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shiny-jr · 2 years

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damnation (peek I?)

Warning: Yes, this is a yandere thing. Gender-neutral reader.

Characters: Ace Trappola, Trey Clover, Cater Diamond, Riddle Rosehearts.

Summary: When you commit a crime, you receive a punishment. This is especially true in your society. No matter the crime, your punishment is the same: banishment. But to where you will be sent in exile and how miserable will it be? No one knows, because no one has ever returned.

Note: So, as mentioned in previous posts, this is only a snippet of what is to come in a project I’m working on. I just wanted to do something for my followers since we have surpassed the milestone that is 4,000 hearts, which is huge. So thank you! Unfortunately, I don’t really have time for a special like I’ve done before where I accept requests since I’ve been so busy with irl stuff and the current twst quiz project. So here’s a small bit of what you can hopefully expect. Remember, I may or may not change things, so what you see now may not be the same later in the final result. That being said, I’m sorry I couldn’t provide much else besides peeks at three of the seven results. I still have a LOT more to write. Like, a ton. But I hope you all look forward of what is to come. Added: Deleted the Scarabia and Pomefiore part to create their own sneak-peeks later.

I . . . II . . . III . . . IV . . . V . . . VI . . . VII

First there will be questions you must answer. Questions that I will not reveal in this sneak-peek, but based on the answers you give to those questions, you will receive a result with a story. This post is a peek at some of those stories/results. Important things to keep in mind that you learn from the questions:

The mc is deemed a criminal in their society.

All criminals in this society are banished, no matter how insignificant or significant the crime may be.

This particular society makes a show of banishment, to make others fear this fate. Which mc recalls seeing trials on tv about past criminals.

All criminals are never seen or heard from again. No one knows for certain what happens to them, but most assume death.

Although the most popular fantastical theory is that criminals become henchmen for infamous evil-doers, and receive punishment there that may range from anywhere like a violent painful death to spending eternity in some tiny horrid prison.

THE RED QUEEN

Robes. You were wearing robes of the finest quality that weighed heavily on your shoulders. This surface you laid on felt... nice. Soft, nothing like the hard bench of the prison cell. As you sat up and recalled your current dire situation, you felt a sense of dread loom overhead like a thick blanket of gray clouds. Immediately, fearfully, you scanned your surroundings. Everything was painted red, there was so much red velvet. The floors were polished checkered black and white and the furniture, if not completely red, was crafted of finely carved wood. It was fancy here. Safe, for now. Wherever this place was.

There was something hefty on your head, only noticing its weight settling on your skull as you moved to stand up from the crimson red sheets on the king-sized mattress. As you removed the item from your head, you were perplexed to see a small golden crown and a heart-shaped staff beside the spot you had laid on. Wait just a moment... red everywhere? A fancy setting? A crown and a heart-shaped staff? Rapidly you dashed over to the mirror just beside the bed, gasping at your appearance.

You were dressed just like royalty. And not just any royalty, like a king. A king of red with a heart-shaped staff... Just like the meek king that was married to the ruthless Queen of Hearts from the fairytales. So it was true, criminals were often sent to dangerous tales where they would perish. And you... you were a criminal and you were here, but... you were the king. How did the story go again?

The Red Queen, or Queen of Hearts, ruled over Wonderland with an iron fist. She would behead anyone who got in her way, and her reign terrorized the residents of the realm. That is, until Alice fell down a hole and arrived in Wonderland. She would eventually free this land from the oppressive rein of the queen. As for the king... what happened to him again? He didn't really appear in the story. You wracked your memory for an answer, when the horrid realization came to you. The Red Queen had been so terribly jealous and suspected that her husband was cheating, that she had him beaded! His head left to rot as it floated in a river of blood, surrounded by the heads of other victims, and the king's lifeless skull still with the crown. He had died before Alice even arrived in Wonderland!

You clutched your neck, grimacing at the thought of your own detached head, crown still attached, doomed to sail in a moat of blood. It made you sick to your stomach just thinking about it. There had to be a way to prevent your death, or at least stall for time, but how? The king couldn't just up and run away! People would take notice immediately, someone would inform the queen, and you'd be a goner for sure! But then what? You couldn't kill her either, could you...? It certainly was an idea. You would be doing a favor for the rest of Wonderland too...

THUMP!

Abruptly the doors flew open, nearly causing you to shriek. But you managed to hold your tongue as you quickly placed your crown back on and clutched your staff. When your eyes focused on the door, you were surprised and almost relieved to see the figure of a short young man that had slammed the doors open. He was... rather adorable, actually. It caused you to tilt your head, endeared by his appearance.

The young man had hair that shamed the red roses, and wide gray eyes. As soon as his eyes landed on you, however, his face grew flush and his expression twisted into one of rage. Immediately he slammed the doors shut behind him, stomping up to you, his heels violently clicking against the tiled floors. When the short young man was in your face, another horrible realization dawned on you. With that crown on his head and his wondrous red garbs, this could only be the queen. Or at least, someone meant to be the red queen.

“You knave! Where have you been lurking?!”

“I…” You were at a loss for words. What were you supposed to say? What was the king even doing before you got here? Most importantly, how would you avoid the queen’s wrath?

At your lack of a response, he only seemed to grow more frustrated as he threw wild accusations, “You–– You’ve been sneaking about, seducing the men of my court, haven’t you?! I shall have your head––!”

“Wha–– N-No, I haven’t!” You blurted out. The king was originally beheaded because the queen was jealous and thought she would lose him to others. So if you could assure him that your heart belonged to him, well… survival just might be possible. Although acting wasn’t necessarily your strong point, you could only try for the sake of living another day. Nervously you smiled, throwing aside your staff as you lifted your hands to gently hold his fist he had been angrily waving near your face. Thank god he didn’t have a knife or anything of the sort, or you feared he may have tried to stab you out of raging envy. “How could I ever dare to throw my loyalty to you away…? You are amazing…! I apologize sincerely if I haven’t been able to express my love for you properly. S-Sometimes it feels like you’re really too much for my heart to handle, you in all your… glory…!” Oh god, this was going terribly. All you could do to give the messy act a bow to top it off, was lean your head down and hesitantly kiss the back of his hand.

Miraculously, that seemed to work. Almost. The queen’s face was no longer as flushed, but he gazed down at you as you lingered at his hand. Suspicion was still evident in his eyes. “How do I know?”

“H-Huh…?”

“How do I know you aren’t lying? How do I know you won’t leave me as well? How do I know that you still love me? Prove it to me.” Those gray eyes of his watched you carefully, seemingly unhappy with your lack of a response. After about five seconds of no answer, his face scrunched up and he bellowed, “Guards!! Gua–– mmph!”

Not knowing what else to do, you kissed him. He wanted a sign of devotion, right? Oh god, this was it. Your death was here and now. You had no other way to shut him up. If you covered his mouth with your hands, you were a goner. If you attacked him, you were a goner. If you tried to continue reasoning, you were still a goner! You can’t believe that this was how you died, having to kiss a stranger as your last desperate attempt to live. Well, he wanted a sign. You were ready for him to push you off and armored guards come running in to drag you to the guillotine, when the most unexpected thing happened. He froze, he didn’t fight back or scream bloody murder.

When you slowly pulled away, you were stunned. His face was flush again, but for an entirely different reason other than anger. There was a dazed look on his face, and it almost looked as if he wanted to do it again judging by how he gazed longingly at your lips. It was then you understood that your reckless decision making might’ve just saved your neck.

The red ruler frowned, but you were unsure if it was because he was unsatisfied with something or if it were for another reason entirely. This time, when he opened his mouth, he spoke softly, as if still dazed. “You scoundrel… How dare you play with my heart like this? I should still take your head for that.” You gulped, but he continued. “But… I truly didn’t want to get rid of you. So I’m glad we can avoid that now. I expect to see you well away from the noblemen.”

“Y-Yes… Your Majesty.”

At your obedient response, he smiled and patted your head. “Good.” Taking one step closer, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss against your cheek. He lingered there for a few moments, before taking one step back.

The action left you flustered, embarrassed, because not only had you kissed a stranger but they had kissed you in return. And not only that, this crimson ruler believed you were his partner, the king! Under normal circumstances, you would’ve considered yourself lucky to land in such a position since the king has so much power and wealth. But in this type of situation, you can only shudder to think of what may come next and what would’ve become of you. Because these were no ordinary circumstances, and this was no normal kind ruler.

“Come along now. I don’t want you alone, do you understand?”

“Yes… Your Majesty.”

He beckoned you towards the very doors he entered from, and when he opened them, you were met with another character. It was a tall man with glasses and short messy dark green hair. Immediately he bowed to the queen, but when his eyes landed on you, he looked as if he saw a ghost.

“Change of plans, Trey. We will not be beheading my dear today. Nor tomorrow, I think. They’ve become quite affectionate, so my doubts have been dismissed.”

“O-Of course, Your Majesty…” The glass-wearing man, Trey, glanced over at you with disbelief, but he looked a bit relieved, it’s as if he wanted to say something. But he opted to hold his tongue and instead shifted his gaze forward as he walked beside the red-haired royal. “There is still that soldier imprisoned that displeased you.”

“Ah yes, the one that claimed to see those messy blonde locks but failed to capture our lost wanderer. Bring him to me in the throne room.” Just then he glanced at you as you walked a bit behind him, “My dear, you must be there with me. This should be quite the spectacle. I will see you in a moment.”

“A-As you say, Your Majesty…” You replied stiffly.

He frowned and stopped in his tracks before grabbing your collar and bringing your face closer to his. What you half expected was a sharp knife against your throat, something that would kill you, but there was no such thing. There was only his sharp gaze and disappointed tone. “You’re supposed to respond with: my dear. Not Your Majesty, not Rosehearts, but perhaps I’ll allow Riddle for now. Do you understand, dearest?”

So his name was Riddle. Judging by Riddle’s tone, he wasn’t angry, but rather irked that all the sweetness from earlier was now gone. Proceeding, you chose your words carefully as you attempted to smile as convincingly as possible, “Y-Yes, of course, anything you say, Riddle, my darling.”

At your words his cheeks became a pink hue before he let go of you and cleared his throat, quickly turning away and proceeding forward towards the end of the hall where he had whatever duties to fulfill. So you were left with Trey, his subordinate. The calm tall man’s shoulders sagged once the royal left, all the tension seemingly evaporating from his body. When he gave you a somewhat soft smile, your worries ceased for the moment as well. “I’m glad you’re still intact. I was certain you were a goner.” He was… nice? “You need to be more careful. I don’t know what you did to change Riddle’s mind, but he was ready to behead you himself. You know how he keeps that huge battle ax under his bed. He mentioned something about using that, and I thought he was going to use it to chop your head clean off.”

Oh god. That little guy was going to do that? That stupid kiss really did save your skin. “Heh, I’m still a little shaken…” Wait, you were supposed to be acting like the king! What did the king even act like? How were you supposed to know? He never even lived long enough to make it into the story! “I, um, am very appreciative towards your concern… Trey.”

Trey appeared a bit surprised but he then smiled once more at you. “We’ll talk more later. Right now, we have a situation on our hands.”

What kind of situation? You didn’t even have time to ask when Trey led you down the checkered hall to an opening behind velvet red curtains which were the entrance directly to the large elegant throne room. There, you saw another stranger talking animatedly to the less-than-pleased-looking Rosehearts. This stranger had orange hair that brushed against his lower neck, and he had much more enthusiasm than those you had encountered thus far.

“Dear, there you are.” Instantly Riddle visibly brightened up as he gestured to the soft smaller heart-shaped throne beside his much larger grand seat. “Come, sit, we’re currently discussing the important matters at hand. Such as the dilemma with our prisoner. Cater, continue.”

When this Cater, fellow’s, green eyes trailed over to you, they became filled with surprise as he fumbled over his words, “Huh–– O-Oh! Right!” Forcing his gaze back on the red-haired royal, he began explaining, “There’s nothing really new to talk about, Your Majesty! I mean, seriously, this rookie was just the unlucky one that happened to see that blondie Ellis. According to him when I went to question him, he just said that he saw the guy in blue and when he went to confront him, Ellis escaped with some purple beastman!”

“Purple beastman…?” For a mere moment he appeared perplexed, when quickly the dots began to connect in his mind as he gasped, “Chen’ya! Why, the nerve of that––!”

When you saw his face begin to heat up again and a look of anger crossed his face, you slowly placed your hand over his arm that rested on the armrest of the throne. Then, he froze, everyone else, Trey, Cater, the few servants, the many armored guards in the room, they all were wide-eyed at what you had done. You had touched the queen when they were about to enter a fit of rage! You messed up–– Shit––

Riddle released a slow breath before placing his other hand atop your own. You felt such a massive flood of relief knowing you made the right move when he appeared much calmer as he nodded his head toward you, “Thank you, my dear. We shall discuss a proper punishment for that wretched feline later. For now…” Instantly his voice did a one-eighty as he turned his head toward the two imposing doors and shouted, “Bring him!!”

Nervously you looked over at Trey who stood tall and upright by Riddle’s side, and he remained oddly focused on the door. And that orange-haired guy, Cater, where did he go…?

“Hey…!”

Your eyes flittered over to you right where Cater was bent over a bit to whisper in your ear, while everyone else was distracted by the prisoner being escorted inside.

“I’m so happy that you’ve alive…! Don’t go dying on me so quickly, ‘kay? You wouldn’t leave me all alone here, would you?”

“Uh… no, of course not.” Huh. This Cater guy seemed pretty close to the king, or now you actually.

When you averted your eyes to the front, you listened to the clacking of armor as you watched more soldiers bring forward one of their own. Yet unlike all the others masked by metal, this soldier in shackles didn’t have a helmet. His messy red hair stuck out every which way, which made you wonder how on earth he even managed to fit that mess of hair under a helmet at all. His eyes were glued to the floor, and he wore a stiff frown as his shackles rattled with every step he took until he was right before the steps leading up to the red royal. When he refused to kneel, he was pushed down to his knees as Riddle eyed him with disdain.

Riddle wasted no time, because as soon as this prisoner was on his knees, he began his tirade of questions. “Ace Trappola, was it? We know you saw Ellis. Do you know where he is?”

The soldier’s head lolled forward a bit, his warm-colored eyes stopping on you for a moment as you gazed back at him. In a way, this Ace reminded you of… well, you. In shackles, forced to kneel, in front of a higher authority that was obviously not particularly fond of you, and likely with a sentence that could only mean your doom ahead of you. In a way, you did feel for him after hearing the basis of why he was arrested.

All was silent, only his shackles could be heard again as he slowly shrugged and snapped back, “I’d like to know that too! I mean, I’m sure wherever he is, he’s free as a bird. Meanwhile, me? Locked up for trying to do my job––!”

“Failing to do your only job.” Riddle corrected with a scoff. “I will ask you one more time. Where. Is. Ellis?”

Ace, still annoyed, continued. He must’ve been either stupid or brave for continuing. Although it might’ve been both as he mocked him. “Didn’t you hear me the first time? I. Don’t. Know.”

Under your hand you felt Riddle’s fingers dig into the armrest, his knuckles growing white as he raised his voice an octave, “What if I take off your head? Will you know then?”

“If you took my head, you wouldn’t get any answers after that.” He retorted with a slight eye roll.

Underneath your hand you could feel Roseheart’s anger growing the tighter he dug his nails into the chair. When you saw his face, you and everyone else could tell that he was fit to burst, no doubt ready to seal this soldier’s doom. Instantly you shot up from your throne, wanting to help save this prisoner. However, you very quickly began to regret it when all eyes darted over to your form, and you now became the center of attention. You couldn’t just sit back down, so with no other choice, you awkwardly cleared your throat and proceeded nervously, “My dearest, earlier when in our chambers I had an… um… epiphany! A vision! Y-Yes, I had a vision…! Ellis will slay your–– our, pet dragon jabberwocky.”

Instantly Riddle’s eyes widened. “He killed our jabberwocky?!”

“No…! No, at least not yet!”

Technically you weren’t lying. The story goes that the Red Queen had a powerful dragon, the jabberwocky, which was the main reason why she could keep such a grip on the kingdom with no rebellion ever coming close to dethroning her. At least, that is until Alice comes along and slays the jabberwocky. If you could somehow get rid of Alice, or Ellis in this case, and stay in Riddle Roseheart’s good graces, you would have it made! It was practically certain that the court back home thought you would’ve been beheaded already and your head would float in that river of blood for eternity. Yet here you were, alive, and if things went smoothly, you could live out your life in splendor here. Yes, you’d have to deal with the red royal, but if you could just stay in his good graces at all times, you would have a wonderfully lavish life! At this point you were just speeding things up, Ellis’ intentions of slaying the jabberwocky probably weren’t supposed to be revealed until much later. But, it would make a perfect excuse now.

As all eyes remained on you, you recounted your fake tale, “It all makes sense now…! In… In my vision I saw… A red-haired knight, um, clashing swords with a blonde man in blue and white!” Well, that part was a lie. There never was a red-haired knight in the stories. But this was an opportunity to potentially save Ace as well, and give him a chance to redeem himself in Riddle’s eyes. When you turned to face Ace, he was gazing at you with furrowed eyebrows, but you proceeded anyway as you gave your attention to Riddle now. “Riddle, I think–– I mean, I b-believe that knight is this one here in front of us.”

“Him?” The royal exclaimed in disbelief, looking at the soldier with something akin to disgust. To which the said soldier stuck out his tongue before a stern glare from Trey and Cater made Ace close his mouth. Riddle blinked, quiet for a moment before gazing up at you, his expression softening as he flipped over his hand so it held yours. “Is that what you were doing in our chambers alone? You were studying texts and had a vision, to save me?”

“Y…Yes…?”

His big gray eyes became fixated on you, as his voice became soft when he replied, “I’ve misjudged you, my dear… I believed you were being unfaithful, but you were working hard for me. How wrong I was.” The way he looked at you could only be described as adoringly.

It made you nervous, but you could only awkwardly smile in return. In order to ensure your own life of comfort here, you had to be sure to ruin the plot of the story. This meant that Ellis, the protagonist, could not win no matter what. Although it pained you to do such a thing, knowing that the outcome would most likely mean death by beheading him and his allies, you were more afraid of death than you were of the hero. For this, you would have to make sure the antagonist, Riddle Rosehearts in the role of the Red Queen, obtained a happy ending instead of a bad ending where he himself would be banished after being defeated by Ellis.

Clearing your throat, you hesitantly listed off the sequence of events in the way you recalled them playing out, “In my vision I saw… a blonde boy in blue, a purple feline beastmen, and a hatter, among other allies. Ellis will… will attempt to infiltrate the palace, and gain your favor under a disguise, and steal the ancient sword that can slay our Jabberwocky.” As all eyes and ears remained on you, you hesitated once again, mentally apologizing for what you were about to do. Maybe in the end, you might be able to plead with your supposed spouse to spare them. But deep down, you knew it was unlikely for the ruthless tyrant to even consider the idea. “Your Majesty, my darling, i-if I may make a suggestion…?”

Riddle nodded as he listened attentively, “Go on.”

