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footiehoefics · 7 months

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Good cop, bad cop

Hi guys! This is the dad Mason fic a lot of you voted on the poll for :). I'm very excited about this one, I hope you guys like it! TW, none, Fluff/Angst, 5.2k words

gif: @doinggreat

“Boys c’mon! We are running late!” you yelled from your bathroom to your twin boys who were getting their backpacks ready for school.

“Mommy, I can’t find my lightning McQueen pencil case!” your little boy Sebastian said, barging in your room, almost on the verge of crying.

“Baby you probably left it at school then like last time, you can check with the teacher when you get there okay? We need to hurry up otherwise we will be late.”

You grabbed his tiny hand and led him to his and his brother’s, Oliver, room.

“Oliver baby, c'mon put your shoes on please.”

“Yes mommy.”

Once you got the twins ready, you headed downstairs to grab their lunchboxes and get their water bottles filled up.

“Alright guys, I’m off.” Your husband, Mason, said entering the kitchen ready with his washbag and car keys to leave for training.

“Bye baby” you said, turning around to give him a peck on the lips. “Can you please make that dish you saw yesterday on tiktok for lunch?” Mason said pouting like a little boy making him look exactly like Seb and Oliver.

“Fine big baby I’ll do it.” You said, rolling your eyes and laughing at your husband’s childish behavior. He pecked your lips again and turned around to say goodbye to the twins.

“Bye little monsters”. He got down to hug both of them at the same time. “Listen to your mom and be good at school okay?” he told them.

“Yes daddy” they both said in unison.

Mason left and it was just you and the twins.

“Okay, you have everything right?” you said checking them and they nodded.

Once everything was ready, you helped them get into the car and into their car seats.

The drive to school was as usual, blasting music, talking, asking them if they had done their homework, and reminding them to not forget any book or notebook they would need for that day.

You loved dropping them off, and so did Mason. However, now that the season started again, usually he couldn't come with you.

The boys understood why their dad could not always drop them off or was not at home some weekends, which amazed you considering they were still very young. They were 6, but they were very smart. Their homeroom teacher told you they were exceptional, and it made you so proud and also made you feel relieved. You always wanted to raise two little smart gentlemen.

Mason would always joke how physically, they were a copy of him but mentally, it was you.

You arrived at school and parked the car in your usual spot. You got the boys out and tucked their little shirts in, so they looked presentable. You held both of their hands and walked them to the school entry.

Once you reached their classroom, you greeted Anouska, who was also dropping off her kid.

“Hi babe!” Anouska said, hugging you. “Hi boys!” Ever since you moved to Manchester, Anouska and Luke had become very close to you. Their kids were now best friends with yours and you couldn’t be more thankful. The one thing that worried you the most was Seb and Oliver not making new friends at a new school. “Reign is already inside, they are starting soon.” You thanked her for letting the boys know they had to go in.

Once they were settled, you stayed in the car park for a little while talking to her and arranging a brunch this week once the boys were dropped off.

“Did you hear about the bullying case?” Anouska asked you taking, a sip of her coffee.

“What bullying case?” you asked curiously.

“Mrs. Adams told me there was this boy in the classroom called Matthew that is being bullied. She said she and the school board will be supervising the whole class to see who it is.”

“Oh no, did she say how serious it was?” you asked.

“No, she just said the little boy’s mom noticed he came home really upset yesterday so she drove back and talked to her about it.”

“I hope they find out who it is before it gets more serious.” It hurt you that a little boy was being bullied, it made you think, what if it was your kid? You wouldn’t be able to bear it.

You said your goodbyes and you headed home.

---

Once you got home, you started prepping some stuff for the dish Mason wanted. It wasn’t a complicated dish but it would take time, you wanted it to be ready for him when he got home.

After being in your own little world, cooking, chopping veggies and tasting everything, you noticed an unknown number was calling you. You found it strange but you picked it up either way.

“Hello?”

“Hi, is this Mrs. Mount?” the voice on the other side of the phone said.

“Yes, this is she, who is this sorry?” you asked, turning off the stove to concentrate on the phone call.

“Hi Mrs. Mount, it is Mrs. Adams!” Weird. Why would she be calling you? Maybe one of your boys got sick?

“Oh hi! How are you? Is everything okay with Seb and Oliver? Is one of them sick?” you asked.

“No, no, they are okay. I wanted to call you because I wanted to discuss something with you.” She responded.

“Sure, what can I help you with?” you sat down on the couch ready to have this conversation.

“So, today we’ve had our school board supervising the students because we found out yesterday our student Matthew was being bullied. Well, after observing everyone the whole day, we highly think it is Sebastian and Oliver bullying Matthew.” She said on the other line.

Your heart dropped to your stomach. Your boys were bullying someone? Why? You had never raised them to be mean.

“Mrs. Mount?” Mrs. Adams asked

“Yes sorry, um are you sure it’s them? I mean, I don’t know why they would be doing that.” You said nervously.

“Well from everything we have observed, yes, we think it is them. I will talk to Matthew shortly to ask him, and I can let you know when you come and pick them up. Is that alright?”

“Yes, yes please let me know.” You gulped.

“Alright, sorry if I disturbed you, have a great day!” their teacher said.

“No worries, thank you for the heads up. I'll see you soon.”

You hung up the phone and you were still shocked at the information you had just received. You wanted to cry. How can your two little boys be bullying someone? You had never raised them to be bullies. You and Mason always made sure they were gentlemen, respectful and humble. You took pride in that, how they were never really materialistic. They didn’t care about having new toys all the time, they didn’t really care about having an iPad or whatever. They always just loved playing outside, watching football and going to the stadium to see their daddy.

Speaking of daddy, Mason started calling you, making you snap out of your thoughts again.

“Hey” you said, and you could tell immediately Mason would notice something was wrong.

“Hi my love, you okay?” he said.

“Yea I’m just prepping lunch right now.” You said standing up from the living room couch and heading back to the kitchen so you could continue cooking.

“Speaking of lunch, I don’t think I’ll have time to go eat at the house. Gaffer wants to have a meeting about tomorrow’s game, so I’ll be home a little later.” He spoke.

“Oh, okay it’s fine. I’ll leave some so you can eat for dinner.” You placed your phone down, put it on speaker and continued chopping veggies.

“You okay babe?” he asked you. “Yea I’m fine, we need to talk when you get home, about the boys.”

“Did something happen?”

“Their teacher called, and she said she thinks they are bullying another student.” You said waiting for his response.

“What?” Mason sounded as confused as you were when you got the news.

“Yea, I was shocked too.”

“Is she 100% sure it is them?” He asked

“Well not 100%, but she said she will talk to Matthew, the little boy, today to figure out who it is.”

“Well,” he pauses for a moment analyzing the situation “Let’s wait and see what she says before panicking and if it’s really them wait for me so we can talk to them together.”

“Okay, yes you’re right. She said she would talk to me when I go pick them up.” you responded.

“Okay, let me know what she says yea?”

“Yea I will, love you.”

“Love you more, I’ll see you later, babe.” And with that he hung up.

He was right, you didn’t need to panic right now. You would have to wait another hour to go pick them up and talk to her.

---

You had arrived at school early to try and talk to Mrs. Adams before you saw the boys. You wanted to chat to her first before asking the twins any questions. Once you entered the school, you went to their classroom and waited there patiently. Mrs. Adams saw you, indicated her students to start packing up and approached you with a smile.

“Hi Mrs. Mount it is good to see you” she greeted you as soon as she opened the door.

“Hi, good to see you too, you can call me Y/n don’t worry” you said smiling shaking her hand.

“Well, Y/n, I was able to talk to Matthew and unfortunately we were right. He said Sebastian and Oliver have been picking on him ever since they played football in P.E class two days ago.” She informed you.

That weird feeling on your tummy came back. You were hoping she would tell you they got it all wrong and it was someone else but now hearing her confirm it was them, it upset you.

“Oh okay, um, is the school going to do something?” you asked.

“Well, not yet. We think it’s best if the parents first talk to their children and see what measurements they want to take. If it does continue after the first warning then the school does intervene with either parent teacher conference or suspensions and detentions.”

“Okay, I will talk to them. I promise this won’t happen again.” You said apologetically.

After the chat with her, you were upset, but you were also furious with your boys. Here you were thinking this morning what if it was them being bullied? You would feel awful and helpless, you can’t imagine what this kid’s mother was feeling. It bugged you they would behave like this when all you ever taught them was good things. It also made you feel like an awful parent. Were you failing them? What were you doing wrong? You needed to talk to them asap, you knew Mason told you to wait for him but they couldn’t get in the house and start playing and getting all the privileges after what they have done.

The whole car ride there was no music, you weren’t talking much, your boys were smart and they knew you were mad.

When you got to the house, you helped them get off their car seats and take their stuff inside.

“Please, sit down, eat and we will talk.” You said sternly closing the front door.

The boys sat down at the dining table, waiting for their plates to be served. They were sitting next to each other. You served them lunch and a drink, gave it to them and sat down directly in front of them.

You waited for them to eat so you could start talking to them. You had no idea what you were going to say, but you needed them to know bullying was not acceptable.

“So,” you started speaking as soon as they finished “do you know what Mrs. Adams said to me today about you two?” you asked your boys who looked guilty of something but were not saying anything. They both shook their heads in sync.

“She told me you two have been bullying Matthew for the past 2 days, is that true?” you asked. They both looked terrified of answering yes, so they both looked at each other waiting for one another to say something. They opted to just shaking their heads again.

“Sebastian and Oliver, do not lie to me.” You stated.

“We were picking on him when we were playing…” Oliver said quietly.

“Only when you were playing?” you asked

“After too…a little bit” Oliver replied, his lip wobbling.

“Why?” you wanted to know why they were doing this and where they learned to do this.

None of them answered.

“Where did you learn about bullying and calling people names? Because I am 100% sure it is not in this house.”

“Daddy picks on people sometimes when he plays, and all the football players do as well…” Sebastian spoke up this time, not looking you in the eyes.

If there was one thing these boys were obsessed with was football. They would watch any game that was on, no matter what league it was. They loved it. They loved watching the games with his dad, and Mason teaching them everything about it.

Mason didn’t get pissed off on the pitch often, but you remembered last game he did and the boys saw. They also watched the North London derby where it got heated as well. They were learning this from football, which made sense now.

“Listen to me carefully, just because you see that being done in football does not mean you have to do it in real life. They are adults competing for points or a trophy, okay? You are kids, football is supposed to be fun, it is not serious. I’m really upset and disappointed with you guys, daddy and I never taught you to do this. We have raised you to be way better than this. How would you feel if a friend of yours calls you names and bullies you? It would not feel good right? You would be sad, is that right?” you asked them, raising your voice a bit.

They were both looking at you with teary eyes and their lips wobbling trying to hold in their tears. It broke your heart, you had never ever grounded them or punished them but to you this was unacceptable.

“I hate doing this to you boys but this behavior will not be tolerated okay?”

They both nodded their heads, tears falling from their eyes.

“Bad behavior means bad consequences, so I’m sorry but no football for a week.”

They both gasped and looked at you with wide eyes. You knew you could take aways their iPads, their toys, their Pokémon cards, and they would not care at all because they could play football with Mase or just watch it and they would be fine. You needed them to know this was serious and there would be zero tolerance for this behavior.

“I’m not taking you to watch daddy’s game tomorrow, you will not watch the other games this weekend, and no playing outside with the ball.” You stated making them frustrated.

“Mommy that is not fair!” Sebastian raised his voice, crying.

“It’s not? Well, you should’ve thought of that before bullying someone.”

You ended the conversation and told them to go to their rooms to read what the teacher had assigned them.

You were tidying up the kitchen, the living room and putting away the left-over food for Mase.

The whole afternoon, you were thinking if maybe no football was too harsh. Your parents were always very strict with you. If you got grounded, you always learned from it and never did it again. You wanted them to learn and never do that again. Mason was always softer with them which annoyed you. They would always convince him to let them go to a friend's house even after not doing their school work, if you would say no they would go to him and he would let them making you the bad cop.

Time went by and you heard the front door open indicating Mason was home. Your twin boys were excited to have him back after not seeing him all day. They ran up to him and hugged his leg.

“Hi daddy!” they both squealed.

“Hi, my boys, how are you?” He knelt down to hug them back. “Where is mommy” he asked both and they looked at each other worriedly. “Kitchen” Oliver responded.

“What’s wrong?” he asked them.

“Mommy grounded us.” Seb said looking at Mase with sad eyes, the same sad eyes that would convince him to let them do anything. “Yea she said not football for a week, and that we could not go tomorrow to the game.” Oliver continued with puppy eyes.

You were hearing the whole conversation, hoping Mason would put two and two together, how you were grounding them because they were in fact bullying someone.

“So you were bullying someone?” he asked them.

“Yea…” Oliver said, looking down at Mason’s lap.

Mason was pissed, pissed at his boys for behaving like that but also at the fact that you had a conversation with them without him.

“Go back to your room, I will be up there in a minute to talk to both of you.” Mason said more seriously now.

Sebastian and Oliver climbed up the stairs and went back to their room shutting the door with their head hanging low.

“Babe?” Mason called out for you.

“Kitchen” you responded.

He entered the kitchen, not giving you a kiss like he usually would, but instead ready to talk about what happened.

“You already talked with them? Without me?” he asked, you could tell he was upset about it.

“Yea, I did. I had to, I wanted to know what had happened and why they were doing it.” You said approaching him, ready to hug him.

He backed away a little, making you stop in your tracks.

“What is this, no football for a week and they can’t go see me tomorrow at the game?” he asked, frowning.

“Their punishment?” you said it as if it was obvious.

“And don’t you think that is something we should agree on?”

“You don’t agree on punishing them?” you asked confused.

“I agree they should get punished, but not like that babe. Of course, they have to go tomorrow, it’s my first UCL home game.” He said putting down his wash bag on the kitchen counter.

“I understand Mase but this is the only way they will learn…” you said trying to make him understand.

“What about no IPad for a week? That seems more reasonable-“

“Mason, they don’t care about their iPad and their toys. They barely use it. They are bullying a kid, do you not see how serious that is? If they are getting grounded, they have to learn after” you said, getting irritated at him questioning your punishment.

“Of course I know how serious it is, but it’s my game Y/n, it’s important for me” he said trying to make you understand his point.

“And how else would you ground them? This is the only thing they care about, the only thing they would feel as something harsh. I know you are used to forgiving their actions but this time I’m not letting it slide.” You said turning on your heel ready to go to your shared bedroom.

“I’m not gonna let it slide Y/n, but they are going to the game. I will talk to them-“

“Talk to them? That is your punishment? You will talk to them, let them give you the same puppy eyes they give you every time they want something, and you can never say no? And then I always look like the mean parent afterwards because I’m the one that has to put them in check?” you interrupted him. You were annoyed. You always wanted them to be good boys, but without consequences for their actions how could they be?

“Why are you making it seem as if I don’t ever put my foot down?” he asked angrily.

“Because you don’t Mason, I’m always the one “parenting” them.” You replied.

“Well, that should say a lot about their behavior in school…” he said, almost whispering it because he knew he would regret it.

You couldn’t believe he went so low as to blame you for all of this.

“Excuse me?”

He didn’t answer anything. The room was silent, and you both were upset with one another. He was upset that you didn’t want to take them tomorrow, and you were upset at him for not putting his foot down and basically blaming you for their behavior.

“You know what’s funny?” you finally spoke up with tears in your eyes. “They learned this from football.”

Mason looked at you, regretting even more what he had said.

“I asked them where they learned this, and they said daddy and football players always fight on the pitch, so they thought it was okay.”

Mason’s face dropped. “Babe-“he tried to say sorry but you cut him off.

“I am trying to raise them as gentlemen and the most respectful, kind, humble boys like you were raised too. I’m not doing this to piss them off or to annoy you, I am not taking them tomorrow. If you want them to go to the game then call your brother or your mom and ask them to take them.” With that you finally turned around and headed back to your room.

—

Mason was pacing around the kitchen, replaying everything in his head. He had been a douche. He knew you were a good mother. He knew that you always wanted what was best for him and the kids. He felt awful about how the whole thing went down.

Once he gathered his thoughts, he went upstairs to talk to the kids. As much as he wanted them to go to the game, he knew he had to put his foot down at some point. Once he entered the room, the twins were both doing schoolwork.

Mason sat down at the edge of their bed and indicated to them to join him. He was upset, he wanted them to know how upset they had made you and him with their behavior.

Mason talked to them for a long time, trying to make them understand how what they see football players do, they don’t have to do it. They both cried again after hearing their dad being as upset as mommy was. They both promised Mason they would never do that again and Mason saying he believed them.

“Does this mean we can go to the game tomorrow?” Oliver asked, rubbing his eyes.

Mason saw their puppy eyes and their little pouts, he wanted to say, “YES YOU CAN GO.” But he wanted to respect your decision. “No mate, mommy is really upset and if she thinks this is the best punishment then I agree.”

It would suck for Mase not having you three there. He loved seeing his little team at the box supporting him every weekend. This weekend though, he knew you were right, they didn’t deserve the privilege of being there.

After their conversation, Mason took them downstairs to eat some dinner. You never went downstairs to eat dinner with them. He knew you were still mad at him.

“Where is mommy?” Sebastian asked after taking a bite of his sandwich.

“She’s upstairs I think, she was tired.” Mason lied, knowing full well you were probably still upset not wanting to see him.

“Is she still mad at us?” Oliver asked Mason

“No mate, she is more disappointed. She always wants you guys to be great boys and treat everyone with respect, and you didn’t do that with Matthew.”

The twins looked upset now, realizing they had disappointed you.

“I’m sorry Daddy.” Oliver said with teary eyes.

“I know you are baby.” Mason replied.

All three of them heard your footsteps, coming down the stairs. Once you entered the kitchen your heart wanted to melt at the sight of your three boys eating dinner together.

“Hi mommy” Sebastian said hesitantly.

“Hi my love” you said, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and doing the same with Oliver.

“Did you like the dish?” you asked Mason, who was eating the dish he had requested in the morning.

Mason smiled at you replying with a yes, and you didn’t smile back at him, turning around and grabbing leftovers from lunch. You ate in silence, listening to your boys and Mase talk to each other. You were still upset at him, you didn’t want to be, but his comment hurt you.

“Boys, before you go upstairs, I need to talk to you.” You said before they stood up to go back to their room.

Mason was curious, so he stayed in his place ready to listen as well.

“Tomorrow, I will drop you off and the first thing you will do when we get to your class is apologize to Matthew. I already talked to his mom and told her this wouldn’t happen again, and I also told her you two would apologize first thing in the morning.” You said looking intensely at both, so they understood.

They both replied with “Yes mommy” and went upstairs to get ready for bed.

You grabbed their plates and yours to place in the dishwasher.

Mason came up to you, hugging you from behind. “I’m really sorry about earlier baby” he said, kissing your neck and resting his chin on your shoulder.

You didn’t say anything, still placing all the utensils in the dishwasher. “Babe please-“ Mason tried to say.

“Mason I’m tired, I’ve been stressed the whole day about this situation. I really don’t want to have this conversation right now.” You said turning around.

He respected your decision. He knew he had to give you space and let you have peace for a bit. You lightly kissed his cheek to indicate you appreciated his response.

---

The whole night was awful. Both of you didn’t cuddle before falling asleep, didn’t talk about each other’s days like you usually do, you just went to bed and completely ignored each other.

Once you got up, you did your usual morning routine. Get yourself ready, get the boys ready and pack their lunch. The morning went on by as usual, Mason saying goodbye and leaving for Carrington.

The whole night you were debating whether to take them to the game. It always meant a lot to Mason having you there and you knew that.

The drop off went well. You made sure the boys apologized to Matthew, and you talked to his mom again apologizing for their behavior. You also told their teacher to call you if it ever happened again. Mrs. Adams assured you she would.

---

You were back at school hours later to pick them up. You were nervous, you wanted Mrs. Adams to tell you there was no bullying today but what if they hadn’t learn?

“How did they do today?” you asked Mrs. Adams.

“Oh, darling, they were amazing. They played with Matthew the whole day, do not worry about it anymore.” You felt the relief washing over your body as soon as she said that.

“Okay that’s good.” You sighed.

“Yea don’t worry. I think they learned their lesson. I was surprised to know it was them, they have always been good boys, top of their class, very respectful. You are doing a good job momma” Mrs. Adams said to you rubbing your arm.

“Thank you so much.” You smiled at her.

You took the boys back to the car and helped them get into their car seats.

The drive home, both were talking about how much fun they had playing with their new friend Matthew and asking if they could take him to a game.

After giving it a lot of thought, you decided you would take them to the game, and call Matthew’s mom and invite them as well. You knew the twins had learned their lesson and you wanted to do something nice for Matthew and his mom as an “I’m sorry”.

Once you called her and made sure she was available, you let the boys know and they started squealing.

“Thank you, mommy!” Sebastian screamed running up to you and hugging you. Oliver, jumping up and down, ran towards you to hug you as well.

“Okay, okay” you laughed at their excited little bodies.

“Listen to me, this is no reward for bad behavior, okay? You are still not allowed to watch other games on the telly this week, but we are going to support daddy because he needs us.” They both nodded their heads.

“And we are also doing this for Matthew okay? I want you to be nice to him, show him around and have a good time yea?” they were both jumping up and down from excitement making your heart melt.

---

You got the boys ready, dressing them with the full united kit Mason had gotten for them and bringing an extra one for Matthew. You met the little boy and his mother at the stadium car park and led them to the box.

The three boys were so excited to see the game and cheer on the team.

Matthew’s mother had told you thank you a thousand times already, being very grateful at the opportunity given how Matthew is a big Manchester United fan.

Once the players walked on to the pitch, Seb and Oliver started yelling to Mason. He turned his head around and saw his little team in the box, making him smile from ear to ear.

He was grateful you brought them to the game. He always felt much better and more confident knowing he had you guys there for him.

The game was amazing, with a last-minute goal winner from Mason. You were so proud of him. It had taken him a while to click with the team and he deserved his goal. The boys were even more excited and ecstatic than before.

Once the game was done, you all waited for Mason in the players lounge, greeting the other girls and their kids.

Once you spotted Mason, you told Seb and Oliver, making them jump and run towards him. Mason picked both of them up and hugged them tightly.

“Did you like that goal?” he asked, smiling at them, both screaming yes.

“Look daddy, we brought our new friend.” Oliver said, pointing at Matthew.

Mason placed the twins on the ground, approaching the little boy. “Hello mate, how are you?” he said, hugging him. “Hi, I’m Matthew,” he said, smiling with excitement. “You are his favorite player.” His mom said, making Mason smile. “Is that so?” Mason asked the boy, “yea..” he replied shyly.

Mason took pictures with him and his boys to capture the night. He talked to him for a little bit before saying goodbye to Matthew and his mother. Once they left, Oliver and Sebastian started playing with Luke’s son.

“Hi baby” he said, placing his hands on your neck ready to kiss you. You hadn’t been able to talk to each other since the game ended.

“Hi babe” you replied smiling and leaning in to kiss him. You kissed him lovingly, not for long since you were in public, but long enough.

After kissing he hugged you, burying his face on your neck giving you little pecks. You had your arms around his shoulders hugging him tightly.

“Thank you for bringing them.” You heard him say. “I really appreciate it.”

