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coraxonxcall · 20 days ago

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Chapter 1: The Grand Re-Opening

"This is going to be great!" Charlie clapped her hands together as she surveyed the reconstructed hotel. There was still an unshakable air of sadness, of loss... that lingered despite the overall sense of accomplishment. "We have everything fixed up, and now we can have a grand re-opening!" She was more trying to reassure herself, trying to build back to her original sense of optimism. However, she was finding that... difficult after losing a patron who had been making such progress.

She felt as if it were her fault- if she had only been more convincing- if she had been stronger, fought harder-

"A party sounds nice." A hand on her shoulder brought Charlie back to the present. She blinked, Vaggie was beside her, smiling, though Charlie could also see the concern in her eye. "After all this hard work rebuilding, we could all use a little treat." Instantly Charlie was feeling better. Vaggie always seemed to know just what to say to her (except about her really being an Exorcist but, honestly, how does someone even broach that topic? Like: "Hey sweetie, just so you know I used to murder your people." There really was just no good way to go about it).

"Who doesn't love a good celebration after a fierce battle and a quick rebuilding?" The synthetic sounding voice caused Charlie to turn. Alastor was behind her, smiling as widely as ever.

"I mean, you only kinda showed up at the end, but yeah, might as well lump you in with everyone who did something." Charlie's father had never liked Alastor- so while the comment didn't actually surprise her, it did make her a bit sad. Alastor didn't seem to be bothered, chuckling to himself.

"I helped in the fight, didn't I?"

"You lost."

"I saw it differently."

"How can you possibly see it-"

"Cookies!" Charlie hated the arguing. For a Hellborn she had a remarkable dislike of confrontation. Alastor and her father both turned to face her; she had successfully disarmed the situation. "If we are going to have a Grand Re-Opening Party, we need cookies."

"Yes, cookies."

"Of course! I'll put Niffty on it right away!" Alastor breezed past them to where Niffty was stabbing one of the remaining angel corpses. Rosie had been gathering them up, though Charlie dared not ask why.

"You know I could probably make cookies. It's not even that hard." Her dad still seemed so awkward around her. Not that she was much better... but... with her mom away on business (at least that was the explanation Charlie told herself every time her call was ignored) she wanted to try and establish something with her dad- something more than an awkward phone call about the weather once every few weeks.

"I know, dad, but Niffty was hired to help with all of that." She gave him what she sincerely hoped was a reassuring smile. She could see her dad's posture start to droop- for the Prince of Lies, he could be an open book at times. "BUT!" She had to think quickly. "We might need decorations!" Immediately her father's expression brightened.

"Oh, you are going to see the best decorations you have ever seen, Char Char! Sinners will be coming from all over Hell just to get a look at these!"

"That sounds perfect, dad, thank you." There! Situation successfully navigated. Her dad was happy, Alastor was happy, everyone was getting along.

"So uh, are we gonna be putting anything extra in these cookies, because after all this shit we need it." Angel Dust stretched his back with a cracking sound that made Charlie squirm a bit.

"You fucking said it," Cherri rested an arm on Angel's shoulder looking to Charlie for some kind of confirmation. "Because we just fought a Goddamn army. This party needs to be more than just milk and cookies."

"I don't think a rager is exactly what this hotel needs when our focus is actually redemption." Charlie hesitated to say a direct no as they all did work very hard to protect the Hotel. "But! There will be alcohol! Just try to remember moderation!"

"Will there be cocaine in moderation?" Angel leaned forward, one hand on his waist.

"Can you do cocaine in moderation?" Cherri smirked, bumping her hip into Angel.

"If you have a moderate amount~" The two burst out laughing and Charlie did her best to laugh along, assuming, hopefully, that they were kidding. But just in case...

"There is not going to be any cocaine at the party. Sorry." She gave her best apologetic smile. Cherri snorted.

"Lame."

"Eh, go easy on her Cherri. There'll prolly be weed in the cookies or something. You know how weird shit gets when Niffty's cooking."

"They are just going to be regular cookies. If you want anything extra, supply it yourself." Luckily for Charlie, Vaggie didn't seem to mind laying down the ground rules. "Hopefully they are going to be different cookies than the ones she has been holding onto for six months." Vaggie looked briefly over to Charlie, lowering her voice. "Please tell me they are going to be different cookies."

"They should be, I'm pretty sure those got destroyed with the rest of the hotel." She genuinely hoped they had.

"She's baking new ones." Husk had finally made his way over, glancing behind him at Alastor who was still talking to Niffty in the distance. Charlie couldn't quite read his expression. "And she got rid of the roach problem, allegedly."

"Did she though?" Angel's skepticism was shared, but Charlie hated to admit it. "She isn't gonna like... put roaches in the food, is she?" Shit. Charlie hadn't considered that. And Husk's noncommittal shrug did absolutely nothing to reassure her.

"Fuck if I know."

"How about," she had to speak up before they were all eating King Roach Cookies, "you help her in the kitchen. As like... a supervisor?"

Husk looked back over at Niffty and Alastor, then back at Charlie. She could tell he was considering his next move carefully, his ears twitched, he crinkled his nose as he saw Niffty picking something up off the ground, show it to Alastor, and then start to walk toward the kitchen.

"You know what? It's a good plan." And just like that he was over by Niffty trying to pry something out of her hand.

"I think you just stopped a disaster." Angel made a face, watching the struggle with amusement.

"Oh, thank goodness." Charlie let out a breath she hadn't really realized she'd been holding. "Well, I am glad we are all going to be able to have a nice, relaxing celebration! And... maybe take a moment to remember..." she trailed off, her chest ached, she felt a familiar burning in her eyes.

"Hey, it's okay..." immediately she felt Vaggie's arm around her, pulling her close. She felt so much better as she put her head on Vaggie's, the soft white hair tickling her nose, strong arms embracing her. "I know how much you miss him... how much... we all miss him..."

"We really do." Another hand was on her back, Charlie sniffed, looking up, seeing Angel beside her.

"And we fucked up the sonuvabitch responsible!" Cherri gave her a reassuring grin. "It's what he woulda wanted. Guaranteed."

"Charlie~" her dad's voice cut through the somber moment as he bounded over in excitement. He paused, seeing everyone gathered around his daughter, seemingly realizing he was interrupting something. "Is... now a bad time? Are... you okay?" He seemed so genuinely concerned; Charlie was touched. It helped her try to compose herself once more.

"Yeah, just... missing Pentious, that's all." She wiped her eye on her sleeve, pulling away from Vaggie so she could smile at her dad.

"Oh, Charlie, I'm so sorry I-"

"It's fine dad." This was not the way they should be starting off a grand re-opening. "Really." She cleared her throat, "so what is it you wanted?"

"Oh... um..." he seemed a bit taken aback by her desire to change the mood. "Right! Decorations!" He grabbed her hand in his gloved one, dragging her to the front of the hotel where two lavish fountains of gold could be seen with flowing chocolate and wine where the water should have been. Ornate lighting covered the hotel facade, nearly drowning out its usual colors, a lavish red carpet was sprawling out from the door. Charlie's lips drew into a thin line as she looked it up and down.

"It's nice." It was clear he had tried hard, and she didn't want to hurt his feelings. This was the first time in... well... forever that her dad seemed to actually want to help her with something. But at the same time ... "it's just a bit..."

"Much?" Once again Vaggie was able to say the words Charlie was too polite to voice. "Angel! Get the fuck out of there!" Sure enough Angel had plunged himself into the fountain of wine, mouth open, head back, back arched as he rested on his hands. Angel didn't reply for a moment, his mouth full of wine.

"It's a fucking wine fountain, Vaggie. Why would it be here if we aren't supposed to use it." As soon as he was done talking, he resumed the position, now accompanied by Cherri Bomb, both of whom were getting absolutely drenched. Lucifer watched with his hands tented, a look of dismay on his face.

"I see the problem."

"It really was a nice gesture it's just-" Charlie didn't even get to finish before he snapped his fingers and the wine turned into regular water and Angel and Cherri both let out sounds of annoyance.

"At least we still have the chocolate one." Angel huffed, hopping out of the fountain and sticking his head under the next one. "This'll be the first time your dad got me all sticky~"

"Oh please don't." Charlie's response came so quickly she surprised herself. "That's my dad, Angel."

"He could always be my daddy-"

"Angel!"

"Fine fine." Angel seemed more interested in the chocolate anyway. Charlie looked back to her dad who went from looking distressed to perturbed.

"Dad I am so sorry about-"

"It's fine Char-Char! Nothing I haven't heard before. I assure you!" He smiled up at her and all traces of the concern were gone from his face. "What else should I change? It's your party, I want this up to your standards."

"How about less lighting and no red carpet? But maybe an open house sign? Nothing too flashy, just something hand painted! Oh! Maybe put a rainbow on it?"

"Can do!" Her dad clapped his hands and the blinding lights vanished, the carpet rolled up into nothing, and a cute hand painted sign reading: Grand Re-Opening: Open House Inside, appeared on the front lawn. A cute little rainbow framed the text. Charlie clapped her hands looking quite pleased.

"Oh thank God that got changed. What an eye sore."

"Really?" Lucifer instantly whipped around to face Alastor. "Fucking really? I want to see you do better!"

"I'm not in charge of decorations, my good man." Alastor smirked as he twirled his cane and tapped it lightly on the ground. (Hadn't that been destroyed? When did he fix it? Ah well, Charlie could always ask him about that later.)

"He did his best. And I really like what we have now." Charlie waved off the comment. It was going to stress her out to have these two constantly fighting. This was supposed to try and bring Sinners in. And, while a fight might actually draw a crowd, it wasn't the kind of publicity the hotel needed. "So why don't we go inside and get this party started!?"

"I miss the wine." Cherri huffed a bit but headed inside. Charlie still wasn't sold on the fountains, but they were only temporary. At least, she hoped they were only temporary. She could always talk to her dad about it before he left. Which reminded her, she hadn't actually asked him about that.

"You... are staying for the party, right dad?"

"You want me to?" His entire demeanor perked up. "I mean, sure! I'm not busy!"

"Not busy? Then what is it you do locked in your house all day? You're not making public appearances."

"I mean," his expression instantly fell back into one of annoyance. "I am busy. Incredibly busy. But never too busy for my daughter. In fact," Lucifer pulled his phone out. He looked briefly at the screen, his eyes widened for a moment, and then he quickly shook himself. "I'm silencing my phone right now. This is about Charlie, after all. Not about work."

"Oh, I mean, dad, if you're busy I understand..." Charlie really didn't want him to get behind on any work. The expression he had made looking at his phone had her slightly concerned.

"No no no no!" He grabbed both her hands. "No, no I am definitely available. Phone's not coming out. I'm here for you. Completely."

"Aw dad..." She squeezed his hand. "I'm happy to hear that, thank you, it means a lot."

"And I will be happily in attendance as well! I can even be in charge of music! I know a thing or two about hosting ~"

"Aren't YOU busy? Don't you have a commercial break to cut to? Or someone else to bother?" Charlie tried not to sigh as her dad instantly snapped back on Alastor. "Maybe go pick up some groceries."

"Nonsense! As a long time supporter of this whole endeavor I should be there at such a milestone! Don't you agree, Charlie?"

"I mean... he is the manager, dad." Charlie rubbed her arm as she hated picking sides, but Alastor had been there from the start. He was the one who helped get her idea off the ground, though his motivations were... probably not great (no, Charlie, have some confidence in your friends... maybe... a healthy amount... of confidence). He still was a constant figure she could turn to in a time of need.

"It will be a grand gala, indeed!" Alastor mused, putting a hand to Charlie's back, gently ushering her inside. Lucifer tried to bat his hand away, but he ignored the attempts. The inside was just as perfect as Charlie could have dreamed, the picture of Pentious made her both sad and proud. Angel and Cherri were already inside talking, Charlie saw Husk with a tray of cookies in one paw and Niffty under his arm. With a wave of his cane, Alastor filled the room with upbeat, old-timey music. Charlie took a deep breath, this was the beginning of a new chapter. She could do this, she could relax, have some fun.

"Do you want to dance?" Her heart fluttered as Vaggie held out her hand. "I mean, I'm not much of a dancer, but I can certainly try."

"I would love that." Charlie instantly gripped her hand. Vaggie pulled her out into the middle of the room, an arm around her waist as the two began to move across the floor.

"I think everything is looking great, Charlie. The hotel is even better than before." She spun the princess around, drawing her close once more.

Dancing always made Charlie feel so much better. Moving to the music, or singing her own special songs, it had a way of making everything melt away into nothing. The stresses of the world rolled off her shoulders, dissipating into the air as the music swept her up. It was as if it were just her and Vaggie. She could do this all day.

"I thought you said you weren't a dancer." Charlie laughed as Vaggie twirled her around.

"I'm not, not much of one. Especially for an angel."

"I think you're amazing!" It was her turn to take the lead as she lifted Vaggie up, spinning her, before putting her down; never missing a beat.

"I am nothing compared to you." Vaggie laughed, reaching a hand up to gently caress Charlie's cheek before putting it back on her waist.

"Can we do a few more songs?" As the music started to lull, Charlie was far from ready to stop dancing. As long as she could keep moving, there was nothing else that could consume her mind.