Thankfully you had moved your hands away from his, and had them folded in your lap so he couldn’t feel the way your fingers trembled with anxiety. “I would like to suggest we allow this knight before us to carry the sword, sheathed and hidden at all times. Let this be his redemption–– um, please, if you allow it, your Majesty.” Said knight gazed up in surprise. “It would be best to keep sir Ace in our sights. So might I ask that he and another capable knight become my guards?” Guards. Smart move, especially if things get hairy later. “I-I’d also like to suggest an increase in your personal escorts too… my dear. So… so you’ll be safe. And, no one else besides those in this room, will know of what we spoke of today––”

“That way, Ellis will come here all on his own, and if he searches for the sword it will not be there.” Riddle finished, to which you nodded. He caught on quickly. “That’s brilliant!” You nearly breathed a sigh of relief as the red royal turned to glance at his two subordinates, Trey and Cater, only to gesture to the former prisoner and demand of them, “Unbind him, Trey. How can he wield a sword if his hands are bound?”

Trey slowly stepped forward as Ace was allowed to stand, and he unlocked the shackles around the knight. Ace continued to peer up at you, suddenly flashing a grateful smile. To which you only caught a glimpse of before being distracted by the redhead on the throne.

“Cater!” Cater stood upright immediately and awaited orders from the royal. “Find a suitable knight to escort my partner! I expect only the strongest and most obedient of knights! Am I understood?”

“You got it, Your Majesty! I already have a few in mind.”

“Wonderful. I will be interviewing them myself, as well as hand-picking my own escorts.” Riddle stood from his throne, tossing out more commands and orders to be followed by his remaining subordinate and the guards that had escorted the former prisoner. “You lot, I want an increase on the perimeter and another search crew to hunt down that wretched boy Ellis! Trey, go and fetch the sword. As for you, Ace Trappola,” Turning to face the knight, he warned, “You have one more chance. Should you fail a second time, there will be no do-overs. Your head will roll and your family shall pay the price for your mistakes.”

For a mere moment, disbelief and anger flashed on Ace’s face. Just as he opened his mouth, you spoke up, “T-Thank you, Your Majesty…! You really are so… merciful.” Better to be a pawn in this game than to be dead.

Riddle turned his attention to you before smiling, such a true and proud smile as he declared, “I have you to thank for this, for saving my kingdom and protecting me. Once we have Ellis and his companions captured, we will have a morning execution for him, with front row seats to the show." As his eyes drifted back to the onlookers, he commanded, "All of you shall speak nothing of what transpired in this room.”

A chorus of Yes, Your Majesty echoed in the chamber. The royal nodded, content for now, sending you one last smile before turning on his heels and walking off to elsewhere with Cater in tow. Leaving you alone with Trey and Ace as all other attendants and soldiers exited the throne room to go fulfill their duties.

Just for a moment, you wanted to talk to Ace alone. There was something about Trey, something about the way he watched you so calmly but there was something in those yellow eyes behind those glasses. Something that made it seem like he knew your secret, like he knew you were not really the king. You weren’t sure if it was your paranoia getting to you and your mind was just playing tricks on you, but you wanted to distance yourself as far away from him as possible. As the former prisoner made his way towards you, you cleared your throat and spoke quietly, but loud enough for Trey to hear. “Can–– M-May I have a word with you, sir Ace…? In private.”

“Sure, I’m free now.” He half joked, giving a bit of a grin which didn’t do much to ease your worries.

Trey stood beside the empty throne, watching as you glanced over at him and made a gesture for him to carry on with the assigned duty of retrieving the legendary sword, as dictated by His Majesty. To which he did, after he carefully observed the way you scurried behind velvet curtains with the knight not too far behind.

When you were finally out of sight with Ace, you noticed his raised eyebrow. Noticing this and the way he tapped his foot, you hesitated, unsure where you were even going with this or what you should do now. “You… You look like you have something to say.”

“Why’d you save me?” He demanded, all that cheerfulness from before gone now as things took a serious turn. Looking you up and down, he crossed his arms and continued, “You could’ve had your cute little hubby chop off my head like all the others before me. So, say it. That’s the reason you wanted to talk alone, isn’t it?”

He got you. Were you that obvious? You’d definitely have to work on being more discreet… Looking around twice to make sure no one was listening in, you huddled with him in a corner by the stained glass windows as you whispered hurriedly, in a panic, “O-Okay, whew, you’re gonna think I’m crazy, but… I’m not really the king, or queen, or whatever role I’m supposed to play here! Well, I guess I am now? Uhhh… h-here! It’s like this: I was put on trial in my homeworld, and as punishment I was banished. When I woke up, I was in Roseheart’s bed and he started talking to me like I was an unfaithful partner! I didn’t understand it, until I realized that it was all exactly like a story I read as a child. My punishment was to become the king that dies by being beheaded by his own wife! I… I got out of that somehow, and now, well…”

Ace was looking at you as if you were crazy, as if you had grown an extra head or something. His arms were crossed and he continued to stare at you. Should you have done that? Could you trust him? Well, he did owe you his life. If things really came down to it, you could have him arrested again and beheaded. Play the victim, call guards, and make up some lie that he attacked you, but you really really didn’t want it to go like that… Finally, after a few seconds, he shook his head and gave a weak chuckle, as if he couldn’t even believe it. “Hold on, let me get this straight: You’re not royalty, but you’re a criminal from another world? Did you hit your head or something?”

You knew it. He wouldn’t believe you after all.

“I mean, they keep saying this Ellis loser came from another world too… So… Maybe your story doesn’t sound too crazy after all.” His scarlet eyes focused on the floor, as if considering something. “You really weren’t lying about knowing the future. And I thought you had gone mad or something! So I’m a hero in the story?”

You could only scratch your arm nervously, a bit regretful for having to crush his sudden burst of excitement. “Ahaha… not exactly? I made that part up…”

Disappointed at the revelation that he wasn’t some badass hero wielding a legendary sword, he scoffed, “Seriously? So why save me then?”

“Look…” You took a deep breath, hiding your fidgeting fingers in your palm as best as you could. “We were both supposed to die. At least my character was mentioned in the story, but you? Y-You weren’t even mentioned at all…! You were just a nameless faceless soldier, someone not even worth mentioning––”

Offended, he snapped back, “Faceless? Rude much!”

You quickly shushed him, internally freaking out at the prospect that you may have been overheard. But when nothing else and no one else stirred, you frowned and muttered, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, I’m just really nervous… I guess what I’m trying to get at here is… why don’t we both help each other survive?”

“What?” Shaking his head in disbelief. First this person called him someone not even worth mentioning then they ask for his help? Seriously, what was with them?

“T-Think about it…! I’m the second most powerful person in the entire kingdom…! I know what will happen! Kinda…”

“Well, I do want to live just as badly as you do…” It appeared he was still on the fence. Leaning his weight against the wall, he demanded, “But what do you mean you kinda know what will happen? I thought you, for sure, know.”

“Um…” Twiddling your fingers, you hesitantly explained the dilemma, “I did mention we were both supposed to die… And while that part isn’t a lie and the whole you being the destined one to stop Ellis was a lie, the other thing I didn’t lie about was Ellis gathering with his allies to infiltrate the palace and acquire the sword to kill the Jabberwocky. That will actually happen. S-So, since I told everyone that––”

“Let me guess, you told it early?”

Freezing, you gazed up at him and murmured, “H-How did you…?”

He shrugged, “I would’ve done the same thing if I were in your position. That means a higher chance of survival, right? Assuming that the blonde is the good guy and our king Rosehearts is the bad guy of the story. And considering all that, now you have no idea how the story will be affected, right?”

“R-Right…” Wait, now it just looked like you were useless! Immediately interjecting, you added, “But I can still make predictions based on what I know, like how things were originally supposed to play out…!”

“And you are still technically a royal…” Ace placed a finger to his chin, probably thinking about possible outcomes, upsides, and downsides if he agreed to work together. Finally, when his gaze flittered back to you and you stood upright, he questioned, “What if things don’t go how we–– you plan?”

You actually considered this briefly. If everything came crumbling down and all plans failed, there was but one last option to avoid any punishment. “Find Ellis and the White Queen… or is it the White King? I-It doesn’t matter…! The point is, the White Royal is very kind and merciful. If I go to them and explain that I am not really the Red King’s consort, then they’ll spare me…! If you come too and bring the sword to slay the Jabberwocky, that will assure them of our good intentions!”

“Isn’t that just running away? I don’t want to do that. And come on, the Whites? Are you for real? I thought us Reds were bad, but those pristine prissy little killjoys are no fun.”

For a second you wanted to strangle him. What kind of idiot would risk certain death by staying here if everything goes south, instead of fleeing to a good place that would grant you sanctuary? “It’s exactly running away, that’s the point…! The point is to stay alive!”

The redhead tilted his head to the side, his disappointed and serious behavior disappearing as he grinned. “What if I became king?”

Now it was your turn to look at him as if he were the insane one. Was this knight actually the mad hatter that had been driven insane by mercury poisoning?

“I do owe you one for saving my neck back there. And I won’t lie, I’ve dreamed about being king one day. And you, you’re actually way more ruthless than you seem at first. I thought you were a scared little wimp that always cowers behind their little hubby husband.” He mocked. Ouch. He thought you were a wimp…? “But turns out, I was so wrong about you. Sounds like you’re willing to do whatever it takes to live another day. Even turn on your own husband!”

He was whisper yelling, and it was starting to make you anxious that someone would overhear. So you whisper yelled back at a lower volume, “S-Stop that…! You know the truth, he’s not really my husband…”

That smirk made you think that he was going to respond in a louder voice, but thankfully he wasn’t that stupid. Just stupid enough to plan to overthrow the bloody Red King and talk about it in his own palace. But maybe you were stupid too, for talking about such delicate matters in the palace halls. Ace took your hands and performed a mock bow. “No running away, you got it? I’ll take that tiny red punk’s crown and become king, then I’ll keep you as a royal beside me, it’s the least I can do after what you did. We’ll both not only survive, but thrive. What do you say, Your Majesty~?”

#yandere #ace trappola #trey clover #cater diamond #riddle rosehearts #twisted wonderland #yandere twst #twst #yandere twisted wonderland #yandere twisted wonderland x reader #twst writing #work in progress #damnation twst au

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heavenbarnes · 6 months

Text

All roads lead

Aaron Hotchner x Reader

Warnings/contains: no mentions of reader’s gender, mentions of a previous relationship between Hotch and reader, Sean pervs on you a bit, illusions to sex, flirting, implied-unfaithful-hotch

Technically this could be read as “seasons later” to my fic “Do not go gentle” but also this can be standalone and you can imagine what you and Hotch got up to that he cannot stop thinking about 🫶🏼

You knocked gently on the door, waiting for the sound of Hotch’s voice to invite you in. You heard it, deep tone nearly rumbled through the floor as you pushed the door open.

As you approached the table, you kept your gaze firmly on your boss. You tried to ignore the way Sean’s eyes raked the length of your body as you placed the folder in front of Hotch. “Here you go, Sir.”

He thanked you as you turned to leave, speaking your name as he did it. You could’ve sworn you heard his brother’s head whip in your direction at that instant.

All Sean said was your name, but you could tell in the way he said it that there was more to it. You spared him one look over your shoulder and there he was again, eyes all over the back of you.

“Of course you are.” Like he knew you.

Aaron brought his hand against the table, the sound echoing off the walls and making you jump. You didn’t even stop to hear what he’d call his younger brother, you just closed the door behind you and hurried back to the conference room you’d all set up in.

You tried to busy yourself with the map Spencer had made, tried to focus yourself on those wines you were desperately trying to track. It was nearly impossible, your thoughts rushing through your head.

What had Sean meant? Of course you were what?

Letting it chew you up and spit you out, you were grateful to hear Hotch’s heavy footfalls as he went to the, currently empty, kitchen for a coffee.

Quietly following behind him, you leaned up against the kitchen bench as you spoke to him. “Sir, quick question, no right or wrong answer- did you tell your brother about us?”

You could see him tense, more than he already was, his grip tightening around the handle of his mug. Half-expecting him to ice you out, you almost missed when he answered.

“He guessed.”

That…wasn’t what you were expecting.

“How did he guess?”

Aaron checked over his shoulder before slightly turning his body towards you. “It seems I talk about you more than I realise.”

Your heart nearly swelled out your chest, a heat rushing up your fingertips and spreading across your body. He talks about you?

“Well- I used to talk about you, should I say.”

Good save.

As you tried to slow your heart back down, reminding yourself that you’d both agreed what had happened between you was a one time thing to never see the light of day again- Hotch kept speaking.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sir, you don’t have to-“

“I’m sorry for how he spoke to you- how he looked at you.”

And that heat kept spreading, you could feel it in your cheeks, swirling back down around your heart. Your stomach was twisting, ride of the butterflies in the very pit of it.

Pulling all the confidence you still had with this man, you quirked your brow slightly.

“Please, when have you known me to shy away from a Hotchner’s stare?”

It was Hotch’s turn to freeze, that tension coming back through his shoulder blades as they moved under his sweater. His gaze was down, firmly studying his coffee cup.

It felt like an age, there was a moment where you were sure you’d fucked it with the way he wouldn’t move. Slowly, he turned his head until his piercing eyes were locked onto yours.

“Then maybe it’s just me that doesn’t want other men looking at what’s mine.”

You were thankful it wasn’t you holding the coffee mug. You were sure it would’ve fallen straight from your grasp and shattered. Heart in your mouth, brain still comprehending his words- you actually had to remind yourself this station was occupied so you didn’t throw your legs around his waist that second.

Instead, you straightened up and pushed your shoulders back. You nodded as if you were discovering truths. Part of you knew you were.

Reaching out, you took Hotch’s coffee off him and brought it to your lips. He didn’t fight, he watched you take a sip and hum quietly as you nodded again.

Passing him back his mug, you turned on your heel, making sure to sway your hips as you walked away.

“Let’s hope Beth learnt to share.”

#that gif is pornographic to me btw #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner smut #aaron hotchner x gn!reader #aaron hotchner x gn reader #aaron hotchner x female reader #hotch x reader #hotch smut #hotch x gn!reader #hotch x gn reader #hotch x female reader #Aaron hotchner blurb #aaron hotchner Drabble #aaron hotchner imagine #criminal minds smut #criminal minds blurb #criminal minds Drabble

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strangeshoepatrolbandit · 2 years

Text

Brotherly Love P.t 2 J.T

Jason Todd x Al-Ghul/Wayne reader(platonic)

Brotherly Love Masterlist <- right here

Gender Neutral

Summary: Time at your father's has broken apart your relationship with your brother, but what about your adopted brother?

Warnings: insecurity, mentions Scarecrow and his toxin, mentions of murder.

~☆~

You were sitting down in the library, reading one of your favorite books, and sipping the tea you had made just a few minutes beforehand. The ache of being alone had finally disappeared weeks ago, you don't even know if Damian has left the Batcave, you wonder if he too missed how things were before you came here.

A sound of footsteps alerted you before the large library doors opened, it was that man that you had seen talking to Alfred, the guy with the familiar eyes. You watched as he closed the door behind himself, his eyes caught your own as he glanced at you with no readable expression. You kept eyeing him as he passed the couch you were sitting on and headed straight for the bookshelves, he reached a hand up before grabbing onto a worn out book.

He turned around and started heading towards the couch opposite of you, you quickly looked away, staring down at your own book as an attempt to look busy.

As he sits down and opens his book you look up again, trying to figure out why he looks so familiar, and notice the book he has is green, and the spine is falling apart, the title has worn away probably from how old the book was.

"Y'know it's rude to stare." The mysterious man across from you commented, snapping you out of your daze making you look back up at his face that was now facing you.

"Who are you?" You questioned, still confused about what looks so familiar about him, the man across from you chuckles, and his face breaks out into a smile confusing you even more.

"Straight to the point huh?" He he chuckled out again, "well I could ask you the same, you came here with that brat didnt you?". You wanted to snap back, defend your brother from this random man that seemingly knew him.

"Yeah...I did" you mumbled out looking back down at your very own book. The change in attitude seemingly left the man a little lost, and not knowing what to do, he shifted a bit and gripped his book a little tighter. His lips pursed and his eyes darted to things around him as he sat in the awkward aura that had taken over the enormous room, his eyes once again looked at you as he thought about what to say to lighten the mood back up.

"My names Jason." He introduced finally answering the question you asked him, his eyes softened and the corners of his lips slightly rose when you looked back at him.

"(Y/N)." You responded, your brain was scouring for anything that could pinpoint why you think you know him, but sadly, no knowledge of 'Jason' had come up.

"Yeah, you're the old man's kid." He stated, somehow knowing you, just like he knew Damian, seriously who was this guy? He must have sensed your confusion because he answered your question immediately.

"Bruce took me in when I was a kid, and I have some history with Talia."......was this guy in your head or something what is going on?

"The library was my favorite place when I first moved in." Jason spoke, talking to himself as he looked back down at the book in his hands.

"Mine too." You mumbled....

~☆~

The two of you sat there until Jason had gotten about halfway through his book, he had then run down to the Batcave and you hadn't seen him since, when you asked Alfred he told you that Jason had come by to talk and to borrow something from Bruce. Later that night after dinner you ran to catch up with Bruce before he got to the Batcave, hoping to get answers to some questions.

"Bruce!" You called out, not really on the term 'father' yet like Damian is. Bruce stopped walking and turned to look at you, waiting for you to catch up to him.

"What is it, Y/N?" He questioned once you finally reached his side, after putting out his arm for you to hold on to he started walking again.

"Is Jason another one of your adoptees?" You questioned, your head turned up to look at Bruce who was looking back down at you with his eyebrows raised.

"Well yes he is, my second....why?" He answered, curious as to why you would bring up Jason.

"Well he came by today." Your statement took the older man by surprise, Bruce hadn't even known Jason had been at the Manor, after their most recent fight that caused Bruce to explode and say some things he didn't mean Jason had cut off his communication with the rest of the family. Surely this visit meant that he's ready to speak again, hope filled Bruce, maybe Jason would forgive him so that he can have his son back again.

~☆~

Before you knew it you and Bruce reached the Batcave, and he looked down at you yet again, eyes holding nothing but love, offering a small smile he hesitantly let go of you. As you turned around to leave, Bruce had stopped you to ask

"Do you know what he came for?". You shifted your body to face the taller man yet again, this time his eyes were holding a look of sadness, begging you to say that he came for his father.

...

"He came to get something from you, then he sat in the library and read with me." You answered, before staring your journey back to the kitchen to help Alfred with dishes.

~☆~

Bruce finally had time away from Wayne enterprises, and Dick was going to be in town for the next week because of a case, seeing an opportunity, Alfred had put together a dinner and invited Tim and Dick. Which lead you to where you are now, sitting next to Dick and Tim, Dick was talking to Damian whilst Tim was talking to Bruce about business at Wayne enterprises.

Conversations were cut short when Alfred had come out with all of the food, everyone had collected what they wanted and started completely new conversations with other people at the table, except for you, you just sat there staring at the food you were eating.

A knock at the door caused everyone to stop their conversations yet again, curiosity got the best of everyone as they turned to look at the entryway of the dining room once two voices were heard.

...

"Master Jason is here." Alfred announced, as he walked into the dining room, and just like he said Jason was there right behind him. The scarred man had taken a seat across from you, where a plate was already sat waiting for him to fill up, you and Damian had gone back to eating, unbothered by the awkward aura surrounding the other men at the table.

Dick was the first to speak, mumbling a "Hey Jason" served with a half smile, The man across from you just glanced up at him and muttered out a "Dick." in acknowledgement, after that the rest of the men around the table started eating again, continuing their conversations from earlier, leaving you to sit there and silently eat your food.

A foot nudging your leg from under the table got your attention, your head shot up to look at Jason who was staring at you with his eyebrows knit together, his face showed a look that silently asked 'are you okay', offering him back a slight nod you went back to eating.

