshina, from the other side of the room, was talking to captain ashiro while examining some paperwork. occasionally, okonogi would come over, point out some new development, and there’d seem to be another heated debate between the three. you always liked seeing hoshina in his element—whether it be instructing other officers, training with his blades, or awkwardly not making eye contact with him when he spoke to you.

“like hell you can’t!” narumi hissed, reaching out to put you in a headlock. “stop looking at him like that!”

“like hell what? who’s looking at who?”

hoshina had come over, staring at the two of you, right as narumi’s arm was beginning to wrap around your neck. narumi immediately flew back from you as you laughed nervously.

“uhh, like hell i, umm…” you fumbled for an answer, staring up at hoshina nervously. why had he just come over? why was he looking at you like that? your lips quiver for a moment.

“oh, relax!” hoshina clapped you across the back, laughing. “you look so nervous! like you’ve just confessed you had some very, very personal feelings or something! that’s adorable…”

let me die, you think furtively as hoshina’s hand brushes your shoulder. narumi’s face was pinched.

“don’t let narumi bully you too much; he’s just a little lowlife, after all,” hoshina said with teasing venom in his voice.

“you bitch,” narumi growled. “i have no idea how they see anything in y—” his face paled as the words left his lips, and you think you almost see god for a minute. you hide your face with your hands, waiting for hoshina’s verdict, and you swear that the next moment you get, you were going to make narumi very sorry for spilling your metaphorical, hell, call them literal at this point, guts out in the open.

“hmm?” hoshina hums. the world fell silent—at least silent to you, in any case, your eardrums pounding in time with your heartbeat. “well—”

“vice captain hoshina!” mina ashiro’s voice was sharp and piercing. “time to go.”

“huh?” hoshina cocks his head. “ah, of course, captain. be right there!”

he turned to you and narumi with a small smile, one of his fangs peeking out for a moment before waving his fingers.

“see you.” he nods his head to you specifically before he turns away.

you wait until you are absolutely, absolutely sure he’s out of earshot before turning on narumi, throwing your soda can at his head.

“fuck!” narumi swore. “what the fuck was that for?”

“you idiot! why did you basically confess to him for me?!” you hiss. “i’m trying to count on you to not run your damn mouth!”

“hoshina’s an idiot,” narumi says sullenly. “i bet he didn’t even notice.”

[…]

the walk through the hallway was silent, up until—

“you’re red,” mina says, her hand reaching for her skirt pocket to pull out her phone.

“stop,” hoshina’s voice is strangled, far more strangled than he’d like it to be. “no, i’m serious. no photos. you’ll need to talk to my PR agent about that.” hoshina’s ears were tinged pink, and he raised his hands to try and hide the flush.

“hoshina,” okonogi sounded disapproving, “why don’t you just confess already? i’m getting tired watching you get so concerned over them…”

“ha! confess,” hoshina laughs. “and what good would that do? i’m not exactly peak romance material, you know this…”

“the only one not noticing that is you, hoshina,” mina mutters. “you get all sullen when they leave and happy when they come back, but you have to act like a… hmm… what does he act like, okonogi?”

hoshina’s eyes went wide as okonogi hummed.

“a cat!” okonogi declares emphatically.

“yes. you’re right,” mina says decisively. “that’s a good fit. you act like a cat about it. you try to—”

“stop. stop it, stop it, i don’t want to hear it. stop analyzing my personality. this isn’t some kind of joke,” hoshina says, his voice sounding more flustered as he went on. “they’re never gonna say yes. it’s stupid. confessing like this… it would only be a burden on all of us.”

mina and okonogi exchanged a look.

“besides, i’m a bad boyfriend. remember that last girl, from operations,” hoshina laughed. “broke her heart in three seconds flat.”

“… if i remember correctly, you liked her quite a lot, though,” okonogi said hesitantly.

“ha! so what if i did?” hoshina asked. “she only just left when i… hm.” his smile seemed to falter somewhat, but he laughed. “it’s fine. it’s fine. i’m fine.”

behind his back, mina and okonogi exchanged another look.

but his mind flickered back to his hand on your back, and wondered if you leaning into his touch was a fluke.

[…]

you stare at hoshina from across the room. he’s eating by himself, half a piece of melon bread in his mouth as he stared down at some papers in his hand. you’d have asked to sit next to him, if only you were braver. but you were a coward, so here you were. you stare down at your own food, tearing off a corner of the red bean bun you were eating, popping it in your mouth.

your crush on hoshina was about as subtle as a freight train. which is to say, you felt it coming on, and then by the time you’d fully reconciled it, you were already being run over repeatedly. it was just grappling, mostly, with how cool he was, endlessly.

you wondered what it would be like to live under the intensity of his stare, as it enveloped you whole.

would it be like a benevolent fire? or would he raze you so wholly that there’d be nothing left?

you wanted to find out. you wanted to find out, but you were so scared he’d burn you before you could even get close. but what was important was that hoshina, for sure, didn’t even bother to reciprocate your feelings. that’s what you were so sure of—because why would someone like him give you the pleasure of his time? surely his time was more valuable than wasting it on a nobody like you.

his intensity, sharpened to a fine point, was better spent figuring out how to permanently eradicate the kaiju threat altogether.

right?

you sighed miserably.

“now that sounds like a miserable sound to me,” hoshina’s voice rang out right next to your ear.

you nearly jumped out of your skin as soon as you heard his voice, too focused for a second on the soft, tickling sensation of his breath against the shell of your ear. your face bloomed bright red, and you immediately backed away from him, your heart pounding loudly in your chest.

“hoshina!” you stammer. “what—what are you doing?”

“eating?” hoshina raises his eyebrow, a teasing smirk on his lips. “noticed you were staring. take a picture, by the way, if you want. they do last longer than the momentary glances.” he sat down next to you, continuing to eat.

so he had noticed you staring.

“s-sorry. for staring,” you say.

“huh? why are you sorry?” hoshina asks, cocking his head at you, one of his eyes opening a bit wider. “i don’t mind. if i minded, i woulda said something.” your face flushed a little more at his words, and you looked away as he laughed.

“you really are cute,” he says fondly, reaching out a hand to pat your head.

… huh?

“what?” you ask weakly.

“huh? did i say something weird?” hoshina asks, the picture perfect image of innocence—or so you’d say, if his eyes weren’t narrowed at you, and the smile on his face a little too much like a smirk, waiting for how you’d react.

“no…? i guess? it’s just not something i thought you’d say. to me,” you say falteringly, looking away for a moment.

“mm. i guess i should make a habit of saying it more, huh?” hoshina teases, removing his hand from your head.

and as you fluster a little more, you curse god for your crush on soshiro hoshina.

[…]

“you need to quit fucking around,” narumi says, pointing a dumbbell at hoshina in the training room.

“fucking around? i’m doing nothing of the sort,” hoshina says, that mask of innocence still on his face. narumi’s brow furrows.

“sure, and you don’t also ogle… you need to get your shit together and confess, or swear to god, i’ll kill one of you. or, hell, why don’t we just kill both of you so i don’t have to fucking look at you?” narumi scoffs, anger spiking in his voice.

“ha, yeah, maybe if you do that i’ll finally be free from hearing your annoying, grating voice,” hoshina says, prodding narumi in the chest.

“yeah, but then you won’t confess your feelings and then i’ll have to die knowing i broke up a couple that hadn’t even gotten together,” narumi grumbles. “i’m not a monster.”

“huh?” hoshina asks.

narumi looked like he was about to blow a gasket.

“wait, so you didn’t know they reciprocate?”

“i–well, i… hoped?” hoshina says, realizing how stupid he must sound. his mind flit back to your reactions the past few days–hell, the past few weeks? maybe the past few months? “oh. shit.”

