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teaberrii · 11 months

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Chapter Twenty-Eight: My Catnip

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

But, he's been mysteriously cursed to turn into a cat every night since his eighteenth birthday… until he meets you, an employee at his grandfather's company, who rescues him as a cat and changes him back with one kiss.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

Chapter notes: I couldn't help referencing my Cyno cat story... XD If you know, you know.

You haven't seen or heard from Alhaitham in almost a week, but you're counting the days until your families finally meet.

How will your relationship turn out? Will you become strangers? Friends? Regardless of what happens, your dynamic with Alhaitham has changed, and it may never return to how it used to be.

When you finally see Alhaitham, he’s sitting next to his mother at a long table. His grandfather and secretary are also present. Alhaitham's eyes meet yours, but what surprises you is the way he looks at you. It’s as if nothing has changed. Yet, he remains pensive, and so do you. This is no time to be reflecting on your feelings or whatnot. Both of you know and understand what kind of situation this is.

Lumine and Aether trail in after you and your mother. You and your mother take center stage while Aether stands beside you and Lumine beside your mother. You’re holding your mother’s hand, reassuring her you have your back if anything goes wrong.

“...Let’s not mince words,” your mother says, her voice slightly shaking. “You were the one who hit my husband.”

Alhaitham’s mother takes a breath. “...Yes.” Then, she bows. “I’m truly sorry.” A short moment later, she stands upright. “I’ve caused you and your family a lot of pain… and I’m willing to compensate for my actions.”

Your shoulders feel a little lighter.

“...You want something in return,” your mother says, narrowing her eyes. “I’m not a fool. You hid this for so long, so for you to come clean about it now, it’s more than guilt. There’s something you want.”

“I’m willing to compensate and atone, but I only ask that… there is no media noise. I wish to settle this privately.”

“...And if I refuse?”

Everyone looks at your mother.

“...Mom,” Lumine says quietly.

She steps forward, and you cautiously let go of her hand. “You don’t want your reputation to be ruined," your mother says.

"That's right. I don't. Again, I sincerely apologize for the pain I caused your family. But, I worked far too long and far too hard for all of my efforts to come crashing down. I simply request a quiet resolution so we can move on from this."

Something twisted inside you wants to see her career crash and burn. She let your father die, for crying out loud. But… what good will that do? It’s not going to bring your father back. Besides, she’s already willing to compensate and atone.

You’re also not a fool.

You know that a big part of the reason why she’s doing this is so she can get some leniency. You look at Alhaitham. You know he knows too, and he probably proposed it to her as well.

Is that the reason why he told you about what his mother had done? If he didn’t… would his mother even admit all of this? But since he told you, there’s a risk of you going to the police. It would hurt his mother more. Thinking about it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

There are obviously more pros than cons to him telling you. Alhaitham could've hidden it from you and continued dating you as if nothing happened. It has been so long, after all.

No matter how you look at it, Alhaitham is also thinking about you.

“...I accept,” your mother finally says.

You subtly nod in agreement. What good will it do if the media gets wind of this? You’d also be put into the spotlight, and your private life would become a movie for everyone’s entertainment. There’s absolutely no way you’re going to let that happen.

“...Thank you. I appreciate it.”

The meeting ends with the parties agreeing to communicate the rest through a lawyer and going through the legal proceedings of this fiasco. You sigh softly once you're outside. It'd gone better than you imagined. Everyone is civil, but that doesn't mean you'll simply forgive and forget. You definitely won't forget. But can you ever forgive?

“Sis?”

You turn around and see Aether. “What’s wrong?”

“I was worried about you,” he says, walking up to you. “That… went better than we thought, huh?”

You smile slightly. "...Yeah, it did."

“U-um… maybe right now isn’t the right time to bring this up, but…”

“You want to ask about Alhaitham, right?”

Aether subtly nods. “What are you going to do now?”

You sigh. “I wish I have an answer for you.”

“...So, you’re still not sure?”

"I will never forget what his mother did,” you say. “And... I doubt I can forgive her. Maybe some people can, but I can’t. I have nothing against him, Aether, if that’s what you’re wondering. Alhaitham… he’s truly wonderful.”

"I think so, too," he says quietly. "Do you remember the day he came to talk to me at the hospital? The day where I almost got into trouble with those guys bothering Ayaka?"

“Yeah.”

"Well… no one has ever talked to me that seriously before. I mean… all the other 'adults' I ever talk to, they treat me like a kid, or they don't take me seriously. But, he was different."

“In other words, you felt like he was respecting you.”

Aether nods. “Yeah, he was technically giving me a lesson, but it didn’t feel… condescending, you know.”

“Are you here to convince me to get back together with him?”

“I may not be that smart, but I really can’t think of a reason why he would do this if he didn’t… love you,” Aether says, awkwardly scratching his head. “And… he gives off good vibes. I know everyone’s still pretty tense and stuff because of what’s happening, but I hope you don’t give up on him that easily.”

You put an arm around your brother. “There’s a time and place for everything. I think… for right now, it’s a little early to be thinking about that stuff. When lawyers get involved, well, there’s no room to talk about your feelings.”

“...So, I guess everyone is still on an emotional high. Even though things seem so calm right now.”

From afar, Alhaitham sees you kiss your brother’s head. He’d been debating whether to approach you and ultimately decides against it.

"...You aren't going to talk to her?" Alhaitham turns and sees his grandfather looking in your direction. "She's a strong lady."

Alhaitham subtly smiles. “...Yes, she is.”

His grandfather turns to him. “Are you just going to let this be? What if she misunderstands your silence?”

“...There are other ways to show that I’m thinking about her. I know she has a lot to think about.”

“What if her decision isn’t what you’re hoping for?”

“I’ll respect whatever decision she makes,” Alhaitham says. “...Even if we end up going our separate ways, I will always cheer her on from afar.”

His grandfather nods with a subtle smile. “Since when did you become so grown up, Haitham?”

“Perhaps it was when you appointed me as CEO.”

His grandfather laughs. “Well, maybe I should put you in these positions more often then.”

“...No, thank you.”

You and Aether are about to walk back to your mother's car when you see Alhaitham with his grandfather, who's laughing at something. As if he knows you're looking his way, Alhaitham turns slightly, his eyes meeting yours. Your stares linger for a little too long until you look away.

◆◆◆

When Zhongli's wedding comes around, your mother is still dealing with the legal proceedings. You've been keeping a close eye on her, ensuring she isn't losing sleep over this. You've also been paying close attention to how everything unfolds. You aren't going to show any mercy. So far, things are going well, which makes bumping into Alhaitham a little easier.

Before Zhongli's wedding, you happen to meet Alhaitham a couple of times.

The first time is at the company, days after the meeting with your families.

You are walking down the hallway when he turns the corner. The two of you look a little surprised but actively decide not to ignore each other.

“...How have you been?” he asks.

“I’ve… been sleeping better,” you say with a little smile. “How have you been? Besides, you know, drowning in meetings probably.”

Alhaitham smiles slightly. "I've gotten used to it." Then, with a look of concern in his eyes, he asks, "...You haven't been sleeping well?"

"It's probably the humidity."

Both of you know the real reason.

"...Well, you aren't alone. It's only recently I started sleeping a little better, too." Then, Alhaitham notices something in your hair. He slightly raises a hand and looks you in the eyes. "...There's something in your hair. May I?" Your heart suddenly races as you subtly nod. He reaches over and takes the tiny leaf.

Suddenly, you hear someone call your name. You look past Alhaitham and see one of your colleagues.

“I, um, I should go,” you say.

Alhaitham nods and slightly turns to watch you leave.

The second time you bump into Alhaitham is at the grocery store near your apartment.

You see him in one of the aisles, and it's cute how seriously he's looking at the two snack brands in his hands.

“...Need a second opinion?” you ask. Alhaitham looks surprised to see you beside him. You point to the one in his left hand. “This one tastes better.”

Alhaitham puts the other back on the shelf. “I’ll take your word for it.” Then, he looks back at you. “I didn’t know you liked these.”

“Blame Nari. He got me addicted.”

Before Alhaitham can stop himself, he leans slightly closer. "Hm… Is that why you look… a little different?"

“Are you... Are you calling me fat?”

“I never said that.”

You frown. “Well, that’s what you were insinuating.”

“Would you like me to be honest?”

“...I’m prepared.”

Then, Alhaitham looks you straight in the eyes and says, “You got prettier.”

You're prepared, but not for that. You almost drop the snacks you're holding. “I… that’s… well, of course, I did.”

Alhaitham chuckles as you blush. That’s when you notice the small bag of catnip in his basket.

"...Is that catnip?" you ask. Alhaitham looks at his basket and moves something on top. You eye him suspiciously. "Are you… taking that daily?"

“No…”

“You’re lying,” you deadpan.

“I wouldn’t lie to you.”

You hold his stare for a little too long.

“...It’s been helping me sleep,” Alhaitham admits. “But I don't take it every day.”

You reach into your basket and grab the honey lemon tea bags. Then, you hold it out to him. “...Try this. It's been helping me.”

Alhaitham takes it from you. As he did, his fingers brush against yours, and you feel a sudden, brief adrenaline rush throughout your body. Good Lord. What was that? Did he feel it, too?

“...I’ll try it tonight.”

“Um… tell me how it goes.”

“...Is that permission for me to text you?”

This time, he holds your stare for a little too long.

You and Alhaitham haven't texted in a long while. Though neither of you said not to, it's like an unspoken rule.

“...Well, I’d like to know that the person I care about isn’t getting addicted to anything.”

“Catnip isn’t bad for cats,” Alhaitham says. He almost puts his hand on your cheek. “...You don’t have to worry. But, I’ll take your answer as a yes unless otherwise.”

"Glad to know you can read between the lines, Catman."

You and Alhaitham look at each other, unable to hold back a smile.

The third time you bump into Alhaitham is at Zhongli's wedding.

You're wearing a light pastel pink suit. The blazer is unbuttoned, revealing a white, low-cut top inside. It's one of Candace's designs, and as soon as you tried it on, you loved it.

The last person you're expecting to see is Alhaitham. His hair is slicked back, and he's wearing a red dress shirt with a black blazer and pants. When he sees you, you turn and sip the wine in your glass... as if you hadn't been checking him out.

That’s when Childe and Ayato walk up to you.

"Why am I not surprised to see you in a suit?" Childe asks.

You give them each a hug. “You clean up well, Childe,” you joke, looking at his dark blue suit.

You kept Childe and Ayato in the loop about what’s been happening with Alhaitham. You gave Lumine permission to get Childe up to speed, and Childe also called to check up on you. You gave Ayato a rundown when you saw him earlier today.

“Small world, huh?” Childe asks, looking past you. You look over your shoulder and see Alhaitham with his hand in a pocket and talking with Zhongli and Kaveh. “They’re old friends. Can you believe it?”

You turn back and sigh softly. “I… somehow don’t like that phrase anymore. The world is too small.”

“Still, I think it’s healthy the way you two are handling it,” Ayato says.

You finish the rest of your wine. “I’d like to hear about you two.” Then, you look at Childe. “...How’s your mom?”

Childe smiles. “She’s getting better. I… also had a talk with them.”

“It sounds like things went well,” Ayato says.

“...You think the company is doing me dirty?” Childe asked.

"You're my son, Childe," his mother said. "I've always known you were interested in the Creative Arts."

“...Then… shouldn’t you encourage me? Why—”

"We wanted you to keep it as a hobby," his father interrupted. "We had no reason to take what you enjoy away. But, things are different when money is involved.”

“So… you thought that I would get the short end of the stick? I always thought you looked down on creatives.”

“We would never support someone going into that kind of industry,” his father said. “We don’t look down on the person. It’s the industry.”

Childe sighed. “...I mean… yes, everything is still dependent upon numbers. But…”

“...But?” When Childe said nothing, his mother continued, “We didn’t understand why your company was still assigning you to write commercial scripts. You deserve better, Childe.”

How was he going to break it to them that was not the case?

“That’s why your mother wanted you to come back,” his father said. “I know people who will give you better assignments.”

“...Before I came, my manager asked me the same question,” Childe said. His father and mother looked at each other. “He asked if I wanted to take up something more difficult.”

“What did you say?”

“I… I said I was comfortable with what I’m doing.”

His father sighed loudly. “...So, the problem was with you all along.”

“I—”

“It’s true I’ve always wanted you to go into business. If that’s not what you want, fine. But ever since you took this career path you chose for yourself, you’ve been stuck doing the same thing. Isn’t writing something you’ve always been interested in? Then, why are you not taking challenges? If I forced this upon you, then it would be my fault. But you’re destroying yourself.”

Childe’s mother took her husband’s hand. “You’re being a little too harsh on him.”

“I’m saying what needs to be said.”

“...Do you want to know the reason?” Childe asked quietly.

Once Childe finishes his story, you’re in complete shock. You’ve known him for so long, yet you never knew about his inferiority complex towards you. He has always shown support and happiness toward your achievements.

“...I called my manager a few days ago,” Childe says. “I told him I want to be part of the writing team that’s adapting that Webtoon for the small screen. It may not be my story… but it’s a start.”

Ayato smiles at him. “Everyone starts somewhere.”

"Gosh. It's not just Signora I need to watch out for now," you say. You smile at Childe. "I have a new rival."

“Is that sarcasm?” Childe asks.

“No! I’m genuinely happy for you, Childe. Healthy rivalry helps both people grow.”

“Hey, what are we talkin’ about over here?”

You look past your friends and see Tighnari and Cyno.

“Hm… I guess we can say we’re celebrating some new beginnings,” you say.

Ayato smiles. “That’s one way to put it.”

Cyno and Tighnari smile at each other. “Well, can we join in?”

“That depends,” Childe jokes. “What are you two celebrating?”

“...I came out to my parents,” Cyno says. He looks at Tighnari. “I formally introduced him the other day.”

“That definitely needs a toast,” you say. “Congrats!”

From afar, Alhaitham sees you chatting with Ayato and Childe. When he saw you in that suit earlier, he couldn't look away. You look absolutely breathtaking. The three of you are laughing about something until Cyno and Tighnari join the conversation. Soon, Aether, Ayaka, and Lumine also come around, and the group clinks their glasses together as if celebrating something.

“How long have you known her?”

Alhaitham looks at Zhongli. “...Who?”

Zhongli nods toward you. “I see the way you look at her. Is… there something going on?”

“It’s complicated,” Kaveh answers.

“...That’s one way to put it,” Alhaitham says.

“How do you know her, by the way?” Kaveh asks.

“She was my junior in university,” Guizhong, Zhongli’s wife, says, coming up to the group. She stands beside her husband.

Zhongli nods. “I met her through my wife.”

“Junior?” Kaveh asks. “But didn’t you study Law?”

“She was the one who wrote the script for the faculty promotional video,” Guizhong says. “I was a volunteer for the production team.”

“She’s talented from what I hear,” Zhongli says.

Guizhong smiles. “Yes. I told you she won the award for Best Screenwriter at the Best Hit Awards.”

“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry!”

Everyone turns and sees you looking down at your ruined blouse. A man with white spiked hair looks horrified at what just happened.

A woman with green hair tied into a ponytail quickly comes up to you. “Are you all right?" She quickly pulls out a handkerchief. "I apologize for this. He wasn’t watching where he was going.”

Just when you take the handkerchief, Guizhong quickly walks up to you. “I have something you can change into."

You give Guizhong a little smile. “Thanks. That would help.”

As you walk away with her, the woman with the ponytail says, "It's time for you to stop drinking, Boss."

Eventually, Guizhong leads you into a vacant room at the back of the wedding venue. She hands you a bag, and you see a light pink summer dress inside.

“I hope this will do.”

You take it from her. “I’ll take pretty much anything right now.”

“Let me know if you need anything.”

Then, you walk inside the room and lock the door behind you. You change out of your dirty clothes and into Guizhong's dress. Except, the only problem is that you can't get the zipper to zip. After trying multiple times, you sigh and slightly open the door. You peek outside, hoping to see Guizhong or someone—

Your eyes widen. “Haitham?”

Alhaitham is leaning against the opposite wall. He looks at you, a little surprised.

“What are you doing here?” you ask.

Alhaitham just came out of the washroom when he bumped into Guizhong.

“Oh, Haitham, good timing,” she said, smiling. “Could you do me a favour?”

“A favour?”

“I have to give a speech, but she’s at the back changing into clothes I got her. Could you check on her and see if she needs anything?”

Alhaitham nodded.

“Is something wrong?” Alhaitham asks.

“...Um… well… promise not to laugh?”

Alhaitham raises a brow. “Okay.”

“The zipper won’t zip.” Alhaitham almost chuckles, and you catch that little smile. “You said you wouldn’t laugh,” you deadpan.

“Perhaps it’s the snacks.”

You frown. “Since when did you become a comedian?”

“...If you don’t mind, I could help.”

You look around and sigh. It doesn’t look like you have a choice. So, you let Alhaitham inside. He closes the door behind him. You’re standing in front of a mirror, holding the dress, when he walks up behind you.

You feel one of his hands on your bare shoulder, and you tense up.

"...Relax," he says softly, and your eyes widen.

Soon, you feel the dress tightening as he zips you up from the back. You almost jump in surprise when you feel one of his hands on top of the one that’s holding your dress together.

“...You’re not holding it tight enough,” he says quietly.

You try holding it a little tighter. "How's this?"

You feel him try again, and your face turns red. This is so embarrassing.

"May I?"

“Ah… yeah…”

You slowly let go, allowing yourself to focus on Alhaitham in the mirror as he zips you up. Then, he moves his hands away from you and says, "...All done."

That’s when his eyes meet yours in the mirror, and he smiles. You turn around, and your breath catches in your throat when you see how close he is. You stare at each other, the silence teeming with unspoken messages. When he slowly moves his hand behind your head, your eyes move to his lips.

“...I don't think I can ever let you go.”

You slowly look back up. It's the first time you've seen such a rollercoaster of emotions in his eyes. Sadness. Happiness. Love. Desire. Warmth. It's as if he's spiralling out of control.

“...If you don’t push me away”—Alhaitham leans closer—”I’m going to kiss you.”

There’s no turning back now.

You grab his shirt collar and pull him towards you until your mouth is on his.

Your mind goes blank as your emotions take the reigns. One kiss after another makes you lose all sense of time and space, drowning you in an intense wave where you almost forget to breathe. Nothing could’ve prepared you for this moment where it’s just you and him pouring raw emotions into a kiss that speaks volumes. You're revelling in this fire that only Alhaitham can spark.