~☆~

Bruce had cleared his throat therefore making everyone at the table look at him, he set down his utensils and brought his hands together to sit under his chin, before looking at you and Damian.

"I spoke to Talia, and we both think it's best if I enroll the two of you into school." He revealed, as if he was just a normal single father, and he looked at each of your faces to catch your expressions.

"We are far to intelligent for schooling with a buch on simpletons." Damian exclaimed, seemingly annoyed that Bruce would even think about putting him in a room of regular kids.

"I know that Damian, but we just think it will do the both of you good." Bruce sighed trying to get Damian on board with the idea.

"But-" Damian started before you interrupted him, "Mother is not coming back anytime soon, is she?" You questioned, school would only mean that you and Damian would be staying here longer than anticipated.

"No Y/N, she's not" the older man muttered out, and went back to his food as an attempt to end the conversation at that.

(Trust me I know Talia talking to Bruce and being like "yeah put our kids in school whilst I hunt Deathstroke" is a little weird but I have a vision.)

~☆~

After dinner Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Damian had all retreated to the batcave, and Jason had just up and disappeared. Alfred had already came and picked up all of the plates from the table you were still sitting at, your head was hung as you stared at your hands in your lap.

Everyone had willingly left you, they had all got up and left you, that wasn't fair. Why does Damian get all of their attention, why is Damian more liked than you, is it because he has proven himself worthy since he is Robin, is it just because he is more bearable to be around? Talia may have not been the best mother but oh how you wish she was here for you right now, maybe she would understand how you feel, maybe she would spend time with you, even if it was just training. Bruce had been okay at first but as time went on and Damian proved himself worthy Bruce had become distant, spending more time with Damian-

"Hey-."

Your body snapped up and your instincts kicked in as you were pulled out of your thoughts, the hand that was just placed on your shoulder was now behind the back of the body you had bent over the table.

"Jesus, calm down!" The person yelled, as you looked down at the body you identified as Jason, letting go of his hands you backed away from the table, Jason straightened his back as he turned to look at you, slowly he brung both of his hands up to hover around his head in a way to show that he means no harm.

"Calm down will ya." He whispered out, gesturing to your rapid breathing, he slowly brung down one of his hands and reached it out towards you only for you to move away from him yet again.

"I'm fine." You muttered out, looking down at your feet, and trying to steady your breathing. Jason lowered his arms back to his sides and waited for your breathing to regulate before speaking again.

When your breathing finally went back to normal you looked up at Jason who was just staring at you, a smile broke out on his face and you could see that he was trying to hide a laugh. Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to guess what he wanted to laugh at, the look you gave him only caused his laughter to finally break out. Once Jason's laughter died down he moved towards you and raised an arm to put around your shoulders.

"Come on." Was all he said as he pushed you out of the dining room.

~☆~

Your enture body was stiff as Jason lead you around the Manor, his arm still residing around your shoulders. The two of you walked down the long hallways, no conversation being made, just admiring the art along the walls. There were various paintings hanging, some sporting random people you've never seen, others looked like younger variations of Bruce, Dick, Jason, and Tim. You wondered if Bruce would sit you and Damian down to get yourselves painted, Ra's himself had had a couple commissioned of the two of you, but never hung them.

Jason guided you down another hallway, you could feel the warmth from his skin seeping in through your clothes, his arm was heavy, a resuring weight, a reminder that he was still there right beside you. He brought a feeling that you had never felt, maybe it was the fact that you have never been held except by Damian, who's embrace lacked comfort and love, maybe because he himself never experienced that.

You could smell the cologne that he sprayed before visiting, that traditional man smell was on him but the more you focused you could tell that he smelled like Tobacco, Gunpowder, leather, and something earthy, hints of something sweet hit your nose as you continued to breathe, like he had been in a bakery.

~☆~

Jason and You had come to a halt in front of a pair of doors, doors that you're highly familiar with, doors to the library to be in fact. Jason took his arms off of your shoulders to push open one of the doors open, gesturing for you to go first and himself after. Jason walked past you, seemingly heading for the couches in the middle of the room but he soon passed them too, ending up in front of one of the many bookshelves, the very one he stood in front of when the pair of you read in here the other day. Speaking of the other day Jason was now grasping the same exact book that he had the other day, old, green, and missing its title. Jason scoured through the book, seemingly reminiscing, you watched as Jason straightened his back, closing the book and looking directly infront of himself, before looking back at the book one last time. Jason turned around face you, his legs moving towards you, book still in hand, his eyes kept moving from the book and the floor.

"Here, I noticed what you were reading the other day." He stated holding the book out to you with a smile on his face, trying to hint that you would like this book as well.

"What is it?" You questioned, curious as to what the book in fact was, before taking it in your hands and tracing along the cracked spine. One of Jason's arms went to rub the back of his neck, and his eyebrows knit together as if trying to find the answer to your question.

"To be honest, I don't know, book was here way before me." The man infront of you confessed, Jason let out a chuckle before heading towards the door again, opening it and gesturing for you to step out.

"Where are we going?" You questioned him again, first he led you all the way to the library without telling you where you'd be going, now he's trying to get you to go somewhere else.

"The cave." Was all he muttered.

~☆~

Everyone was already in their suits, crowding around the office chair infront of the computer's, you and Jason stood behind all of the boys with curious looks on your faces.

"What is it this time." Jason asked breaking the silence that hung around the room, Damian turned to look at him, if looks could kill, Jason Todd would be a dead man again.

"Homicide." Bruce answered first, never once taking his eyes off the screen. From the looks of it, he was looking at the filed police report.

"Wow, surprise, it's Gotham." You remarked, Jason turned to look at you with a hidden smile on his face, your own face mirroring his after you made eye contact. Damian turned to look at you, offering the same look he gave to jason seconds before. Dick stood up straight and rested his elbow on your head. Quickly, he looked down at you, then Jason, then back to you.

"Not all of the murders in Gotham stem from Scarecrows gas." Dick informed."The infected committed the crime this time." He finished, Jason moved from beside you, heading for the entry from the batcave and back to the Manor, you pulled Dicks arm off of your head and went to follow Jason back up.

Once back up Jason headed straight towards the front door, and fled down the front steps of the Manor.

"Jason, wait!" You called out to him as he hopped onto a motorcycle.

"What?" He asked, putting on a helmet.

"Where are you going?" You questioned him

"work." Was all he said before revving up his motorcycle and speeding off.

...

You stared down at the book in your hands, tracing the faults on the cover with your fingers, honestly in a family of vigilantes you should've known that he's one too.....

~☆~

....

I got so much support on p.t 1 of this and that makes me so happy, I hope you enjoyed this part as well. I don't know when it will be uploaded, but I am going to write another part. <33

(Pt.3 is out now)

Taglist: @sanjanapm @unofficial-jaytodd-wife

@texaschainslvt

@godknows-shetried

@wendds

@celestair

@lorosette

@knoxx-seresinbradshaw

@agent-nobody-knows

@5sos-wdw

#x reader #batman #bruce wayne #batboys #batbros #batfam x batsis #batsiblings #damian al ghul #damian wayne x reader #dick grayson x reader #jason todd x reader #jason todd #jason todd fanfic #damian wayne x batsis #batboys x batsis #bat family #tim drake x reader

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millenialfanfictionaddiction · 1 year

Text

Being Team Japan’s Manager

Manager into crafts

Team Japan x Gender Neutral Manager (they/them)

Warnings: Like all fluff, maybe swearing???

AN: I’m back on my bs again and here to feed everyone 😅 sorry it’s so sporadic but I hope this holds everyone over for a bit!

When I say you should be nominated for sainthood Yn, I mean it!

These guys are a lot to deal with

Honestly, you have no clue how they even functioned before you came along

I mean, the coach practically begged you to be their manager

Man’s is tired 😴

Anyways, it’s safe to say that practices are eventful

Despite’s Bokuto saying he’s “matured”, he hasn’t

“How come Hinata got more sets than I did?” Bokuto asks Atsumu

You 👉🏻😃 crap he noticed-

“It’s simple, Hinata was just on today and you weren’t,” Atsumu responses, walking away

Bokuto 👇🏻

Meanwhile, Yaku and Hakuba are arguing about something 🙄

“That’s block sucked man, stop moving your hands all over!” Yaku shouts

“I wasn’t moving my hands all over, I was setting up for a receive when I knew I couldn’t block!” Hakuba yells back

On top of that Iwaizumi is yelling at Kageyama for practicing too much

Sakusa is complaining about how everyone needs to schedule their flu shot

And Aran has just all but abandoned the gym because he’s just over it

Thankfully, when practice was over, you were able to go home and spend some time enjoying one of your favorite hobbies

Crafting ✂️ 🎨 🧶

You had tried a lot of different crafts and found that you were pretty good at them

Everything from painting to knitting, from sculpting to resin

You enjoyed the creativity that crafts provided

It could be stressful but definitely not as stressful as your day job

Nothing can ever beat that stress 🙄

Anyways, you’d managed to keep your hobby on the down low

It wasn’t that you weren’t proud, it was more like you just hadn’t found the opportunity to bring it up

I mean, it’s not like you’re busy or something 😐

It wasn’t until one fateful night when your happy little secret was finally discovered

You see, you were home, watching/listening to some show while trying to knit

It was a newer hobby you’d picked up, on top of jewelry making, crocheting, etc

A jack of all trades our sweet YN 💅

You are knee deep in ‘knit one purl two’ rhythm when the door bell rings

Now since you had very little life outside the team, you were wondering who it could possibly be

You didn’t want to lose your stitch so you stood up and made your way to the door

On the other side was none other then Hinata and Kageyama

Panicked you quickly opened the door and stared at them

🎶 when he looks at me, and I look at him and he looks at me and I LOOK AT HIMMM 🎶

Obviously, you are draped in yarn while dawning other comfy attire 💅

Arguably two of the most “chaotic” members of the team just stare at you

Literally 👉🏻👁️👄👁️

You look at them like “What? Can’t I have a life outside of being your caretaker?”

Of course Hinata probably thinks you just escaped some maniac who attempted to tie you up with yarn of all things…

“OMG YN WHERE YOU KIDNAPPED??” Hinata yells, grabbing onto your shoulders and shaking you rather violently

“I’m in my own house Shoyo…” you respond, brain trying to reconnect to reality

Leave it to Kageyama to help the situation

“HINATA BOKE YN ISNT KIDNAPPED, THEY ARE PRACTICING THEIR KNOT TYING SKILLS!” Kageyama screams, smacking Hinata in the back of the head

See… helping 😌

Sighing as the two dunces fight in front of you, you try to calmly correct their mistake

“I’m not kidnapped, nor am I practicing any nautical knot tying, I’m learning to knit,” you explain as the two cock an eyebrow in your direction.

Both of them look at each other and then back to you, confused 🫤

You 👉🏻😐🙄

“You know what, it’s really not important! What do you two need?” You question, wondering why you were interrupted in the first place

“Well now I can’t remember why we came here!” Hinata exclaims, “can you Kageyama?”

“Yeah not really,” Kageyama answers

You definitely deserve a pay raise Yn

“Ok well if you two could kindly go home and rest that would be much appreciated. You know how angry Hajime gets when you guys don’t get enough sleep,” you scold as the two men’s eyes widen

They quickly take off, racing each other to who knows where

As you close and lock your door, you think about how the next days practice with go

Will Hinata and Kageyama tell the other guys about your hobby?

Will Hinata and Kageyama even remember?

Honestly you figure brain cells are on your side since the two that just exited your apartment have a combined one on a good day

There’s no way they’d ever tell the guys about your knitting…

Sure… yeah… absolutely… it’s DEFINITELY fine : D

*12 hours later*

“YN I didn’t know you tied nautical knots on your days off? What a unique hobby!” Yaku says, first the next morning at practice

“I didn’t even know you fished Yn,” Hakuba adds

“Maybe YN just likes the art of knot making?” Aran suggests

You 👉🏻 🧍🙄

“I don’t tie knots guys, I knit… KNIT!” You shout as their eyes all pop open

“Knit? As in like what grandmas do?” Atsumu inputs

Please someone 👊🏻

“Atsumu shut up! Knitting is something alot of people do to relieve stress. And with a team filled with dummies like you, I’m sure YN needs all the stress relieve they can get!” Iwaizumi shouts

“Oh my god,” you whisper as the gym fills with chatter

“Why didn’t you tell us about your hobby Yn?” Ushijima asks as you just stare at him and gesture to the chaos that is currently unfolding

Ushijima just nods and quietly walks away to resume his practice

“So YN do you knit? Like scarves or port holders or something?” Suna questions as he walks with you to your office

“Well I’m just learning the art right now but I do a few other crafts in my spare time,” you say, still ignoring whatever is happening on the floor

“That’s cool, you should post some of your crafts online. I’m sure you could sell them or something? Maybe make a little extra money?”

You shrug, not really interested in extra funds and more excited to just do something you enjoy

Or should I say, the TEAM enjoys 😅

Because if you think you’re going to get away with not teaching one craft Yn, you are very mistaken

Hinata is sending you 5 minute craft videos every day

Bokuto wants to know if you can knit special pads for him for practice

Atsumu is asking for a custom “Atsumu” phone case 🙄

It literally doesn’t stop

So what do we do about this? Well there’s only one thing we CAN do 👀

🎉 CRAFT PARTY 🎉

That’s right, you gather all your craft supplies and haul them into the gym one Friday during practice

The guys all stare at you like you’ve walked into the wrong gym

“Uhh Yn you do know this is a volleyball gym right?” Yaku jokes as you set up your table on the side lines and nod

“Yep! But after practice it’s going to be a craft party!”

“Craft… PARTY???” The guys all shout in tones varying from excitement to pure confusion

“Yes since you all want me to make you crafts, I’m just going to show you how to do it instead!” You exclaim

“You made sure to get non-toxic glue right Yn? I don’t trust some of the idiots not to eat it,” Sakusa remarks, staring at a few members in particular

You roll you eyes and smile, “yes Sakusa, it’s all safe! And I have crafts for everyone.”

Surprisingly, the guys are rather good at crafts

Sakusa’s flexibility makes crocheting and knitting a piece of cake

Atsumu’s flamboyant nature makes him great at painting

Hinata and Kageyama have somehow turned bracelet making into a competition

Komori and Yaku are great with stencils!

And you? You are just happy to be able to share your hobby with your favorite people 🥰

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knightyoomyoui · 2 months

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Jihyo x M/F Reader - "Just A Feeling"

This book makes a return today! For this oneshot, I'm sorry if this one may be complicated to read since I didn't make any outline for it and kind of... weird to read too, especially for female readers out there. This one is actually intended to be only for male readers because I think the plot of this suits them better since the story came from my perspective as a guy and from a real-life experience I'm currently going through. Don't worry though, I still tried my best to make this applicable to everybody since I made some changes to make it gender neutral, plus there's opinions from some various featured female K-Pop idols as my characters that portray my real-life classmates here, which female readers might relate to. So yeah, basically what you're about to read here is based on a true story (except starting from the climax until the end, which I just made up from my imagination since I haven't confessed yet lol.) about my huge crush with this one genuine girl from our class. And oh, I've said it already that it's not gonna be a fluff right? It's not gonna be a tearjerker though but for the softies there, this might hurt. Don't worry though, I'm going to write a one-shot special on weekend that relies more on fluff. Finally saw something that inspired me to write, that's why. Heh.

I was eating in our cafeteria along with my circle of friends in our room, talking about—well, guess what—sex education. We were trying our best to remain open-minded about the topic. Honestly, I don’t even have any idea why we would insert this topic to arrange a conversation in the middle of the public.

I know that these things should be taken seriously because they provide knowledge on how to establish a healthy sexual life in the future, but I just couldn’t help but feel a bit ashamed. Well, I wouldn’t be if only these girls would just lower their mouths whenever they'd ask or mention a term, especially when it’s too silly to hear.

I was afraid that others might hear us and lose appetite because of what we were discussing. I already made my move, providing a question pertaining to my curiosity and thankfully they answered me with the expected answer I wanted to know. That’s why I moved my head and roamed my eyes around to distract myself away from them since I don’t really find their current discussion interesting to me.

Looking around, there are many students along with us doing their own business mindfully. Eating together or alone in their respective spots and typing on the computer or writing notes as they review for their subject while on a break. Each was from different courses and grade levels, and of course we wouldn’t be the exception.

Some of our classmates too were on the another table, with them being formed together into their own circle they belong in. That is, until my eyes landed on her again as I check upon them. The girl with sharp jawline, boyish wild haircut, adorable with a touch of chic aura in her visual, and those big eyes I couldn’t avoid but to get sucked in whenever I get to be in contact with those shimmering pairs of hers.

The name of the girl I’m describing with much creativity and detail is Park Jihyo. She’s currently one of our brightest students in our class. If I’ll compare myself to her, well my intelligence is pretty below average and subpar to her attributes.

Whenever I glanced at her, I couldn’t help but pause and take a short time to admire what my sight was displaying for me. Just like today, she has that serious expression that I find both intimidating and… hot? Yeah, yeah, fine, you got me. I do think of her sometimes as a dominant or possessive girlfriend who loves to claim and tease, and I do get a bit intense and aroused just by thinking about it, especially when it fits her a lot along with her lean figure.

Damn it, you wouldn’t blame me. She literally is the embodiment of a girl crush that others would kneel on their knees for her. I may have not saw somebody like that, but oh I can’t just deny those words I’ve heard from the girls and guys on my room simping for her.

Setting aside to those qualities, I’ll make it plain and simple that she’s that beautiful in my eyes. I don’t care if I’m falling in love to a boisterous and fiery tomboy like Jihyo. Deep inside of that cool and boyish appearance of hers, I couldn’t count how many times I’ve encountered that soft girly demeanor she was hiding. That time when she squealed and raised both her fists in the air while looking appalled as the volleyball almost hit her face during our class in physical education would be my favorite.

She smiled again and laughed at whatever they were talking about, which is effectively contagious. She has that much effect on me already. Whenever her mood is, will be the same as mine. Guess I could say that’s how I could tell that I’m highly attached on her now.

I was so busy complimenting and being in awe of her that I almost responded too late when I saw Jihyo start to move her eyes around, and she went in the direction I was in. Just a little angle she shifted, and she would’ve caught my eyes staring at her, looking like it was attempting to hallucinate and connect to mine too.

But I was too weak for that, as always. I’m always weak for her. I pretend I didn’t just went to their side and busy admiring her as I returned to my friend’s discussion while my peripheral vision has unknown whether she felt like someone was stalking at her or as usual, nothing.

2 days later, we were waiting for the Calculus class to end because our professor has left us for some numerous problems to solve on the board and use it as an advantage to increase our points in recitation. He definitely might’ve went again to the mall and go eat samgyupsal again with his officemates at the faculty room that’s why we know we already have the freedom to be noisy and indulge on those differential equation as much as we want.

Our professor is busy grilling meat and stuffing wagyu meat in his mouth while us as his students were busy grilling our minds and stuffing numbers across the board.

While I was confidently sitting on my chair just watching my classmates go berserk on dribbling equations of their own since I already had my turn to have a recitation point, my female classmate named Miyeon invited me for a chat with her because mainly she’s bored.

We did chatter for any laughable random topics for like 10 minutes until I heard her enter a question that had me locked in on my seat.

“Say, YN. I noticed that you had shared so many sad posts about romance these days on Facebook. Are you heartbroken?” She asked me.

“Uhh… that? W-well, I just like those kind of posts. Nothing much.” I smiled fakely at her.