"As many as you want~ I am pretty sure I can keep up." Vaggie gave her a little wink, and Charlie's already rosy cheeks flushed even brighter.

They danced for five more songs; Angel and Husk were on the dance floor now, Cherri was at the snack table, Alastor was tapping his foot to the music, Niffty sitting on his head. Charlie was able to survey them all as Vaggie guided her around the dance floor. For once, everything seemed back to some semblance of normal.

She saw her dad; he was... distracted? Charlie craned her head a bit to watch him, he was looking uncomfortable (which wasn't all that strange for him) but he was staring at a wall in the back. His expression was surprisingly focused, like he was silently observing something. She followed his gaze to see if maybe he was having some sort of pissing contest with Alastor again but... Alastor was nowhere in his line of sight. In fact, the only thing Lucifer could really see given his angle was a window that was tinted to hide the world outside.

Charlie squinted at the window too. Was it something about the design he didn't like? It didn't look that bad. In fact, Charlie happened to like that window. She was just about to shrug it off entirely when she noticed something... moving? She squinted harder, maybe it was just her imagination, but she swore she had seen something pressing against the glass. Suddenly, Alastor's music warbled unnaturally causing her to misstep.

"Are you okay?" She was looking back at Vaggie now, the former Exorcist looking quite concerned. Charlie looked back to the window, nothing looked amiss now...

"Yeah, the music just messed up. It threw me off." Charlie laughed, doing her best to shake off a feeling of unease that had slowly creeped its way under her skin. Vaggie pulled her to the side, off the dance floor.

"I didn't hear it... but you know more about music than I do." She waved it off, taking Charlie's hand in her own. "You just looked a little... unnerved. You feeling okay?"

"Oh yeah!" She tried to dismiss the concern. "I just saw dad looking at something and honestly it just kinda looked like a window to me." She looked back to her dad who was now trying to push Niffty off of him. He didn't look quite so focused anymore. (Maybe just annoyed). "He was probably just spacing out and I overthought it. I do have a habit of doing that."

"You do." Vaggie mused. But she did look over at Lucifer trying very hard to dislodge Niffty from his leg. "He seems fine now. At least... as fine as he can be given I don't think this is really his scene."

"Actually, dad and mom used to host parties for the higher ups when I was little..." it had been so long since Charlie had thought about those lavish parties, the elegant music, the extravagant outfits... she always looked forward to them, even if she was too young to really participate. But it had been ages since they had one of those big events, maybe her dad was just out of practice? Or this was too small and intimate for his comfort.

"It's hard to imagine your dad at a party, no offense."

"You haven't seen him when he's schmoozing."

"Fair." Vaggie squeezed her hand. "Hey why don't I get us some drinks?"

"That sounds amazing..." Charlie relaxed as Vaggie headed to the bar to make them something. Maybe a drink could help take the edge off. She knew she was just stressing herself out, focused on trying to make everyone get along, expand the hotel, prove a point to Heaven. There was a lot on her plate right now.

Her dad had dislodged Niffty, and now the one-eyed girl was on her hands and knees scrubbing something on the floor. Someone must have already spilled something. That really wasn't surprising. Charlie made her way over, the least she could do was thank Niffty for her hard work in the kitchen. The scarlet haired maid was hard at work scrubbing a wine stain. That figured. "Scrub scrub scrub scrub~" She was singing to herself.

"You don't have to worry about that now! This is a party!"

"Sometimes ladies like to keep a tidy household." Niffty replied as-a-matter-of-factly. "Which you should really know cause you're a lady."

"Right..." At least she wasn't warring with the roaches... right now. "Why don't I give you a hand then?" She saw something had splashed onto the wall near where Niffty was cleaning. It must have been one of the mixed drinks, as the color was dark, almost black, and it seemed to almost be staining the wall around it. She picked up one of the rags near Niffty and squatted down to start to wipe up the mess but as she reached forward someone grabbed her wrist so suddenly it made her jump.

"Char Char! No need to be cleaning, my little apple! This is your party, isn't it?" Her dad had her wrist locked tightly in his grip as he plucked the rag from her hand. "And it looks like your lovely girlfriend has a drink ready for you~" He ushered her toward Vaggie who was coming back from the bar.

"I was just going to-"

"Cleaning at your own party? Save that for when it's over! Am I right? Of course I'm right! Here, allow me~" He snapped his fingers and a burst of light pulsed through the hotel leaving it sparklingly clean. Niffty let out an excited cry as the stain vanished.

"I HAVE VANQUISHED YOU! AND YOU SUFFERED TILL THE END!" And with that she picked up her cleaning supplies and ran off.

"Oh, um, thanks dad."

"Don't you worry about a thing! This is a celebration! It's fun!" He patted her on the back.

"I got us drinks." Vaggie handed her a cup. "Hey, Mr. Morningstar."

"Hi Vaggie!" At least he had gotten her name right this time. Charlie had to give her dad credit for the improvement.

"Dad... is..." the thought of his focused expression was still lingering in her mind. Maybe she was making assumptions based on his strange behavior. Maybe her dad was just... strange and that was something she was going to have to live with as they tried to build a sturdier relationship... but still... "Is everything... okay?"

"Yes?" He looked genuinely confused by the question. "Why?"

"I just... saw you kinda spacing out earlier... I got worried."

"Was I?" He gave a shrug. "I guess I'm just taking it all in. My baby girl, growing up, living her life, accomplishing so much..." tears started to well in his yellow and crimson eyes.

"Dad please don't-"

"HELLO HOTEL!" The doors flew open, and the music screeched to a halt as a plump blonde woman burst her way headfirst into the party. "It's me! I'm back! You're all so welcome~"

"Who did you piss off this time, Mimzy?" Alastor looked mildly annoyed, through the smile. Charlie knew he didn't really like interruptions at the best of times, but these two seemed to have a history so Charlie wasn't particularly concerned.

"No one! And even if I did I don't need your help." She scoffed at the notion. "I have new friends, who support me!"

"You joined a cult?"

"Of course not! But I am going to join: this hotel!" She made a grand gesture around her to the rather confused onlookers. "I am ready for redemption!"

"Seriously, what do you want?"

"Now Alastor," Charlie took a deep breath, she didn't even get a chance to enjoy her drink. "The hotel is open to everyone. But... um... why the change of heart?"

"Because I see what you're trying to do here, and I support it! I am a business owner myself. Owned a club when I was alive, and now I own a small business selling wonderful products to Demons like yourself! Have you ever heard of DamnWay?"

"I have used their shampoo..." Charlie tried her best to know most of the bigger companies in Hell. It was her job as Princess, after all. "But what does this have to do with redemption?"

"What's more redeeming than two small business owners trying to help each other!? Plus staying in this business is expensive and I heard this hotel is free." Mimzy pulled her down so she could put an arm around Charlie's shoulders, drawing her close.

"You know if you stay here you have to do the activities, right?" Charlie had a feeling the housing was the real reason Mimzy was here. But that's how Angel got his start. And Pentious got his by actively trying to sabotage the hotel. So, she couldn't exactly turn Mimzy away based solely on ulterior motives. She looked to Alastor who simply shrugged. It seemed the decision was hers and hers alone.

"Of course, of course! And you know I have some products that could really help get these activities up and going." She made a broad gesture in the direction of the foyer. "I'll even give you a friends and family discount on account of the fact that you and Alastor are so buddy-buddy."

"You can stay here." Charlie sighed; she really didn't have to heart to turn someone away. "But you can't bring trouble here. And you have to participate. The purpose of this hotel is redemption. "

"Right, sure honey."

"Have you thought about joining full time?" Charlie had her doubts about Mimzy, but she still had Cherri as a potential recruit. The demon looked from Charlie to Angel, then back to Charlie.

"I dunno about all that, princess." She made a face. "I may come visit from time to time, but I'm not looking for a quick trip upstairs, especially not after slaughtering a whole lot of 'em. I doubt that'll make me very popular."

"Awe, c'mon Cherri! You get to stay with meeeee~" Angel leaned his body weight into Cherri, squishing their cheeks together. "Plus, we're probably on some kinda Celestial Hit List. And you love fucking shit up!"

"You got me there." She grinned at him, leaning right back against him, poking his cheek playfully with her index finger. "Ahhhh, fine. I might stay for a few, see what this is about."

"That's great! Not the thing about the hit list. I don't love that image being put in my head. But having you on board will be just fantastic!" Charlie hadn't really considered Heaven' response to their struggle. She doubted they were just going to wave off the fact that they had slaughtered quite a few Exorcists. Her dad put a hand on her, smiling reassuringly.

"It is a good idea, Charlie. I think you can really accomplish something. And if Heaven doesn't agree, they can get fucked."

"Thanks dad." That did really make her feel better. He tugged gently on her arm, pulling her closer so he could whisper in her ear.

"Seriously though, don't join DamnWay when it's offered to you. I know the Sinner who runs it. It's a Pyramid Scheme."

"O-okay dad." That was completely unsurprising, if she was being honest. He released her arm and patted her on the back.

"And with that! I am off! I have a lot of important business to attend to." He spun around tipping his hat to Charlie. She returned to Vaggie's side, looping an arm in hers, sipping her drink.

"Thanks for coming, dad!"

"I love visiting! Anytime! I mean it." And with that, he spread his wings and took off, back to the sky. He seemed to be in a better mood- if he had even been in a bad one to begin with. Charlie was, honestly, not sure. All in all, things were starting to resemble normal again.

There were still a lot of unknown factors: the Exterminations, Heaven's response, the very concept of Redemption... but the Hotel was back together, and everyone seemed to be in okay spirits. Maybe things were finally starting to improve.

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A/N: Long. plot heavy fanfic. Primary ships are Chaggie and AdamsApple

#hazbin lucifer #hazbin hotel #adamsapple #chaggie #lucifer morningstar #charlie morningstar #alastor #niffty #angel dust #cherri bomb #plot heavy #fanfic #hazbin hotel fanfiction #guitarduck

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harcidian · 3 months ago

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lowkey chapter eight: ma meilleure ennemie

Ao3: read here

Riza is tasked to obtain information about Roy Mustang, the leading candidate to the senate. Aware of his reputation with women, she attempts to know more about him by having him on the mattress. The problem is, she’s meeting up with him more often than she should.

Sneak peek under the cut!

Notes: my personal favorite chapter, the reason why I wrote this fic. And yes, the song is from Arcane Season 2

Laughter spills out into the street before Riza even opens the door. The thick pulse of upbeat jazz music rides on the warmth that contrasts the cold evening air behind her. She steps inside, blinking against the golden haze of string lights, perfume, and too much joy.

The bar is alive. A bit too alive.

Riza stands at the entrance too long, drenched in silence. Her blue dress clings to her like a second skin, too tight across the shoulders. The slow, sultry tune drifts through the room—old, French, smoky. The kind of music people don’t talk over, muffling and echoing all at once, demanding them to sway.

“Don’t hover like a ghost!” a girl in glittery heels says, before waltzing into the bar.

She doesn’t recognize her, but everyone seems to know everyone here. An older woman sings dramatically into a beer bottle, beckoning a bartender to the dancefloor. The bouncer sways in the corner. A man still in his work suit tries out a saxophone, his cigarette forgotten in the ashtray.

Riza forces herself to move forward. Her limbs feel like they belong to someone else. A drink is shoved into her hand before she can protest—champagne. She takes a sip, the bubbles stinging her nose.

Someone pulls at her sleeve, but she shakes her head, managing a faint smile.

It's like watching joy through glass.

Bodies blur together on the dance floor—sweaty, swaying silhouettes lit by low indigo and magenta lights. She pushes past a group laughing too loudly, eyes scanning the crowd with a purpose she doesn’t want to name. She shouldn’t be here. She knows that.

But she’s looking for him.

Maybe she tells herself it’s for strategy. But every time the crowd shifts and just another stranger, her chest pulls tighter.

She doesn’t notice when he spots her first.

“Looking for someone?” His voice is low, close to her ear—meant only for her.

Her breath hitches. He’s too close, but she doesn’t move. She feels the warmth of his hand hover near her hip—not touching, not yet, but asking a question neither of them will say out loud.

She could walk away. She should .

But her feet don’t listen.

Instead, she turns and meets his eyes, and the look in them isn’t smug or cocky—it’s hollow and wild and wanting. Like something inside him is breaking. Continue reading at Ao3: read here

#royai #roy mustang x riza hawkeye #fma #fmab #fullmetal alchemist #roy mustang #riza hawkeye #royai fic #modern au #enemies to lovers #canon divergence #plot heavy #political intrigue #spy au

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aidaran-alha · 9 months ago

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Finally finished!

I can’t believe I don’t have any more chapters to post. It’s such a bittersweet feeling, to let go of a fic after working so hard on it for such a long time.

Chapters: 42/42 Fandom: Good Omens (TV), Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens)

Summary:

Heaven is so high up that once you’re there, Aziraphale realizes the only way out is to fall.

In an attempt to stop the apocalypse once more, he steals the Book of Life and The Messiah's soul, placing him back on Earth as Adam’s brother. Now suspended somewhere between falling and fallen, Aziraphale needs help from the only one he can trust to navigate his new life. The same demon he rejected a lifetime ago.

