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mrs-i-have-too-many-biases · 4 years

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Seo Changbin// Sugar and nuts (and a little bit of spice)

Stray Kids Christmas Series

Scenario: (Inspired by ‘the Nutcracker’) Everybody knows the story about Eric and Clara, yet no one seemed to be talking about Changbin and Y/n who were the ones who put up the real fight against those who try to ruin Christmas for decades. What happens when Y/n gets sucked into the world where the palace walls are made of candy canes and the water is sugar sweet? Genre: Fluff/ angst Tropes: Strangers to lovers | The Nutcracker!AU Pairing: Nutcracker!Seo Changbin X Sugar Plum Fairy!Reader Word count: 11,3K (I tried to keep it short as well what is happening to me-) Warning: abandonment, death, themes of depression

You searched for you keys in your purse as you were about to close the café you worked at. You were lucky that it wasn’t the worst job in the world. Yes, some customers were a pain in your ass. Yes, impatient customers could walk off a cliff for your care.

Heavy sighs were let out by you as you made your way to your apartment. Yet again you were on the search for your keys in your purse that seemed to be bottomless. You made a mental note to yourself to tidy up your back in the future as you entered your place. You were greeted by your cat Milo who purred loudly when he saw you. He ran up to you and started to rub himself onto your leg, leaving many white hairs behind. Making you groan slightly. “No, these were my only good pair of jeans.” You whined as you scratched behind your kitten’s ears.

You dropped your bag down on dropped yourself on your couch.

Living along wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Not having a family to go to when you felt lonely was a different story. Your family had left you in an orphan when you were young. Through the years you had finished school and become an adult and there was no one who wanted to adopt you. You had always wondered why your parents gave you away. You went on a long search and eventually found out through one of the caretakers at the orphanage that your parents were both terribly ill and that they needed all the money to take care of each other, they didn’t wanted to pain you with the burden of taking care of them at such a young age. The same caretaker who told you about this, took you to the cemetery where they were buried together. They hadn’t won the battle against the terrible illness and sadly passed away.

Your heart felt heavy since that day, but there was a certain weight lifted of your shoulders, since you understood that your parents didn’t had a better choice. The caretaker made sure that you knew that they wanted the best for you.

Yet you also wondered why nobody wanted to adopt you. Was it really you? You were always well-behaved and kind to others. Eventually you just gave up and let it be. You started to not care anymore and you focussed yourself on what mattered, which was yourself.

Now years later, you had your own apartment. It wasn’t too big but it was spacious enough for you and your cat to live in. You sooner enough realised that there wasn’t any more food left in the fridge. You groaned to yourself once more and got back on your sore feet. You petted your cat and told him you would be right back. Through the cold and the snow you made your way to the convenience store. You grabbed everything you needed like cat food and of course food for yourself. It was the day before Christmas after all. It wasn’t unusual for you anymore to spend Christmas alone. For a short period of your life you had some close friends who you would spend moments like these with, but they also let you eventually, leaving you all alone all over again.

You thanked the cashier and politely wished him a merry Christmas before entering the cold again. You decided to take a different route back home, since it was already dark and you weren’t feeling like getting kidnapped or dragged into a dark alley by someone. You made your way past some stores and you noticed an unfamiliar store with antiques. ‘Must be new.’ You thought to yourself as you looked through the display. You looked at the opening hours and noticed that they were still open, so you decided to make your way in, you hadn’t had anything better to do anyway that night.

You were greeted by a sweet old lady who instantly made your day, just a kind smile was enough. “What can I do for you dear?” She asked as your eyes scanned the store curiously. “Nothing yet ma’am, I would like to take a look around.” You said formally. “Of course child! Go ahead! I will be closing in an hour though, my husband is waiting for me at home with ‘bulgogi’.” She chirped, which made you smile to yourself.

After looking around for fifteen minutes, you noticed a small diamond necklace. The pendant necklace seemed to be a medallion and you jumped slightly when you heard the woman speak up behind you. “This is a very special necklace. It is rumoured to be found in an unknown castle hundreds of years ago in the west. It has been traded with throughout the years and it eventually made its way here to Seoul. And in my store.”

“I would like to buy it.” The words made the woman lighten up and she rushed to the pay desk.

You paid the nice lady and then quickly walked back to your apartment. You gave your cat a treat as soon as you set your bags down. You were curious about the necklace and put it one. “A nice Christmas gift from me to me.” You sang as you admired the jewel hanging around your neck. “Does it look good Milo?” You asked him and giggling when he meowed happily in respond. You saw the decoration box still sitting on the ground. You hadn’t had time to finish decorating your house, because works was claiming all your time. You opened it and carefully got out the nutcracker which you heritage from your parents. You vaguely remembered them gifting you this at your last Christmas together as a family. It was the last thing you got left from them and you cherished it dearly.

You placed it on the electric fireplace so you could look at it. The nutcracker wore a blue attire and had a wooden sword that matched the other wooden materials. It was really pretty and you always loved having it around the Christmas days, but the little wooden man seems a little different this time. It might have been the tiredness getting to your brain, but you could swear that you saw a glistering in the wooden eyes of the figurine.

After you were done finishing up the decoration, you went to take a hot shower that was well-deserved. You were in the shower when you suddenly heard something crash loudly and clatter onto the ground. You shrugged it off and began your night routine. When you entered the living room you noticed Milo staring at you with guilt visible in his eyes. “What did you do?” You asked him carefully and he meowed sadly at you. You looked into the living room and noticed that your nutcracker had been knocked off the fireplace. You rushed to the figurine and it pained your heart to see it broken on the ground. You gathered its arm and the rest of its body and laid it on the table so you could fix him.

You cot a fabric lint and some glue to patch him back up. You wrapped the lint around him as if he had a broken arm, which he did but you know what I mean, to support the ‘healing process. Better known as the time of the glue drying. You left the figurine laying on the coffee table in front of you, so you could keep an eye on it as you sat on the couch with you cat besides you, as you watched a movie. After a while you began to sunk down into the couch and ended up in a laying position with your cat using your chest as pillows. And before the two of you knew it, you fell asleep with the TV still softly playing in the background.

The clock strikes midnight soon after and the sky was clear and the stars were bright. One of the stars popped out of his places and floated his way down to the city with a glistening trail following behind him. The sparkle of light seemed to have a destination and your apartment seemed to be that place. It stopped in front of your window and bumped against it a couple of times, it seemed not to know how to enter your place. It noticed the Christmas lights still being on that were spun around the small Christmas tree you owned. The light formed itself from its star form and transformed into the lights inside. The plan seemed to work

It went back to its magical sparkling form and curiously floated from spot to spot. It looked at Milo questioning, tilting its light body slightly. It rubbed it body over Milo softly, petting him and making the white cat purr in content. The light then hopped from Milo to the nutcracker and touched it lightly, leaving the figurine sparkling. The light then started to notice the medallion around your neck and made its way to it. He did the same thing to your necklace that it did with the nutcracker before floating again. It started to spin around the room frantically, forming a circle light in the air. Until it shot up and shattered into sparks that filled the entire room with a glistering star rain.