“You sure?” She stared at me. I just nodded and awkwardly removed my gaze at her as I act like I was trying to keep myself busy on my notes.

“You have a crush on someone, don’t you?”

I slowly turned around and my stupid self chose to rose my brows making myself shocked rather than meeting itself and show some confusion. Now I’m busted.

“H-how can you say so?”

“Wouldn’t most of the people around social media does that whenever they admire somebody and they just left to be… unwanted back?” She shared. “I’ve been through that, that’s why I know.”

I remained silent as I sighed. I glanced at Jihyo again, she was being recorded now by one of our close friends in the room as she explains the solution she wrote on the board. That’s what our professor instructed us to do so that he can acknowledge our points, is to sent him our video that we’re tackling about the equation we answered.

“There is, huh.” She confirmed. I was being too obvious already so with defeat, I just let her expose me more. “She’s in our class isn’t it?”

My eyes widened. My body trembled as she already made another guess but a more accurate one this time. Miyeon seems to be an observative type of person, and more untrained and horrible attempts of pretending that I contradict her guesses would just make me look dumber in front of her.

I sighed and chuckled at myself from getting caught. “Yeah. She is.”

“Woah!” She exclaimed. “So YN here also has a crush of his/her own here huh!” She teased me as she referred to me being another addition to those established “couples” in our room. Most of them were now officially together and others, well I don’t know but mostly I’ve learned these days that they already confessed and sadly, they were rejected but still remains to be a tough lover for them.

“Who’s your crush then?” I shushed her with my gesture, as there’s our classmates still sitting in front of us and they might hear us. I don’t want tk get humiliated more just by being put into a hot seat getting confronted who’s the girl i’m into these days.

“D-do you want me to give you a clue?” I asked, I wanted to play a game with her first she already caught me easily, now I want to test her this time.

“Oh sure, what is it?”

“Okay, hmm….” I hummed but I didn’t think that much because i already knew what I would give to her. “She’s a person.”

“Luh.” She reacted and whined. “Cmon, be serious!”

I just laughed at her befuddled response and think again, with all seriousness this time. “Okay, fine. She’s a social butterfly.”

“Ooohhh social butterfly…” Miyeon started to think. “There’s so many classmates of ours that are giddy to get close with others. Is it Jiyeon?”

“Nope. 19 left.” I said, crossing out one from the list of number of girls in our room.

“Aaaahhhh!” She screamed but jokingly, already panicking at just one guess. “Whooo?”

“Try more!”

“Aish, is it Julie?”

“Nope.”

“Ehhh?” She scratched her nape. “Next clue!”

“Okay fine, I’ll give you just three okay?” She nodded and readjusted her posture on her seat, she seemed very invested on knowing who my crush is. “The second one is… she’s smart.”

“Smart…” she began thinking again. “But most of us here are very good at anything.”

I smirked, feeling satisfied that I gave a mysterious clue for her more. “Is it Mina?”

“Nah.” I shook my head, but I admit in my thoughts that i almost fell for Mina once like back when we were freshman.

“Danielle?!” Miyeon’s eyes brightened as she thought she finally achieved the right answer. I shook my head and gave her an apologetic look, which shuts off the spark in her eyes instantly.

Miyeon pouted and lets out an even struggling look at me. “I’m starting to run out of ideas!”

“Miyeon you’ve only told me like… 5 of our classmates so far.”

“Fire the last clue!”

“Okay. The last one is that… you probably won’t expect her to be my crush.”

Her eyebrows lifted and hummed fascinatingly at me. “That just made things interesting. Won’t expect to be your crush? So it means it’s not actually your type but you just seem to get a liking on that person?”

“Hmm maybe?”

“Wait…” she paused that lasted a little bit longer than just few seconds. Her head raised and I wondered why her eyes softened as she slowly looked at me and pushed her head closer.

“What? You got the answer now?”

“YN… is it me?” Miyeon asked. She was staring at me with pure seriousness and jaw hanging slightly in surprise. I gasped as I was shocked at her answer. I know that she’s one of the girls around who is also pretty but still I didn’t expect that it really came out of her mouth, that she also considered herself too.

“N-no! It’s not you and Miyeon, you already have a boyfriend.”

“Yeah.” She agreed, understandably took my reason well. “But… it’s just a crush though, so…”

“Still no. I don’t fall in love to women who are already taken. I respect relationships and I don’t want to create conflicts for other people. Although, I admit that you’re beautiful.” I smiled at her. She returned the same and pushed my shoulder. “Wow, just like that huh?”

“I don’t know, you sound like you were urging me to say something nice to you atleast.”

“I wasn’t! B-but that doesn’t mean I won’t take your compliment at me.” She giggled. “Anyways, I pass. Cmon tell me who it is!”

I exhaled. To be fair, I wasn’t really up for sharing this with anybody. It’s not that I don’t want anybody to know because I don’t trust them, but I’m doing this rather to avoid the possibility that she may learn more about what I really feel for her from other people. I just want to be a complete secret admirer of her.

However, since I was already cornered by Miyeon, it seems like my plans have to undergo some changes. I feel a bit of pity for this girl because she has shared some of her stories with me, and I listened and kept them all to myself, just like she wanted to. Thatimplies that she views me as someone she can trust.

That’s why I felt obligated that I had to treat her in the same manner. I mean, Miyeon is one of the girls in our class that I find really pure and mature and who knows how to blend well when having fun with other people.

“Fine. You know I never really intended to tell this to others because for some reasons, I don’t want anybody to tease me, accidentally become obvious, or make others bother with what I’m facing at right now… but I do trust you Miyeon, you know that. And please let’s keep it to ourselves okay?”

“Oh don’t worry about me.” Miyeon then bounced on her seat with a large grin. “I’m so excited to know!”

“W-well… the girl that I’m-”

“What are you two up to?” My other classmate interrupted our conversation, looking at us as she twirled her body on the chair to go back and forth at us. I was surprised that we’re like able to be caught despite our distances being one vacant row from each other. Our voices aren’t even that loud.

Miyeon and I exchanged glances and she was controlling her laughter as she saw me looking nervous. “W-we’re just playing a game! He’s trying to make me identify who is-”

“Aahhhh wait, I think I know what you two are talking about.” Her eyes then shrinked and it went towards me who is blushing. She smirked and find my current state hilarious. “I’ve been seeing something about this one eh. I think I know who may that be.”

Both Miyeon and I were eager to know, especially me who is heavily related to the one she was talking about. About our conversation with Miyeon, she finally learn who that is and she was amused to know that she agrees at the clues I gave to her. She really didn’t expected that I’ll be admiring somebody like Jihyo and commented that it wasn’t visible to me all these time. She couldn’t blame me though for having a crush with Jihyo, as she revealed that she’s bisexual and she once had a crush on her too before she met her boyfriend.

Meanwhile, about our other classmate who is holding a thought that shares my secret. I wanted to know about it. Thankfully, both of us were walking home together since Nako which is her name, lives almost close to our neighborhood.

We were riding on a bus and we talked about what she said earlier. I had no choice but to reveal to her since I already did it to Miyeon and it’s going to be unfair if I don’t do it for her too. She might feel offended that I rather not to disclose it to her.

She learned and she laughed so hard that she was actually right which had me speechless. She found it interesting too just like Miyeon that I got to be in love with someone like Jihyo. Me on the other hand, has a huge “How?” question displayed on my head.

She only replied that it’s her guts that is telling her and even her didn’t expected that she would got it correct. What she said though did had me find it difficult to maintain my smile. “But really, for me I don’t see Jihyo being attracted to a guy/girl. It’s more possible that she’s rather into girls because of her looks, but she did told me one time what does she think of her gender and she only told me that it’s complicated. Will it still going to be okay for you knowing that your rivals when it comes to her were all female/male?”

She shared to me her observation and I got it immediately what her basis for that. I suddenly had Jihyo on my mind along with her tomboy look that can make girls crazy and gay for her. “I don’t know, I don’t mind it that much. They can all admire her for whatever they want. What matters to me more is Jihyo. Only her.” I just said nonchalantly to her, which she find a bit suspicious why I care less about it.

Whether by coincidence or not, more and more days have passed, and my other classmates that I’m close with are all girls. Have I mentioned that I’m comfortable and easy to befriend with girls rather than guys? I never had a sister in my life; that’s why I view them as my sister-like figures, but still, I know how to set my boundaries with them due to society’s common stereotype of seeing two opposite genders together.

They all also began to know my adoration for Jihyo, and they are either secretive or teaseful about it, and I find myself on the brink of danger whenever they do that on occasions that me and Jihyo would have an interaction together. Some examples I can give are when I, along with Nako and her, were discussing our anticipation of attending the concert of our favorite K-pop group this coming week.

I was expressing my loneliness to them rather because I wasn’t entirely sure if my parents would allow me to attend such a huge event like that and for me also to travel to a place that is very far away from our city. I was about to give up my hopes until a certain person simply boosted my faith again and not wanting to let me go that easily.

“You should go to that concert, YN! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, you should not waste it!”

Jihyo spoke to me and she gave me that hopefulness and positivity. She knew I might need it for her and if that so then she’s damn right. I couldn’t ask for anything more than to hear a support and concern than from her.

And later that night, I tried to ask my parents about it, and shockingly, they allowed me to, as long as I had someone with me. Nako joined me, while Jihyo went with her sister. I got a little excited, thinking I was going to be with her too, but that’s just fine. At least, I still got some heart-bursting interaction with her on social media when we both exchanged heart reactions on our posts about our experience at the concert.

Another time I could give that one of the best things I would want to just happen forever in my life was when I got unexpectedly sick in the school, and what’s even more suck about the timing is that we were rehearsing for our roleplay performance in just 3 days.

Our director set me aside for now and gave me a time to recover but ofcourse the worry of me not being able to make it to the deadline struck a fear on him. I just lay down on one of the benches with all of my classmate’s bags around me. I tried to sleep but the pain in my head just won’t let me go in peace.

I was about to go to the clinic with no other option in mind because I didn’t actually want to go there because, um, yeah, call me a scaredy cat, but I’ve heard many times from some of the students, including my classmates, that our school nurse is a terror. She’s so strict that there’s no doubt that once she finds me, my temperature will be high. Since the pandemic happened, these medical professionals have been very careful for the past few years.

One positive detection and surely I’m gone for today. I just sighed defeatedly because I wanted to practice today and to see her ofcourse. I sat up and gave myself time to prepare myself as I might feel dizzy standing up, but then I heard some footsteps and felt arms wrapped around me.

“J-jihyo?” I exclaimed weakly. She must’ve felt my body trembled in shock as I found her beside me. She just looked at me and tightlipped.

“You’re going to the clinic now?”

“Yeah. I have to.”

“You can’t do it by yourself. Look how weak you look. Cmon, I’ll join you on your way there.”

“Y-you sure? B-but they might look for you and-

“I just finished rehearsing my part. My next one is three acts after, so they wouldn’t mind.” Jihyo said. “But it’s up to you, can you do it by yourself?”

“Actually, I really didn’t want to go home yet.” I said with sincerity of sadness on my voice.

“I know, but you have to.” Jihyo said to me. “Let’s go.”

We started walking, and I gave one last look at my classmates. I caught Miyeon, who saw me with Jihyo smiling at us, and I knew what that meant. We went together to the clinic, and I feel embarrassed that I had to make a girl wait for me outside, even though she didn’t mind me that much. The nurse wasn’t even that scary; she was rather strict, but in the sense that she’s doing it because she cares for the students’ health.

She found my fever weird because… hmm how can I say this, well it’s like my temperature risen due to hunger, dehydration and possibly some changes of temperature also to the places I’ve been at since she discovered that I don’t actually feel dizzy or aching on my head.

That’s why due to my determination to remain here, she dared me to atleast decrease my temperature by having a meal and lots of water on the canteen or else she’ll have to excuse me to my instructor.

I went out of the clinic, accepting the challenge and Jihyo was just there sitting and using her cellphone. She felt my presence reappeared and she greeted me. “How’s there?”

I repeated what the nurse told me. “Come on, let’s eat at the canteen first if that so.”

“Yeah.”

“My treat.”

“Wait, what?”

We stopped walking. “Why? What’s the problem?”

“N-nothing, I just… didn’t expect it.”

“Just don’t do anything for now. Since I accompanied you, let me just be like that today before we get back there.”

In my surprise, Jihyo wrapped her arm around my shoulders, giving me that bro-cuddle. I felt super shy and almost going to melt because of the skinship she’s doing to me. It’s ironic how her touch can beat the warm temperature running across my body.

She was the one who bought our food and drinks together and she returned to our place with it. We just took our meal quietly then short talks about our interests again, but it was still enough for me. I give some sneak glances at Jihyo on my side, observing her sipping that iced coffee while she busily scrolls down on her phone.

My body suddenly felt lighter and numb, I think my sickness didn’t even exist to worry myself as I was just busy admiring her all over again. Not gonna lie, this just had me spawning another idea to imagine being with her more. A date with her is something I’d definitely would love to have someday with her.

But again, I knew I have no chance.

The deadline came and we were going back to the clinic, but just then Jihyo offered me something. It’s a medicine on the palm of her hand.

“Take this, it’ll help more.”

“Jihyo, you might need it once you-”

“But I don’t have one and you are, that’s why you need it more than me.” Jihyo rejected. “Just take it.”

I didn’t object anymore and took it at ease from her. “Thanks, Jihyo.”

“No prob, now get in there and hopefully you’re fine now. I mean, you’re kinda sweating now too so yeah maybe you really needed some rest.” She said as she poked at my arm.

I nodded and I entered with confidence, I know that Jihyo helped me a lot today. Fortunately, we were right. My temperature returned to normal still very close on reaching that low fever. I exit and immediately thanked Jihyo again which she returned with her gummy smile that I always loved seeing from her.

It was our classmates’ break too from the rehearsal and they saw us together rejoining them. As usual, Nako and Miyeon were the ones leading the group of people who knows my crush for Jihyo and they teased me about it.

And speaking of group of people who knows about my love secret, a new one has been added. It happened through our chat in Instagram when somebody replied in my story featuring a movie quote about loving someone but being aware of the consequences which makes you rather think twice on pushing yourself to chase for her feelings.

That person is the guy Jihyo is mostly close with in our classroom. They are both smart, but this one is smarter and they get along easily because they share the same humor. He replied to me saying “Who is that girl huh?”

I didn’t tell him yet. We went for some few talks until I recalled our time on the mall earlier with our other classmates. “Hey, I hope you don’t mind joining your circle like earlier. Maybe you guys might find having me uncomfortable, I just wanted to keep my closeness with you guys as my classmates.”

“We’re cool, YN. Actually I like it even more that you’re trying.” He said. “However, I do seem it doesn’t apply for somebody.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think out of everyone we were with at the mall earlier, I didn’t even saw you like interact or go near at Jihyo.” He said. I almost dropped my phone in disbelief. He did noticed me being shy around Jihyo. Sensing that he’ll end up as one of them who is about to find out soon, I didn’t wait for it anymore and after some few hesitation, I made up my mind to do what I have to do. “Did you two had a fight or something?”

“Ahh, that?” I said. “Well actually there’s another reason why you guys might find me sticking along to your circle more.”

He reacted a wow emoji on my message. My heartbeat racing as I typed the letters of her name on the keyboard. After i sent it, I waited for his reaction and what had me was his long laughter.

“Ahhhh so that’s why!” I can hear his annoying laugh behind the phone. My head just bent in shame and laughed poorly at my idiotic self. I don’t know if revealing my crush for Jihyo is even a good or a bad idea to do it with this guy.

“So yeah, I said it to you now. And I did it because I trust you so please, don’t let her know. She doesn’t need to.” I pleaded to him.

“Faggot, don’t.” He then continued with another laughter. Now I just want to rub my face on the table. “Good luck tomorrow, I’m going to tease you a lot from now on.”

I knew it would happen. I gulped nervously and chuckled again imagining what would I expect starting tomorrow if things will go in a chaotic change for me now that people are starting to recognize me because of being an admirer to our fellow classmate.

I prepared myself before going to the campus. As I arrived there, Sehun, which is his name, immediately laughed at me as I approach them who are waiting for our professor to arrive since the classroom is still locked. I just laughed back and whined at him to stop doing it frequently or else Jihyo might find it suspicious and it may attract her attention.

Thankfully, he did listened. He was just like doing it in a manner that he tries his best to insert a joke referring to me but Jihyo and the rest won’t notice. Before we went home as our classes for today ended, he gave me a short advice that began to repeat for the few days to come or whenever we get to talk together.

“Make a move already.” He said. “Do it. She’s easy to get along with. Don’t be nervous.”

I know to myself that I’m trying, but I’m not doing that to impress myself. I stand at my reason still why I don’t have any plans to make an action on how to make her mine. He did say it with the same idea I was thinking for the past few months since I started to develop an attraction to Jihyo, so I just listened to him while keeping my feelings behind me.

But again, being the dorky admirer that I am, I find it difficult to do whenever my feet would bring me closer to me or when I’m standing next to her. I couldn’t acknowledge her presence in ease. It was stressful, and it raises my belief that I am indeed a hopeless romantic.

It continued for few months that my classmates would also ran out of energy to disturb me with their playful gestures on leading me to Jihyo. They slowly didn’t cared at all and it was kind of relieving at least that’s going back to normal now that I can just move around without anybody noticing me. That didn’t last long though when I was walking home with my classmates and two of my other female classmates named Jeewon and Karina asked me randomly when Jihyo got mentioned in our topic.

“You still have feelings for her?” Jeewon asked me.

“Yeah.” I admitted.

“How long do you have a crush on her?”

I remembered the date today and that exact date when I proclaimed myself that I am indeed catching feelings for Jihyo. “Almost a year now.”

Both of them woah-ed. Karina took the turn to ask me. “Why aren’t you doing anything yet? You’re almost reaching a year, that’s long enough already.”

I sighed and slumped my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter. I believe its better if she must not know. I don’t want her to end up with me anyway.” I said weakly as my mind replayed that time when I talked with my other classmate named Lia who lives at the direction where my home leads at, stating that she learned that Jihyo doesn’t have any interest on this love thingie and she prioritize her studies first. She didn’t deny the part though that she already had an experience of being in love with somebody. Based on her report, they almost became a couple back when they were in senior high school but sadly, it didn’t happened for unknown reason.

Jeewon and Karina aww-ed in pity for me being a fallen soldier who still remains loyal fo a girl who will never be aware of my feelings and be mine. They just expressed their opinion that a year or more might just be wasted and more painful to see somebody I’m loyal with get to be rather with someone else. That’s why they still wanted to push me to try atleast.

I just kept it in mind but I haven’t considered it yet. I did have another reason with me that i didn’t shared to them which added to my reasons why I should remain on the shadows. I recalled from my chat with Lia that she has speculations to her ex-boyfriend, which is Sehun that he is interested with Jihyo too.

She even enumerated to me her evidences she observed which became a reminiscence to the things Sehun once did for her when he was courting her.

“First, you see how he always places himself next to Jihyo. Second, he was frequently escorting her with his motorcycle, to take her home or go to somewhere else. He did that to me once, and that’s when he found out where I live in and now for sure he knows where Jihyo’s home too. Lastly, he can just easily get access on her things without a permission. He even carries her bag for himself!

Don’t you think those were still nothing for him? I’m telling you, he’s chasing for Jihyo’s feelings just like how he did to me and what makes me afraid is that he might also waste her heart just like how I ended up into. He’s a player!” She said with all frustrations and I calmed her down. It threw me back to my conversations with Sehun and that advice he gave me which he always say in repeat that I should “Make a move already”.