Despite how they parted, Crowley can't turn his back on the aching angel, working through his pain and heartache as they slowly inch towards one another, acting on millennia of bottled-up feelings and desire.

The only problem? Adam’s powers are still alive, and he wants everybody to have their “happy ever after” in his town.

Or else.

@goodomensafterdark

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thelittlewrintingfairy · 2 months ago

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Fic Summary

After seven years away, Keefe returns to the Lost Cities, but things aren't as he remembers them to be. The Cities have been torn apart by the war against the Neverseen, and the people have suffered immeasurable losses. But Keefe only has one thing in mind: find Sophie and repair their relationship. As he tries to navigate this new world, something brews. The Council is weakened, unrest fills the streets, and his old friend group is torn apart. More importantly, Sophie has changed. Hardened by the war and his betrayal, she is keen to avoid him. But Keefe won't be defeated so easily. He will fix things even if has to unravel dangerous secrets in the process.

#kotlc #kotlc fanart #kotlc fandom #kotlc keefe #my fic #plot heavy #keefe sencen #sophie foster

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kawaiiblossoms04 · 5 months ago

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Title : A Rose in a Gilded a Cage |Sukuna x Reader

🌸 A little teaser while upcoming chapters roll out! 🌸

This is exactly why I write ahead—I’ve got a few chapters piled up, so I can keep updates weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly!) 🥰 But then… there’s the dreaded editing process. 😩

Stay tuned—more is coming soon! 💕

You raised an eyebrow at him, hesitant. "What?" you muttered suspiciously, shifting slightly in your seat.

Sukuna tapped his lap with a self-assured smirk. "Here. Sit."

Your face heated instantly. "Mmph! What—No—"

But before you could protest further, his strong hands grabbed you, pulling you between his legs. Your breath hitched as he steadied you in place, his touch firm yet unhurried.

"You're awfully stiff," he remarked, his voice laced with irritation. "Just sit and lean against me. We've traveled long and far to get here. The least you can do is relax." He shifted slightly, resting his cheek against his propped-up elbow, his other arm curled around your waist.

His muscular frame exuded a strength that could easily overwhelm your smaller frame. You flushed bright, burning red at the realization, feeling an uncomfortable heat swell over your cheeks, burning your ears and body, aware of how close and near you were, even pressed up against him. You sighed softly as your own back was settled against his hard muscles, you could practically feel everything under his shirt.

The rise and fall of his chest pressed against your back sent tingling warmth through your spine, his breath brushing your scalp with each steady exhale. You slowly turned slightly to steal a peek at the stoic man, a shiver climbing up your back when his scarlet eyes met yours.

"Y'know," Sukuna began, his deep baritone rumbling against your back, the vibration of his voice sending another shiver through you. "Most women would be thrilled I'm touching them. Not scowling and acting like they're disgusted, like you always do."

You fought the urge to roll your eyes at his ridiculous arrogance. His confidence was as absurd as it was irritating.

Without thinking, you tried to wiggle out of his grasp, attempting to make a fuss, but his arm tightened around you. He raised an eyebrow, his expression neutral, though his grip made it clear you weren't going anywhere.

"Really? Is this necessary—" you started, only to be cut off as his arm pressed firmly across your upper torso, keeping you securely in place.

"Hmph. Yeah, it is," he replied in his usual monotone drawl. "Consider this part of your punishment. Maybe even a little training considering. You keep talking back, acting like a spoiled brat, and I'll keep disciplining you as I see fit. I didn't agree to let you run wild and do whatever you please."

He leaned back lazily against the carriage wall, his posture exuding a maddeningly casual dominance.

"Yes, but—" Your words were abruptly silenced when his hand slipped under you, giving your butt a firm squeeze before releasing it. The act was deliberate, and the silent message it sent made your breath hitch in your throat.

Your cheeks flared, burning a deep pink as he adjusted you on his lap. His large hands gripped your hips, pulling you closer as he spread his legs slightly further, settling you securely in a way that felt all too natural. You were trapped, held in place as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

"But nothing," Sukuna snapped, his tone cutting. "I don't take kindly to you airing out our private affairs or trying to make my little brother feel sympathy for you. And I especially don't want other men hearing about what happens between us—my intimate and private affairs," he added, his gaze narrowing dangerously. His crimson eyes dared you to deny his words.

You shut your mouth with an indignant huff before retorting, your voice sharp.

"What's wrong with showing affection or saying hi though? Huh?" You frowned deeply, your lips puffing out in a pout. "Yuji didn't mind one bit. I bet he found it cute and harmless. You're the one with issues—you always have been. As I said when I first met you, you're nothing but a stalker and a pervert."

He scoffed at the remark, his lips peeling back into a sneer as your fiery defiance stirred both his irritation and amusement.

You shot him a pointed glare before turning away, facing forward in the seat. Sukuna huffed an amused grunt behind you, his steady breathing a stark contrast to your pounding heartbeat.

"Fuck, I could crush you so easily and just be done with you," he growled, his large hands tightening possessively over your hips.

"And what's stopping you?" you snapped, huffing in annoyance. You grimaced, squirming in his grip, trying and failing to remove his arms that seemed to be imprinted into your hip bones. No matter how much you wriggled, Sukuna didn't budge. His biceps flexed, the veiny muscle rippling under his skin. Against your better judgment, you found it attractive, your eyes lingering for a moment before you tore your gaze away, frustration bubbling over.

"You know why," Sukuna hissed, leaning forward, his crimson eyes glinting with a predatory edge as he tilted his head closer to you. His thumb traced the dip of your pelvis, the rough pad of his finger lingering before trailing lower, brushing dangerously close to the crease of your inner thigh. His smirk deepened.

"What are y—Sukuna!" Your voice cracked with panic.

"Hm?" he rumbled, his tone low and husky, as his hand slipped under your robe. His rough fingers grazed the soft flesh of your thighs, pushing upwards in a deliberate motion. Your breath hitched as he exposed your pussy, his crimson eyes darkening as the delicate aroma of your sex filled his senses. He adjusted you effortlessly, positioning you so your ass pressed firmly against his crotch. The gown bunched up around your stomach, leaving you exposed as his forearm hooked under your knee, parting your legs with ease.

"Perfect," he murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

"Stop—what are you doing? Someone could see!" Panic laced your voice as you pushed against him, struggling to free yourself from his hold. Your protests only made him chuckle, the sound deep and rumbling in his chest.

"You—get away." you struggled against his embrace and reached to take hold and rip his fingers off, stopping his ministrations. He pinned you to him in a stronger hold, chuckling at the panicked and flushed expressions you were displaying.

"You better stop because if you keep squirming like that, and I'll make sure they hear exactly how much you like it," he murmured, his lips grazing your ear.

Your struggling grew more and more fruitless as you shoved at his shoulders and wriggled on his lap.

His hand shot up, gripping your chin roughly and forcing your head back.

Your eyes snapped up to meet his.

"I said..." he growled, his voice a low, menacing rasp, "Stop."

A Rose in a Gilded Cage

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lighthouseshadows · 5 months ago

Text

When the hot villain offers you a drink, you take it. Even if his reasons are a little out there 🤭

Close to done with my next update, so here’s a little flash back for now.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/47537350/chapters/119804539

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yayakoishii · 2 years ago

Note

Before I send my request your way lemme tell you how much I loved reading your recent Sanji Fics!! I enjoyed them a lot!!

And as for a request, I don't have anything specific but a vague scenario in my head. The strawhats dock at a lone mysterious island. And they as usual disperse off to do their own things when Sanji happens to stumble upon the reader. Perhaps caught in some trouble, going around with a hidden identity? I'm sorry this is cringe. But it's been in my head for a while now. Whether this ends up interesting you or not, I just wanted you to know, it's been a lot of fun reading you! Have a good day! Or night :D

Unfortunate Encounters | Sanji x Reader

Fandom: One Piece

Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x Reader

Word Count: 5,997 (that's practically 6k)

Genre: Light Fluff, more Angst, happy ending ofc!

Warnings: Plot heavy, light swearing. Slightly ooc crew maybe? I'm still new to writing for OP, please excuse any mistakes!

A/n: First off, thank you so much for the sweet words anon ;-; they really made my day <3 As for the request, this was not cringe at all!! I got super into it and I had like 3-4 mental drafts of how this fic could go (the og ending was even more angsty lol, but I decided to cut back...) I may have focused too much on the 'lone, mysterious island' part because this was more plot heavy than romantic. The inner plot writer in me emerged because of your prompt; I'm not a romance writer so I struggle with that in this fic >< However, I did enjoy writing it so I hope you enjoy this one too! Thanks for sending such a fun request ❤️

also available on ao3!

The log pose had brought them to another island, but even before they had touched down, Sanji could feel something was up with it. The island just gave off some vibes he couldn't place and he wasn't one to chalk it off to a mistake. His intuition told him something was going to happen here.

"There doesn't seem to be a town here," Nami frowned, looking at the island. All they could see for miles and miles was a dense tropical forest, with trees that seemed larger than their usual size. When they got off the Thousand Sunny, Sanji realised that it was too silent. There were no sounds of birds or any animals that he could hear from the shoreline. "Be careful, guys."

They decided to separate and cover the island quicker. The log pose needed time to reset and it was a curious little island anyway. They could cover it within a day, maximum. Something in Sanji's gut twisted in protest but until he could explain it, there was no way he could stop the chaotic crew. So he let it be and started hacking a path to somewhere.

The trees were dense and the forest was dark, lit up on random intervals by sudden sunbeams that looked like nature's spotlights. Sanji hummed to himself as he studied the plants around him. He walked for a while, noting all the things he could use but not picking anything because the island just rubbed him off the wrong way. It felt dangerous to pick any part of it.

Sanji walked for a while, pausing only when he felt he had heard something – something that sounded like a rustle of leaves, but he couldn't sense a person. He couldn't sense anything but the wind, a gentle breeze drifting through the trees. Strangely, he had not yet come across any of the other Straw Hats either, even though he had been walking for well over an hour and the island wasn't that big in the first place.

There was another rustling, but this time, Sanji could feel a presence. Multiple ones, to be precise. He tensed and cautiously moved aside the curtain of vines blocking his views. The clearing revealed in front of him shocked him– it was like all the animals of the entire island had gathered in one place. And they were all looking at something that he couldn't see.

The moment he stepped in, the animals all turned to him, some of them baring teeth or growling and it was so much sound after so much silence that even Sanji couldn't help the shiver running along his back. A human shout of, "It's okay guys! I'm okay now!" distracted the animals and they turned back to whatever– or rather, whoever, they had been looking at.

Sanji held back, not quite sure what to make of the whole situation, until he heard a barely audible, "Disperse."

Almost like a flip was switched, the animals scattered and Sanji was left incredulously staring at the vines in the middle of the clearing, from where a figure gracefully jumped down. You straightened up and patted at your hair to check for any stray leaves or twigs before you walked over to him.

"An intruder?" You asked, smiling amusedly. "Been a while since we had one."

"That's a harsh word, beautiful," Sanji couldn't hold himself back from calling you that way, after he had gotten over his shock enough to note your features.

"Would you prefer 'uninvited guest'?" You cocked an eyebrow, not cutting eye contact as you straightened out your clothes.

"Ah, you hurt my poor heart," he said, a little bit dramatically as he leaned closer but still at a respectable distance. "Am I unwelcome in your home, goddess of these woods?"

"Wh-?" You couldn't help the chuckle that left your lips at his words. "You're quite something, alright. And as fun as you are, you really are unwelcome here, sorry."

"Why?" Sanji asked curiously. The entire experience felt like some weird fever dream to him, and he couldn't quite make head or tails of anything that was happening but the one thing he was sure of was that there was something about you that piqued his curiosity in all the ways.

"You can't stay on this island," you shrugged and walked past him, expecting him to follow you. Sanji did not fail, falling in step behind you as you started walking somewhere. "2 days, that's all you get. Any longer and… well, it's better if you don't find out."

"Alright, then I guess I'll let my crew know," Sanji sighed, figuring he wasn't getting any more out of you after seeing your guarded expression. The moment he finished his sentence though, you froze in your step and turned around to face him in horror.

"Did you just say… crew?" Your voice sounded a little hoarse and Sanji paused, looking at you in concern. "Please tell me your crew is not on the island."

"If I said that, it would be a lie, sweetheart," Sanji's brows furrowed even as he said it. Something was wrong. Your expression melted into one of full-blown panic, anger and horror.

"Not again!" You cried, burying your face in your hands.

"What's wrong?" Sanji would really, really like some answers today. The entire day had been confusing and eerie vibes and the growing chill in his stomach was now an unnecessary addition.

"What's wrong," you snapped, looking wild and terrified for a second, "is that your entire crew is fucking loose on a cursed island! If they do not get off this island in 3 nights, they will turn into animals and never, ever turn back to humans."

Sanji just stared at you for a few seconds before he dropped the unlit cigarette he had pulled out of his pocket. You were pacing around in circles and he had so many questions that he didn't even know where to begin.

"Then I'll just tell them when we all meet back?" He said unsurely except you turned to face him with eyes full of unshed tears.