Your hands are in his hair, pulling him closer. His hand runs down your back; his body flush against yours. The kiss twists. It turns. And, slowly, as it comes down from its high, it burns and melds until it feels like gold.

You’re the first to break away. Your face is red and your lips are burning as reality starts to hit. You stare at each other, and you can see that Alhaitham is also grappling with his emotions.

Before neither of you can say anything, you hear a knock at the door.

“Sis?”

“Don’t tell me Haitham is in there with you!”

It’s your brother and Kaveh. You and Alhaitham look at each other. When the knock comes again, you quickly compose yourself and open the door.

“Sis!”

Aether and Kaveh look at each other. “Why are you calling my sister Sis?” your brother asks.

“Take a guess, kid.” Then, Kaveh notices Alhaitham. “Haitham!” Kaveh looks back at you and smiles. “So… you two were together.”

“It’s not like that,” you say quietly.

Aether and Kaveh look at each other, their expressions mimicking each other's. Of course, they doubt you. You're doubting yourself.

Alhaitham comes up behind you. “...She needed help.”

“Help?” Aether asks, raising a brow. “With what?”

You clear your throat and walk out of the room. “It’s nothing. Did you need something?”

“You and Haitham were gone for a while, so we came to check up on you,” Kaveh says. “Guizhong told us where you were. Don’t tell me we… interrupted something.”

Aether gasps. “Sis! We’re at someone’s wedding!”

Your face instantly turns red. “It wasn’t like that!” Then, you sigh. “Let’s go.”

Before Aether can say anything else, you put your hands on his shoulders, spin him around, and refuse to answer more questions.

Kaveh looks at Alhaitham. “It’s not like you to get so caught up in your emotions.” When Alhaitham doesn’t respond, his ex-roommate smiles. “But… it feels good, right?”

It didn’t just feel good. It was euphoric.

“Did it feel better than catnip?” Kaveh jokes.

Before Alhaitham can stop himself, he says, “She’s my catnip.”

Kaveh laughs and Alhaitham groans softly, knowing he'll never hear the end of this.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

End notes: There are only 1-2 chapters of this left... o_o. Even I'm a little surprised LOL... The next chapter may be the last chapter, depending on how things go. Let's see...

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moonmeg · 2 years

Text

The confession to Cat's parents could've been an individual comic but I quite frankly didn't want to make it one because it would've been a multiple parter again and time consuming so... what does an artist do when they don't want to draw something out? Write it out.

At least attempt to. I really wouldn't call myself a writer despite any positive feedback I got or get lol

Anyway, have fun reading ig

"Human! That... that sure is news.", Mr. Clawthorne rubbed his forehead perplexed.

Just yesterday he thought Caleb and his brother, who both were living in his house for months were a special kind of witches. However, Caleb had just revealed to him and Mrs. Clawthorne that it was a lie.

Mrs. Clawthorne, sitting next to her husband, held her hand to her mouth. She stared at Caleb in disbelief.

The young blonde man sat on a cushioned stool in front of them. His head hung low in shame and he was fidgeting with his hands. He was unable to look the Clawthornes in their eyes, similar to how the night before he avoided his fiancée's eyes and was still having trouble with that. He was never a person to lie for this exact reason. He hated disappointed and shocked looks of those he cares about. He hated hurting people, regardless in what way. With his lie he hurt the people that were ready to accept him into their family, the people that actually cared about him.

"I'm more shocked about the witch hunter news...", Mrs. Clawthorne said, keeping her stare of disbelief.

"You have every right to be, Mrs. Clawthorne. Believe me when I say I dispise myself for what I once was. But I assure you I'm not here as witch hunter any longer. I don't intend any harm! I've changed. With every new day I spent here in the demon realm I realized more and more that we humans are wrong. We're wrong about witches and magic. I was wrong about witches and magic. You are good people. I'd go as far as to say you're better people than humans could ever be. At least the humans I know. I've never met more kind people with such hospitality and... if I'm honest I lost the feeling of home towards the human realm. Ever since you took us in and the more time I spent with you, the Boiling Isles feel more like home to me than earth ever did.", Caleb looked at the married couple with guilt and regret written all over his expression. His vision slowly started to blur again.

Catherine noticed her betrothed's eyes becoming glassy again and his emotional state worsening like the night before on the porch. Wordlessly she reached for his hand and gave it a light squeeze to reassure him he's not alone. Everything will be alright, she knew.

Caleb paused and took a deep breath to gather himself again. "I know I hurt and upset you with my lie. I know you will need time to process all this. And I'm sorry for what I've done.", he continued with a lightly shaking voice.

The faces of madness and hurt on the Clawthornes' eased a little but never truly disappeared throughout this conversation.

"I... I ask for your forgiveness.", Caleb looked at the couple before his sight fell to the floor, searching for a point to focus on, without success. "I understand if you can't do that though. And I understand if you take your blessings back. I understand if you don't want me or can't have me as your son-in-law now. Even if Catherine and I kept the engagement, if you do not want her to marry someone with such past, possibly even start family of her own with someone like that... I understand and I won't go against your decision. I'll leave and will never bother you or Catherine again.", he let his head hang again. He loved Catherine and he wanted to be with her. He wanted to be her husband, he wanted a family with her, be by her side for now and eternity. The possibility of actually breaking off the engagement and losing the woman he loves was a painful and heartbreaking thought to him.

Catherine gave him a pitying look, tightened her hold on his hand and placed her other hand on top, slowly caressing her thumb over his knuckles and the back of his hand.

"Let's not get that radical, Caleb.", Mrs. Clawthorne tried to take away Caleb's fears with her reply.

The room was silent as Silvia paused and carefully watched Caleb's reactions. Despite how angry she was about the lie, he grew on to her and she did not want to hurt him now.

After a sigh she continued with a steady voice that had a serious and mad undertone: 'I think I speak for the both of us if I say that we're mad. Very mad. The fact two witch hunters lived in our house is... shocking is not even nearly describing it. I hope you know that this story, this lie, has damaged our trust in you. You will have to regain it and you will not marry Cathy until it's regained and we've processed this whole thing."

Caleb gave a little nod, still not truly able to look the Clawthornes in thwir eyes. Of course they wouldn't just forgive and trust him again.

"But, you also have our respect and gratitude. You could have continued to live this lie. But instead you chose to tell the truth, even if it could bring harsh consequences. Telling the truth requires courage and strength, it's not easy and it tends to be painful. You have our respect for that."

Caleb scoffed.

"It's the bare minimum. Don't praise or respect me for that."

He turned his head away. Catherine looked at her parents. A look that told them just how much she still loved that man and how much it hurts her seeing him like that. A look that pleaded them to not be too harsh on him and not yell at him. He didn't need two more people rubbing his mistakes in his face, when he already kept reminding himself of those and being angry with himself.

"We'll need time. We'll need time and a little distance. You can keep living here but don't expect the treatment you got before to continue immediately.", Mr. Clawthorne informed Caleb calmly, following his daughter's silent request.

"I'm not expecting it to, Sir. And like I said...", Caleb stopped and turned his head back, looking at his hand that Catherine firmly held, "if you don't approve of me and the marriage anymore-"

"We still approve of you and the marriage.", Mrs. Clawthorne interrupted before Caleb could finish, "You have a good heart. You're not a bad person and we know you won't deliberately hurt Catherine or anyone for that matter. We believe you that you've changed, and that you regret and dispise your past. But just like Andrew said...", Mrs. Clawthorne paused to reach for her husband's hand.

"You'll need time to process the situation.", Caleb repeated, "And you shall take all the time you need. And I will do anything required to regain your broken trust. Whatever it is! The fact alone that you are willing to give me a second chance... is more than I ever expected or could have asked for. You're too kind to me."

He lifted his face again to look at the Clawthornes. Their reaction to hus confession was so unusual to him and so unexpected that he didn't know how to handle this situation himself. Overwhelmed by the Clawthornes' and Catherine's understanding and willingness to forgive him, he noticed his vision blurring once again due to the tears forming in his eyes.

"Thank you. Truly.", he said in almost a whisper. Just loud enough to be audible to his future parents-in-law.

#tdaac #tdaac moonmeg #caline megpeggs #toh #the owl house #catherine clawthorne #catherine megpeggs #caleb wittebane #toh oc #toh fanart #toh spoilers #the owl house oc #the owl house fanart #the owl house spoilers

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duhdumb89 · 5 months

Text

A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 25

"Why is Jiayi spending so much time with Royal Grandmother?" Asked Yiqiang.

"Aiyo, what's that face for?" Asked Xiang gui ren, wiggling their clasped hands, "You're always complaining about Jiayi and ordering her around. Now that she's someone else's problem, you're jealous?"

"I'm not jealous! But Pi'er and Molan are too short and can't get kites into the air like Jiayi. And Bolin can't climb trees or catch frogs like Jiayi. I'm bored,"

Huahuan tugged on Xiang gui ren's other hand, "Xiang niangniang, wouldn't it be nice to see something at the Hall of Pleasant Sounds?"

Xiang gui ren glanced at her. It was like Yiqiang's voice went in one ear and out the other.

"It would be nice," she said before turning to back Yiqiang, "The Empress Dowager is giving Jiayi the honor to paint her portrait,"

Yiqiang's eyes furrowed, "But it only took Jiayi a few days for each of our portraits,"

"I've heard that the troupe just learned Peony Pavilion," said Huahuan, "We should ask if Royal Father wants to see it with us,"

"Huahuan, Xiang niangniang is talking to Yiqiang. Behave yourself," said De gui fei.

"Oh," Huahuan craned her head to the side and finally noticed her little brother.

De gui fei gave Xiang gui ren a worried smile. She couldn't ignore how Huahuan treated Yiqiang either. Xiang gui ren didn't know if it was better or worse that Huahuan wasn't malicious in her behavior. It was like Yiqiang was a painting or a servant. It never crossed Huahuan's mind that Yiqiang was a person, let alone her brother.

"Her Highness wants the sort of portrait you hang in the halls of the ancestors. It'll take some time," said Xiang gui ren.

"Oh," Yiqiang said as his shoulders slumped.

"Don't worry," said Molan, squeezing Yiqiang's shoulder, "Jiejie will be done in no time,"

"Meimei," De gui fei began after Huahuan and Yiqiang had gone to their lessons for the day, "I–"

"Don't apologize, jiejie,"

"No, I have to. Seeing Yiqiang, I'm filled with guilt. Even if I never said a word against him when Shu pin, I'm not better than those maids who let him get so sick. That's why Huahuan is treating him like this,"

"Jiejie," said Xiang gui ren, grabbing De gui fei's hand, "How much could you do? I heard His Majesty was so furious about that Shu pin person. You couldn't read minds. Who could've imagined how bold Yiqiang's old servants could be?"

De gui fei didn't look reassured by her words. Poor jiejie. There was always too much going on in that head of hers.

"Ow!" Xiang gui ren feigned pain and clutched the smooth ridges of the scar on her face.

De gui fei crowded close, "What's wrong? Are you hurt? I thought the doctors said you were in perfect health?"

Xiang gui ren tweaked De gui fei's nose and laughed at her outraged gasp.

"I said not to worry, and all you do is worry! Aiyo, where is the gracious, virtuous goddess the gugu described so long ago?"

De gui fei's ears blushed, and she hurried away.

"Jiejie! I was joking!" Xiang gui ren said, running after her.

De gui fei wouldn't look at her but didn't shake her off when Xiang gui ren held her hand again. Molan picked up Thunder as a mass of servants with carts of construction materials bowed to them.

"What's all that for?" Asked Xiang gui ren.

"It's that time of year for Shoukanggong* repairs," replied De gui fei.

"Shoukanggong?" Echoed Xiang gui ren, "Won't that disturb the other dowagers?"

"There aren't any other dowagers in the Forbidden City,"

"Didn't the late Emperor continue the selections until his death? All those girls couldn't have possibly died, "

"No," said De gui fei, "They exist, just not here. After the late Emperor's death, The Empress Dowager was...kind and let the other dowagers leave the forbidden city and live with their sons and daughters,"

"What if they had no children?"

"They live in the summer palace, or they were sent to temples,"

"That's allowed?"

"It wasn't, but The Empress Dowager has enough connections in court that it became allowed,"

Xiang gui ren snorted, "What? Does she think they'd form an army against her?"

De gui fei leaned in, "The Empress Dowager didn't make many friends on her journey to where she is today. Peace would not come easy with the other dowagers here,"

Serves the old bat right. What right did that old bitch have to be peaceful with how she was tormenting Jiayi? Jiayi returned from The Empress Dowager's palace stiff and drawn tight with tension each day. She refused to say anything about what The Empress Dowager was doing to her, only mumbling about the honor she was given.

"The Empress Dowager is The Empress Dowager," said Xiang gui ren, mouth sour, "What could anyone do to her?"

"Someone like Dowager Noble Consort Ling? It–" De gui fei covered her mouth, "It's not good to speak about that,"

Dowager Noble Consort Ling? The Empress Dowager feared her so much that she cast her out of the Forbidden City? That was interesting.

De gui fei's face turned grave, "Meimei, there's something I need to talk to you about, privately,"

---

The surge of emotion that swirled through Xiang gui ren was hard to decipher. Did she want to laugh or cry? Maybe both?

"Jiejie, you're mistaken," she said in the privacy of De gui fei's rooms, "Jiayi could never be His Majesty's concubine,"

"It's no mistake. Ever since that first night, I've had people watching her. The Empress Dowager is telling her how she'll support Jiayi's family when she becomes a concubine and how quickly she can rise through the ranks with her talents. The Empress Dowager is plying her with gifts and silks,"

Xiang gui ren threw up her hands, "So what if she's doing all these things? Jiayi would never become His Majesty's woman. She can barely stand the sight of him,"

De gui fei pursed her lips, "Meimei, you're lucky. You fell in love with His Majesty, and he brought you here to live our the rest of your days. The rest of us? We're our family's greatest hope. Each maid and eunuch here is living for their parents and for their brothers and sisters. Even if Jiayi wants no part of The Emperor, how can she say no when she has the chance to do so much for her family?"

"Even if Jiayi wanted to do this, why would His Majesty bother with her?"

"The Empress Dowager has timed His Majesty's visits during her painting sessions. His Majesty isn't a fool. He knows what The Empress Dowager is doing,"

Xiang gui ren bit her lip. This was bad. How would Jiayi live as His Majesty's concubine? What would she do when he flipped her tag? Jiayi would spend the rest of her days suffering for her family, crushed under a man who made her skin crawl. It was barbaric. It was the sort of thing she thought she left behind at the brothel.

Xiang gui ren couldn't let it happen.

However...

Maybe Jiayi only hated His Majesty because she didn't know him the way Xiang gui ren knew him. It wouldn't be so bad then, would it? She wouldn't have such a hard time. If Jiayi made the right moves then His Majesty would treat her well. Jiayi would be a good mother, too. It wouldn't be all bad. They could still be close.

Xiang gui ren put Thunder in her lap and pet the dog's wrinkly little face, "Let's say–let's say Jiayi has become a concubine. If it made her happy, would it be that bad?"

"Have you lost your mind?" De gui fei whispered, "Of course, it would be bad. The Empress Dowager is Shen huang gui fei's most powerful backer. She'll steal Jiayi away from you in a second,"

"What does Shen huang gui fei have to do with any of this?"

Xiang gui ren felt dread pool in her stomach as De gui fei revealed Shen huang gui fei's true face. Xiang gui ren knew that the other woman wasn't honest with her intentions but, she could never have imagined what a murderous snake she was.

"The Empress knows about this and says I shouldn't involve myself, but what good will that do?" said De gui fei, "His Majesty left Huabao in Mongolia. Of course, Shen huang gui fei will feel slighted. There's no telling how soon Jiayi will turn into another Wang Rong, if we let things go too far,"

Shen huang gui fei was going to turn Jiayi into another Jiang pin? Jiayi didn't have a jealous bone in her body. Besides her paints, Jiayi readily gave away almost everything. Jiayi made Thunder several little jackets out of the silks she was given on her birthday. If Pie'er even glanced at a piece of food, Jiayi would relinquish the whole plate. But what would happen if Jiayi was pushed too far? If her family was threatened? Would she decide that eliminating her former mistress was an end to her means?

---

While it felt like Jiayi had spent an eternity in The Empress Dowager's presence, each day felt as hard as the first. The Empress never stopped mentioning and updating her on Wei Jiayi's family. She'd even threatened to send Jiayi home to visit them for the new year. It was only through sheer force of will that her hands kept steady for The Empress Dowager's portrait. Jiayi spent every second in that palace waiting for the other shoe to drop. The ink sticks that Jiayi was using were like nothing she'd ever seen before. It was too bad she was never in the mood to appreciate them.

Jiayi's mood blackened further when The Emperor stopped by which was happening more often than not. Jerjer gugu or The Empress Dowager were always finding something fascinating in the painting that His Majesty just had to see up close. Jiayi's shoulders ached with how hard she forced herself not to lean away when the man hovered over her shoulder. When The Empress Dowager concluded the sessions, she would give Jiayi an incredibly decadent piece of jewelry. A ring, another bangle, earrings, what have it. Each day, The Empress Dowager personally pressed them into Jiayi's hands.

Today, it was a gold ring with a piece of imperial jade the size of a quail's egg. The ring band was so covered in kingfisher feather's it almost looked completely blue. Jiayi slipped the ring off her finger. She walked to the same alcove Prince Han caught her with The Empress Dowager's first gift many weeks ago. These days, Prince Han was usually there, waiting for her. Each time, Prince Han would look at The Empress Dowager's gift and say it was inappropriate for a maid of such low standing to have and relieve her of it. Jiayi didn't know when it happened, but she found herself looking forward to it the most.

At the start, all Jiayi could do was thank him and return to Xiang gui ren as quickly as possible. As the days went on, her and Prince Han's conversations became longer and longer. Prince Han asked after Xiang gui ren and Yiqiang and Jiayi asked after Prince Han's health. Soon, the conversations became less stilted, less polite, and more filled with quiet smiles.

Jiayi knew men and women weren't supposed to be alone like this, but Sang'er was there, so they weren't doing anything wrong. Prince Han was her friend. She stared down at the ring and smiled. Jiayi wondered what Prince Han would say about it.

"Uglier than usual,"

"Matches the original owner perfectly, don't you think?"

A shadow stretched over the corner. Jaiyi's heart began to race.

"Jiayi!"

Sixth Prince shot around the corner and barreled into Jiayi's legs, Prince Han behind him. Sang'er struggled to hold an excited Thunder in his hands, who eventually squirmed away and began to paw at Jiayi's skirts.