“oh. shit. indeed,” narumi mocks. “so, are you going to tell them?”

“i…” hoshina suddenly realized how terrified he was. his face paled, his hand coming up to his mouth. “i… shit. wait. this is–fuck. i…” he ran a hand through his hair, pushing his bangs up past his face, a shaking sigh passing his lips. “no. this is… how would i even begin to explain it? i’m not… i can’t. i’m not–i can’t be a good partner. not in this line of work. my judgement could be compromised! that wouldn’t–”

“your judgement is already compromised,” narumi says, a bared snarl-turned-smile on his lips. “you know, hoshina. this is probably the most interesting you’ve ever been. you’re always facades, niceties. pretended you were untouchable, swimming in that sea of self-loathing and ineptitude. but maybe you’re beginning to live a little, aren’t you?”

hoshina’s eyes widened.

living?

[...]

it’d always come to the worst, you thought. you coughed up a mouthful of blood as another round of rubble began to creak overhead. you tried to force your body to move, and your suit pulsed in response to your movements, attempting to close the bloody gashes across your body from the kaiju attack.

“command, come in,” you gasped out, holding up a shaking hand to your in-ear. you winced as there was only a clicking static in response–was no one coming? were you all alone? were you going to die like this, your limbs barely even able to hold up their own weight even with most of your combat power unleashed? is this all you were good for? your knees buckled as you collapsed onto the ground, coughing out a mouthful of blood.

were you going to die like this?

you couldn’t.

you didn’t want to.

your vision swam a bit as you coughed out another mouthful of blood, your mind lingering.

hoshina had touched your back right before you’d left, a small smile crossing his face.

“don’t die,” he’d said.

and here you were, stumbling through the rubble, hurting so badly that you might as well be dead.

it was utterly and painfully cliche to think about letting hoshina down. you didn’t want to, and yet there was a horrifying possibility that you would. and as you buckled again, collapsing onto your knees, you coughed out another mouthful of blood.

fuck.

“command,” you repeated, in a weaker voice. “please. if someone–if anyone can hear me–i need help. suit damage is–” you cough again, wiping blood from your mouth. “--critical. please.”

and as your vision swam, you felt a hand press against your shoulder.

“there you are.”

you blinked hard, staring up at the face of soshiro hoshina, who’d pulled his mask off, leaning down to pull you into his arms.

“hoshina,” you whisper. “i’m sorry–i shouldn’t have… i got…”

“why are you apologizing?” hoshina asks, his voice sounding more choked than you’d like it to be.

“i didn’t mean to–i didn’t mean for this to happen.” you think you’re bleeding across hoshina’s suit, across his gloves as you press your head against his shoulder.

hoshina laughs desperately, wetly.

“you didn’t mean to–of course you didn’t mean to!” hoshina protests. “the attack was more than any of us could have predicted–of course you didn’t mean for any of this happen–i don’t want you to apologize for that.” his hand reaches up to swipe some blood away from your brow. “come on, love. i have to tell you how i feel–that bastard was right, after all. my judgement was compromised from the beginning, around you.”

“that bastard? narumi?” you ask, coughing a bit. why did it feel so cold? your eyes fluttered for a moment, “what does he have to do with any of this–”

“i love you,” hoshina says. “i’m sorry it took me this long to tell you. and i’m selfish, for waiting until you’re bloodied, like this, to tell you.” you didn’t like the desperate look in his eyes like he was convinced you were going to die. you leaned up, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“you bastard,” you muttered. “couldn’t you have thought up a better time and place for all of this?”

“no,” hoshina admits. “because i’m selfish, after all.” he smiles at you, the corner of his mouth twitching ever so slightly. “come on. let’s get you to the medbay. i’m not letting you die on me yet.”

“okay,” you whispered weakly. “okay.”

#kaiju no 8 #soshiro hoshina #soshiro hoshina x reader #hoshina soshiro x reader #kaiju no 8 x reader #x reader #kn8 x reader #my secret weapon... hoshina blast #i hope that narumi was written okay. i like writing dialogue banter. idk if u can tell. rolls my eyes

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teshadraws · 10 months ago

Text

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Seekers of Soul

[Chapter 62]

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AO3 Link

Nia and Tobias get some time to relax and check out Kaleido Bay before solidifying their plans to find Xerneas.

“Oh! Tobias, look at these!”

Nia knows this is the fifth time today she’s called him to her side with the same level of excitement, but she can’t help it! Kaleido Bay is just made for overeager tourists like herself.

Besides, Tobias doesn’t seem to mind her enthusiasm. He looks up from the other side of the merchant stall, dry amusement on his face, and wordlessly skirts around other tourists browsing the merchant’s wares to reach her side.

“What did you find now?”

Nia points out her newest marvel: little sculptures crafted out of shells and stones and chunks of coral. They’re lined up across the counter, depicting…Pokemon? Nia thinks they’re supposed to be Pokemon. They’re kind of silly-looking, though, with proportions that even Nia can tell are way off.

They remind her of something she’s seen in the human world, when her and her family visited the beach and perused the endless little shops made specifically for tourists. Shells and rocks and googly-eyes haphazardly glued together to form palm-sized sea turtles and fish.

Tobias cracks a smile, picking up what Nia thinks is supposed to be a pichu. “Didn’t know there was a water type pichu out there.”

“Would that make it a beach-u?”

Tobias barks a laugh.

Nia beams, pleased with her accomplishment. Her eyes linger on her partner, trying to gauge how he’s feeling as he looks through more of the silly figurines.

It’s been nearly two days since their fight with Dismas. Nia’s ribs are finally well enough to walk around—sore, with stabs of pain if she laughs or inhales too deeply, but manageable—so they’d decided to browse the tourist shops of Kaleido Bay before heading back to Will’s settlement. According to Tobias, a merchant cart willing to take passengers is scheduled to leave town in the early afternoon, so they should be able to hitch a ride with them then.

Tobias seems to be doing as well as he can be, considering the circumstances. Nia’s relieved by that. Her heart still hurts every time she remembers his cries the other night, when he wailed into her shoulder and grieved all that he had lost.

“I should’ve died with her. I couldn’t even avenge them! What good am I if I can’t even do that?”

Nia had fought off a burst of panic at those words, staying wide awake even when Tobias had eventually drifted off. She’d held him close with a lump in her throat and frantically wondered if she needed to do something more drastic to keep him safe from himself.

The next day he’d seemed more lost than actively interested in harming himself, but she still felt herself tense every time he drifted off into thought, eyes glassy and brow furrowed, or when he had to leave the room for a few minutes.

He’s still quieter than usual, and that makes her worry, but Nia also can’t help thinking some part of him seems…lighter, almost. Like a weight she’d never noticed him carrying has finally been lifted away.

Even the way Tobias is picking through the merchant’s goods is different. He’s eyeing them with actual interest, which she usually wouldn’t expect from him. She can’t tell if the change is just him trying to distract himself, or if he’s actually letting himself relax for once. Letting himself take in the world around them rather than charging after Team Zenith with no allowance for trivial things.

Maybe Nia is just overly optimistic, but she can’t help hoping something good came from Tobias meeting Dismas and learning the truth.

Tobias snorts, catching Nia’s attention again.

“Look. It’s the jerk from the prison.”

Nia looks at the little shell creature in his hands: a grumpy bipedal sea turtle, with a rocky shell. A carracosta, Nia knows now. Its eyes are mismatched, one higher than the other, giving it a ridiculous expression.

Nia laughs, then winces when the action sends a bolt of pain through her ribs. Tobias winces too, looking torn between apology and being just as smug about making her laugh as she was for him.

“I think I prefer this version,” Nia says, taking the little figure to turn it over in her hands.

It’s cute. Much cuter than the real version they’d met yesterday, at least.