He pulled away so he could look at you. “And I’m sorry about last night. I was out of line. I got upset because the thought of not having you guys here…I don’t know I need you guys.” Mason told you.

“I know baby, I know you are sorry.” You said resting your forehead on his.

“What I do on the pitch, I do it for you guys, no one else.”

“I know.” You looked up at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“You have been an amazing parent, okay? I need to learn from you, I don’t know how their little pout and puppy eyes don’t get to you.” He said jokingly, making you giggle.

“Trust me they do, it’s so hard.” You say shaking your head and laughing.

“But we are a team, yea? We’ve done a pretty good job with them.”

“Yes, we have.” You lean in again and kiss him, this time for a longer time not caring about the other people in the room.

---

After picking up some Mac Donald’s on the way home from the stadium, you all sat down in the living room to eat and watch a movie together. The boys had created a mini mattress of pillows on the floor and you and mason were curled up on the sofa.

“Daddy tomorrow uncle Declan plays at 8” Sebastian said suddenly, remembering he had promised Dec to watch his games too.

“I know, sucks for you mate but you are not watching it remember...?” Mason said, smirking to himself. You wanted to giggle at his response but covered your mouth.

“But-“ Oliver tried to say but Mason wasn’t having it.

“No games this week besides mine okay? Let’s keep watching the movie Little monsters.”

They both gave up and continued watching the movie.

Mason looked down at you, you were smirking at the fact he finally put his foot down.

“You're learning” you whispered

“Always, form the best” he whispered back at you, kissing your temple.

#mason mount #mason mount fanfic #mason mount fluff #mason mount imagine #mason mount x reader #mason mount angst #mason mount x y/n #football x reader #mason mount fan fiction

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timeoutsoup · 1 year

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Dig You A Grave

Part 5

This is the next day.

___________________________________________

Klarion wakes from his well deserved sleep, to see his beloved feline resting on her cushion, next to him. Sitting up, a malicious grin spreads across his face. He is ready to plan his revenge on the Light.

Teekl stretches, then follows her witch boy as he begins to move around their dwelling.

“First things first Teekl, we plan.” A malicious grin split Klarion’s face as he got to work. Books, papers, and magical items began to fly around, summoned and judged on how useful it may be. Everything slowed to a stop as Klarion plucked a small electronic device out of the air. “oh, this will be fun.”

__________________

Back in amity Danny, Sam and Tucker were at Sam’s house finishing up their homework, when Tucker’s PDA begins to ding. Grabbing it to check the notification, he is surprised. “ Nothing!”

“What’s nothing?” Danny asks as he and Sam raise their heads, trying to figure out what their friend is going on about.

“So guys, I decided to do a background check on Danny’s new boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend, Tucker.” Danny pipes up, flustered.

“Wait, I want to hear this. What did you find?” Sam asks as she waves her hand at Danny.

“Anyway, as I was saying, I decided to run a background check when I got home yesterday, and nothing came up for him.”

“What do you mean nothing came up for him? There has to be something.” Sam states confused, tapping her pencil against her notebook.

“Or maybe Tucker’s skills aren’t as good as he says.” Danny says getting a jab in at his friend.

“Ha ha very funny, but no it’s more like he doesn’t exist or more likely someone is trying to hide him from being found.” The tech genius fires back, glaring at his best friend.

“Or maybe he just doesn’t use social media.” Sam ponders.

“Come on Sam. What teen doesn’t use social media?”

“Maybe Klarion is Amish?” Danny thinks out loud.

All three friends stop and think. What if Klarion was Amish. It would explain his lack of internet presence, his clothes and why he has never tried tamales before.

“They do send out teenagers to experience the modern world. He could be doing that.” Sam points out

“But aren’t they super religious and stuff?” Danny asks.

Sam looks at him before replying. “I mean they can be. Why?”

“Well I asked him out on a date, he has styled his hair into horns and he broke into the Fruitloop’s mansion to steal a book.And he put his contact as ‘Klarion the Witch Boy. Are there Amish Witches?”

Both of the halfa’s friends stared at him in disbelief.

“Ugh, now it makes so much more since.” Sam groaned. “If he does witchcraft and he is currently doing Rumspringa, that’s what it’s called by the way; I looked it up. Klarion is probably trying to find a way to not go back.”

“Why wouldn’t he want to go back?” Tucker inquired.

“Do you remember reading The Crucible last year?” Sam responded.

“Oh Ancients, that is as bad as me having ghost hunters for parents, maybe even worse. We need to help him.” The ghost boy says frantically jumping up.

“Well we yeah, but rushing in won’t do us any good. Now sit down.” Sam grabs Danny’s wrist, pulling him back down to the floor.

_________________

“Achoo!” Klarion sneezed in the middle of The Light Meeting, receiving glares from the other members.

“Now as I was saying, for the next phase …” Vandal Savage continues to drone on about their plans (read his plans). Klarion hates it but just a little bit longer and he would have what he needs. He had already switched out the book for an identical fake, duplicated many files, placed transportation sigils on many important pieces of equipment, and most importantly using the Young Justice comm he stole a while ago to not only record but transmit everything he was hearing. Oh his revenge will be a grand affair.

A little over an hour later, the meeting finally ended. Klarion had been assigned to kidnap metas and other beings for their new ally, the Reach. How dare The Light think, he a Lord of Chaos would willingly work for a species who just conquer and want to rule. Meaning everyone follows their laws and rules. How droll and orderly.

Klarion had other plans, and yes he might have to work with the justice losers but the chaos and calamity that will arise from it will be worth it. Now all he has to do is make his leave and watch the show.

With a snap of his fingers Klarion and Teekl disappeared from his former allies hideout, and appeared in Tim Drake’s penthouse, in dreary Gotham.

“Now Teekl, for the fun to begin.” Klarion smirks as files appear from nothing, covering the Kitchen island. He jotted down a quick note, then deliberately set off one of the bat alarms. The Witch Boy needed his friend to find these files sooner rather than later.

“Now to deal with the Reach.” And with another snap Klarion and Teekl were gone.

___________________

Sam and Tucker were able to calm down Danny before he went ghost and searched the world for Klarion. How they did it was simple. They called Jazz. With her help, they now had a plan. Make sure he is safe, then show him all of the great things the modern world has to offer.

That evening when Danny went home he texted Klarion. Seeing what he was up to and how Teekl was doing.

It took a while for a reply but he did respond. Danny’s obsession with protecting was soothed with the reply of being well and the picture of Teekl sleeping on a mound of pillows. They chatted for a while about various topics until Danny fell asleep mid text.

_________

______________

Klarion had had a great day. Destroying that blowhard Savage’s plan had made so much chaos and now he gets to relax and watch everything unfold. Now Danny was texting him, seeing how he was and asking about his amazing familiar.

Teekl had just settled onto a mound of pillows, being extra cute, practically begging for him to send Danny a picture of her. He did of course. Sharing the wonder that is Teekl, is second to spreading chaos. Their conversation carries on for a while, well into the night. By the time Danny stops replying Klarion is half asleep. Figuring Danny is also asleep he turns in for the night.

Tag List

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#danny phantom #dp x dc #dc x dp #danny fenton #dp x dc prompt #dpxdc #klarion #jason todd #john constantine #klarion dc #chaoticspirit #danny and klarion friendship #danny phantom au #dc comics #dp x dc crossover #klarion the witch boy #Dig You A Grave AU

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the-dendrophile-bookdragon · 7 months

Text

Remedy

Pairing: Modern!Surgeon!Aemond Targaryen x fem!reader

Warning: fluff smut, p in v, slight angst, stress, smoking, mention of Targaryen drama, mention of violence, mention of hurting people

Summary: You meet Aemond's family...

Part 9/9

Masterlist

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The night you were about to meet Aemond’s family, was a very stressful day. It began with you running late due to you not wanting to get up. Aemond remedied it with hot kisses and a hot tea. Luring you out of your shared apartment and into his car. He drove you to work, promising to make it up to you after both your shifts.

Around 10 a.m., Aemond called to ask for cigarettes. He told you about his day and how stressful his shift was until now. How much he graved the calmness nicotine brings him. You reminded him of his goal of quitting smoking. He wanted to quit after seeing you have a coughing fit at a friend’s party of his. He felt bad and stopped smoking that night.

But on stressful days he craved the death sticks he smoked since he was sixteen. You had signed into the phone and told him he wanted to quit. You could hear the eye roll and the lighter being lit. But he put it away. Telling you he will chew on some gum.

When you both came home, Aemond’s stress levels were over the roof. He had surgery after surgery, nearly losing a patient on the table. He held you close mumbling into your neck. “It was just a kid. How can kids have this massive neurological damage?”

Aemond’s stress had the tenancy to turn into horniness. And he had a lot of stress today.

Next thing you knew you were lying on your couch, your work blouse ripped open. Your pencil skirt pushed to your hips as Aemond was above you, rutting into you like a started man.

He mouthed at your exposed chest. Biting the top of your breasts. You mewled, holding on to him as he used you as his stress relief in the most delicious way.

You were interrupted by his phone ringing. He ignored it the first time. But after the third time he groaned, stopping his movements, and reaching down towards his jeans and fishing his phone out.

“What?” He was annoyed, you heard and saw it. You lay still understand him on the couch as you listened. “Yes, I will be there. Yes, I told you I would bring her. Don’t you dare scare her away?” He looked down at you with a grin. “No, I didn’t scare her away yet.”

You grinned up at him. He was still deep inside of you. He groaned softly as you squeezed him. “No, Hel! We are not having sex right now. Got to go, see you later.”

He turned to you with a playful glare. “You will regret doing that.” He grabbed your hips, beginning to thrust more forcefully into you.

You sat in the winter garden of the huge mansion Aemond grew up in. You were alone, escaping the chaos in the dining room. Aemond warned you about family dinners. They always end in chaos. You smiled and asked him which family dinners wouldn’t, but you were so wrong. This was nearly a small civil war.

It ended with Aegon having been punched by Jace and Aemond walking away. Leaving you with Sara. Jace new girlfriend. You remember the night like it was yesterday when Baela called, telling you she had enough of Jace and broke up with him. She had come to at the time still Aemond’s apartment. You both slept in the guest room that night. Baela in your arms sobbing in your chest while you softly hummed a lullaby for her.

As you sat in the winter garden you saw Aemond walking by where you sat and turned into the hallway leading to the front door. He had a grim look on his face, his shoulders were tense. You followed him outside the mansion. He stood around the corner near his car trying to light a cigarette.

He looked to the side as he heard your steps in the cobblestone. He sighed and gave up as he saw your look of disappointment. You reached out for him to give you the things. He gave you the still unlit cigarette, the full pack and his lighter.

“I took everything away from you!” You were flabbergasted. Aemond chuckled. “Did you look everywhere?” You nodded. “Even in the back of my car underneath where the tools and spare car tire is.” Aemond chuckled again. “Well, the last of my hidden stash was in the first aid kit in my car.” You gasped. “Aemond, you are a doctor for God’s sake!”

Aemond walked over to you and took you in his arms. “Sorry, love. But work and now this,” He pointed behind you at the mansion where his family was inside. “It’s stressing me out.”

You cooed softly. You got up on your tip toes and softly pecked his neck. “When you need stress relief I am here. Whatever you need me for. Talking, going to the gym with you, other exercises like before the dinner party.” You wiggled your eyebrows at him. Aemond chuckled. “I am right here. Next time you just send me an exploding head emoji and you will come home to a drawn bath and home-cooked meal.” Aemond was overwhelmed by your softness. He kissed you feverishly. His lips greedily kiss yours.

When your lungs began to burn you broke the kiss softly. Aemond peppered your yaw with small kisses. He mumbled something on your skin but you couldn’t make it out. You pulled away slightly. As far as you could Aemond holding you to his body. “Baby, what were you mumbling in my skin.” Aemond looked at you before leaning his forehead on yours. “I don’t want to be separated from you. Please marry me.” A huge grin spread across your face. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” An equal grin formed on Aemond’s face. He kissed you again, this time softer. A hand on your cheek, his thumb softly caressing it.

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#aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #hotd aemond #aemond x reader #aemond fanfiction #prince aemond #modern au #modern aemond targaryen #modern aemond x reader #modern aemond #modern aemond x you #aemond smut #remedy

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pretendingtoknowhowtowrite · 1 year

Text

Title: You should thank me, at least

Summary: You and Dean end up alone in the bunker but things get weird

TAGS: Dean Winchester x Female!reader, SMUT, 18+, oral and penetrative sex, name calling (baby girl etc.), domDean (lord have mercy), breeding kink (don't do this without the pill)

ENGLISH ISN'T MY FIRST LANGUAGE, BE KIND PLS

You just woke up as light seeped through the window. You rubbed your eyes and noticed it was sunny again. You smiled happily as the rays of sunshine warmed up your face. Last week was awful, you were on the road with the boys, working on a job of course, and it kept raining and raining. Dean was so pissed, and he was grumpy all the time because of it. The alarm went on and you realized it was 8 am “fuck” you complained, as you remembered that you had an appointment in 30 minutes, and you had to interview a couple of the locals because of a werewolf attack. It had been a long night, and you wanted to take some time for yourself and rest, plus, the bunker was empty, and you could have had some real alone time. You got up as “You Give Love A Bad Name” kept playing on your alarm, you rolled your eyes and got dressed like an FBI agent: pencil skirt, white shirt, and black stilettos.

You took your car and went to the local places to ask the questions you had to ask. In a couple of hours, you were home again and noticed the impala standing outside. “They’re back” you thought, relieved, and embittered at the same time, you really wanted to be alone for a bit.

You entered the bunker and said loudly “Hi boys!”, but you looked down and only saw Dean sitting down on his chair, laptop in front of him and with some fresh takeaway coffees next to him. You rushed down and grabbed a cup of coffee as you hadn’t drunk it yet and your body was asking for caffeine. “Where’s Sam?” you asked, as you thought that they were together. “Oh, he went to work on a job with Charlie, I mean the other Charlie. You’re welcome by the way” he said with his husky voice while looking at you, with an arched eyebrow and grunting since you didn’t thank him for that coffee. “Sorry Dean, it’s been a rough night, to be honest, it was a rough week.” You looked at him with a sincere remorseful face. “Why? What happened?” He quickly looked at you again, with a worried look on his face. You blushed a bit as you felt his gaze on you, and then said while looking away “Oh, nothing to worry about. I couldn’t sleep well, you know?”. “Oh, I get it Y/N. I have the same issue here, feel free to see if I’m awake next time, we could watch a movie and try to fall asleep, or just get drunk and who knows what will happen next…” He chuckled and then looked at you with a hinted grin on his face. “Oh, stop it, Dean!” You exclaimed as he was looking at you with that face. Every time the two of you were alone, he would do innuendos and pretend to be the most innocent man on earth while both of you knew it was the opposite. Dean Winchester was the sluttiest man alive, and he was living for it. (LET’S BRING S1 DEAN BACKKK)

“What?!” he said, looking at you as if that was a normal response. You were tired, frustrated, and horny since yesterday, you couldn’t put up with his attitude, not today. “What do you think would happen, Dean? We’d try to let out our frustration on each other, maybe? I would let myself go and melt between your arms?” You were looking at him with a smirk and saying that started to make you feel hot inside. He grinned at you and said with a soft voice: “That would be a great start, Y/N”, he came closer to you, took the cup from your hand, and put it on the table “See…” he started “I thought a lot about what would happen in that situation. I thought about it every single night since the day you moved here.”

You felt blood rushing up your cheeks and between your thighs, and you immediately looked away. You quickly started imagining what he was doing on those sleepless nights, moving his hand up and down with his heavy breath. That single and fast thought turned your legs weak and made you bite your lower lip. He grabbed your chin and made you look into his green eyes; he had a smirk on his face, he knew exactly what he was doing to you, and you were astonished, and puzzled. His hands moved from your chin to your neck, holding it, and he passionately started kissing you. As his tongue melted inside your mouth you moaned and lost it. He kept kissing you while grabbing your waist and caressing your head. “Dean…” you whispered “I’m too excited right now”. He moved closer to you, you could feel his bulge against your waist, your bodies now pressed against each other. “Let’s take care of that, baby” he said in a hushed tone and proceeded to lift your pencil skirt. He got down on his knees to see your panties “Oh baby girl, you’re so wet already” he said as he started rubbing your slit through the cotton. Feeling his thick fingers pressing against your clit sent a shiver up your spine, you wanted this. He looked up at you and proceeded to lift your left leg on his shoulder, worried that you might fall while…enjoying it. He started kissing your inner thighs, and leaving small bites until he reached for your wet spot again. “Stop teasing so much… I can’t go on like this for a long time” you whimpered while looking down at him, his gaze was too much to handle at that moment. He giggled and slid off your wet underwear, seeing your soaked cunt he moaned with pleasure “All this for so little?” he asked as he quickly looked up at you only to see yourself covering your face. “Come on Dean, stop being a jer-“ you couldn’t finish the sentence as you felt his hot tongue tasting your pussy, he started doing small eights with his finger around your clit and pinching it now and then. You let out a moan of pleasure and started pushing his head against your body, not caring about anything anymore. As he felt your body tense up, he started going deep inside you with his tongue, not letting go of your clit in the meantime. You ended up trembling and moaning his name after seconds. He stood up and kissed you while his fingers were going down on you, rubbing against your slit. “You taste so good baby, but don’t try to tell me what to do ever again, okay?” he whispered in your ears and proceeded to gently bite it. “Or I will stop” he added, you looked at him with a sorrowful look “please don’t, please” you begged. He grinned as hearing you beg for him made him even more aroused, you looked down to see his bulge, those jeans were tight at that point.

He couldn’t help himself; he picked you up with his arms and put you on the table. He started unbuttoning your shirt in a rush and took off your bra, he looked like a starving man, and you were his belonged supper. His rush made you even hornier, you just wanted to feel him inside of you at that point. You were practically naked, but you went on your knees and started unbuttoning his tight jeans. “fuck” he moaned “your face is too close to my crotch, Y/N”. You giggled and looked at him “I didn’t even start yet”, you pointed out with a smirk. He was covering his face with his hand while peeking at you, frustrated and just wanting you to suck his cock. As his jeans slid off he remained in his boxers, exposing his big bulge through the fabric. You started stroking his cock through the cotton while keeping your face against his body and looking up at him. “Just pull those boxers down, Y/N”, he said growling, and took off his black t-shirt. You indulged for a few seconds on his chest and then started teasing him a little bit, playing with his tip through the fabric and feeling his precum drenching the boxers. “Baby, I told you I’m in charge here” he said with a hushed tone as he took his boxers off and smacked his dick against your face. He grabbed your face and pulled it towards his cock. You absolutely loved how he was bossing you around at that moment. You wrapped your tongue around his tip and took your time savoring his precum while looking up at him, he adored how you were so greedy for him. You started going up and down on his cock slowly but he wanted more, he took your face and slammed it against his dick, making you gag on his big member. “That’s better, baby girl, you’re doing so good for me” he said, lowering himself down and whispering in your ear. That single sentence made your body shiver, you didn’t realize you were into that until now. He looks at you with a grin on his face “if this is too much you just have to say it” he said with a gentle tone. He was actually worried for you, he wanted to be sure you wanted this. “Oh Dean, this isn’t too much. Trust me. ” you replied, almost whimpering. As you said that he started mouth fucking you, and tears of pleasure started running down your face, you could feel his cock growing bigger with each stroke. Your mouth started to make sloppy sounds and he moaned while pulling your hair. “Oh Y/N, you’re too good at this, you’re such a good girl” he said that while moaning with his husky voice. You were so wet, you felt your juices running down your thighs, that burning sensation was devouring you with each thrust. “Are you enjoying this baby?” he said while moving his hips, you looked up at him and nodded while his dick was still going inside and outside your mouth. He suddenly stopped as he saw your face again. “Fuck Y/N, I’m gonna cum if we continue like this,” his cock twitched inside your mouth, you could feel his built-up and how close he was to fill your mouth with his hot semen. He suddenly pulled out and raised you.

“You’re so beautiful, we have to do this more often” as soon as he finished this sentence, he turned you on your stomach and laid you on the table. Your ass and your pussy were exposed for him to see, your body was twitching already, and you could feel his gaze on you. He spread your legs even more and licked your pussy again, tasting your juices and going up towards your asscheeks. You moaned his name as you felt his hot tongue again, your body was asking for more, and that burning sensation was too much. “Dean, please” you whimpered while looking at him from that position. “Oh baby, say it properly and I’ll do whatever you want”, you could feel his smirk against your cunt, his heavy breath was making you so aroused and you finally exclaimed “Please Dean, fuck m-“as Dean heard those words he stood up and pushed his cock inside you. It was so hot and huge; he slowly went inside, and you could feel your pussy squeeze around his dick. At first, he started with deep slow thrusts, but he quickly sped up his pace, hitting your g-spot with each push. You were moaning so loudly that it was probably echoing through the bunker, but the two of you couldn’t care less at that moment. Juices were dripping down your thighs, “You’re so fucking wet Y/N, I feel like bursting with every movement”, Dean growled and lifted you from the table while fucking you; grabbed your thighs and pulled your legs against your chest, he was holding your whole weight as he kept fucking you. Your bodies were pressed against each other, you could feel that he was drenched in sweat. That position was hitting your g-spot again and you started moaning his name like that was the only word you knew. His fingers were buried in your thighs and if someone had to walk in at that moment, he would have seen your drenched pussy being fucked by Dean’s big cock. The two of you couldn't care less. “I can’t do this anymore, I’m just too close right now. ” Dean whimpered while putting you on the table again, this time facing him. He pulled his dick out for a short moment; you could see his cock soaked in your juices, twitching. He looked at you, bit his lip, and then pulled your legs up, and kept them in that position with his big hands. He looked at your trembling cunt one more time and then proceeded to fuck you more. You were looking at each other’s face now, he started kissing you deeply and you closed your eyes, letting yourself go to those sensations, all while he was thrusting inside and outside of your wet pussy. He let go of your left thigh, which you rested on his shoulde, and he started rubbing your clit again. You opened your eyes and you saw his flustered face, so close to cumming inside of you. You started to tremble with pleasure, shivers went down your spine and you screamed his name, you couldn’t stop and you embraced him, sinking your nails in his back. “Please Dean, fill me up” you looked at him and kissed him while he was still thrusting inside of you, as soon as you said thise words you felt his hot cum stuffing your insides. “Fuck, Y/N. This was so fucking good” he said, with watery eyes and he pulled out. He watched as his hot cum started to drip from your cunt. You let yourself fall backward, but you could still feel his gaze. He was looking at you, at your body, your breast, your face “You’re so beautiful. I wanted to do this for so long, you know?” he said. You sat yourself up and looked at him “me too Dean”. He smiled and kissed your forehead, “I’ll go turn on the water, let’s go take a shower, mh?” he proposed with his husky voice. You smiled and got off the table, but your knees were too weak after that. He giggled and picked you up, to carry you into the bathroom. “So… what’s gonna happen now?” you asked while looking at him.

“Now you move to my room, and we do this whenever we have sleepless nights because I love you Y/N” Dean said while looking at you “I always did honestly but I was scared to admit it. Scared that things between us might change, scared that you didn’t feel the same". “I love you too” you mumbled as you couldn’t believe what he just said. Until then you supposed that what happened was a beautiful dream, that it was just one of the many adventures of Dean Winchester,and that it won't happen again, but that wasn’t the case. You nuzzled into his chest and soon reached the bathroom.