"Sixth Prince, what are you doing here?"

Sang'er tightened his grip on the kites and toys in his hands, "Sixth Prince missed you so much that Xiang gui ren asked that Prince Han bring him to you to fly kites in the Imperial Garden,"

"I didn't miss her!" Sixth Prince said, glaring at Sang'er, "Only Jiayi knows how to get the kites out from the trees. And I wanted to show you all the tricks that Thunder learned,"

"Sixth Prince I–"

"Xiang niangniang already said you could!" Sixth Prince interrupted.

Jiayi smiled and fixed the collar of his cape, "Alright,"

Sixth Prince yelped as Thunder nipped at his ankles before running off.

"Little rat!" He said, scampering after her.

"Sixth Prince!" Sang'er yelled, running behind him, "Be careful! Slow down!"

Prince Han didn't spare her a glance and walked past her. Any manner of servant could see them, so it was only proper that Prince Han walk in front of her and that Jiayi trail after him, head bowed. It did sting a bit.

"No reward today?"

Jiayi caught Prince Han's eye as he snuck a glance at her.

"A ring," she whispered, "Heavy enough to break your finger,"

"Let me see,"

Jiayi smothered her smile and pressed the ring in the open hand behind Prince Han's back when the coast was clear. Her cheeks tingled as their fingers touched.

---

Jiayi's cheeks were still sore from smiling late into the night. Prince Han was in fine form that afternoon, wrestling and running after Sixth Prince, who was tucked away in bed. Jiayi's mood was even more brightened by the fact that it was mid-month, so she was free of The Emperor's presence for the night.

As the nights grew colder, Xiang gui ren spent evenings in De gui fei's rooms. The Emperor favored Xiang gui ren but found it too far to give her the same long burning coals that higher-ranked mistresses were granted. Jiayi set down a fresh cup of tea by De gui fei and then Xiang gui ren's elbow.

"Your Highness, mistress, won't you have some tea to warm your hands?"

De gui fei glanced up at her, a peculiar look in her eye.

Xiang gui ren sighed and slapped her cards on the table, "I might as well. Jiejie is too good at this game. Lucky for me, we were playing for fun. One wrong move, and I'd have to wear your clothes back to my room!"

She took a big gulp and hummed, "That reminds me! Hupo," Xiang gui ren said, calling for De gui fei's maid, "Bring the list jiejie and I were working on today,"

"Withdraw," ordered De gui fei after taking the papers.

"Now," said Xiang gui ren, leaning over De gui fei's shoulder, "What do you think of Ying as in clever, as a name?"

Jiayi blinked when she realized Xiang gui ren was talking to her, "Ying? It's very pretty,"

"Qiao would fit her better, in my opinion," De gui fei said, her voice brittle.

Xiang gui ren scrunched her nose up, "No, no, no! Aspiring? I don't like it. I want something prettier for Jiayi,"

"For me?" Said Jiayi.

Did one of The Emperor's new women share a name with her? Jiayi would've preferred to be called A'Yi, instead of being called something completely new, but she hadn't much choice.

"Of course for you! His Majesty will probably have the Department of Internal Affairs pick a name for you, but they have no taste. Jiejie and I will pick something lovely and tell His Majesty for you,"

Jiayi was becoming increasingly confused with each sentence that came out of her mistress' mouth. Why would The Emperor or the Department of Internal Affairs have anything to do with her new name?

De gui fei picked up her tea, "I told meimei that first-class attendants aren't given honorary titles, but she was just so happy for you,"

"I don't understand what you mean, Your Highness," said Jiayi.

Xiang gui ren laughed, "Look at her still playing dumb! Jiayi, we already know. His Majesty is planning to make you his woman,"

–––––––– * Palace of Longevity and Good Health

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inkandpen22 · 3 years

Text

Chaotic as The Sea (4/?)

Pairing: Jack Sparrow x Female!Reader

Warning: none

Word Count: 3k

Part Summary: The threat of Blackbeard is taking a toll on Y/N and Jack. In order to stop him and protect Jack, Y/N starts to consider options she would’ve never before...

Masterlist

Y/N

I sit on the stairs leading up to the top deck with my head in my hands. He'll come after us, Blackbeard won't stop until he has what he wants.

“Did you see Elizabeth?”

I lift my head and my eyes fall on a distressed Will. “I was immediately brought to the captain.”

“Was she on deck? Downstairs?” He rushes out.

“I didn’t see her, I'm sorry," I offer him genuinely.

“Did you even try to look for her?” He barks.

Jack appears beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “She was in the office, Mate.”

“We’ll find her, Will!” I try to reassure him. "I'll do everything I can to help."

“It’s been weeks!” He huffs, growing anxious.

I take his hand in mine comfortingly. “He wouldn’t hurt her.”

His eyes narrow. “How would you know?”

“I know him. Okay? It’ll be okay." I smile weakly.

Will sends me a similar expression with a brief nod. He turns to walk away and his hand slipping from mine.

Jack lingers, watching the boy walk away defeated.

I sigh, allowing my head to rest in my hands again. “I should’ve done more.”

Jack settles down next to me, bringing a hand to rub up and down my back. “You didn’t have much a choice, Love. He had you stuck.”

I huff, lifting my head to scan the deck. “I feel responsible somehow. I could've done more. I should've done more.”

Jack brings his hand to my cheek, guiding me to look at him. "Don't okay? Don’t take that on." He shakes his head. “You brought us so close to the Fountain of Youth. Put yourself in danger for a girl you don't even know. You’ve done more in saving Elizabeth than any of us.”

I nod faintly, still not fully convinced, but content for now. Jack wraps his arm around me, bringing me in to rest my head on his shoulder. For a moment, my eyes fall shut and I relax for the first time in days. He's a security blanket, guaranteeing to keep me safe. Then, an idea crosses my mind, a thought I wish hadn't.

My eyes flicker open and I debate whether I should voice my thought. Then, I comprehend it's for the best. “You think he’s after me, don’t you..." I whisper.

Jack tenses up around me. “It’s crossed my mind,” he confesses softly.

“But why?” I lift my head to meet his gaze, our faces inches apart.

“You’re an asset. He’s seen what you can do and wants to use it to his advantage.”

“But why now?” I question with furrowed brows. "Why not five years ago or when we met? He had every chance!" I can feel the panic starting to set in.

“Same as me he didn’t know where you’ve been hiding out the last five years. He knew that the compass would lead me to you and so all he had to do was follow." Jack caresses my cheek with gentle eyes. "I’m so sorry, Love.”

“Then I’ll just go back into hiding then!” I determine.

“No!" He pleads. "I’m not losing you again!”

"He won't stop, Jack." I try to reason with him. "Not until he has me..."

It's a difficult truth we both know. Blackbeard isn't a new enemy to us. We understand how he works. He must have the world and even that isn't enough.

"I won't let him have you, Y/N... not in a million years. We'll sail the world if we must," he promises before leaning in and planting a kiss on my forehead.

___________________________________

The atmosphere is dark and heavy. I can hardly my pounding heart. My breathing quick.

"Try it, Y/N..." Blackbeard whispers over my shoulder as I'm suddenly standing over a table covered in candles and various relics ranging from a human skull to a snakeskin.

"I told you! I don't practice this sort of magic!" I move to leave the dark and unfamiliar room on his ship, but he grabs my forearms, pinning me in place.

"For me, you will!" He growls. "You will curse any who turns against me!" He commands and laughs wickedly. "Do it or your precious Jack Sparrow will be sent to Davy Jones's locker!"

I whip my head around, meeting his vile stare. "You wouldn't!"

"Try me," he challenges with a smirk. "Take my hand. Take my hand and I'll show you what your abilities can truly do..." he extends his arm out to me.

I stand, torn between my two choices. A part of me is curious selfishly curious about what I can do. After all, magic does have more profound results than the minor incantations and elixirs I've been creating. Yet, my grandmother's voice echoes in my mind. 'Never touch the dark. I'll pull you in and take you under until you lose yourself in it.'

"Trust me, Y/N... you are more powerful than you realize..." Blackbeard entices.

Hesitantly, I extend out my arm and slip my hand into his, perhaps this is what I've been meant to do all along?

"Y/N! Y/N! Wake up!"

I fly up from my laid position, gasping for air. A soaked Mr. Gibbs hovers over as rain pours down on both of us.

"What happened?" I ask, searching around to discover I'm on deck.

"You were sleepwalking, Miss!" He helps me up to my feet. "Nearly went over, you did!"

Sleepwalking? I haven't done that in years...

"Do you do this often? Sleepwalk, I mean." He questions.

"Only when there's danger." I start to worry as I look about for any sight of Blackbeard, perhaps it was all really in my head, but it seemed so real.

Jack

I roll over and stretch my arm, expecting for it to land on Y/N. When it doesn't, I immediately snap up. "Love?" I glance around the room and there's no sign of her. I rush out of bed and grab a candle to search for her.

Y/N

"Gibbs?"

"Yes, Miss?"

"He's after me, isn't he? Blackbeard."

His brows scrunch together. "What makes you think that?"

"My dreams. They're never wrong!" I explain, almost certain I'm right, but a piece of me is still hoping it's not true.

His features fall and he nods faintly. "That's what Captain suspects."

I knew it. Everyone believes it to be true. Everyone is sailing off to Tortuga knowing that Blackbeard is chasing us. Every day I'm on this ship is another day I put everyone here at risk. I start toward the stairs the doors that lead to Jack's office urgently.

"It'll be alright though!" He tries to reassure me. "Captain won't let anything happen to ya! He'll send the Pearl to the depths first!"

"That's what I'm afraid of..." I mutter, looking out at the night's horizon. "Don't tell Jack, okay? He'll only worry."

"Where are you going, Miss?" Gibbs questions worriedly.

"There's something I have to do!" I announce, not slowing down. "If Jack awakes, lie for me."

_____________________________________

Y/N

I stand with my palms pressed to Jack's desk, the candles acting as my sole form of light. Please, don't let this fortune be dark. I flip over the first card of the pattern.

The Magician upside down.

There are a number of things this could mean. Considering my current situation, I'm assuming the universe means ill intentions and deceit. Though, poor communication could also be a factor that would lead to the confusion the card also means.

Swiftly, I flip the next card. My heart sinks.

The High Priestess upright.

Evidently, hidden talents are to be revealed. Yet, there's a matter of mystery and spiritual insight to be noticed. This lay is far too accurate so far.

Nervously, I flip the next card.

Lovers upright.

Immediately, I slam my hands against the desk. "No, no, no, please," I beg the universe.

Perhaps one of the most gruesome cards. When upside down it can foresee a broken relationship or infidelity. A loss of a relationship.

My eyes fall shut for a moment. Please, please don't let this one be dark. Let there be some light in this.

I flip the final card over, nervously peeking at it.

Three swords upright.

"No! No! No!" I slam my fists against the table.

Again, a loss of a relationship or worse an accidental death is to be seen. There's all that can be seen in my future... deep emotional sorrow.

I scream, sliding my arms across the wood, causing the cards to scatter across the floor.

Jack

As I travel down the hallway, I hear banging coming from my office. I hold up the candle to see beneath the door, a faint glimmer peaks out from beneath it.

"Y/N?" I pop my head in and see her back to me, standing over my desk. I enter swiftly. "Love? What is it?"

She jumps, grasping at her chest. "Jack! Jesus, you scared me."

My brows scrunch together as I notice the objects scattered across the rug and the handful of candles burning in a semi-circle. "What are you doing?"

"What? Oh! Uh... Nothing, I was just... uh..." She stammers.

I approach her slowly, scanning the floor and realizing that the objects are tarot cards. "You were doing a reading." I sigh, meeting her gaze. "I told you they only make you worry."

She rolls her eyes and kneels down to begin picking them up. "I know. I just... I need answers!"

I kneel down beside her to help. "You won't get them from these cards."

"I don't know, I think they're pretty telling," she argues.

Her words only make me worry more. I reach up and touch her cheek, making her meet my gaze. "You haven't slept in days, Love"

She toss the cards from her hands with a frustrated jolt. Her hands land on her lap with a smack as she rises to her feet and away from me toward the windows. "He's following us! Don't act like you don't know that! It's the silent truth everyone's trying so desperately to ignore!"

I stand up but remain where am I to not press her. "I won't let him hurt you!"

She spins around to face me. "That's the problem! I almost wish you would toss me over to him! At least then everyone wouldn't be putting themselves at risk for my sake and Will would have Elizabeth back!"

"We'll save Elizabeth!" I promise, finally crossing the room to her. I grip her shoulders and lower myself to her level despite her looking anywhere but me. "For right now, we're doing all we can! We're returning to Tortuga and recollecting ourselves. We may lose Blackbeard on the way!" I caress her cheek. "Please Love, don't lose yourself in this madness."

"Perhaps this madness is the kick I needed to discover what I'm truly capable of," she remarks.

My eyes narrow with both worry and confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Magic, Jack... " She snickers lightly with an unfamiliar smirk. "We both know I can do more than I am."

I shake my head frantically, comprehending her meaning between the lines. I don't understand the girl standing before me right now, this isn't like her.

"No, Y/N!" I refuse, knowing this isn't really her. "You've said so yourself, there's a balance that shouldn't be tampered with! You do what you do because it helps people! Your grandmother-"

"There's good magic!" She shouts, aggravated. "There are options! If I find the right book and tools then I may have a shot at stopping this! Blackbeard is more superstitious than he cares to admit. If I can scare him enough then perhaps-"

"You'll only be feeding into what he wants..." I tell her. "He wants you because of your abilities! The more you explore and educate yourself, the more use you have to him! He'll never stop until he has you!"

Her eyes narrow with a mix of determination and wickedness. "Then I'm just going to have to cripple his power before has the chance."

"Y/N, Love..." I approach her, taking her wrists in my hands pleadingly. "This isn't you!"

She grins and there's a mischievous glimmer in her eye. "Maybe this has been me all along and it's taken this situation to trigger my true self. After all, my dreams are never wrong..."

The mention of her dreams worries me. I recall the power they have. They've predicted things before. "What do you mean?" I press, squeezing her wrists tighter between us.

She snickers, unfazed by my reaction. "Don't trouble yourself, Jack. I have it handled."

I hardly recognize the girl I'm staring at. Y/N would never consider using magic beyond healing. Even if her intentions are good, there's a fine line between White and Dark magic. I've seen the results of someone who loses control in it. I can't allow Blackbeard to manipulate Y/N into becoming his puppet.

______________________________________

Masterlist

Tags: @subwonwooagenda @starfire56 @doveygirlkay-blog @dansyberry @dansyberry @meany-marcelini @naturallyathief @oliviamae4193 @xxshoutxx @house-chase465636 @the-clint-barton @lxr1582 @m00ny-stars @lonliest-love @meandmymessyminds @jick-n0nas @biracy @kriimu10 @soxpoprocks @peachyplxm @captainluciabianchin @cannibalistic-cicada @a-e-i-owe-you @velvetsnaiil @mindifislytherin666 @bunkyung @livinglifewithoutbeingseen @ghosts-face @mx-pibbles @bigplaidwinnerparty @greentea121598 @that-eco-bitch

#jack sparrow fanfic #jack sparrow x reader #jack sparrow #jack sparrow imagine #PotC #pirates of the caribbean #pirates of the caribbean fanficiton #pirates of the caribbean imagine

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bumblesimagines · 3 years

Text

Green Thumb

Part 2

Request: Yes or No

For anyone confused, (Y/N) was around 17 when he fought the Avengers and was taken in and now he's 18-19. Lowkey a filler to develop/show (Y/N)'s relationship with Laura and Clint

You stared up at the large wooden house, a soft breeze blowing by that made you tugged down the sleeves of the sweater you were wearing. Clint turned off the engine of his motorcycle, looking up at you. You furrowed your brows and turned towards him, glancing at the darkening sky.

"What is this place?" You asked, watching him curiously Clint stood beside him, gazing fondly at the house. He looked at you with a gentle smile.

"My home."

"Home?"

"Yep, home. The only other people who know about this place are Fury and Natasha." Clint revealed, making your brows raise. You looked back at the house. It was homey for sure. Far from the city with nature surrounding it. A perfect place to raise a family and live a quiet life. You bit your bottom lip, gently wrapping your arms around yourself.

"So, why’d you bring me here?" You asked. If it was such a big secret that not even Tony or Steve knew about it, why would he share it with you? You weren’t even part of the team. You were just a child that they had to take in. Clint placed a gentle hand on your back.

"You need some fresh air and a break from the shit back at the tower. Come meet my wife and kids." Clint said, walking towards the house. You slowly followed, still unsure about the whole thing. You didn’t know why Clint trusted you so much. Not even a couple weeks back, you had attempted killing him and the Avengers. You had heard Tony mention Clint having a habit of taking in strays so you assumed you were just another person Clint wanted to help. The aroma of food filled your senses, making you let out a soft hum. Clint had heard it, chuckling as he stepped into his home. You followed, noticing the pictures on the walls and scattered drawings.

"Laura, I’m home!" Clint called out into the house, following the light from the kitchen. You noticed some legos laying around, looking up as a woman approached Clint and greeted him with a kiss.

"How was work?" She asked softly, smiling. You could see two kids looking at you curiously from the table. Clint smiled back at his wife, gently stroking her long hair.

"It was fine, honey. I brought a guest." Clint motioned towards you. Laura looked at you, humming softly. Her smile widened as she faced you.

"You must be (Y/N). Welcome to the Barton Farm." Laura giggled softly, placing a hand on her belly. Your gaze dropped down, noticing her barely visible bump. Laura followed your gaze, chuckling softly.

"We’re- Well, more like Natasha is hoping for a little girl." Laura smiled, glancing at Clint when he placed a gentle hand on her bump. She looked back at (Y/N), motioning to the table.

"Come join us."

You walked with Laura to the greenhouse, glancing over at Tony and Steve as they talked.

"How was your first mission?" Laura asked, smiling widely as she gazed at you curiously. You were supposed to go on a mission when your training was complete but nevertheless, it had been quite exciting. You smiled, looking forward.

"It was.. Good. It didn't go as planned, obviously, but there wasn't much of a plan to begin with. Clint's definitely holding a grudge against the runner." You chuckled, opening the door to the greenhouse and stepping inside. Some new flowers had been added.

"I don't blame him." Laura said, giggling as she pulled up a chair. She sat down, letting out a sigh of relief. Laura rested her hands on her belly, watching you with a gentle gaze.

"The girl.. The girl made Hulk lose his shit and made the others see stuff." You told her, picking up a pot with a venus flytrap inside. You gently ran your finger over the plant, watching it open.