They’d been expecting a visit from the officials at the prison after everything that went down, but Nia still hadn’t been prepared for the carracosta who was sent to inform them of the aftermath of Dismas’ escape and subsequent recapture.

The carracosta did confirm right away that Dismas was safely secured and had been assigned a constant guard for his transfer to an even higher security prison in Ghatha. After his little stunt with the shackles here in Kaleido, they aren’t taking the risk of leaving him alone before his trial.

Tobias’ relief had been palpable after that piece of news, his tight shoulders slumping.

Unfortunately, the agent’s tone had hardened immediately after.

—————————————————

“I do have a matter of security to discuss with you both.”

Nia sends a nervous glance Tobias’ way. He’s holding a poker face better than she is, but she can see the tension hidden in his spine.

The carracosta lets that heavy sentence sit for a moment. Then he continues. “D22 was a high-security prisoner. A D-rank team with no official connection should not have had the clearance to speak with him.”

Nia cringes. They’re not just in trouble, but big trouble. She’d half-expected them to be, with how they’d used Rosalind’s connections to blackmail their way into Dismas’ cell, but…

Well, this is coming back to bite them much sooner than she’d feared it would. Guilt and fear eats at her in equal measure, but she keeps her mouth shut, staring down at her lap.

She doesn’t want them to get in trouble with the law, but she also doesn’t want them to get in trouble with Rosalind. Nia doesn’t want to imagine what the hatterene would do if they sold her out.

Nia half-expects Tobias to lie and get them out of this, but he also stays silent, apparently deciding that such a game would be too dangerous with the authoritative carracosta.

The atmosphere in the room is stifling. Choking. Nia thinks she’s sweating under her fur. Can she sweat? She’s wondered about this before. She’s basically a dog, so she thinks she just sweats through her paws and—

The carracosta grunts. “I see you two are going to be just as stubborn as Jude.”

Jude. The drednaw they blackmailed to let them into the prison. Oh, jeez. What happens if no one talks? They don’t torture people for stuff like this, right? Do they throw them in jail?

Just as panic starts to bloom in earnest in Nia’s chest, the carracosta sighs.

“Fine. We aren’t going to push for a statement that would likely just be a lie.”

While the tone isn’t scolding, per se, and the words aren’t outright condemnation, the meaning is clear.

They messed up. They did something that bent the rules, at best, and the officer in front of them is well aware of that. Even if he can’t accuse them outright.

Nia barely resists looking at Tobias again, swallowing hard and keeping her eyes down.

She can feel the burn of the carracosta’s accusing stare. “Considering you weren’t the direct cause of D22’s escape attempt and you did recapture him, we’ll be lenient this time. Tapu knows he would’ve done more damage without your intervention.”

Nia holds her breath.

“I’ll be letting your guildmaster know to keep an eye on you two for suspicious activity, but we won’t actively restrict you from missions. Consider this strike one on Team Scarlet’s record.”

Nia finally lifts her head to peek at the carracosta, unsure how to feel. Part of her didn’t even think they could get a mark on their record like that. Could their Seeker status be revoked entirely if they got too many?

That thought carves a pit of shame in her stomach. They never should’ve worked with Rosalind in the first place. And they definitely shouldn’t have done something as low as blackmailing Jude, no matter what he might’ve done to get in Rosalind’s books.

Is he going to be okay? What if he gets fired from the prison for this?

Nia swallows back tears.

They might be the reason someone loses their job. And they’re going to have a mark on their record. That means August will know about it, right? She can already imagine the shame of talking to their guildmaster with that weight hanging over their head.

Tobias, on the other hand, seems relieved at the sentencing, apparently more aware than Nia of exactly how badly this could’ve gone. He nods. “Thank you.”

The carracosta doesn’t smile. He looks at the two of them for another moment, then simply turns to leave.

“W-Wait!” Nia says, unable to stop herself. She knows asking about Jude would be a stupid idea, and some cowardly part of her doesn’t really want to know. But there are two other Pokemon who have been on her mind ever since waking up here in the clinic.

The carracosta stops.

“The guards. The ones who escorted us into the prison. Are they, um…okay?”

The carracosta looks back at her, something in his sharp expression finally softening. “Miroslav won’t be on duty for a long while, but he’ll live. Toko’s injuries were minimal. She asked that I thank you both for making sure the two of them made it out alive.”

Nia melts with relief. It’s so strong it almost overshadows the guilt she’d been wrestling with before. “Thank you.”

The carracosta leaves without another word.

Nia and Tobias wait another minute in heavy silence. Finally, when they’re both convinced the carracosta is really gone, they exhale.

“Well, that was terrifying,” Nia murmurs, sweeping her hands back over her ears.

Tobias makes a quiet sound of agreement, pinching at his eyes. He looks like he’s thinking hard about something, so Nia watches him and waits while her heart rate slows.

Sure enough, he eventually speaks up. “We shouldn’t take any more missions from Rosalind. At least for a while.”

Nia straightens, surprise clear in her voice. “Really?”

Tobias had never flinched at the idea of working with Rosalind. Even after Asra, when Nia thought it was too dangerous to keep pursuing her leads, he’d been adamant. She would’ve thought that after Dismas, after Rosalind’s lead pulling through more than ever before, he would be even more stubborn.

Tobias huffs a laugh. “I know. Just…”

It’s clear he doesn’t know how to articulate what he’s feeling. Likely wrestling with the fact that they’d almost died—again—as well as the more severe consequences they just barely sidestepped with the law.

Whatever made him change his mind, Nia isn’t going to argue. “I’m fine with that. That guy was almost as terrifying as Rosalind.”

Tobias makes a halfhearted attempt at a laugh.

———————————————————

Even now, surrounded by happy chatter and the tropical beauty of Kaleido Bay, that conversation weighs heavy as stone on Nia’s mind. She hates going against the rules, and she hates getting in trouble. She hates that they have a mark on their record now, and that they’ll have to face August’s disappointed gaze without being able to explain themselves. She hates that they’ll likely never know how their interference affected Jude. Grumpy as he was, she still didn’t want to get him in trouble.

They’re supposed to help people, not hurt them.

Nia sighs, wincing as the motion strains her ribs. Then she shakes her head to dispel the gloomy thoughts. They can’t do anything about it now. She’ll just have to make sure they don’t hurt anyone else in the future. Especially not for their own gain.

Nia and Tobias wander away from the craft merchant’s stall, strolling through the city and taking in the sights. The salty breeze is balanced out nicely by the midmorning sunshine, and the sky overhead is a deep blue that makes the surrounding ocean shimmer. The bright buildings and even brighter merchant stalls are eye-catching and cheery, making for the perfect distraction from anxious thoughts.

The Pokemon crowding past them are clearly in high spirits, too, chatting and laughing with one another as they shop. Families corral excited children who are grasping sweets in sticky paws, and friends nudge one another to point out their next destination. An adorable couple passes by them, linked arm in arm. Mid-conversation, the taller one dips to give the top of their partner’s head an affectionate nuzzle.

Nia smiles at the gesture, then looks at Tobias. To her surprise, he’s also watching the couple, brow furrowed. Nia tilts her head at him, and he quickly glances at her before looking away, face warming as he hurriedly points out the next stall.

It’s a familiar little shop, and Nia perks up. “Oh, the glassblowing shop! Can we look around for a bit? I didn’t really get the chance the other day.”

Tobias nods his agreement, and the two of them split up to peruse the wares carefully laid across the counter of the building’s wraparound stall.

Last time, a blue monkey Pokemon with long, curled hair atop her head had been behind the counter—a simipour, according to Tobias—but this time around the merchant is a stoic-looking fire type, though he too looks strikingly monkey-like. He’s orange like Tobias, with a long fire-tipped tail and intricate blue markings over his eyes. A monferno, Nia thinks.