The two of you washed each other and Dean was his usual self again, making innuendos and smirking at you; this time though, you knew you could make him stop going down on him or whispering something in his ear.

#dean winchester x you #dean winchester x female reader #dean winchester x female!reader #dean winchester smut #smut #fanfiction #spn #spn smut #dean winchester x female!reader smut

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neopuff · 2 months

Text

ALWAYS ON MY MIND

chapter three: a piece of my mind ships: sasha/milla characters: milla, truman, forsythe, 33, sasha, oleander, otto, sherri ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53435410/chapters/135591166

[chap 1] [chap 2]

The next morning, Milla made her way to the Grand Head's office for an early morning meeting. She was very comfortable speaking to Truman - he was a friendly man and when he wasn't too terribly busy they got along just fine. However, lately he had been so busy that they really hadn't had a lot of chances to speak.

Their meeting the previous morning had been the first time Milla had spoken to him in almost two weeks. Occasionally he would pawn her off on Agent Forsythe, but Milla didn't have the same history with her nor the same level of comfort.

Milla took a seat in the chair she always sat in, brushing dust off the end of her dress. Truman was already looking anxious, ready for his next meeting which was undoubtedly going to involve something to do with finances. From her perspective, it seemed like the Psychonauts were always dealing with financial problems.

“So how did the training go with Agent Nein yesterday?” Truman asked Milla curiously. “I hope he was as helpful with training as he was with your tour last month.”

Milla had a feeling he was going to ask her that, and she had already planned to respond with a follow-up question. “Truman…I’ve noticed that you only seem to ask me this type of question after I spend time with Agent Nein. I've also worked with Agents Forsythe and Oleander and Aaronson, so it makes me wonder…is there something wrong with Agent Nein that I should know about?”

Truman chuckled and scratched the side of his head. Then he stood up, stretched, and cracked his back. “To be perfectly honest Milla, it's because I've heard…complaints about Agent Nein. It's nothing that I've seen personally, just talk around the rumor mill. I figured a fresh face like yours would give me an unbiased perspective on how Agent Nein handles himself around other Psychonauts.”

“Oh, I see.” Milla tilted her head slightly, not surprised to hear that. She'd heard a few rumors about Sasha in just the few weeks she'd been working there. There were many Psychonauts employees that enjoyed gossiping, and though Milla enjoyed it on occasion, it was…a little much sometimes. “Well, Sasha has been nothing but kind and professional with me. He's been extremely helpful and respectful. I really enjoyed our training session yesterday.”

“That's very exciting to hear,” Truman said with a genuine smile.

“He even allowed me to view one of his memory vaults,” Milla added as a bonus. “He seems like a very private person, so I was surprised by that.”

“Did he now?” Truman glanced at a notebook on his desk and quickly grabbed a pen, wrote something down, then closed the notebook. “Thank you, Milla. I've always liked Sasha so I'm happy to hear that he's getting along with someone.”

She paused a moment before adding another comment. “Is that so unusual? On my first day, Agent Nein introduced me to several people and seemed to have a friendly relationship with all of them.”

“Several people, hm?” Truman tapped his chin with the pencil he picked up earlier. “That’s the first time I’ve heard about Nein socializing. Hopefully with Hollis’ new promotion, I’ll have more time to pay attention!”

Milla smiled, happy that Truman was listening to her. She didn't know Agent Nein very well, but her interactions with him had been very pleasant and she didn’t want him to get in trouble because of some stupid rumors. “Is it really so bad if he’s a bit, um…antisocial?” she asked curiously. “From what I’ve heard, he’s a perfectly capable agent, so what does it matter?”

Truman sighed and glanced at the clock again. “It’s not about his social life. It’s about how well he works with others. Many of our operations involve partnerships or big teams and I’ve heard other agents say he’s not the best team player. He’s been told to work on it, but I was curious if he’d been putting in any noticeable effort.”

She nodded her head, finally understanding. “Like I said, he’s been very professional around me. But it’s possible he behaves differently out in the field, so I can only comment on what I know.”

“Of course!” He opened that notebook again and scribbled something else down. “Now I hate to toss you out, but I have an important meeting with Agent Mentallis in a few minutes and I’d like some time to eat my breakfast before he gets here.”

“Oh!” Milla levitated herself out of the chair and floated a few inches above the floor. “I’ll get out of your hair.”

As she turned around to leave, Truman added one last comment: “Don’t worry too much about Sasha, alright? He’s not going to get in trouble, I’m just looking out for him.”

She turned her head and nodded, continuing towards the tunnel and almost running into Agent Mentallis on her way. He smiled and greeted her casually, and then she levitated back down to the Nerve Center where there were a dozen agents floating around and talking. Three that caught Milla’s eye were Agents Forsythe, 33, and someone she didn’t recognize.

Agent Forsythe noticed Milla immediately. “Agent Vodello! Come over here.”

Milla plopped to the floor, staring at the senior agent and feeling suddenly nervous. She walked over as fast as her legs would take her. “Um…yes?”

“I need your assistance on a mission,” Agent Forsythe said quickly, levitating a sheet of paper into Milla’s hands. “We leave in ten minutes.”

“That’s…fast,” Milla said out loud and immediately wished she hadn’t.

Agent Forsythe raised an eyebrow at her. “I can always find someone else.”

“No, no! I’ll go grab a coffee and meet you outside!” Milla quickly levitated out of the room and rushed towards the Noodle Bowl. The coffee there wasn’t particularly good, but it was enough to get her through the day. And though Milla respected Agent Forsythe, the woman was terribly intimidating. She’d need the extra boost.

It took her less than seven minutes to get her coffee and make her way to the outside of the Motherlobe, where Agent Forsythe and Agent 33 were just starting to make their way into the jet. Milla followed obediently - she had very little information about this mission, but was too eager to pass up an opportunity to work alongside Agent Forsythe.

As the older woman started the jet, Milla sat down not far from Agent 33, whom she’d never really had the pleasure of spending much time with. Agent 33 was known for her secrecy and didn’t socialize much with other agents. But Milla liked to get to know people.

Before she could reach out a hand for their first real greeting, 33 surprised Milla by reaching out first. “Have we met before?”

“Not officially,” Milla answered, shaking her head. She took a moment to think about how she’d introduce herself - her time at the Motherlobe had been interesting, thanks to Sasha’s mispronunciation and her being too nervous to correct him. Most people within the Psychonauts pronounced her name as Sasha had, and though it’d grown on her over the past month…it was still strange. Her nickname, however, sounded very cute with the mispronunciation, and she’d been trying to get more people to use that. It could be difficult to force a nickname, but she figured she was still new enough to try. “Milla. Milla Vodello,” she said finally, grabbing 33’s hand back.

“You can call me 33,” the other woman answered. “I know it’s a bit unorthodox, but I really don’t like giving out my real name unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“It’s understandable. From what I’ve read, life as a Psychonaut can be dangerous,” Milla responded thoughtfully.

“It certainly can,” Agent Forsythe said, joining the two of them and taking a seat across from them. “You two are briefed on the basic information, right?”

Milla frowned, remembering the piece of paper that was handed to her earlier. She’d glanced at it, but then got so distracted by the idea of coffee that she hadn’t bothered to read the thing in full. It was burning a hole in her pocket and she felt terribly, awfully nervous as she thought about what to say next.

Agent 33 cut in with her own answer. “Small town - I forget the name. Bunch of people claiming to have weird dreams all featuring the same man. There's not a lot of information to go on, so what’s the game plan?”

Forsythe was writing something down in a small notebook. “We’re just information gathering at this point. 33 - I want you down there, acting as a citizen. Get them to trust us so they’ll tell us what’s going on. Vodello - you’ll be with me. We’re asking simple, non-invasive questions. Get them to describe the man, describe what he does in the dream, describe anything strange they’ve noticed while awake. Keep it relatively simple, don’t go overboard. Got it?”

33 gave a thumbs up and Milla nodded slowly, feeling like she was playing catch-up. At least she understood what the assignment was. “How long until we arrive?”

“Shouldn’t be long. Ten more minutes, maybe, then we’ll have to hoof it into town so the people don’t freak out about the jet.” Agent Forsythe sighed and wrote a few more things down in her notebook. “Do either of you have any questions?”

There was one question on Milla’s mind. It was possible that Agent Forsythe had chosen her for this mission simply because she was in the right place at the right time. But it also felt like she’d been specifically chosen for the task, and she didn’t quite understand why. Agent Mentallis giving her an assignment because she’s photogenic was one thing, but she really hoped Agent Forsythe wasn’t only bringing her along because people found her easy to talk to.

She had a lot more to offer the Psychonauts than that, after all. “I do, actually. Um…”

The two other agents stared at her, 33 filing her nails with a file she’d pulled out of thin air. Agent Forsythe raised a curious eyebrow. “Spit it out, then.”

“...why exactly did you ask me to come along? Just because I was walking by?”

Agent Forsythe tilted her head, seemingly surprised by the question. Then she glanced over at Agent 33, who proceeded to get up and walk to the front of the jet, giving them a semblance of privacy. “Not at all. I specifically wanted your insights here, Agent Vodello.”

“My insights?” Milla pouted, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve read your file - I’d consider you a nightmare expert, and this situation could quickly turn ugly if things go the way I expect them to. I’m hoping your experiences with nightmares will help us identify any warning signs or anything that could indicate some kind of nightmare contagion or epidemic.”

Milla felt her mind grow cold for a moment. Of all the responses she expected, that was certainly not one of them. Agent Forsythe knew about her history, at least parts of it, and brought it up so casually in a way that Truman never had. It was shocking, and slightly off-putting…but also weirdly cathartic. Knowing that her traumatic experiences could actually lead to her helping people who needed it was nice. Like the terrible, awful things she went through weren’t completely in vain.

“O-oh,” Milla answered finally. “Well…then I hope you’re right. I’m happy to help.”

Forsythe gave her a little nod, then stood up to join Agent 33 at the helm.

Milla sat there on the bench in the middle of the jet, feeling out-of-place. She’d gone on a handful of large group missions, trained one-on-one with other agents on occasion, and she’d been preparing herself for the two-to-three group missions that Psychonauts were so well-known for. But actually being a part of it was strange. She wondered if Agent Forsythe even realized that this was her first time on a real, covert Psychonauts assignment.

“We’re just about there,” Agent Forsythe announced, taking a seat to manually land the jet. “Are you both ready?”

Milla looked up to find Agent Forsythe and Agent 33 standing there, confident-as-ever - but 33 looked like a completely different person than the last time Milla had seen her. Which was only a few minutes earlier. It was ridiculous how skilled the woman was at disguising herself.

“I’m ready, Agent Forsythe,” Milla finally said.

The mission took a lot longer than Milla had expected.

By the time they’d arrived back at the Motherlobe, it was almost one o’clock - and in all her excitement, Milla had forgotten to say anything to Agent Nein before they’d left. After giving her quick goodbyes to Agents Forsythe and 33, she rushed towards the classroom despite being almost two hours late.

The room was empty. He wasn’t there. Milla frowned and almost smacked herself on the head - of course he wasn’t there! Why the hell would he sit around waiting for hours? He was a busy man with things to do.

So her next stop was across the lobby and up to his office. The aquarium distracted her for a moment, but in that same moment, Sasha Nein began making his way towards the lobby and also passed by the aquarium, though he was staring at his watch instead of paying attention to where he was walking. Milla turned around just in time to stop him from bumping into her. She placed her hands against his shoulders to steady him.

His hands moved down almost instinctively, and hovered over her hips for a brief moment before he pulled them back, just as Milla pulled her hands off of him. He seemed confused, but more about her presence than anything else.

“Agent Nein!”

“Agent Vodello,” he said casually, as if she hadn’t stood him up a few hours earlier.

“I-I’m so sorry.” Milla ran her fingers through her hair, feeling embarrassed. “Agent Forsythe asked me to join her on an assignment and I didn’t realize how long it would take. I feel absolutely terrible, I really hope you weren’t waiting long.”

Sasha shrugged, clearly unbothered. “It’s fine. You should always take any opportunity to work with Agent Forsythe. She can teach you a lot - more than I can, certainly.”

He continued on his path towards the lobby and Camilla floated beside him, hands clasped in front of her chest. “I still feel bad for not telling you. Could I at least buy you a coffee to make it up to you?”

Sasha stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her, curious about her response. He honestly didn’t mind that she’d missed their meeting time - he’d taken a half hour or so and just worked on organizing his mind. The classroom was peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the lobby or the Nerve Center, and he liked the quiet. She should’ve told him, sure, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

She was so apologetic though, and he almost felt bad that he didn’t care as much as she’d expected him to. He might’ve been a little disappointed more than anything, but he didn’t think there was any reason to inform her of that.

Getting coffee with her - in the Noodle Bowl, publicly, in front of so many other people - even just the concept made him feel nervous. Sasha took a deep breath, though he really just wanted another cigarette, and considered the offer. Her timing was good, since he had, in fact, been on his way to the Noodle Bowl for lunch. But he was worried other people would…notice them. He didn’t really enjoy being noticed, and Camilla always attracted the attention of others.

Sasha went back and forth on how to answer her for what felt like millenia (though was actually less than a second), and finally decided that he didn’t give a shit what other people thought. He enjoyed spending time with her and even if he didn’t - she was making the offer as professional courtesy and it would be rude of him to dismiss it.

“I was actually headed to lunch if you’d like to join me,” Sasha answered, finally, trying to remain cool despite the itch he felt inside his chest.

Camilla smiled brightly and clapped her hands together. “That’d be perfect! I’m buying!” she said enthusiastically, levitating ahead of him.

He followed behind her, awkwardly trying to keep up the same pace while walking. Though he’d never be as naturally talented at it as she was, Sasha knew he needed to spend more time working on his levitation skills. Generally it wasn’t an ability that he put much thought into, but Camilla was giving him a new perspective on it.

It was a little late for lunch, so the Noodle Bowl wasn’t as crowded as usual. Which eased Sasha’s nerves slightly, though he was completely aware of the eyes that locked onto him and Agent Vodello when they entered the room together. It wasn’t everyone, of course, but there were at least two or three people in the room that were paying more attention to them than necessary.

Camilla either didn’t notice them or didn’t care - going through the line, grabbing her rice bowl that contained a ridiculous amount of cilantro, and levitating over to one of the two-person tables by the windows.

He followed her, mostly silent, nodding or giving an affirmative hum when she asked him simple questions about his food or drink preferences. He wasn’t used to eating with someone else.

A moment after he set his tray down, Camilla perked up with a pointer finger in the air. “Oops, forgot to get a drink!”

“I’ll get it for you. What would you like?”

“Just a water please!” she answered with a sweet smile.

Sasha nodded and walked back towards the café line. He knew he could just telekinetically grab two waters, but it always felt strange to use his psychic powers in those types of situations. Not every employee working in the Motherlobe had such abilities, after all. He had no reason to show off or make anyone feel ostracized.

He grabbed the water bottles and turned back around to find Camilla chatting with Agent Forsythe, who’d apparently appeared out of nowhere. Not wanting to interrupt, Sasha headed back slowly (but not too slowly, since he was curious about the conversation).

“You should be hearing from Truman soon with more information.”

“Thank you for telling me, Agent Forsythe! And thank you again for bringing me along.”

Agent Forsythe gave the younger woman a small smile. “I think we worked well together, Milla. I’ll make sure it happens more often.” And with that, she walked away, giving Sasha a brief nod when she noticed him.

Sasha took his seat and handed one water to Camilla, more interested in their conversation than his meal. “Seems like you made a good impression this morning.”

Agent Vodello chuckled in response, a charming blush against her cheeks. “I guess so! I don’t want to jinx anything.”

He took a sip of his water. “You know, she’d probably be happy to train with you in her free time,” he suggested casually.

“Ohh, but I really like your style,” Camilla said with a forkful of food in front of her mouth. She took a moment to eat it before adding, “You’re very easy to train with! I felt like I learned a lot after just one session.”

Sasha’s itching need for a cigarette came back, and he decided not to ignore it this time. He wondered if she realized how much of a compliment that was - his style of training and teaching was frequently dismissed by other Psychonauts. Hearing someone as lively and kind as Camilla Vodello saying she felt like his methods were effective was certainly enough to make him blush. Unable to fight the urge any longer, he quickly grabbed a new cigarette and almost missed the woman in front of him flinch when he lit the end.

Probably related to her issues with pyrokinesis, he surmised. If she had an issue, he was sure she’d say something to him.

“And there it is,” Camilla commented quietly with a smirk on her face.

“I- um…” Sasha cleared his throat and took a nice, long drag. “I also thought yesterday went well. You seem to learn quickly and it’s nice to, ah…be listened to.” He paused for a moment, then added, “A-and thank you.”

She smiled again, thanked him quickly and then took a minute to focus on her food. The food at the Noodle Bowl wasn’t particularly good, but it wasn’t the worst. No one seemed to possess the psychic ability to put together extravagant meals, but discounted and perfectly edible meals were certainly good enough for him. He recalled that there used to be a restaurant or two across the Quarry, but they’d been closed for some time. Not enough customers around to bother keeping any place open.

They chatted while they ate - about Brazil, and about Germany, and about Oleander and Forsythe and Truman - and Sasha was both mortified and embarrassed to learn that an hour had gone by without him noticing. He was about to cut them off and say he needed to get back to work when they were interrupted again.

“Milla!”

They both turned to see Agent Forsythe again, just on the other side of the Noodle Bowl. Sasha noted that she’d called her Milla again, so it wasn’t just his ears playing a trick on him earlier. A nickname from Hollis Forsythe was unexpected, he felt. She’d always been a very formal, professional woman.

“Truman wants to talk to us now, so finish up and I’ll see you and 33 in his office ASAP.”

Camilla gave the woman a thumbs up before turning back to Sasha with a guilty, toothy smile. “I’m so sorry to cut this off so suddenly, but this was fun! We should do it again sometime.”

When he’d run into Camilla outside Agent Mentallis’ lab the day before, Sasha had assumed she’d offered to make plans with him just because she was a polite person following normal social graces. After their lunch, however, he was comfortable accepting the fact that she genuinely wanted to spend time with him again. And not just professionally, as he was more used to, but socially. It was strange, but left a pleasant sensation in the pit of his stomach.

It’d been a long time since he actually made a friend. And he didn’t want to screw it up by assuming too much, but he also wanted to make sure she understood that he enjoyed socializing with her. So he tapped his fingers on the small table between them and responded with, “It’s no problem, I should get back to work anyway. And, uh…yes, we should. Maybe Friday?”

“Friday I promised to eat lunch with Kim, but how about Monday?” she answered quickly, standing up and brushing her dress down.

“That’s fine with me.”

“Perfect!” Camilla smiled again and grabbed her tray. “If there’s time, maybe we can train afterwards, too!”

Sasha grabbed the edge of his sunglasses and adjusted them slightly, still deciding if he wanted to try being casual and cool. He did, he did. It was just difficult to build himself up to it. “I’d like that. I’ll see you around…Milla.”

She responded with a small smirk and a twinkle in her eyes that told Sasha he’d definitely made the right decision in copying Agent Forsythe’s nickname. The smile didn’t leave her face even as she levitated out of the room, ceremoniously dumping her tray with telekinesis to save time. He watched her go and then the room suddenly felt very cold and empty as he turned back to how he was sitting before.

He looked down at his food. It was barely eaten - he’d been so engrossed in their conversation that he’d forgotten the entire reason he came to the lunchroom in the first place, apparently.

There was a light tinge of pink on his cheeks as he quickly ate his (unfortunately, room temperature) food. Camilla - er, Milla, as he would start to think of her - had the potential to be very distracting for him. Sasha hoped their new friendship would soon feel normal for him and he could quickly settle back into his regular routine.

In the following days, Sasha found himself hyper aware of Milla anytime they were both in the lobby. Even if they were on opposite sides or in two distinctly different conversations, his eyes would be drawn to her for at least a moment, and then his thoughts would be stuck on her for an embarrassing amount of time. It was…not unpleasant. But not pleasant, either. He felt like he was breaking some rule he didn’t know about, which didn’t make much sense since they were, technically speaking, friendly with one another. Friends, she might even say.

Friends.

It was Thursday morning and she was on the other side of the lobby again. In an animated conversation with two other Psychonauts, not paying attention to the lanky, green man standing by the mural of the Psychic 6 and trying his best not to stare at her.

Sasha pushed up his sunglasses and glared down at Morry, who’d been ranting to him for the past few minutes about young people and how little respect they had for their elders anymore. Sasha didn’t interact with enough young people to have any opinion on the subject, though he was sure Oleander was just referencing an article he’d read in the newspaper. He was a man who often got angry about things he’d read, whether or not it was true or had any affect on him whatsoever wasn’t important.

As Morry moved onto something else, Sasha’s thoughts wandered back to Milla. She was wearing a dress today that he’d never seen her in before, which made him wonder about how many dresses she owned. They were all so bright and colorful, which he usually didn’t enjoy, but the colors always complimented her.

“Nein, I swear to God, if you tuned out everything I just said, I’ll smack you silly,” Oleander threatened, bringing Sasha’s thoughts back to him.

Sasha responded by crossing his arms over his chest. “Your oatmeal was too sweet and you had to throw it out. You got a birthday card from your uncle, but it’s been four months since your birthday. You’re thinking about getting a new car, but are worried about paying off another loan. Did I miss anything important?”

Morceau glared harder and raised a fist at the man in front of him. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you, you- you incompetent Kraut?”

Sasha rolled his eyes, having been called similar things by his coworker plenty of times over the years. It could’ve been worse. “Well. I certainly don’t think of myself as dumb.”

“I certainly don’t think of myself as dumb!” Morry responded in a mocking tone. “C’mon, Nein. Don’t play coy with me. If you wanna stare at Vodello like a creep, then tell me! I’ll be your wingman!”

Mortified, but refusing to outwardly show it, Sasha responded by tightening his grip on his arms and straightening his back, making him even taller than the height-challenged agent that was so delighted to point out something so embarrassing. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Right.”

“I’m serious, Morry,” he said sternly. “I don’t want you making her uncomfortable.”

Oleander laughed and then playfully punched Sasha in the arm, though it hurt more than he likely intended. “If anyone was gonna make her uncomfortable, it’d probably be the one staring at her like a watchdog!”

“Morry.”

“What? What?” Morceau glared. “You still can’t take a joke, huh?”

Sasha sighed, trying to stall while he thought of a reasonable explanation for his own behavior. He didn’t really have an actual explanation, if he was being honest, but he needed to come up with something to keep Oleander off his back and prevent the man from saying anything weird to Milla. He didn’t have a lot of friends and he’d be ashamed of himself if he managed to lose this one so quickly.

As he thought about that, he finally took note of who exactly Milla was talking to across the room - it was Agents Forsythe and 33, again. In fact, he frequently saw Milla with one or both of them, which he assumed was related to whatever case they were working on. A case which, for some reason, he’d not been brought into.

It was taking multiple missions and multiple meetings and multiple days - normally Sasha was included on any larger assignments like that, since he’d been with the Psychonauts for so long. But instead, Vodello and 33 were the ones that’d been recruited for it. Which was fine, honestly, but he didn’t really understand why he was being excluded. It caught his attention in that moment, and also struck him as a perfectly good explanation to Morceau.