"That's a great plan," you said a little sarcastically, "except for the part where this island is cursed and anyone who isn't an animal can't find their way out. Ever. They literally cannot find the way back on their own."

Sanji's jaw dropped. He stared back at you in equal parts horror.

"This has to be the Moss Head's curse spreading," he whispered to himself.

Half an hour later, the two of you were making your way through the dense foliage, exchanging questions and answers– although Sanji was the one doing the asking the most.

You had calmed down after finding out that the crew only had 9 members. You could probably find 8 people in less than 3 days. The island wasn't that big.

Sanji's first question was about how you weren't affected by the curse.

"Because I'm not fully human," you had replied off-handedly and not offered more. It only added to your mystery but despite all your secrets, Sanji could somehow feel inside him that you weren't a bad person. You were going out of your way to help out so that their crew won't turn into animals– if the curse didn't affect you, then you could have very well done nothing.

Then he asked about the other things on his mind. Were the animals in the forest also humans? To his horror, you had replied with a sad yes.

"The log pose doesn't take pirates to this island much," you had explained as you expertly and gracefully made your way over the thorny plants and overgrown roots. Your movement was almost like a mystical dance and Sanji couldn't take his eyes off of it, thankful that you were walking in front of him and couldn't see his ogling. "It's rare but it happens sometimes. Mostly single man boats tossed through storms end up here, but there's been two small crews who came here after me. There were already some animals on the island before though, and I'm pretty sure they were once humans too."

"And there's no cure for this?" Sanji swallowed, his heart hammering from a weird mix of fear, nervousness and excitement.

"Nothing as far as I know," you confirmed, pausing to close your eyes and feel something. "That direction, I can sense someone."

You ran over without waiting for Sanji and he was left to catch up by taking long strides. Before he could show himself though, he felt the presence close in on you and automatically moved in to defend you. His boots rammed against the blunt hilt of a familiar katana.

"Love cook?" Zoro's eyes widened in surprise and he immediately tucked his swords back in. Sanji ignored him in favour of ensuring that you were okay. He found you staring behind him curiously at Zoro, as if the swordsman fascinated you. It didn't mean anything, but it left him feeling a little irritated at Zoro. "Who's this?"

"Um." Sanji realised he had never asked you for your name. Or given you his.

"Inconsequential," you waved it off. "It's not like we're to know each other longer than a day or two. Let's just go and search for the rest. Blondie here can explain everything to you on the way."

"Sanji," he blurted out, reeling back when he saw your surprised face. "Forgive my insolence, sweetheart. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Vimsoke Sanji."

"Well, Sanji," you smiled at him, already walking like you knew where you were going, "get your friend to join us and follow me."

Gladly, his heart answered for him.

✿

You knew this was a mistake. It never ended well when you met other people and liked them. And as you collected more of the Straw Hats, you couldn't help but like them all more and more. You knew this was a mistake, but you couldn't bring yourself to regret it because you knew that if you didn't help them, they would be cursed too.

You had eventually acquiesced and given them your first name, careful not to offer your last name in case any of them recognised you. Zoro seemed to be staring at you quite frequently, but maybe it was just a Straw Hat thing? Sanji had been staring at you the whole time too. Or maybe you looked hideous and they were all politely staying quiet. You didn't quite know, but the thought of looking terrible in front of them (in front of that beautiful blonde boy) was a little mortifying to you.

All those thoughts took a backseat though, because you were on a mission. By the time evening rolled around and the sky had turned to pitch black darkness, you had found a cyborg and a rubber man called Luffy, who was the captain of the ship. He didn't really feel like a captain, or somebody who commanded everyone, but the Straw Hats didn't seem like a typical group of people. They were… unique.

"Let's stop for tonight," you said after assessing the darkness. Of course, you could see everything clearly even in the darkness, but they didn't need to know that. The less they knew about you…

"Shouldn't we keep going?" Zoro asked, looking around.

"Trust me, we're better off waiting the night out," you answered, already settling into the clearing for the night. You had to get a fire going and find food and there were things to be done.

"So I can't eat the animals?" Luffy pouted for the fifth time, asking the same question.

"No, Luffy," you sighed, waving a stick at him. "They might look like animals, but they are people. Please don't kill them or try to eat them."

"They won't attack our crewmates, would they?" Sanji asked, looking worried. You finally managed to light a fire and carefully structured a ring of stones around it to ensure it won't get out before answering.

"The curse lets them have their brain for most of the time," you fidgeted on the spot. "But sometimes, if you harm them, or if they get really hungry, or, y'know… their animal instincts kick in and then they are more animal than human. But it's rare, and won't happen if you don't harm their survival."

The crew fell silent and you watched them whisper amongst themselves a bit. They probably wanted to talk things out, so you got up and said you would go grab something to eat.

"Please don't leave this clearing," you warned them as you walked away. "Finding you again would be so much trouble."

You heard footsteps following you though and turned around to find Sanji trailing behind you.

"Sanji?" You asked, confused. His tall, lanky figure in the forefront of the golden orange light spilling from the fire you started was a picturesque scenery that left your heart thumping a little louder than usual.

"Would you be okay with some company?" He asked quietly. "I'm a chef, so I could probably help you gather some food."

"Alright," you nodded. The two of you walked a while in silence until you found the spot where there were a bunch of large fruits and flowers that you started gathering. Sanji observed what you collected in the little moonlight that was shining through the trees, but you could see him struggling.

"You can see in the dark?" He asked after a beat of silence.

"Mm," you were exhausted from the day. Lying and avoiding things was tiring as it is, and you really weren't in the mood to play the game. If Sanji knew who you were… would it really be that bad? He had been kind so far, always at a respectable distance but with honeyed sweet words that tugged at your heartstrings. You had never had anyone flirt with you, but Sanji was the first. And it left you feeling giddy and warm, the attention he gave you without losing any of the respect and your need for secrecy. If he knew… would he hate you?

Sanji didn't say anything for a while, just offered up his arms for you to stack all the food you had collected.

"Who else is remaining?" You asked, finding the silence was eating at your insides. You had spent so long in silence. And now that you had people around again, you wanted to make the most of it before they had to leave. Just for a while, you could forget and pretend that you're one of them. Just for a while.

"Nami-san, Robin-san," Sanji said, "Brook and Chopper. Wait, Chopper!"

Sanji clapped his hands like he had just thought of something. You looked at him curiously.

"Chopper is a reindeer," Sanji said hurriedly.

"You have a reindeer in your crew…?" You were confused. The Straw Hats were definitely one of a kind, alright.

"He ate the Hito Hito no Mi so he can talk and walk," Sanji explained. "He's our doctor but that's not important right now. He's an animal, right? So he wouldn't be affected by the curse?"

"Highly likely that he isn't," you confirmed.

"Which means he must be the only one back on the ship," Sanji murmured to himself. That's one person (animal?) less to search for, you mused. "He must be scared."

"I hope he's okay," you said quietly. The animals on the island knew each other well. If Chopper ran into them… You didn't really know what would happen. Animals could be scary when they were territorial.

The two of you finished collecting as much as you could carry and walked back, and you asked Sanji to tell you about their adventures. He indulged you, colouring a vivid and humorous picture of the crew in the short while it took you two to get back.

You came back to find Zoro sleeping on his side while Luffy was springing around in the clearing, howling about being hungry and crying for Sanji. Franky sat against a tree, fiddling with something on his body that you didn't wait to see despite your curiosity.

As Sanji started portioning the food to serve to everyone, you stood back and watched the crew interact quietly. It was strange, how at home you felt with them despite not knowing them– but you attributed it to your loneliness.

Even if you wanted to be one of them, you could never curse them like that.

The next morning, you found Nami at the top of a tree. You had seen her when gathering some flowers for breakfast, asleep. You decided to get Sanji to recognise her before you woke her up and got her down. Seeing Sanji fawn and fret over her made you insanely jealous; but you forced it down under a smile and led them back to the camp that had already been cleared up.

You gave the crew a few minutes to catch up and celebrate before you started the search again.

"So…" you searched for a topic as the six of you trudged through the forest. "A reindeer, a cyborg, a gum man, an ex-pirate hunter… Who should I expect next?"

"A skeleton!" Luffy excitedly yelled as he swung past you on the vines, nearly making you stumble from the shock.

"A… what?!" You turned to stare at Sanji in shock, who just smiled softly and shrugged.

"Brook is…" he explained the whole story without getting tired and you couldn't help but be fascinated by everything. The more you learned about them, the more they intrigued you, the more you wanted to beg them to let you join them. But you didn't let those thoughts come to life in words, just helping them find the said skeleton from where he was surrounded by some of the island's animals growling at him.

"Down, guys," you shouted and the animals immediately backed off, all staring at you with innocent eyes that made you huff in laughter. "Don't pull that on me, I just saw you. I know you mean well but it's a little scary when you're surrounded by animals."

One of the deer whined and bumped its snout into your hand. You could feel the Straw Hats staring as you petted it and whispered it to leave the skeleton to you. When the animals had dispersed, you shot a grin at Brook.

"Hi there!" You held out a hand, "It's my first time meeting a skeleton!"

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, you started covering the northern part of the island. It was the only place remaining, aside from the centre. You found Usopp and Chopper there, the two of them hugging each other and bawling.

As it turned out, Chopper had in fact gone back after finding nothing on the island only to find out that no one else had returned. So he had stayed the night in the ship and then came back in search of the others even though he was scared.

"That was very brave of you," you patted him on the head. The reindeer blushed and glared at you.

"I'm not pleased by that at all!!" So he said, but you could see the smile on his face. With almost all of them collected, you started your way to the centre of the island when you heard the clouds rumble.

The sky was full of grey clouds and you were ready for rain, since this was the season on the island.

"There's an underground cave near here," you told the crew as you led them through the thick canopy of trees. "I usually go there when it rains so let's wait it out before we search for… Robin, was it?"

Zoro grumbled something about constant waiting but you chose to ignore it. You knew this island better than any of them. Rains were harsh and the droplets were like bullets on the skin. You couldn't find Robin on the way to the cave but when you reached its opening which looked like a hole in the ground, surrounded by overgrown grass, you felt a presence inside.

The last Straw Hat member was inside the cave, much to all of your relief. This time, you truly stepped back and let the crew reunite, feeling like a true outcast for the first time. Your time together with them was over. Once the rain was gone, they would be out of here and you would be alone again.

Except Sanji turned to you and offered you his hand to invite you into their awkward group hug that Usopp had initiated. You didn't want to intrude but they all looked at you with similar grins and smiles and you couldn't hold it back. You joined them, savouring your first hug in years.

✿

As it turned out, the runes you had found on one of the walls of the cave actually had some sort of meaning that Robin had been able to decipher in the while she had spent in the cave. She had apparently found the cave the previous night and stayed in, then worked on the runes in the morning when she found them.

"It's about a curse on this island," she explained. "Like (y/n) already told us, if anyone spends 3 nights on this island, it turns them into an animal forever. There's a piece of it missing at the end, but the last line says 'the answer lies in the satisfaction of life and a prayer answered'."

"What does that mean?" you asked, confused.

"I'm not really sure," she admitted, running her fingers over the runes. The whole crew mulled over the words as you waited for the rain to stop. You didn't join into the conversation, just letting your mind work quietly with their suggestions as background.

Satisfaction in life… A prayer answered… None of it seemed to make sense. The Straw Hats didn't need to help the animals out, but they were still trying to figure it out. The crew was clearly good at heart and you were glad that you helped them out, even though you would only be left with hurt after they were gone. That pain was worth it.

A squirrel scampered up to you while you listened; the rain outside seemed to be slowing down. You knew the squirrel was the girl around your age who had ended up on the island after a shipwreck. You scooped her up and let her sit on your hand, where she tried to shake off the water from her soaking body. The water sprinkled onto you and you let out a fake indignant "hey!" that made her laugh. Not that you had ever seen squirrels laugh, but you could always understand the animals on the island.

"We found something here," you said quietly to her, bringing her close to wipe off some of the water from her body. "It could be an answer to turning you all back to humans."

She tilted her head and stared at you.

"But none of us understand the riddle," you continued, feeling apologetic to them. You had been the only person on the island who was unaffected by the curse, so you felt like it was somehow your responsibility to help them all turn back. And yet, you had failed at that over and over again. Saira, as the girl's name had been, simply shook her squirrel head and placed a tiny paw on your chest where you had tucked her close.

"It's alright," you could hear her saying in your head. To the others, it probably sounded like a bunch of squeaks. "It's not that bad. I long gave up hope of turning back. Being a squirrel is not that bad. Being able to spend everyday with you who looks out for all of us… I'm happy. All of us are."

Your chest swelled with the emotions and for the first time in a long while, tears streamed down your cheeks. You had held it all in for so long, not wanting to burden the helpless creatures that always kept you company. But knowing their faith in and love for you made your insides warm.

"All we want is for you to be happy too," Saira continued, turning her head to look at the crew. You glanced at them, noticing that Sanji was looking over at you two. "I know you. Go with them."

"I can't," you said in a choked whisper. "Even if they let me, I can't do that to them. I'm not… I'm a curse, Saira. I can't risk it."

The squirrel looked at you helplessly as you cried a little more. Eventually, you wiped away the tears and let your eyes shut to listen to the pitter patter of rain outside. Saira scrambled off your body and over to Sanji, who had watched you the whole while but hadn't heard what you had said.