You woke up from something clattering against the ground, like earlier that night. But it seemed like it wasn’t Milo since he was still sound asleep on you. You looked around in shock and just guessed that you dreamed it. Suddenly Milo jumped off your chest and started to hiss at the air. You tried to grab him but he seemed terrified almost. You looked at what he was looking at and you noticed a small creature running on the ground. You yelped and ran around the house to look for something to catch it with, since you didn’t wanted rat guts all over your apartment floor. When you found a little box and a paper to trap him in you tried chasing it. Suddenly the creature turned around and started to run towards you and as you panicked you slammed it away from you.

‘What the fuck is happening?’ You asked yourself as you breathed heavily. As you looked around you saw your lights flickering and things shimmering in the corner of your eye. It seemed like glitter had filled the air, but you weren’t sure what was going on. You focused your attention back down to the creature on the ground, it looked up to you with red eyes and stood on his feet out of nowhere. “What the fuck.” You gasped as you rubbed your eyes, not knowing if this was a dream or not.

When you opened your eyes you noticed the red-eyed creature holding something in his hand. You felt a little dizzy and the room started to look bigger and bigger. You looked at the ground and it came closer and closer, you heard Milo meow at you and you turned to him and he seemed to be getting bigger ang bigger as well. Or was it you shrinking? ‘No, it can’t be.’ You tried to convince yourself. The rat in front of you now seemed to be the same size of you and the more you looked at it, you noticed that it carried a sword around its middle.

“Not so though now, are you little girl.” The rat suddenly voiced, making you feel terrified. He whipped out his sword and pointed it against you. “Where is he?” “Who are you talking about.” “Don’t play dumb with me child. I know you’re hiding him somewhere.” “Sir- thing- I don’t know what you’re talking about-“ “I don’t have time for this.” The rat growled before he pulled his sword back and stepped forward to pierce the weapon through you. You thought this would be the end and so did the rat, but when you didn’t feel anything you opened your eyes and you noticed a pink transparent shield-like light in front of you. You looked at the sword that the rat held, he stared at you silently as he had an angry look rested on his face, it was completely bend and it didn’t seem like it had touched you in any way.

He almost seemed frozen in time and after a while you started to believe he was. You was about to move, when suddenly a booming voice scared you.

‘United at last. Those who wear the necklace of bravery shall carry it to the palace and return the necklace to the Sugar plum fairy, who shall lift the curse of evil and bring peace and an end to the never-ending winter era of the kingdom of Maney. The carrier must protect it whilst they return it to their rightful owner.’ The voice spoke loudly through the room, making Milo run away scared.

As soon as the voice faded away everything had its movements back and you quickly stepped out of the way from being pierced to death. The rat growled and grunted as he tried to attack you again, but you got into position and fought back. You threw a hit against its nose and he started to squeak as he grabbed the painful part of his body, trying to rub off the pain. When the pain apparently had faded a little he was about to reattack. He had you in his grip as he used his tail in his advance, he was about to make his move when suddenly, he seemed to be frozen again in time. This time you didn’t see the pink shield protecting you, instead you looked down and saw something pierced through the creature.

Sooner enough it fell down and someone behind him was revealed to you. “Nutcracker?” You asked in confusion. “Hi, Y/n.” He simply said in a deep voice. “Wait you know my name- that shouldn’t concern me right now I remember. What the fuck is going on? Why am I talking to you? Are you alive? What’s happening?” You frantically panted as you still tried to take in the whole situation. “We really don’t have much time, all I know is that you’re chosen and that we need to get going.” The wooden man stresses as he grabbed your hand and was about to take you somewhere as you ran across the floor of your now huge apartment.

“Wait- I don’t know you! I don’t know where you’re taking me and you still didn’t tell me what’s going on?” You yelled in pure frustration. In the mean time you cat had creeped up behind you and started to protect you from the nutcracker. Even though Milo hissed loudly at the nutcracker, the wooden man somehow calmed your cat down and started to purr at the man. You were a little shocked, especially when the nutcracker climbed on top of your cat. “What are you-“ You were cut off by growls and screams that were coming towards you. “Trust me.” A familiar glister was seen in the nutcracker’s eyes, you hesitated for a second, but you also didn’t wanted to die right there and then. So, you took his hand and he smoothly raised you on top of your cat’s back.

You saw the rats coming your way and you held onto Milo’s name tag to stay on him as he wiped out the rats below you. You suddenly heard more screaming and you saw your Christmas tree shaking as the angels and little men climbed down. There were no words to describe this madness as Milo run around, hissing at almost everything he saw. Suddenly he stopped at a wall and wiped out some more bad rats and he bend down, letting you and the nutcracker slide off him. “C’mon, through here!” The nutcracker yelled as he ran towards the mousehole in your wall. “Wait? I have holes? What about Milo-“ “He will be fine! The rats won’t stand a chance!” You took one more look at Milo who actually seemed fine, before you ran after the wooden man into the unknown.

A bright light blurred your vision as you ran after the nutcracker. You tried to protect your eyes from the lights before you bumped into the hard frame of the nutcracker who had stopped moving out of nowhere. You stumbled back and fell down and you felt something sharp stuck on your robe. It was a shard of one of your fallen Christmas baubles. You quickly grabbed it and defended yourself with is when the nutcracker had turned around. “Where have you taken me-“ “Y/n calm down-“ “Tell me-“ You were cut off by yourself as you looked at the view in awe that was in front of you.

There was a frozen lake with a white frame of snow around it. The weather wasn’t cold, even though it seemed like it. The sky was a dark blue shade and the white snow contrasted beautifully with it. The air smelled sweet and you shot a confused look towards the nutcracker because of it. “Welcome in the Kingdom of Maney, where the world is made of deliciousness.” The wooden man said. “Wow, it’s amazing here.” “I know and I will tell you more sooner, but right now we have to hide from those rodents if you want to live.” The nutcracker grabbed you by the hand and lead you to a big tree. He pulled a brand and you heard something unlock. A robe fell down and he helped you climb up. Sooner enough the two of you heard the rats rushing around and yelling that they were on the look for you.

When they were gone you let out a sigh, since you held in your breath when they inspected the tree. They couldn’t see you fortunately. There was a platform made and it was covered with leaves and branches to camouflage the hiding spot.

You sat down with a sigh and stared at the nutcracker, waiting for the answer. “So where are we.” “Like I told you, we’re in the kingdom of Maney.” “The kingdom of what?” “The kingdom of Maney. Maney is a Persian name that means ‘eternity’ or literally “One who stays forever. The kingdom was once named by our great king after he saved it from everything that was evil. He named these grounds ‘Maney’ because of the one he loved the most and he wanted to stay here forever.”