“Agent Vodello has been meeting with Agents Forsythe and 33 repeatedly this week. Often with Grand Head Zanotto as well,” Sasha explained quietly. “I’m simply curious what’s going on.”

“Sure, sure,” Morry responded - acting like he didn’t believe Sasha, but turning to stare at the three women on the other side of the lobby. He put a hand to his chin as he seemed to acknowledge that Sasha was telling the truth. “It’s probably got somethin’ to do with this nightmare problem.”

“Nightmare problem?”

“Yeah. I don’t know the details, just heard some agents chatting about it earlier.” Morry shrugged. “Some nearby town is getting all nightmare-crazed and no one knows why.”

Sasha gave an affirmative hum as his response, shoving his hands into his pockets and glancing over at Milla again. Though this time, his eyes landed on Forsythe - who was staring right back at him. He quickly turned to Morceau and cleared his throat. “I should get back to work. Let me know if you find out any details about this.”

“I’ll ask around, but some of us have camp planning to work on!” Morry answered with a wag of his finger. “We can’t all just sit in our offices, twiddling our thumbs all day!”

“Right. I’ll keep that in mind next time I need you for anything,” Sasha responded with a roll of his eyes, and then he quickly levitated towards his office.

When Monday afternoon rolled around, Sasha had been helping Agent Mentallis set up one of his new Otto-Matic devices in the lobby when he noticed Milla again. She’d had to cancel their lunch for another sudden mission with Agent Forsythe and he ended up spending the late afternoon with his mentor instead. It was certainly not a waste of time, so he didn’t mind, but his thoughts kept drifting to this nightmare-related situation that he wasn’t being apprised of.

Milla noticed him quickly after she drifted into the room, and she shot Sasha a quick wave before following Forsythe and 33 to the Nerve Center. Sasha waved back in a way that he hoped looked relaxed and not awkward like he felt, but based on Agent Mentallis’ reaction, he had a feeling it did not.

“That’s the girl who stood you up for two dates in a row, right?” the older man asked, a knowing smirk on his face.

Sasha sighed and reached into his pocket for a cigarette, as he often did when Agent Mentallis made his little jokes and comments. “Not dates. And she was called for an assignment.”

“Right, of course.” He turned back to his machine, which wasn’t turning on no matter how many times he pressed the power button. “Oleander tells me you’ve been staring at her. I sure hope that’s not true!”

“Wh-? Why in the world would you two-?!” Sasha had to take a drag of his cigarette before he got too frustrated. He didn’t understand gossip. He’d never understand it. Gathering information was important, but talking about office interpersonal relationships was not. “I already explained to him that I’ve been trying to learn more about the missions she and Agent Forsythe keep going on.”

“Oh, yeah. Something to do with a nightmare town, right?” Agent Mentallis asked, still trying to press the power button.

“That’s what I’ve heard.” Sasha levitated around the side of the Otto-Matic, not completely surprised to find the plug laying on the ground next to the outlet. He sighed and telekinetically plugged it in.

“Hey! Would you look at that?” Agent Mentallis shouted as the device finally turned on. “This is gonna revolutionize things for you active agents, I promise you that!”

Sasha smoked his cigarette again, happy that Agent Mentallis was too distracted by his machinery to continue their conversation. He was quite tired of people making assumptions about his intentions with Agent Vodello. He didn’t have any intentions besides attempting to be her friend and he hoped that no one was suggesting otherwise to her.

“And, y’know, Sasha…” the older man added suddenly. “You could always try asking her out first. It’s easier than you’d think!”

“Gott in Himmel,” Sasha groaned. He really thought he’d gotten out of that conversation unscathed. “You are ridiculous, you realize that?”

He laughed in response and smacked the side of his Otto-Matic when the audio briefly stopped working. “An old man like myself has to find ways to entertain himself.”

“I’d stick to the machines if I were you.” Sasha glanced to the side and noticed Agent Forsythe emerge from the Nerve Center alone - she turned and headed towards the new wing, likely to get something from her office. He looked between her and Agent Mentallis, then decided he needed to man up and just ask her directly what was going on. “I’m going to go talk to Agent Forsythe. Do you need anything else from me?”

“You’re not reporting me, are you?” Agent Mentallis asked, feigning shock. “I bet Hollis would be happy to kick me outta here. She says I’m expensive!”

Sasha rolled his eyes. “No, Agent Mentallis. I’m going to ask her about this nightmare situation.” He started to walk towards the other side of the lobby. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye-bye, Nein!” Agent Mentallis responded, attention fully back on his Otto-Matic since the sound cut out again. He grumbled and smacked the side of it. “It was working fine in my lab! He better not’ve damaged it on the way here…”

As he worked on that, a certain yellow-skinned, red-haired agent was absentmindedly trying to read a magazine while sitting on a nearby couch when she decided to give up and just sighed loudly instead. She’d been eavesdropping on the conversation between Agents Mentallis and Nein, and she was so, so curious about what they’d been talking about.

It sounded like Sasha Nein had some kind of little crush on Milla Vodello. And that was a juicy piece of information that she wished she could tell somebody about.

Unfortunately, the last two people she’d attempted to gossip with had both complained and threatened to report her. So she sat there, alone, thinking about how nice it would be to have someone to talk back and forth with. Someone who understood how much fun it was to pay attention.

With another sigh, Sherri leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling. She really needed a gossip buddy.

He caught up with Agent Forsythe as she was exiting her new office, and Sasha was glad that barely anyone used that hallway yet. Personally, he would’ve preferred to confront her in the confines of a room with a closed door, but he’d have to settle for a slightly public setting instead.

“Agent Forsythe.”

She looked up from the stack of papers in her hands and paused upon seeing him, plopping her feet back onto the ground. “Agent Nein. What’s going on?”

He stood firmly in front of her, holding his ground. It was true that Agent Forsythe could be intimidating, but he'd known her for over half a decade. He had to speak freely with her at some point. “I have something I need to discuss with you.”

Agent Forsythe stayed silent for a few moments, clearly waiting for him to continue. When he didn't start talking again, she responded. “Did you want to go to my office first, or…?”

“No. This is fine.” Sasha mentally berated himself for being so nervous. “It's about these missions you've been going on over the past week.”

“Ohhh, I see.” Agent Forsythe put a hand on her hip and shook her head. “Milla mentioned something about missing a lunch with you, but I need her for this, so you'll just have to wait a few more days ‘til we get this sorted out.”

Sasha took a deep breath, trying to ease the embarrassment of her assumptions. “No, that's not what I-!” He moved a hand to the side of his head, massaging a growing headache. “It's not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“This nightmare situation has continued for over a week past its initial assignment. I've noticed several meetings between you, Vodello, 33, and Grand Head Zanotto, which has led me to believe the situation has only gotten worse.” Sasha adjusted his sunglasses, as he often did when he felt like he'd been talking for too long. “Agent Vodello is a perfectly capable agent, I'm sure, but she's extremely new to this organization. I've been here for years. Why haven’t I been brought onto this assignment?”

Having spoken his peace, Sasha stuffed his hands into his pockets and hoped that he didn't get scolded for speaking out of turn. He wouldn't regret asking even if he did, but the thought of verbal punishment like that made the back of his neck sweaty.

“That's what this is about?” Agent Forsythe glanced at the clock on the wall, then looked back at him. “Agent Vodello is an expert with nightmares - her file is loaded with her history of fighting and containing them. I brought her into this because I thought her experience would make it a simple first mission.”

Sasha felt himself deflate a little. He didn't know that about Milla. He probably wasn't supposed to know that. “...oh.”

“You, on the other hand, need to be available in case something bigger comes up,” she continued. “Yes, the nightmare situation is…problematic. But it's contained within a small town - population less than two thousand. When a larger psychic problem inevitably comes up somewhere else in the world, I want you here and ready to take it on.”

Somehow, Agent Forsythe managed to make Sasha feel like both a fool and an irreplaceable member of their organization in one fell swoop. “I see. That…makes perfect sense.”

“I didn't think I’d need to update you on that,” Forsythe added. “But if you need more work to do, I know Oleander needs a lot of help with his big summer camp project.”

Sasha pushed his sunglasses up and shook his head. “No, I've got plenty. Just…wanted to know what was going on, is all.”

“Well, now you know.” Agent Forsythe levitated up into the air and floated past him. “Keep your eyes peeled, Nein. It's been a slow few weeks, which means psychic problems are just waiting to reveal themselves.”

He watched her float away and sighed again, feeling like a bit of a dope. Not only had he questioned a superior, but he'd inadvertently suggested that Agent Vodello wasn't important enough to be on missions that he wasn't on. What kind of friend did that make him?

And now he also knew that she was some sort of…nightmare expert.

Sasha’s thoughts drifted to little things she'd told him about her life prior to the Psychonauts, and his mind stalled when he started to think about the pain a powerful nightmare could bring to an otherwise healthy mind.

If he'd thought she was distracting before, Sasha knew it was just going to get worse.

#psychonauts #milla vodello #sasha nein #sashamilla #science party #lunchtime yoga #otto mentallis #hollis forsythe #agent 33 #morceau oleander #truman zanotto #carrofics

15 notes · View notes

dtorrieee · 1 year

Text

★Not so careless ★

˚✧Kaveh x reader༉‧₊

↪sypnosis: You had a big fight with Kaveh. You guys haven't talked for weeks since then. You decided to talk things out with him. Which.. ended up bad?

↪note: I apologize if there's any mistakes. Just a reminder, this is just for fun. Enjoy <3

(also in here, you're also his roommate other than Alhaitham)

༉:Angst, some curse words, comforting, etc.

It was a long tiring day and your classes just ended. Your mood was already sour when you stepped into the dorm, and not even expecting Kaveh to be home yet.

However, there he was.

Kaveh was in the living room, pencils and sketches scattered on the table. You two had a (petty) fight and been ignoring each other for weeks now. It really wasn’t anyone’s fault other than both of your pride. Maybe it’s time to break the ice between you two— or maybe not.

You sighed and walked to the kitchen. You made a cup of coffee and put it on his table and spoke

"Dont stay up all night, you'll get sick and tired"

You turned back and was about to leave

It had been weeks since you both even exchange a simple word. He was almost in disbelief when he heard your voice, his eyes widen as he turned around and saw you right in his face.

“And what are you? My mom?”

Kaveh asks, raising his eyebrow as he stares at you, the tone had an edge, an insult to his ego.

You rolled your eyes.

"If i was your mom I'd abort you and kill myself"

It took moments for the words to register into Kaveh's mind. It was a lot to take in and his jaw almost dropped into the floor. And then the anger starts to kick in.

You’ve just crossed his limits, and he immediately lost his cool. Instead of backing down, he threw any sense of logic in the trash out the window—

He threw the cup of boiling hot coffee into your face.

Your eyes widened as the coffee landed on your face. It burned your face. Your eyes started to tear up. You didn't look at him in the eye and ran to your room, slamming the door.

He's breathing heavy, his whole body’s shaking. The fight just happened in a split second and he can’t believe what he has just done. He was about to follow you into your room when your door slammed in his face. He got back to the living room and sat down on his chair, still shaking from the coffee and the fight—

'I really just messed up.'

He thought.

the next day, Kaveh saw you with your school bag on your shoulder. You were about to leave the dorm, when he saw half of your face are red because of the burning from yesterday.

He was horrified. How could he been so stupid to throw the coffee like that? It just came out of nowhere,

He ran up to you,

“Wait!”

and he immediately grabbed a wet cloth,

“Here,”

He told you as he wiped your burned face off. His hands were still shaky and his voice almost cracked.

You took the cloth and threw it on the ground and glared at him

"I tried being nice. But instead of a thank you, you kept pushing me away. I tried everything since these past days and you're still so stubborn. And now, i hope you're happy because.. I'm not considering you as someone i know other than a psychotic stranger who lives with me."

“A p-psychotic stranger?"

He asked as his eyes widened.

“I am not some stranger! We have lived for almost two years together now! Who do you think I am? Your enemy?”

He yelled at your face.

"well are you my friend then? Absolutely not. So i guess enemy it is."

You yelled back.

He have never been this angry in his entire life before. Kaveh was usually the one who was hot-headed but now,

He grabbed your shoulders, his fists clenched,

“I am not your enemy,”

He yell at your face,

“I’m not some stranger who moved in with you a week ago, either.”

He took a deep breath and let go of your shoulders. Kaveh was the one who I needed to be calm here, and he has just made a fool of himself.

“I’m sorry.”

He said with a cracked voice.

You scoffed.

"What're you gonna do this time? Throw a knife at my back?"

"Shut up."

He screamed, his entire face is red.

“What do you want me to do? To get on my knees and beg for forgiveness? Is that it?!”

You glared at him.

"i want you to fucking leave me alone. Isn't burning my face enough for you already?!"

“Don’t make me look like the bad guy in all of this!”

He yelled at you.

“I threw the coffee at you because you called me your mother and said you’d abort me and kill yourself. How the hell do you expect me to not be mad?”

He yelled at your face as he pointed his index finger into your face.

“This wouldn’t have happened if you think before you speak or keep your opinions to yourself!”

You rolled your eyes and said:

"am i wrong tho?"

This was his breaking point.

With all the anger and rage in him, his hand swinged so close to your face, almost slapping you, but he immediately froze.

You looked up at him and spoke

"Why'd you stop? Go ahead, slap me. You're scared? Yeah that's what i thought."

You turned back and opened the door, leaving him there standing alone.

He sighed and left to grab his bag.

hours had passed.

When Kaveh got back to the dorm, it was already night. He went to the kitchen and he couldnsee you cooking alone.

He looked away and went into his room without saying a word, and closed the door behind him.

Some time later, when Kaveh was working in his room, there was a light knock. He can hear a soft voice from outside saying..

"I left some food for you on the dining table. Don't forget to eat, I don't want you getting sick."

After that, the voice disappeared.

Kaveh was deep in thought until he heard a sound of knocking on the door. Is he dreaming? he thought to himself. Is this reality? Is y/n really here?

He slowly stood up from his bed, and hesitantly opened the door.

“y/n?”

You scoffed and turned back, completely not in the mood to see his face at the moment.

You were about to leave but he grabbed your arm tightly.

"look. I'm sorry, i-"

Before he could finish, you snatched your arm back and rolled your eyes

"yeah, apologize all you want, i know it won't stop us from arguing everyday."

Your response hurts him.

“Why are you so mean to me?”

He asked you.

"I was really trying my best. But you were never satisfied."

“Can you really not see that it was wrong for you to say all those nasty things to me? Do you really think you can insult and attack me, and I’ll forgive you?”

...

"You were never going to forgive me for anything I do or say..."

He looked away, feeling hopeless and defeated.

You glared at him.

"And do you really think after burning my face with boiling coffe, I'll forgive you?"

He was losing his patience. And all of his guilt turned into anger.

“The coffee was all because of you, your nasty comments and what you’ve said.”

He yell as he grabbed your shoulder again and squeezed it tightly.

You pushed him away and screamed

"then.. just. Shut up and leave me alone goddamit!"

“You know what? Good riddance, you ungrateful brat,”

He was so worked up that his hand formed into a fist, and it landed on your shoulder again. He doesn't care if he hurt you, you deserve it.

“Leave and never come back!”

He yelled.

"its not like I'd care if you go missing!"

He turned back and slammed the door on your face.

'leave and never comeback..'

You thought.

'I see.'

The next day, Kaveh woke up. The dorm felt so empty. He walked around and realised your things wasn't anywhere. He checked your room and it was all empty.

He searched for Alhaitham to ask if he knew anything about you leaving, but he just ignored him. Which, didn't help at all.

He looked around everywhere, yet still not found any clue on where you are. Weeks passed, and he was starting to lose hope.

Until one day..

He was walking back from the market when it started to rain hard. So he decided to take a shelter. As he was sitting under a shelter, he suddenly saw a familiar figure. His eyes widened when he realised it was you, running from the rain, trying to find a shelter. Without realising him, you got into the same shelter as him and sat next to him. You panted from exhaustion and spoke

"e-excuse me. Is it alright if i-"

Before you could finish, you realised the person sitting next to you is Kaveh. Your eyes widened in shock. You stood up and cleared your throat.

"I'm sorry, I'll leave."

You stepped away, but then suddenly felt a hand grabbing you. You looked back and Kaveh said:

"stay.."

You sighed and went back to sit beside him. There was a long silence between you both. There's no sound other than the raindrops around. Finally, Kaveh spoke

"Where'd you go..? You made me worried. It's been weeks, please come back. I.."

He whispered quietly to himself yet you could still hear the sentence.

"i miss you.."

You looked away and answered

"why're you asking me to go back? Aren't you the one who told me to leave? Didn't you say that you couldn't care less if i go missing?"

Kaveh stayed quiet. He held your arms, you could see there was a little bit of tears in his eyes, but you couldn't really tell.

"y/n.. i really wished i didn't said that. And i didn't think you'd take it to heart and actually leave. I do care. I really do care about you, a lot. Please.. come back"

Looking at his pleading and beautiful eyes, oh how could you resist..?

You sighed. Then you smiled at him

"alright. I'll come back"

His eyes lit up in excitement and smiled wide

"really?! You will?! Oh thank God!"

Before you could let out a giggle, he immediately hugged you without thinking twice. You blushed hard, and he immediately let go when he realised what he just did. He cleared his throat.

"e-ehm. I-im sorry, i was too excited."

You giggled and booped his nose

"don't worry, i enjoy feeling your warmt."

You both smiled and talked more while waiting for the rain to stop.

The end.

Woah finally! Took me some time writing this. I hope you enjoyed! And again, sorry if there's any mistakes.(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)

#kaveh x reader #genshin impact #fanfic #genshin scenarios #genshin x reader #genshin kaveh #foryou #genshin #genshin impact kaveh #genshin angst

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stayarmytinyzenmoa-l · 7 months

Text

NCT Spooky Season [Day 7]

Mischief Managed

TW: Language, Ghosts, dead bodies, gun use, break-in-and-enter Genre: Comedy Pairing: Liu Yangyang x Reader YN Pronouns: Not specified Word Count: 1.0K Prompt: “Who says I can’t be a sexy ghost?”

Notes: I can't ever write Yangyang as not your Bestie okay Prominence ruined me Disclaimer: Please remember that this is an AU and a work of fiction, obviously the idols mentioned/written about in this story would never partake in these actions. The idols mentioned in this work are meant to be seen more as face claims rather than the actual idols themselves.

Feedback is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for reading!

"I still can't believe that of all the people I'd be spending a whole eternity with... it's with you," you watched Yangyang phase through walls repeatedly, changing his expression each time he came back and even once changing his whole outfit.

"Wasn't this the plan anyway?" He asks after finally settling down.

"I mean... I guess, yeah," you shrugged, looking down at your non-living body. "Still, though, I can't believe I died with you."

"And in such a lame way too," Yangyang tries to kick his own non-living body, but his foot just phases through just like with the wall. "Do we even know that guy?" He points at the burglar rummaging through your drawers. You shrugged.

"First of all, why the hell would I know him? Second of all, fuck you," you looked at him, "in comes a burglar with a gun, what do I expect? Best friend to pull me out of the way but no, he ducks behind me and I get shot first, then before he could move he got shot too so what's the point?!" You groaned.

"Yeah, fair, sorry I used you as a living shield," Yangyang floats over to the window but, when he tries to exit, he is thrown back into the flat.

"And we can never leave?! What kind of bullshit-"

"Hey! Okay, hold on, it can't all be bad," Yangyang floats over to you and wraps an arm around your shoulder, "how about we do some silly ghost stuff?" His eyebrows wiggle and you roll your eyes.

"Deal."

"The fuck?" The burglar pulls your desk apart. "These bitches don't have anything! Fuck, they really lived like this," he pulls your textbook out and rifles through the pages, he looks back at your motionless body. "You should thank me for putting you both out of your misery," he snickers. Then he hears something fall behind him and, when he turns back around to the desk, he noticed that he cup holding your pens and pencils had toppled over. "Huh..." he puts it back up and, once he does, he hears something else fall behind him and his head whips back, finding a sheet now thrown over the bodies as well as the lampshade toppled over. The burglar pauses and stares at the sheet before looking at the lampshade, which was still rocking back and forth from the impact of falling.

"Wack," the burglar shudders and goes back to ransacking your apartment, until he hears the dresser drawers fly open behind him and he walks backward until he hits the desk, grabbing onto it's edge for support, while clothes were thrown out of the dresser and into random parts of the room, and as soon as the nightstand fell over the burglar screamed and ran out of the apartment.

Meanwhile, you and Yangyang were losing your shit. Both of you were laughing your asses off like it was the funniest thing you'd ever seen, and to be honest it kind of was.

"Yo, Yang, quit rummaging through my clothes.

"I've been looking for this shirt," he pulls it out and, for a brief moment, it stays in his hold before it fell to the ground.

"Well, you found it, too bad you can't wear it anymore, dude," you shrugged and Yangyang groans.

"Oo... what's this?" He digs a little deeper and you walk toward him to see what he found and, in seconds, he pulls out the lingerie set and, if it could, you were sure your face would've heated up. "All for me?"

"Hell no," you groaned and, once you tugged it out of his grasp, you heard the sound of a thread snapping and the lingerie set fell to the floor. But, strangely enough, you were still holding the set, only this time a more ghostly version of it.

"How'd you do that?!" Yangyang tries to find his favorite sweaters now.

"It ripped and now I'm holding it? You held the set to your chest and looked in the mirror. "Ooh, Yang, maybe I can be a sexy ghost?"

"Found it!" He pulls a shirt out and hands it to you. Once you grabbed it, he took his side and yanked on it, causing the shirt to rip down the middle and allowing Yangyang to pull up a "dead" version of it. “Look at us! Let’s scare the shit out of whoever moves in next.”

“Oh, shit, here comes DJ,” you watched Xiaojun walk in and near scream his head off.

“Fuck, I forgot I invited him over,” Yangyang sighs. “Sorry, Dejun,” he folds his hands and you sat next to the spot Dejun fell over at.

“That idiot…” Dejun was in disbelief.

“I know,” you make a sorry attempt at consoling him.

“He was only supposed to kill Yangyang.”

“What?” Your hand lifts.

“What?!” Yangyang’s shout was louder.

General Tag List: @stopeatread @bat-shark-repellant @raeincitizen @umbralhelwolf @yangsrose @kazooms @sadcoffeecritic

NCT Tag List: @cherrylovr @minjiville

If you want to be added to either tag list or removed just send me a reply to this post, and ask, or a DM and I’ll add you as soon as possible!

#nct #nct x reader #nct x you #nct x yn #nct u #nct u x reader #nct u x you #nct u x yn #wayv #wayv x reader #wayv x you #wayv x yn #yangyang x reader #yangyang x you #yangyang x yn #my writings #nct spooky season

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dirtywrestling · 7 days

Text

High School Mizfit - Finn Balor (18+)

Commission: @thepalaceofmelanie

Pairing: Teenage!Finn Balor x Teenage!Melanie

Summary: Melanie falls for the bad boy of the school, Finn Balor.

Warnings: Fluff! High School, Finn and Melanie are like 17 or 18, Foul Language, Bullies, Ditching School, Smoking.

Word Count: 2,546

Follow My Backup Blog!: @dirtywresling102

Senior year, the last year of High School, an end of a chapter before college, a beginning of a new. Just a few more credits and I’d be out of High School forever! Walking into the school, I walked down the crowded hallway towards my first class of the day, English.