"Did she get to you?"

"No, I.. I stopped her before she could do anything to me. Natasha seemed pretty shaken up by what she saw." You looked back at her, frowning softly. You had never seen Natasha look so broken inside. Whatever she had seen, it had definitely triggered some bad memories. You wondered what Wanda would've made you see. The orphanage? The fight with the Avengers?

"Clint mentioned you had to work on your people skills." Laura recalled, laughing softly as she tilted her head. "What's that about?"

"I might've choked.. A few people."

"Might've?" Laura repeated, raising her brows. You placed the pot down, letting out a soft sigh as you stared down at the venus flytrap.

"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" Laura asked softly, noticing the change. You gently pushed the pot back into its spot beside the other plants, shrugging lightly.

"Not that long ago, I was in their spot. Wanda and Pietro.. Two young metas trying to survive. With my powers, I could have seriously injured someone and-"

"But you didn't, did you? We're all standing on this plot of land, living and breathing." Laura stood up from the chair, holding onto it as she regained her balance. She walked towards you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder.

"You were a frightened kid on survival mode. You were doing whatever you could to protect yourself." Laura said, gaze softening.

"Obviously, I could never hurt Thor or Hulk but... I almost crushed and suffocated everyone else. Tony had to work on his suit, Natasha and Clint had bruises for days.. Steve did that weird staring thing like a fucking camera whenever I was in the room." You reached forward, running a finger over the leaf of a plant and watching it grow.

"Look at yourself." Laura motioned to the plants. "You have full control of your powers. You know your limits. You're.. Mother Nature's son! Like, almost literally her son."

"I'm your son." You muttered, keeping your gaze on the plants. Laura stayed quiet, almost frozen in place. She slowly smiled, nodding as she blinked away tears.

"Yeah.. Yeah, you are. You're my son. You're a Barton." Laura said softly, sniffling softly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm gonna go see if Stark is willing to check out the tractor. Holler if you need anything." Laura said, turning around. She left the greenhouse, walking back towards the house. You thought about her words, knowing what she said was true but things could've gone differently if you had been in full control of your powers during the confrontation with the Avengers. Clint had still offered you support despite it all.

You brought your knees close to your chest, hearing the sounds of the Avengers grunting and talking on the floor below. The overgrown vines in the abandoned building wrapped around the corner you were in, providing cover.

"Hey, kid? You up here?"

"Barton, what the hell are-"

"Shut up, Tony." You furrowed your brows, hearing sluggish footsteps on the floor you were at.

"This isn't the greatest hiding spot, kid." The voice, 'Clint', had gotten closer. He was most likely standing infront of you, the vines being the only thing keeping you from seeing him.

"Look, I know you're scared. I know the orphanage probably wasn't great either, but we can help you. I can help you. You can trust me." Clint assured softly. You swallowed, reaching out and touching the vines. They parted, letting you peer up at Clint. He offered a tired smile, extending his hand to you.

"You just made Laura the happiest woman alive." You turned towards Clint, chuckling softly. Clint pushed himself off the doorway, stepping inside.

"Must be nice to finally feel happy for once." You replied, grinning.

"Oh, trust me, you should've seen her face when I proposed." Clint chuckled, looking over the greenhouse. He hummed.

"Maybe I should get into gardening." He muttered, arms crossing as he looked over the different flowers. You watched him.

"You'll be busy with missions."

"I don't plan on sticking around for long, if I'm honest. I want to retire and be with my kids more. The hero life isn't forever for some people. Keep that in mind, (N/N)."

"You're gonna leave the team?" You asked, frowning. You knew Clint had been thinking about it. Especially with a third kid on the way that would come at any moment.

"I got lucky but.. The thought of leaving Laura alone with three young kids, a barely legal adult, and a big plot of land.." Clint sighed, shaking his head as he gently tapped his finger against the table.

"I don't want to be an absent father and miss out on big achievements. I owe it to Laura and you guys." Clint explained softly. You understood. None of the other Avengers were parents yet. Clint dying meant fatherless kids and a widow. He had a lot more to lose.

"I'll always be here if you need advice or more training. I just won't be on the field with you." Clint placed his hands on your shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze before he leaned in and gave you a hug. You hugged him back, eyes shutting. You weren't sure how you'd be on the field without Clint there to support you. Being beside him brought you comfort and reassurance.

"You'll be an amazing Avenger, (Y/N). I know it." Clint whispered, leaning back and smiling softly.

"Will you be my number 1 fan?" You asked with a grin.

"I'm afraid the top three spots are already taken but I'll happily be your fourth biggest fan." Clint laughed softly, turning his head when Laura called for him and you.

"Come on, let's see what the boss wants." He said playfully, turning around and walking out. You followed, noticing Nick Fury standing on the porch. He gave you a nod before entering the house.

"What's he doing here?" You asked, looking at Clint. Clint shrugged, letting out a deep sigh as you walked up the steps.

"We're about to find out."

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savage-rhi · 2 years

Note

❝ i really love your smile. ❞ Jessie&James from Pokémon, please! 😍

You got it!

Meowth and the other Pokemon had been long asleep by the campfire as Jesse observed them. A small smile came to her lips when she noticed Arbok coiling around Meowth and Wheezing to further shield them from the cold. It was little moments such as these that made Jesse question why on earth James and herself were still working for Team Rocket. Especially when life could've been peaceful, much like the scene that unfolded before her.

"Something wrong, Jesse?" James's voice snapped Jesse out of her thoughts as she did a double-take and sighed.

"No James, just enjoying the silence."

Her sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by James as he made a face, then sat beside his partner. They both sighed in unison, feeling their bodies wanting to retreat into slumber now that their Pokemon weren't up and being rambunctious.

"We're almost like parents trying to get the teens to knock their crap off as of late when it comes to our Pokemon. I'm not sure how much more of this I can stand." Jesse said as James nodded.

"At least Victreebel didn't come out of the poke ball this time around to eat me."

"He's still scared of fire, you need to work with him more on it."

"I know," James looked over at Meowth and the others, hearing them snore as he furrowed his brows. "Do you think we should try something different? I mean--working for Team Rocket."

Jesse's mouth parted, wanting to say something smart or at least reassuring to James but her mind wandered off. She was too much of a coward to tell James she had been contemplating the same thing. Regardless, Jesse was beside herself as she sighed and began to speak.

"I'm not sure of anything anymore James, but I do know I really love your smile."

James's eyes lit up, his mouth forming into a tight smile that it nearly hurt his cheeks.

"You're not normally one for compliments!" James exclaimed as Jesse waved him off.

"Don't get used to it!"

"Never! But--" James wrapped his arms around Jesse, pulling her into a tight hug as she squirmed for a moment. The two bantered for a time until they relaxed in the embrace, eventually falling asleep against one another much like their respective Pokemon. Team Rocket, the goals they had, all were lost in dreams of living a life without chasing down kids or stealing other Pokemon.

Jesse and James couldn't have their peace for now, but at least in slumber, it was possible.

If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!

Cash App: $JayRex1463

#drabbles #pokemon #jesse and james #team rocket #pokemon fandom #ill be real #was not expecting this #and this delighted me #thank you nonny for giving me the surprised pikachu face #when i saw this request #as a writer this made me happy af

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chronicallylatetotheparty · 3 years

Text

Float Like A Butterfly... Chapter 5: So Last Season

Summary: Now that Adrien is no longer Chat Noir he doesn't have to get hit all the time. Unfortunately, his luck doesn't seem to have gotten the memo... Or has it?

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

"So, how're you holding up?"

"Please, Adrien, it's my mother! I'm positively ecstatic!"

"Exactly. It's your mother."

Chloe looked down for a second before her eyes snapped back up, any doubts she had hidden in an instant. "She's finally coming back! I'll finally be able to show her what she's been missing." Chloe tossed her ponytail back to emphasize the unspoken Me. "Now, I've gotta go. Sabrina insisted we do an 'emotional support routine' or whatever beforehand. Ciao!"

Sighing, Adrien stared at his phone for a moment before putting it down. He knew Chloe was grateful for Sabrina's help but it was still a struggle getting her to admit it.

Or getting her to admit how much Audrey had hurt her.

It was one thing to travel halfway around the world for your career and leave your daughter behind. It was something else entirely to completely ignore her. In all the years since Audrey left Chloe hadn't received a single birthday gift, phone call or text message. Adrien would know. Chloe would've bragged about it endlessly if her mother had taken so much as two seconds to acknowledged her existence-

Adrien's foot jerked, striking the vanity table and making the connected mirror tremble. Heart suddenly pounding against his chest as tension built up in his forehead. Distressed expression reflecting back at him.

Breathe, Adrien. Breathe.

Slowly, he inhaled.

Then exhaled.

Again.

Good.

He was okay.

Adrien was okay.

Guilt pricked like a thorn for thinking of his own problems when Chloe needed him. Adrien crushed it with his anger and annoyance but it was still there. Like a splinter that wouldn't come out.

I hate you.

Swiping out of the video chat Adrien tapped on Nino's number. It rang... and rang... and rang...

He's annoyed with me. I did something wrong again and Nino doesn't want to-

Adrien smacked both sides of his face. No, dummy! Nino's just busy or something. Stop that!

It wasn't every day a teenage DJ provided the music for Paris Fashion Week, after all. Nino had to make sure all his equipment was working properly.

The door to his dressing room burst open.

"Adrien, your friend Mlle. Dupain-Cheng will be bringing the last article of the new Gabriel line," Nathalie announced. "Your father expects everything to be perfect for Audrey Bourgeois."

"Doesn't he always?" Adrien deadpanned.

Nathalie stared at his watery eyes before typing something into her tablet. "Your performance on catwalks only has a 99% success rate. He expects you'll do better."

Father thinks you're a failure just like everyone else. He-

Shut up! Adrien felt something heavy settle in his chest.

One of the makeup artists came rushing in and Nathalie gestured her towards Adrien. "Touch up his eyes," she instructed and then left.

Jaw clenching, Adrien sat perfectly still as the makeup artist did her job. He was never entirely sure what the staff thought about him. 'Professional' was a word that was tossed around a lot. That used to fill him with a little pride... Before all of this.

The last person to suggest that a thirteen year old mourning his mother wasn't 'professional' so much as he was 'depressed' had never come back to work... Oh. Adrien had forgotten about that.

Finishing quickly, the makeup artist left too. Leaving Adrien with his thoughts. He didn't want to be with his thoughts at the moment. They were distracting and Nathalie had not been subtle.

I hate-

His phone vibrated as it received someone's text.

Ni-Non: hey dude!

Ni-Non: it's crazy over here man

Ni-Non: break a leg! ;)

Adrien smiled as his unpleasant mood faded to the back of his mind... And if he saw similarities between his family and Chloe's, well, that's why he could empathize with her.

Adrien: That's theater but I guess there's not much difference.

Adrien: Thanks. ^_^

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

There was a knock at his door. Adrien stopped fidgeting in the awkward suit to go answer it.

"Hello, Marinette." Adrien smiled in greeting.

"Oh, uh, hello!" Marinette gave a small wave as she stepped up the short stairs and-

Adrien braced himself with one foot while his hands went to her shoulders. Steadying Marinette as she quickly removed her weight from him.

"Oh! Uh, sorry." Marinette looked away in embarrassment at having tripped into him.

"... No worries!" Adrien smiled as he shook his head. Marinette seemed... subdued. Reaching down to pick up the hat that had fallen. "Oh, no." The artificial feather Marinette made for his allergies had come loose. "I hope it's not too hard to fix it."

Marinette looked down. "Uh, y'know, it doesn't really matter. This hat is a complete failure anyway."

"What? No, it's not!" Adrien rose to his feet quickly in shock. "Why would you say that?"

"Because... the queen of fashion, Audrey Bourgeois, saw it and hated it!" Marinette's hands covered her face, voice breaking. "I'm sorry, Adrien. I really messed up. I'm a total no talent!" Her arms wrapped around herself in a hug. "Please, don't put it on," she pleaded.

Adrien's heart went out to Marinette as she laid her insecurities bare. "Marinette, everything's going to be fine." He searched for the proper spot to reattach the feather, fiddling with it as Adrien reassured her. "Your hat looks great. I think it's awesome and so does... my father." Adrien cleared his throat as he managed to fix her hat. "Otherwise he wouldn't have picked it for me. Look!"

Putting Marinette's hat on Adrien walked across the dressing room like he was already performing. Striking a few poses to ease Marinette's anxiety. "See?"

It seemed to work as Marinette gave a small smile. "You got that catwalk down," she complimented.

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "Really? Thank you."

"Ah-hem," Nathalie cleared her throat. "We have to go." Without waiting for Marinette she turned on her heel and started walking towards the viewing area.

Adrien rolled his eyes but smiled at Marinette's back as she hurried to catch up. Turning back to look at himself in the mirror Adrien scanned his outfit. The suit may have been generic and a few seams too close to last year's entry but Marinette's hat was fire.

"Okay!" Adrien was gonna go out there and make sure they recognized Marinette's talent!

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

Holding Marinette's hat to his chest Adrien stuck his head out in a decidedly 'unprofessional' manner. Spotting Marinette's family and a bunch of his friends in the first row. Adrien's blond head caught Nino's eye from across the catwalk and he gave him a thumbs up.

Adrien waved as he ducked back behind the corner before the photographers could take any pictures of the Agreste heir acting like a kid.

You got this, Adrien. Nino's DJ-ing, your classmates came -even though most of them don't care about fashion- with any luck Alix and Kim will tease you about it for the next month.

That would give Adrien the opportunity to dish out a bunch of jokes he never got the chance to use!

The music started; that was his cue.

You got this!

Adrien posed on the runway. Camera flashes already starting. Strutting down the catwalk Adrien smirked at Marinette. See? Stopping at the platform's end he posed in various angles for the photographers. Nino seemed to be enjoying himself too and that made Adrien's smile come much more naturally.

A small eruption boomed behind him and Adrien turned to see Hawkmoth's latest fashion disaster. Gasping, as his heart started hammering in his chest.

"A fashion show without the Queen of Style!? Glitter-ally unacceptable!" The akuma villain announced. "Where's that ungrateful Gabriel Agreste. I demand that he kneels before me!"

Ugh, what has he done now?

"My father isn't here," Adrien snapped in annoyance. Hearing people running for the exits.

"Well, then. If fashion disaster daddy isn't here I'll just have to settle for Agreste Junior! You're fired!"

Adrien's eyes widened as he stepped back. Golden glitter exploding everywhere as his body became numb and his senses dark-

-Glowing ladybugs swirled around him as Adrien had the disorienting feeling of laying down when he could've sworn he'd been standing. Glancing around, Adrien realized he was now at the Eiffel Tower.

"Adrik- Adrien!" Chloe tackled him as he stood, throwing her arms around him. "I was so scared!"

Adrien blinked in surprise as Chloe set her head on his shoulder. Not letting him go... Adrien smiled as he hugged her back. Enjoying this genuine display of affection.

"Pound it!"

Head snapping towards the sound Adrien saw another Black Cat, this one a girl with long, reddish hair, fist bump Ladybug. They grinned at each other in post battle relief.

I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!

A chill to rival Frozer's ice covered Adrien from head to toe. It was one thing to see Ladybug working with a different Black Cat on the news. Quite another to have his replacement. Three. Frickin. Meters. In front of him!

Chloe didn't notice... Or rather Adrien didn't notice when she'd let go to help her mother. Who tried to fire her own daughter as thanks.

Adrien jerked his eyes away from the superhero duo-

I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!

-Away from the Miraculous holders and forced himself to listen to whatever the Bourgeois were saying. Ears ringing as Ladybug and the Black Cat talked about something behind him...

"Oh, mom. If only you knew what a great team we made!" Chloe trailed after her mother as they walked down the tower's stairs; attempting to capture her attention. "We fired a bunch of incompetents. It was awesome. We should really spend more time together! What if I went back to New York with you?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Casserole- Eh, Chloe!" Audrey dismissed. "First I have to get back to Gabriel Agreste's fashion show. And they better..."

Adrien's eyes narrowed as he looked down from the railing, his grip on it tightening. Heat from a growing indignation melting the ice he felt. What did she just call Chloe?

"Adrien Agreste, right? I can give you a lift back if you want."

His tensed body jerked in surprise as Adrien realized Ladybug was standing right behind him. Throat and chest constricting as his thoughts whirled. Spots darkened his vision as he felt lightheaded. Adrien's knuckles becoming white, the metal railing digging into his skin. A single thought rose above the ringing in his ears.

I don't wanna talk to her.

Giving his best model smile, Adrien schooled his features. "Ah, thanks but-" he pointed down, "-I should really check on them."

"O-oh! Of course!"

Ladybug's face was out of focus but Adrien could still feel the melancholy in her voice.

Powering past his queasy stomach Adrien made his way to the stairs. The sound of Ladybug's yo-yo whirring reached his ears; signaling her departure. Adrien took a shuddering gasp as he leaned against a metal pillar for support. Body suddenly limp.

Breath accelerating Adrien tried to calm himself. Why was he up here? Had- Had Audrey's blast mind controlled him? Again!? He couldn't breathe.

Adrien sank to his knees as he felt his skin crawl at the idea of that- that- asshole reaching into his mind and taking away his free will. He hated it! He HATED it!

Gasping as his rage broke him out of the panic, Adrien steadied his breathing... He wanted- no, needed to know what happened... Which meant getting up and moving forward... Forcing himself to his feet Adrien wiped the sweat from his brow and followed the others down.

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

"Remind me to tell your father to fire the person in charge of the Eiffel Tower elevators..." Audrie panted. "This is... unacceptable... utterly unacceptable!"

"Of course, mom. Oh!" Chloe glanced down to see what she'd stumbled on.

Adrien looked up as he fanned himself with Marinette's hat.

And dropped it.

He stared open mouthed at the small, black, octagonal box in Chloe's hands. Heartbeat leaping into his throat.

What the hell is THAT doing here!?

"Ooh! What's this?" Chloe turned the box around in her hands but didn't open it.

Adrien suddenly forgot his exhaustion and rushed to her side. The lie coming easily to his lips. "Oh, I recognize that! They sell them at antique shops."

"Ew, it's old! Get it away from me!" Chloe practically hurled it at Adrien.

Catching it easily. A thrill ran up Adrien's arms and down his spine as the box made contact with his skin. The hairs at the back of his neck standing on end.

Chloe dusted her hands and kept walking. Glancing nervously at her mother. Hoping Audrey hadn't seen her with something so outdated.

I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! The voice in his head said.