When you opened your eyes, the rain had stopped. You looked around blearily, and found the Straw Hats all lying around, looking upset.

"You guys should have woken me up when the rain stopped," you said, rubbing your face as you stood up. "Come on, you must be missing your ship, yeah?"

"(Y/n)," Sanji started, looking a little nervous. You looked at him quizzically, but Zoro spoke up before he could say what he wanted.

"Or should we say Kuroneko no (Y/n)?" The familiar words made you freeze in horror. "Harbinger of Death? A 30 million bellies bounty."

"That's…" You took an involuntary step back, bumping into the cave wall. They knew. They knew the secret you had tried so hard to hide. They knew… and they were still looking at you with badly hidden curiosity and grins. None of them looked scared, or upset anymore, like they had been when you were asleep. "I'm… I don't want to lie. That's me. But I swear, I'm not going to do anything. I mean, I don't even actually do anything, all of those incidents just happened–"

"(Y/n)," Sanji placed a hand atop your head, effectively stopping your rambling. You looked up at him, afraid to see him look at you differently, but if anything, his eyes had only become softer. "It's okay. I wish you had told us before, but we get it."

"You do…?" Somehow, it felt too good to be true. People were usually upset when others lied and kept secrets. The secret of who you were could essentially have been a matter of life or death. Kuroneko no (y/n), or rather, Black Cat (y/n) was a name based on your Devil Fruit powers that let you turn into a cat. But they were also a result of you being the only survivor in 4 separate incidents– the annihilation of your home island, the mass genocide in a war town country and the two small crews you had once been a part of. Every single time, all the people had died and you were the only one alive left behind. You had never belonged anywhere, so how could you believe now would be any different?

"It must have been very lonely," Robin's sorrowful eyes reflected that she understood you on some level. You didn't know what to think or feel, unwilling to let yourself hope for anything beyond acceptance.

"It was," you admitted, more to yourself than to them. You had never let yourself truly dwell on the thought, but you had been so, so lonely. "I won't stick around for long. I'll take you to your ship and you'll be free of this island's curse, and of my own. So if–"

"Your curse?" Sanji looked at you, confused.

"It's not exactly a curse," you hesitated, "but there's nothing else I can call it for why… the people I care for end up dead."

"That's not true," Luffy frowned, walking over to you. "Everyone here is still alive. Everyone on this island is alive, we are alive. You are not cursed."

"You were like a blessing in disguise," Usopp said from where he stood, not looking you in the eyes. "I was of course not afraid at all, considering my heavy list of achievements, but you brought us all back together."

"I'm…" you didn't know what to say, feeling overwhelmed.

"You're not cursed, sweetheart," Sanji gently held up your hand, squeezing it to comfort you. "You just had a string of… unfortunate events."

Sanji's struggle to find the right term made you let out a small giggle. Maybe you should extend a hand. Maybe this time…

"Maybe I'm not cursed?" You said hopefully, looking up into his clear blue eyes. Sanji nodded, carefully tucking back a lock of hair behind your ear. The action made you flush, suddenly realising the proximity you two were in.

A flash of light startled all of you and you turned around to find Saira, the human, standing in the place of where the squirrel was. The girl was staring at her own hands and body, like this was a dream. You blinked, unable to believe your eyes either.

Outside the cave, you could hear shouts. Human shouts.

"What just-?" You ran out to find the people who had been turned into animals were back to human. "How…"

"Satisfaction of life and a prayer answered," Robin's voice from behind you was startling. You turned to look at her, and she smiled down at you. "Perhaps the answer was just for the animals to be happy with who they are, with no regrets."

"Then… Then why didn't it change them back before?" You said, voice barely above a whisper.

"Perhaps their prayer wasn't answered back then," she placed a hand on your shoulder and patted it. Did she mean that it only happened now because your one wish through life had been answered? To be free of the curse you had…

With much enthusiasm, the crew got out of the underground cave and everyone was celebrating. The sight of everyone back made you feel like this was the happiest day of your life. You participated in it, letting yourself enjoy the moment without worrying or thinking of anything.

The sun was already setting when the party started and it went on for hours as everyone laughed and danced and ate. (If you were fascinated by how much Luffy could eat, you kept it to yourself to be polite.) It was probably getting close to midnight when Sanji sought you out to where you were sitting by yourself and just watching everyone with fond eyes.

He didn't say a word at first, just sat down next to you. At that distance, you could feel the warmth of his body and you subconsciously leaned closer to the source. For the first time in a long while, your heart felt at peace.

"How did you end up on this island?" Sanji's question made you look over at him. He wasn't demanding an answer, just looking down at you with deep blue eyes that seemed to flash golden as they reflected the bonfire.

"I was on the run from the Marines around a year ago," you hummed, feeling safe and comfortable enough in his presence to finally talk about yourself. After years of not being able to share anything with anyone, it felt freeing to tell him something even as simple as this. "I had just escaped the battle between the crew I was in and this one big pirate ship that I don't even remember anymore. I was wounded but I reached this island on a small boat somehow with a half broken log pose. I shifted into my cat form, which looks less like a cat and more like a black jaguar if anything, to ensure that no one recognised me– because my full transformation is not known by the Marines. I stayed in that form for quite a while, too scared and shaken at that time to turn back into human. Only after a few days of exploring the island did I realise there are no humans here.

"I thought… if there was any place I could not affect anyone with my curse, it would be here. Away from any humans who would get affected by it. At that time, I didn't know about the curse. Looking back on it, I suspect that maybe the curse never affected me because I was in my animal form for 3 nights. Or maybe it was just because that form is like my second skin. I was never disappointed or dissatisfied with it. I only found out about the curse after Saira came on the island and turned into a squirrel. And then two other pirate crews."

"That must have been hard for you," Sanji's voice was quiet but there was no way you could miss the low timbre of it over the excitement all around you. Not when it was the same voice that set your heart off; you wanted to hear everything he had to say. Wanted to know him more and more, as much as he would let you. "(Y/n)-chan."

"Mm?" You turned to look at him, breathless at the proximity from where you could no longer smell the perfume he smelled of the first time you met. The smell coming off him now was something purely him. It was a little intoxicating when coupled with the warm atmosphere and the gooey feeling in your stomach.

"Would you… like to join us?" Sanji seemed a little nervous asking you that. The question gobsmacked you and you stared at him. He… wanted you to join them? As a part of the crew? "I asked Luffy and he said that if you want it, then he's all for it."

"Sanji…" you bit your lower lip, unsure once again. Even though you felt free of the curse, the mentality couldn't be erased in a day. The what ifs, the fear, the apprehension was all still there. "What if we're wrong, though? What if I really am cursed and this has just been a really long build-up to something worse? I might be a risk to your–"

"You're not," Sanji interrupted you for the first time since you had met. The quiet but firm determination blazing in his eyes surprised you. "I believe in you. (Y/n)-chan, if you would let me, I would gladly prove it to you by staying by your side for the rest of your life. I'll stay alive and well, and show you that it's not your fault. I'll be by your side to the very end, so place your fears in my hands and… trust me on this, even if you don't trust anything else."

That little crush you had developed on him at the start seemed to blow up in that moment into a gigantic furnace of emotions. He was ready to take the risk of death, and saying every word with such sincerity that any inhibitions you had went out the window. You couldn't stop yourself from wanting him any longer– he was like the sun, taking your world by storm.

"Really?" You didn't realise when the tears started streaming down your face until his gentle hands came up to wipe them. "You'll stay?"

"I will," and that genuine sincerity was something you couldn't help but believe in. "I will be there for you, as long as you need me."

"Sanji." His name felt both urgent and at ease from your lips.

"(Y/n)-chan," he whispered, voice open and vulnerable again. "Do you… want to be a part of the Straw Hats?"

You swallowed and wondered if you really deserved this much happiness after everything. Yet the moment you looked into his eyes, you felt like there was nothing you could do but be a moth chasing the sun– running after something that you knew will only end up in flames.

"I do."

°•❀•°

#one piece #one piece x reader #one piece fanfic #one piece imagines #one piece sanji #op sanji #vinsmoke sanji #vinsmoke sanji x reader #sanji x reader #sanji fanfic #sanji #black leg sanji #angst with a happy ending #light fluff #plot heavy #or as heavy as it can get in a 6k fic

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kuhulua · 4 months ago

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💀🤣

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savage-rhi · 1 year ago

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Mending Shadows // Chapter 32

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

Tuti had never been so frightened in her life. With her back to the wall, she attempted to gather her bearings. The task was proving to be a futile effort, for her lungs clamored for oxygen. Her throat felt shattered with every inhale of breath. She was quite surprised to have a voice given her consistent screaming. A part of her subconscious that wasn’t falling apart at the seams joked she could’ve passed as an operatic singer in another life, for her air capacity seemed unyielding.

Unyielding…Gods, she wished to have such strength. Her fingertips quivered against the cobblestone upon her back, wondering if she should look around the corner. A terrible crunch had Tuti reconsider tactics as her body flinched. Low growls intertwined with a quelching noise that fanned the flames of dread inside of her. She could feel it slither down her back, causing her legs to tremble.

Tuti knew what awaited her around the edge, and the ghastly sight that would surely burn into her conscious for all time. Yet her curiosity was tempted to take a gander at what Y/N was doing to the bodies.

Only for a second…She told herself. Just one second…

Tuti sealed her lips tight--took in a deep breath--and inched little by little.

As her head turned she resisted the urge to gasp. Six to seven corpses were scattered around. She and Y/N were a long way from the building that MedZin originally trapped them at. Tuti reminded herself there were plenty of lost souls to be found, and her eyes followed a trail of fresh blood. She settled her gaze on Y/N's back.

Tuti squinted her eyes to get a better look. Y/N was crouched above the body of a woman. Although she couldn’t make heads or tails of what was happening, she knew Y/N was eating her. The squishy noise of flesh being ripped had Tuti’s stomach fighting the urge to throw up as goosebumps trailed the fine hairs along her arms.

Gods be damned upon me…Regret took the form of tears in the corner of her eyes.

Tuti knew she should’ve bolted when the men unhanded her to deal with Y/N’s daemonic state. She should’ve ran like hell until her legs could no longer carry the weight of her guilt, but devotion was a fickle thing. She couldn’t in good conscience leave Y/N behind. Not even if they had become a monster and massacred all who tried to stand in their way. Y/N was important, and so was witnessing every horrible act they committed.

Tuti’s thoughts were interrupted as Y/N's growls began to stagnate. Their breathing quaked, and they suddenly flung the corpse away from them.

Tuti jumped as the body tumbled off to the side. The strength behind the shove had her grimace. She could only imagine what her poor body would've felt had she been on the receiving end. Her pondering ceased as her eyes once again followed Y/N.

Y/N started to crawl on all fours as if bipedalism was an uncommon state of being. Their head violently shook from side to side while anguished shrills crept past their lips. Eyes tightly closed as bits of light from the sun trickled into the room. Suddenly, Y/N began to choke on warm blood that flooded their entire throat. Their body heaved as contents from their stomach began to spill. Black bile and bits of meat collapsed onto the floor, creating a noise that sounded like expired milk meeting concrete. The sensation was beyond words and disgust. Painful wheezes were the only noise Y/N made for a time.

The purge of flesh had momentarily snapped Y/N’s conscious out of its catatonic state. They collapsed on their side, only to scramble to their knees once they caught a whiff of the vomit that lay not far. Weakly, Y/N forced the upper half of their body to rise. With heavy breaths, Y/N opened their black and yellow eyes as their head leaned back. They stared at the ceiling as the world twisted in disarray. They had no idea who they were, or what was going on, but everything felt terribly wrong.

Y/N slowly brought their hands up to their eyes. A blotched purple hue plagued their skin as did black spider webbing. Then there was the blood. A murky red that nearly camouflaged well against their clawed fingertips. The copper smell inflamed their nostrils, and their heart skipped a beat. For a split second, Y/N became aware of what was going on. Tears instantly streamed from their eyes, mingling with the same black bile that touched their chin and mouth. The scourge--catching wind that it's hold was failing--attempted to steer it's vessel in another direction. Y/N felt their skull split in half as their brain was doused in sickness.

Throwing back their head, Y/N let out an inhuman screech. The sounds devolved into melancholic growls. More sun came through and they covered their eyes. In a frenzy, Y/N dug their nails into their scalp to relieve themself of pain. Their cries weakened further, and their normal voice started to peak through the cracks of daemonification.

All Tuti could do was cover her mouth as she watched. Her own tears had become heavy as she witnessed Y/N attempting to shine through the monstrous mask. She could scarce believe it. That there was someone that still remained underneath all that.

A loose lightbulb overhead suddenly dropped near Tuti’s location. She gasped into her hand, observing the shattered glass then looked up. Y/N was staring right at her, unblinking.

“By the six, Y/N…” Tuti stuttered. “Don’t come here. Please. Please. Don’t come here.”

Y/N’s head canted to the side in a swift motion. The movement reminded Tuti of a bird cocking its head out of curiosity. Y/N sniffled and leaned forward. Once again on their hands and knees, they slowly crawled toward Tuti. Y/N's features went neutral while never taking their eyes off of her.