My shoulders collided with other students as I made my way down the busy hallway. Entering the classroom, I took my seat, and the bell rang. The day has officially started. “Alright everyone, please pull out your homework I assigned you yesterday.” Grabbing my bag beside me, I pulled out my English notebook along with the assignment I worked most of the night on. I pulled out a pencil and placed it beside my paper. I patiently waited for the teacher to give us the next instruction.

The teacher came around collecting the papers. “Mr. Balor, you’re late.” Mrs. Ottoman spoke out. I looked over towards the entrance of the room to see Finn Balor walking into the classroom; one strap of his book bag was over his shoulder and his leather jacket hugging him tightly.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Finn murmured, making his way towards his seat.

“Do you have a tardy note?” The teacher asked, hand on her hip.

“Nope.” Finn plopped down in his assigned seat, next to me.

“Well Mr. Balor, I’m sorry to say but you have detention after school today.”

“Whatever.” Finn grumbled, his eyes called upon the top of the desk. I looked at Finn, his hair was a bit messy as if he just got out of bed but that was just his style. His eyes seemed to have dark circles underneath as if he hadn’t slept in days. His scent was strong. He smelt of cigarettes, leather, and musky cologne. My eyes met his greenish blue eyes and were now staring at me. “What?” He snapped.

“N- Nothing.” I shuttered at his aggressiveness. I quickly looked away and fiddled with my fingers. As the class went on, the teacher gave everyone instructions on what the next assignment was. She wanted us to read two chapters of Lord of the Flies and write a summary about what we read. I already read the chapters last night. It helped that I read the book last year, just for fun, so the book was fresh in my mind. I wrote down my summary, which was a couple of paragraphs. When I finished writing, I placed the summary in my English folder and placed my things back into my book bag. I pulled out my Harry Potter book that I was reading, it was one of my favorite series to read just to pass the time. I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Looking behind me, I saw the popular girl, Beth, and smiled at her. “Hi Beth.” I waved. “What’s up?”

“Yeah, hi. I was wondering what those chapters of Lord of the Flies were about?” She placed a fake smile on her glossy lipstick lips.

I frowned with an arched brow. She never wanted to talk to me but wanted to know what those chapters were about. “Hmm, I think you should just read them and find out.”

“Yeah, hmm listen.” She popped her lips. “I’m on the cheer squad, which I’m sure you know because I’m the head cheerleader and I have a game to cheer at tonight which I don’t have time to read about gross flies. So, it’d be really hard for me to read those chapters and write a summary before tomorrow, ya know?” She explained, trying to encourage me to tell her the summary.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll have enough time during lunch or your free class?” I bit my lip, not wanting to continue this conversation anymore.

“Listen, bitch.” She snarled.

“Hey.” A man’s voice erupted. “I think she said she doesn’t want to fucking help you.”

I looked over at Finn and then quickly back at Beth. “I- I didn’t mean it like that but I think you should read the book, it’s very interesting.”

“No, that’s what Melanie means now shut the fuck up and start reading.” Finn snapped at the leader of the cheer squad.

I swallowed thickly and swiveled around into my chair, facing the font of the classroom. “Thanks.” I whispered softly towards Finn.

“Don’t mention it, anything to get her to shut the fuck up.” He grunted, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he had a headache. His eyes skimmed through the book and turned the pages. The bell rang. Everyone gathered their things and rushed out of the room to their next class.

Getting up from my seat, I tossed my book bag over my shoulders. I made my way towards my next class, math. Just a couple of more hours and I was out of this hell hole for the day.

As the day went on, my free period came along. I exited out of the school and made my way towards the picnic tables that had umbrellas sticking out of the middle of them. I sighed happily to see no one out there. That’s the perks of being top of the class, I guess. Sitting at a table, I pulled out my sketch book. I heard the door open and close. I looked over my shoulder to see Finn pulling a cigarette from his pocket, placing it in between his lips, and lighting it up. “I don’t think you’re supposed to smoke here.”

Finn inhaled the nicotine stick. The tip burned orangish red bright. He pulled the cigarette away from his lips with two fingers. He exhaled the smoke, letting it float into the air only to disappear. “Do you always follow the rules?” Finn huffed, rolling his eyes.

“If there were no rules, there’d be chaos.” I pointed out, I pulled out a pencil from my bag and opened up my sketch book. “Don’t you have class?”

“I got kicked out.” Finn made his way towards me and sat down across the table. “I’m supposed to be in the principal’s office to talk about my behavior right now.” Finn took another puff from the cigarette and blew out the smoke. I coughed loudly, waving my hand in front of my face to get the smoke away.

“Those are bad for you.” I informed him. I watched how his back was against the edge of the table and his arms relaxed beside him.

“Everything nowadays is bad for everyone.” He said back to me with a smirk. “They’re practically feeding us poison here.” Finn laughed. I smiled at his husky laugh and I laughed along with him.

“That’s true. I found a battery in my sandwich when I was a freshman.” I shook my head at the memory.

Finn took one last drag from the cigarette and flicked the butt towards the grass. “This school fucking sucks.” The smoke escaped his mouth as he spoke. “Wanna ditch?” Finn tilted his head back with a smirk.

“Ditch?” I choked out the word. “I uh, I have perfect attendance.” I blushed at how geekish I sounded.

Finn laughed at me, my blush became darker. “So? It’s the same as every year, you get a pizza party at the end of the semester for having perfect attendance. Come on, we can get something to eat and go to the arcade, my treat.” Finn flashed a smile towards me.

I licked my lips. I closed my sketchbook, shoved the pencil, and put the book into my bag. “Let’s do it. But how are we going to leave?” I frowned, looking around to see if there were any cameras.

“We’re seniors. We can do whatever the fuck we want. My car is right there.” Finn looked over by the parking lot. I also looked to see the only black car along with other colorful ones. “It’s an easy run.” Finn shrugged.

“Hey!” We looked over to see a large security guard exit out of the building. “You’re supposed to be at the principal’s office.” He started to stalk towards Finn.

“It’s now or never!” Finn got up quickly and darted towards the parking lot.

“Hey! Stop!” The man yelled, trying to catch Finn.

I gnawed at my bottom lip, constipating if I should follow or not. I threw my bag over my shoulder. I dashed towards the parking lot, passing the heavy set security officer, and caught up with Finn. “Let’s fucking go!” Finn unlocked his car and got into the driver seat. I pulled at the door open and rushed into the passenger seat. Finn started up the car. Before the security guard could even reach the car, Finn burned rubber out of the school parking lot.

“Oh my god, I think I’m going to pass out.” I panted and felt my heart beat faster than it has ever before.

“That’s the adrenaline pumping!” Finn laughed, going faster than the speed limit. Finn let his car cruise down the street towards downtown. Arriving at the arcade, he parked the car and got out.

“You always do this?” I asked, stepping out of his car and towards the arcade.

“Have you ever seen me in class?” Finn smirked, walking into the arcade, he held the door open for me.

“Good point.” I shrugged, looking around at the colorful machines.

“Finn! Good to see ya!” The man behind the counter yelled. He was an Italian man with dark hair and hairy arms along with a large dark facial beard..

“Hey Phil.” Finn smiled. “Here to play some games.”

“And I see that you brought a lady friend.” Phil wiggled his bushy eyebrows. I blushed at the man’s gesture. “Getting this young gal into trouble.”

Finn blushed and cleared his throat, turning his head to the side so no one could see. “Just trying to show her life isn’t always about school.” He shrugged and handed the man a ten dollar bill.

Phil chuckled and exchanged a roll of quarters. “Well, you two have fun and enjoy the games.”

Finn nodded and thanked Phil. Finn split the coins and gave me half. “Wow, you’re actually being nice to an adult?” I teased, taking the coins.

Finn smiled weakly and looked down. “Well, he’s kinda like family to me. I’ve known him since I was a kid.” Finn cleared his throat. “Let’s play some games.” Finn said abruptly.

For the next hour, Finn and I went around the shop playing games. Once we were out of coins, we bid Phil farewell and thanked him for letting us play. “I should be getting back to class.” I said, looking at the time on my phone. It was blowing up. My friends were texting me, asking where I was.

“Oh no. I told you we were going to get a bite to eat too.” Finn smiled. “Come on, I know a great burger place.” Finn smiled, nodding towards the way.

I bit my lip, it was lunchtime back at school. “Okay, but after this we have to go back.” I assured him.

“Cross my heart.” Finn grinned. Walking to the next block, Finn held the door open for me once again. I entered the empty restaurant.

“Hi, welcome to- Why aren’t you in school?” The hostess growled, menus in hand.

“Woah, woah.” Finn held up his hands in the air, grinning. “I’m on lunch, it’s 12:30, it’s lunchtime and seniors get to go off campus.”

“Psh, I don’t think you have the grades to get off campus.” The older lady rolled her eyes. “Come, let’s get some food for you guys.” The woman led us towards the back, taking us to a booth. “I’ll be back to take your order.”

I looked at Finn, eyebrows arched. “That’s my aunt.” He blushed, looking at the menu. I watched as his eyes skimmed the page.

“She seems to care about you.” I giggled as I read over the items.

“Yeah, she cares more than my parents do.” He mumbled under his breath but I still caught what he said.

Finn’s aunt came back and placed our orders to the chef. She joined us, sliding in the booth she sat by Finn, after delivering us our food. “Okay, what’s the catch? Did you lose a bet?” She asked me, plucking a fry from Finn’s plate. Finn glared, snatching his plate away from her.

“What?” I laughed.

“You seem like a smart girl, great grades, not dressed like a river rat.”

“Well, Finn thought it’d be fun to ditch-”

“To ditch school lunch and come here.” Finn cut in. I arched my eyebrow towards him.

“Lunch huh?” His aunt wasn’t buying it. “Don’t lie.” She looked over at Finn.

Finn huffed. “We ditched class to go to the arcade.” Finn grumbled, looking away.

His aunt groaned. “Damn it Finn, I know your parents don’t care but I care.” She said sternly. I gulped, this seemed like a personal matter to where I shouldn’t witness. “You need to get your grades up and graduate. Graduation is a couple of months away.”

“Don’t remind me.” He snapped, obviously having troubles in school.

“I can help him.” I spoke out.

The two looked at me. Finn glaring while his aunt looked surprised. “You’re willing to help my punk of a nephew?” She asked.

I nodded, grabbing a fry. “I mean, I’ve known Finn since we were kids and we’re friends.” I smiled at him. I swore I heard him growl at the word ‘friends’.

“Thank you, his grades aren’t the best.” She confessed

“We should go.” Finn got out of the booth, grabbing his leather jacket.

His aunt frowned, watching Finn pay for the meal. She handed his money back. “Don’t worry hun, it’s on the house.” His aunt kissed his cheeks.

Walking out of the burger joint, we both went to his car. “You can take me home. I have no other classes for the day.” I said, buckling up.

Finn didn’t say anything as I guided him to my house. Parking out in front of it soon enough, I smiled at him. “Thanks for the day.”

“It was a mistake, I should have never brought you.” He snarled.

I frowned at his mood change. “I thought we had fun?”

“You think you’re so perfect and you think you can make me perfect?” Finn snapped. “Why’d you tell my aunt you’d help me?”

“Because you need help, Finn. I want to see you graduate. I didn’t know you were behind. I mean it Finn, I want to help you.” I smiled weakly.

Finn sighed. “Fine, I’ll let you help me.” He grumbled, gripping on the steering wheel in defeat.

“Good!” I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down my number and handed it to him. “Text me tonight and we’ll make plans on when I can tutor you.” I opened the door and got out of his car. “See ya then.” I waved at the boy with dark hair.

I smiled widely as I walked into my house. I had a great day with my crush, I got to know a little more about him and I met one of his family members. My heart flutters, hoping to get closer to him during homework sessions.

Finn Balor's Masterlist

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pantherastevens · 7 months

Text

His Sunshine in The Darkness: A Love Birthed From Blood

Bro, I'm not even going to hold y'all. Just writing this took a lot of me, I had to chuck this day by day. But finally, FINALLY, I present to you all Part 3 of His Sunshine in The Darkness.

Yandere!Miles42 still gives me extreme brainrot and I've been mentally jumping ahead to the part where Panthera finally finds out everything (that's part 4 and I haven't even started it yet. That part might be the shortest of them all and I'm still debating a Part 5). But I have to try to pace this out (not the greatest at it but I try).

Enough of my blabbering, on with the story!

Here are Parts 1 and 2 if you missed them.

Warnings: Blood, Death (Murder), Yandere tendancies (?), Suggestive themes (nothing crazy, I promise), Cursing

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It all started on a chilly Friday in February. It was a week shy of Valentine's Day, and the school was abuzz about the upcoming holiday. Miles would roll his eyes about it as if he wasn't sporting a black eye due to a fight he got into yesterday over a cute purple and black panda plushie (he saw the stuffed animal first, damn it) to gift to Panthera on the holiday (amongst other things...)

The boy was minding his business in study hall, which was luckily the last class of the day, determined to finish his homework until his ears picked up a familiar name. He glanced out of the corner of his eye to find his two "homeboys" chatting.

"Aye, Andre, what do you think of that Panthera girl," Jamal asked. Andre, in return, raised a brow, noting the flustered look on his face.

"That weird, quiet girl from creative writing class? I mean, she aight, but she nothin' special," Andre said with a shrug. Miles felt his eye twitch at the clear dismissal of his girl. Jamal smacked his lips out of annoyance.

"You only sayin' that 'cause you prefer yo girls high maintenance 'nd shit," he scowled. Andre gave another shrug.

"So? Panthera's cute, but she ain't no bad bitch like Jasmine or Monique. Why you even asking about shorty anyway," Andre breezily asked. Miles could see the sheepish grin on Jamal's face and tighten the grip on his pencil.

"I'm thinking of asking baby girl to be my Valentine to be real..." Andre snorted.

"Be so fuckin' for real, bro. Weren't you talkin' to Beatrice just last week?" Jamal scoffed, shoving his friend.

"Nigga, shut the fuck up. I thought I was interested until I found out she was only talking to me to ask about Miles..." The Afro-Latino rolled his eyes. He knew who they were referring to and wouldn't touch the girl with a ten-foot pole. The girl thinks it's fun to collect niggas' hearts like Pokemon, and he's definitely not interested.

"So why Panthera? The girl is weird. Her hair looks like she's been without a retwist for two months, plus it makes her seem more like a nigga than a female. She barely interact with anyone outside of class. She speaks a weird language sometimes. She's named after a literal animal, for Christ's sake! Don't know what her parents were thinkin' when they named her. What about her seem to grab you by the balls, bruh?" Jamal, and Miles, gave Andre the evil eye.

"Mad disrespectful. I think her hair makes her unique. I know she takes care of it, or it wouldn't look as long and thick as it does. And her having locs doesn't make her look like a nigga. And I'm fine with quiet girls. That means she's not caught up in the rachet bullshit that goes on at school. She actually told me that it was the language of her grandfather from some African country. It's unique, which I think is pretty cool. And her name is pretty, don't be a dick. You might notice some really nice girls here if you stop letting these hoes come up in your face. I'm tryna find me a little boo, not someone to post flicks on the gram and then maybe lead into a one-night stand. Panthera could be the one for me." Miles was a smidge appreciative to hear Jamal come to Panthera's defense, but he still didn't like him.

He liked HIS girl. Miles can not let that slide.

"Tch, whatever you say. I can't help you with your lil crush, but I bet we know someone who can. Ayo, Miles!" Miles did his best to keep his face neutral as he turned to face his "friends."

"What's good," he said. Andre smirked, nodding to Jamal.

"Jamal here is thinking of asking Panthera to be his Valentine. You two are friends, right? Maybe you could help a brother out."

"Joder no." Jamal and Andre blinked at the Afro-Latino.

"Uhhh, come again," Jamal asked. Miles shrugged.

"I said I don't know," he lied. Jamal's eyes pleaded with the boy.

"C'mon bro, is there anything you know she may like? I kinda wanna impress her..." Tawny brown eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Miles knows a lot of things that Panthera likes.

Her favorite chocolate and ice cream were cookies and cream. Her top five favorite movies were "Spirit: The Stallion of the Cimarron," "Princess and the Frog," "Finding Forrester," "Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge" (and "The Return of Cooler"), and "Wall-E." Her favorite flowers were sunflowers, hibiscus, and roses. While she wasn't crazy about fashion, she loved some nice or cool-looking jewelry (as long as she could afford it). She loves art, finding comfort in her sketchbook or with her canvases. One of her treasured items was her iPod, filled with various playlists for her moods. Her two favorite games were Temple Run and Fruit Ninja. She loves basketball and can play the sport (his uncle had a good ass laugh watching her wipe the floor with Miles). She likes boxing and even helps Miles with his workouts. Her favorite colors were black, gold, silver, purple, green, and red. She loves canines and wild cats but has a soft spot for pandas. She loves to watch the sunset or the sunrise to watch the sky explode into a series of colors. She likes stargazing and getting lost in the vast night sky.

Miles could write a book about her if he wanted to. But that information is for him and him alone.

"Maybe Miles doesn't want to tell you because he likes her himself," Andre said with a shit-eating grin. Jamal blinked before narrowing his eyes at the Afro-Latino.

Jamal didn't have anything against Miles. He felt bad for what happened to his dad and even attended the funeral. When greeting him, Miles' eyes seem thousands of miles away from here. He heard his heartfelt speech about his dad and how he felt sympathy for him when he was nothing but a wreck of tears. Of course, that same day, he saw Panthera.

Now, it wasn't the first time he noticed her. But that day, it was impossible not to notice her. From her attire, her speech, the song she sang...

Jamal thought she was so beautiful.

He saw Miles sought for her comfort during the service and even where they laid the Police Captain to rest. Jamal thought it was sweet for her to be there for the grieving boy.

That's when Jamal's crush really started. He was excited to share at least two classes with her that year: creative writing and music.

And to be able to sit next to her in their creative writing class?

Jamal thought God was finally blessing him...

...only he could never get his mouth to work and talk to her.

They only had a handful of conversations, and they were in February. Besides, calling them "conversations" was Jamal being generous. Unless Jamal could wriggle in some small talk (which Panthera didn't seem to be a fan of), their conversation would be strictly on the assignment given by the teacher. The boy tried talking to other girls to get his mind off the beauty, but it never worked. None of the girls were really into him like that, and a good majority were only using him to learn about Miles, which pissed him off more than he liked to admit.

What did Miles Morales have that he didn't? Yeah, he didn't have an accent or that effortless mysterious, bad-boy vibe Miles started giving off this year, but it's not like he was anyone special.

The one person he wanted to like him was being hoarded by the guy almost every girl in their grade wanted.

He can't take this shit anymore.

"Ain't no way Panthera would like him like that," Jamal huffed. Miles glared at him.

"What is that supposed to mean," Miles asked quietly, tawny brown eyes meeting near black ones. Jamal scoffed, his jealousy bubbling to a boiling point.

"You've known Panthera for how long 'nd you mean to tell me y'all still not togetha? She probably just pities yo sorry ass. You were the awkward kid mid-freshman year who she just happened to notice. 'Oh woe is me; I lost my daddy to gang violence.' Big fuckin' whoop, my guy. Ain't no way someone like her would ever like crybaby bitch like-ACK!" Jamal's rant was cut off by a sudden hand wrapped tightly around his throat. Fearful dark eyes met menacing light ones.

"Like what, bro," Miles asked quietly. The two boys were nose-to-nose in a silent stare-down. Miles could feel Jamal's pulse fluttering under his fingertips like a frightened caged bird. It made the darker side of him purr in delight.

"I-I..." Jamal couldn't get his words out. Even if Miles' hand wasn't wrapped around his windpipe, the dark promise in his eyes would've still rendered him mute.

"Thought so. This is your only warning, Jackson: Don't let me catch your sorry ass talking to Panthera. You know nothing about our relationship and what she means to me," Miles mumbled, never taking his eyes off his prey. He moved his lips to Jamal's ear, whispering menacingly,

"Panthera's my girl. Always was and always will be. I'm not afraid of getting rid of anyone looking to come between me and her... and that's not just a threat. It's a fucking promise..." Miles shoved the boy away just as the bell rang, walking out of the still classroom without turning back. Still in shock over what happened, their classmates slowly filtered out of the room. Jamal gave a few ragged coughs, half-heartedly accepting Andre's help.

"Damn, he got you good," Andre mumbled as he held Jamal up. When he decided to be a little shit on purpose, he didn't expect Miles to lash the way he did. Miles wasn't going for a fight or anything, as if he knew the outcome.

Jamal shoved Andre back, irritated.

"Ion care what that nigga say, he thinks he big and bad and what he says goes. Nah, Imma try to see if I can ask Panthera out today just to show that fuck nigga he wrong," Jamal hissed, grabbing his bag. Andre stared after his friend with an eye roll, grabbing his stuff and jogging after him.

He wanted front-row seats to this, after all.

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

Panthera was shifting through her locker, grabbing the necessary materials for her homework, and placing the material she finished during her classes that day. The girl had her headphones on, humming along to a new song she discovered as she did this. Once she was sure she had everything, she shut her locker.

Only to jump at the sight of Jamal leaning on the locker next to hers. Panthera pulled her headphones off from her ears to rest around her neck.

"Hey, Jamal," Panthera greeted softly, her brows furrowed in confusion. Jamal willed his heart to calm down at the cute expression on his crush's face.

"Hey, beautiful," Jamal said with a flirty grin. He watched as Panthera's cute eyes grew a fraction wider.

"Bast, what happened to your neck?!" He let out a soft hiss when the light touch of Panthera's fingertips brushed against the rapidly forming bruises on his neck. He caught her hand with his, silently hoping his grin didn't transform into a grimace.

"Nothing you should worry your pretty little head about, but I appreciate the concern, sweetness. I got a question for you, though..." Panthera narrowed her eyes briefly, eyeing her hand in his, before meeting his gaze.

"...shoot," she said.

"You busy the night before Valentine's Day, princess? I would love to take you out on a date," Jamal said, feeling bold enough to kiss the palm of her hand.

Panthera blinked.

"You would love to do what now?" Jamal chuckled.

"I said-" Panthera shook her head.

"No, no... I heard you... I guess my real question is why. We barely speak outside of class."

'And that's on purpose...' she thought.

"I always admire you from afar. I'd figured now would be a good opportunity... so how 'bout it, baby girl?" Panthera sized up the boy for a few moments before shaking her head.

"I'm sorry, Jamal, but I'm gonna have to decline. I don't see you like that," Panthera sighed, freeing her hand. Just as the girl was ready to walk away, she felt a hand grab her shoulder.

"C'mon ma, just one date, I promise," Jamal pleaded. Panthera let out a long-suffering sigh.

"Bast, give me strength... if it keeps you from following me home. Fine," Panthera huffed. Jamal gave her a boyish smile, hugging the girl. Panthera let out a confused squeak at the sudden action and was released.

"I promise you won't regret it, Panthera. Meet me at the flower garden near the park at 7, alright?" Panthera gave a nod, watching as Jamal walked up to his homeboy. She shook her head, turning on her heel to walk to the school entrance, only to run face-first into Miles' chest. A steady hand found the girl's waist to hold her up.

"Easy there, gatita..." A soft flush colored Panthera's cheeks at the soft rumble of Miles' voice.

"H-Hey Mi," she said, looking up into his eyes. Miles nuzzled her hair.