Shut up, Adrien told it as he stared at the unknown Miraculous in his hand. Heartbeat hammering in his chest. But it wasn't from fear. No, it was... anticipation.

The corners of Adrien's lips curled upwards.

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

Notes: Oh, would you look at that. I'm back! It only took... eight months!

#style queen #ml au #adrien angst #adrien agreste #chloe bourgeois #audrey bourgeois #ml fanfic #ml angst #canon divergent au #canon divergence

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cherryatiny · 3 years

Text

𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 - 𝐊.𝐇𝐉

⩥𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫!𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 (𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐳) 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

⩥𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐥 𝐀𝐔

⩥𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟐,𝟏𝐤

⩥𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐜𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧?

⩥𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐩𝐬, 𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐜𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥, 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬

⩥𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐏𝐑 𝐈𝐚𝐧

⩥𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

08.09.2021

Opening the door to their shared flat with shaky hands, blood dripping down his knuckled, the blonde male almost collapsed on the floor, his weakened legs failing to support him any more.

With a loud bang, his body fell on the cold floor, alerting his [insert colour]-haired girlfriend, that ran to the hallway, being met with a sight of his bloody figure laying on the floor half-unconscious, she let out a sharp yelp.

The girl fell to the ground, shaking her partner's body, to get any reaction from him. „Ah Hongjoongie, who did you get into a fight with this time...“

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, to help him lean on her so he could walk more easily, she directed her steps into the bathroom. Sitting him on its edge, she began to fill the bathtub with water, to wash off the blood and dirt of his body. „Y/N... I'm sorry“

Without words, she started unzipping his blood-soaked clothes, letting them fall to the ground, already used to having to deal with her boyfriend coming home almost beat-up to death.

Tears filled her eyes yet again as she thought about all those moments, where she was on the border of losing her lover. The aforementioned boy always just shrugging it off with cheap words of comfort.

And that's how their relationship went. He got into a fight, they argued, he felt guilty and made her a song, they made up, went through another short period of romance where they felt like those head over heels couples at the beginning of their relationship, and the endless cycle repeated itself once again.

Her partner undressed completely and sat in the bathtub, the water gaining a reddish tint from the blood that leaked from his wounds. Without a word, she got into the bathtub with him, not caring that her t-shirt or shorts would get soaked.

Grabbing a sponge that was laying near them, she rubbed the dirt off his body. Hongjoong inhaled, preparing himself to splash Y/N in apologies, but her voice cut him off.

„Please, don't make this harder than it already is, I don't need to hear your apologies, please just stay still until I clean you, so I can treat your wounds afterwards...“ Treating the fair skin of his hurt body, she sighed as she looked at her soaked clothes.

Does living like this even have a meaning? Does crying herself to sleep from how scared she is of losing her loved one when he doesn't even care, have meaning?

Sensing the broken expression in her deep eyes, his hand took her in his, playing with her fingers and kissing the top of her knuckles reassuringly.

„I'm sorry Y/N, I'm sorry for acting like a jerk and making you bawl your eyes out at nights. So many times I could've held on I still can't believe I left you alone. Left you alone to deal with all of this, when it's completely my fault. The fault of my inconsideration of your feelings. When you lie down tonight, please get a good sleep in which you forget of all those fights and stupid things I put you through. We'll start a new chapter, I promise.“

Liar.

These words of reassurance left his mouth every time he got into a fight and yet, it always happened again. Not being able to hold the tears in any longer, the clothed figure sitting next to him let out tears, pitiful whines leaving her lips.

„You say this every time, yet you always break the promise, so how can I believe you any longer?“

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

15.09.2021

Colourful leaves falling on the forest alley, the two jiggly walked down the path hand in hand, as they laughed and enjoyed each other's presence.

Approaching a small wooden bench, the two of them sat down on it, Hongjoong pulled his girlfriend into his lap, letting her back fall onto his chest, hugging her from behind.

The girl raised her legs and laid them on the bench, stretching them. Looking at her boots covered by the brownish mud, letting her head fall onto his shoulder. „Y/N?“ humming, she signalised him to continue with what he had to say.

„I made you a song. I realised how bad I was treating you, but I didn't know how to express my gratitude towards you and I'm sorry, I will sing this song to you. To tell you I really cared.“

His melodic voice audible for everyone passing them as he started singing, all the people just captured by those young lovers. Only if they knew, how heartsick their relationship was.

As his voice quietened, signalising the end of the song he composed for his girlfriend, he pulled her into a deep kiss, his hand holding her head in place, as his tongue explored all those forgotten places of her mouth.

„I hope you're not angry at me anymore.“ Shaking her head in disagreement, Hongjoong pulled the figure of his girlfriend into his embrace, hugging her tightly, to replace the warmness his heart couldn't give her, with his body.

„Let's go home, shall we?“ Taking her hand in his, the two of them got up from the bench, stretching their stiffened limbs for a bit. „Aren't you cold?“ looking at the shaking figure standing beside him, he pulled his brown trench coat off, laying it on his girlfriend's shaking figure.

Walking home hand-in-hand, the two of them lived through yet another episode of the cycle.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

21.09.2021

„You're unbelievable Kim Hongjoong! Oh god, I'm so stupid! I always put my faith in you, believing that your aims are sincere, yet you always disappoint me. You're never gonna change! I should just pack my things and leave, cuz it looks like my presence is annoying you. If it weren't for me, you could live your poor life peacefully, right? Getting into fights on daily basis, fucking whores you find on the streets and flushing it all away with nicotine and alcohol while dreaming of accomplishing something in your life, you would like that, right? You know what? I should do that right away!“

Dramatically spatting those words into his face, she turned on her heel with anger in her eyes ignoring the glasses Hongjoong threw against the wall near her to make her look at him. His hand gripping her wrist harshly, turning her back to face him.

„What the fuck do you think you're doing? You're not going anywhere!“ Disbelief filled Y/N's veins. Who was he to tell her what she can or can't do?

„What do I think I am doing? Leaving you, Kim Hongjoong. I can't express how much I hate you, I feel so stupid for letting you use me, I don't want to have anything to do with you!“

Hongjoong couldn't control his emotions any longer, letting his hand come in contact with his girlfriend's cheek, that will for sure leave a reddish mark on the spot.

Y/N yelped at the stinging pain of her boyfriend's hand slapping her cheek. Her hands caressing the hurt place as tears filled her eyes. Realising what he did, Hongjoong's eyes immediately softened, ready to comfort and apologize to his girlfriend. But it was too late...

„Leave the fuck out of my flat! I never want to see you again, we're done. Did you hear me well? We're done, there's not any us anymore, and I'll never be your girlfriend again Kim Hongjoong, actually..., I hope I never see you again!“

Motioning with her finger to the door, she signalised for him to leave, not wanting to look at him any longer, she left the room and locked herself in the bedroom, falling on the bed and bringing her knees to her face, nuzzling her face into the created space, bawling her eyes out.

Absorbing the said words, Hongjoong finally understood the weight of his actions, this time it was really the end. Smashing the front door loudly enough for the crying woman to hear, he dived into the darkness on the streets.

As he walked down the empty streets, recalling all the things that happened, he couldn't help but start crying himself. Sitting down in the middle of the road, not caring if any car drove him over anymore. Life without his lover was meaningless for him...

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

18.11.2021

Sitting down on the metallic fence near the train station, he pulled the lighter out of his denim jacket, lighting the addictive stick in his shaking hands. Inhaling the relieving substance, he sighed, trying to pour the stress of his mind.

The first weeks after the break up with his past lover Y/N were hard, he lost faith in everything, barely living through, he then met a couple of boys that helped him get back on track. They put a roof over his head and helped him pursue his dream of becoming successful in music, he was truly thankful towards them.

Taking another inhale, he looked around, observing the people that were approaching the train station. Thinking about how all of them were hiding a different story, his eyes fell on an oddly familiar figure.

The figure he thought he would never see again. As the girl turned around, trying to figure out where to go, her eyes fell on him, locking eye contact.

He heard that Y/N was leaving town in a few days, pursuing her happy ending in a new place. A place that didn't wound her as much as this one did. Hongjoong smiled at her, his eyes motioning for her to come over.

With a hesitantly uncomfortable look in her eyes, she approached his figure that was still sitting on the fence, scared as to what might happen. „Y/N, long time no see.“ smiling at him lightly, she looked down rather than to look to those eyes she once loved.

„Hey girl, I heard you seem to be happy now,... how you doin'? I heard you're leaving town,... it might not matter now, but maybe it worked somehow, but I really changed this time. I know you have no intention of coming back to me and I can't blame you for that, but I couldn't live peacefully if I didn't say my sincere apology to you for the last time. I lived horribly before, but I found people who helped me and now I'm living a life that I enjoy. That's what I tell myself: she'll never know how much I wished I never let you go. Thinking of this, it tore me down to pieces.“

Looking at him with glistening eyes, she could hear the sincerity in his words for the first time in a long time.

„Ah yes Joong, you're right, I'm leaving town soon, starting a new life somewhere else. I may seem happy now, but it's not like that all the time, some wounds take time to be healed, but I'm better, how about you? I'm pleased to hear that you decided to change your life and I'm sorry for letting you go without giving you space to explain yourself, but you must understand it had to be done. Our relationship was hatred and it was destined to break sooner or later.“

Nodding in agreement to her aching but truthful words, he took an inhale from his cigarette for the last time, throwing the cigarette stub onto the ground and stepping on it to smoosh it.

„Don't worry 'bout me 'cause I'm doing fine. Although the first weeks afterwards, I came to the street you live in every day, just standing there in front of your flat and looking into the room we once shared. But I'm doing fine, girl, I swear it's not a lie.“

„I saw you a few times, the smoke coming from your cigarettes always reached my window, that's when I immediately knew you were there...so you came around my house, and you left your marks with your fingertips, I was always thinking: I'm sitting where you sat down and now he's looking for something meaningless... I'm getting a little nervous talking to you... it feels like I'm getting to the surface“

Absorbing each other's words, the two of them stood opposite of each other, their heads tilted down, as they regretted their past manoeuvres. He's getting a little nervous and she's finally getting to the surface.

„I got a little nervous of running back to you when you weren't there Y/N.. and I'm sorry, I was hurting too much to know, that you were standing right there. And I'm sorry, when I left you all alone, girl. It's time I should probably let you go and forget about a jerk who hurt you as much as I did. I know that wasn't fair 'cause I loved you. He loved you, the man who you hate sincerely loved you, even though he didn't express it in time...“

„Bye Kim Hongjoong. Stand tall and pursue your dreams.“ Bidding goodbye to her for the last time, he watched as his lover disappeared in the span that was separating them.

#ateez #ateez hongjoong #ateez scenarios #ateez imagines #ateez angst #ateez fluff #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #ateez hongjoong fanfic #ateez hongjoong scenarios #ateez hongjoong angst #kim hongjoong imagines #kim hongjoong fanfic #kim hongjoong scenarios #kim hongjoong #kim hongjoong fanfiction

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jjaeong · 3 years

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The Heiress, And The Twelve. Act I.

Episode V: All That Remains, A Silent Call.

Series: KPOP Girl Group: 이달의 소녀 (LOONA).

Pairing: OT12 & Mafia Heiress Female Reader.

Summary: As the members of The Twelve stepped up to quickly fix the incident with the Lee Family before it had caused a stir—you were kept in Eden, under the supervision of the majority of your members. The girls had noticed a change in your demeanor once you’ve snapped out of your shocked state, in which you had somehow felt as if you were almost easing yourself into their lifestyle—where the opinions of the members about your change were torn into different sides. But you were in your own world, aimlessly familiarizing yourself with Eden until you stumbled upon what you thought was an unoccupied Library, meeting one of the youngest members—Choi Yerim, who had apparently shared the same experience with the incident.

[TRIGGER WARNING: BRIEF MENTION OF DEATH, BLOOD, AND WEAPONRY. SKIP 8'S BACK STORY IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS.]

Chaewon had just slipped out of the kitchen when she heard a loud thud echoing from down the hall, followed by a groan to which made the girl trail towards the sound. She was then greeted by the sight of her members scattered all over the courtyard, with Hyunjin laying on the grass—a drained look set on her features as Jungeun leaned over to the girl, a knowing look on the blonde's face as she offered her a hand.

"I told you, watch out for your legs." Yeojin sat on one of the couches, observing the two with wide eyes before she turned to Heejin that sat across from her—the First member mindlessly doodling on her iPad until she noticed the worried look Yeojin had directed to her, so she flipped the device to show her the comic she had made of Jungeun throwing Hyunjin over her shoulder.

Except in Heejin's artwork, Hyunjin didn't seem to have survived the impact.

"Ah, Chaewon! You're on a break from watch duty?" Jiwoo called for Chaewon, who was still standing by the glass doors—her nose scrunched up as she watched Jungeun pull Hyunjin up on her feet, the younger member dusting herself before she placed her hands on her hips to look at Chaewon. The Eleventh member shrugged before walking over to the couches and taking the seat next to Heejin, turning to look at Jiwoo as the member placed the vinyl in the record player.

"No, I was supposed to grab Hyejoo a drink but I thought someone was dying in here."

"I was caught off guard!"

"Could've fooled us." Heejin monotonously replied, which Hyunjin had barely shouted a reply back when Jungeun threw a knife at her—to which she had barely dodged.

"Yah! Unnie! I can't—let me catch a break—"

"Has Y/N left her room yet?" Chaewon turned to Yeojin, resting the back of her head against the backrest of the couch as the youngest member pulled her knees up against her chest. Picking on the fabric of her sweatpants as her eyes stayed glued Jungeun’s stance, the girl throwing punches without hesitation and alternating a few times with high kicks—all of which Yeojin didn’t know exactly how, but Hyunjin had avoided with a concentrated look on her face.

"I think I saw her walking around yesterday, but she.."

"She wants to be left alone, consider it as our first order from her." Kahei entered the courtyard, eyes locked on her phone until she sat next to Yeojin—placing it down on the coffee table as Jiwoo made her way over to the couch as well, sitting on it's arm next to Yeojin before staring up at the blue sky through the glass ceiling of the courtyard.

"And what did Haseul-unnie say?" the Fifth member, and the acting leader in Eden inhaled sharply as Yeojin leaned over to cuddle against her—making Kahei gently pat the girl's hair before she look back to Chaewon.

"Follow her orders—while making sure she's still protected."

“What about Hyejoo-unnie?” Yeojin looked up at Kahei who opened her mouth to reply but when nothing came out, Heejin looked up from her iPad to turn to Chaewon who was staring up at the sky just as Jiwoo was.

“Still nothing, she hasn’t left the surveillance room since the incident three days ago.. Even Yerim is acting strange..” Chaewon trailed off in deep thought, making the members on the couch look at the Eleventh member. Jiwoo stood up from her spot to inhale deeply and scan the glum expression that sat on her members’ faces, huffing before standing tall on her spot.

“Well.. We still have to do our roles for this to work—we can’t just sit here and do nothing while we wait for the Unnies to get back! We.. Um.. We need to get our Hyejoo and Y/N back to their old selves!”

“..And how to we do that?” Hyunjin asked as she neared the couch, wincing while clutching her arm before taking Jiwoo’s previous seat on the arm of the couch. Jiwoo’s eyes lit up but she seemed to have not come up with a proper idea so she just stood there, pouting until Jungeun reached the Tenth member to nudge at the girl’s shoulder with her own—crossing her arms on her chest to look at her members pointedly.

“We’ll wait them out, at this point we should know better than to cross barriers with one another. We have our own way of dealing with our thoughts—and if this is how they want to keep doing it, it’s fine. We’ll be here when they need us.”

“But Jungie—”

“I know you’re still hurt about Y/N asking you to leave her alone,” Jiwoo’s face fell at the sudden flash of your expressionless features as you requested to be left alone the second she had seated you on the edge of your bed three days ago, with only Jungeun’s comforting hand snapping her out of her flashback to find an look of concern set on her best friend’s features, “but it wasn’t your fault, Jiwoo. It’s just how Y/N wants to deal with it and we should all respect her decision—even if it goes against what we want.”

“Hyejoo will get over it soon enough.” Chaewon waved a dismissive hand in the air, continuing to stare up at the clouds as Heejin hummed in reply next to her.

“I don’t want Y/N to change..” Kahei started, making the members tense up and even made Heejin turn her iPad off to pull it against her chest—breathing in deeply while Hyunjin squinted at the sky.

“That’s up to her,” Hyunjin breathed, turning to look back at her members with her usual expressionless facade but with her lips turned to mimic a reassuring smile that looked too artificial even for the Second member—as if she had also resented the idea of your decision but would still serve under you as you please, “if she wants to change.. It’s on her.”

“..This sucks.” Yeojin groaned, untangling herself from Kahei to scowl to herself.

“I thought you didn’t like Y/N?” Heejin asked inridiculously, making the youngest member look at the girl in absolute shock.

“Who said I didn’t? Hey! I avoided her for a reason but it’s not about her at all—”

“Wasn’t it Yerim? I heard her asking Hyejoo about it once..” Chaewon looked at Heejin who knitted her brows in confusion. Hyunjin snorted from her spot as Yeojin stared at the two members that sat across from her, completely bewildered at the sudden rumors spread by the one member she thought she could trust the most.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was Yerim—”

“Where is that Unnie—Yerim-unnie!”

A voice which was just most likely one of your members echoed through the halls as you aimlessly walked through wherever Eden may lead you, with the thought that maybe you should’ve observed the members more as they’d do their rounds all over the Castle just to make sure you don’t ever bump into them. But even if you observe them for days, you wouldn’t have guessed who you would bump into once you even stepped a foot out of your room—it was something that the group strategist Vivi had ever so greatly planned, it was always a different member that you had almost collided with whenever you’d start venturing too far.

However, no matter who it was for the past two days—they never told you to go back to your room, it was almost comical how they’d turn back on their heels and pretend that they never saw you in the first place as per your request to be left alone. And with their effort to follow through your orders, it tugged on your heart strings whenever you briefly get a flash of Jiwoo’s dejected look as she left your room that night.

But you shouldn’t be thinking about such things right now, the reason you were venturing was to get your mind off those things and.. Mentally prepare yourself—properly this time—to become the Heiress. You can’t have that if your mind was stuck replaying the incident three days ago, more so you can’t think for yourself if your members are looking at you with guilt-ridden features as if they felt bad that you had to go through it.

You had to go through it, one way or the other you were bound to. And as much as it had haunted you for the past three days—you had enough of it, you did what you can and..

Still, you can’t seem to forgive yourself for it.