Nia doesn’t pay him much mind, startled instead by the little blue monkey also flitting about behind the stand, pulling herself up to be able to see over the counter and talk to customers. She’s just a kid, clearly, but for a moment Nia feels a phantom pain on her upper arm, under where her scarf is tied. They’d fought a panpour once before—an outlaw—and for a moment seeing such similar features throws Nia for a loop.

But this panpour is much smaller, and the spitting image of the simipour Nia had spoken with days before. There’s none of the outlaw’s malice on her cheerful little face, and the blue of her fur is a darker hue than his.

Nia manages to pull her eyes away, instead focusing on the beautiful glassworks on the table in front of her, shining and sparkling in the sun. After a moment of hesitation, she dares to pick one up to see it more clearly.

It’s a Pokemon—a seahorse of some kind. Unlike the wonky proportions of the shell figurines they saw earlier, this statue is intentionally styled, the curves of it elegant and acting as a perfect balance to the sharp points of its frills.

Nia carefully puts the statue back, eyes scanning the pieces until she stops at one of the more abstract works. It’s the color that she notices first, a turquoise blue that matches Nia’s aura almost perfectly.

It’s shaped like a flame, or maybe a drop of water, with wisps of glass curving upwards and intertwining with one another. The thinner ends are almost transparent, and the thicker base has incredible depth, blue like springwater.

It’s gorgeous. Nia hesitates before picking it up in her hands, running a thumb over its smooth surface.

She really, really wants to buy it. Maybe she’s just a sucker for souvenirs, but it’s so well-crafted and it feels…personal, almost. Like it was made for her.

Nia examines the little price tag tied around it, frowning. She can afford it, surprisingly, but it would clear out her personal funds entirely. She doesn’t think she can justify spending that much. What if she needs that money later? Or what if Tobias needs it for something that his own funds or the team’s can’t cover?

Nia reluctantly puts the statue back down.

“Aw, I really like that one!”

Nia looks up, surprised to lock eyes with the little panpour. She has her arms crossed on the counter from the other side of the stall, a grin on her face.

“I helped Dad make that, y’know!” She adds, clearly proud.

Nia blinks, glancing over at the monferno. He’s on the other side of the stall and talking with Tobias, who actually seems to be responding willingly, if not a bit awkwardly. His arms are crossed over his chest but his expression is open and oddly attentive.

Man, Nia really wants to know what he could be talking about so happily with a stranger. Maybe he feels more comfortable because they’re both fire types?

But Nia has her own conversation partner.

She smiles at the little monkey. “It’s gorgeous. You did a great job on it!”

The panpour smiles wider, showing off sharp fangs. “I know! Is it just too expensive for you?”

Nia shrugs with a regretful smile. “A bit.”

The panpour doesn’t seem offended, thankfully, just nodding in response. “I’d ask Dad to give you a discount, but he’s real strict about that kind of stuff.”

“It’s a fair price,” a deeper voice calls, and both Nia and the panpour jump, looking over at the child’s father. The monferno is walking over to join their conversation, and he ruffles the poof of fur on the panpour’s head as she shrieks with laughter.

“I-It is!” Nia agrees. “I’m just a bit tight on money right now, unfortunately.”

Tobias trails around the stall after his fellow fire type, stopping at Nia’s side. He tilts his head, scanning the goods. “You wanted to buy something?”

Nia gestures at the blue flame-like statue with a smile. “Isn’t it pretty?”

Tobias picks it up, just as delicately as Nia had. “…It is. Good craftsmanship.”

“You didn’t answer before,” the monferno says gruffly, looking at Tobias. “You interested in glassblowing?”

To Nia’s surprise, Tobias hesitates. He glances at her, as if embarrassed, before nodding. “Couldn’t do it myself, but it’s impressive.”

“Why not?” the panpour chirps, pointing. “You’re a fire type. You have good hands for it.”

Tobias looks uncomfortable, shrugging. “Don’t have time to learn. I’m a Seeker.”

“Doesn’t mean you have to be a Seeker forever!” the panpour says brightly.

The monferno grunts in agreement. “You don’t have to make a career of it, either. Let me know if you’re ever interested in learning and I can help you get started.”

Nia blinks, surprised by the generous offer.

Tobias looks equally thrown. “Really?”

The monferno shrugs. “Sure. Not many fire types ‘round here for me to pass the craft on to. Just don’t go stealing my customers.”

Tobias laughs at that. “Don’t think I could even if I wanted to.”

“It’s all practice.”

Tobias hums, staring down at the glass piece. “I’ll…think about it.”

Tobias ignores the surprise that Nia knows is written all over her face. He idly looks at the glass flame’s price tag himself before putting the piece back on the table. He glances at Nia. “You ready to go?”

Nia’s eyes linger on the statue, but she shakes her head and smiles. “Yeah. Let’s go before I make an impulsive purchase.”

The two of them say goodbye to the merchant and his daughter, trailing farther down the street.

As soon as they’re sucked back into the crowd, away from prying ears, Nia looks at Tobias. “I bet you’d be good at it, you know. If you tried it.”

Tobias snorts. “Glassblowing?”

“Yeah! You’re already good at guitar. Like that girl said, you have the build for it.”

Tobias’ mouth twists. “…Let’s save the world before we start looking for new hobbies.”

Nia wilts. He does have a point.

Tobias frowns, looking her over. “You okay? We can take a break.”

Oh. He must think she’s getting tired. He isn’t wrong, per se—the constant ache in Nia’s ribs and the tense way she has to hold herself IS exhausting—but that wasn’t what she’d been thinking about.

But if he doesn’t mind…

“Could we rest? Just for a minute.”

Tobias nods, looking around before leading them to a little island of shade in the sea of sun. It’s cast by a large bush of flowers, taller than they are, and the little wall containing the plant is the perfect size for them to sit on. Nia eases herself down with a relieved sigh.

Tobias stares at her, brow furrowed. “You’re supposed to tell me when you need a break.”

Nia gives him a smile. “I don’t need a break. It’s just nice.”

Tobias rolls his eyes. “Well then tell me when it would be nice to have a break.”

Nia bites back a laugh. “Will do.”

Tobias nods, then leans against the wall as well, the two of them falling silent to people watch. Tobias fiddles absentmindedly with the satchel looped around his shoulder, sharp claws kneading the fabric like a cat. Adorable.

Minutes later, Tobias suddenly straightens up. “Hey, do you mind waiting here for a minute? I’m gonna, uh…go back and get that monferno’s name. Just in case.”

Nia blinks. “Oh! No, go ahead.”

Tobias nods, mumbling that he’ll be right back before slipping away into the crowd. Nia watches him go, relieved that he’s still thinking about the future and what might make him happy down the line. She’s been worried about that more than ever after his breakdown the other night.

Satisfied, Nia tilts her head back to close her eyes and enjoy the weather.

It doesn’t feel like long at all before Tobias returns, readjusting the satchel on his shoulder.

“Hey!” She greets. “Did you get his name?”

Tobias freezes. “Yeah. He’s, uh. Rico.”

Nia gives him a funny look. “You don’t sound super confident about that.”

Tobias doesn’t answer, instead looking her over. “You ready to walk again? We can wait here a while longer if not.”

Nia shakes her head, slowly getting to her feet. “No, I’m good. You sure you don’t want me to take the bag for a while?”

Tobias grabs the bag almost protectively, glaring at her. “You’re not carrying the bag when you have a cracked rib.”

Nia lifts her hands, palms out, in a peace offering. “Okay, okay! Don’t worry, I’m not gonna steal it from you.”

“Good.”

Nia shakes her head, smiling, and follows Tobias back into the thick of the market.