"I've been waiting for you. What was taking you so long," he mumbled against her forehead. Panthera let out a tired chuckle.

"Looks like I got a date with Jamal next week." Panthera had her face buried in his chest, which prevented her from seeing the dark smile on Miles' face before it faded into a softer one.

"You don't sound too excited about that," he teased. Panthera looked up at him with a pout.

"I'm kinda not, but I'm not trying to be followed home until I say yes." Miles smirked, gently bumping his nose with hers.

"Hey, if anything happens, you could always hit me up. You know I'll do everything possible to bring that beautiful smile onto that sweet face." Panthera giggled, playfully shoving him.

"Mi! Stop flirting with me. My damn face hurts!" Miles chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he and Panthera walked out of the school building. Miles sent a quick text as they walked before asking his little kitten about her day.

Elsewhere at a corner store, Jamal's phone buzzed with a new message. It was from an unknown number with a single phrase.

Unknown: Bet.

"Ayo, c'mon bro. You found everything," Andre asked. Jamal mentally shook his head, turning to his bro.

"Y-Yeah. Let's go."

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

It was the eve of Valentine's Day. The days flew by much quicker than Jamal anticipated, but he felt ready for tonight.

It was 6:30 PM. Jamal sat on a marble bench in the middle of the flower garden. He was dressed in his freshly ironed white button-down shirt, the nicest jeans he owned, and his white Air Forces. He got a haircut yesterday, helping his newly twisted hair pop. A simple Cuban chain hung around his neck, and his nicest watch was on his wrist. He wore his favorite cologne for the finishing touch.

Beside him were a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a cute Valentine's stuffed bear, and a bouquet of purple and light pink roses.

'God, I hope she likes this. I really want her to like me... wait, what's that noise?' The sound of footsteps approaching caused his heart to quiver in excitement. A glance at his watch let the boy know it was 6:37. The young teen scrambled to his feet, holding the bouquet. Jamal could hear those footsteps getting closer, just about to round the corner to the space he was waiting.

He prepared his best smile to greet his date.

"Hey Panthera, you're ear-" The person standing in front of him wasn't Panthera.

Neon-purple lights lit up the garden surrounding them. The person wore a mechanical mask over their face, narrow white slits making up their eyes. Jamal noticed the spray-painted symbol on the person's chest and the sleek metal claw on their arm when the person's identity finally clicked in his mind.

"Y... You're the Prowler," Jamal whispered. A distorted, deep chuckle escaped the person's throat.

"You sound disappointed... expecting someone else," the Prowler asked rhetorically, approaching the frightened teen. Jamal tried to keep his distance as his mind raced.

Why was the Prowler here out of all places? Everyone knows about his reputation as a vigilante, though it was always wise to stay out of his way. Jamal picked a safe place when he planned this date; it didn't make sense for one of Brooklyn's notorious boogeymen to be here-

"Y-Yeah, actually... I-I have a date, so if you d-don't mind. S-she should be here soon..." The vigilante paused for a moment.

"Oh, I know..." Jamal's blood ran cold.

"Wha-ACK!" Before he could even ask what he meant by that, He felt the wind being knocked out of him. Jamal wasn't sure what was happening until searing hot pain shot through the boy's nervous system. Dark eyes looked down to find razor-sharp claws embedded in his abdomen. A firm, gloved hand gripped his jaw, focusing Jamal's teary and terrified gaze on the soulless white glare.

"W-Why," the boy whimpered, blood bubbling from his throat and spilling over his quivering lips. The Prowler didn't answer him, simply staring at Jamal.

Until the mask automatically pulled back. Jamal's lungs choked on his breath.

"M-Miles...?" The Afro-Latino smirked down at his "friend."

"I told you... Panthera's mine. I'm not afraid to take out those who try to take her away from me. Since you refused to listen..." Miles reactivated his mask, removing his claws from the gushing wound. He slowly trailed the bloody tips up the heaving chest before wrapping around the healing handprint he had left nearly a week ago.

"I'm just gonna have to make an example out of you. For anyone foolish enough to try come after what's mine." Jamal wanted to scream. Yell at the boy that he was crazy and that Panthera would never look at him the same way ever again if she found out. But before Jamal could utter a word, Miles swiftly broke his neck.

Those white digital eyes watched as the light faded from those dark eyes before dropping the body. Miles grabbed his phone to check the time.

6:43.

Good. He had plenty of time to leave so he could clean up before Panthera would call him. Luckily, one of the hideouts he and his uncle used wasn't too far away. The young vigilante darted into the night, leaving his victim to bleed out in the garden alone.

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

It was 7:02, and Panthera had finally arrived at the flower garden entrance. She would be the first to admit she wasn't crazy eager for this date.

Mainly because she didn't see Jamal like that. But also because she had to deal with the headache of trying to find a nice outfit for the first real date in her life. When she got home from school last week, she immediately went online to find something to wear, already knowing she wasn't gonna find a real outfit in her closet.

It took her ages to find something she liked, seeing how most of the outfits showed too much for her liking. Like she would have to be careful if she needed to pick up something too much.

But she found her ideal dress. She paired it with her silver angel wing necklace and matching earrings. She had delicate silver rings decorating her right hand. White gladiator sandals covered her feet to complete her look. For her hair, she opted for a half-up-half-down situation with a single loc in front to frame her face. She even went ahead to do a bit of makeup. Not much, since she wasn't looking to impress this boy. Just something light. Some brows, mascara, and some mauve-tinted lip oil.

She liked the look she created, only wished she didn't go through all this effort for a guy who she barely looked at twice.

'Welp, at least I look cute for my first, and probably last, date of my life...'

The girl shook her head at the fledging thought. Many people might deem her a "Negative Nancy," but she's calling it how she sees it. No dude at their school would look at her twice. She's heard the whispers and the jokes.

"Would you sleep with Gabriella with no condom on... or go on a date with Panthera?"

"I rather risk catching something than be seen with a girl who is mistaken as nigga outside her uniform any day of the week."

If the girl wasn't secure about who she was as a person, those comments might have hurt her. From Panthera's point of view, those who say ignorant shit like that don't deserve her, and seeing the many sides that make up Panthera Stevens.

Only one guy thus far has seen her for who she is and hasn't shied away from her. And that's her best friend and ever-growing crush, Miles.

When did those feelings start becoming apparent? If Panthera had to take a guess, it would be the night she kissed him. The domestic atmosphere never left the two, from her feeding him in the kitchen with his arms around her to watching the boy snuggle up against her, seeking her out in his sleep.

Everything about that boy was just so endearing to her. Even as they started the school year and Miles gained more popularity amongst their classmates, especially the female population, he would still seek her out for moments of reprieve.

He would always seek after her.

Panthera sighed as she walked through the garden, searching for the center.

If only he asked her out instead of Jamal. Panthera knew she could just come clean to him and see what happened, but damn it. She wanted to be courted.

According to her father, she would be a princess in the land of their ancestors. Was it wrong of her to want to be treated as such?

The girl sighed as the center of the garden came into sight. She was on a date with Jamal, not Miles. The very least she could do was try to give the boy a fair shot...

As she got closer, she immediately felt something was off. Firstly, there was no Jamal in sight. The garden was quiet except for the occasional chirp from the crickets. She double-checked her phone, noting that the time was 7:05. The boy should be here by now...

Cautiously, she explored a bit deeper, looking for anything amiss...

And then it hit her.

Just barely hidden under the natural perfume of the flowers was a sharp metallic smell. A smell Panthera was very familiar with.

Blood.

The girl froze, eyes narrowing as she tried to take in her surroundings to find anything amiss. Nothing. With a shaky hand, she reached into her bag to grab her phone. Jamal had input his number earlier that day so she could call or text him if she ran late or anything of the sort. The girl wasn't looking to use it, seeing how it meant the boy would have her number, but she had to call to see where he was.

Maybe to change the location of their meet-up. Something. Anything.

She hit the call button, bringing the phone to her ear as she heard the line ringing. Quickly, a phone rang to her right, a little beyond a bush. The girl prayed silently that the boy probably dropped his phone as she stepped along the stone pavement to where she could hear the phone ringing in time with her call.

Her heart stopped at what she saw.

The boy looked back at her with lifeless eyes as he lay in his own pool of blood. The roses he had bought were now stained red, along with the pavement underneath him. His neck was twisted in her direction, seeming broken as his lips were parted with a single streak of blood coming from the corner.

With numb fingers, she ended the call with Jamal and dialed 911.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"Yes, hello... I-I... I would like to report a murder..."

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

Miles had just finished thoroughly cleaning his claws when his phone rang at 7:29. The boy smiled as he heard the sound of Juice WRLD's voice.

Panthera was calling him.

He answered after the second ring, putting the phone on speaker as he got dressed.

"Hey, gatita. How's your date," he greeted. He could hear the sound of police sirens and people talking in the background.

"M-Miles... can... can you come and get me, please? S-Something happened..." The boy expected the tremor in his little beloved's voice, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt his heart to hear it.

"Of course, Panthera. Where are you now," he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"T-The garden... by the p-park..." Confirming that he'll be there in a few minutes, he hung up. Grabbing his jacket and slipping on his Jordans, Miles was out the door.

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

Panthera sat a little ways away from the crime scene, knee anxiously bouncing. The girl knew this was a common occurrence in their city, but she seriously wasn't expecting this.

After the police took her statement, they pretty much left her alone. That's when the girl called Miles, not feeling mentally sound to be alone. Her stiff posture finally relaxed when she felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around her.

"Hey, gatita," Miles softly said as the girl curled against his chest. He allowed her to use him to find the comfort she sought, rubbing her back soothingly.

"He's dead," Panthera said flatly as she clung to her best friend. Miles looked down at her, "rightfully," confused by what she meant.

"Jamal... he... he's dead... I found his body," Panthera mumbled. Miles squeezed her closer, kissing her forehead. He could feel the tension ease out of her body as he held her.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Panthera..." Panthera pulled back to find worried tawny eyes staring back at her.

"Can... can I go home with you? Baba isn't gonna be home for a few days... and I don't wanna be by myself..." A kind smile spread on Miles' face.

"Of course, muñeca. As a matter of fact, let's make a date," Miles suggested as he pulled her up to stand alongside him. He chuckled at the confused look on his little kitten's face.

"C'mon, Panthera, let me bring that beautiful smile onto that gorgeous face like I promised. You went through hell tonight. It's the least I could do. Especially when you look so beautiful in your new pretty dress," Miles coaxed, tugging the girl closer by the waist. He watched in mild amusement as she hid her cheeks behind her hands, looking away from him.

"Okay, okay, you flirty menace. Take me somewhere," Panthera relented. Miles smiled, kissing her hand as he tugged her away from the crime scene.

Just as Miles planned.

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

It was 9:10, and the pair sat on the rooftop of Miles' apartment. To Panthera's pleasant surprise, Miles had ordered from her favorite restaurant, making sure to get her usual order of a full rack of baby back ribs, lemon pepper fries, and mashed potatoes, and arranged for them to have a little candle-lit dinner in the familiar warm atmosphere of his home. Miles refused to stop complimenting the girl, watching on fondly as the girl blushed and giggled at his comments.

After eating, the pair made their way to the rooftop, where they chatted and gazed out their city.

"You really have no right being this beautiful, muñeca. I could bask in your beauty forever," Miles murmured lovingly as he traced small hearts on Panthera's shoulder. The girl flushed, fidgeting with one of the rings on her hand.

"Miiiiiii, stop," the girl whined, the heat in her face making the girl lightheaded. A light chuckle brushed against her eardrum, eliciting a small shiver. Miles leaned in to kiss a warm cheek, wrapping his arms around his girl.

"Nah, you're too cute when you blush," he teased. Panthera slapped his chest in retaliation, but there wasn't a lot of force for it to hurt. Miles chuckled, taking ahold of her hand as he stood up. Panthera's confused gaze was met with a boyish grin.

"Dance with me, gatita," Miles whispered, tugging her closer. Panthera gave him a shy smile.

"Okay... what song do you have in mind," she asked. Miles whipped out his phone in a quick, decisive fashion, quickly going through his playlist before finding the song he wanted and cranking the volume up.

Panthera felt her face flush more as she recognized the beat. It was the ringtone Miles had set for her, but she never heard it longer than a few seconds. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist, she listened to the lyrics.

"...Really think I found my home,

Shorty make me feel at home...

She made me leave the thrills at home,

And I'm fine with it..."

"This is a nice song. I love it," Panthera whispered, looking into those tawny brown eyes that always seemed to hold a special kind of warmth for just her. Miles rested his forehead against Panthera's, content with drowning in her dark eyes and the lyrics.

"I'm glad. It's how I see you," Miles whispered, watching Panthera's eyes flutter with an innocent blink, the same one she does whenever she's confused or curious.

"There's love at my front door, short notice,

You're not like the same girls I notice...

Think I met my soul mate,

Yeah, I know it...

When it gets dark outside,

In you I confide...

You help me face my demons,

I won't hide, hide...

Girls like you are hard to find,

I hope you don't mind...

If I give you the time of your life, life, life..."

"Miles..." "Shhh... just be with me in this moment, hermosa..."

As the song continued the play, the pair continued to dance on the rooftop. The boy couldn't take his eyes off the beauty in his arms, often twirling her under his arm to get that sweet smile he oh-so-loved. Miles loved how Panthera fitted in his arms.

How right it felt to hold her in such a way.

It felt like two puzzle pieces fitting together.

Deep down in his heart, he knew he had found his soulmate, his other half, his person.

"...Now that you're here,

I want nothing to change...

You pick me up when I'm down,

I need you around...

You seen me through my darkest times,

Girl, is there something that you try to find?

You brought meaning to my life,

All because of you, I do right..."

Panthera found herself in a trance. She could only acknowledge those brown eyes staring into her soul and the prancing of her heart.

With the song filling the space between them and her being wrapped in the loving warmth of Miles' arms...

Panthera felt like she was home.

"...We're just two lost souls,

But we're fine with it..."

With the last lyric fading into the beat of the song, the pair stood in place, swaying gently.

"Panthera?" Dark eyes fluttered open to find a lighter pair staring at her. She smiled.

"Yes?" Miles felt his knees weaken a bit, the weight in his pant pocket becoming more apparent.

"There's something I wanna ask you," Miles said slowly, pulling away a bit to hold both her hands in his. Panthera's brows pinched closer together as she gave a slow nod. Miles took a deep breath.

"I always looked back at freshmen year fondly. Being a new kid during the middle of the school year wasn't something I was happy about, especially since I managed to crush on a super pretty girl in several of my classes, and I had no idea how to approach her. But she turned out to be much bolder than I could ever be and sat next to me in art class to ask if we could be friends. Her smile reminded me of the sun; I just wanted to stay in its warmth forever. Our friendship was something I would always cherish because she always saw me for me and wanted me just as I was. My parents loved her to the point that they saw her as a daughter. My uncle had basically adopted her years ago and was ecstatic to have her back in his life again. She brought something special to my life..." Panthera could feel her heart thundering in her chest. The heat from her cheeks chased away the chill of the cool night air.

But she didn't dare take her eyes off the boy standing before her.

"Even during my life's darkest point, she shone bright as the sun. Wrapping me in the warmth of her loving arms, smile, and heart. She never left my side. Before papá died, he... he told me how she would be good for me. That she would take care of my heart the same way mamá did his; he would've loved to see the two of us get together. I already know mamá y tio having been dying for us to get together... and to be honest, gatita... I've been wanting to ask you this for a long time. Ever since the night of my dad's party, when we both said we loved each other..." Panthera watched with bated breath as Miles lowered himself on a single knee. He released one of her hands to grab the black box in his pocket.

"Panthera Genesis Stevens, I've had a crush on you even before our first conversation, which only grew with each day I've spent with you. While I always loved you as a friend, I knew my heart saw you as something more. The night of the party, I wasn't confessing my love as a friend but as someone who dreamt about being called yours, where I could show off that I had the heart of a literal angel in my possession. I would love nothing more than to shower you with love, affection, respect, comradery, protection, devotion, and dedication every day for the rest of our lives. That one day, I'll find myself in this very position again to ask you to become my Mrs. Morales. Where one day, we'll wear matching rings and be known as husband and wife. But for now, I ask you this... Panthera, mi vida, mi ángel, la reina de mi corazon, will you be my girlfriend?" Miles slowly opened the box, revealing the ring inside.

Panthera stared at the boy with teary eyes, her free hand holding an overheated cheek. But Miles could see the happiness in her sparkling eyes and her smile.

"Yes, Miles... I would love to become your girlfriend..." The stars couldn't rival the brightness in the boy's smile. Unable to contain himself, he quickly stood up, picking up the girl to spin her around. Panthera's joyful laughter was music to his ears.

"MI! I'm getting dizzy," she shrieked, clinging to the boy. Miles chuckled, slowing them to a stop before setting her down. Miles took ahold of her left hand with a smile, slipping the ring onto her ring finger. He watched fondly at his girlfriend's cute expression of awe.

"It's so beautiful," she murmured, lightly trancing over their names. Miles grinned, tilting her chin up so she could meet his gaze.

"Anything for you, mami," he said, squeezing her close. Panthera gave him a shy smile, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Kiss me, Papi," she asked. Miles inhaled sharply. His hands found her waist, squeezing down briefly.

'Mio dio...'

"Ask me again, gatita," Miles whispered, his tone reminded Panthera of a man starved. Their lips were just an inch apart, teasing the both of them, but they knew that Miles wasn't gonna close the distance until she asked. A canine tooth wore down on the glossy bottom lip as one small hand slithered down the boy's neck to rest over his erratic heart.

"Please, Miles... kiss me..." Who was Miles Morales to deny such a pretty, pretty plea?

Their first kiss was only witnessed by the celestial bodies from up above.

It was the start of something beautiful...

...and the birth of something deadly.

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

"Miles?" It was the next week. Valentine's Day weekend was a weekend Panthera would never forget. Miles had spent the weekend at her place, and the two spent the next two days inside, per Panthera's request. And boy, was she spoiled.

Her favorite chocolate? Miles got it.

The cute purple and black stuffed panda she named Milo in honor of her new boyfriend? Miles bought it (and fought for it, she came to find out).

Her favorite flowers sitting in a pretty vase in her room? Miles.

Her feet hurt? She would find her feet propped up on her boyfriend's lap, his steady hands working out the tense soles.

She wanted to watch one of her favorite movies? She would find herself lying on Miles' chest under a blanket with the said movie playing on the screen.

She wanted a scalp massage? Her boyfriend's gentle fingers would massage circles throughout the roots of her locs.

She was craving something? Miles already got a delivery app open.

Those were just a few examples. Panthera truly enjoyed herself (and enjoyed covering a lovesick Miles in kisses).

It was now Monday morning, and Panthera was just about to leave to head to school when she opened her door to find Miles standing on the other side, hand raised to knock.

"Good morning, gatita," Miles purred, kissing his girl's cheek. Panthera blushed, playfully pushing the boy away.

"It's too early for you to make me blush like this. What are you doing here," she chuckled. Miles cocked his head at her.

"I'm here to pick up my wife so we can walk to school together." Panthera would deny the deepening blush if you asked her. Miles laughed when the girl smacked his shoulder.

"Mi! What did I just say?!" Miles raised his hands in surrender despite the mischievous glint in his eyes. When he kissed Panthera's lips, he wasn't pushed away.

"Sorry, gatita," he said, wrapping an arm around his girlfriend's waist. As much as Panthera tried, she couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"Fine, I forgive you. And good morning to you too, handsome," she said, nuzzling his chest.

"Ready to go," he asked. The girl nodded, locking the door before the pair headed to school.

The walk was peaceful enough, and when they got to school, they arrived early enough to where there weren't a lot of people there. Which Panthera was grateful for, knowing the day was going to be a tense one.

Someone literally died. And she was the one who found his body.

Plus, she got into a relationship with her best friend/crush literally that same night? With his promise ring on her finger?

Yeah, she knows she's about to be a hot topic for a while...

"What's going on in that pretty little head of yours," Miles mumbled in her ear. The young couple was sitting on one of the many benches that could be found in the school's courtyard. Miles, ever the needy one, had the girl in his lap. Panthera fiddled with her ring.

"Just all the attention I'm about to get today... I'm not looking forward to it," she weakly chuckled. Miles tilted her head towards him so she could look into his eyes.

"Try not to stress over it, mi amor. Remember, I'm with you, Panthera. Always..." The girl smiled, kissing her boyfriend's cheek.

"Thank you, sithandwa sam..."

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

When the school day officially started, and just as Panthera expected, everyone was staring at her. And they were nowhere near subtle about it. Her keen ears could pick their whispers.

'...she was suppose to go out with him that night...'

'...she found his body...'

'...where did she get that ring...'

The situation wasn't much better when Miles picked her up from her math class to go to art together. The kiss on her cheek was enough to enrage the female population of their grade.

If Panthera didn't love him, she probably would've killed him for that stunt. Because now every girl in her classes was giving her the evil eye.

She's just trying to exist. Is that too much to ask for?

"Hey, Panthera." The answer was yes; it was too much to ask for.

Trying to keep the annoyed look off her face, Panthera looked up from her textbook to find Beatrice James looking down at her.

Beatrice was a rather pretty girl: sun-kissed golden skin, cloudy gray eyes, long black curly hair. She was only taller than Panthera by two inches, but she always found a way to look down at the quiet girl.

It wasn't a surprise to find Beatrice in front of her. While Panthera wasn't in drama, she certainly heard about it. So, she was well aware that the girl demanding her attention wasn't pleased about her relationship status change with Miles.

"Good afternoon, Beatrice. How can I help you," Panthera replied monotonelessly. Beatrice placed her manicured hands on either side of Panthera's desk, leaning into the girl's space.

"Don't play coy with me, Stevens. Is it true?" Panthera simply raised a brow at the girl's attempt to look menacing.

The girl literally had death stare at her dead in the face. Besides, if Beatrice were to put her hands on her, Panthera's hands were rated E for Everyone. She was trained to fight, even trained to kill if necessary. If this girl thought she could scare her, she clearly doesn't know Panthera well.

"Gonna have to be a little more specific in what you're referring to," she drawled. She did her best to suppress a smirk at the subtle twitch in Beatrice's left eye.

"Are. You. Dating. Miles." The girl was practically spitting venom at this point. Not that Panthera was particularly concerned or anything: quite the opposite, matter of fact. Something about having the guy that was unattainable to others was a bit of a power trip. While she knew wearing the promise ring was a recipe for trouble... she was proud of her relationship with Miles. She belonged to him just as much as he belonged to her.

"Why? Looking to get an invite to the wedding," Panthera taunted. Beatrice's face steadily turned red; if they were in a cartoon setting, Panthera was 100% sure that steam would be coming from her ears.

"You little-" Beatrice was suddenly cut off by Panthera's hand suddenly thrust in her face. Her ring-cladded hand.

She could clearly make out Miles and Panthera's names engraved on the metal, their birthstone sparkling in her face.

"Does this answer your pointless question?" 'Oh, this bitch...'

Panthera yelped when she pulled out of her seat, feeling the slight burn sensation erupt on her cheek.

'Oh, is that what we're doing? Bet, hoe.'

Panthera growled, the sound a little more animalistic than human. It was enough to give Beatrice pause and give Panthera the opening to return the favor with a punch to the nose. The satisfying feeling of bone meeting bone made Panthera smirk.