You paused in the middle of the hallway to place a hand against the wall, closing your eyes to steady your shallow breathing as you counted slowly in your head. The ruthless voices that had acquainted themselves with you ever since the incident had yet made their appearance, spiteful remarks about what you could’ve done instead repetitively echoing through the silence as you clenched your jaw to calm yourself down.

Get it together, Y/N. This is barely the worst that can happen once you become boss—you need to breathe.

Dragging your foot forward, wanting to continue off into the direction you were headed—your hand seemed to have wrapped itself around a door handle, somehow the surprise pulling you out of your thoughts. You pushed the tall door open to reveal spacious, old-fashioned Library, with the scent of wood and old books bringing you the comfort that you didn’t know you had needed since you had stayed in Eden after the incident. Stepping inside the room and gently pulling the door close behind you, your eyes scanned the wide array of shelves, stacked with what seemed to be a never ending amount of books as several staircases seemed to lead to the second floor of the library—which you can see from all the way in the entrance.

The sight was beguiling, with the sunrays lighting the room through the window, stacks of books sat by what you suppose was the librarian’s post—it looked and felt just like those public libraries you used to visit as a child but instead, this was completely isolated with not a single soul but yours present.

Well, that was what you had thought until you saw what seems to be Choi Yerim, her head resting on her arm as she scribbled on a piece of paper with an empty glass next to the other—several books stacked by her feet and her familiar purple book bag placed on the chair beside her. The Eighth girl hadn’t seem to notice your presence yet, and so you tried your best to not make any noise as you slowly turned away to leave the room when you heard a sound of what you could only hope was not the screeching of a chair leg against the wooden flooring of the Library.

“Y/N-unnie? Oh, no—please stay, I was just about to leave!”

You turned to face a wide-eyed Yerim who was standing from her spot, fingers gripping on her pencil as she moved her eyes from your still figure then to the door. She quickly moved to fix her things, the panic setting into her features as you sighed to yourself—practically feeling your acquaintances rejoicing at yet another reason to pick on you for soon after the member would have left you in your lonesome, and so you decided to walk over to the member and pull up the chair across from her to sit down.

“No, it’s okay. Go on with what you were doing, I’m just here to look around.”

“Are you sure? Didn’t you want to be..”

“Yerim, please.” the member scanned your pained features as you refused to look at her in the eye, your nails digging into the palm of your jeans as Yerim slowly nodded in understanding. She sat back down on her seat, reaching inside her book back to pull out her notebook this time and silently write something on it before grabbing one of the books and scanning the pages with a concentrated look.

The girl could feel your eyes stuck on her as she continued to flip through the pages and write down on her paper, it went on like that for almost half an hour—with you just watching her and the sound of her pencil making contact with the paper the only thing that had come out from the both of you—until Yerim suddenly stopped, eyes stuck on the book before she inhaled sharply and she looked up to meet your vacant expression.

“I went through the same thing, Unnie,” you swallowed sharply as Yerim toyed with her pencil as if she was debating if she should still continue with what she was just about to tell you, biting the inside of her cheek before she finally made her decision and she placed her pencil by the top of her notebook. Her eyes trained on the desk as a small yet torn smile set on her features, “with what happened three days ago? I..”

“Yerim, you don’t have to—”

“No, no—It’s okay because, this is the part where you probably think you have to grow from this. The bloodshed, the killings—but you can choose not to, you can always choose to be yourself, Y/N-unnie.” you watched the torn smile wash away from the girl’s features after she took a deep breath and placed her hands on the table to stare at them, locking them together as they started to shake which made your own hands twitch to reach out and reassure her.

Yet just like with Heejin before the incident, you couldn’t seem to find it in you to comfort your own members.

You were still so weak.

“It was already dark out when it happened, no one could’ve seen it from all the way in that alley, and the man—he knew it too. I don’t know what he was saying but.. It was something about how kids like us from Mobius were lucky that we’re protected by the Y/L/Ns, while him and the rest of his gang had to live in the streets and earn their roles into a Family that doesn’t even care about them..” Yerim smiled softly to herself, shaking her head as if trying to rid herself of the darkness that was settling into her features while you sat there, fists balled up under the table while she told her story.

“He pointed a gun at us, Hyejoo pulled me back because I was closer to him—but I couldn’t hear them.. Hyejoo was shouting and he looked so angry. So I lunged at him,” the girl paused for a moment, eyeing your figure, “I managed to knock it out of his grip and slip out of his hold, Hyejoo was standing behind me and he grabbed this rod then—”

“You shot him.” you finished, making her eyes snap up to yours—the darkness in her eyes subsiding for a brief moment, only for it to be replaced with a sad smile.

“I knocked him down, but Hyejoo grabbed the gun and.. Kept shooting until he was dead.” your blood ran cold at the image of a merciless Hyejoo, the same Hyejoo who groans every time Jiwoo tried to plant a kiss on her cheek.

The same Hyejoo that saved you and the member who slowly slid the gun off your hold and took it away from you.

“She was nine, I was only a few months older than her but I could’ve—”

“Where were the others when this happened?” you asked in a whisper, making Yerim dig her fingers into the skin on the back of her hands.

“It was how we got into the Twelve, the shots brought Hyunjin-unnie, Chaewon-unnie, and Heejin-unnie to us. When the man’s friends came, they were the ones to get us out of there alive..”

You placed your head in your hands at the information, trying to steady your breathing when you felt Yerim’s fingers wrap around your wrists—making you look up at her as she gave you an unwavering look.

“Everyday since then I blamed myself for that, I was the one that convinced Hyejoo to not go home early that day—I was the one that suggested we take the alley, thinking that it would bring us back to Mobius faster.. It was all my fault.”

“Yerim—”

“But Son Hyejoo, the second she confirmed that he was dead—in her bloodied state, as me if I was alright. She killed someone and asked me if I was alright..” the girl’s eyes started to tear up which made you take her hands off your wrists to firmly hold them as she shook her head—not wanting to meet your eyes as she choked.

“I needed to become stronger, I built myself up from that so I could make sure that the next time that would happen—I would be the one protecting us. Our members, Y/N-unnie.. They’re all I have, and yet they wouldn’t even give a second thought about risking their own life for another.. It makes me want to protect them even more.”

“I’m sorry..” you croaked, feeling the burden of your existence putting the members' lives at stake. Just staring at the young girl crumble under your hold was even worse than listening to the voices in your head blame you for how things could've went three days ago—because what was happening in front of you will keep happening for as long as you were alive, for as long as you were the boss.

The only way for the chances of you and your members getting out of this unscathed was to live through it, you can see it in Yerim's frazzled state that no matter how much you try to put up your walls in order to protect the ones you loved—somehow it will never be enough to give them the safe haven that they deserve to live in. The world was against you, and yet you were not alone to fight it—which was both a blessing, and a curse.

"I'm sorry, Yerim." and all you could do was apologize.

"No, Unnie. I think this is just the way it’s supposed to go," Yerim sniffed, letting out a short laugh that felt more lighter than the previous mood just a few moments ago. Making you let go of her hands to which she thanked you for, wiping her tear-stained cheeks before smiling brightly at you, "it's because we're strong enough to stand alone, and yet here we are! Thirteen members and all!"

"Thirteen..?" you dragged in confusion, making the younger girl giggle before she reached over to lightly push your shoulder.

"You're the thirteenth member of course! Who else would it be?" Yerim stated proudly as you frowned.

"But my existence puts all of yours in danger—"

"Ah! That happens all the time! It's okay, Unnie—really," you didn't seem to be looking any more uplifted so Yerim reached over to place her hands on your cheeks to squish them, making you look directly into her beaming smile with wide eyes as she squealed excitedly, "as long as we're all together, Y/N-unnie! We can do it!"

"H-hey—you're younger than me!"

"By a few months! Come on unnie, we're family—"

"Yah! Choi Yerim let go of me!"

"As expected.. Really, this is why she's my favorite member.." Hyejoo tore her eyes away from the screen to look up at Chaewon who entered the dark room, a can of cola in her hands as she stared at the several images on the screen before looking down at Hyejoo's face. Her heart dropped at the sight of the girl’s bloodshot eyes and flushed cheeks, a clear reflection of what the Twelfth member had looked like whenever she was in her broken state—and with no absolute hesitation, the older girl walked over to her member and placed her hand on her hair gently.

Just as she did in the alley when the girl was just about the height of her shoulder, aiming the gun up at Hyunjin who had paused to stare blankly at the younger girl—completely still in motion, contrasting to Chaewon who walked past the girl calmly and lowered the gun in the child’s hand, patting her hair softly once she had released the gun from her hold.

“You did good.”

Chaewon couldn't see the girl's reaction in the dark clearly, but as the younger member wrapped her fingers around her wrist she knew that she was silently sobbing by how she had started to tremble under the palm of her hand. Chaewon couldn't help but tear up as well, but she looked up quickly to stop them from falling before she continued to gently run her fingers through the Twelfth member's hair.

"Ah, why is it so gloomy today? What a pain.." Chaewon groaned to herself before scanning the several footages that was displayed along the several monitors attached all over the walls of the dark room, her eyes locked at the particular image of Hyunjin pacing outside of your bedroom door before she seemed to have given up and left. Chaewon wondered what it was about—but just before she could wonder even further, the sound of the door opening behind her had her turning to find the return of Yerim’s usual bubbly state that had always practically lit up the dark room.

“Hyejoo~ I finished problem seven you can.. Hey, are you crying? Hyejoo!” Yerim whined as she made her way over to her two members, making Hyejoo push Chaewon’s hand away to groan—hastily wiping her eyes just as Yerim stood on her other side to pout at the younger girl who tried to push her away.

“You’re standing too close, give me some space!”

“But you’re upset! You know I don’t like it when you’re upset!” Chaewon watched the two with a fond look in her eyes as they continued to bicker with one another, making her look down at the can of cola that she had meant to give to Hyejoo before finding the girl in her distressed state. The Eleventh member placed the can on the desk before taking one of the empty seats next to Hyejoo, leaning back to get herself comfortable for yet another round of watching the cameras to then find Hyunjin in the same hallway she was in before—but this time, you were just about to run into her.

Chaewon smirked.

"Hyunjin? Did you just come from my room or..?" you had just rounded the corner when you were met with Hyunjin's retreating figure from the hallway that had lead to the boss’ quarters, which she had quickly turned on her heel from when she saw you emerge from the corner—only to stop once she had heard you speaking to her. The usual vacant expression was overtaken by a look of surprise, as if she had been caught red handed before she turned to look at you.

You couldn't really tell if she was stunned because you had caught her, or because you were actually talking to a member for once—which was the result of the moving conversation you just had with Yerim.

"No? I was just doing rounds." Hyunjin clarified, knitting her brows as if she was having an internal conflict inside her head—probably trying to compose herself enough to plaster her vacant expression back before you had pressed any further.

But the longer you stood there, the more Hyunjin realized she.. Missed you.

Your presence.

Yes, that's what Hyunjin opted for.

"Rounds? But didn't you finish this side of the wing last night?" you started to walk past the stunned girl but she scoffed to herself, mumbling 'Why do you have to be such a smart-ass?' which made you pause on your tracks to ask her what she had just said.

"I said it's supposed to be Heejin's turn but I think she overslept. You know Heejin, she's such a kid." the Second girl added a laugh that wasn't supposed to sound like a nervous one, but once she realized how it sounded she just cleared her throat and gave you a small smile.

"I'll be doing my rounds now. Good night, Y/N." Hyunjin bowed—another thing she'd reprimand herself to once she's out of sight—but you didn't see the dreadful look on her face as she turned to leave you in the hallway, disappearing from the corner you had just left. You could only watch her retreating figure in confusion before you shrugged it off and decided to just enter your room, only to find an unfamiliar, orange Shiba Inu plushie tucked under the blankets of your bed—laying next to the familiar Jeon Stitchie who had apparently brought a friend. Taking a step out of the door, you tried to spot the familiar figure of Hyunjin to only be met by the silence of the halls, making you just laugh to yourself and shut the door behind you—hands on your hips as you stared at the two stuffed animals occupying your bed.

“As long as we’re all together, huh?” you whispered to yourself before crawling under the covers, laying on your side to stare at the stuffed animals through the darkness until you had slowly fell into deep sleep.

This took so long, I thought I just about lost this forever lmao.

Also, hey! I was honestly trying to write within this past week but for some reason—when your brain really does not want to work on something, it really just doesn’t. So let’s just say that I took a break from writing for the week, yeah?

This break was the worst, honestly I thought this blog was done for—I couldn’t write anything that was at least up to the bare minimum I’ve set for this blog.

But yeah! This week however, I finally finished a Kdrama for the first time ever and I highly recommend this for those who are into gore and suspense. It’s not that horrifying in my opinion, because I like these kinds of genres and I think it’s just my standard of horror but.. I finished Sweet Home! It was amazing! I’ve read just a bit of the Webtoon when I was in Junior High I think, it was such a long time ago that I really didn’t remember much of the first part until I saw it in the series and..

It was so cool—I choked up a bit on the emotional scenes, it was so moving as well.

But I apologize for the lack of Haseul, Sooyoung, and Jinsol content in this chapter because.. They’re dealing with the Lee drama? Most likely we’ll see how it will add up in the next Episode but for now—Let’s just have this one~

Anyways, we’ll be half-way through Act I on the next Episode so.. Maybe another turn of events? Will these girls ever catch a break? I don’t know either but.. Ok bye.

[insert evil laugh here.]

Laters,

JJ.

>ovc: 우리처음만났을때기억나?_woomanna (180221)

https://youtu.be/Dkd9JSqPMU8

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cyro-starfire · 3 years

Text

Cyro meeting Lemon Monster for the first time - Lemcy fic

⚠️WARNINGS FOR THIS FIC: OC X CANON, VIOLENCE, CUSSING, KISSING, CRINGE⚠️

Character colors

Blue - Boyfriend

Red - Girlfriend

Green - Pico

Pink - Cyro

Orange - Lemon Monster

The night was still young, the stars shine brightly throughout the night sky, the full moon also gave a brilliant light that made the night seem less dark. Pico, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, and Cyro were having as friend's night out, just the four of them. They generally used their time in the night to goof around and have fun, visiting parks, getting ice cream and just messing around with each other.

As the night grew they decided to sleep over at Pico's place for the night, Girlfriend told her parents about it so they wouldn't panic if Girlfriend didn't get home tonight. On their way to Pico's house Pico noticed the mansion that Girlfriend's parent's had owned, the same one where Bee and Gee met the spooky kids Skid and Pump.

"Ayo, Bee, ain't that the same house you met those kids in?" Pico asked Boyfriend. "Hrm?" Boyfriend looked over and noticed the house. "Oh yeah, it is, what about it?" "Well ain't it also the same house where you told me you like dissed a weird lemon headed monster thing?" Pico added. "Uhh...y-yeah...? Where are you going with this Pico?" Boyfriend asked slightly nervous of what Pico's intentions could've possibly been...

"Well, it's been a long ass time since I had a good scare, not even Cassandra's stupid ass could scare me, you said the guy was genuinely terrifying, I wanna be the judge of that shit!" Pico exclaimed. "DUDE! ARE YOU FUCKIN INSANE? THAT FUCKER WANTED TO EAT ME AND BAE!" Boyfriend responded with a shocked screech. "Dude come on, how bad can it be for me? Besides, Gee can't die remember?" Pico tried to remind Boyfriend. "But he was still fucking creepy, even for a dearest like me." Girlfriend admitted.

"For real?" Pico asked, astounded by Girlfriend of all people admitting that. "Yeah dude." "Well if that's the case, i think it's about time you introduced me to him!" Pico chuckled. "DUDE NO! ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY?! PLUS WHAT IF CYRO GETS HURT?!" Girlfriend states to Pico, obviously not happy that he would want to do something this reckless and life threatening. Pico looked at Cyro and felt bad that he almost forgot that they were there..."Well...you guys know I'll shoot up anything hostile." He responds bluntly. "Come on, it'll be worth it, i wanna meet this fucker" Girlfriend and Boyfriend looked at each other and then looked at Cyro for their input.

"o-o-oh uhm..." Cyro was taken aback by the situation being suddenly focused around them. "Do you think you'll be able to handle this shit Cy?" Boyfriend asks the alien in a gentle tone, as to not put more stress on Cy. "w-w-well i-i m-m-mean uh...i-i guess it sh-shouldn't b-be too b-bad if P-Pico is the o-one protecting us..." They replied quietly but not too quiet to where Bee and Gee couldn't hear. "You sure?" "I-I'm p-positive! P-Please don't w-worry about m-me too m-much!" Cyro reassures the two. Bee and Gee look at Cyro for a while and sighed. "Alright just...stay close to us alright?" Cyro nods in response.

Girlfriend finally responded to Pico "Okay, fine we'll go in again..." Pico cheered. "HELL YEAH! LES FUCKING GO!!!" Pico screamed out in joy as he immediately darted towards the mansion and wasted no time to get in, the other three followed but not as enthusiastic as Pico, they were more reluctant if anything, especially Girlfriend...

The inside of the mansion felt as dead and haunted as the first time Girlfriend and Boyfriend went inside it together for the first time. "I still hate looking at the inside of this hellscape babe..." Boyfriend shuddered. "Me too honey bun..." "Awe come on you guys are pussies!" Pico giggled. "EASY FOR YOU TO SAY MAN, YOU FUCKING KILLED A HUGE ASS ALIEN WHEN WE WERE IN FUCKING SCHOOL!" Boyfriend screeched at Pico in anger only making Pico laugh more. Cyro was shaking like a leaf, clinging tightly onto Girlfriend's red dress. "Y-You okay Cy?" Girlfriend asked, worried about the shivering alien. "i-i-i-i-i'm g-g-g-good..." Cyro whimpered silently.

"Okay this was obviously a bad idea, I'm pretty sure this place alone is gonna make Cy have a huge panic attack.." Boyfriend sighed but was cut off by Cyro. "N-N-NO! I-i-i-i-i'm okay, i-i promise...i-i-it's j-j-j-just c-c-cold here..." "You sure Cy?" Pico asked, concerned as well. "Y-Yeah...t-trust me g-guys i-i'm fine!" The alien tried their best to reassure the three, which only resulting in Pico, Bee and Gee sighing in unison, they couldn't just back out on this so quickly...right...?

After some time of exploring the mansion, it did take some time for Pico to get genuinely spooked by the place... "Wow...y'all weren't fuckin around..." He chuckled nervously. "This place is creepy as fuck...why do your parents even own this place to begin with Gee?" Girlfriend shrugged "I don't know man, sometimes they don't even make sense to me..." She responds. "Wait, so you admit your scared then?" Boyfriend asks with a slight giggle.