Tuti wanted to scream.

Most would’ve followed animal instinct and run, but Tuti froze. She tried to rationalize her choice to remain, given what she witnessed when the MedZin soldiers attempted to flee. They were cut limb from limb in a matter of seconds. Perhaps if she stood her ground, this creature at the helm of Y/N’s body wouldn’t see her as a threat. By all accounts this was stupid, but she had no other choice but to lock in as Y/N was no more than ten feet away now.

Y/N’s head twitched as they sniffed the air. Blinking a few times, the neutrality they wore began to shift. Fright plagued the dark eyes that stared right at Tuti. Uncertain what to make of her, all the while remaining attentive to what she’d do next.

Tuti felt like she was going to have a heart attack.

“It’s alright,” Tuti whispered, more to herself than to Y/N. “It’s alright.”

Y/N seemed to be hypnotized by her words, and Tuti let out a breath she had been holding back. The purr like snort Y/N let out would’ve been almost endearing had they not been consuming a person moments ago.

“Y/N, it’s okay.” Tuti nodded as her lips quivered into a smile. “Everything’s going to be fine!”

Everything’s going to be fine, but not for the dead...Tuti recalled the body count and bit her lip. Now wasn't the time for survivors guilt. Not when she had Y/N more or less settled down.

“Y/N,” Tuti murmured. “I’m going to get help. Do you know what that means? I’m going to fetch the Chancellor. He’ll be here, and you’ll be okay. You hear that? You’re going to be just fine. He’ll fix this!”

She took one step backward and all hell broke loose.

Y/N lunged forward, snapping their mouth in rapid succession at Tuti while they attempted to grab her. Tuti let out a high pitch scream and bolted. Panting heavily, she sprinted down a hall and made a right. Her body slammed into a door, and she let out a pained yelp. She ignored whatever bruises were gained and continued to run as the sound of Y/N's brisk claws rapidly trailed. Suddenly, Tuti felt a huge weight upon her back as Y/N launched themself at her.

Tuti shrieked and she tumbled to the floor with Y/N. Save for the stinging lacerations Y/N inflicted, Tuti couldn't make heads or tails of what was going on. She yelled and used her weight against Y/N, and forced them both to roll over several times before coming to a stop. Tuti felt the wind knock out of her as Y/N slammed her to the ground. Frantically, Tuti's right arm reached out for whatever was near, and pulled a rifle off a MedZin corpse and used it to block Y/N's mashing teeth from reaching her face at the last second.

“Y/N! Stop it!” Tuti bellowed. Her plead fell on deaf ears as Y/N kept snapping. The material of the gun was being peeled away quick, and Tuti knew she didn’t have long. Her eyes rapidly glanced between both their bodies, and using all her strength, Tuti pushed up and kicked Y/N not once but several times in the abdomen.

One pained cry after another escaped Y/N, and while stunned, Tuti adjusted the rifle and used it to hit them across the face. The power behind Tuti’s hit forced Y/N off as they plummeted to the side and away from her.

Tuti scrambled to her feet and ran before Y/N had the chance to recover and finish the job. She ran so fast that the muscles in her calves began to spasm.

“You there, miss!” An Accordo trooper beckoned Tuti to come forth. “Miss, do you need help? We’re looking for survivors of an explosion! Miss! Miss!”

Tuti didn’t register the soldiers who had come to search for survivors. She didn’t hear Y/N let out a haunting scream, nor did she hear the conversation the men had amongst themselves as to what caused it. She didn’t hear them make haste toward Y/N’s location. She didn’t hear the yells, the gunfire, or the sound of an unknown weapon going off, causing Y/N pain beyond measure that the daemonic voice all but disappeared as the human within called out her name.

“TUTI!”

Her ears fell numb to the world, and she didn’t stop running.

After what felt like an eternity, exhaustion had Tuti come to a halt. Out of breath and wheezing, Tuti forced her dry eyes to look around and figure out where she ended up. Buildings that hadn't been touched by the earlier attack greeted her as did a clear sky. The smoke was long gone, and there were seldom few down this road, save for Accordo troopers securing the area. It didn't take long for Tuti to realize she was in one of the districts closest to the port.

“Thank heavens,” she said in between harsh breaths. She grimaced at feeling her clothes stick to her skin from all her perspiration, and felt guilty. This was nothing compared to what Y/N was enduring--that is if they were still alive. Tuti didn't have time to entertain the thought any further as a strong hand gripped her shoulder. She felt the world spin and she screamed.

Ardyn flinched from the screech, making a face as he shook his head. “Tuti?”

“Chancellor Izunia?” Tuti’s bottom lip quivered, happy to see a familiar face. She threw her arms out and embraced him. "Oh thank the six!"

Ardyn was dumbfounded as his arms flew up to avoid being fully ensnared. He acknowledged Tuti had a forcible strength despite her small frame, and wasn't sure if that shocked him or the fact someone genuinely sounded relieved to be basking in his presence. He looked down and his gaze met hers. Tuti's heartsore eyes reminded Ardyn of a devout praying before the heavens to be freed of strife.

“Y/N is back there! I couldn’t do anything but watch. There was so much blood! Y/N’s not themself, and I don’t know what to do! What are we going to do? I didn’t want to run, but what choice did I have?! Y/N tried to kill me and I…Chancellor, what are we going to do?!”

“My dear, you’re going to let me go for starters.” Ardyn grimaced as he calmly coaxed Tuti’s arms and hands away from him. He composed himself the best he could, and softened his hardened gaze. “Second, I need you to breathe. Can you do that?”

“I don’t know if I can. I don’t know if I can do that!”

“You can and you will if you care for what happens to Y/N!” Ardyn stated firmly. He somewhat prided himself in the fact he scared her, for Tuti's disposition immediately changed like a switch going off. She shook like a cat who had nearly drowned as Ardyn gestured for her to follow his motions, taking in a big inhale followed by an exhale. Little by little, she started to regain her old self from what he gathered.

“Good, good,” Ardyn replied eagerly. He only had so much patience to aid someone with a basic mindfulness technique.

“Chancellor--”

“Tuti,” Ardyn rested both hands upon her shoulders, minding not to put his weight on her. He made a great effort to not sound hostile, nor give away the desperation that was tugging his pulse. “It’s imperative I know where Y/N is at. I need you to tell me everything.”

“I…alright,” Tuti swallowed. She studied Ardyn's features, noting how tired he was, and she felt a pinch of intimidation run down her body. She also couldn't help but notice how golden his eyes were. Not like the earthy brown tones she had seen in many common people, but an almost ethereal hue that felt dangerous. For a second, Tuti thought she was looking at Y/N's daemonic eyes. Her breath hitched and she averted her gaze. No longer having the strength to be reminded of what almost killed her.

“Y/N and I were heading for the port to evacuate. The Imperial caravan at the hotel was long gone by the time Loqui and I found them. We took to the smaller roads to avoid the crowds. Then out of nowhere, there was this…explosion. It was like a star fell from the heavens and blinded us. The impact sent Y/N and I flying in opposite directions. When I came to, I frantically looked for Y/N before I was manhandled by these people in black uniforms with a red patch--MedZin I think. They talked so fast, but they planned to take Y/N with them and kill me.” She had to pause for a moment, shuddering from the implications of her fate had Y/N not taken to rage.

“And then?” Ardyn besought.

Tuti let out a breath. “Y/N suddenly turned into…something else. A daemon. One by one, our adversaries were slain, but MedZin tossed another one of those bombs at us. Y/N retreated deeper into the building to avoid it. I stupidly chased, and Y/N just kept getting more and more violent. MedZin retreated at that point because Y/N overwhelmed them--"

“Do you know where the men ran off to?” Ardyn interrupted.

“No,” Tuti shook her head. “I wasn’t paying attention. I was too scared Y/N was going to find me. There was a moment I thought Y/N came to their senses, but they tried to attack me. I ended up hurting them, and I think Accordo troopers went seeking them out.” she pointed past him. “The building, it was several blocks down that way…you can’t miss the impact site of the bomb.”

Ardyn let go of Tuti’s shoulders and made a fist. His fingers were loosing blood from the pressure he applied.

“Chancellor, I beseech you I didn’t mean to leave Y/N behind,” Tuti sniffled. She could sense the brief hostility that traveled through him, despite his hands no longer being upon her body. “I’m so sorry--I thought…”

“Don’t speak any further,” Ardyn breathed. He resisted the urge to strike, knowing most would’ve done what she did in order to survive. Using his right index finger, Ardyn poked underneath Tuti’s chin and coaxed her to look up before letting go. “You have my sincere appreciation for what you’ve confessed. What come may, I’ll handle everything.”

“T-thank you, Chancellor.” Tuti weakly gave a bow with her head. As she rose, she followed Ardyn’s hand while he gestured toward a group of Higher Imperials from afar, being escorted by two magitek soldiers. Her heart skipped a beat, knowing there were familiar faces.

“Go to them,” Ardyn encouraged. “Now.”

Tuti glanced over him one last time before she found the courage to pick up her feet again.

After taking in the destruction nearby, Ardyn shadow stepped and headed for the spot Tuti had pointed out. While he transcended through space like nothing, he suddenly felt his body wanting to give out, and it did just that. His breathing raced as the scourge traveled through him, and Ardyn suddenly came to a grinding halt.

“Oh Gods…” He hoarsely whispered, feeling his heart cease like it had been grasped by someone with a tight grip. The last time Ardyn felt his heart stop beating was when Somnus struck him down during their duel for the throne. He remembered it well. Pain and confusion danced in harmony as air left his lungs, and the muscle of his heart desperately pumped without realizing the action would be its undoing. Ardyn felt that same suffering both physically and metaphorically in the present.

Multiple points on his body started to become inflamed, as if the very fibers of Ardyn's muscles wanted to break through his skin. He then heard horrid screams pulse in his ears, and behind his eyes he saw a familiar daemonic entity wearing Y/N's face. The scourge felt beyond excited. The rush of despair Ardyn felt at the last second on Y/N's behalf at Outpost 98 came back to haunt him with a vengeance. Y/N--his Y/N--was close to the finish line just as before.

“Pull yourself together!” Ardyn snarled. He once again shadow stepped as if the gods themselves were trailing him in a hunt.

Minutes passed, and Ardyn neared the site of the explosion. He didn’t want to waste time, but couldn’t resist taking a gander at the impact point. A hint of a sulfur like odor hung in the air which caused him to grimace. He then picked up on a bouquet of scents that had the scourge in his body attempting to shirk away. The hivemind didn’t like this. Not one bit.

“A suffoco was deployed,” Ardyn said quietly to himself, and looked ahead to the large hole that led inside the building. A shroud of screams came tumbling out, and Ardyn braced himself for the worst as he ventured forth into the fray.

The interior of the building was an abysmal mess. What was once a lavish series of offices and intricate halls was now a pigsty of debris, brick, and blood. Ardyn didn’t envy whoever worked here. He imagined how tedious the task would be picking up after the carnage he had observed left and right. The foul sweet smell of the scourge within Y/N’s blood waft in the air, and like an addict, Ardyn eagerly followed the trail.

A noise with a rhythmic tap rang in his ears before the explosion went off. Ardyn lost his balance, and slouched against the wall nearest to his right. It felt as if the rays of the sun kissed through all layers of his flesh. A pained moan fell past his lips. His right hand reached for his chest, and trembled up his neck as a strain took hold.

Confusion rampaged across Ardyn’s eyes while he rapidly glanced around. With each pass of air through his lungs, Ardyn felt his organs clamoring for relief. The commotion was far away. He hadn’t been hit by a suffoco, but by the gods, did it feel like it.

As his ears rang, the rapid tempo of a pulse soon took over as the dominant noise. It wasn’t his heartbeat, but that of another. It hit him all at once as his mind seemingly began to download information at a speed unfathomable to a mortal.

Y/N couldn't breathe. They were alone, terrified, and suffering. The scourge had given up its lust for dominance over the host, and was attacking the body from the inside out in a crude attempt to relieve itself of affliction. Ardyn felt his body flux in temperature. One moment boiling, the next cold as ice. The daemonic entities that resided within screeched so loud, that Ardyn shouted while covering his ears. Falling forward, the shrieking evolved into desperate murmurs of incoherent thought.

“Y/N,” Ardyn gasped. His brain felt like it was melting, but he tried to keep himself afloat. The sclera of his eyes became a pitch black void, and Ardyn instinctively began to follow the voices and Y/N's pulse.

With every step, Ardyn felt agony like no other wash over his soul. He nearly tripped over himself a few times, not used to taking on the burdens of a mortal. Despite discomfort, he persisted on his path. Gods be damned anyone or anything that got in the way of the impulse he felt enslaved to. The very atoms of his being desperately yearned to be with who his scourge had imprinted upon.

Soon enough, Ardyn arrived in the room where he assumed Y/N would be. He stopped to catch his breath and looked downward. Bodies of Accordo troopers littered the area. He couldn’t sense any other life present, until heavy breaths captured his attention.