“So what happened to the kingdom?” You asked. “Years ago, maybe even a hundred, the king’s daughter became greedy and ignorant. She was bad for the kingdom’s being since she took everything from the poor. A rumour said that one day a suspicious looking man went to the princess to make a negotiation. His lands were in need of food and he offered her a mysterious and rare bottle that contained magic. The princess was about to agree with the offer but she saw the creatures face. She had insulted it in disgust and it took revenge on her by wiping her out, in that way also taking over the palace and following the kingdom as well. And so we ended up in this icy war.” The nutcracker explained. “This sounds an awful lot like the nutcracker story, with Clara and Eric.” You whispered to yourself. “Funny that you mention them actually, because the so-called Christmas story is real.”

“Wait, in the story wasn’t the curse lifted at the end of the story?” “That’s what the people made out of it, in reality Clara had betrayed Eric, who had just transformed back into his human form. Clara wasn’t as brave as everyone thought and she had made a confidential deal with the rat king, who eventually exposed her to the villagers. They were then never seen again. So, the curse never was lifted.” He said in a sad tone. “Wow, Eric must’ve been devastated.” “He was, he couldn’t believe that she would betray him, only because she wanted to go home. He thought that he had kept her well and safe.” “You seem to know a lot about him.” “Yes, I knew him before he disappeared. Well, I met him briefly one time, but I can’t remember it. Ever since I came to this universe, I can’t remember things well.” He admitted.

“This universe? You’re meaning to tell me that you’re actually not from here?” “Well, I’m not sure where I come from. I just know that I haven’t always been here.” “Have you always been like this? A Nutcracker?” “A Nutcracker? Oh, yeah. I also forgot to introduce myself. My name Is Changbin, the Nutcracker I guess.” He chuckled as he stood up.

“We need to get moving, there is a place where we will be safe. We’ll need the help of my friends to finish this task.” Changbin said, whilst opening a secret opening in the tree. There was a backpack hidden there and he slung it over his shoulder. He helped you onto your feet before pulling you close. “Hold on tight.” He whispered as he had wrapped his arm around you. You clung onto his jacket as you suddenly fell down. Changbin landed safely onto his feet as you, in the meantime had wrapped your legs around his waist, which was actually quite tiny compared to his broad shoulders.

Your heart fluttered a little the action and you tried to get it together as you and Changbin started to travel. “So, can you explain to me why I’m here?” “The medallion you’re wearing is one of the reasons. The medallion choses someone who seems worthy of ‘Peyvand’. The one who is united and brave they say will safe us all. She’s also called the sugar plum fairy, you might now the name form the stories about Clara and Eric.” Changbin explains as the two of you kept walking.

You looked down at your necklace, you knew that there was something about this necklace that was special.

“There were a lot of people who have tried to defeat the rat king, but none of them were worthy enough. We have been living in this icy world ever since.” Changbin added. “Why me?” You asked Changbin, feeling scared. “I never know why someone is chosen, you just are unfortunately dragged into this mess.” Changbin sighed. “What happened to the other’s who have failed?” You asked Changbin carefully. “Do you really want to know?” He asked in responds. “Yes.” “They faded into the distance and never returned to the light of day.” He muttered with a heavy chest.

He turned to you to look for a reaction, but there was non to find. “Y/n, I know-“ “I’m fine with that.” You blurted out shocking Changbin. Through the years of him leading people to the castle he had never met someone like you. “What do you mean?” “I mean, I don’t know if you know me, but I don’t have anything to live for. My job sucks, I have no family. If I die, I wouldn’t care honestly.” You said in all honest. Changbin looked at you with a worried expression on his face. Even though it was stiff because of the wood, you saw the horror in his eyes. “I promise to stay with you through every fight.”

Usually when people promise you to stay with you, you wouldn’t believe them, but a certain tone that laid on Changbin’s voice as he said it fluttered your heart rapidly. It made you a little emotional, but you sucked it up and went on with the unknown journey with Changbin by your side.

As you kept walking, what felt like hours after a while, you started to feel a little overwhelmed. You didn’t know how to find that fairy Changbin had told you about and what you would have to do when you confronted the rat king. Your mind was clouded and your heart was racing. Changbin didn’t seem like the talkative type so you kept your thoughts to yourself. He noticed you breath quicken and assumed that you were cold, since you were walking around in a nightgown and a robe. He took off the fluffy jacket that he was wearing and that you were too familiar with. Changbin was your nutcracker after all.

“Thanks.” You whispered. “No problem. I think we should make a camp for the night, we’ll have to travel some more in the morning, but I bet that you’re tired it has been a long night after all.” He states in his deep voice as he started to walk towards a cave in the distance.

When you arrived Changbin took out a blanket and a pillow for you to sit on and to keep you warm. It was getting night after all. You noticed the longer you stayed in the kingdom or Maney, the colder you got. “Your body is getting used to our universe, I’ll go get some wood to make a fire. Stay here, I’ll be back.” “I can come and help you.” You said whilst standing up. “No, you don’t- “Yes, I do, you’re hurt remember?” Changbin looked at you confused and then remembered his arm. “It’s fine.” He tried to say. “No it’s not, you and I both know that regular paper glue won’t do the job to a ‘figurine’ like you.” “What do you mean a ‘figurine like me’?” Changbin asks with a soft chuckle. “You really think that I have more nutcrackers who are alive- wait no don’t answer that.” You laughed before you and Changbin went on the search for wood. You sooner enough found some dead branches, that turned out to be liquorice.

“Is everything in this world made of candy?” “Almost everything, the people who here live aren’t obviously, but most of the land is. It used to be even more beautiful, but as you can guess the rats have ruined everything.”

Right now you were sitting with Changbin in a cave, a small fire keeping you warm whilst you sat under a blanket with a piece of bread in your hands. “Don’t you want some bread? Aren’t you cold?” You asked him as you handed him the bread. “I’m made of wood, I can’t feel warmth or cold, but thank you.” He said.

Later you started to yawn and you began to lay down on the cold floor. You hugged the blanket tightly and curled yourself into a ball near the fire. Changbin saw and he felt like doing something about it. Usually, when he had to lead the carrier of the medallion, he let him or her be. He wanted to get his job done and be disappointed over and over again, yet you seemed different. The fact that you didn’t mind dying set him to think. He was unconscious when not in this state of being. He was now free to walk around and to think. He had no idea how long he had been like this, a nutcracker, but he was sure that he hadn’t always been a wooden figurine.

Changbin saw you asleep, shivering from the cold floor underneath you. Changbin got on his feet and he carefully snaked his arms under you. You woke up from the sudden movements, but you were too tired to protest. With you in his arms, still the blanket around you, he laid down on his back and laid you on his chest. He was cold as well, but much warmer than the frozen ground. He laid the pillow back under your head before you made yourself comfortable. “I might not be very soft, but I’m a lot warmer than that freezing floor.” Changbin whispered. You hummed in content before you closed your eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning you had woken up early. Leaving Changbin alone in the cave. When you, carefully, went outside you noticed a frozen lake and you were curious so you went to take a look. When Changbin woke up and he didn’t felt you asleep on his chest he shot up and frantically looked for you in the cave, only to hear you squealing outside. He hurried his way outside covering his eyes from the low sun as he looked at you slide around on the icy lake.