"WH-WHAT?! N-NO?! I AIN'T FUCKIN SCARED BEE!!" "Ya sure Pico?" Boyfriend giggled even more. "Your sure acting like your scared!" "THERE'S A FUCKIN DIFFERENCE WITH BEING SCARED AND BEING CREEPED OUT YOU FUCK NUT, GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK ASS HEAD!" "Okay but your stuttering, your clearly pissing yourself dude." "NO I FUCKIN AIN'T!" "Yeah you are!" "SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" Pico screamed. And thus, an argument began with the two boys, Girlfriend sighed. Some things never really do change, do they? Cyro looked away from the arguing boys only to be met with an odd looking shadow in the distance. "h-h-h-huh?"

"g-g-guys...?" Cyro tried to get everyone's attention but they couldn't be heard over Boyfriend and Pico so they had to try again "G-Guys?" Still not being heard over, so Cyro took a deep breath and reluctantly scream to get their attention. "GUYS!" With them finally being heard all three of them turned their heads to look at the quivering alien. "Is something wrong Cy?"

"u-uh y-yeah, WHAT TH-THE FUCK IS THAT?!" The alien screeched in terror pointing at the lemon shaped shadow that was hiding behind a door. "What's wh- oh...oh no..." "B-B-Bee...?" "What the fu..." The shadow suddenly had a visible smile and finally spoke. "Well, well, well~ what do we have here~? A three course meal~? How thoughtful of you all~!" The voice was deep, soothing, and mesmerizing. The creature slowly opened the door and stepped out.

As seen through the shadow it had a yellow, lemon shaped head, it's eyes were huge with wide pupils within them, it's teeth were uncomfortably crooked, it's neck was a velvet red and the rest of it's body was a pitch, raven black, it had two fingers on each hand, and it had only two toes on each foot. The creature was very tall in compared to the four other beings within the room, it towered over all of them.

"It has been quite a long while since i have seen you two~! And i see you've brought that little schizophrenic ginger friend of yours~! And-" the monster paused to look at Cyro behind Girlfriend, still scared out of their mind. "Well now~! Who's this little friend of yours~? They look rather...appetizing~ in more ways then one if i must be so bold to say~!" He said, attempting to slowly approach Cy but was stopped by Girlfriend. "Don't go near them...O R E L S E . . ." She warned it with a growl, which only made the lemon headed monster roll its eyes in annoyance. "And you still don't know how to not be so RUDE..." The monster growled.

"Better not try jack shit bitch, i know how to use this thing." Pico aimed the gun towards the monster which only made it boom with laughter. "You think a puny little weapon like that scares me? How adorable~!" It chuckled before lunging at Girlfriend and attacked her which made Pico start firing bullets at the creature, and Cy ran as fast as they could into an empty hallway. Boyfriend stood still, he didn't wanna engage in the violence, he didn't sign up for this shit man...

After the monster and Girlfriend fought, monster while doing a number on Girlfriend decided that enough damage was done and went after Cyro. Pico and Boyfriend, instead of knowing Girlfriend can easily heal, and going after the monster and making sure he doesn't hurt them, went to Girlfriend to see if she was okay, Cyro was sobbing and whimpering while running, wanting to be home right now and not here.

"FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK!!! I KNEW THIS WAS A BAD IDEA WHY DID I TRY TO LOOK BRAVE FOR EVERYONE HHHH!!!!" The alien screamed internally and wished that they were just honest so that none of this would be happening right now, after some running they found themself in a dead end, and what was worse is that they could hear the monster's footsteps. "NONONONONONONONONONO PLEASE PLEASE OH PLEASE I DON'T WANNA DIE, WHY ME, WHY ME. WHY ME!!!" As much as they hated themself, but they were still terrified of dying, especially like this...

The monster got closer and closer until he was visible again which only heightened Cyro's anxiety, their heart was pounding through their chest and their breathing was rapid, they could barley think straight at all. "There you are my dear~!" The monster cooed. "p-p-p-please leave m-m-me alone..." They whimpered quietly. "Oh don't worry dear~! I won't kill you~! Will i possibly hurt you? Maybe, but then again..." He got closer to them and pinned them against the wall, he slowly put his two fingered claws against their face, and caressed their face gently.

"I would feel guilty if i caused any sort of harm to an adorable and beautiful creature such as yourself~!" It whispered in their ear making Cyro blush deeply and shudder they were so confused by this behavior. "You know, i normally don't have such feelings for prey...but you...your different..." The monster explained to Cyro. "wh-what d-do you m-mean...?" "I mean what i mean my sweet cherry cake~! Your seem like such a delicate creature~!" The monster slowly moved it's claws under Cyro's chin and began to rub the bottom of their chin gently. Cyro couldn't help but purr at the sensation.

The monster chuckled at Cyro's purring, they were so adorable. "Perhaps i won't eat you~ your so sweet, I'm afraid that if I eat you, I'll get a cavity~!" The monster joked. Cyro didn't respond, they only continued to purr at the monster rubbing their chin, until he took his claw away from their chin which only made them whine. "wh-why'd y-you st-" they were interrupted by the monster giving them a soft and gentle kiss on the lips, which surprised Cyro at first, but they slowly sunk into the kiss and kissed the monster back. There was some time before they broke away from the kiss, Cyro panted softly while looking at the creature

The monster chuckled. "While i would love to keep you, i fear that i have aggravated your friends enough, so unfortunately this will be goodbye for now, but i will be back soon, my little prey, until we meet again~!" The monster whispered to them beore giving them a kiss on the cheek and disappeared into the shadows again. Which only left Cyro in confusion but at the same time, they felt like they've fallen in love again.

After some time Pico, Boyfriend and Girlfriend found Cy, fortunately for them Cyro was okay, and the four of them darted out of the house as soon as fucking possible. Cyro never really forgot about that day ever since...

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jjmaybanksblog · 4 years

Text

Bruises- JJ Maybank

Request: hi❤ I was wondering if u could do the scene where the pogues see JJ's bruises?

Word count: 2,455

Warnings: mentions of physical and verbal abuse.

“We gotta be done before my scholarship interview in the morning.” Pope explained to you and Kie as he pulled up to the back of the Chateau. “Okay, well, we gotta focus.”

“It’s gonna be fine. We got John B and JJ inside the well, and me up top. You, Y/N, and Sarah will be outside transporting.” Pope recalled the plan, exiting the truck.

They headed to the back of his vehicle, opening the back to grab their supplies. “That tin can hold up to like, 200-300 pounds.”

“Thanks.” Kie praised him as she unlatched the hinge.

“Uh, what for?”

“For stranding us. You know, making us make up.�� Kie softly grinned as you stood next to her.

“Seriously Pope, you’re like the super glue for this group.” You complimented. “What makes you think that was me?”

Before Kie could respond, lines full of lights turned on, confusing the trio. A loud buzzing sound leading them towards the backyard.

“What the hell?”

You guys walked into the area, colored and festive lights hung everywhere. Inflatable palm trees chilled in the corner. JJ sat in a shiny new hot tub, popping a bottle of champagne open.

“JJ?” you asked as you walked up to the front of the hot tub. “What did you do, JJ” Pope asked in disbelief.

“I got a jet going straight in my butt right now. Y’all should get in immediately, you hear me? Salud!” JJ cheered to no one as he poured out a glass, only to drink straight from the bottle.

“How much did this cost?” Pope asked, already knowing the answer.

“Uh… well, with the generator, the petrol, and oh, hey, express delivery… pretty much all of it, yeah.” JJ’s words were slurred, clearly intoxicated.

Pope's jaw fell open, “all of it?”

“Yeah, all of it.” JJ confirmed, pushing his sunglasses up. “You spent all the money in one day?”

“Yeah, burned a hole right through my pocket. But I mean like, come one guys, like, look at this! Finest in jet-based massage therapy, that’s what they told me.” JJ grinned at his actions. You furrowed your eyebrows at him, watching him take another drink from the bottle.

JJ noticed the look on your face, "Y/N, what? Can’t a man have a little luxury in his life? Come on,” he flung his sunglasses off, “all this scrimpin’ and scrapin’. I mean like… guys, we- you only live once, right? Enough of this emotional shit. Get in the Cat’s Ass. Come on.”

“In the what?” Kie asked softly.

“In the Cat’s Ass. That’s what I named her.” JJ giggled to himself as he let the jets hit the back of his muscles.

“Oh, hey, yo, I almost forgot.” He leaned over and pressed a button, a disco ball lighting up and spinning around.

“Yeah, that’s right, I know. Disco mode. That’s right baby!” He cheered in excitement.

“Are you kidding me? You could have paid for restitution!” Pope raised his voice. “Or literally given it to any charity!” Kie snapped. “Guys…” You started, seeing the pain in JJ’s eyes.

“Or better yet you could’ve helped us buy supplies to get the rest of the gold out of the well!” Pope continued as JJ rubbed his eyes.

“Okay well you know what? I didn’t do that.” JJ yelled back as he stood up from his spot, revealing the new red and purple marks that littered his chest. You gasped, covering your mouth with your hands.

“I got a hot tub! For my friends. I got a hot tub for my friends. You know what? No, screw friends. I got a hot tub for my family!” JJ cried out, his voice wavering. “I got this for you.” He pointed to the champagne bottle that was already half empty.

Your eyes welled up with tears, noticing just how broken JJ Maybank was. “Guys, look what I did for you! Alright? Look at this!”

“JJ…” your voice cracked, “no, you, you both stop being emotional. It’s fine, okay?”

You marched up the steps of the hot tub, stopping at the first step, “come on Y/N, just get in.” You pulled the boy into your arms as you both cried against each other. His head rested on your stomach as you leaned your head down to rest on top of his.

“I just couldn’t do it.” JJ sobbed, his body shaking from the pain. He tightened his grip around your waist as you held him in your arms. One hand rubbed his shoulder while the other softly held onto the back of his head.

“I can’t take him anymore!” He screamed into your chest, “I was gonna kill him.”

“It’s okay baby, I got you. You’re safe with us.” you whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. Kie and Pope joined you on the steps, wrapping the boy in a group hug. “I just wanna do the right thing.” He admitted, letting out a heartbreaking sob.

“We know.” Kie reassured him, “we know.”

One by one the friends let go of him, "you guys can finish up whatever you were doing, I'll take care of him." JJ refused to let go of your waist as your fingers softly rubbed his scalp.

'I got this.' You mouthed, your friends nodding their heads in acknowledgment. The two walked away to continue their plans, you slowly lifted JJ's head up to look at you.

"Hey JJ, let's get you out of here, is that okay?" You spoke softly. He nodded his head, slowly releasing you. You held his hand as you eased him out of the hot tub and down the steps.

"Stay right here, I'm gonna grab a towel." JJ muttered a gentle 'okay'. Sniffing to clear his sinuses. Running inside the house, you yanked a towel off the bathroom rack and headed back outside.

You wrapped it around his waist before leading him inside by his hand. Entering the bedroom, you picked out a pair of boxers and shorts for him to change into. "Do you think you can change into this without my help?" You asked him, holding out the clothes.

JJ nodded his head as he stumbled across the hall into the bathroom. You stood on the outside of the door, harshly biting down on your tongue. You've never seen JJ so broken, so hurt, and you wished you had known he was dealing with this.

You felt guilt and anger for not knowing about this sooner. Whenever JJ appeared with a new bruise or cut, he always told her that he got into a brawl with a Kook. He lied to you for 7 years, you never caught on which killed you on the inside.

After a few minutes, JJ opened the door with the towel in his hands, and changed into dry clothes. "Can we go lay down?" He questioned, his words still slurred. "Yeah, of course hunny."

He walked into the bedroom and sighed. Without thinking he plopped himself onto the bed, letting out a cry of pain as the bed hit his bruises.

Biting your bottom lip you asked, "do you want me to get you an ice pack?" He nodded his head, resting his hands on his eyes. Heading into the kitchen, you grabbed an ice tray, dumping some ice cubes out into a ziplock bag.

You walked back into the room, shutting the door quietly. JJ praised you as you handed him the bag of ice. He placed it on the biggest bruise he had. "Can you- can you stay with me? And play with my hair because honestly it makes me feel safe." He admitted, not even processing what he was saying.

You sat down next to him, allowing him to rest his head in your lap. Your fingers found your way to his hair, letting them run through and massage his scalp. You sat in silence before he spoke up. "I really, really like you Y/N. Like Really." He emphasized the final 'really'.

"I really, really like you too JJ." You spoke the truth. "You know, these last few days have been crazy as fuck. You know you've been there. But the amount of times I almost lost you scared the shit out of me." He confessed, his hand reaching up to place itself on your leg.

"And-and when we almost got shot at Crains, my soul nearly left my body. I want to keep you safe." Your eyebrows furrowed together as you listened to his words.

"But I'm a fuck up and I don't wanna ruin your life. I mean my own dad doesn't want me, why would you?" His voice cracked. You reached your hand down towards his face to make him look at you.

"Hey, don't say that JJ. You have made my life so much better in every single way possible. You show you care about me. You let me smoke with you so we both forget about our problems together. You taught me more shit about fishing than I knew. You can call me the worst names possible, but it doesn't bother me because I do the same to you. It scares me how much I like you because in a snap you could be gone. Hell, when you got arrested I couldn't sleep the night of." You rambled on, realizing that maybe you had more than a silly crush on him.

"You're cute when you ramble." He muttered, grinning at the sound of your laugh, yawning loudly afterwards. "You ready to sleep hun?" You asked, a nod answering the question. You shifted a bit, laying down as he rested his head on your chest. You kissed the side of his head, feeling his arm around your waist slowly tighten its grip.

______________♡_____________

You woke up, and checked the clock reading the time, '9:36'. Turning your head, you saw JJ still passed out, his snoring filling the room. Carefully getting out of the bed, you walked outside into the backyard and headed straight to the hammock.

You sat alone peacefully, the smell of the waters filled the air, the sounds of birds chirping softly echoed, and the feeling of a cool breeze skimmed your tan skin, sunglasses covering your eyes from the sun. Footsteps came up from behind you, a figure plopped itself down next to you.

A groan emitted from JJ's mouth, shutting his eyes from the blinding sunlight. "How's the hangover?" You asked, handing over the sun glasses. "Feels like I have forks jammed in my head. Thanks." He grabbed the sunglasses, quickly putting them on.

"Do you remember anything from last night?" You asked, fiddling with your thumbs. "Uhhh, I remember almost falling into the bathtub when I was changing. And then- oh..." he trailed off remembering parts of the conversation you had.

The two sat in silence again as JJ rested his hand on your thigh. "I wish I could've stopped that from happening." You broke the silence, your voice wavering at the image in your head of his bruises.

JJ shook his head, "No, no you-you do enough for me. I feel like I don't deserve you." He whispered the last part. Your heart clenched at his confession. "JJ, you are the best part of my life." Your hand cupped his, looking at the boy who lifted up the sunglasses.

"I want to be able to take you on dates and treat you like a princess and buy you everything you could ever want. But I'm a Pogue, that could never happen." He clenched his jaw, knowing deep down you deserve someone who could give you anything you wanted.

"JJ, I'm literally a Pogue too. I don't care if you don't have money because guess what? I don't either. That doesn't change the fact that I love you. Just being with you makes me feel safe."

JJ's mouth slightly fell open, allowing those three words to sink in. You realized what you had said before it was too late. Your facial expressions matched his as you quickly looked down at your hands. They sat there, trying to process the words you just said.

Stress flooded through your body as you waited for his response, only to continue to sit in silence. "I know that was just kinda thrown at you but please just be my best friend right now and not the guy I just confessed my love to." You spoke up, killing the silence.

"I don't want to be your best friend." He started, instantly making your heart drop into your stomach. "What?" You whispered, continuing to crack your knuckles.

"I don't want to be your best friend. I want to be your boyfriend. I want to take you out on dates. I want to do those weird face masks with you. I want to do any cliché shit you want to do. I want to do anything and everything with you. I want you to be my girlfriend so whenever we go to parties I can be like, 'this is my girlfriend' and show you off. I want more than just being best friends." He said, reaching over with his hand to hold the bottom of your chin.

JJ looked down at your lips before glancing back up to your eyes. Your heart rate picked up, "kiss me." You assured him, turning to face him. Your eyes fluttered shut as you both leaned in, connecting your lips gently. JJ grinned into the passionate kiss, not being able to handle the butterflies in his stomach.

You pulled back to catch your breaths, resting your foreheads against each other before you returned to your original position. He slung his arm around your shoulder, leaving you space to rest your head on his chest. You beamed as he used his index finger to rub up and down on your arm.

"Remember back in freshman year during homecoming, I asked you to dance with me to 'The Night We Met'?" JJ tilted his head down towards you, locking eyes. You nodded your head in response. "John B and Pope hyped me up for at least an hour to encourage me to ask you. And when you had your head on my chest and I just held you, it felt like we were the only two people alive. And I loved that feeling, I don't want it to ever go away."

Your smile got wider, remembering the moment as if it were yesterday. "It won't." He pressed a kiss to the top of your head before falling back into a comfortable silence.

"Just making sure... we are dating right?" JJ spoke up earning a chuckle from you. "Yes. Yes we are."

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kikoqueenofrats · 3 years

Text

@toastraccoon Righto, so this is the last pre made chapter! The others will be released as I make them, so hopefully ya'll will be looking forward to that!

"This one I found after I snuck into a creepy game whilst my parents weren't looking" Rose smiled "Though they found out and got me out before the monster in there could hurt me" she sighed, frowning slightly as the unwanted memory flashed through her mind, before passing a small grey stone to Cel.

Cel returned Roses frown as he took it, imagining how it must've felt for the small stick to be stuck in a game like that.

A small smile slowly made its way across her face however as a not so bad memory entered her mind.

"Though...it was really cool...as the monster was pulling me out from under a table, my dad threw a chair at it and then started wrestling it...." Her smile wavered a bit "it hurt him alot but he didn't care...as...as long as I was safe..." She looked away, still smiling softly "they're both really cool..."

Cel chuckled lightly, before handing the rock back "yeah" he looked up at them, the trio were all sitting on what looked like a minecraft bed to the side of this makeshift folder bedroom takling to each other, "They are"

As Rose continued to show Cel her rocks, each with their own unique story, Vill and Sean continued to ask Mari questions.

They were mostly about their adventures, though some of them were a bit more personal.

Mari wasn't paying them too much attention at the moment, too busy watching Cel. Their eyes met for a few moments before Cel blushed and looked away, Mari continued to stare, wondering why Cel had reacted like that.