They spend the rest of the morning that way, drifting through town and browsing the shops. They even stop for lunch at a delightful little cafe with a clear view of the ocean.

By early afternoon, Nia is exhausted and more than ready to get off her feet. Tobias checks the sun’s positioning in the sky before leading them first across the bridge to shore, then along the hot sand of Kaleido Bay’s beach.

Finally, they reach the path they took when arriving here, where the sand meets firmer soil. A merchant cart awaits there, with a giant Clydesdale-like Pokemon the color of clay at its front and a kecleon checking the cart’s contents. Tobias pays the little chameleon for a ride back north, then leads the two of them to the back of the cart.

Tobias climbs in first, then helps Nia up into the cart. Nia sits as soon as she’s in, collapsing back against some bags of…grain? Rice? Whatever it is, the bumpy texture is welcome if it means she can lean back and relax her sore ribs.

Two other Pokemon, lone travelers by the look of them, also climb into the cart shortly after, giving Nia and Tobias a cordial nod before finding their own places to sit.

Tobias settles down next to Nia, eyeing the strangers for a moment before deeming them innocent enough for him to relax, too.

Nia doubts he’ll be able to sleep, though. After a moment of deliberation, and figuring that her worrywart of a partner would just tell her to take the chance to rest anyways, she tilts her head back against the bags to close her eyes.

Nia falls into a light doze, somewhere between asleep and awake. The bumpy movement of the cart as it starts up and travels along is strangely soothing, and must nudge her closer to Tobias, as warmth spreads through her side and the faint scent of her partner wreathes around her. He doesn’t protest, though, and the soundtrack of their journey—the faint rustle of the winds through dry grass, the rhythmic hoofsteps of the horse Pokemon pulling the cart, and the quiet conversation of the other travelers in the cart—becomes a wash of white noise.

Nia barely registers that any time has passed before she’s being nudged awake. She lifts her head, blinking against a haze of sleep. “Hm?”

“Time to get off,” Tobias says, looking amused.

Nia makes a quiet noise of protest, but doesn’t put up her usual fight since she knows the rest of the caravan is waiting on them.

Nia pushes herself to her feet, wincing when the motion pulls at her ribs. Yawning, she clumsily follows Tobias off the cart, accepting his help without a thought.

The trail back through the tall grass to the mesa in the distance seems both impossibly long and strangely short. Nia shakes off her clumsy, half-awake steps as she goes, needing to be alert for the climb up to the cliffside village.

It’s sunset when they finally arrive back at the gates to the human settlement.

Slate isn’t the one guarding the entrance this time. Instead, a bipedal yellow lizard Pokemon with a sun-like collar and black scales covering his head and neck greets them with easy familiarity. Nia remembers seeing him around the settlement a few times before she and Tobias left for Kaleido, so the lizard must recognize them in turn.

Even with her nap on the way here and the walk up the mesa, Nia is still trying to shake off the last dregs of sleep. So it takes a moment to register when a familiar voice yells at them from above.

“You’re back!”

Nia startles and looks up. Junie dives at her from the nearest rooftop like a tiny, feathery comet.

“Wait, don’t—!” Tobias shouts.

Even though some part of her knows it’s a bad idea, Nia can’t just not catch Junie. So she opens her arms, and Junie barrels into her, making Nia stumble back with a yelp. Tobias’ hands steady her.

“She’s hurt, you idiot!”

Junie immediately flails out of Nia’s arms to flutter in the air in front of them. “What?!”

“I’m fine,” Nia says, trying to smile instead of grimace as she straightens up. “My ribs are just a bit sore.”

Junie’s face falls. “I’m sorry, Nia! I should’ve checked first but I was just excited and—wait.”

Oh boy. Here it comes.

Junie looks between the two of them with angry suspicion, fluttering just a bit higher to be at eye-level. “You got hurt. I told you not to get hurt!”

Tobias sighs, arm still looped loosely around Nia’s back. “Our visit to the prison didn’t go as planned.”

“Ya think?! I swear, I can’t leave you two alone for a second! I was getting worried since you weren’t back yet and I knew you got into trouble, but I told myself, ‘No! It’s only been a couple of days! How could they possibly find trouble that quickly?’ Like a fluffy little—"

“Junie!” Nia says. “Breathe.”

Junie’s beak clicks shut.

Nia wordlessly holds out her arm as a perch, like a hawk handler she remembers seeing at the zoo when she was young.

Junie hesitates, but after a moments she settles on Nia’s arm, nearly weightless. Nia thinks she sees her feathers trembling.

“I’m okay,” Nia soothes.

“You’d better be,” Junie grumbles. But the words are weak, no bite behind them at all. She turns her glare on Tobias next. “You hurt too?”

“No.”

Nia frowns at him.

“Ugh, fine. It’s just my side. But it’s already mostly healed.”

Tobias lifts his arm to show where fresh bandages sit plastered across his side after Dismas snagged him with a claw.

Junie doesn’t look pleased by how casual he’s being. “You two are walking disasters, you know that? C’mon, let’s get you some food before you keel over.”

Junie flaps back into the air, giving them another quick scan as if to assure herself they’re in one piece. Then she nods and leads the way to the cafeteria.

“Well,” Nia says, giving Tobias a teasing smile. “She didn’t chew us out too badly.”

Tobias snorts. “Bold of you to assume she’s finished.”

Then he seems to realize all at once that he still has an arm wrapped around Nia’s back. He yanks himself away with a flush, muttering something about hurrying up before Junie comes back.

Nia chuckles, following her partner as he chases after their friend.

————————————————————

When they’re done eating and catching Junie up on their trip to Kaleido Bay—which did indeed include a second round of scolding—Nia is more than ready to go back to the inn and flop into a nest. She crosses her arms on the little table they’re seated at, easing herself into a slouch to rest her head and relax.

“So,” Tobias says, lowering his voice and ducking closer to Junie. “What’d we miss here the last few days?”

Junie chirps a laugh. “Nothing warranting that sort of tone, Mr. Suspicious. I was a little distracted by Asher, but I didn’t see anything obvious. Rosalind left soon after you two, and Will seems to be really into his research. Fidel just keeps the place running smoothly, as far as I can tell.”

Tobias slumps, clearly disappointed that his suspicions about Will still have no backing. Nia tries not to feel smug about that and doesn’t really succeed.

Junie opens her mouth to say something else, but her eyes flick past Nia and Tobias, towards the door of the establishment. “Well, speak of the devil. Or his dog, at least.”

Nia looks over her shoulder, immediately spotting the tall figure of Fidel. The zoroark is standing in the open doorway of the building and clearly looking around for someone.

His ears perk when he catches sight of the three of them. He weaves between other tables and patrons to reach their side.

“Good to see you two made it back safely,” Fidel says with a warm smile.

“Mostly safe,” Junie corrects with a dry look.

“Good to see you too, Fidel,” Nia says, pushing past another scolding with a smile. “You looking for someone?”

“You three, actually,” Fidel chuckles. “I heard that you and Tobias had returned, so I thought I’d let you know personally that Will has some information to help with your search for Xerneas. However, since it’s getting late, you’re more than welcome to wait until morning and get some rest first.”

Nia blinks, exchanging a surprised look with Tobias. She honestly hadn’t expected Will’s team to find anything in…what? Two days? Three? And she is awfully tired, but…

Well, the thought that they could get some answers or at least a little direction before bed is a nice one.

Both Tobias and Junie look to Nia to make the decision, seeing as she’s the most injured and in need of rest.

“Let’s go ahead and meet tonight,” Nia says, slipping out of her seat and stretching carefully. “I’m just going to be thinking about it all night anyways if I go to bed now.”

“I’m sure Will will be pleased to see you,” Fidel says with a smile. “He can be impatient when he wants to get something done.”