“Y/n! Please be careful!” Changbin stressed as he saw you slip over the ice. You were too busy laughing and moving over the ice to hear him. When you saw him you smiled brightly and told him to come and join you. He hesitated at first but your smile did something to him that made him feel like melting and joined you. He carefully stepped onto the ice and slid his way to you. He started laughing as he tried to chase you. The two of you had a great time and eventually took one another’s hands to twirl over the ice. What you both didn’t notice, was a little spy eyeing the both of you.

The white mouse had hidden itself behind a bush, blending beneficially with the snow. It spun its bow and arrow and aimed it to the ice where the two of you were sliding on. Sooner enough the arrow shot through the air and it landed into the ice, cracking it forcefully in process. You and Changbin stopped your movements in shock when you hear something crack and before you knew it the ice broke under Changbin’s feet and he sunk down immediately. You panicked and frantically made your way to him, carefully though so that you wouldn’t fall into the ice-cold water. You saw Changbin frantically waving as he tried to keep himself above water, you grabbed his good hand and tried to keep him above water.

“Save yourself and travel to the east, you will meet my friends and they will help you find the fairy.” Changbin coughed as he tried to swim up. You were struggling to keep him above water and you started to cry in pain. You were cold and battling to keep Changbin as much out of the water as you could. “I’m not leaving you behind!” You yelled as you tried to pull him out, making you squeal in fear as you almost slipped into the water with him. Right now you were on your tummy, still holding onto him as if you were rose and he was jack from the titanic.

“You are the chosen one, you need to keep the medallion save and bring it to the fairy!” He cries in stress as he wanted you to stop crying and just let him be. “I’m not leaving you!” “I’ll be fine Y/n, let go.” “I’m not letting another person leave me like that.” You cried.

Changbin’s strength was quickly weakened by the freezing temperature of the water he was frantically swimming in, sooner enough he lost all of his strength and he let himself sink. You tried to keep him above water, trying to keep hooked on your arm that was under his armpit. He held him tightly, but you too were feeling tired. All of the sudden, your mind had seemed to go blank and you let yourself slide into the water, following Changbin. When you were entirely in the water your medallion started to light up without the two of you knowing.

The murderous mouse watched in shock how the lake lightened up in a bright pink light, a big crash was heard and the ice seemed to crack, even brighter light beams seemed to break through and it blinded the mouse, making him look away from the scene. When it looked back, he saw that the entire ice was ruined and that the light had disappeared as well. He had no idea where you two had gone too, but he wanted to assume that you two were wiped out like he was assigned to do.

In the meantime as the mouse tried to escape from the crime scene, you and Changbin were somehow on the edge of the lake, both laying completely drenched in the snow. Changbin was the one who woke up first, he breathed deeply, but unsteady as he tried to recap what just had happened. He looked around and remembered being under water one second, he didn’t know how he got on land, but the only thing that mattered to him right now was that you were in danger.

You laid next to him, the necklace you wore around your neck was suspiciously glistering, but he shoved that idea to the back of his head as the most important thing to him right now was that you might had water in your lungs. Changbin wasn’t sure what to do. He had never been in a situation like this before, he tried to perform CPR on you, but it didn’t seem to work. He started to bring you in his lap and he was about to weep, he was stressed and he couldn’t lose you. You woke up in his embrace whilst coughing up some water that didn’t belong in your body. When you caught your breath you simply looked up to him and took his hand. “Thank you.” You whispered. “I should be the one thanking you, you saved my life.” Changbin muttered back. “I meant for staying.” “Always.”

You and Changbin dried yourselves up with the blanket you still had laying at the campfire before the two of you got going again.

On the way, there were more traps and people who bothered the two of you on your way. You saw that Changbin was getting annoyed and you tried to calm him down. “This has never happened before, they never attacked us, why would they now?” He asked himself. You couldn’t give him an answer but you knew that it was going to be a hectic day.

You were growing tired and Changbin had noticed. He knew that you both still had about a five-kilometre journey. When he stopped out of nowhere to put down stuff you thought that he wanted to camp for the night, instead he handed you the gear and told you to wear it. You wanted to whine, but you felt bad for him because they must’ve been heavy. When you put the back on and was about to keep on walking, you were stopped by Changbin who stopped right in front of you. “What are you doing?” You asked him whilst chuckling. “Let me carry you, I know you’re tired.” He says. “No-“ “I don’t take no for an answer, you saved my life, I’m going to take care of you now.” “You’ve done that the whole trip, what do you- Changbin!” You squealed at the end when he easily swept you off your feet and onto his back. You were about to protest but he had a tight grip onto your legs as he kept walking. You would sigh and rest your head on his shoulder as he walked for the both of you now.

You had no idea what kind of an effect on him, but it made him wonder how you managed to do it. The years he had spend as a wooden figure, he had never felt this many emotions or this strong. He could physically feel his chest tightening at you contact.

About an hour had passed and you woke up on something soft and comfortable. You thought that you were on your couch in your apartment and that this whole situation was a weird dream, but when you stretched your body you felt something unfamiliar above you. Your head shot up, making you feel dizzy in process. You looked around and saw that you had found yourself in an unfamiliar room. The room was filled with weapon and other fighting equipment. You were very confused and you just wanted Changbin by your side.

You called out his name as you put on your shoes and your robe. You found yourself in a random house and you didn’t know where to go. You decided to make your way down stairs and you could hear people talking. You looked some things that you could easily grab if you needed to defend yourself before you listened to them speaking. “Are you sure?” A male voice asked. “I don’t know, she’s different from the other’s that I have led through this. Besides, the rats were actually attacking this time, the other times they seemed more held back?” You heard Changbin say. “Maybe they were tired of their little game and wanted to spice things up?” A different, yet another male voice said. “If the rats were trying to mess with us, they would’ve plundered us like they usually do. They’re up to something this time.”

You hadn’t noticed but you had accidently revealed yourself to the group of boys as you tried to take a sneak peek at them. When they noticed you staring you yelped quickly and went to grab the sword that was hung on the wall. “Y/n-“ “Stay back! I’m not afraid to use it!” You yelled to a freckled guy. “Y/n it’s okay, these are the friends that I’ve told you about.” Changbin said as he quickly made its way to you. You looked at the other guys in suspicion, they seemed ‘normal’ compared to Changbin, they had a weird vibe to them, but it might just feel like that because you woke up in a stranger’s bed. “So, you’re the famous Y/n Changbin has been talking about.” Another guy says.

You were just so confused and still quite tired at that moment you just looked lost at Changbin. “Go freshen up. You slept in my room by the way, I wouldn’t put you in a stranger’s bed.” “Did you carry me all the way here?” You asked him whilst yawning. “Yeah, you were sleeping the whole way through.” He laughed. “Hold up, you’re telling me that you carried the little princess all the way here?” A guy who looked older than Changbin questioned shocked. “Yes?” You were about to leave and let them and discuss their ‘problem out on their own’, but comment the stranger made you feel addressed by his words.