At first it was just a simple encouragement to me but now after hearing what Lia said, I felt like it was rather a challenge sent to me. That I should do something now or else he’ll be the one who’s gonna win in the end.

Well, for my response? I don’t even care. Let him have her if he wants. If there’s some sort a miracle that it happens, I swear to God that I hope he won’t hurt Jihyo or else,I may reconsider and I’ll be there in no time.

Speaking or miracle, the reason I said it like that is because Lia and I share the same idea: “Pfft he wouldn’t have a chance with her.” Lia said in a mocking tone. “Jihyo doesn’t want to get involved with such guys like him. He may be great at words but internally? He’s immature, way apart to Jihyo.”

“Hmmm so that’s why I’m getting a weird feeling whenever I see them together” I revealed that I actually do get jealous whenever I see them close. At the bench where they review together with their circle, At the canteen where they eat and laugh together. And… yeah when he instructed Jihyo to hug him when they were riding on his motorcycle.

I just tried to hide my face contorting as my heart swells in pain seeing them like that. I was gaslighting myself that maybe it was nothing and they’re close friends that’s why. Jihyo met Sehun early when we became freshman that’s why them being close isn’t surprising anymore.

Until Lia came to dispose those lies I’ve been saying to myself. “See! Even you can see it from them. Trust me, YN. Sehun is making a move on Jihyo. I was his ex, I know him better when he acts for love.”

A month later, those all allegations and rumors we have for Sehun along with my other friend and former classmate who shifted to another course named Arin who also told me that she caught Sehun with another girl eating together and drive away on his motorcycle near at their neighorhood. Arin was living near to Sehun’s house that’s why. Arin even added that when her eyes met against Sehun’s it looked like he caught in the act and just quickly greeted at her back before they left.

Unfortunately, Arin didn’t recognize the girl but she did told me that she was wearing a uniform that is not from our campus, planting a seed that the girl is from another campus that he is also close with.

Going back to what I was saying, those all rumors were ended and disposed away when one day, me and Sehun are sitting next to each other at our subject about Psychology since our surnames’ initials are right next to each other, with mine before his.

While we wait for our instructor, he pulls out his phone and typed something before he poked me and made me look at it. I looked at the message he sent, I read it and it says:

“You’re in danger, YN.”

I furrowed my brows at him. “Danger? For what?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Boss is starting to speculate you.”

My eyes widened and my chest felt heavy immediately. His laugh got a bit louder but he stopped and typed again on his phone.

“Seriously? I-I mean, I’m not shocked since I knew it’s gonna happen. Secrets are meant to be unveiled-” I was just spitting nonsense now at this point, while I am heavily confused that she finally does began to notice me.

He presented his phone again. This time it says:

“Make a move already. Sungbin is almost at the end.” My brows deepened. Who the hell is Sungbin? I then asked it to him along with the question how did Jihyo suspected me, but instead he just said he will say about it more later.

That son of a bitch though left me hanging and getting eaten alive with all my curiosities for an entire day until I had enough waiting and I chatted him repeatedly about it while clearing up any misunderstandings that I’m not even expecting a lot or whatever. He finally responded and this is what he replied to me.

“Yup she shared it to me like, out of nowhere- she just asked. This is not what happened specifically, huh. This is just too long to read.

For her sake and yours. I don’t want to become your “middle man” even though you both are very distant to each other, got it?

After she approached me, she asked who do you like then ofcourse since you said before that you don’t want me to say it plus it’s not really my business so I just didn’t answered her.

But it looks like she didn’t really wanted to ask it then, I guess she got tired of waiting (just like you right now.) She then asked me directly if “Am I the one that YN likes?” and there, still with respect for you… I didn’t answered her. Not my story to tell.

But overall, just chill. No need to approach her about it anyway. Plus I don’t want to get involved if ever like “Sehun was the one who said it to you, doesn’t he?” Pass. I don’t want to get in trouble. There, make your move or don’t. It’s up to you. She's not thinking about it like actively, don’t worry. Maybe it just crossed her mind that time. So yeah, that’s your too long to read. Ciao.”

I thanked him and felt touched that he really did listen after all this time, and he became a man of his word for it. It’s still unknown though if he also harbored a crush on Jihyo, but during that time I did kind of notice that he wasn’t getting that much into contact with her that I might find jealous of. Maybe he gave up shortly and is now focusing on somebody else.

I learned afterwards that this is not the time that Jihyo starts to investigate her possible secret admirer, aka me. I confirmed from some of my classmates that Jihyo also asked them about it, and they also lied about it. I also feel like Jihyo is now also hiding a secret from me, as I found her following me whenever I take a spot somewhere else around the campus, yet still minus the talking.

I got nervous at the idea that maybe she’s testing or examining my antics if she can consider it that yeah I am getting shy around her because she’s my crush afterall. Realizing that she must have known now, I’m stuck if i really have to do it as there’s no more sense anymore if I have to continue being like this way.

I then hold on for few days until the time has come. I don’t know if this is such a huge coincidence or my classmates are pulling a prank on me. I did contacted them to confirm the location of our group study and the time which I quickly prepped up to head there.

But as I arrived there, I found Jihyo who is sitting alone and using her cellphone. It’s early in the morning and there’s not much students scattered around. It’s very quiet and peaceful but deep inside of me I feel like my emotions are going into war not knowing what I should do.

There’s no way out for me as I cannot leave anymore and Jihyo immediately saw me after she looked away at her phone. I had no choice but to come near at her while I try my best to compose myself. “Good morning.” She greeted me and I did the same.

“They’re still not here? I thought I’m already late that’s why I quickly went here.” I said, acting nonchalant and a bit confused.

“Same too. But since we’re here, let’s just wait for them.” I nodded and I instantly grabbed my things and took them out. From my peripheral vision, my senses are telling me that Jihyo is still observing me.

I don’t want to be weird so I silently plead that she stop, but as longer as we continue to be like this, I then realized that it was actually Jihyo who is becoming awkward between us. My patience couldn’t hold anymore as I see her blank face, I closed my notes and sighed heavily before I spoke the words I’ve never wanted to say.

“This is exactly what I’m talking about.” I said. Jihyo didn’t moved and stared at me, wondering what I’m talking about, so I proceeded with my words. “Making you uncomfortable and unhappy being around me, and it scares me. That’s what I’m being so hesitant for.”

I lowered my head, avoiding her gaze at me. What she said after made me lift up and put my attention to her as this is now something both she and I must discuss sincerely.

“So it’s me.” She finally comprehended what I’m trying the say.

“Always has been, Jihyo.” I confirmed, officially marking my confession to her and shattering my more than a year-length of being her secret admirer.

“And I just want to tell you right ahead that i’m very sorry.” I continued my heartfelt speech, wanting to make every thing clear for Jihyo. “We both know we ain’t that close or I don’t know, even be called as friends to have a normal conversation like this, and it’s my fault. It’s because of this deep infatuation- no screw that, I know for myself that this is indeed love I’ve been having on you that makes me act very awkward around you and trust me, I’m trying very very hard but I just cannot help it.”

“I do notice that I’m like the only one that you don’t get to interact with in the class.” Jihyo said. “Hearing that from you more, it did kind of hurt a litlle bit, you know. Seeing our classmates happy and comfortable talking with you, but I can’t have it the same as them. It did made me worried if I even did something bad to you. W-why does it have to be different when it comes to me?”

I frowned and took all of her rants with guilt. “I thought it was like that, but now I would just found out that’s all because you just… love me that much that you had to act like I’m non-existent?”

“I’m really sorry, Jihyo.” I muttered. “I have my reasons but it’s too many to say.”

“Then atleast enlighten me why do you have to set yourself away?”

“My fears and insecurities are not allowing me to, Jihyo.” My breathing is starting to get heavy as I sense the rising intensity of our confrontation. Jihyo was staring at me, puzzled. “It’s hard to escape. I’m scared that if you once knew, you will just ignore me because of it. That’s why I think not being close with you is much better because atleast I… I have nothing to lose more from you.”

Jihyo gulped and her expression turned into concern. She was about to move towards me but she hold on as I soon followed up what did she got taken aback from. My eyes swelled and a thin cold path started to drew from my cheek, and that’s when I touched it, a teardrop had escaped to present how much I’m struggling with this feeling.

“W-why are you doing this to yourself? Why do you need to hurt yourself more because of me?” Jihyo adjusted herself closer to me. Our eyes still ain’t leaving our staredown at each other. It deeply feels like i’m under interrogation right now that I have to defend and tell my side with all honesty.

“It’s just a feeling that I have.” I shrugged. “That i’m not the example of an ideal guy you would like to be with. I’ll just ruin whoever you are and we’ll end up being torn. Now you know why I didn’t want to confess to you because I’m not desperate for you to answer me back and tell me that you love me too. Maybe it’s better if you don’t.”

I was about to wipe my tears with my spare cloth but I was prevented by Jihyo herself who touched my hand and grabbed the cloth instead. Astounded, she damped it around my face and wiped my tears away.

“YN, please you don’t have to be harsh at yourself.” Jihyo sharpened her voice. I shook my head and tried to remove her hand.

“Don’t worry, it’ll end soon, when the time comes that my heart decides to stop.”

“AND IF I TELL YOU NOT TO?!” Jihyo suddenly yelled in front of me, slamming her fist at my shoulder. My eyes widened at her outburst. I went speechless, oblivious at the fact that I’ve been pushing her buttons further the more she hears me blabbering poisonous words at myself.

Her question rather, sounded suspicious. She returned her glare at me and she reached for my hand laying on my lap.

“I’ve had enough of hearing you hate yourself this much, you may not be fit on some of the qualities I want to the type of person I dream to be together with but I didn’t find everything about you horrible!” Jihyo complained. “And I am willing to get to know more about your capabilities, my standards weren’t even that high to be reach. I feel like it’s not right for me to be like that. If you hate yourself, then what about me? I don’t even think that anybody would fall for me who doesn’t even act accordingly to the gender norms this society has dictated upon.”

“Then I’m not one of them.” I said with confidence. “Initially, I never wanted to be in love again. But then I saw you and more time has passed, I couldn’t determine at first what my heart find you qualified to make me fall for you.

One year ago, I began as your secret admirer observing you from a far, and that’s where I started picking it all up. Many will find you rather handsome or a less attractive because of your boyish cut, tough posture, and antics that doesn’t suit you. But to me, I see different.

You’re uniquely beautiful and cute on your own that I couldn’t stand not to glance at your face for a second. I see this smart and mature woman that you would respect and willing to listen to every words she says attentively. God, you don’t how many times I imagine having you near me all the time just doing every ideas I could think to make you know how I’m deeply in love with everything about you. Just to make you feel special.

Jihyo, I love you because of how your authenticity shines through.”

After I enumerated all the signs that I find captivating from Jihyo and from how she shifted her gloomy mood into an uplifted state, smiling at the compliments I showered over her. She bit her lip and sighed as she looked away, thinking of something else for a while.

Jihyo then brought back her gaze and roamed it all around the sight of myself in front of her. “I really appreciated it a lot, YN. It did sounded sincere.” She nodded in which I mirrorred her. “We really can be friends, but this silly crush is pulling both you and I from each other.”

“S-so, you don’t-”

“No, wait it’s not like that!” Jihyo stopped me as she probably noticed that I misintepreted her. “I mean… you’re a cool guy and can you please stop ignoring me anymore? I-It really hurts when you only do that to me among the rest.” She begged with her softened dismayed tone as she pouted at me. I couldn’t care less anymore if I look like a tomato at how red my cheeks or face would appear from her cuteness.

“I won’t, I promise.” I assured her.

She sighed in relief. “Finally.”

Both sides became silent for a second before Jihyo proceeded again. “About your confession, I won’t reject you for now, YN.”

My hopes and dreams reignited and altered again with that single sentence that she said. I gasped and became overwhelmed at her response that I always thought after all these time that she would just nevermind and won’t take it seriously. “Please understand that my focus for now are on our studies, and you should be as well. I would also like to advice you to take care of yourself and use all of these time I will give for you to improve yourself and rebuild your self-esteem. I don’t want to see you being like this anymore, okay?”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I nodded at her as I listened attentively to her favor.

“Can you wait for me? I mean… if you can’t, w-well… if your heart gets tired of me, y-you can find someone new-”

“And what if I won’t?”

Jihyo considered my interruption and added a new suggestion. “Then how about I’ll wait for you to come back and you must do the same for me?”

“Deal.” We shook hands to seal it. As we slowed down the pace, I let out my gratitude for her. “Thank you for hearing my confession to you, Jihyo. You don’t know how light I feel now after I finally lift off this huge baggage I’m carrying inside of me for spending the entirety of the year admiring you which I thought that would be impossible.”

Jihyo slapped my arm and grinned. “Tss, it’s nothing. I want to also say thank you for speaking up to me about what you really feel for me and I appreciate it a lot, YN. All you had to do is to open up. Sometimes you just have to face your fears.”

We both smiled at each other and then burst out laughing afterwards to avoid getting ourselves trapped again in awkwardness. “There they are on the gate, we should start reviewing now.”

Jihyo began pulling out her things out of her bag and we opened our notes and papers. At this moment, we officially had a mutual understanding to remain being friends for now while we wait for the future to bring what we will end up to be.

3 YEARS LATER

Me and Jihyo were still friends until our last year level… while we couldn’t deny that the signs are still there in present. Today is our graduation day and we both received our certificates, declaring our successfully conclusion of almost becoming an engineer one step away.

As everyone were finally got called on the stage, awarded, and delivered their speeches, we were all commanded to throw our hats to the air and celebrate for ourselves of reaching this far for the best of our careers.

I went to my family and welcomed their greetings to me. I couldn’t help but to be emotional seeing them enveloping me into their embrace. I owe it all to their hardwork and dedication. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here where they want me to be, and now me as well too. I’ll bring them with me as my start to build my life to its improvement.

After having my moment with them, now I went to search after to the only person that matters more to me than everybody else out there. I reached the center of the auditorium, it was empty, and my feet decelerated as I finally saw who I am looking for.

Jihyo was there, now in her new bobbed haircut, looking even more fantastic in her graduation gown. She was holding her award as mine and we faced each other from the distance in the middle of such crowded place. She smiled at me and I did the same for her.

I started walking to approach her and so did she. We stood face to face and we exchanged chuckles at one another.

“We did it.”

“Yeah. Can’t believe it as well.”

We stared at each other. I saw her smile slowly shrink from being proud to affectionate.

“YN… d-did you wait for me?”

“I… I did.” I nodded and smiled, although it’s hard as I knew what we’re about to discuss about.

“I’m sorry.” Jihyo said me and she couldn’t help but to cry for me. “I’m sorry if I couldn’t do the same.” I heaved out a long sigh as I try to mask my devastation.

“But you helped me in other way possible.” I comforted her, not wanting to see her drag herself down just because she failed to last long in the deal we made years ago. “You changed me for the better, Jihyo. Even though that I do admit that my heart is… shattered into pieces right now but that’s what doesn’t matter here.”

“I also give credit on you for what I am now today. I became the best version of myself just like you wanted me to be.” I smiled at him, despite my lips twitching in bittersweet. “I would’ve like it much to apply it on showing how I love you so much, that after all these years I remained loyal for you, I never gave up, Jihyo. I thought we’re gonna be something more in the end but… I was right all along.”

“The likes of us weren’t meant to be together. I have finally accepted that.” I nodded which urged my tears to fall more. “Despite in the way from our darkest days when you often refuse to run away just for the love you tried to save, that’s how it is. Some things cannot be saved when its destined to die.”

I looked at Jihyo and I swayed some of the hair blocking her mesmerizing beauty even with the ruined mascaras and smeared eyeliner.

“You probably even came to see me and hear me say I did too.” She said while she hiccuped on her sobs.

“No, I just came up to meet you to tell you how lovely you are today and…” I paused as I reached for the medal that is hanging around my neck. “W-will you please tell me this too for the last time? Have I made you proud too as well?” I asked her as I remember all of the times she makes me proud seeing her achieving all of those accomplishments she’s receiving because of her academic performance. That’s what motivated me to do better on my studies so that someday, I can make her be proud of me too.

“I know for sure I cheered the loudest I can get when I watch you grab that award, YN.” She nodded and smiled at me while sniffing her tears.

I feel contented at her answer. She immediately pulled me closer to her, my first and the warmest hug I ever shared with her. She cried aloud on my shoulder and I just hummed ay her as I try to comfort her as much as I can.

“Forgive me, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, YN. I wish I didn’t loved you for me to hurt you this badly.”

“I can’t hate you, Jihyo. You just discovered where your heart truly settles.” I said to her. “Don’t blame yourself now, please let’s just be happy for ourselves. Can you do it for me?”

“Y-yes…” I felt her head move around my hold. I knew she can hear my heart still beating loud for her. How I wish she still the same, but when I looked into her eyes, she’s not even there anymore.

I smiled at her, not minding what’s going on around us. I focused on Jihyo only, she’s the most important of them all as usual. It’s no denying that I gave her all I had and for sure I’m willing to repeat it.

“So this is what it feels like.” I lastly said before I broke the hug between us and exchanged congratulations for our success. I watched her return back to her place, to where she belongs. She reunited with her new boyfriend while I left as I finally lose control of my emotions. I cried out loud, defeated and disoriented.

I can’t believe that its over for the both of us.

#twice #twice au #twice fanfic #twice oneshot #kpop fanfic #kpop au #kpop oneshot #twice jihyo #park jihyo #jihyo x reader #jihyo x male reader #jihyo x female reader #twice x reader

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kaelily · 1 year

Text

— RESPECTFULLY YOURS

ayato x gn!reader — sfw, mutual pining, rumors , flirting, pda

you promised to yourself that you would avoid him at costs, then why were you doing this in the first place?

when ayato invited you out for an evening walk with him after spending his birthday at the kamisato estate, you tried your best to turn him down. then, the realization that your decision to would affect your family greatly made you accept his offer at last. being the heirs of prominent clans in inazuma made the two of you responsible for various things. the least you could do was to not let the decisions you made give rise to any rumors because of the sharp eyes that observed the both of you from everywhere.

from the moment you became aware of your feelings for ayato, you were determined to avoid him at all costs. the possibility of your feelings being unrequited and the dissaproval on his face when he realizes it scared you to no end. it was also very easy for him to read people even when they're trying to hide something deep down. so it left you with no other choice than to slowly cut yourself off from him in a way he wouldn't become suspicious. since you didn't want stir up any potential trouble for your clan, the option to accept his invitation seemed to be the wisest one. the walk was surprisingly peaceful, with the two of you being rather silent, which was quite awkward but certainly not uncomfortable.

"i did receive your gift you know, thoma handed it to me today morning. so no need to worry yourself over it " ayato finally breaks the silence by bringing up the gift you practically shoved into thoma's hands before hurrying out of the kamisato estate, saying that you were quite busy with your own duties (which was a lie). you internally wince as you recall the incident.

"ah i'm glad, was it to your liking?"

ayato ponders for a moment before answering "yes it was indeed to my liking. you've got quite an excellent taste [name], as always." he pauses a bit before continuing "but later on, i realized that i wasn't satisfied with it as i thought i'd be." his confession, along with the slight frown that accompanied it causes your panic to rise but you refuse to let it be visible on your face.

"c–can i ask why it wasn't?"