And with that, Fidel steps back and waits for the three of them to gather their crumbs and trays into a tidy tower on the table before leading them outside.

Junie, apparently deeming Nia too injured to act as her usual perch, instead settles on the satchel at Tobias’ hip. He glares down at her, but doesn’t try to push her off, so she wiggles into her spot with a smug fluff of her feathers.

Nia bites back a smile and soaks in the easy atmosphere of the settlement as the Pokemon—the humans—around them go about their evening.

Fidel leads their group back through the same building as before, down the electric-lit tunnel and to the quarters hidden within the cliffside. It’s cooler here, a slight dampness to the air and to the stone underfoot.

Will is alone this time, sitting at the table with a few sheets of paper in one hand and a cup of something hot and steaming—tea, Nia thinks, by the scent—in the other.

He looks up when they enter, red eyes brightening. “Ah, welcome back! I see Fidel found you all. How was your trip to Kaleido?”

Nia grimaces, making a so-so gesture with her hand before glancing at Tobias.

Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t look eager to share. He crosses his arms. “Fine.”

There’s an awkward beat of silence after that.

When it’s clear Tobias won’t be elaborating, Will claps his hands to move them along. “Well, I for one am happy to see you back safe and sound. I’m sure you’re tired, so I’ll cut to the chase. Fidel told you that we’ve made some progress on our research?”

Will gestures for them to sit, so they all gather once more around the stone table. Nia has to ease herself onto the stool, and she waves off Fidel’s concerned look.

“So whatcha find out?” Junie asks with a tilt of her head.

Will gathers up the papers in his hands, splaying them out in front of him. Nia leans forward to read them herself, but the scribbled notes—written in more than one handwriting—are tough to parse, especially upside-down.

“While we don’t have anything like exact coordinates, we do have a better idea of where Xerneas may have decided to rest.” Will points at a particular block of text, written in a hurried scrawl. “We confirmed first that her proximity is indeed close to Yveltal, which we expected considering that the two of them are so intertwined in legend.”

“They are likely sleeping within sight of each other,” Fidel adds. “Almost certainly on the same continent.”

“Great,” Tobias says, voice heavy with sarcasm. “But we don’t have time to search entire continents.“

Will smiles, a gleam in his eye. “True, but I’m not finished quite yet.”

He flips through his papers again until he finds what he’s looking for.

“Here! Xerneas and Yveltal always choose different locations for each sleep cycle, but the environments where they rest always tie into their natural roles.”

“Meaning..?” Nia prompts.

“Meaning that while Yveltal would likely settle somewhere barren of life—a harsh environment with few plants or Pokemon—Xerneas would likely settle down in a very different kind of environment: somewhere absolutely teeming with life energy.”

“Xerneas disperses life energy into the world when she wakes,” Fidel elaborates. “In order to prepare for that moment, she needs to feed on the ambient life energy around her as she sleeps. Yveltal, however, consumes life energy when he wakes, so he needs a barren environment to empty those stores of energy into when he falls into sleep. The two of them are push and pull, like the tides. You need both to keep this world in balance.”

“Even more astonishing,” Will adds. “Both of them can tap directly into this life energy as if it were one connected system. A great tapestry made up of every living thing, from plants and Pokemon to the fabric of this dimension itself—which is likely why Giratina is hoping Xerneas can prevent or at least heal the break in the dimensional border. With their power, Xerneas and Yveltal can restore energy where it is lacking, and remove energy where there is an excess.”

Nia nods slowly, trying to take all of that in.

“So they can both just…feel all of the life energy, everywhere?” Junie asks, uncertain. “Like, all of it in the world? Even us?”

Fidel hums. “It’s said that all life energy in the world is intertwined, in a way, so yes. I have no idea how, or how the legends access it, though.” He gives Nia a brief smile. “You’d have to ask one of them yourself, or one of the Pokemon more attuned to life energy, such as the lucario and riolu.”

Nia blinks, leaning back as all eyes turn to her. “Don’t look at me! I can see the aura of other Pokemon, but I can’t do anything like that!”

“Have you ever tried?” Will asks, looking at Nia thoughtfully.

“W-What do you mean?”

“Tried tapping into the life energy outside of other beings,” Will clarifies. “Plants. The dimensional border. It would be fascinating to learn how deep your aura powers go.”

Nia won’t deny that the idea does pique her curiosity, but it sounds much too powerful an ability for her to have in reach.

…Then again, Nia hasn’t ever tried looking for life energy outside of other people, and she certainly hasn’t tried anything like Xerneas and Yveltal seem to be able to do. Affecting that greater tapestry of aura threaded throughout the world. Adding to it, or taking it away. Interacting with it directly.

It all sounds kind of overwhelming. Maybe that’s something she can look into later, when she’s back at the guild with Avery and Val.

“Okay, put the aura experiments on hold for a minute,” Tobias sighs. “Right now, we have to focus on the mission. We know Xerneas will settle somewhere lush, and Yveltal will hibernate somewhere barren. That doesn’t narrow it down much.”

He has a point, unfortunately. If that’s all they have to go on, the duo could be anywhere. Xerneas could be resting in a forest, or under a field, or within a coral reef. She might even be sleeping below a city. Yveltal, likewise, could be sleeping in the desert, or the arctic, or even on the ocean floor. There are endless locations that would fit the bill for both.

Will’s excitement dampens. “You’re correct, unfortunately. We do have one other clue at the moment, but I’m not sure it’s of any help.”

“What is it?”

Will flips through his papers again, frowning. “Yveltal apparently cocoons himself in a very peculiar kind of crystal when he hibernates. Sometimes it can crop up in excess in the environment around him, giving a hint of his presence. However, if those crystals have yet to be discovered anywhere, then…”

Then they’re out of luck.

Still, as silence falls over all of them, Nia frowns. Something about that phrasing—strange crystals—tickles at her brain. Where has she heard something about that before? Recently, even?

It takes a moment, but then it hits her.

“Carnelian!” She gasps, hands smacking the tabletop. She looks at Tobias. “Didn’t Carnelian say he was called to investigate some weird crystals under the Silenfroar mountains?”

Tobias’ brow furrows, and Nia can tell it takes him a moment to place the name of the sableye they’d saved, when they were stranded in that dungeon with the crew of the Aqua Jet.

Then his face falls slack with surprise. “He did.“

“The Silenfroar range could certainly be considered barren of life,” Will murmurs, glancing at Fidel for confirmation. “It’s a very harsh, snowy land, yes?”

“Our guildmaster trained in a village on top of those mountains,” Tobias protests. “Pokemon live there.”

“That doesn’t necessarily mean Yveltal couldn’t still be nearby,” Fidel says. “He destroys life energy, but that doesn’t mean someone would die from living near his resting place. Just that anything more fragile, such as plants, likely couldn’t grow in the area. Which wouldn’t stand out as strange in such a desolate environment.”

“So you think there’s a good chance Yveltal could be there?” Nia asks.

Fidel nods. “Likely inside one of the mountains, if he’s stayed hidden for so long.”

“So if we assume Yveltal is in the mountains somewhere, we should be able to limit our search for Xerneas to the areas around Silenfroar, right?” Tobias asks.

Will shakes his head. “No, we shouldn’t just assume we can use the mountains as a starting point. We can’t afford to be wrong and waste time searching the areas nearby when we know we have to be efficient about all of this. We’re on a time limit.”

“But how can we know for sure that Yveltal is actually there?” Junie asks.

“Simple,” Will says with a smile. “We check for ourselves. If we can confirm Yveltal’s presence in the mountains, then we can use Silenfroar as the anchor point in our search for Xerneas with full confidence.”