"You bitch," she shrieked, going to scratch Panthera's face again. Two small hands wrapped Beatrice's wrists, grip ironclad. Panthera yanked her towards her, her knee connecting to Beatrice's stomach. Beatrice doubled over with a pained gasp. The girl didn't have time to react before Panthera grabbed her arm and flipped her on her back, her head hitting the floor hard.

Panthera glared down at the girl; blood trickled down her cheek. The girl pressed a foot against Beatrice's chest, looming over the dazed girl.

"I'm not some doormat for you to walk over, Bea. I suggest you learn that," Panthera said softly. Beatrice, stunned, didn't utter a word. Panthera finally tuned in, hearing the teacher yelling at her to get off the "poor girl" and go to the front office. The girl simply rolled her eyes, grabbing her bag and walking out.

She suspected that she was probably gonna get suspended or something. Visions didn't tolerate fighting on school grounds, no matter the reason. Not like Panthera cared; she was ahead of her classwork.

Beatrice was sent to the nurse before being sent to the office. Panthera was glaring sightlessly as she was being reprimanded, her eyes only narrowing when she caught sight of Beatrice. Said girl shivered at the cold look in those dark eyes, opting to sit two seats away from the obvious predator in the room. Panthera fought back a smirk while listening to the principal drone on about her punishment. Her dad was "out of town," but he put her umalume as an emergency contact just in case anything happened to her. So he was called in for a quick conference, and she would go home with him.

Less than thirty minutes later, Aaron appeared in the office. Panthera couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.

"Umalume!" The man stumbled back a step when Panthera rammed into him, her arms coming around his waist as she nuzzled his chest. The older man chuckled, squeezing the girl briefly.

"Mr. Davis." The older man made eye contact with the principal with a raised brow. The man didn't partially care for Mrs. Manson until today. He was a bit confused when he received a call from the school. At first, he thought it was about Miles, which to him would still be strange because if the boy were to get into trouble (if he wanted to risk the chance of the wrath of the infamous chancla), they would've reached out to Rio first.

But no, it was about his little niece.

Hearing that Panthera got into a fight struck the man as odd. As far as he can recall, Panthera was a rather passive individual. He knew Eric taught the girl how to fight; that man was adamant about his little girl's safety. But he knew that knowledge was supposed to be used to protect herself.

He knew his little cub wouldn't get into a fight for shits and giggles.

"Mrs. Manson," he greeted curtly.

"Mr. Davis, since you're Ms. Stevens' emergency contact, I hope you'll pass this along to her father when you can. Ms. Stevens will be suspended externally for a week for fighting and injuring Ms. James." Aaron balked at the woman before training his eyes on the other girl in the room. He could see the bandage over the girl's nose and the ice pack she was holding to her head.

"Ms. James sustained bruises on her stomach and back as well as a broken nose and swelling to the back of her head," Mrs. Manson informed. Aaron looked down at Panthera, finding deep scratches on her left cheek. The man narrowed his eyes at the dried blood.

"Any reason why you didn't send my niece to get her cheek bandaged," he drawled, his voice rough around the edges. Mrs. Manson didn't miss a beat.

"Panthera is a big girl, she could handle a small scratch-"

"Nah, you see, that's where you lost me. Those nails on that other girl are literal weapons. Matter fact, who struck who first," Aaron laughed mirthlessly.

"I don't see how that's relevant-"

"Lady, I'm giving you a second chance to answer my question. Don't expect a third." The older woman looked at Aaron with slight unease, eyes quickly scanning him for any possible weapons. She cleared her throat.

"It was Ms. James-"

"And how long is she suspended for?" Mrs. Manson did her best not to wither under the sharp gaze of Aaron Davis.

"Three days internal suspension-"

"Enough said. Fine, suspend my niece over a petty fight that she didn't even start and got no treatment for while this little girl gets coddled because her daddy got money to fund this place. Panthera, let's go." The girl already had her bag in hand, following the man out the door.

"The nerve of that wrinkly, heartless white bitch, the fuckin' favoritism in this damn place is disgusting. I'm gonna need a fuckin' smoke after that," Aaron grumbled angrily, speed-walking off the school hallways.

"Umalume! Slow down! My legs aren't as long as yours!" Aaron paused, remembering about his little niece. He turned to embrace the girl once she caught up, taking her by surprise.

"Umalume?"

"Sorry, lil cub. You didn't deserve to be caught up in some bullshit by some nigga's spoiled brat that led you to get kicked out temporarily..." Panthera noted the sad look in her uncle's eyes before nuzzling him.

"It's alright, umalume. I expected today to be eventful... but it's okay! I'm still ahead of my classes, and I have some extra days off from school... that is, if I'm not in trouble..." Aaron chuckled, squeezing the small girl.

"Of course not. I know how you are and how your ol' man raised ya. Whatever that girl did mostly deserved it. Matter fact, what did she do?" Panthera nibbled on her lip.

She and Miles had planned to tell Aaron and Rio about their newfound relationship... just not like this.

Just before she could answer, her stomach grumbled loudly. Aaron raised an amused brow.

"Didn't have lunch yet," she mumbled. She always got hungry at least an hour before lunchtime. Aaron laughed, throwing an arm around the girl's shoulders as they walked off to where he parked his motorcycle.

"C'mon then. Let's clean up that wound, and then we can talk this over some burgers and milkshakes. My treat."

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

Miles was sitting in the cafeteria with some of his "homeboys" with a bored look on his face. He actually got there first in hopes of him and Panthera sitting together, but the guys found him first. He was half listening to what they were saying, something about Jamal's death and other random shit he didn't care for, all while looking for his precious girlfriend.

But the girl was nowhere in sight. He glanced at his phone, finding no new messages from her, and let out an irritated sigh. It wasn't like his precious gatita to ignore him...

"Yo, ain't that Beatrice walking up to us? She looks like hell," Kieran whistled. Logan chuckled.

"Haven't you heard? She got her ass beat by one of the girls last period. That one chick with the dreads. She was supposed to go out with Jamal the night he died, forgot her name..." That got Miles' attention.

"Panthera," he offered, finally turning his attention to the group.

"Yeah, her! Actually, it had to do with her relationship with-"

"Hey Miles~" 'Oh for fuck sake...'

"I'm a little busy, Beatrice," Miles said with a dismissive wave. The girl narrowed her eyes.

"But Milesssss, I need to talk to you! It's important," she whined, leaning dramatically on his shoulder. Miles could feel his eye twitch at the contact, shrugging the girl off.

"I said I'm busy-"

"Busy talking about that brute you call a girlfriend?" Miles froze before slowly turning his head to face the girl.

"Excuse me," he said. He finally took note of the girl's bandaged nose and slightly disheveled appearance. He could slightly see the change of colors peeking out of the bandage.

"Panthera's your girlfriend, isn't she," she asked rhetorically. The other boys focused on the duo, silently eager for more details.

"Damn straight she is, but she's no brute," Miles scoffed. Beatrice pouted.

"She nearly cracked my skull in the middle of class! All because I asked if you two were dating. It's not a good look for you to be with such a loose cannon, Miles. Especially with her seemingly violent family." Tawny brown eyes glared into gray ones.

"First of all, Panthera would never fight anybody without someone giving her a reason to, so I already know you're bullshitting me on a few details there. Second of all, what the fuck do you mean by that," Miles asked, his accent becoming thicker the angrier he got. Beatrice continued to try to play into her innocent act.

"The principal called her uncle into the office to let him know that Panthera has external suspension and she's supposed to be sent home immediately. The man looked as if he was gonna murder Mrs. Manson! He had the nerve to defend Panthera as if she didn't beat me up so viciously. My stomach and back are gonna be bruised for weeks!"

Panthera's uncle... Uncle Aaron.

So, not only is she talking shit about his girl, but she talking about his uncle too?

Miles chuckled. Everyone at the table looked at him as if he was crazy.

"Yo bro, what about that is funny? Beatrice got hurt, and Mrs. Manson was threatened," Logan asked, slightly unnerved.

"So you expect me to fully believe in a girl who basically used other guys as she pleased and wanted me to be her next conquest over a girl I've known ever since I came to this damn school? You want me to believe a girl who is talking shit about my girlfriend but my uncle too? Are you so fucking serious?" Everyone blinked.

"You're dating your cousin or something," Andre asked after being silent most of this time. Miles stared at him blankly.

"No, cabrón. My uncle knew Panthera and her dad ever since they moved to Brooklyn. He's basically an uncle figure to her. My uncle is my dad's brother. As for you-" Miles returned his gaze to Beatrice, who looked a little shocked.

"Hop off my dick and find another to ride. I don't like you and will never like you, perra de dos caras. You already managed to get my baby suspended and disrespected her and my uncle. Lo juro por Dios, if I hear you continue to start some shit about her-" Miles paused, forcing himself to breathe. He simply glared at the group and walked off.

He had a phone call to make...

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

"IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!" Forget the cigarette; this was the best news Aaron had heard all day.

"Umalume! Not so loud," Panthera scolded as a few patrons turned to look in their direction, though the effect was lost thanks to her flushed face. Aaron playfully cooed, pinching one of her cheeks.

"D'awww, no need to be shy, little cub. I'm just happy for two of my favorite people," Aaron chuckled. Panthera swatted his hand away, looking away bashfully.

"You said my nephew bought you a ring? Lemme see the bling, girl!" Holding out her left hand, Panthera allowed the older man to inspect the metal band on her finger. Aaron whistled in appreciation.

"On the left ring finger, too, haha. Panthera, you sure Miles asked you to be his girlfriend and not his fiancée?" The older man cackled when his niece smacked his arm, her blush worsening.

"You're horrible," she said with a pout. Panthera took a sip of her milkshake in a futile attempt to help her cool down as she waited for Aaron to pull himself together.

Miles wasn't kidding when he said Aaron would be eager to hear they were finally together. She could only imagine how Rio would react...

"You can't blame me for my reaction, lil cub. Do you know how down bad my nephew has been for you? I swear that boy had heart eyes every time he saw you. Jeff, Rio, and I have been dying, waiting for you guys to finally come clean to each other and tell us the good news." Panthera's eyes softened as Aaron mentioned Jefferson. It's been months since he passed, and to think on his death bed, he basically gave Miles his blessings for a potential relationship with her filled the girl's heart with warmth.

"Well, now I know, thanks," she grumbled. Aaron smiled good-naturedly at her, taking a bite out of his burger.

"Soooooo, how long have you guys been together," he asked. Panthera took her time nibbling on her fry.

"Not long, just a few days... I was actually supposed to be on a date with someone else when Miles asked me..." The raised brow silently prompted the girl to elaborate.

"His name was Jamal, Jamal Jackson. He and I had creative writing and music class together. Almost a week before Valentine's Day, he asked me out the night before Valentine's. At first, I told him no since I didn't see him like that, but he was very persistent. So I said yes... the night I was supposed to go out with him..." Aaron frowned, not liking the nervous expression on Panthera's face.

"What? Fool stood you up or something," he asked as he casually sipped his shake. If her answer was yes, then he clearly had another person on his shit list-

"He was murdered." Aaron blinked. Once. Then twice. And then...

"He was what?" Panthera sighed.

"He was murdered, umalume. I found his dead body. He... he had claw marks in his abdomen, and his neck was broken..." A frown tugged on his lips.

'Claw marks, huh?'

"I'm sorry you had to witness that, lil cub... you okay?" Panthera gave him a weak smile.

"I'm fine, umalume. After I called 911 and the police took my statement, I called Miles, and he took me on a date to take my mind off it. He asked me to be his girlfriend on the rooftop of his apartment." Aaron nodded.

"At least something good came out of it. I'm just gonna take a wild shot in the dark and guess that your fight with that James girl was over your relationship with my nephew." Panthera scoffed.

"Yeah..." Another person on his shit list next to Mrs. Manson.

"No need to pay that crazy little girl any mind, lil cub. I know that Miles loves you more than life itself. That boy is not going anywhere-" Aaron was interrupted by Panthera's ringing from a FaceTime call. Aaron didn't recognize the artist by a long shot, but just by the small snippet, it definitely fits his nephew's cheesy, lovey-dovey nature.

Panthera blushed, silently telling him to shut up with a glare before answering the FaceTime call.

"Mamiiiiii," Miles whined. Panthera hid her smile behind a hand, doing her best not to laugh.

"Hey there, Papi," she cooed, snickering at the pout on the boy's usual passive face.

"Don't you 'hey there, Papi' me. Why you ain't tell me you're not in school anymore? Left me all by my lonesome with this bum ass niggas and clingy ass hoes," Miles pouted. The boy was looking forward to holding his girlfriend while she sat in his lap while he stole some kisses. Only to find out he's gonna be without her for a whole fucking week, the boy pissed-

"Not like I had time between getting suspended and getting lunch with umalume. He knew better not to let me go hungry," Panthera sassed. Both males knew how scary or cold the girl could get when she didn't eat.

"Fair- wait a damn minute... what happened to your cheek," Miles asked with narrowed eyes. Panthera let out a nervous laugh.

"Nothing, just a small scratch," she tried to wave it off, but Aaron wasn't having it. Kissing his teeth, he snatched the girl's phone. Miles regarded his uncle with a raised brow.

"Tío?" Aaron used one hand to hold Panthera's wrists so she couldn't get her phone back as he answered his nephew's unspoken question.

"Yo Miles, you know some girl by the last name James? Lightskin, dark curly hair, gray eyes, with some long ass nails that might as well be literal weapons. 'Cause apparently, she was bold enough to use them on Panthera," Aaron asked. Miles blinked at his uncle before letting out a curse.

"That two-timing spoiled bit-"

"Miles, focus." The boy took a breath to cool down his anger.

"Yeah, I do, unfortunately. The puta had the nerve to come up to me during class pretending to "look out for my well-being" by telling me that Panthera's a loose cannon and a brute and how "dangerous" her family could be to me." Aaron raised a brow.

"What was that last comment supposed to mean?" Miles shrugged.

"Something about you condoning Panthera's violent behavior and threatening the principal." Aaron chuckled. Miles knew that chuckle and smirked.

"Ah, so little Ms. James is an actress, okay then. And that old hoe was testing my patience. That little girl had a lesser punishment despite starting this mess first." Miles froze, eyes narrowing.

Panthera frowned, deciding she was done hearing about the two women who seemed to have it out for her.

"Can we change the subject? And can I have my hands back, umalume?" Aaron chuckled, releasing her wrists with a smirk.

"Sooooo... a little birdy told me you off the market, Miles," Aaron started. Miles groaned.

"Mio dio, tío. Don't start." Aaron laughed.

"Oh boy, just wait 'til your mother hears about this. She gonna end throwing a party in y'all's honor."

"Umalume!"

"Tío!"

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

Needless to say, after school, when everyone was in the Morales' residence, Rio was told the news.

At least more than half the neighbors heard her shout of joy—much to Panthera and Miles' fond embarrassment.

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

Beatrice was pissed. Livid. Utterly incensed.

Despite getting rid of her rival for a week and smearing Panthera's name for all it was worth (which, according to Beatrice, wasn't worth much), she still didn't have the boy she wanted.

Beatrice would be the first to admit that she wasn't looking at Miles Morales twice in the beginning. He seemed to be like the quiet nerd. A cute one, but still not someone she would really give the time of day to.

Then, junior year started, and Miles returned as a changed person.

He had grown a couple more inches since she last saw him during the summer from the funeral. He lost the rest of the baby fat that lingered on his cheeks from their sophomore year. He buffed up a bit, not crazily so, but his lithe form had more muscle than what she remembered. His accent was much more pronounced. He seemed to lose that shy nerd vibe and took on what could be a bad-boy vibe.

Miles Morales became the most desirable boy in their grade, and Beatrice wanted him. She would flirt with any boy she saw hanging around him for more than a week in hopes of gaining some intel on Miles' type.

That turned out to be much more difficult to gain. Miles doesn't talk about his personal interests with the boys, and he gives no real reaction to girls who flirt with him. Beatrice briefly entertained the idea that he might be closeted because how come some of the prettiest girls in their class only get a blank stare and single-word responses from the boy while others would break their necks and ankles to look and chase them?

Then she thought that maybe Miles could possibly have a girlfriend. It almost sounded just crazy as the gay theory because Beatrice had never seen him interact with another girl like that.

Or so she thought.

She finally remembered Panthera Stevens when she saw her and Miles walking to one of their classes together. She remembered always seeing them together in the halls when Miles first got transferred to Visions Academy. She was Miles's first and perhaps the only friend for a long time. The sight of them together now shouldn't have struck her as unusual, but it did. The boy was holding one of her books and was smiling at her—and not just any smile.

It was one of those "Damn, I love her" smiles. One of those "I'm down bad" smiles. One of those "Where have you been all my life" smiles.

At first, Beatrice thought she was reading too deep into it. Panthera was... well... unique. And she didn't mean that in a nice way.

There was nothing eye-catching about the girl's appearance per se. She had regular dark brown eyes, dark skin, and wore her hair in locs. The girl stuck out because she was so plain-looking. Seeing her wear makeup to school or even having her nails done was incredibly rare. Plus, she was one of the only girls who would even wear her natural hair.

What did Miles see in her that he didn't see in any of them?

Beatrice couldn't wrap her head around it, which pissed her off.

And apparently, Miles wasn't the only one. Jamal Jackson seemed to harbor a crush on the quiet girl and even went as far as to ask her out. It was like a miracle because finally, someone could get the one obstacle to Miles out of the way, and one of the girls, preferably Beatrice, could get with Miles.

The day for their date came...

Panthera found Jamal's body.

And now a promise ring could be found on Panthera's ring finger, with Miles' name on the metal band.

Panthera Stevens became a hot topic overnight, and Beatrice has had it. She wanted to ruin the girl.

So she started a little rumor that Panthera killed Jamal so she could be with Miles; no other guy was feeling Panthera in the first place. Why would anyone date a murderer?

Now Beatrice doesn't really know if Panthera killed Jamal or not, but if people choose to believe it, who was she to correct them?

This should appall Miles so much that he had to break up with her.

Only... it didn't pan out that way.

It was Friday, and the murder was all anyone could talk about. A lot of people thought it made sense. With word about Panthera's fight with Beatrice and her (and Miles, shockingly) uncle's not-so-subtle threat to Mrs. Manson already circulating, it added some "validity" to the rumor. Beatrice couldn't help but feel pleased with herself. When Panthera returned next week on Monday, she would virtually become an outcast in their class. The attention of it all would eventually be too much for Miles, and he'll break up with her.

And Beatrice would be right there, ready to console him.

To celebrate, Beatrice went out with some of her friends for a night out.

The girls went out for a night of dancing and flirting with a few older dudes. Beatrice may have had a drink or two, but that was no one's business but her own. The girl called a car service to take her home safely since walking in the devil's playground at night while tipsy might as well be a death sentence. Beatrice called one of her friends, Jasmine, to let her know she got home safely. As the girl was chopping it up on the phone and fumbling around in her mini purse for her keys, she had no idea that white digital eyes were watching her.

Finally finding her keys, Beatrice opened her front door and stepped inside. Beatrice shut the door behind her, completely forgetting to lock it, before walking further into her house. Quickly and silently, the figure entered through the front door, quietly stalking the girl in the shadows of her own home.

"Whew, girl! I'm so glad to be home; my feet are killing me," Beatrice said as she kicked off her heels. The figure watched as Beatrice laughed at something Jasmine said.

"Girl, even when I get with Miles, Imma still make time for my girls. What are you even talking about?! Just because I'm in a relationship don't mean I can't have fun," the girl giggled. Jasmine said something more, and Beatrice rolled her eyes.

"Girl, whatever, bye." Beatrice walked into her room with a yawn. The girl would love to crash in bed and call it a night, but unless she wants her face to look like that back of a Crunch bar, then she better-

White digital eyes met her eyes in her full-view mirror. She could feel her heart freeze in her chest, her blood slowing to a crawl as the cold brush of fear caressed her spine. It was like all the alcohol that was buzzing in her system was fizzled out.

"W-who... who are you?" The mask the person was wearing lit up, neon purple lights flooded her room. Only one entity would light up the night with those colors.

"P-Prowler..." A distorted chuckle filled the quiet room.

"So you are smart, aren't you, Beatrice?" The girl let out a soft whimper.

"How d-do y-you-" The question died on her lips as she felt a gloved hand grip her waist and a clawed hand around her neck. The Prowler lowered his head, almost resting it on her shoulder.

"Such a smart girl, but yet you decided to make the stupidest decision you could've ever made," the Prowler cooed mockingly.

"W-what are y-you even t-talking about?" Beatrice watched as the mask pulled back, revealing the cold eyes of Miles Morales.

"M-Mil-"

"I fucking warned you, Beatrice." The girl hissed when the hand on her waist tightened roughly.

"I told you not to start shit about my baby, and what do you do?" The tips of Miles' claw began to dig into her skin.

"You accuse mi dulce ángel inocente of murder?" Beatrice's chest began to rise and fall faster and faster with each breath.

"I-I-I'm sor-" Beatrice was whirled around to face the boy, a sneer tugging on his lips.

"Way too late for a sorry, puta. You all must've thought I was joking when I said not to test me. I guess Jamal wasn't a good enough example..." Gray eyes widened, and Miles smirked down at her as the look of horrified realization could be found in them. His clawed hand caressed her cheek, the tips leaving bloody streams behind.

"Maybe you'll be a better one. And trust me, I'm gonna take my time with you, Beatrice. You'll have my attention, just like you always wanted..."

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

It was roughly 1 AM when Miles finally leaves Beatrice's house. Just as he locked the door behind him, his burner phone began to ring.

"Yo, you took care of her," Aaron's distorted voice filtered through the line. Miles smirked; the memory of stuffing the girl's heart in her mouth as she bled out was gruesomely poetic.

"Eat your heart out, puta."

To Miles' it was a fitting end for the girl—a vain, selfish heartbreaker who got what was coming to her.

"Yup, you took care of her," Miles asked. Aaron chuckled.

"Oh, most definitely," Aaron said, smirking at the sight of Grace Manson's hanging dead body. Her heart lay in a puddle of blood beneath her feet.

"Thanks, Unc."

"Of course, I would do anything for you two."

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

The next morning felt like a fever dream. Panthera woke up that Saturday morning to watch the news, trying to see if there was any news on Jamal's murder...

...only to find out that Beatrice and Mrs. Manson were dead. Found by their families.

Their hearts were ripped out.

There were no signs of forced entry and no evidence.

The only thing that tied the murders together was how close the times of death were, meaning these murders had to be coordinated.

It was cold, calculated, and clean. While Panthera was annoyed about the whole ordeal from Monday, she wouldn't want the two people who put her in this position dead.

The girl nearly detached herself from reality, the key word being nearly. It was at that exact moment Miles called. It wasn't unusual for him to call when he woke up, and he was a welcome distraction. While she tried to hide her nerves, her boyfriend could hear the slight tremor in her voice. Plus, the rustling in the background.

Whenever she's stressed or upset, Panthera is known to stress-clean. Miles knows she saw the news, which had shaken her up pretty badly. He knew she would've been mentally spiraling alone if he hadn't spent the weekend over at her place for Valentine's Day. Deciding not to let his little kitten go through this alone, he just kept talking to her over the phone as he got ready to head to her place.