"Mari?" Sean chuckled, waving his hand in front of Mari's face in hopes of snapping them out of their current funk.

"Hm?" Mari hummed, their head turning back to Sean's, a somewhat dazed look in their eyes.

Sean was about to repeat their question when Vill interrupted him, placing a reassuring hand onto Seans knee as he did so.

"So what's your relationship with Cel like?" Vill asked, a somewhat knowing look in their eyes.

Mari shrunk at that whilst Cels, who had happened to overhear part of the conversation, face went red. He recognises that tone in Vill's voice; Vill would always use that tone when he thought two people were pining for each other.

Mari began nervously rubbing the back of their neck, looking rather unsure.

"Well...he...he's a good friend" Mari muttered, not meeting anyone's eyes.

Cel deflated slightly at that, though he composed himself quickly so Rose was the only one who really noticed.

She gave him a confused look, but quickly shrugged it off and went back to talking about her rocks.

“Mhm...sure” Vill smirked playfully and Sean rolled his eyes at Vill, though a small smile was slowly crossing over his face.

"Dad?"

Sean turned towards his daughter "yes sweetie?" He smiled.

"Can I show Cel my favourite game?"

"Yeah sure" Sean nodded.

Rose quickly grabbed Cel's hand and began dragging him out of the file, essentially leaving Mari alone with Sean and Vill.

Cel hoped Vill wouldn't end up making Mari too uncomfortable as the duo stepped out of the folder and into the desktop. But decided that if it did go that far then Sean would tell him off like he always did, so he followed Rose without another word.

Mari went to get up, not wanting Cel out of their sight in case something went wrong; However as their eyes met again the words from their previous fight entered Maris mind.

"...Mari don't you trust me?"

Guilt began making its way through Maris' chest as they realised the child had not asked for them to follow her as well.

Mari was being too protective of him, they had to let him go sometimes.

"Mari?"

Mari looked back at the duo sitting in front of him, quickly sitting back down, they tried to relax their racing mind.

"Yeah?" They muttered, still looking rather guilty.

"You okay?" Vill chuckled, slightly worried

"Oh, yeah I'm fine" Mari quickly answered, looking over at Sean "You had another question for me?"

Something caught Cel’s eye, as the duo entered the desktop, and he turned; only to come face to face with the user.

Yelping in surprise Cel grabbed Rose around the waist and pulled her kicking and screaming into the folder they had just come out of.

Rose continued to squirm and complain as Cel frantically looked around for a place to hide.

Hearing their child complaining Sean and Vill quickly made their way out of Rose's bedroom and into the folder home page; Mari followed close behind, also worried about the child's safety.

The user opened the folder, wondering how a random blue stick had made it onto her computer and why they were running off with Rose.

At this point Cel had let go of Rose's waist and had begun asking why she had been resisting so much. Before Rose could reply the user quickly grabbed her and pulled her away from Cel, pulling her across the screen, before placing her next to her parents.

She was about to grab Cel when Sean held his hand up and shook his head, going over to confront Cel himself.

Mari was about to follow Sean when Vill grabbed their arm; Mari looked down at Vill in shock and was about to try and break free when Vill spoke.

"It's going to be okay, I'm sure this is just one big misunderstanding" Vill muttered, still clinging onto Mari's arm.

Mari looked back at Sean and Cel, then at the user; if that cursor so much as moved in Cel's direction Mari was going to throw Vill to the ground, grab Cel and hightail out of there.

It was obvious the user liked these three sticks, Mari didn't know why but they weren't going to risk Cel's life to find out.

"Cel?" Sean looked Cel over carefully,having an idea on what had just happened but wanting to be sure “What happened?”

The remains of panic were slowly being replaced by guilt and confusion.

"I...uh..."Cel swallowed, eyes shifting between Sean and the user nervously.

Sean stopped right in front of Cel, looking down at him with a stern but understanding expression on his face.

Cel shrunk slightly as his eyes rested upon Sean, despite the warm undertones Sean still looked incredibly intimidating at that moment in time.

"I...I thought the user was going to attack us" Cel muttered now looking down at the floor. Sean nodded in understanding as Cel continued "But it looks like you're on good terms...I'm sorry I-" "Ah, ah, ah!" Sean held his finger out to Cel in a shushing motion "Don't apologize for trying to save my daughter's life, you didn't know okay" Sean stated firmly and Cel nodded slowly in response.

"Okay" Cel muttered now looking Sean in the eyes again; a soft smile spread across Sean's mouth and he quickly pulled Cel into a hug. Cel allowed this and sunk into Seans shoulder, relishing in the physical contact for a few moments before Sean pulled away.

"Alright, we should probably introduce you two to Saph then, She's probably wondering what's going on" Sean grabbed Cel's hand and led him out of the folder, the rest of the group following behind them.

Mari was unsurprisingly confused by what had just happened as they had never met a nice user before. It felt strange, knowing that they wouldn't be attacked at any moment on this desktop.

Mari continued to mull this over as they followed the group out of the folder.

Sean stopped, just as the group reached the center of the task bar, and waited for a few moments.

A large box appeared and what looked like a digital painting program began loading in; the sudden appearance of the box startled Cel slightly but he quickly composed himself.

Still pulling Cel by the arm Sean jumped into the box; letting go of Cel's hand, after pulling him into the tab, Sean quickly made his way towards the tool box and grabbed the pen tool.

During this Saph had turned on the text tool and had begun typing out her message.

The others watched as Saph did so, reading the words as they appeared on the screen.

[Hey Sean, who are your new friends?]

Sean quickly wrote out a response, making sure Saph could see the words clearly.

"Only the dark red one is new, the blue one is an old friend. Dark red's called Mari and Blue is Cel, they're gonna be staying here for a while"

"We are?" Mari thought giving Sean a perplexed look before looking over at Cel.

He looked…happy, really happy; Mari decided it would be best to keep that thought to themselves and accept the fact that they probably would be staying there for a while.

[I see, well I hope they enjoy their stay. I was actually gonna play There is no Game before, you know. Anyways I'm gonna get it set up]

Rose began bobbing up and down in excitement at that.

"Yes! That game's always more fun when Saph plays it with me!" Rose smiled, quickly jumping out of the tab and running over to the games icon, the others following close behind.

Rose was the first to jump into the games icon, Vill quickly followed behind; Mari was about to follow Vill when they looked behind them and noticed that Sean and Cel had stopped walking.

Mari decided to wait for the duo before jumping into the game themselves; Just in case Sean decided to try something.

"So uh, Sean?" Cel asked nervously, unsure on how well asking this question would go. "yeah?" Sean replied, looking down and smiling.

"I've been wondering, how did you get here?" Cel cringed inwardly after the words left his mouth; realising that he could've been more specific, but not wanting to ask again Cel decided to wait for Sean's answer.

Sean's face turned thoughtful for a few seconds; before a small frown appeared on his face.

Cel began to panic, believing he had somehow upset Sean, before Sean opened his mouth and answered.

"Well...as you know we were thrown into the dark forest, we thought we were going to get eaten by shadows but...instead we were brought to Bad Guys castel"

Cels' eyes widened slightly at that; the thought of Bad Guy doing anything good had never crossed his mind. Though now that he thought about it Bad Guy was supposed to be the opposite of Protag.

"He told us that he had been rescuing banished sticks and bringing them into a... sanctuary as he called it, so he brought us there and we stayed there with the some of the other banished sticks for a few months before two...powerful sticks attacked and destroyed most of it, me and Vill barely escaped with our lives"

Sean shuddered slightly at the memory, Cel put a hand on Sean's shoulder and smiled up at him in understanding; Sean smiled back before continuing.

"We ended up here via dropbox and after a quick scuffle with Saph we managed to convince her to let us stay"

Cel nodded slowly taking it all in, "You can stay here with us too if you want" Sean offered before jumping into the now open game tab.

Cel looked over at Mari, it was obvious that Mari had overheard the conversation as the stick had only been standing a few feet in front of them.

Mari looked worried, Cel knew that if he did stay here Mari would be left on their own; As far as Cel knew they weren't too comfortable with staying in one place.

There was also the fact that Cel still hadn't found out what had happened to his game.

However the prospect of not being in constant danger was incredibly tempting.

"I'll think about it" Cel replied, after a short pause, before following Sean in.

#animation vs animator #stickocs #Mari and Cel #tw romance #Sorry this took so long #motivation is hard to come by-

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prurientpuddlejumper · 4 years

Text

A Deep and Rapid River, Ch. 8 [18+]

<- Chapter 7 | Chapter 9 ->

Summary: PANIC.

Bess’s face is paper-white, her irises like pin-pricks in her eyes. She stands frozen in the doorway, unable to comprehend what she was utterly unprepared to see upon entry.

“B-Bess?” you stammer stupidly, also barely processing the reality of the situation.

The noise was enough to snap her out of her paralysis, and, like a rabbit freed from a snare, she turns and bolts.

She only makes it a few paces from the door, into the yard, when she staggers to a halt, breathing hard, muscles shaking, her hands clenching into fists. She roars like a lion—a savage, feral battle cry summoning courage she doesn’t have—and charges back into the barn. In one swift motion she crouches, still running, and snatches the pitchfork from the floor.

Brandishing the weapon at the enormous monster pinning you to the wall, she screams, “LET GO OF HER, YOU FREAK!”

She was ready for a fight that she knew she might lose. She wasn’t expecting the horrific brute to just stand there, slack-jawed. She wasn’t expecting you to shriek and throw your arms around your attacker, protecting it.

Her eyes drift down to your legs wrapped around his waist. Your bodies intertwined. Undressed.

Her tight-lipped grimace of fear evolves into a different kind of wide-eyed dread. This wasn’t an attack. Her rescue attempt wasn’t wanted. This was… what the fuck was this?! She drops the pitchfork and runs, and this time she doesn’t come back.

You feel your whole world spinning.

Nothing is real.

You can barely see.

It feels like you’re being strained through a narrow tube, squeezed like an apple in a cider press. You are vaguely aware of some pathetic whimpering noises, which you realize are coming from your throat.

The creature pulls out his flaccid cock from between your legs, and a flood of cum shocks you awake.

“Oh my god, oh god, oh fuck!” you repeat on loop as he sets you down, pacing as soon as your feet hit the floor. “Fuck. Oh my god.” She saw you—she saw you doing that! With your skirts around your waist and—you barely have time to be humiliated (though apparently embarrassment and terror can coexist, evidenced by your burning-hot face) because more importantly she saw him!

The look on her face. She was horrified. Horrified by what you were doing. What did she think was happening? Some kind of satanic ritual? Some dark witchcraft with a demon or evil spirit? That’s what everyone thinks, isn’t it? That you were being haunted by dark forces—and now they’ll know it’s true! All those suspicions and rumors confirmed tenfold!

Stupid!

You shouldn’t have been so quick to try to defend him from her—if you played along and acted as if he were attacking you, he could have escaped and you could've…

Could have what? Salvaged your own reputation and destroyed his once and for all? No. Your body moved on instinct anyway. Even rationally knowing she posed no real danger to him, you couldn’t let her threaten him without jumping in the way.

“Maybe she will understand,” the creature suggests. This time he is the voice of reason, placing a steadying hand on your shoulder to stop your pacing and muttering aloud. “The girl is your friend.”

You bark a cynical laugh. “Did it look like she understands? Maybe—maybe—if I could explain, but she’s gone. She—” Oh god. Your parents. She must have run straight to the house and told them what she saw!

You risk a peek outside, and glance up the hill. They aren’t storming down from the house at this very moment.

“They hitched the mule to the cart this morning, to bring jugs of milk to town to sell,” the creature explains. In your panic, you’d forgotten. One blessing on this cursed day.

“Bess must have run home, then. At a full sprint, that means we have about five minutes until the whole town is alerted, and about five minutes after that until they break down the barn door with torches and guns.” Finally you’re starting to think again, to plan. “What do we do?”

He clenches his jaw. He had hoped that your promise could come true. That you might be able to introduce him to others, and this time, with your aid, he would not be driven away. Though it was an accident, perhaps being seen by your friend was an opportunity.

But from experience, he knew you were right. That girl was certain to scream ‘monster’ to the entire town, and the hunter who had just sighted him not an hour before would validate her tale, and would be all too happy to learn where the vile creature was living. Any chance of a cordial introduction was ruined. His greatest concern now was your safety—being discovered as his ally placed you in grave danger of being hurt by a mob intent on killing him.

“We must run.”

“But where? There’s nowhere to go! We can’t just show up in a neighboring town—we’ll have the exact same problem, only worse, because I’ll be a stranger to them too.”

“Before our meeting, I wandered for many months in the wilderness, away from the persecution human eyes. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers were my refuge. The caves of ice were a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge.”

“Are you joking? We can’t just run away into the woods—I’ll starve! You might be fine, but I…” You’re breathing too fast, too shallow. The edges of your vision start closing in again. He takes your shoulders, enveloping them in his warm hands

“Food will be more plentiful now, berries and edible greens more abundant. Mousserons are growing. I will take care of you, I swear it.”

It isn’t terribly convincing, at least not to your panic-addled mind. You imagine yourself huddled and shivering on a floor of damp leaf litter, unable to feel your fingers. Goosebumps rush down your arms just picturing your freezing state. Feverish. What if you get sick?!

He senses the nightmares swirling before your eyes, and knows his words have done nothing to reassure you. There’s one more card he has yet to play which may yet abate your fear, though he is loath to admit it. “I know a place we may find shelter. Perhaps a home.”

“How? Where?”

“Geneva. Victor Frankenstein.”

Your eyes snap to his. “Your father? But, you despised him. He abandoned you. What makes you think he would help us now?”

“When I was first given the spark of life by his hand, I arose an uncoordinated, senseless mass of flesh. Endowed of all my present hideousness yet lacking any sign of intelligence, I must, in my infancy, truly have been a horror to behold. My creator could never have imagined I would ever find myself a companion so lovely.

“Such negligence on his part is why I hated him. To create a being capable of sensitive thought, who desired only to be loved, and was too ugly ever to be loved. Why must he have made me able to feel such longing!—such intense emotion!—yet deny me the possibility of companionship? For the maddening solitude he abandoned me to, I wished to inflict upon him suffering matching my own.

“Yet now, any reason I held for anger against him is dissipated. You make me happy to have been created. If the sorrow of my creation is the price to be paid for finding you, then I would happily pay it again. Therefore, for your sake, I can put aside resentment to beseech his aid.

“Perhaps his horror will have diminished now that I can petition myself to him rationally, and have a beautiful, charming mate to attest to my character. He is a scientist. He cannot be so prejudiced against me, whom he created, that he would not be moved by our tale.

“If he is not, regardless, I will not be so easily abandoned this time. He owes me a debt, as a father. He must help. He will help.”

A flicker of hope ignites inside you. If you have a destination—a benefactor—towards which you can run, then perhaps you won’t die like a lost lamb separated from the flock. You nod in understanding. Frankenstein may not willingly offer hospitality, but he will be convinced to give it one way or another—and if your daemon is willing to confront his past for your sake, then you must at least be willing to try.

“OK. I can pack all the supplies I’ll need to survive for a few weeks… warm clothing, blankets, food, what coin I have… and we’ll figure it out from there!”

Yes. This could work, this could really work!

Your spirits kick into high gear. “Hurry—we must hurry! How much time have we wasted talking? You are in the most danger if you are seen. I’ll pack a bag and meet you at my hiding spot behind the boulders in five minutes. Go!”

He kisses you quickly on the lips, and you both dash away to your respective tasks.

********

Your feet pound up the creaky wooden staircase to your bedroom. Your home is small and rustic, but built large enough by your ancestors (out of wood from the surrounding forest) that you were afforded your own private room. It was a bedroom meant to be shared by many siblings, but you were the only one to survive past childhood. Heat filtered up to it from the cast-iron stove through loose floorboards, though on the coldest nights you slept in the kitchen.

It is dark for midday. Even after you throw open the shutters, you need to light a tallow candle to locate your belongings, and start shoving them into your pack. The sky outside is overcast with gray, foreboding clouds.

You look around for the last time at all of your needle-pointing hanging from the walls, charcoal drawings of birds and flowers sketched longingly on a winter day, and pages and pages of writing hidden under the mattress, bearing far too much of your heart to be found. It was a room full of yearning to leave, but it was yours. And you were leaving.

You squish the mass of fabrics down to make room for hardtack, carrots, cheese, and a jug of water you intend to steal from the kitchen. Less space is freed up than you hoped. You pull out a blanket that would have only gotten soaked and moldy the first time it rained anyway.

Will this really be enough to survive? It will have to be, you tell yourself as you sling the straps over your shoulders. It’s time to go.

The sound of voices and hoof-beats drift in through the walls. A jolt shoots through your chest. They were too close. If you ran out the door now, they would almost certainly see you. Shit. You weren’t an especially fast runner, you’d never lose whoever it was in a fair race. You pray they’ll head straight down to the barn looking for the creature, who should already be safely waiting at your meeting place. Then, once they’ve passed, you can slip out quietly and disappear into the trees.

The door opens.

Your hope is crushed beneath the threshold.

Is this it? Are you going to die? Is a mob going to pull you, screaming, heels dragging, from your home and burn you as a witch? Your breath catches in your throat, and you try to swallow but find that you can’t. All you can think is, I don’t want to die.

By a strange miracle, your terror is short-lived. There are only a handful of voices, not an angry mob, and two of them are your parents. Maybe they hadn’t heard yet. Maybe your best friend didn’t stir up a riot to hunt you down and kill you. Maybe, somehow, it was going to be OK.

They call your name. “Are you here? Come downstairs, we have a matter of urgent importance to discuss. Immediately.”

Maybe not.

You finally swallow the lump in your throat, and, tucking the bag behind your bedroom door, slowly descend the creaky stairs.

Your mother and father both have their arms crossed, and a different, yet equally stern expression upon their faces. Your father looks as though he could skin you alive and but would be too annoyed by the effort. Your mother looks at you disapprovingly, but with an odd smile threatening to show in the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth—as if she had just won a game you had forced her to play.

As you continue down the stairs, a third person comes into view. A young man with sandy blond hair. Ferdinand. Hairs raise on the back of your neck. What the hell is he doing here? The look on his face is almost the same as your mother’s, except his smile is unrestrained, vicious.

“Hello, darling! Wonderful news. We’re getting married!”

#frankenstein #Frankenstein's Monster #monster x reader #the creature x reader #monster x human #my writing #much shorter update I hope it doesn't feel rushed? I wrote it surprisingly quickly #everything starts happening really fast now

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