That does make sense. The world is on a time limit, so they can’t afford to be looking in the wrong area only to never find the legendary because Xerneas is somewhere else entirely.

“So does that mean we need to go to the Silenfroar mountains?” Nia asks, looking to Tobias.

“I would prefer to look into this myself,” Tobias admits. “But I don’t know if we’d be the best choice for that. We aren’t the fastest Seekers in the guild, so August might decide to send someone else.”

“Like a flying type?” Junie asks with a tilt of her head.

“Normally that would be the fastest option,” Tobias agrees. “But I know the Lexym mail ‘mon can’t deliver anywhere in the mountain range because the air is too frigid for flight. Prone to blizzards and avalanches, too. So August would probably have to send a land ‘mon.”

“There are a lot of grass and bug types at the guild, though,” Nia says. “We would at least have an advantage in the snow, right?”

Tobias’ muzzle wrinkles as if he disagrees with that sentiment, but he nods all the same.

“Stop by your guild first and see if you can convince your guildmaster,” Will says, flipping through his papers. “I would prefer to work with ‘mon I know I can trust on this. On that matter—Fidel?”

The zoroark straightens to attention.

“Could you accompany Team Scarlet to Silenfroar to look into this? I’m sure they could use a helping hand, and there’s no one I trust more.”

Nia expects Fidel to agree instantly after how loyal he’s proven to be, but instead he falters, looking torn. He glances at the tunnel leading back outside. “I wouldn’t mind, but…”

“You know we’ll take good care of Asher in your absence,” Will says, giving Fidel a soothing smile. “Please, Fidel. I need someone to give me the news right away once Nia and Tobias return to their guild, and there’s no one I trust more with the job.”

Fidel still looks reluctant, but he forces a smile and a nod. “Of course. I’ll talk to Asher.”

“Good.” Will nods and looks back to Nia and Tobias. “Fidel will accompany you two for the time being.”

“We didn’t ask for an escort,” Tobias growls, crossing his arms and glaring at Will.

“Tobias,” Nia sighs. “C’mon, you just said it’s going to be a rough trip. We need all the help we can get.”

Tobias clearly isn’t convinced, but he relents under Nia’s pleading expression. “Fine.”

“Does that mean I can come too?” Junie pipes up.

Everyone turns to her, surprised.

She chirps a laugh. “C’mon, you can’t expect me to sit out on saving the world! Bo will understand.”

Nia exchanges an uncertain look with Tobias. “It…might be dangerous, Junie.”

Junie scoffs. “Duh! That’s why I’ve gotta come along! Look at what happens to you two when I’m not there to keep you out of trouble.”

She gestures at Nia’s ribs and Tobias’ bandaged side.

Oh. She’s worried about them. Of course she is, after hearing about their fight with Dismas.

Nia softens, glancing at Tobias. “What do you think?”

Tobias shrugs. “Whatever. Just don’t complain when it’s freezing cold in the mountains.”

“That’s what I’ve got you for!” Junie chirps. “You’ll be my walking heating pad.”

Tobias rolls his eyes, but doesn’t push any further.

“Good. Now that that’s settled,” Will says, hands clasped as he looks between them. “Be careful if you do find Yveltal. Do not under any circumstance wake him, as he could go on a rampage if he’s roused early and Xerneas isn’t awake to calm him. Just confirm his presence or the lack thereof, then report back as soon as possible.”

Everyone around the table, even Tobias, gives a solemn nod.

“I suppose we should leave first thing in the morning, then?” Fidel asks.

Will gives him a sympathetic smile. “Time is of the essence, old friend, so yes. I’ll send one of our night fliers to the nearest travel outpost right away to hire flight ‘mon for the trip. It’ll be much quicker if you can leave directly from the settlement in the morning.”

Fidel nods. “Understood.” He turns to the Nia, Tobias, and Junie. “Rest up tonight at the inn, and be ready to go by dawn. Make sure to eat breakfast before we depart.”

“Yes, Dad,” Junie jokes under her breath. Nia bites back a smile.

“Then you’re all dismissed,” Will says. “Good luck and stay safe.”

Fidel murmurs his thanks and hurries out of the room, likely to find Asher. Nia and Junie give their own thanks before getting up to leave, too.

Tobias groans as he stands. “Guess we need to see if there are any winter cloaks in our size at the guild. We can’t go somewhere so harsh without protection.”

“Oh! No need for that,” Will says, catching them before they get too far. He gives their surprised looks a smile. “Our seamstress here in town already has some snow gear prepared for the coming winter. She’s likely still in the shop if you want to stop by yet tonight. Feel free to grab whatever you think you’ll need, free of charge.”

Nia blinks. “Oh! Are you sure? That’s awfully generous.”

Will waves them off. “Of course, of course! You three are working to save the world—I think we can spare a few coats and scarves for that. Besides, Florence knows she’ll always be properly compensated for her work.”

Nia glances at Tobias and Junie. Tobias doesn’t look thrilled about being indebted to Will in any way, but he doesn’t argue. Junie, on the other hand, chirps a happy, “Thanks!”

The three of them head outside, and Nia takes a breath of crisp evening air, feeling a pang of longing when she catches the smoky scent of the settlement’s fire pits and hears the distant sound of the band they’d listened to the other night. She wishes they could’ve stayed here just a bit longer, but unfortunately the end of the world waits for no one.

Tobias starts walking. “C’mon. Let’s get this over with before the shop closes for the night.”

Oh, right. Clothes! Nia perks up, and she can see her own excitement reflected in Junie’s eyes.

“Shopping trip!” Junie crows, pulling ahead of Tobias and drawing looks from a few passing ‘mon.

“Shopping trip!” Nia echoes, much quieter but no less eager.

“Shopping trip,” Tobias monotones, with all the excitement of someone about to be tortured.

Nia giggles as Junie cackles, the three of them quickly tracking down the tailor shop they’d seen in the days before.

Warm light spills from the windows, the lack of flicker telling Nia that this building must be one of the few with electric lighting, like the tunnels. When they head inside, a bell jingles overhead to announce their arrival.

Nia’s eyes jump immediately to the colorful swathes of clothing crowding the large room. Some clothes are hung on horizontal wooden poles like makeshift store racks, little islands of fabric with just enough space between them to act as cramped walkways. Other clothes line shelves and closet-like alcoves set into the walls.

Everything seems to be roughly organized by size, a rack of clothes along the left wall boasting cloaks and dresses and robes long enough to be curtains, though they’d probably fit Maggie or August well. Conversely, racks on the right side of the room look more like baby clothes or pet outfits, some even tiny enough for Junie’s small frame.

Accessories, jewelry, and even shoes are also shelved here and there between clothes and near the register.

While it’s immediately clear that the fabric options aren’t as diverse as Nia is used to, with nothing plastic or synthetic in sight, there is an impressive variety of styles and colors. It almost feels like Nia’s back in the human world again, shopping with her mom or Toni.

Nia swallows back a sudden surge of longing, and tries to focus instead on the good feelings the shop’s familiarity brings.

“Hello.”

A Pokemon, presumably the Florence that Will had mentioned, is looking at them from the front desk. She’s a tall black Pokemon with white ribbonlike adornments atop her head and chest. She has a pouty purple face and pale blue eyes framed by hair-like disks on either side of her head. She reminds Nia of a particular style of fashion from the human world, one she thinks was popular in Japan.

Regardless, the Pokemon has a long piece of fabric laid across the counter she’s sitting at, one end of it held carefully in her hand. A threaded needle floats in the air just above the piece of cloth, surrounded by the purple glow of psychic energy.

“We’re closing soon,” Florence says, going back to her work. Her needle moves with confident, elegant movements, dipping in and out of the fabric. “But you can take a look around if you’re quick.”