Ardyn watched in dismay as Y/N suddenly emerged. Like a fish out of water, Y/N crashed and tumbled into everything. In between hysterics, Ardyn noticed Y/N's skin sizzling with an artificial smell that was likened to a rich spice. Y/N had been directly hit by a suffoco, and the light magic within the orb had triggered asphyxiation. He could feel the light that had penetrated attempting to purge the scourge by any means necessary.

Ardyn briefly recalled witnessing demonstrations of the weapons use from Accordo officials. It was one thing to watch in trials, but another to helplessly observe a daemonified creature go through such suffering. He was pulled out of his head as Y/N choked while trying in vain to scream, and made direct eye contact with them.

Despite a pair of abyssal eyes staring him down, Ardyn could see the human showing through. A desperate plead haunted Y/N’s features, and he felt his blood run cold knowing subconsciously what Y/N was telling him despite not having full control of their actions:

They were making their peace with the end.

“No, no, no!” Ardyn shook his head. His voice teetered on the edge between human and monster, enough to startle Y/N. “You don’t have the right to do that! You don’t have the damned right! We don't take the easy way out, Y/N!"

For a moment, Ardyn thought he had them under his control until he witnessed Y/N’s scourge veins rapidly pulsate. It was like witnessing a caterpillar attempting to burst out of its cocoon in a bloody mess. During his turmoil, Ardyn didn't pay attention to the fact Y/N suddenly attacked him. The punches made him snarl, and he felt Y/N cut open his left arm with a swipe of their clawed fingertips. Ardyn let out a pained hiss as Y/N flung themself off and retreated.

“Y/N, come back!” Ardyn beseeched with a yell. “Y/N!”

He chased after them and Y/N collapsed against the legs of a table nearby. Their airway now almost completely blocked, they began to let out a sickening wheeze. Ardyn came to their side and fell upon his knees. He gathered Y/N's body into his arms. His tear brimmed eyes desperately searched them over while he tried to shake them back into consciousness.

“Oh no, no, no! Y/N!” Ardyn's voice strained while his mind flickered between the past and present. Y/N's painful rasps intermingled with the somber breaths Aera had taken before she had perished. History was repeating itself in a way that crushed him more than the blade of Somnus piercing his back, and Ardyn desperately cried out as Y/N violently escaped from his grasp.

Amidst the sudden jolt, Ardyn froze as an idea leeched into his head. If the panic could be settled, if the scourge could be reassured--like he had done for Y/N's flares in the past--perhaps there was a chance of survival. Instinct beckoned him to give more of his scourge to Y/N, and to lure Y/N's pain to a singular point.

Ardyn's mouth fell open as he saw the irony of their roles being reversed. It was now Y/N's turn to feed off him in order to heal. While the thought seemed counterintuitive, he had to try. He couldn't--no, he wouldn't go through a painful loss again. He rapidly began to think of ways to get the scourge into Y/N. There was nothing sterile like a syringe near, and he scarce doubted such an item existed in an office setting. Ardyn nearly settled for hovering his injured arm above their mouth and letting the scourge drip, but he realized Y/N could choke further.

"There's gotta be some damned way to-!"

Ardyn looked down at his sliced arm, watching blood and dark bile seep from the wound. His heart skipped a beat as revelation cleared his mind, then carefully brought the injured limb to his mouth and started to suckle. Ardyn could feel the underside of his tongue fill with scourge, and he tried to contain it without it falling to the back of his throat. After consuming much, he lifted his head. Blood and scourge oozed from the corners of his mouth as a determined fixation lingered in his gaze.

While Y/N began to rise from the ground, Ardyn’s right hand grabbed a hold of their head from the chin in a tight vice. He forcibly turned them around. Y/N gagged out a hoarse yell in protest. The whites of their eyes were pushing and pulling against the darkness. Ardyn could sense through their agony that they didn’t want to fight him, but had no control over themselves. Not in this sorry state.

Before Y/N had the chance to attack, Ardyn brashly pinned Y/N to the ground with his body. Either side of his arms caged their head. He leaned forward and Y/N cried out as his left hand cupped the side of their face. Ardyn let go of his hesitance, tilted his head, and softly pressed his lips to Y/N's. Closing his eyes, he forced his tongue inside their mouth and remained still, letting the scourge he had gathered slowly descend into Y/N's body.

Little by little, Ardyn felt Y/N's trembling cease. He calmly breathed through his nose, and flinched when his throat captured one of Y/N's gasps. The scourge was definitely distracted. He could feel it begin to sync up with his own, losing its fear to the light that he was snuffing out. Gods be damned to all hells known if this wasn't going to work. This had to work. He would make it so.

As the seconds ticked on, Ardyn moved his mouth ever so slightly. His tongue lifted and tugged against Y/N's, controlling the flow of the scourge. The sound of Y/N's heartbeat in his ears began to dissipate as his own increased. He felt a moan from Y/N reverberate through his mouth, and impulsively returned a groan of pleasure. Euphoria began to flood him, which confused Ardyn greatly. He shouldn't have been deriving any sort of satisfaction from this act yet his nerves melted. His knees grew weak as he felt Y/N's bottom lip feebly tug. If he didn't know better, they were trying to kiss him back.

Ardyn tried to not allow such sentiment to interfere with his aid. This was nothing but a transaction to ensure both parties would survive, yet he could feel himself succumbing to the similar affections he craved at the springs. There was a part of Ardyn, a part he denied, that hoped the kiss would linger. He prayed even harder that Y/N wouldn't pick up on these feelings through their bond.

Ardyn's face flushed with warmth while he slightly opened his eyes. He admired the little imperfections in Y/N's skin before the hand that was cradling their face gripped further. His thumb brushed upon their flesh delicately and he closed his eyes yet again and deepened the dark kiss. His movements were deliberately slow, giving Y/N plenty of time for their body to settle and even push him away should they be fairing well. Ardyn could feel Y/N's scourge merge with the hivemind that flickered in the back of his subconscious. It wouldn't be long before it would become dormant at his behest.

A muffled groan from Y/N’s end had Ardyn freeze. The noise wasn’t feeble and broken but strong, indicating to him that Y/N could breathe freely. He relinquished whatever desires that held him, and lifted his lips from Y/N’s. His eyes carded over their face, relief grasping him at seeing natural color return to Y/N’s flesh. Save for the small patches of scourge markings, they were by all accounts normal. He hoped in mind, that similar results would show. That Y/N was still there, in their head and in control.

Ardyn removed himself from Y/N. He adjusted his legs, now sitting upon his knees as he bundled up Y/N close to his chest. While supporting Y/N with his left arm, Ardyn used his right hand to softly nudge their face. Fear tip toed around him as he pondered the what ifs. Y/N wasn’t dying no longer. The scourge all but confirmed that, but such assurance from spirits of darkness did little to calm the erratic ache of not knowing in full.

“Y/N,” Ardyn whispered in plea. “Y/N, talk to me. Talk to me."

He stilled when Y/N opened their eyes. There was no trace of a familiar set of amber orbs looking upon him as if he had held up a mirror to himself.

“Hi,” Y/N croaked. The word was faint and scratchy, but it was enough. Shortly after, Y/N closed their eyes and passed out. Their body and mind too worn to comprehend the world.

Despite them passing out, words couldn't convey nor touch how relieved Ardyn felt in this moment. To be free of loss's burden was a blessing sweeter than all the sins he had committed upon others. Ardyn closed his eyes while settling down his nerves, and embraced Y/N tightly to him. Had he been a pious man, perhaps the gods would've deserve some praise for the occasion, but alas not. He saved Y/N himself. An immortal--Adagium--saved someone with his own curse.

“What are you doing?”

Like a mirror being crashed into, Ardyn’s body stiffened at the intrusion of Loqui's voice. He was rattled out of his peace, and the deep yellows behind his black eyes constricted while he growled under breath.

“Chancellor, what are you doing with Y/N?” Loqui’s voice grew louder. He stepped forward, and his mouth fell open. Shock fell upon his face as he caught glimpse of the scourge markings that covered Y/N's legs. "Y/N's...no, Y/N's a daemon?"

Ardyn kept his back to Loqui, shielding the majority of Y/N from him. His shoulders quaked as the relief he had felt seconds ago, began to burn off into a resentful anger.

“This can’t be!” Loqui stepped back. He shook his head. “Did the attackers infect Y/N?!”

“No,” Ardyn lowly replied.

“So then…” Loqui’s voice trailed off as he started to put it together. He could feel his face turning a pale. “Has Y/N been sick this whole time?”

“You were supposed to be watching them!” Ardyn bellowed. He turned his face to the side; daemonic features long gone yet his animosity remained. "You stupid, reckless, boy!"

The sudden scream had Loqui jump and lose his train of thought. He watched Ardyn rise to his feet with Y/N in tow. Despite being scared, Loqui felt weeks of pent up frustration toward the Chancellor come tumbling out. He stood his ground, and glared while firmly talking back to Ardyn.

“Chancellor or not, you will not address me as such!”

“I can damn well call you by the name of every filth on Eos if it would give me pleasure!” Ardyn spat. “Y/N and I argued for a day and night over you being their guardian while I attended the empires affairs in Altissa, and your negligence almost cost them everything!”

“You can’t pin this all on me!” Loqui retaliated. “My commands from the battalion take precedence in the event of--!”

“Precedence? Don’t make me laugh!” Ardyn interrupted with a bitter scoff. “I know you all too well, boy. You walk in the shadow of your father and wished to be seen in the same light as he. That’s why aiding the House of the Courts benefited you versus keeping Y/N--and Tuti for that matter--safe from our enemies! It wouldn’t bode well on your resume, no, but saving Madam Secretary and all those Higher Imperials would’ve done numbers for your reputation! Admit it you little leech!”

“You don't know a damn thing about me, and you should talk! Like you've done any better regarding Y/N's welfare!" Loqui countered. “All this time Y/N has been sick with the starscourge, and you didn’t do or say anything about it? Does the emperor know?! Is Chief Besithia aware of that?!”

“I am not privy to disclose or break Y/N’s confidence to the likes of you, regardless of how highly they’ve spoken of your character!” Ardyn yelled. “Y/N’s burdens are mine and Chief Besithia’s responsibility, not yours nor anyone else!”

“So Y/N is a pet project then? Something for you and the Research Ministry to poke and prod at?!” Loqui felt his blood boil at the mere thought. “The laws are clear, Chancellor that we ease the suffering of those afflicted! The starscouge is a fate worse than death, the whole world knows that even our enemies! You're an inhuman monster for this! If you cared anything for Y/N, you'd-!"

“Don’t you DARE tell me I don’t care about them!”

The air stilled as both men froze, staring one another down.

There was a time that Loqui believed while he could never beat the Chancellor in a game of wits, he could physically usurp him. The feelings of betrayal and anger tempted Loqui to prove his point. His mind was already made up, yet his body didn’t move to the commands of his conscious. Loqui was surprised. The fury behind Ardyn’s words were long gone, but the presence of an unfathomable rage lingered like a sickness that refused to part ways.

Ardyn never once flinched. His firm posture--the way he held Y/N protectively to him--indicated to Loqui he had struck a nerve so deep, that the false bravado Ardyn displayed among the public could devolve into something dangerous. He had just earned himself a little taste of it. The very nerves under his flesh tinged at the realization.

Loqui let out a snort, and lowered his head. Literally bowing out of a potential brawl. He made as fist as Ardyn began to walk with Y/N in tow and stopped. Loqui could feel the Chancellor’s eyes raining daggers upon him, and refused to look him in the eye.

“There’s a thousand ways we can go about this, but I’ll keep it simple.” Ardyn coldly spoke. “Speak of Y/N’s condition to anyone, and I’ll ensure unfathomable suffering befalls you and your kin.”

Loqui flinched. “You’d really resort to that?”

“To protect Y/N, and the interests of empire itself, yes.” Ardyn firmly replied. He leaned in closer so he was nearly whispering in Loqui’s ear menacingly. “If I had half a mind, I'd encourage the Imperial army to demote you to such a low rank that worms would take precedence over your value. Alas, I will not be moving forward with such commands. I do this kindness for Y/N by sparing you, but make note: this will be the first and last time you ever question my sensibilities. Is that quite understood?"

“Yes…”

“Yes what?”

Loqui grit his teeth. “Yes Chancellor.”

“That’s what I love to hear.”

Loqui’s emotions were teetering on the edge at the way Ardyn mockingly said love. He didn’t know if Ardyn was mocking his feelings to Y/N, or if the Chancellor himself was admitting his own emotions in a subtle ploy. Mind games were not Loqui’s forte, nor did he ever want to become a person who enjoyed said things. It was best to let it go, despite having the urge to chuck his sword right through the man's chest while his guard was down.

Enraged and at a loss, Loqui didn't hear Ardyn make his departure. Nor did he hear him state he would be seeking medical attention for Y/N. Loqui peered up and watched as Ardyn disappeared down the hall, leaving him with eviscerated corpses. The likes of which Loqui couldn't fathom. He grimaced as nausea curled its finger around his chin and tempted him onward.

As he left the massacre behind him, Loqui couldn’t help but wonder if it was Y/N or the Chancellor who had committed these violent acts. Knowing Y/N was tainted by the scourge, it had to be them. But there was something about the Chancellor’s manner that him questioning everything down to his loyalties. He couldn't help but wonder how far the rabbit hole went, and wished more than anything, that he could lean on the wisdom of his father.