"well, i could say that it was missing... something which was very important"

"alright, what was it then?"

ayato slightly alters his pace to move closer to you and takes your hand to intertwine it with his, all while your heartbeat continues to rise. he leans closer to slightly brush his lips against the shell of your ear, to answer your question with a sly smirk.

"it was you, darling. i was waiting for you, all along"

heat spreads all over your face as you look away from him to calm yourself down but ayato continues to remain unbothered as ever. when you finally reach the streets of inazuma, he lets go of your hand, much to your disappointment. but then, to everyone's suprise, his arm travels further along your body to gently grab your waist to pull you closer to him. as you struggle to remain composed in your clearly flustered state while the people of inazuma sneak glances at the both of you, ayato pretends not to notice it, as his thumb rubs slow circles on your waist.

REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED!!!

a/n: i was supposed to post this on his birthday but look who procrastinated and then got sick :) please lmk if i accidentally used any gendered terms!!

#astronetwrk #ayato x reader #kamisato ayato x reader #ayato x gn reader #ayato x you #ayato x y/n #ayato fluff #ayato #kamisato ayato #genshin ayato #genshin x reader #ᕱ ᕱ — creations

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bumblesimagines · 6 months

Note

Kiara Carrera

you're still the asshole i once knew.

can we not do this here?

we never would have worked out, anyway.

you're still the asshole i once knew.

can we not do this here?

we never would have worked out, anyway.

Pronouns: They/Them/Their, Gender Neutral!Reader

Slipping past guests and tossing quick greetings over your shoulder, you made your way through the crowd until you reached your group of friends, your attention dropping to the poorly hidden flask in Sarah's hand. A giggle escaped her and she stepped forward, slinging one arm around your waist loosely and tipping the flask to pour it into your cup of punch.

"Okay- That's enough, Sarah," You hissed quietly.

"Sorry!" She squeaked and snickered, pulling back to slap her hand over her mouth in a vain attempt at stifling her uncontrollable laughter. Kelce stepped up beside you, sliding one arm around your shoulders and sneakily taking his flask from Sarah. He winked and tucked the flask back into his blazer with a little shimmy of his shoulders before disappearing back into the crowd, likely off to pass the flask around with more classmates.

And with that, Midsummers had officially begun.

Sarah slipped her arms around your shoulders and swayed along to the music playing. She stumbled occasionally over her short heels, each time giggling like a child and burying her face in your neck until the weight of her body caused you to stumble as well. You bit your tongue the third time it happened, unable to stop the snickering as older guests began glancing over.

"Wheezie," You called out quietly to the oblivious girl nearby. She looked up from her phone, the furrow in her brow disappearing when she noticed the state of her sister. The brunette sighed dramatically and made her way over, wrapping her arms around Sarah's waist and coaxing her sister into taking a seat and drinking water.

With Sarah taken care of, for the time being at least, you searched for Kelce in the crowd and found him with ease, murmuring a quiet thanks when he handed the flask over without question. You shuffled off onto the porch and slipped to a less packed area, opening the flask and taking a drink.

"You haven't changed, have you?" You nearly choked on the liquid in your mouth, feeling it burn the back of your throat as you swallowed and turned around to face the Pogue-turned-Kook-turned-Pogue, otherwise known as your ex-girlfriend, Kiara Carrera.

Drying your lips with the sleeve of your shirt, you cocked a brow at her. "And you still can't keep your nose out of my business. Guess that makes two of us, doesn't it, Kie?" You shot back, the hint of a grin tugging at your lips when she scoffed and looked away.

You officially met Kiara Carrera at the academy through Sarah Cameron after the blonde sang her praises for the new girl on the block. She hardly had any friends back then, only a few Pogues she constantly talked about and defended back on the Cut. Sarah integrated her into the friend group quickly, and with the two becoming fast friends, it was only natural she eventually became your friend as well. You eventually got together with Kiara through some encouragement and prodding from Sarah, leading to your first high school relationship and her first ever relationship.

It'd lasted all of ninth grade and ended two months into tenth grade. Her friendship with Sarah soured and in one last, spiteful disagreement, you chose your childhood friend over her. Kiara took it as well as expected.

"Well, at least you're still the asshole I once knew." She snapped, folding her arms over her chest but making no move to leave the conversation. Typical. You rolled your eyes, took another swing from the flask to ease the bubbling irritation, and offered it to her. She eyed it for a moment before snatching it from your hand and bringing it to her lips.

"Can we not do this here? Or would you like to make a scene as always?"

"As always?" She repeated with a humorless laugh, her grip on the flask tightening. "I wasn't the one who took you down to the dock where we had our first date just to break up with you. But, sure, I'm the one always making a scene."

"We were fifteen, Kiara! Get over it!"

"How are you going to tell me to get over it when you pull shit like that?! I told you I loved you the week before you did it. How should I get over that, huh? By getting wasted at summer parties and letting a fucking Cameron dance all over me?"

"Ah," You snorted. "This is about Sarah. It's always been about Sarah and it'll always be about Sarah and how much you hate her and how you can't believe anyone would ever want to be around her because she's a- what was it you called her? Right, right, I remember: 'a cobra with perfect hair and a pretty smile'."

"Because she is one!" Kiara nearly shrieked and you groaned, grabbing her arm and pulling her further from the party before the conversation caught anyone's attention. She ripped her arm from your hold the moment her shoes hit the sand and stomped further down the beach until the chatter and party music grew distant.

"I really need you to get over what happened, Kie. Between us. Between you and Sarah. It happened. Nothing's gonna change that."

"Yeah, I bet that's what you tell yourself all the time. Nothing's going to change the fact you both abandoned me the minute you grew bored of me."

Taking in a deep breath and pinching the bridge of your nose, you tried keeping your voice even. "I don't know why Sarah didn't invite you to that fucking birthday party, Kiara. I know that I dumped you because you wouldn't stop talking about it. You kept talking shit about a girl I've known since I was wearing diapers! Sarah's a mess but maybe if you hadn't called the damn cops on the party and instead shown up, none of this wouldn't have happened."

"I'm sure it would've happened anyway seeing how far your head is up her ass." Kiara spat, her bracelets clinking together as she drank from the flask and finished its contents. "I bet she's pretty used to your bed, too."

Your lips pressed tightly together before quirking upward. "That's rich coming from someone whose 'best friends' only keep her around 'cause they think they'll have a chance to smash. Everyone knows it, Kie."

Kiara stared at you silently, her arms hanging limply at her sides and eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Her jaw clenched and unclenched, her brows furrowing until wrinkles formed between them. The flask slipped from her fingers, landing on the sand with a soft thump. She took two long strides forward and in one swift action, her hand collided with your cheek. You staggered backward, the skin immediately beginning to burn and ache and no doubt already turning red. "Fuck you." She murmured and turned on her heel, arms wrapping around herself as she headed back.

"Shit, Kie, wait," You exhaled heavily, grimacing as you brushed your fingertips over your cheek. "I didn't mean it. I'm... sorry."

Kiara stopped in her tracks, her sniffles audible despite the blowing wind. Her hands lifted to her face and she wiped at her eyes before turning around to face you. You watched her turn back around, her eyes slowly rising up from the sand to meet your face. She pursed her lips and dried her face with her fingers, taking slow steps back toward you. "It's always about Sarah because you chose her over me. It was always her over me. You dumped me for her. Everyone left me for her and- and nobody told me what it is about her that I don't have to make them leave."

"People at the academy wanted to be friends with you, Kie. You pushed them away 'cause they were Kooks so they stopped trying." Your shoulders deflated, a hint of guilt settling into your chest. It mixed with the anger, bitterness, and heartache. "You're right, though. We never would have worked out, anyway. You would've chosen your friends over me or I would've chosen Sarah and we'd end up going through this anyway. You would still hate me and... I would still feel bad."

"I don't hate you," Kiara admitted softly. "I hate that... that I'm still not over you."

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worriedvision · 2 years

Note

Can I ask for a little bit of angst with Al-haitham? Like he just stoped being romantic and Put effort in the relationship because he thought he fell out of love, so eventually reader ends the relationship and moves forward with their life. By the time Al-haitham wants reader back, they're already in a relationship with another person (Maybe Diluc? 👉👈)

Sorry if my english isn't good 🥺

Gender neutral reader, angst due to the nature of Alhaitham being a bad lover lol. Going with Diluc here, enjoy!

He had grown tremendously distant from you recently. It wouldn't have been noteworthy if it was anyone else, but Alhaitham was that monotonous that you knew when something happened. He didnt get you to sit on his lap as he reads anymore, he doesn't ask you if you wanted anything when he went to get his lunch, he only holds your hand in public.

You very much love him, and you wanted to have him in your life. You were determined to find out what exactly was wrong with the relationship. Being honest with yourself, nothing seemed out of place. You hadn't done anything that would upset him. When you got him his lunch one day without being asked, Alhaitham merely said 'you can have it, I'm not hungry now'. You went to hug him, and he didn't wrap his arms around you like usual.

Over time, the harsh feeling in your chest only intensifies. No longer could your heart take this, you had to talk to Alhaitham about him being suddenly distant.

The conversation didn't last long. Sadly, you found out he didn't feel the feelings he once had for you. He explains it wasn't any actions you did, he just no longer felt like he loved you. You take that as the final straw, breaking things off before walking out of his house.

You moved to Mondstadt permanently for work, realising Mondstadt was the best place for your company to thrive. A place where people were, generally, more relaxed. A place that wouldn't remind you of the broken relationship with Alhaitham, and somewhere you could possibly meet someone.

To your surprise, the 'someone' in this case was none other than the owner of Dawn Winery, Diluc. You heard that he was a stoic man, someone that was fully committed to his business and his work with the adventurers guild. You meet him through a business meeting, him negotiating good terms for your company to contribute to the Adventurers Guild. While there was not an immediate spark, you both did feel comfortable enough around one another to go for a dinner together.

One meal became another, and eventually Diluc was the one to admit he had fond feelings for you, romantic ones. You admit you return these feelings, and Diluc nods before he takes you on a nightly stroll.

Diluc knew about Alhaitham through your constant questioning if he actually loved you, and if he was going to grow bored of you.

Meanwhile, Alhaitham had been trying to find you. Being away from you, not seeing you every day, it made his heart grow incredibly fond. He wanted to confess his feelings, to make you feel as loved as you made him feel. The thought of losing you because he got that used to your affections that he stopped trying at all with the relationship disturbed him.

Alhaitham was a wine connoisseur, and when he heard word of Diluc planning on having a talk in Sumeru regarding his wines and their properties (Well, mainly the free sampling of wine as well as possibly ordering more wine). As always, he kept an eye out for you everywhere he went.

On his walk towards the venue, he spots you taking in the scenery. He walks towards you, you turning to see who was walking so quickly, and your heart sinks as you see Alhaitham.

Before he can start to win you back, however, your boyfriend also walks over. He wraps an arm protectively around you, you leaning into his touch, and he makes eye contact with Alhaitham.

"How can I help you?" Diluc asks. "I couldn't help but notice you briskly walking towards my partner."

"Ah, I was simply hoping to catch up with an acquaintance." Alhaitham responds.

"And it has nothing to do with the fact you realised you still have feelings for them?" Diluc raises a brow, Alhaitham staring at him. "You're too late. They're with me now."

"..." Alhaitham thinks to himself. He looks over at you, realising you were being treated better than he could offer. "Treat them right." Alhaitham nods, deciding to just go home instead of attending the lecture he was previously looking forward to.

#alhaitham x gender neutral reader #alhaitham x reader #diluc x reader #diluc x gender neutral reader #diluc #alhaitham #gender neutral reader #angst

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lady-bess · 3 months

Text

Feeling proud during pride 🏳‍🌈

*rips off the uncomfortably tight band-aid which has stopped me talking about this for far too long*

Ouch! *incomprehensible swearing*

Wow, that hurt. But now that the wound is exposed, it can heal. Right?

If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about - Hi, I'm Bess, and this June I came out to my mother and partner as gay.

The mentality of ripping off a band aid to get things out in the open has been the only metaphor I could accurately use to describe how this whole ordeal has felt.

But Bess... I hear you begin, You've had "bisexual" in your bio since you started on social media. What's different?

Dear reader, you're totally right! I have! So, sit back, relax, and let me tell you why this pride means so much more to me than it ever has. And, in doing so, I hope I can resonate with someone out there who might have been going through something similar. To show someone that you're not alone, no matter how much it might feel like it.

This Pride month started out the same as most for me. I'd scoff at all the big corporations slapping a rainbow on their logo to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, and people around me would wonder why I personally cared about what these businesses did, as someone who is in a long term relationship with someone of the opposite gender (because we see y'all Pink Washing, don't get it twisted..).

But deep down, I felt like this year things were going to be different. I had this looming sensation that my life was about to change, and it would be something to do with my sexuality.

A lot has changed this last year. I've had three different jobs, I've come off birth control, hit my mid-twenties, and I've been through a bought of cheeky depression. Any of my nearest and dearest friends could tell you that I've been three or four entirely different people this last year, but I feel I'm now finally at a point where the storm has quelled, the clouds have passed, and we are now travelling in much calmer waters. Like the version of me who has come out the other side of all these toils is who I'm meant to be.

And I owe it, to her, to be my true self.

Throughout all of these life changes though, one thing held me back. At every hurdle I've overcome this last year, I've constantly felt like there's another bigger fight waiting for me to face one day. And no matter what I do, it's coming, regardless. The older I've got, the harder it has become to keep it hidden. And that is how I feel about my sexual identity - the months and years of questioning myself, wondering "just how gay am I?" (which, spoiler alert, if you're having to ask yourself that question then you're probably a bit queer).

Because, even though I've been comfortably 'out' as bisexual to my friends since I was 14, this last year I've felt a shift. For the first time, I felt like my sexuality mattered. For the first time, I didn't want to hide who I was. It took me over a decade to get there, and I still haven't got it all figured out. But honestly? I no longer think that matters.

I haven't a clue if I'm still bi, pansexual, or a lesbian. Every time I think I might have figured it out, that I am a lesbian, I see a GIF of Pedro Pascal as Jack Daniels and it sends me into a frenzy (look, I'm still gonna be Jack's doting wife, even if I am being very raw and emotional right now. I have a brand to maintain, after all).

For now, I just choose to label myself as gay/queer as a blanket term, which I'm essentially using as a way for me to go, "look, I haven't got a f*cking clue, can we move on?".

I came out to my mother just over a week ago. I am so eternally grateful for that woman, because if I could have written the perfect reaction to accepting someone coming out, it would have been what she did. It makes me regret not telling her sooner. I openly admitted to her that I was scared to talk to her about it, that I worried how she'd react to it (for context, she has put a lot of time and resources into helping my partner and I with the house we currently live in. It would not be as nice as it is without her help over these last two years. I was petrified she'd be disappointed and see her contribution as a waste).

But to my genuine shock, she gave me a hug, and said, "I don't care who or what lives in this house. As long as you're happy, that doesn't matter to me".

I messaged my friend after I did it, saying how relieved I was, and that also, "I have my mum in my corner now. I'm quite literally unstoppable".

Now, I know that having a supportive parent puts me in a massively advantageous position with what comes next. I, unfortunately, know far too many queer people who don't have the same love and acceptance that I've received from my mother, and to anyone in that boat I am so sorry.

I'm sure, over time, there will be family members of mine that will cut me off for this. But I tried to make peace with it as best as I could - I had my mother's support, and that was all I decided mattered.

So, what's all this to say? What changes?

Well, a lot of stuff. My partner and I are in the process of separating. For as much as he doesn't want to accept the truth, it's there, and it's never been more of a pressing issue between us. There's no going back from it now - the wound is on show, and it wants to heal. We can't cover it back up.

But the main thing that changes, for me at least, is that for the first time in my life I'm so proud to be queer. That was something I never imagined being, and the fact that I am now makes me almost cry. I genuinely thought I'd go my whole life as a closeted bisexual, who never felt "gay enough" to label myself as queer; stuck in heteronormative relationships, always a bit envious of those brave enough to live their truth - the ones who I would pass in the streets, hand in hand with their girlfriends, and I'd hear a little voice in my head shouting, "I'm one of you! Accept me!".

But whatever I turn out to be, even if I never figure out exactly what label suits me the most, the fact that I'm out the closet publicly is like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

For the first time, I can see a future unfolding that I've only ever dreamt of - something I would fantasise about, but always grounding myself in the reality that it never would. The idyllic life I'd daydream about having, moving away somewhere remote with my wife and a couple of dogs, choosing to live a slower and more peaceful existence.

For the first time, I've been openly queer in the workplace. A few of my coworkers picked up that things weren't right with me one morning, and I spilled the beans. Because, for as necessary as this split with my partner is, that doesn't make it easy. We've been together almost half a decade - even though I don't love him like he needs me to, it's not to say that I don't still care a great deal for him.

For the first time, I'm supported in a way I could have only dreamed of.

To anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, however you identify, you are safe with me 🏳‍🌈 My inbox is always open 💕

And to all my friends who have seen me through this period of change in my life - I can never thank you enough. Getting my family's support was one of my biggest accomplishments, but I will never forget the friends who were fighting in my corner from day one. The ones who comforted me when I felt like I wasn't enough - the ones who sympathised with what I've been through this last year - the ones who held my hand and told me it would all work out.

I love each and every one of you ❤

If you're going through anything similar, the one thing I'd always tell myself was this; "It'll all work out okay in the end. And if it's not okay, then it's not the end".

Happy pride, however you identify. Stay safe, and much love to you all.

LadyBess xoxo

#pride #happy pride 🌈#pride month #lgbt pride #coming out #queer pride #queer community #lgbtq community #lgbtq #queer

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obey-me-headquarters · 1 year

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Imagine Simeon all needy and wanting MC, but they're busy doing homework/studying and they keep ignoring him. It drives him wild and they only allow him to get off by humping their foot/leg, all while he's still fully clothed

Kinks: a bit of foot fetish as you play with Simeon using your feet.

Gender neutral reader, no genitals are described belonging to the reader.

Out of all the words you could use to describe Simeon, you didn't expect needy to be one of them. Yet there was no better word to describe him when the two of you got into a relationship.

The Celestial Realm is strict with its rules relating to who angels could date and what they're allowed to do while dating. So Simeon hasn't had much experience with sexual intimacy, leading to him being a bit.... excited.

It was like a flip gone off in your angel after the first time you two had sex, and now whenever the two of you are alone he's constantly crawling into your lap, his wandering hands trying to tease you into having your way with him.

It was all very cute and very effective.

But sometimes you had Shit To Do and couldn't toss your Devildom history book to the side and fuck him.

Like today, for example, with midterms coming up you're far too busy busting your ass studying to even spare a glance at Simeon. Try as he might to distract you with breathy sighs, lust-filled looks, and bite-able hips, you just aren't having it. You came to Purgatory Hall to get away from the chaos of the House of Lamentation and study, not be distracted by a sexy angel.

You didn't know that Solomon and Luke are currently out. The sorcerer doing Diavolo knows what, while the young angel is at the Demon Lord's castle for his weekly baking lessons. Leaving you and a very determined angel all alone.

After the millionth time of Simeon "accidentally" dropped his pen and bent over to grab it, giving you a full look at his plush ass, you snap your Demonic literature book shut.

"Simeon", you hiss with clenched teeth. The angel in question looks over at you with excited lust filled eyes. Not too excited for long, you think with a sadistic glint in your eye.

"Since you're so determined to show off, why don't you kneel in front of me, hm?"

With a confident grin, Simeon obeys and kneels at your feet. With the gaze he fixes you with after he does, you think he'll do better as a succubus, tempting morals to corruption, than an angel. Yet you resist and pick up your Demonic literature book and try to immerse yourself in it.