“She must have told you to carry you, didn’t she? I have a bad feeling about her, she’s been putting you in danger and you can’t see it. We’ve been through this.” “Chan, it’s really not like that-“ Changbin said to the guy who apparently was named ‘Chan’. “Then tell me what-“ “We were getting attacked, by who knows what. We were playing around on the ice and well, we sunk through it. She saved my life. The least I could do after such an exhausting act is carry her here.” Changbin voiced sternly as he stood face to face with Chan.

Chan was left speechless and you walked up the stairs with a smirk on your face.

Later that day you were introduced to the guys and visa versa. They had told you how they had protected this village even before the rats were ruling the kingdom. You knew their names by now and you helped them out with preparing food for later that night. Each of them told you their story about how they became a stray. They are used to wander around places and not settle down to them. They told you as well how they met each other, a couple of guys who ran into each other by coincidence, or was it?

They also told you the story about Clara, how she faked being the princess and the sugar plum fairy. It had caused the kingdom to fallen back into its spell. The kingdom needed a fairy who had a pure heart and genuine feelings to help, care and love those around him or her. “Well, I guess that isn’t me then.” You joked as you took another bite of your food. Everybody, but Changbin laughed at your joke. He on the other hand looked at you in all seriousness. “Don’t say that, you’re great! You saved my life remember? You’re doing this even though you know this could possibly take your life!” Changbin’s words set the other guys to think, whilst it left you speechless. Your heart fluttered at the compliment and you only could hit his chest playfully as you felt a little awkward.

Suddenly a big crash outside was heard and you saw the guys quickly assemble their weapons and got into position to fight whatever was outside. In the meantime, Changbin had led you to his bedroom and told you to stay there and hide until someone was to come and get you. At first you wanted to do as he said, but when you heard the guys growl and grunt as they fought the rats you decided that it was enough. You picked up the first sword you found and stormed downstairs. You stood eye to eye with yet another rat like you did the day before yesterday. This time, the black rat had bright yellow eyes and it growled at you as he saw you holding a defence mechanism.

You swung your sword against the rat’s skin, carving deeply into the creature as you moved it swiftly. The rat was quickly taken out as you moved your way outside. The place where the house of the Stray Kids stayed, seemed to be in a greener area than the snowy ones that you had been traveling though the past few hours.

The rodents were frantically attacking, obviously not having a thought-out strategy that they had prepared. You could hear the guys grunt and you went towards them, as you made your way to the you struggled against some rats and you could hear Changbin call out your name in the distance. You head-bumped one of the rats and punched the other in his nose, making them both yelp out in pain. You took your sword and swung the heavy metal once again.

When they had fallen down in defeat you looked at Changbin who stared at you in shock. “Wow.” Was all Changbin could say before his focus went from you to yet another rodent who tried to make his way to you. Both yours and Changbin’s reflexes were quick and you both pierced the beast at the same time, making it drop to its knees as it breathed his last breaths.

Sooner enough the army of rats were wiped out and you were all panting from exhaustion. “I didn’t know you could fight like that.” Changbin chuckled whilst catching his breath. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me Binnie.” You laughed. “But you look so sweet, I could never fight someone like you.” “I might look sweet, but I can be spicy.” You teased. “Still, I should call you something like Sugar to keep the sweetness on you, I can’t believe this.” Changbin said dramatically. “I should call you nuts then, because you’re being ridiculous.” You laughed before pushing him playfully.

You didn’t notice the other guys coming towards you, but they noticed Changbin acting different as he was around you. As if the wooden outside finally didn’t define him. “What the fuck happened?” Chan stressed. “They never come here, we live on the ownerless part of the kingdom.” “It’s her, this all never happened before she came her.” Minho sneered. “Guys this isn’t her fault, the rats are up to something, we just don’t know what, but we do need to find out what it is.” Changbin defended you. The guys were still confused, but they obviously wanted you gone.

“Changbin I think that we should get going.” You whispered to him, touching his arm carefully. You felt his tensed body relax at your touch and he agreed. “Remember guys, she’s the chosen one.” Changbin’s words seemed to have an effect on them and you could hear Chan groan before they agreed on coming along on your quest to find that darned fairy.

After hours of traveling, you came closer and closer to the castle. You were all hidden behind a bunch of bushes where you tried to recap your plan. “Y/n, how were you going to defeat the rat king?” Jeongin asks curiously. “I don’t know, doesn’t the fairy has to do that to lift the curse? Where do we find him or her anyways?” You asked in return. “Wait aren’t you-“ Jeongin was cut off by Chan’s hushing and went immediately quiet.

A couple of rats passed by and fortunately they didn’t notice you. They were headed to the palace that was placed on the edge of a cliff. You could overhear the rats talking about the princess being locked away, as soon as you picked the information up you quickly made a plan to safe her and break her out so she could lift the curse and end this madness.

You didn’t know where to go, but the high tower seemed suspicious to you. It would be the perfect place to lock someone away. The windows had bars in front of them, so no one was able to climb out. Felix claimed to see a female silhouette though one of the windows and it gave you enough information to make your way to it and safe whoever was locked up there.

The way inside was quite easy, Changbin joked about throwing a piece of cheese and crackers their way to distract them. You all gave each other a wondering look and before you knew it, were the rats chasing the cheese. You wanted to laugh at their stupidity, but you kept it in and sneaked past the gates with the others.

No one seemed to be inside. And the way to the tower seemed way too easy. You felt suspicious about this, especially when you reached the tower room. You opened the room carefully, and saw the female sitting near the window, her back facing you. “Miss.” You whispered, your sword in your hand ready to be used. When she didn’t react, you removed your hand from your sword and mindlessly walked towards her.

“Y/n, no!” You could hear Chan yell, but when he did you had already touched the female’s shoulder, who suddenly fell apart. A harsh gust of wind hit you all and a bright red light appeared into the room. You heard the guys groan in discomfort. When you had turned around you saw them frozen up with a red glow around them.

“Well, well. I never thought I would get to see the sugar plum fairy with my own eyes.” A sudden shrill voice boomed through the room. In the shadows of the room you saw two red eyes appear, when it walked closer to you an old white rat stood in front of you. It wore a royal cape and a crown on his head. You assumed that this was the rat king, especially on how evil looking he was. “Wait, what do you mean? Y/n isn’t the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Changbin trailed off. “She is little nutcracker, haven’t you seen the amazing power she hold with that necklace on her?” The rat king stated with a smirk.

“Wait, you’re really telling me that you didn’t knew, Changbin?” Chan said dumbfounded. “Well, no! I’m sorry I was too busy traveling and protecting her.” “You got it wrong there Mr Wood. Y/n saved you.” The rat king added with still the same stupid smirk on his face. “No-“ “When in her apartment, she froze my best guard in time, so you could kill him. At the lake, where you were sinking to the bottom of the lake, she sunk into the water with you and used her powers to safe you.” Changbin and you looked at the rat dumbfounded, his words seemed surreal, but he was right.