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn x reader #canon x reader #gender neutral y/n #final fantasy xv fanfic #ffxv #final fantasy xv #fanfic #fanfiction #a03 fanfic #ao3 fanfic #ao3 link #ao3 writer #chapter 32 #plot heavy

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stashburnside · 11 months ago

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Rules of Nature - A Final Fantasy XIV fic starring Fordola is now available for free on Ao3. It was a labor of love to write, and I would love if you gave it a read. Fordola is my favorite character and her story doesn’t end here! 🗡️🐺🔥

#fiction #final fantasy 14 #ffxiv fanfiction #fordola rem lupis #original character #slow burn #plot heavy #Fordola x WoL #ForWoLa #ao3

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jgyapologism · 1 year ago

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“Reminder to Subject B41 that to run is to forfeit the fight.” To forfeit means death. (Liars, liars, liars.) He hadn’t cared about being a source of entertainment when someone he didn’t know — or care about — was dropped in front of him. He's killed hundreds of people without knowing their names, or hell, even looking at their faces. But now that he’s confronted with Spinner, someone who actually means something to Dabi, who he’s fought alongside rather than against for the better part of a year, he’s ready to fucking rage. Dabi turns to glare at the tinted glass, before shifting his gaze up. He can’t see the force field, but there’s a slight shimmer in the air if he looks closely enough. He wonders how big an explosion would have to be to break it.

Things are ramping up in my dabihawks fic!!! Don't miss this update!

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meri-oddities · 11 months ago

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Chapters: 19/19 Fandom: Star Trek, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV), Star Trek: The Original Series Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Leonard "Bones" McCoy/Christopher Pike Characters: Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Christopher Pike, Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), James T. Kirk, Spock (Star Trek), Philip Boyce, Christine Chapel, Robert April, Erica Ortegas, La'an Noonien-Singh, Nyota Uhura Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Time Travel, Drama, Romance, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fix-It, Romulans, My Own Head Canon, OCs - Freeform, Christopher Pike Lives, plot heavy, 90K Words Summary:

What if Captain Pike wasn't as disabled as he appeared in The TOS episode The Menagerie and, during Spock's court martial that becomes apparent? What if there was a conspiracy attached to Captain Pike that could have repercussions through time? What if Talos IV wasn't the best option for Captain Pike, after all?

#part 19 #alternate universe #pike/mccoy #pike lives #christopher pike #leonard mccoy #hurt/comfort #fix it fic #star trek #OCs #star trek strange new worlds #plot heavy #my head canon #90k words #long fic #captain pike #doctor mccoy #snw

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aidaran-alha · 1 year ago

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Chapters: 26/42 Summary:

Heaven is so high up that once you’re there, Aziraphale realizes the only way out is to fall.

In an attempt to stop the apocalypse once more, he steals the Book of Life and Jesus’s soul, placing him back on Earth as Adam’s brother. Now suspended somewhere between falling and fallen, Aziraphale needs help from the only one he can trust to navigate his new life. The same demon he rejected a lifetime ago.

The only problem? Adam’s powers are still alive, and he wants everybody to have their “happy ever after” in his town.

Or else.

Excerpt:

Adam felt like a monster, and yet Aziraphale was still being nice He was still looking at him with sad eyes, still looking at him as if they were the ones in the wrong, not Adam. He ordered the voices in the back of his head to shut up once and for all, and breathed several times until he calmed down.

“No idea. She seemed nice.”

“Then why?”

“Because I don’t know what else to do.” And then the boy doubled on himself, falling to the floor, shaking. “The voices… I can’t do this anymore. I want to fix everything, give everybody something good, give you all a reason to not leave me, and things keep going wrong. I just wanted you to be happy. They get louder when I try to help. I can’t do this anymore. The more I try — I want everybody to be happy. And they come back, and tell me to do things, and I can’t… everybody is angry, and scared, and I can’t — I thought if I listened to them I…”

Continue here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53075170/chapters/144348544

@goodomensafterdark

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kawaiiblossoms04 · 6 months ago

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Fanfic: A Rose in Gilded Cage

Just giving an introduction of our Y/N situation. Also, I forgot to mention this is a darker romance. Please let me know what you guys think! 🌸

Again full story is on AO3 and Wattpad

Chapter 3: A Rose in Gilded Cage

Deeper in the colonies, you sat by your window as the skies darkened, sewing a hole in your hood and nibbling on pastries from the market. Looking at the scene below you—drunken soldiers littered the area as they held various women and prostitutes in their arms, and other women leaned over balconies showing off their charms. You thanked goodness that pink haired fire bender soldier hadn't followed you home a while ago and gave up his pursuit.

Loud music was carried on the wind as you closed your eyes and listened. Though they weren't playing it for you, it sounded lovely.

Since your mother was the owner of the Brothel house you stayed in, people respected her. This gave you a freedom that other women of her profession didn't have. Your mother's secret waterbending healed the wounded—burned locals and abused women alike. Those unable to pay her repaid in loyalty, earning her the title 'Madam Lily of the Garden.'

Your mother created a haven, a safe place for young women to live and work. She was kindhearted and extremely protective, fiercely loyal to her girls, and the prostitutes she trained were known to be skilled and seductive. Their allure made them the most coveted pleasure providers in the nation.

She watered her flowers and nurtured her blooms so her garden could thrive and over time her prostitutes became more like courtesans than a common whore.

As the time passed, you picked up her healing skills, not just for the women in the brothel, but in hopes that she would teach you some form of waterbending and guide you.

You had often snuck out to practice the arts of her bending and that of your fathers—which came to you easier, but living in the red light district of the Fire colonies had limited your movements. Many nights you had laid awake wishing for a way out.

You saw the truth behind their empty words of admiration. To them, women like your mother—and you—were fleeting pleasures to be bought, used, and discarded. But your mother's rules, your practiced smiles, and your carefully controlled demeanor kept them at bay.

It was a delicate dance: play the perfect entertainer to survive, all the while plotting revenge of the very men who dared to treat you and the women you cared about like objects.

Though you have yet to give them your body, the hungry stares had started as soon as your body blossomed into adulthood. At first, it was intimidating, now it was infuriating and disrespectful.

Your mother's strict rules protected you until adulthood, swatting and shielding you from the hungry stares of men who swarmed you like bees to a flower in bloom.

All the girls who worked at the garden used aliases, each named after a flower, to protect their privacy. You however were highly revered and desired, they called you Rose—the Queen of the Garden.

But to you, this garden felt like drowning—a beautiful prison where you were over-watered until you were slowly wilting under the weight of expectations.

Beneath their flattering words and gifts, they saw only a 'prize'—not a person. It fueled your resolve: no man would ever touch you.

Your mother once spoke about how women like her transformed from being seen as dirty to highly desirable. To you, it was almost unbelievable—a cruel irony masked as adoration and respect.

Despite being born in a Fire Nation colony, the mark of your Water Tribe heritage—your curly hair, darker skin, or perhaps just their prejudice—kept you firmly in their eyes as a 'savage.' It wasn't shocking, just exhausting.

"YN! Come get dressed!" Your mother's voice carried upstairs, firm but impatient. "The guests won't wait forever! A busy evening awaits us, Y/N!"

You sighed, tucking the hood beneath the loose floorboard. A futile rebellion, but for now, it was all you had. This garden was your cage—but what lay beyond it?

Chapter 4: Ch 4:The Price of Beauty

Your mother would be angry if she found out your secret or how you truly felt. To her, the status she attained by being the favored woman around the colony to its merchants and soldiers had only brought her joy and peace; but to you, it was a terrible cage.

These were the thoughts that continued to prod at you as you slipped into a dark purple robe and tied a white silk belt around you that hung mid waist. The robe exposed a considerable amount of cleavage and ended halfway above your bare thighs. You added a gold collar necklace and bangles that adorned your arms to complete the outfit. You set your hair free of its braid and it cascaded down your back and chest in bouncy curls.

You wore a smile, a carefully crafted mask. In this garden of fleeting pleasures, you were expected to play the role of a perfect flower—soft, fragrant, and irresistible.

You made your way downstairs as the loud music, chatter, and laughter of the patrons washed over your ears. You put your best face on and entered the room.

Your mother brushed past you, handing you your water vessel, which you tucked into your belt beneath the silk knot.

"Don't slouch, shoulders back," your mother reminded, rubbing her hands over your hair as if to smooth nonexistent flyaways. She stood in front of you.

She drew out her silver lipstick from a hidden pocket in her sleeve, and in two swipes applied it to your lips.

"Lips," your mother motioning you to move your lips to spread the stain evenly.

You exhaled slowly through your nose and did what she asked, then your lips parted slightly. Your mother smiled, dotting her thumbs lightly on your lips to make sure you looked perfect.

"Lovely! Remember, it's all about making them want you. Make them fight for you, but don't make it easy. Keep them wondering and wanting."

She pressed a gentle kiss on your temple and rubbed your shoulders lovingly in a sign of support and affection. "You are a true gift, my blossom," she whispered.

With your chin high and a demure stare, you entered the room as a siren.

"Ooh beautiful," A gruff soldier rubbed his hand across his gray stubble and licked his lips at the sight of you.

Men in their drunken state flocked around the counter where the flowers sat, greeting patrons of various uniforms that consisted of military, merchants and colonists. It was hard to not see how this would appeal to the human nature, there was liquor to keep them intoxicated and beautiful women to satiate their desires. The low lighting set the tone and gave off a mysterious ambiance as did the smells of floral perfumes and burning incense had an expected effect on the male sex.

Several men ogled, whispering obscenely.

"Heeey, sweetheart...why don'tcha...hic...lay that pretty lil' head...right here." Another drunken soldier wobbled to his feet, gesturing vaguely at his lap and grabbing shamelessly at his crotch as your hips swayed past him.

Your mother always said, "There's nothing more dangerous than a woman armed with beauty and intellect." Surveying the sea of leering men, you couldn't help but agree. Every glance aimed towards you told that what she said was indeed the truth.

In the red light district of the colonies, these men were only out to please themselves, and little more. Most were simply there to receive a taste of heaven.

"Your usual, Mr. Takeda?" you spoke as you approach the table. A charming smile tugged at your painted lips, your tone sweet and innocent.

Mr. Takeda slid a package from beneath the table, revealing its contents with a shy smile. "Your choice tonight, sweetheart," he said as your fingers grazed the expensive gold ornament fire lily in your hand. The large ruby hung delicately from its center—as clear and vibrant as the jewels decorating your hands. You stroked a petal gently, admiring the glossiness of its beauty.

He took your chin, stroking the underside with his calloused thumb. "A new addition to your collection. I hope you like it."

"These always makes me think of you." He lifted your hand and kissed your ring finger. Mr.Takeda was a very wealthy but somewhat shy merchant that had been frequenting your mothers establishment for quite some time now.

He'd bring in multiple gold ornaments with various sizes and prices and would tell you the meaning of them and all their connections to the fire nation, hoping for your attention. His interest made it even easier for him to tip well, giving your mother a great profit.

His friend on his left spoke up, "I heard you're quite the lady."

You smiled gently, "Thank you. The prices here do reflect skill, good sir. But, tonight I am simply your entertainer and waitress. And your drink, Mr.Takeda." You tipped the bottle gracefully, allowing him the first sip, though his gaze never left your face. He studied you—mesmerized by your beauty. The usual look—half-lidded eyes and a parted mouth: the dazed, clouded expression of a man struck. It wasn't uncommon. You were your mother's daughter after all.

Mr. Takeda's gaze roamed across your lips, collarbone, and curves, a hunger in his eyes that turned your stomach. You kept your smile soft and demure, hiding the cold calculation behind your every move. Your slow inhale drew his gaze, lingering on the rise of your chest and the contrast of your brown skin against the vibrant silk robe, his tongue tracing his bottom lip. Mr. Takeda waved his hand before his friends and smiled and called you closer. You complied and pressed close, your breasts against his arm. Mr. Takeda shifted uncomfortably, and his cheeks flushed. His smile widened.

He presented you with the elegant golden comb. "Gorgeous, for my beautiful Rose."

His friend, Mr.Hazashi groaned in disapproval as he grew impatient.

Mr. Takeda casted him an annoyed sideward look and tucked the comb behind your ear. He seemed uninterested in his friend's outrage. "Worth every coin, beautiful" He whispered.

"Thank you, sir," You moved to a bowing stance and caressed his hands, and leaned forward just enough for the top of your breast to peek out in his eye level. His breath hitched as his eyes averted with a heavy blush.

You stepped away and bowed slightly once more, then made your rounds. "A rose in full bloom and twice as sweet," an older officer ogled as you smiled back shyly, holding the bottle near his lips.

But then you heard the bell chime as the door slid open. A rough voice cut through the hum of conversation, low and disdainful. 'They call this the best establishment in town? Looks like shit to me." The words, sharp as a dagger, silenced the room. Your hand froze mid-motion. That voice—it couldn't be. Your heartbeat quickening.

Slowly, you turned, your heart pounding in recognition. It couldn't be him. Not here.

#fanfic #sukuna #jujutsu kaisen #namami kento #dark romance #black reader #x reader #plot with smut #plot heavy #jjk smut #ryomen sukuna

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