Simeon tries to divert your attention by arching his back and leaning into your lap, but you stay steadfast and ignore him. Letting out a puff of disappointment he leans further into your lap until his nose is nearly touching your crotch. With slow, sneaky hands he reaches up to touch. His fingertips ghosts over your pant before you snatch his hands and hold them above his head.

"What do you think you're doing?" You demand, voice low and full of disappointment.

Gazing up at you through thick eyelashes Simeon does his best to look innocent, "Just want to touch you, Master. Please, may I?"

With a tsk you set his hands to lay flat against the edge of your chair, baring him from being able to touch you.

"No, I'm busy. If you're a good little angel and keep your hands here, I might play with you a bit."

Simeon beams up at you, flashing you a grin that says he would never even consider disobeying you before he nods. "Of course Master. I'll keep my hands to myself."

Well, that's definitely a lie, you think before returning to your reading once again, but this time you push your leg forward until it meets Simeon's clothed cock. The angel flinches at the action, but like the good sub he (sometimes) is, he doesn't make any move to rut against it. You reward him by tracing your foot over his half hard cock before focusing on your book.

As the minutes tick by all that can be heard in the room is the ticking and toking of the clock and the rise and fall of both of your chests. With the angel's slowly getting more and more breathy as your leg presses against his hardening cock but remains unmoving.

Simeon shifts ever so slightly against you, seeking out that delicious friction for his needy cock but you simply move your leg back, cutting off all contact between you two.

"Master why?" Simeon whines, gazing up at you with pleading eyes.

"No moving, either you sit still and let me touch you or you don't get touched at all."

With a petulant sigh, he obeys and composes himself. After taking a moment to verify that he isn't going to move you return your leg to straddle his crotch.

This time when you return to your book your angel sits still, even as you feel the front of his pants get wetter and wetter. A spark of desire flashes through your own body and you decide to reward the well behaved angel by slowly shifting your leg up and down. Small mewls and whines spill out of Simeon's lips, but following your command he makes no movement to thrust against you.

Now thoroughly distracted by the pretty sounds, you glance over from your book to Simeon. His pupils are dilated, the black of his eyes spreading and eliminating nearly all traces of his irises. While his mouth hangs perpetually open as drool tickles down his chin and onto your chair. Soft breathy moans slip out of his spot shinning lip as his tongue hangs loose.

Swallowing down your own desire you pretend to focus on your book when your attention is on anything but it. Silently you remove your shoe from the leg that's currently in between Simeon's thighs before rubbing your foot against the wet patch staining his pants.

"M-Master!" Simeon groans, and you shush him.

"Quiet, angel, I'm trying to read." You're definitely not.

Slowly you move your foot to the top of Simeon's cock before leisurely trailing downward. You hear his breath catch in his throat, but he makes no move to chase the sensation, likely knowing that you'll remove your foot if he did, and he wants anything but that.

When you get down to the base of his dick you apply just the slightest bit of pressure against his balls, knowing that he likes a little roughness. Simeon groans at the feelings, head falling against the edge of your chair with a quiet thud.

Gripping your book so hard that you'll swear it'll tear, you move your foot upwards until the sole is flush against the entirety of his dick, your toes peaking over the tip.

"You know for an angel, I thought your dick would be a bit bigger." You remark.

Simeon whimpers at your words, and you hear nails scratching against wood as he claws at your chair.

Pushing him backward Simeon falls back first against the floor of his room as you stand to loom over him. Your eyes meet, yours carrying a sadistic glint in them, his rolling back in pleasure, both full of lust. All the while your foot never once strayed from its spot against his dick.

Easing off his cock just a bit, Simeon cries out in alarm, and you grin before pressing your foot back down.

"What a needy little thing you are, trembling against the floor like a cat in heat just because I'm adding a little pressure to your dick."

"I would say it's a bit more than a little press-"

"Quiet now, the grownups are speaking. I never thought an angel, a creature of the Lord, a being made of light and justice, would shamelessly wither against the foot of a human.

"Tell me, do you like being beneath me?"

Grinding your foot down on the slit of his dick, Simeon squirms below you, throaty gasps and whines slipping out of his lips. Unrelenting you press downward until he chokes out an answer.

"Y-yes! Oh Master I love it when you dominate me! When- when you show me my place."

"And where is your place?"

"Underneath, ah, it's always underneath you, Master!"

"Good boy."

And you realize.

With one final grind, Simeon spills into his pants, soiling them even more. As he slowly catches his breath you raise your foot off of his now soft dick and wipe away the mess onto his pant leg. Still gasping for breath Simeon stares up at you like the cat who got the cream.

You've been tempted.

"You naughty little angel."

#obey me smut #obeymesmut #obey me simeon #obey me dom!reader #ask #my post #.... this was supposed to be shorter lol #obey me

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zkvry · 11 months

Text

Drunk at 7AM | John Shelby x GN!Reader

Summary : You find John drinking alone in the Garrison at the break of dawn and you knock some sense into him.

Warnings : cussing, consumption of alcohol

Additional Information : > no spoilers > written in second person > gender neutral reader > 799 words | 4 mins

------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the car seat, your arms grab hold onto a crate full of glass bottles. Leaning back slightly to support the heavy weight, you walk briskly towards the grand doors of the Garrison. The sky was dull and grey, the sun barely peaking onto the horizon. The icy wind bites the skin on your hands, stiffening and numbing your fingers as they clutch on the ridges of the said crate.

Reaching the doors, you prop up a knee and rest the crate on it with a steady hand. Holding it close to your hip, you reach into the pockets of your coat to find the keys. The metal keys jingle in your grasp as you hold up one in particular to unlock the door, only to find it unlocked and a tad bit ajar. *Did you forget to lock up?* Panic sets in. You use your back to push the doors open, settling the crate on a nearby table. Your eyes scan the bar, the drinks and furniture seemed to be where they were the night before. That is, until your eyes landed on a familiar figure at a corner.

"John?" your voice calls out, eyes squinting to get a better look. "That you?" you say again. A rough grunt answered your question. You close the distance between between the both of you. You see John Shelby hunched over at a corner of the bar, an empty glass at hand. A bottle of whiskey stood tall in front of him, a third of the liquid already gone. His head hung low and his hair a mess with parts of it sticking out from the hardened pomade.

You walk towards him slowly whilst rubbing your hands together for warmth. "It's seven in the bloody morning, John. What are you doing with a full bottle of the Garrison's whiskey, huh?" You snatched the bottle away.

"Mind ya business. Oi, what 're ya think you're doing wit' that bott'l? Give me that!" John straightens up and extends his arm, trying to grab the bottle from you. He almost trips, holding onto the bar table for support.

A sigh escapes your lips and you grab another glass from behind the counter. You pour yourself a drink and filled John's glass too. You closed the bottle tightly and placed it back to where it belonged. Waiting patiently, you sip on the whiskey and rest your arms on the table.

John looks at you and clears his throat. He knew he wouldn't be able to walk away from this confrontation. He sighs and grabs his glass, downing the contents in one gulp. "The kids got me runnin' 'round all night. Not a wink of sleep," He says with an exasperated tone, rubbing his red eyes.

You look at him with pity. Later on in the morning, the gambling den will open to welcome another round of bets. John usually took care of the receipts and customers, rounding them up in a straight line as he took note of their payments. Without sleep, you knew he'd be way too out of his head.

Taking the matter into your own hands, you hand him the remaining contents of your drink. "Have the day off. I'll deal with it," You tell him, already formulating a plan. John waves his hand with reluctance and shakes his head aggressively, causing him to be even more giddy.

"N-no, I can't do 'that. Tommy will shoot my head off," John argues, standing up from his seat with shaky movements as he grabs his wrinkled coat from his chair.

"Oh shut up. Your head doesn't look like it's with you at this moment anyway," You tell him in a joking manner. You move to put his arms over your shoulder and walk towards the family car. Even in his drunken state, John doesn't rest his full weight on you and tried his best to walk alongside with your guidance. He leans on the window as you lock the Garrison from the outside.

Grabbing a hold on him again, you reach the door handles of the car. You open the passenger side and shove him in. "Ow!" He remarks, holding the side of his head.

"Oh shit! sorry," You laugh quietly at your carelessness.

You sat at the driver's seat and turn on the engine, driving to the Shelby residence. John sleeps soundlessly beside you with the exhaustion finally washing down on him. The car stops in front of the house and you turn to wake him but thought twice about waking him from his slumber. Instead, the car accelerates at a steady pace and you drove around town as he catches some shut-eye.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x you #john shelby #john shelby x reader #john shelby fanfic #john shelby fanfiction #john shelby imagine #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders fanfiction #john shelby peaky blinders #john shelby x gn!reader

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colderdrafts · 1 year

Text

19: Spill it all out

The Great Assembly, gender neutral reader x monster (male naga). Sfw. First Previous Next

When entering Amren’s home, you’re struck by the slightly stale but warm air inside, walls well insulated to store heat.

A small entrance leads you into the living room, neatly decorated in earth colors and old, heavy furniture, most of them seemingly sized up a little bit from what you’re used to. A small fire place, completely vacant of ash that would suggest it's use, sits in a corner next to a very broad and soft-looking black couch. Sparingly decorating the walls are framed canvases with imagery of nature. A fine layer of dust coats the windowsills, signs of a home vacant for some time.

"I inherited this house from my grandmother. She got it a few years after the Assembly, but died herself only a few months later. She told my family she would pass it on to only me, and made sure her will would state so," Amren says, watching you look around. He joins your side, eyes somewhat dim. "I suppose she knew I would need the space."

“Sorry for your loss,” you say. “It’s a nice house.”

Clonk.

A sudden hollow sound rings out from somewhere deep within the walls. You look at Amren quizzically, somewhat on alert, but he doesn't seem particularly bothered.

“Old house, old pipes,” he says simply. “You get used to it.”

You look over to the kitchen, a fairly standard modernized outfitted, which is a slight contrast to the rest of the old house. A small hallway leading from the living room connects to, supposedly, the bedroom and bathroom, and a staircase going down to the basement. Out the window you spot a back garden that is fairly well kept, and a small shed.

"What’s that for?" you ask, nodding to the small structure outside.

"I take care of prey in there," Amren replies. He slithers over toward the kitchen, gesturing at the couch. "Sit down."

You snort, making your way over there. "Oh please, have a seat, make yourself comfortable," you translate for him.

He ignores you.

Five minutes later you're on top of a soft pillow on the couch with a cup of warm tea, almost bursting with anticipation.

"So.." you trail off as Amren reluctantly settles down next to you, balancing his own cup. He’s seemingly trying his best to become one with the fabric behind him.

Still, he cuts you off, getting right to the point. "I'm assuming you have questions of what transpired outside?"

"So many!"

He groans, and folds his tail as if bracing for impact. He scowls at you. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

"You were getting married?!" you blurt at once.

“Yes."

"And you stopped it?"

"Yes."

"Because of family drama?"

Amren frowns. "Yes and no. Us eloping was supposed to solve an old business feud by legally connecting our families. I realized me being miserable for the rest of my life wouldn't solve anything, and called it off."

He pauses for a moment, reliving the memories. He grimaces. "I was the only ‘suitable’ suitor left. So they gave me a choice. Either I go through with it, or I'm out of the family picture. I think I surprised them when I chose the latter."

"Yikes. What a terrible thing to do to you kid," you say. "And - Mavis, was it?"

His grip on his tea mug tightens slightly. "Still firmly believes if we just follow through, things will change. Evidently my father agrees with her, otherwise he wouldn't be talking to 'the competition'. As she said, it doesn't matter we utterly despise one another, even without the feud.

"But I wouldn't throw my life away for that, so I went out on my own. Started working security at the company, and settled here. I don't know why I didn't move further away from them. It felt - wrong. To leave the house," Amren sighs, idly running a hand over the arm of the couch. "But that means they know where I am, and regularly comes by to taunt me. It's.. infuriating."

He pauses again, but you remain tactfully quiet. He more than anything look like he needs to get this off his chest. It's like a dam has broke, and you just happen to be the floating piece of driftwood to hold on to.

Encouraged by the patient attention, Amren continues: "Each time I leave the company I don't know if I'll catch the scent of either one of my parents or Mavis the second I stand in front of my own house. I always have to prepare for another argument, another shaming, another fight. I'm always defending myself. They're keeping me on edge on purpose. Probably hoping, one day, I'll break."

He looks at you again, suddenly exhausted. "I was .. sincerely hoping to spare you from running into them. They're not dangerous, but, now that Mavis has seen you, no doubt caught my scent on you -" he rubs his face, frustrated. "She might try to rope you into this mess too."

He glances over, scanning your face for your reaction.

"Well," you offer. "Then we're just in each other's messes, aren't we? Seems fair."

He cogs an eyebrow. "Fair?"

"I got you involved with an insane coyote. It's only fair I deal with it, if this Mavis tries to get at me."

Amren tilts his head at you. "I thought you said there's no point in fairness and '50/50 transactional business of exchanging favors' in these sorts of things?"

Huh. He remembered that.

You mull it over. "Well, since we're obviously not friends I'd say the rule doesn't apply," you nod sagely.

"Duly noted, Tiny," Amren says, nodding with you. He flicks his tongue. "I'll let you fight Mavis."

You bark a laugh. "Pleasure doing business with you. Let me know when you want to trade again, things have been very exciting since we started this shop."

Amren leans away from you a bit. "And - the other thing?"

"Other thing?"

"What Mavis said," he falters, trying to find the words. "You told her you already knew. So I'm assuming you're aware. But I suppose I haven't exactly done the best job at hiding it."

"Oh," you realize. "She said that you're 'feral'?"

It strikes a cord with him as he cringes. He quietly nods.

"Yeah, I have no idea what that means. I just told her that to piss her off," you admit with a shrug.

"To piss her off-" he breathes. He stares at you for a few seconds. Then his stoic expression cracks as he starts laughing.

You just watch him for a second, enjoying the sight. It's so rare he does so, especially so genuinely. It's raspy and infectious, sharp teeth on full display and uncaring who sees them.

"I mean, it was kind of satisfying, but why is it so funny?" you grin, relieved your antics has taken some tension off this serious conversation.

"Just - you, Tiny. Just-" he snickers, gathering himself.

"I really like it when you laugh," you tell him.

That makes him pause.

"What? You have a nice laugh. It's nice to see you loosen up a little," you elaborate.

"..I see," he says.

Feeling brave, you tap at his forehead playfully. "I do wonder how many other emotions you've got hiding in there, that you're too stubborn to show me."

He averts his gaze, and carefully reaches up, using a knuckle to gently move your hand out of his face. "I know you do. That's why I should tell you this. Despite her horrendous outing just then, Mavis was right. Since we're .. business partners, I should explain."

"’Business partners’?" you repeat. You send him a teasing smile. "Elise was right. It's literally impossible to make friends with you."

"Do you want to know or not?" he growls impatiently.

You delicately fold your hands in your lap and look at him expectantly. Amren sighs.

"A more official term is ‘aggression induced shutdown’," he begins, doing air quotations. His face falls. "Feral is the slang for it, I suppose. I inherited the condition from my mother. Think of it as a conflict between survival instincts and rational thought. Too much emotion, too much stress at once, and instincts win," he explains.

It’s not entirely surprising Amren’s got a word for whatever he's dealing with, given what you’ve seen so far. You're not unfamiliar with heightened aggression in particular mons, either - you've got the nightmares to prove it - but this is the first you've heard of there being an actual condition.

"That night in the forest, where you stopped me from crushing the coyote? That's what it looks like," Amren continues. "There’s a reason the authorities are aware of my abilities. Sometimes, I just - lose it."

You recall the malicious look on his face, the beastly snarling, the pure unadulterated rage - the revolting sound of Mira's bones snapping is a noise that can still be played on repeat in your mind, stuck like an ad jingle.

You try once again to make it fit with your current Mr. Grumpy sitting next to you, avoiding your eye and uncomfortably flicking the tip his tail. They're two completely separate people.

"You were defending us because we were in danger," you reason. "Everyone responds to danger in different ways. If anything would set anyone off-"

He shakes his head. "You don't understand. This is not mere fight or flight. I lose all cognitive function momentarily. I do not recognize who's dangerous and who's not, completely blind to remorse. If you hadn't stopped me, I would have crushed her, most likely killed her," he says, dead serious. He lets the silence hang for a little while, considering his next words carefully. As if debating whether to say anything other at all. "If you hadn't stopped me - I'm afraid I might not have snapped out of it killing only her."

You swallow, the implication quite clear. "But I did stop you," you add.

Amren nods. "You did. And as I said. I won't forget that."

The familiar pit in your stomach churns as his words settle with you. It seems that at least some of its previous anxieties about Amren proved to be correct. But having a medical condition is one thing, where actively wishing you harm is another. So far, Amren has only proved to you that he wants anything but the latter.

It doesn't excuse his previous behavior, but it does help explain it.

"This is why you insisted on always being on your own, isn't it?" you ask. "You're scared you'll end up hurting somebody."

"I have, before," he admits quietly. "But I'm older now. I've practiced, and learned to maintain a clear head on a day to day basis so I can deal with the common stressors of life. There's medicine to help if it gets harder - but it's not always enough. In certain circumstances - there's not really anything I can do to control it. So I do my best to avoid getting under those circumstances."

You nod, taking the information in. "You avoid it by not socializing?"

"Partially. Elise has been - well. Elise. She could handle my condition if it ever came to it. But no, I've always preferred the peacefulness of solitude, and trying to keep it that way. And it worked. No one ever bothered me. Except you," he says, exasperated, though there's no malice in it. Resigned, accepting of his fate. "Infuriating, stubborn, annoying you."

You puff your chest out proudly. "I know, I'm pretty good, right?"

"You're like a small wooden splinter that has wedged itself underneath my scales, and now I can't get it out," he sneers.

"You're welcome!" you grin. "Anything else I should know about this shutdown thing?"

He considers you for a moment. "No. No, I believe that was all."

"Well, good to know what's actually going on with you," you nod. "Thanks for telling me all this. And - I'm sorry you've been carrying all of this around on your own. It couldn't have been easy."

"Don't waste your energy pitying me," he says. "This is my own issue. I don't want it to affect you any more than it already has."

"Well, so far it hasn't been doing much else than keeping me alive," you shrug. "That's one effect I will not be complaining about."

Amren squints at you, quietly letting you know the comment was not appreciated. "I will give you this warning once. Do not look for it. I'm not myself when it happens, and if I ever - I could never -"

You pat his hand reassuringly, giving him the grace of not having to finish that sentence. "Sorry, that wasn't what I meant. I won't joke around with it again. But hey, nothing is going to happen. I've helped you out once, I can do it again if necessary, right?"

He doesn't look convinced. "Let's just try not to get to that point. I'd advice we split up but -"

"Nope," you cut him off. "Ain't happening."

He snorts. "I’m aware."

He looks relieved and a little tired, the kind of contended emotion that comes after sharing something you've held onto for a while. You're glad you got to be the one to help him with that - it would appear you have a common history in carrying things you shouldn't.

At least he's practicing doing things differently by talking about it now. That’s something.

"Wasn't that nice?" you ask.

Amren casts a wary glance at you. "What?"

"Sharing your troubles?"

He huffs, leans back, closes his eyes and gives in to the exhaustion. "Absolutely not."

Around the afternoon you text Marcus for an update. You receive shortly after a court promise that ‘things are in motion’ and to ‘sit tight’ for now.