Changbin remembered the two bright pink lights that only appeared when you were around. He then realised how stupid and ignorant he had been. If he would’ve been more careful you wouldn’t have been in this situation. “Y/n, I’m-“ “It’s a little too late for apologies, isn’t it Changbin? Or should I say prince Changbin, brother of prince Eric?” The rat smirked. Everyone gasped and all of Changbin’s memories seemed to flow back. His brother who had failed his quest and was cursed because of it, dragging his family along with him, causing Changbin to become who he was right now. “N-no it can’t be.” “But it is little nutcracker.” The rat king laughed, he snapped his fairy fingers and it made Changbin flinch in pain. “Don’t hurt him!” You yelled, running towards the rat to defend Changbin, but sooner enough you were hold back by a tight pressure on your throat. The rat didn’t touch you, but he had snapped yet another time, causing magic to perform out his will to stop you. “Don’t interfere little fairy, or you won’t ever see the day of light again.” The rat growled lowly. “I wouldn’t care sewer rat.” You spat back with the little air you had left.

The rat shot his focus towards you and now had his actual hands on you. “You think you’re so tough little fairy, that you’re the bravest of all. Yet you are trembling on the inside, you’re terrified of me. You aren’t worth the medallion, you will fail just like the others before you. You will lose everything you have.” “I can’t lose what I don’t have bastard.” You sneered before your medallion started to shine brightly again and you could hear the magic chain around your neck break and sooner enough you had your hands on the king’s.

Guards who were hiding in the shadow came to light and held you back from the king, them using their swords against you, cutting you in your back as they did. You could hear Changbin yell in pain to you as you were cut in the back, causing you to fall down as well. Held up in front of the rat you held your head up high as you grinned, blood on the corner of you mouth as you did. “Aren’t you a tough little one, let’s see how tough you are without that little necklace of yours.” The rat grinned before he was about to snatch the necklace off your neck.

“Not on my watch.” Changbin growls, he sound of his sword being raised out of it’s case ripped through the air as he swung it towards the rats’ heads. Many of them fell down, the floor sooner enough turning red as well by them. The other rats threw you down harshly before attacking Changbin. The other guys who were free as well ran to help Changbin and the others came to you to help you.

The rat king had enough of the games and he ripped of his cape. He spoke out words that sounded like gibberish, sooner enough the windows broke and the bars around them had fallen down. As soon as they did, the rat tried to push you out and let you fall to your death. Changbin saw and he quickly slammed the rat against the wall. As Changbin had done that, the rat had shot the shards of glass towards you. You held up your arm in reflex and then screamed in pain as most of them carved into your skin. Changbin’s heart ached badly as he heard you scream.

He could also hear Chan call out for him, he looked to his side as he kept fighting the rat to keep him in his place, he quickly caught the dagger and pierced the metal through the skin of the beast. There were tears of worrisome in Changbin’s eyes as he looked the rat deeply into his eyes. The beast only laughed maniacally as it made a simply hand movement that caused the room to be filled with air. The rat disappeared suddenly in the wind and he heard you scream loudly. He looked around and locked eyes with you as he saw you fall down from the tower.

Changbin screamed as well and frantically tried to make his way to you and to grab you. He didn’t hesitate to jump after you. The time seemed to be freezing as the two of you fell down the tower together. He felt your tears against his frame as you fell down under him. He had his hand reached out to you, in the hope he could grab you and save you. You hands were reached out to him scared of losing him because of you. Just before you two touched the ground, Changbin could just barely touch your fingertips.

After that a bright light came from the two of you as you hit the ground, the light spread quickly like a result of an explosion, causing the boys to cover their eyes to not be blinded by the flare. When they guys had hurried their way to you, they saw you laying on your back next to each other. You seemed fine, but the both of you seemed to be glowing with a pink gleam. The two of you opened your eyes and groaned in pain.

“Is it over?” You asked. “I think it is.” Changbin says whilst standing up quickly so he could inspect your back. “It looks pretty bad, it needs medication by instants.” Changbin mutters worried. “Why did you jump?” You asked him in a weak voice, he stopped his movement and turned you around so you were now laying on his lap and facing him.

“I couldn’t let you go just like that. I promised to stay with you through every fight, I wasn’t going to let this one change that.” Changbin says whilst crying. “You’re crazy.” You chuckled weakly. “Please don’t leave me.” Changbin whispered in pain as he saw you in pain. You touched the medallion you were still wearing around your neck after he said that. “This necklace is supposed to take me home, but I feel like my heart already is. I want to stay by your side Bin, I have nothing in my universe. You had been nothing but kind to me, unlike the people from my world. You’re an angel to me and I would be crazy to leave you Changbin. My prince Changbin.” You said as you took his hands in yours, kissing his fingers softly after you spoke.

Yet another bright light came from your necklace, this time a little creature made of light was formed out of the flare. It hopped around and soon rushed in circles around Changbin, making a curtain of bright light around him and lifting him up, causing you to sit up straight. The light became brighter and brighter, another gush of wind was created and blown you away. You held yourself as you tried to adjust your eyes to the brightness. The light then shot up into the sky, making your eyes follow it in curiosity. When you looked back to Changbin, his hard-wooden frame was replaced with a toned, but softer frame. His face seemed softer and his eyes were livelier. He had returned back into his human form, making the other’s gasp.

You tried to stand on your feet but quickly failed, causing Changbin to catch you in his strong arms. “You’re human.” “I told you I hadn’t always been a nutcracker.” He chuckled. He jumped at you hugging him and he quickly, but carefully, hugged you back since he hadn’t felt one in years. “I can finally feel your warmth against mine.” He mumbled in the crook of you neck as he nuzzled himself into it, making you giggle.

“Guys, I love this sweet moment, but I don’t think this is over.” Minho yelled, swords were soon enough heard again and Changbin let you go to help the others. The rat king had returned. He looked scarier than ever. He stood alone in front of you all with nothing but a psychotic smile one his face, his eyes burning bright red as he made lightning fast moves with his hands and attacked you and the others with his magic.

Since you had found out through the rat king that you were the sugar plum fairy, you realised that you were the one who was supposed to stop him. You grabbed a sword from a fallen rat guard and sneakily made your way to the rat king. You ran to him and stabbed the sword all the way through the beast with force as you yelled loudly. After twisting the sword you thought that it finally was over when everything stopped for a moment. Instead, the beast turned around very slowly to your shock and you eyes it speechlessly. It moved at the speed of light and his claws had found your neck. You were in need for air as he ripped the medallion off your neck, causing you to gasp and Changbin to yell out your name terrified.

The rat opened the medallion and sooner enough threw it to the ground and smashed it. “I don’t like happy endings.” It whispered before letting you go. You looked at your hands and you saw yourself fade away. “Y/n! No!” Changbin cried out as he ran towards you. You looked at him and told him calmly that you would be fine. Your hand was reached out to him, but before he could get to you, you had already disappeared out of his world.

He felt like his was shattering apart as he was now left behind with the rat still laughing maniacally. Changbin’s anger build up and he growled and cried out as he turned to the rat, his sword still held in his hands as he impaled the beast one more time with his sword. This time, it seemed to have an effect on the beast.