“We’re here on Will’s orders,” Tobias says, eyeing the contents of the shop like they’ll bite him. “We need snow gear fit for the mountains.”

The needle stops sewing for a moment as Florence glances up at them again. But then she shrugs and goes back to her work. “I’ve got a few pieces that would fit you three in the back section. Check there.”

Tobias nods, apparently not bothered by Florence’s less-than-social behavior, and leads the way through the shop. Junie hops from rack to rack above their heads, starry-eyed as she looks around like a kid in a candy store.

Nia can relate to the feeling. While the impressive craftsmanship and the sheer number of pieces in the shop would be thrilling enough on their own, some part of Nia is also excited by the idea of wearing clothing again, weirdly enough. She’s long since gotten past the embarrassment of being “naked,” as long as she doesn’t think about it too hard, but there’s something distinctly human about clothing that she’s eager to reclaim.

Tobias finally stops in front of a rack of clothing made for Pokemon around their size. He quickly pushes through summery shawls, skirts and robes to reach the smaller selection of winter clothing at the end. He flips through the thick fabrics for a moment, skimming past clothing clearly made for quadrupeds, and stops at a deep navy cloak that hangs heavily on its makeshift hanger. After looking it over for a moment, he pulls it free, draws it around his shoulders to check the fit, and flips the hood over his head. It doesn’t drag on the floor, and it seems to sit comfortably around his shoulders and tail.

It looks nice on him, too, the dark tone complimenting his bright orange skin and cool blue eyes.

Tobias nods and pulls it off, draping it over his arm. “Done.”

Nia blinks. “Just like that?” She glances at the nearby floor-length mirror, slightly less smooth than human mirrors but effective enough. It must’ve cost a fortune, rare as mirrorstone seems to be in this world. “You don’t want to see how it looks or anything before deciding?”

Tobias raises a brow. “Why would that matter? It’s heavy enough and it fits. Does it look stupid or something?”

“N-No! It looks nice on you,” Nia assures. “It goes well with your eyes, actually.”

Tobias blinks, clearly surprised. Slowly, a flush spreads across his cheeks and nose.

Junie snrrks a laugh from atop a nearby rack of clothes. “Well, if Nia thinks it looks good, that’s all that matters, right?”

Nia frowns up at her. “Don’t you think it looks nice?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Junie assures, waving her off with a wing. “Looks great. Now if you need me, I’ll be looking at the little chihuahua-sized stuff over here.”

Junie hops a few racks over, where notably tiny clothes are hung, and starts picking through them to find something for herself.

Tobias is strangely quiet after Junie’s cryptic comment. He holds his cloak closer and shuffles over to look through some knit hats instead of commenting.

Nia’s shakes her head and takes Tobias’ place, looking through the small selection of snow clothes. There are a few cloaks like Tobias’, and she can imagine he chose that option because it’s what he’s used to. Less restrictive than most human-styled clothes.

Nia can’t help being drawn to the more coat-like options, though, with sleeves and a line of buttons down the front. She feels strangely nostalgic as she runs her fingers over soft, thick fabric stuffed with down.

How difficult was it for the seamstress to adapt to working with these kinds of materials? Is it hard to make thick, hide-like cloth without animal pelts or plastic? What about the downy feathers stuffing the coat, which would’ve had to have come from a Pokemon? Molting feathers, maybe.

Nia’s musings stop when she comes across a cream-colored coat, with adorable charcoal buttons off to the side and large pockets. It has a heavy hood, too, with little slots in the fabric for ears.

Nia pulls it off the rack and slips it on, pleased to find that other than the sleeves being a bit long, it fits perfectly, snug and warm.

“What do you think?” Nia asks, stepping back and giving a little spin.

Junie, struggling into something like a winter vest with a disgruntled Tobias’ help, stops to look. She lights up. “You look adorable! Don’t you think so, Toby?”

Tobias spares Nia a glance, face reddening again before he looks back at Junie, yanking her into the vest a little rougher than necessary. “It’s fine. Is it warm?”

Oh. Nia actually feels a little disappointed by his lackluster answer, for some reason. But at least Junie likes it.

Nia nods, moving to look at herself in the mirror, pleased by the coat’s color against her fur. “It’s really warm! I’m still gonna grab a hat and scarf, though. Tobias, do you need a set?”

Tobias grunts an affirmative. “Probably. Didn’t get a chance to grab anything else before this little idiot recruited me.”

“Hey! Excuse me for never dressing as a bird before. I don’t have hands, Toby—it’s hard!”

Nia chuckles as she picks out a matching hat and scarf set for both herself and Tobias. A deep scarlet combo for herself, and a cream set the same color as her coat for Tobias. That way, they’ll still look like a team even when they’re all bundled up.

From there, it takes twice as long as it did for Nia and Tobias to get Junie’s snow gear figured out, mostly because she has to consider her wings. Eventually, though, they manage to stuff her into a combined snow vest and cloak, and she seems pleased by the slits on the sides of the vest that allow her to slip her wings through to fly, while the cloak sitting on top of her wings should still keep her warm when she’s on the ground.

Junie, of course, picks a bright yellow hue from the few color options available, which makes her stand out like a sore thumb in the shop’s dim light.

Tobias looks so tired. “Is that really the color you’re going with?”

“It is a little bright,” Nia admits with a smile. “But I like it.”

“It’s your favorite color. Of course you like it,” Tobias huffs. “I think she looks like a combee.”

Nia blinks, surprised and delighted that Tobias remembered that little fact about her.

“Yep, this one’s good,” Junie confirms, looking smug that her choice has the bonus factor of annoying Tobias. “Now help me get back out of it. I’ve still gotta grab an itty-bitty hat and scarf before we leave.”

They manage to untangle Junie from her outfit and find a hat and scarf that she approves of, which are of course dyed an obnoxious pink color. At this point, Nia is pretty sure she’s picking such bright hues just to annoy Tobias.

Tobias, likely catching on to her game, steadfastly refuses to comment.

The seamstress doesn’t give them any trouble about payment, luckily, and even hands them a thin fabric sack to carry everything in. Nia makes sure to thank her before they leave, taking the bag and swinging it as they walk out of the shop and back to the inn.

They’d fallen into a comfortable quiet as they left the shop, but Junie speaks up now from where she’s nestled between the top of their satchel and Tobias’ side. Her voice is unusually quiet.

“Hey, Nia?”

Nia’s worried by the bird’s suddenly downcast expression. “What’s up?”

“Could you help me write a letter to Bo when we get back to the inn? Since Will’s having our ride come here, I won’t get to see the big guy before we go to your guild. I don’t want him to freak out when I don’t come back home after a few days.”

Oh, Nia hadn’t thought about that. The skarmory would be beside himself if Junie didn’t return when she said she would, and Nia has no idea how long Junie will be with them at the guild while they try to track down Xerneas.

Nia feels a stab of guilt for involving Junie in all this, despite her insisting on tagging along.

“Of course, Junie. Are you still sure you want to come with us? N-Not that I don’t want you there, but…”

Junie actually seems to consider backing out for a moment, but then she shakes her head, giving Nia a smile that falls flat.

“No, I wanna go. Someone has to keep an eye on you two, and saving the world should be fun. I just…don’t want him to worry, y’know?”

Nia gets it. She nods. “Yeah. Let’s write that as soon as we get back, okay? We can mail it off tomorrow before we leave.”

Junie looks relieved. “Thanks, Nia. You’re the best.”

Nia smiles, and Junie moves the conversation onto lighter topics, rambling about what tips she might learn from the flight ‘mon during their trip tomorrow.

They’ve got an early morning ahead of them, but Nia thinks they’re ready for it.

#pmd #pokemon mystery dungeon #pokemon #pmd seekers of soul #riolu #charmander #rookidee #tesha writes #tesha draws

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