You frown, staring at the borderline order in slight annoyance. Sitting like a duck, more like. It's probably foolish to trust him with this, he's a shady stranger who just happened to have motives that align with your own - does he have a moral compass that matches that ambition?

You’ll have to put your faith in Irwin’s uncanny ability to connect with people, like he’s simply capable of seeing anyone’s heart at full display. If he's given Marcus the time of day, perhaps there is something good to his character.

Amren is meanwhile pacing back and forth in front of the window to the garden, phone at his ear, his face blank. He's trying to reach Elise to keep her in the loop too.

He frowns as the phone once again goes to voicemail, the dull automated voice ringing through the room and casually informing him Elise is indisposed at the moment.

He closes the call, and turns to you.

"She didn't mention anything of her brother visiting, did she?" he asks, putting the phone down on the table. The tip of his tail curls around the leg of it.

You shake your head no. "Not as far as I recall. But maybe she's just busy with something and not around her phone? She's a powerful lady. Whatever she's doing, I'm sure she's fine."

Amren nods, but you get the feeling it’s more to reassure you than actually agreeing. "She is."

You lean back down on the couch. It is odd she's been gone all day – she would at least have left a message if she was going somewhere, wouldn’t she? You feel slightly guilty for leaving her behind - but, on the other hand, if she's out of this mess doing something different, perhaps that's actually safer for her.

The less people involved in your problems the better. Especially considering the current dangerous plan set in motion. It's bad enough you have to rely on Amren's powerful ability for this to work, considering his reservations using it. And still, he's agreed to do so for your sake. Hell, you're in his home right now. He took charge of this situation, and you just let him.

"I hope this plan works, and Marcus knows what he's doing," you say, hesitant.

"Worst case, nothing comes out of it, and we'll have to think of something different," Amren says. "In any case, someone intruding my home will not be here for long without me picking up on their presence. We'll both be safe here."

"If it doesn't, do you think helping us out will have consequences for Marcus, too?" you wonder.

"Don't worry about the slime, Tiny. If he's affiliated with traffickers, he's not worth the effort," Amren grunts, waving it off.

You eye him. "I get you don't trust him, I don't either. But I got the sense he's not really there voluntarily? Like, maybe he's in as tight a spot as we are?"

"Perhaps. But his actions are his own," Amren argues. "We will put our minds to this plan for now, because he's on the inside, and we don't have any other options. But because of that position, we shouldn't do more than that."

"Irwin cares about him," you note. "So I'll expel my right to be 'cruel' a little."

Amren flicks his tongue at you. “I’ll be cruel enough for both of us, then."

He turns and heads toward the hallway, apparently done with the conversation.

"Good talk, bud," you call after him.

Amren looks over as if only just remembering your presence. "I'm going to check on my rocks while we're waiting for news," he says.

You blink. "Rocks? Oh, right! Can I see?"

You don't wait for a response, getting up to follow him. He eyes you walking up behind him, but doesn't comment.

Amren leads you down to the basement, opening a heavy wooden door with creaking hinges at the foot of the stairs. The space inside leaves you pleasantly surprised.

The basement is a square room hosting a large collection of different gemstones and rocks sitting atop multiple shelves hanging on the walls. The light down here almost makes it look like they’re glowing, dousing the otherwise bland gray walls of the basement space with all manner of colors.

In a corner you spot a piece of machinery almost looking like a barrel atop of a spinning device, in a corner and equipped with what looks to be a timer.

The door Amren’s held open for you closes with a dull thud as he slithers in fully, going toward the device.

He opens a lid, and pulls out something from it, dusts off some excess gravel, and absentmindedly throws it to you, eyes still on the device. You fumble, but manage to catch it – in your hands is a newly polished amethyst. You run your fingers over the surface of the purple rock, marveling at how smooth it is.

"Amren this is really neat," you tell him, observing the pretty surroundings. "You really did all of these yourself?"

He nods, but doesn't reply.

"You okay?" you ask.

"Yes. Fine," he says. "It just didn't occur to me that someone else might find all of this interesting."

You chuckle. "You've been dealing with me blabbering and pulling you left and right, and now you're worried I wont take the time to look at what you're interested in? Also, rocks are cool, so there's that."

He nods again. "That they are."

"How does it work?" you ask.

Amren starts casually explaining about roughness and hardness scales of different gems and minerals, which he prefers, and what he does to each of them. Apparently he makes a little on the side by selling specific things he creates to small shops in town, but it's a hobby he's been at for a few years.

It brings a little smile to your face to see Mr. Grumpy finally speak more than one sentence at a time.

He stops a little later, realizing he's been talking for a few minutes. "You made me monologue."

"I'm a sly dog," you shrug, and hand the amethyst back to him.

He shakes his head. "Keep it. They’re supposedly good for anxiety."

"Psh, who said anything about being anxious?" you joke, but pocket the thing regardless. "It's not like we're in a very unsafe situation, and I'm being hunted for sport."

Amren turns to put up the other amethysts to their correct place on the shelves. He glances toward the ceiling momentarily, as if listening for unfamiliar footsteps, flicking his tongue. Evidently finding nothing, he settles back down. "At least not currently," he mutters.

He watches the gentle glints of the surrounding gems for a moment. “I'm mostly kidding when I say amethyst are good for anxiety, but did you know some people believe gemstones hold magic on their own accord?"

"I'm familiar with the concept," you nod.

"If they do, it’s not something you can manipulate, so it has never been proven. If you want a gem to actually be magic, you have to actively put the energy in them.” He eyes you. "I have been thinking a bit. What did the coyote mean when she said you hums respond to magic differently? I've never heard of such a thing, but I suppose it makes sense. Since before the Assembly, you had no access to it, did you?"

You shake your head no. "Not as far as I know. Before the Assembly, I guess a lot of us believed in it, but no one's ever heard of anyone doing things like what for example Mrs. Hansen can do."

"What does she do?" Amren asks, curious. "I wasn’t aware she practiced."

"Well - she's fae, isn't she?" you deflect, perhaps a little faster than necessary. "She made the clovers and all."

Amren suspiciously squints at you, expression silently but sternly telling you to fess up. "Gnomes enchant clovers. You know this too.”

You concede, and reluctantly explain to him your estimations that she somehow magicked a golden clover into your backpack. And that you used it. And that nothing happened when you did.

Amren stares at you, and you mentally prepare yourself for the drama that's about to unfold. "Why didn't you tell me!"

You groan. "Because I knew you'd react like that."

"You should have let me know the second you found it. They're sensitive! You need to choose your words very carefully when you make the wish,” he urges. “Word for word, what did you say to it?"

You repeat it as it is. "I wish for luck to save my friend."

Amren stutters. "Tiny, that's way too vague. 'Friend' could be anyone you share a positive relation with. 'Luck' can come in any shape or form. You need to be specific with these things!"

"I know!" you growl at him. "I know it was stupid. Don't you think I'm regretting wasting a clear shot at helping my friend without you rubbing it in my face?"

"I'm not rubbing it in-" he huffs, readjusting himself. "No. I don't want to turn it into an argument."

"Really? That's a pleasant surprise," you grunt.

He glares at you, crossing his arms defensively. "And you know why that is now, so I don't particularly understand why you're reprimanding me for it. I'm trying to prevent anyone from getting hurt."

You don’t buy it. "So instead of hurting people on accident, you just hurt them on purpose? How does that make any sense?"

He takes a breath to argue, but halts himself, seemingly trying to cool his temper. He breathes out whatever quip was on his tongue instead. "It's in a way that I can control," he asserts.

You sigh, recognizing the effort he's putting in to keeping his cool. Perhaps you’d do well to return the favor. You slowly walk forward to put your hand on his arm, and he silently uncrosses them to let you.

"I guess I understand where you're coming from," you give. “I know I should have told you about the clover. I got too excited to have it, I guess. Thought it could solve everything instantly, got caught up in the moment.”

".. they can be tempting," he says. He follows your hand with his eyes, so you reach up to poke his cheek to get him to focus on you.

"We are probably going to hurt each other sometimes," you tell him, as gently as you can. "We already have. That's just how it is when you spend time with other people, sometimes on accident. When it happens you communicate, and figure it out."

He sighs, leans down to your eye level and stares at you. "We can't exactly communicate our way out of it if you're dead, Tiny."

You stare back. You won't be intimidated that easily. "Don't do that."

"What?"

"Push like that. It’s not good for anyone, least of all you."

"It's the ugly truth, isn't it?" he mumbles, his voice turning softer. He still hasn't pulled away from your grip on his arm, and he keeps the proximity. "I'm trying to prevent the inevitable outcome of all of this."

"What makes you think that's the only outcome possible?” you ask. “We’ve been stuck like glue since the conference through multiple dangerous situations together, and nothing has happened.”

His eyes glance over the still raw and delicate skin slowly forming over the wounds on your cheek and arm. “You've got the scars to prove that it has.”

“It would have been a lot worse than a little scarring if you hadn’t been there,” you counter.

He can’t exactly fight that argument, and he doesn’t try. Instead, he looks to where your hand meets the scales on his lower arm. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Touch,” he elaborates. “Put your hands on people around you and just hold it there. I understand embracing for comfort, but what does this achieve?”

You take your hand back. “It’s – I don’t really know. I don’t really think about it. Sorry if it’s uncomfortable, I’ll stop.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not. Well, not when it’s you, for some reason. I enjoy your warmth.”

“..you do?”

“Yes? Obviously I would. I can't regulate temperature myself, I rely on outside sources to manage the cold. You spared me a lot of pain that night in the forest.”

“Oh," you say. "And here I was, worrying I overstepped every single boundary you had. I thought you intended to keep me at an arms reach forever because of it.”

His brow furrows. “Keep you at – what? Why would I do that? I thought you only shared your warmth out of necessity. I didn’t think you’d - want to do that.”

“Well, I did try to tell you,” you mutter.

He gives you a weird look. “When?”

You cringe, preparing for the most pitiful admission of your life. “At Elise’s house. After Mira called.”

He looks even more baffled, but then it looks like a puzzle piece clicks into place in his mind.

“Oh,” he says, voice low, eyes widening. The tip of his tail flicks slightly. “I though you were worried about-”

You interrupt him with a groan. “Goodness, no, I wasn’t thinking about the cold. I was thinking about feeling safe in that moment!”

“Safe?” he repeats, astonished. “You feel - I had no idea – why didn’t you just say so? This wouldn’t have been an issue at all then!”

“Because you haven’t said anything either!” you argue. “How should I know what you wanted?”

“Well, maybe you could have figured that out if you had just asked,” he huffs.

“So could you!”

“I didn’t ask because you didn’t correct me back then!”

“I didn’t correct you, because I thought it meant you didn’t actually like having me close!”

He looks completely bewildered. “Tiny, what the devils are you talking about? I go completely out of my mind whenever you’re not close.”

You just stare at him for a bit, and it seemingly dawns on him what he just said, though he doesn’t try to steel it or make turns. His stubbornness may not allow him to back down on his word.

“I thought that was very obvious,” he mumbles after a beat.

“Honestly, Amren? Around 80% of the time I’m not even sure if you want me around. You’re not exactly a friendly open book.”

“I. Know!” he sneers, punctuating each word. “So allow me to make it redundantly clear.”

He leans down into your space again with a scornful expression. You can feel you heart-rate picking up as he does so, though quickly reassured by the fact that this is just Amren. You've grown quite familiar with his unseemly behavior by now.

“You have lodged yourself to my senses, and now your absence feels wrong. Your presence is reassuring, and it calms me," he all but seethes. "So no, Tiny, I don’t particularly mind if you wish to use me as a place to rest. And I am flabbergasted you haven’t been able to see that.”

He speaks with an exasperated resignation, glaring like he’s blaming you for this. The audacity, causing the fact he may consider your proximity as something to be wanted.

You stare into the golden sheen, slightly intimidated by the borderline antagonism daring you to argue the statement.

“Did you know your eyes are really pretty?” you blurt before you can stop yourself.

He deflates like a balloon from utter bafflement, gawking like you’ve grown a second head. “My – what?”

“Eyes. Pretty,” you repeat, determined to finally get this out of your system. No backing down now. It’s about time he knew. “The whole golden thing. It’s very nice to look at.”

There’s a moment of awkward silence before you start spluttering. Amren just keeps staring at you.

“It’s so stupid!" you groan, hiding your face in your hands. "You're such an ass! I can't believe how dumb you are! How dumb we both are."

You feel cool hands carefully grasping your shoulders, and dare peek out through your fingers. When you do, your heart skips a beat.

Amren is actually genuinely smiling at you, all ragged teeth, soft eyes and unused laugh lines. You can feel your face warming as you take in the rare sight, almost stunned.

“What?” Amren inquires after a beat, and you realize that, once again, you’re staring.

“It’s not just your eyes, you know,” you clue him in. You offer him a careful smile back. “Your joy’s real pretty too.”

And, of course, Amren’s expression evaporates, turning oddly blank. Then he leans in to push his face against your shoulder.

You put your arms around him in turn, putting one foot back to support the sudden weight pressing against you. His cold hands ghost over your shoulder blades and settles around your back.

“Woah, you alright?” you ask, slightly concerned. It’s unlike him to suddenly seek you out like this.

“Peachy,” he grumbles, raspy voice muffled by your shirt.

You try to pull back to look at him, but he doesn’t let you, stubbornly keeping his hold. And you realize this isn’t exhaustion. This is hiding.

You have just managed to fluster this antisocial living sledgehammer. Someone give you a fucking medal.

“Amren. Are you blushing?” you ask. You just can’t help yourself.

He growls, and suddenly his intimidating grip strength increases as he yanks you upwards, easily pulling you off the ground and into the air, balancing on his tail. Your legs dangle uselessly off the ground, and you can’t tell if this is affection or a threat.

“I’ll take that as yes,” you laugh, holding onto him for dear life. “Okay – okay, sorry, I'm sorry! Put me down, please?”

Amren mutters something akin to a curse under his breath, and coils his tail to sit back more comfortably and better support your weight. He graciously allows you to sit on it as well, keeping his arms around you.

“What did you do to me?” he hisses against your neck.

“Pissed you off a lot?” you offer, sportively patting him on the back.

He snorts. “You have no idea.”

"Nothing tonight. I'll update you tomorrow."

You almost growl in response to the curt text Marcus just sent you.

You're sitting on the couch, the bright light of the phone screen in your bleary eyes, the contrast of the dark living room increasing the strain on your eyes. You look at the time. It's around midnight. Amren went to his bedroom about half an hour ago, while you stayed up in case of any late night news.

Well, you got them, as unhelpful as ever. Couldn't Marcus at least clue you in on what he's actually doing? Who he's talking to?

You glance at Irwin's phone at your side, the halfway peeled and faded frog sticker quietly smiling at you, and feel a rush of determination. Whoever is coming for you, they'll sing to the heavens with answers once you get your hands on them.

For now, it seems you're due for some rest. You leave Irwin’s phone to charge on the kitchen counter, and make your way to Amren's bedroom to indulge.

You pause momentarily in front of the door. He said it’s fine, right? It should be. You try to ignore the feeling of your heart rate suddenly picking up, your hands slightly clammy.

..Maybe you should you knock?

You shake off the cold feet, and grab the handle. Fuck it. He can tell you to piss off if he wants, you can handle whatever he throws at you. You slowly push the door open.

Entering Amren’s bedroom is like stepping into a warm void. You can barely make out furniture in here from the minuscule light source of the hallway (a single desk and some book cases?), but you hurry inside and close it behind you, lest you trigger Amren’s light sensitivity. Even if you have no idea where he is in here.

Navigating the pure darkness is an ordeal all on it’s own, especially when feeling like you’re being watched. You stand there in the dark for a few seconds, trying to figure out what to do next.

A cold hand suddenly grasps your wrist, and you suck in a startled breath.

“Come here already,” Amren grumbles, and deftly yanks you to him.

You all but fall onto him, feeling the smooth scales of his tail settling under your legs, letting him pull you into his chest.

“-it’s alright?” Amren asks, perhaps noting the startle and thinking better of his actions. He halts his motion to let you better settle against him.

“Yeah.” You breathe out the anxiety, maneuvering around to lean against him better. You find his chest, and rest your head there. “Yeah. I’m good.”

He leans back, taking you with him, and you can feel his tail shift, partially settling over your back while your front is pressed against his torso.

He wraps his arms around you, resting his chin on top of your head.

“Still warm,” he comments idly. You can feel his muscles relax.

The feel of his cool skin against yours and the reassuring rise and fall of his chest, the pressure of him all around you like a cool, weighted blanket. In the quiet darkness, the only thing you can sense is his presence. Your shut your eyes, feeling the stress in your body melt.

Quietly, softly, grasped tight, you fall into a much needed sleep.

Clonk.

A sudden sound interrupts your peaceful slumber, eyes shooting open.

The dark room lies quiet save for the sound of Amren calmly breathing right next to you, still tangled around you. He’s still out cold. You don’t think you’ve slept for long.

Seems like a pipe is settling somewhere in the house, and had the gall to wake you. You contain the urge to groan in annoyance to not disturb your business partner just yet.

But while you’d give anything to stay put and go right back to sleep, it seems the tea has run through your system. You’ve got other needs to take care of in the bathroom. Since you’re awake anyway-

You find it's even more difficult to de-entangle yourself from Amren while he's still adamant on sleeping. You gingerly stretch and try to sit up, and he hisses at you, clearly not happy with the disturbance.

"Would you rather I piss on the floor, numbnuts?" you grunt back at him, still bleary.

"Hrmph," he replies, and finally uncoils a bit. You can just barely make out his silhouette, laying down flat on his back with his arms to the side so you can slip out of his grip.

You roll off of him, purposely putting weight on him to be a nuisance, though unfortunately he doesn't really seem to register it, much less be bothered by it. Your troll deftly outmaneuvered by Amren's sheer mass, you get to your feet.

He stays right where you left him, arms spread wide on his back, like the space you just occupied is either still there, or simply awaiting your return.

"You look like a venus fly trap," you comment.

"’suppose that makes you the fly," Amren counters groggily.

You ignore him, and head to the bathroom.

Once finished, you're staring at yourself in the sink mirror while washing hands. You observe yourself, squinting in the harsh bathroom lights, investigating the delicate new skin from the cut on your cheek, the heavy bags under your eyes – since when have you started looking this weary? It's not unlike the way you used to look, back when things were a lot scarier in your life.

Now things are getting scary yet again, and with its return comes your constant vigilance.

Still, tonight's been one of the best sleeps you've had since Irwin vanished, and it's not even a full nights rest. You manage a small smile at yourself, thinking how ridiculous it is you could have had this all along, if only both you and Amren weren't completely incompetent communicators. Thankfully, you won't have to deal with that anymore.

Clonk.

Drip.

Something wet lands on your shoulder. You shake it off, startled.

On the floor lies a small drop of a gooey blueish substance.

You quickly take a step back, alarmed, staring at the little puddle.

Another drop follows it, landing on top of the first one – upon colliding, something akin to small tendrils suddenly appear from it, dragging across the floor. The thing is moving.

"The fuck-?" you utter, and look up.

A large mass of teal goo is writhing in between the pipes running across the ceiling, slowly emerging tendrils squirming around in the spaces between them. You're about to take a breath and call for help, when the mass drops, and everything comes crashing down on top of you all at once.

#colderwriting #it's a long one this time strap on in #TGA #naga x reader #monster x reader #monster lover #monster romance #gender neutral reader #naga #exophilia #monsterfucker #monster boyfriend

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