It crumbled down and fell to the ground, Changbin wasn’t paying attention to it, he was too busy crying his heart out for losing you. You were the cause that he was back to normal. As Changbin cried, a bright light came out of the rat. It seemed to crack open and the rat literally broke down to ashes as the light broke through. The sky turned from its dark blue shade to a lighter tint. The snow quickly melted at the sight of the sun and the trees regained their colour.

“Changbin, thank you.” A familiar voice said, causing Changbin to look up with teary eyes to the man who suddenly stood in front of him. “Who are you?” He asked the old man. “I’m the keeper of the Kingdom of Maney, some call me a wizard, others call me a king. I call myself an old man with a sense of responsibility.” The man said with laughter, “Wait, the curse is lifted?” Jeongin asked. “It is indeed.” The white-haired man said to the younger boy. “Y/n did it.” Chan whispered in disbelief.

“Actually, Changbin did too.” Everybody looked at the man like he was a madman, which he probably was. “What do you mean?” Changbin asked the man. “Y/n wasn’t the only one who was the Sugar Plum Fairy, you were as well, Changbin.” The man stated, making Felix and Hyunjin almost burst out in laughter. “Wait, what-“ “The sugar plum fairy is supposed to be someone who is brave and united. If you can remember Changbin, when you met Y/n in your lively nutcracker form for the first time, my voice boomed through the room about the chosen one.” “That was you- wait, I thought Y/n was the chosen one?” “Y/n was indeed the chosen one, she was chosen to be the protector of the medallion and return it to its rightful owner, which is you. Y/n was indeed worthy of Peyvand, she didn’t hesitate to save you or to give up her own life to save others. You as well didn’t hesitate to jump after her to try and save her, which proved that you were worthy of Peyvand. Together you were united with this worth to save us and lift the curse.”

“Okay, but where did you come from?” Changbin asked still a little confused. “You and the guys know how the rats had taken over the city, their leader had discovered dark magic in one of the sewers they lived in and he practiced it until he had mastered the art and eventually took over my consciousness.”

“Those rats are scarier than we thought.” Hyunjin muttered as he looked around the battlefield. “Wait, but what happened to Y/n?” Changbin asked, his heart racing at the sound of you name. “Our young nutcracker has fallen in love with his other half, hasn’t he?” The man teased, making Changbin’s ears turn red whilst denying. “She’s fine, she might be scarred on her back from the swords for the rest of her life, but she’s healthy and safe back in her own universe.” “Does that mean I won’t ever get to see her again?” Changbin asked him carefully and sad.

The older man didn’t respond immediately. He bend down first to grab the necklace of the ground. He placed it in Changbin’s hands and covered it with his own. The man closed his eyes and Changbin could feel something tingling inside of his hands and he saw little light beams shining through the openings. When he opened his hands the now-repaired necklace was revealed.

“I will give you a choice. In return for your bravery, I can send you to your other half, you will have to life in her world, where you’re not familiar with their habits and way of living. The other choice is, to stay with us and live in the palace where you will be praised and celebrated for the rest of your life, in a familiar world with people who you had already met on your journey. But the choice is up to you.”

You had woken up, the air punched out of your lungs as you had fallen onto your back. You groaned as a sharp pain shot through it. You heard little paws running over the floor and you opened your eyes, the roof and the decoration made you realise where you were. You were back home, or did you never leave?

Whilst inspecting your outfit you realised that you were still wearing your nightgown and robe. The movie wasn’t playing on the tv anymore and it was already daylight by now. You tried to rethink what the hell happened, but you couldn’t remember. You did remember the fighting and the fantasy universe where you stayed in. You remembered Changbin, you wondered what he was up to. You weren’t sure if it was all a dream or not, all you knew by now was that it was Christmas day and that you needed a shower.

When you were done showering the steam had cleared up and worn off the mirror. As you passed by you noticed a scar on your back. It was rather large and weirdly placed. You tried to figure out a different way other than a rat cutting you with its sword on your back to get a scar like that. You just shook it off and went to your regular morning routine. Eventually you were bored out of your mind, so you petted Milo and decided to go on a walk since you hadn’t had anything better to do.

The air was cold and the city was decorated beautifully. You made your way to a lake, which reminded you off the lake where you and Changbin slid on, before you were tried to be killed. The sun was still rising as you enjoyed your view at the lake. The sun’s beaming light made something shimmer in the white snow that caught your attention. You looked towards it and you saw a pink glistering, which made you got up to your feet immediately. You kneeled down to take a better look, it was your medallion. ‘How did it end up here?’ You wondered, it was laid in a part where you hadn’t walked, your footsteps didn’t match the ones of the person who left the necklace there. You took the necklace in your hand and put it on.

As soon as you did you noticed a familiar figure walking closer to you. He smiled at you and you couldn’t help but tear up a little. “Changbin!” You yelled happily as you ran into his arms. “Missed me sugar?” He whispered into your hair as he held you tight. “Is this real, was everything real?” You asked him as you examined his face, cupping his cheeks into your hands. “It is.” He chuckled as you squeezed his face a little too hard, making him pout. “How did you get here?”

Changbin told you about the man who appeared out of the rat. How he gave Changbin a choice to let him join your world and live in the unknown with his better half or to life in a familiar world where he would be celebrated for the rest of his life with his friends by his side. “Why didn’t you stay? It’s isn’t called Maney for nothing.” You gasped. “I promised you to stay by your side through every fight. You told me how you’ve been surviving in this world and I will be there by your side through every step. I’m not leaving you Y/n, I promised you that. I’m here to stay with you, as a villager and prince of the kingdom of Maney, where they stay forever, they stay true to their promises as well.” Changbin whispered as he had wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you close to him.

“What about the kingdom? What about the boys?” You asked him worried and feeling guilty for having him here by your side. “I think they will manage the kingdom perfectly fine. They might be strays, but they are good people. They will rule greatly and keep peace, I’m sure of that. But for now, I missed you my sweet little fighter.” Changbin cooed as he hugged your once again. “I missed you too Binnie.” “You do realise that you’re the first person who I have feelings for right?” Changbin chuckled. “I was aware.” You giggled back as you felt his breath on your neck, tickling it in process. “What were you going to do about it?” He questioned playfully, making you smirk. You wrapped your arms around his neck and leaned in close to connect your lips to his. The snow that was softly floating down from the sky making the moment even more perfect, Changbin pulling you even closer and kissing you deeply.

“I don’t think I have my sense of feeling back yet in my lips, can we do that again to test it?” Changbin joked. “You’re nuts.” You laughed in disbelief. “You love me though,” He smirked, still his hands placed on your lower back as he pushed you closer against him. “I do.” You smiled to him before connecting your lips back to his.

He was there to stay and you were sure that you two would be for the rest of your lives.

Gif isn’t mine.

62 notes · View notes

lonelypond · 4 years

Text

By Moonlight

Love Live, NicoMaki, 1.3K, 1/1

Summary: A breakfast meeting, a bold thief, a balcony... and Nishikino Maki and Yazawa Nico sparring.

Nishikino Maki smiled at her father. And his recently promoted Chief of Security, Captain Yazawa Nico, glaring from behind his right shoulder. Her weekly breakfast visit had been providing an amusing opportunity to tweak both of them since she’d moved into her own private, midsize city tower. They were never happy to be left out of her planning. Maki’s head of security, Sonoda Umi, rolled her eyes whenever Yazawa suggested elaborate schemes or messaged over pages of diagrams and just invested in really solid locks. Yazawa had really bought into the Nishikino overdo everything aesthetic, Maki thought as she stared at the tiny, toughened soldier with gold epaulets the size of a fist on her uniform shoulders. The table in front of Maki was a poignant illustration of her privileged origins. While children starved outside the walls, the menu her father had ordered had food enough for 8 people, of which she had eaten not even enough for one. Maki preferred dining experiences that left out the advice “for your own good.”

Her father cleared his throat, knowing his daughter well enough to realize he’d lost her attention. “It’s too dangerous. That jewel thief is still out there, mocking everyone. A party will draw attention to you.”

Maki laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder, dramatically, knowing she would capture Captain Yazawa’s eye. “I like attention. And I trust MY security.”

Yazawa growled as she gritted her teeth. It was adorable, the way her luminous crimson eyes narrowed, a caricature of the intimidation she might be hoping for. But there was no real threat behind them. Maki had seen those eyes in nearly every mood, and never had she felt anything less than safe.

“Well, at least lock up your jewels.” Her father continued in his most serious voice, “This ‘Crimson Kestrel’ deviant took the entirety of the Minami heir’s jewel case while she slept last night.”

That was news. Maki tapped her spoon impatiently as her glance flashed to the right, her own eyes narrowing as Yazawa started fidgeting. Last night. Maki had had plans, but nothing had come of them. Now she had a clue why. She cleared her throat.

“Is your promotion keeping you busy, Captain? I rarely see you anymore except at these appointments. Does my father allow you any free time? You must remember you now have a position in society. Leisure activities allow one to keep sharp and maintain the necessary social connections.”

Nico flinched. Maki felt a twinge of guilt, but it she had been up very late the night before. Waiting.

“I assure the Princess that once I have everything here running on my standard, I will once again be making sure her dance card is not just full of the silly scions of overbred bloodlines.” Nico bowed. Maki grimaced.

“Military uniforms were a sure way to land a spot on a young lady’s dance card in my youth. Fortunately, your mother had different standards.” Maki’s father had his smuggest look. Maki grimaced, eating the last of her scone. She’d had enough of this conversation.

“I could lend you a few of my best for this party, ill advised as it is.” Nico’s casual at ease stance was belied by the twitch of her eyebrows. “I’m sure it would ease your father’s mind.”

Maki curled a twist of hair, “Umi isn’t worried.” Maki glanced at her watch and stood, “As a matter of fact, I’m a little behind schedule, so I must run. Thank you for breakfast, Papa.” Maki leaned down to kiss her father on her way out the door, swooping in so swiftly Yazawa didn’t have a chance to back up, “Please take care of yourself, Captain.” Maki stumbled slightly, but avoided an outright fall into Nico’s arms, only brushing her shoulder, “Sorry.”

“Not a problem, my Lady.”

###

Maki hadn’t been pacing the balcony for long, when it happened. The kestrel call, the swoosh of the tiny kestrel flying across her view, and then, when the distraction was over, the Crimson Kestrel, perched on the balustrade, balancing somehow, short skirt blown shorter by even the slightest puff of wind, a grin that carved out a mood of pure midnight mischief, beaked mask adding a predatory thrill matched by the sharpness glinting deep in the crimson pools smirking at Maki.

Maki leaned next to her late night visitor, “No sleeping maidens to creep on tonight?”

“That happened while the family was at dinner.”

Maki shrugged, enjoying the breeze. The band was playing one of her favorite tunes in the ballroom behind her and the Crimson Kestrel had scooted just a little closer, puzzled.

“You’re never this relaxed at a party.” “I cancelled the party.” Maki yawned, humming.

The Kestrel tilted her head, midnight black tendrils flying out, her voice soft, as if eavesdroppers lurked, her tone suspicious. “I hear the band.”

Maki chuckled, “I kept the band” She leaned her head, nudging the Kestrel’s shoulder, “Dance with me.”

The Kestrel stared for a long moment, taking in every detail Maki had spent so much time one but then shook her head, “Oh, you’re tempting, Princess. A lovely dress to lure Nico, such an enticing offer to join hands, but stepping inside that room is the most dangerous thing Nico could do.”

Patience was a quality Maki was cultivating. Since the Crimson Kestrel had first flown into her life, Maki had slowly realized there would be no taming the stubborn, strong willed, open hearted hero. That wasn’t what either of them wanted. “There’s no door out here, leave when you want.”

“But I don’t.” Fingers gentle under Maki’s chin, the lightest touch at the choker around her neck, “You are the real gem.”

Maki held the glance that Nico had finally allowed, her ardor bright as a beacon.“That’s not what I see.”

Nico swivelled her legs over the balcony, her gloved hands light on Maki’s shoulders, one sliding toward her cheek, the other down her left arm. A whisper, sensual, drifting along Maki’s bare shoulder, lips barely brushing, “Nico could do this every night.”

Maki’s sharp musician’s ears heard a wistfulness in Nico’s voice and suddenly desperate for a kiss, she fluttered her eyelids closed, as their game required when lights shone.

Gloved fingertips traced two quick ellipses, around her eyes, just like their own orbits, never quite overlapping, “My Princess, too bold for a mask.”

Maki shook her head, trembling, as Nico’s hand weighed heavy on hers, “I won’t hide.”

“I know.” The kiss was savage, sudden, Maki backed hard against the wall of the tower, Nico’s deft control the only thing keeping either of them on their feet in this dizzying surge of sensation, of want.

“Soon.” Nico whispered a wish, then a name, the rarest of gifts in this joust, “My Maki”.

The kestrel cried a warning as it flew back, and when Maki’s eyes opened she was alone. One hand reached back to the wall to steady herself, the other reaching up to the lighter pendant at her cleavage and the missing choker at her throat. The jewels were gone. Maki smiled. Fewer empty tables outside the walls tomorrow.

Raising her hand to her hair, blowing out a long sigh, the candlelight glinted off the thinnest copper band around her wrist, a quartz charm carved into the tiniest red feather hanging.

“Soon!” Maki laughed, knowing it had been a promise not a wish, and whirled into the ballroom, tears a diamond flourish as Sonoda Umi frowned from the door she’d been barring.

“Your father won’t like it.”

“No.” Maki hugged herself, imagining dancing here, with Nico, free of subterfuge, spending their nights together and their days fixing the society that men like her father had broken. “But I will.”

Maki laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder, dramatically, knowing she would capture Captain Yazawa’s eye. “I like attention. And I trust MY security.” Yazawa growled as she gritted her teeth. It was adorable, the way her luminous crimson eyes narrowed, a caricature of the intimidation she might be hoping for. But there was no real threat behind them. Maki had seen those eyes in nearly every mood, and never had she felt anything less than safe.