The boy used the apartment key Eric gave him to silently enter the home. Panthera was talking about a father-daughter date she and her dad had planned when he comes back later that week, so she was thoroughly distracted. Listening closely, it sounded like she was in her bathroom. With a small smile, he entered the apartment, her room, and the adjacent bathroom. Panthera's back was facing him as she reorganized her shower. Quietly, he snuck up on his girl before looping his arms around her waist.

As expected, Panthera let out a surprise squeal. What wasn't expected was the hard stomp on his foot and the headbutt to his face.

"AH! Gatita, calm down! It's me!" Panthera paused her attack at her boyfriend's voice, turning to find the boy holding his nose.

"Mi! I'm so sorry, but you shouldn't have scared me like that! There's a bloody killer, for Bast's sake!" The girl fussed over her man, checking to see if she may have caused any bleeding. Miles chuckled, holding her wrists.

"My apologies, mami. I wanted to see you to make sure you're okay, which I know you're not, so don't even try to deny it." Panthera sighed, getting on her toes to kiss the bridge of Miles' nose. She allowed herself to be picked up and toted to her bed. Miles sat down, maneuvering her so she would be straddling his lap.

"Talk to me, mi amor. I'm here for you..." Panthera pecked his lips before nuzzling his neck.

"It's just that... I know this city has gotten darker after... well, you know. And I've been trained by my Baba to handle myself if need be, but I know it would be out of self-defensive. It would be my life or theirs... I could even understand if the person was terrible and needed to be taken out, but this..." Panthera shuddered. Miles kissed her forehead, gently rubbing her back.

Silence befell the couple for a few moments before Panthera spoke up again.

"Did you know my grandfather was murdered?" Miles grimaced. Panthera didn't notice this, forging ahead.

"My utatomkhulu, N'Jobu, was a prince in his country. But he did bad things. He smuggled some precious materials out of the country and moved here. Most of the material he sold to a man off the black market, but the rest he kept hidden away. He met my Baba's mother, and they had him. Unfortunately, she died not too long after my Baba was born. It was just the two of them. Until one night, Baba was outside playing basketball with his friends. It wasn't until he looked up at the sky and saw a ship that was similar to the ones he heard in stories. He was excited that maybe our family from our homeland was coming for them, and he ran back to the apartment. That's where he found utatomkhulu's body, lying in a pool of blood. He had claw marks embedded in his chest. My Baba was left alone before he was even a teenager..."

Miles nuzzled his face in her hair, holding her as tight as he could.

So this was what Aaron meant.

"Boy! I outta smack the shit outta you! You impaled the nigga and left the body for her to find?! Did you not think about how it might impact her? Do you not know her fuckin' family history?!"

When Aaron blew up on him for killing Jamal, he thought it was because he left behind the body. Turns out, it had less to do with Jamal and more to do with Panthera. When Miles showed clear confusion over what his uncle was talking about, the man calmed down.

"So she didn't tell you yet... Look, it's not my story to tell, Miles... just know murder is something her family is familiar with. Especially if it seems senseless.."

"Oh, gatita, I'm so sorry that your family had to go through that..." Panthera finally looked up, finding sorrowful eyes staring back at her. She offered a weak smile.

"I'm gonna be okay, love. I'm just happy that you're here with me." Miles smiled softly, caressing her cheek.

"I'll always be here for you, Panthera. Always..." Miles leaned in, kissing those soft lips he loved so much. A soft sigh escaped the girl's lungs. Her arms found their way around Miles' neck as she pressed closer. Panthera didn't change out of her sleepwear before Miles showed up, which the boy was glad for. The girl's pajamas leave little to imagination, as she preferred crop tops, tube tops, comfy short shorts, or little night dresses to sleep in. Only a brown crop top and brown cheetah print covered her body, meaning access to soft dark skin.

A soft moan left Panthera's mouth as she felt her boyfriend's hands massage her thighs. The small calluses that decorated his fingertips and palms felt good against her soft skin. Miles suckled on her bottom lip, earning a sweet little whimper.

"Miles," Panthera whispered, arching against the boy. He let out an inquisitive hum.

"¿Qué pasa, mi dulce ángel?" Miles started spreading kisses to her chin, jaw, cheeks...

"Just... need a second..." Miles nodded, burying his face in her neck. He could feel her pulse fluttering under his lips as he pressed a kiss there.

"Love you so much, mami," he mumbled against the soft skin, his hands rubbing her waist and hips. The girl let out a shy giggle, playing with his braids.

"I love you too, Papi..."

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

Time passed.

Panthera returned to school, doing her best to ignore the stares from her classmates. Miles had informed her that Beatrice had been spreading the rumor that she had killed Jamal before Beatrice herself was killed. At least she had the weekend to mentally prepare for the amount of eyes trying to flay her skin from her bones.

The students started moving on within a few weeks, much to her and her boyfriend's relief.

Despite the investigations, no clues or evidence that could lead to the killers could be found. Though Panthera doubts they'll ever be solved, the NYPD hasn't been the greatest at their jobs since Jeff died. If her life was on the line, the police would be the last people she would reach out to.

Funerals were had. Tears were shed. Life moves on.

Luckily, no one else was killed. The principal was replaced, and soon junior year was over.

Summer went off without a hitch. With school over, Miles could spend more time with his little girlfriend, much to his evident delight. With all the funds he saved up, he was able to spoil his baby a bit more.

Date nights, gifts, flowers, clothes, whatever he thought she would like, whatever she wanted, and whatever he thought would look good on her. He always loved the cute little surprised expression on her face whenever he gifted her something or where he took her somewhere new.

"Miles, you didn't have-"

"Shhh, I want to, mami. You deserve all this and more..."

Panthera was reluctant to accept a lot of the gifts, mainly because she's not used to getting "just because" gifts that look so nice. Not that her dad doesn't spoil her when he could, but she never expects it nor asks. She was content as long she had the presence of the person she loved. But soon, she felt comfortable wearing a lot of the stuff her boyfriend had got her, mainly the jewelry. Mainly the necklaces with his name on them or the name earrings (pleasing the possessive and obsessive side of his brain.)

Of course, that attracted the attention of some would-be thieves on one of her late-night walks.

Granted, the girl usually wore her necklaces under her hoodie, but she was a bit more spaced out than usual that night. She fiddled with the key-shaped necklace with Miles' name on it; her fingers tracing the letters of her boyfriend's name was the only thing anchoring her.

Her mind was replaying the last few months. As traumatic as it was, she was also happy. She was in a loving relationship with a sweet, handsome, clingy, strong, and protective Afro-Latino. She had a loving maternal figure for the first time in her life. She was reunited with the man she saw as an uncle.

She was happy...

But she couldn't shake the feeling something bad was going to happen... and for the life of her, she's not even sure what it could be.

Maybe she was overthinking-

"Well, well, well... what do we have here?" 'Oh, for Bast's sake...'

Panthera turned, finding three men staring down at her. The ringleader smirked at her.

"Lost, little girl?" Dark eyes narrowed.

"Not little." The men laughed.

"Fiesty, I like her, Rando," The guy on the left said. Rando looked Panthera up and down with gleaming eyes.

"You not the only one..."

"What do you want," Panthera hissed, glancing at the trio. Rando stepped closer with a disarming smile.

"Me and my boys couldn't help but notice that you were by your lonesome and wanted to see if maybe you needed some company..."

"Not necessary, fellas. Now, if you'll excuse me-" Before Panthera could even take a step away, Rando trapped her arm. Large fingers studied the key charm around her necklace.

"Pretty necklace you got there. Your boyfriend got it for you?" Panthera sneered.

"Yes, not like it's any of your business-" Panthera hissed when the chain of her necklace dug into her skin as Rando pulled at it.

"I'm making it my business, little girl. A necklace like this probably didn't come cheap. It would be a shame if you-OOF!" Taking advantage of her free arm, Panthera quickly punched Rando's abdomen. Feeling the grip on her arm loosens, the girl jumped back, eyes narrowed as she glared the three men down. Rando returned it with one of his own, a sneer tugging on his lips.

"You little bitch. I'm gonna make you regret that." A wicked grin spread on Panthera's lips.

"I would love to see you try."

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

It has been some time since Panthera had been in a fight. Her dad was gone a little more frequently recently, so she didn't train often. Yeah, she trains with Miles and Aaron, but she knows they were pulling their punches because they didn't want to hurt her.

These men didn't know they chose the right one on the wrong day.

Rando's accomplices were out cold; one was shot since he wanted to be big and bad and shoot at her first. The sound of the man's pained scream when her bullet struck true into his shoulder, was music to her ears.

Now, it was just Rando and her. Bruises were already starting to form on the girl's body, but she learned to ignore the pain. The girl spat out a glob of blood as she stared down the older guy.

"C'mon Rando, I thought I was gonna regret messing with you," she taunted, bouncing on her feet. Rando snarled, trying to appear intimidating, but the girl could see the fear in his eyes.

"You got a death wish?" Panthera grinned; the sight was enough to unnerve the would-be thief.

"No more than you do." Panthera didn't hesitate to rush forward, more than ready to finish this and go home when pain erupted in her back. A scream ripped through her vocal cords as she faltered in her pursuit. The girl glanced over to find the same man who shot at her earlier aiming his gun at her with a smirk. Before Panthera could do anything, two arms wrapped around her in a vice grip—one around her neck and one around her waist. A wince slipped through her teeth as the arm around her neck tightened.

"Why not you take a little nap, yea? When you sleep off all data the aggression, maybe you could make it up to me and my homeboys for all the trouble you caused." The girl could feel something poking at her lower back and started thrashing, clawing at the arm that was quickly taking her oxygen supply.

She refused to let these guys take advantage of her. She won't allow-

"Let her go." Everyone froze, all eyes trained on the masked newcomer among them. Said mask flickered on, purple lights lighting up the dark alley. Rando quickly released her, backing up from the vigilante.

"A-Aye, easy man. We don't want n-no problems..." The newcomer cocked his head.

"Well, ain't that a shame." Rando didn't even have time to question what he meant as the vigilante slammed him against the nearest wall. The Prowler glanced over his shoulder. White digital eyes met with wide brown ones.

"E-Easy there, Prowler... I-I didn't know that w-was your girl. I-It won't happen again," Rando stammered. The masked being chuckled.

"I know it won't... because you wouldn't be around to attempt such a stupid thing." The soft whirl of the mechanisms and gears was the only sound heard as the Prowler unleashed his claws. Before he could tear into the older man, a loud yell came behind him.

"LOOK OUT!" The vigilante was able to duck, narrowly avoiding the bullet. Rando, however, wasn't so lucky. The man slumped to the ground, a bullet hole found in his neck. Rando let out a pitiful gurgle as his own blood choked the life out of him. The Prowler slowly turned to find the trembling figure on the dirty alleyway floor staring at him with fearful eyes.

"Ballsy, aren't you," the Prowler drawled, fingers flexing in his metal claw.

"I-I-I-" The man didn't get the chance to formulate a response when another gunshot rang out. The Prowler stared at the bullet hole marring the man's forehead before slowly turning to find Panthera holding her gun, albeit with shaky hands.

"Coldblooded, don't you think?" Panthera let out a shaky laugh, the adrenaline pumping in her veins.

"It was either him or us. I'm sure you know how that is." He does, but the vigilante doesn't voice his confirmation. Panthera met the soulless eyes of Brooklyn's shadowy anti-hero. Before she could say anything, she felt her body sway, unable to hold her weight. Before she could hit the ground, two strong arms held her up against a solid chest.

"Hey, stay with me. Keep those pretty eyes open for me. I'm going to help you." Despite the disoriented, gravelly voice of the Prowler rumbling in her ears, Panthera felt oddly comforted by him. She struggled to stay awake as the masked vigilante gently set her on the ground.

She didn't protest when the vigilante lifted her hoodie and shirt to reveal her wound. All she could do was lay there as the Prowler fussed over her.

It kinda of reminded her of her boyfriend whenever she was going through the first two days of her period, where the girl would be dying in bed until her cramps and bleeding lessened. Miles is always so sweet and attentive to her, always looking out for her and taking care of her.

She missed her boyfriend; she just wanted to be wrapped in his arms and sleep...

"Aye, wake up, pretty girl. I'm almost done. Don't close your eyes, stay with me..." Panthera blinked blearily at the vigilante.

"Mmm... s..so tired," she mumbled. The girl obviously couldn't see the nervous panic on the guy's face, but she could faintly hear it in his voice.

"I know you are, but you gotta stay awake. I need to take you somewhere safe. It's not far from here. Just stay awake." The girl could feel herself being lifted up, cradled against the Prowler's chest before he took off running. Panthera felt the fatigue and bruising pain sing from the marrow of his bones; her own eyelids felt like two-ton weights.

"J...just five minutes," she whispered, laxing in the vigilante's grip, despite it tightening on her.

"No, no, no! W...up! P... Damn....!" The Prowler's panicked shouts were the last thing Panthera heard before her world went black.

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

"Will she be okay?" Aaron turned when he heard the small voice of his nephew. When Aaron received an SOS signal from his nephew, he was worried he may have gotten injured while on patrol. When he arrived at one of their secret warehouses, he quickly realized it wasn't him who needed treatment but his precious niece. The man was no medical professional, but he knew his way around bullet wounds and other injuries, seeing how it comes with the job, unfortunately.

He had just finished wrapping Panthera's abdomen where her bullet wound lay. Thankfully, there was an exit point (he would hate to try to dig around his niece's internal organs for the piece of metal), and it didn't touch any vital organs. If he hadn't tended to her when he did, they would've lost her due to blood loss. Aaron turned back to the unconscious girl to tend to the bruises on her body.

"She'll survive the night, Miles. Don't worry," Aaron said gently. He felt arms wrap around his torso, tears wetting the back of his shirt.

"Thank you, tío. I-I-It means a lot..." Aaron's heart seized at the tone of his nephew's voice. The relief tinged with the undeniable tremble of fear. The girl was more loved than she would ever begin to understand. They all did, Miles especially. He knew how deeply Miles loved Panthera, scarily so.

Aaron didn't want to know what would happen to the boy if the girl was no longer with them. It would shatter him. Hell, it would break him and Rio, too.

"Like I told you before, Miles, I would do anything for you two."

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

The next time Panthera woke up, it wasn't in her bed. Bleary dark eyes tried to take in her surroundings despite fatigue weighing down on her like a million bricks.

"W-Where..." Bits of her memory flashed in her mind. Rando. A gunshot. The Pr-

"Easy..." The distorted voice she faintly remembered mumbling words of comfort sounded in her ears. Squinting in the dark, she turned to find not only one but two pairs of white slits looking at her. She blinked slowly.

"W-who..." Before she could finish her question, the cool lip of a glass cup kissed her dry lips.

"Drink, you definitely need it," the taller man said. Not in any real shape to argue, Panthera took slow, measured sips of the water being given to her. She let out a soft, relieved sigh when she finished. Soon, something was placed in her lap.

"Eat," the shorter stated. She looked down to find scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, sausages, a cream cheese spread bagel, and fruit on a plate. She raised a brow at the duo before chuckling.

"Bossy," she teased before digging into her food. The two looked satisfied (at least she could assume they were; hard to tell with them wearing masks and all) before leaving her alone in the room. As the girl ate, she couldn't help but take in her surroundings. The bedroom was sparse, leaving no clues of any personality from the two Prowlers. At the very least, the room was clean, so it must be used quite a bit. She could see the dark skyline of the broken city she called home outside the barred window.

Finishing her food, she carefully set her plate on the dresser before approaching the window, staring out in silence.

"Finished?" Glancing over her shoulder, she watched as the younger Prowler approached her. She turned to face him as he stood less than a foot away.

"Thank you... for saving me." The Prowler cocked his head at this.

"I can't say I did much. If anything, I should be thanking you. You were the one who kept me from getting killed and finishing off the other guy," he replied. Panthera let out a soft chuckle, hugging the vigilante.

"And if you didn't show up when you did, those guys would've done unspeakable things to me," she whispered. Prowler froze for a few moments, carefully wrapping his arms around her. The two stood there for a bit, neither saying a word. Panthera knew she shouldn't feel so comfortable around the vigilante, but something about him felt safe.

Like she could trust that he would never hurt her.

That he would always protect her.

Panthera let out a sigh before pulling away. She returned her gaze to the city.

"I need to go home," she said. She overstayed her welcome and would love to crash in her own bed for a few more hours. She felt the Prowler take hold of her hand.

"I can take you," he offered. The girl pursued her lips in contemplation before giving a small nod. Hand in hand, the duo walked out of the bedroom and into the main room. The older Prowler was still there, seemingly cleaning his claws when he heard them.

"You taking her home," the man asked. The younger nodded. Giving the infamous vigilante a shy smile, the girl bowed her head.

"Thank you for taking care of me, sir. I wish you well..." The older Prowler gave a nod.

"Take care of yourself, little one."

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

Panthera isn't usually afraid of heights. She took gymnastics at one point. But she supposes it's different when you rely on someone else to catch you rather than yourself.

The girl didn't scream but couldn't help but cling to the vigilante's back like a baby koala as he jumped from building to building, occasionally using grappling wires to help bridge the gap. She provided him with her address to make it easier for him to find. Luckily for her and her stomach, the Prowler didn't take long to reach her apartment. The boy swung onto her fire escape, carefully setting her down.

"There, safe and sound," he said once she got her feet on the metal platform. The girl nodded, glancing at the vigilante through her lashes.

"Uh, yeah. Thank you for taking me home," she mumbled. She turned to her window, carefully pulling it up.

"You shouldn't be wandering the streets at night anymore. Too many dangers." The girl paused, glancing over her shoulder, regarding the Prowler with a raised brow.

"'Fraid I can't promise that. It's not my first time doing this; this hasn't been my first fight. Just the first time I got shot," she mumbled. The vigilante didn't like that answer, his eyes narrowing before letting out a sigh.

"Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on you..." The boy trailed off. Panthera immediately caught onto what he was silently asking for.

"Panthera." The Prowler nodded.

"I'll just keep an eye on you then, Panthera." The girl laughed before hugging the boy.

"I guess I could use more people who worry about my well-being. Especially if he's such an infamous figure in Brooklyn's underworld with a soft spot for me," she teased. She didn't need to see the guy's face to know he was blushing.

"I-uh..." Panthera laughed as she pulled away.

"Don't give yourself a stroke, I'm teasing. I'll see you around Prowler." The masked face nodded at her.

"Rest up, Panthera." The vigilante watched as the girl slipped through her window before disappearing in the fading darkness. The girl let out a loud yawn, blinking rapidly.

"Check wounds. Shower. Bed," she mumbled, mentally switching to autopilot. It's been a long night, and the girl wasn't in the mood to think about what happened. She fiddled with her necklace with a sigh.

Never had she ever thought her relationship with the boy she loved would cause her this much hell in such a short amount of time. But she wouldn't trade it for anything.

She wouldn't...

Shaking off that intrusive thought, she went through her mental checklist. Her digital clock read was 8:49 AM when she finally crashed into her bed and fell asleep.

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

"Mio dio! What happened?!" Panthera groaned into her pillow as she was awakened by a loud cry. She tried to roll over onto her back but almost rolled off her bed if not for the strong pair of arms catching her.

"Jesus, gatita, what happened to you..." Panthera blinked blearily. The blurry picture of her worried and terrified boyfriend finally comes into sharp focus. Her sleepy brain took a few seconds to realize a few things.

One, Rio and Miles were in her bedroom.

Two, she was just in her bra and panties since the tired girl couldn't be bothered to put on actual clothes.

Three, all her bruises and wrapped torso were on full display, emphasized by the bright sunlight streaming through her window.

And four, one thing's for sure and two things for certain: the Morales family was known to the biggest worrywarts and busybodies concerning their loved ones. Which was both beneficial and almost headache-inducing. Miles is most definitely Rio's son, from the accent down to the mother hen nature when it comes to her.

This was not something Panthera wanted to deal with this Saturday morning.

"Uh... buenos días Rio y Mi... ¿cómo están?" Rio and Miles looked nowhere near amused at the girl's poor attempt at deflection. Rio turned to her son with a hard look in her eyes.

"Mijo, set her down on the bed so I can take a look at her and go into the kitchen and see what you can make for her to eat for lunch. I'll pack a bag when I'm finished so she can spend a few nights with us." Panthera was about to protest but decided against it when a pair of green and tawny eyes glared at her.

"Si mamá," Miles replied, kissing the girl's forehead before setting her back down on her bed. Panthera sighed as she was left alone with the nurse, who proceeded to check her over.

"Now. I'm going to ask once, and I expect the honest truth from you, Mija. What happened to you," Rio asked as she looked over the girl's bruises.

"I went for a walk last night, and these three guys tried to rob me. I fought back and knocked two of them out, but one of them woke up and shot at me before I could finish the leader. Using my moment of weakness, the leader tried to choke me out and threaten that he and his friends were gonna rape me..." Rio stared worriedly at the girl as she robotically told her tale.

"That didn't happen, though, because the Prowler came and saved me." Rio rose a brow at this. She was aware of the vigilante that roamed Brooklyn's nightlife. He was something of a Robin Hood figure, albeit a dangerous one. To think this shadowy figure helped the girl she considered as a daughter eased her a bit.

"And I'm assuming he had something to do with why your injuries are healing nicely," she asked lightheartedly. The bullet wound was thoroughly cleaned and nicely wrapped; her bruises didn't look so bad either. Though Rio wanted to keep a close eye on her futura nuera to ensure she healed properly.

"Uh, I don't think so. It seems the old Prowler is his mentor? He probably would have a better understanding of bullet wounds and stuff, so it wouldn't surprise me if he was the one that took care of me." Panthera wasn't too sure what to make of the duo. The Prowler was a name that was feared in Brooklyn. While the vigilante isn't known to harm civilians, like any other Brooklyn underworld figure, it was best to steer clear of him. But it's like the two vigilantes went out of their way to help her. While they were rather firm with her, it was clear that they cared for her well-being.

She could trust that if she were ever to see either of them, she'd be safe.

It was kinda of a word thought to have...

"Well, either way, I'm glad that they helped you when they did, Mija." Rio's voice broke the girl's train of thought. The mother looked satisfied with her check over, finally leaving the girl be so she could pack a bag for her.

"Here, wear this, querida. It's hot outside today after all," Rio said, handing the girl a sundress that she nearly forgot she owned.

The girl blushed. She never wore it because she would have to forgo the comfort of her trusty bras, seeing how it was backless. The material was a bit more on the sheer side. With just enough light, you could see the girl's silhouette underneath.

And considering she's wearing this around her boyfriend in front of his mother-

"You sure that's okay, Rio?" The older woman raised a brow before smirking.

"I was young once upon a time, querida. How did you think I caught my husband's attention, hm," Rio teased, laughing good-naturedly at the girl's growing blush.

"You're beautiful, Panthera. No need to be afraid or ashamed to show off to your boyfriend every once and awhile," Rio said with a wink. Panthera smiled shyly at her maternal figure before taking the dress from her and changing in her bathroom. The dress complimented her skin nicely and fitted her well (a little snug around the chest, but Panthera wasn't gonna complain about the support it gave her). She looked good, even with her bruises. The girl threw her locs in a messy bun with a few hanging around her face. Applying some of her vanilla and sandalwood perfume oil on key parts of her body, the girl felt ready to leave.

Panthera stepped out just in time to see mother and son chatting in Spanish on her bed.

"I'm ready." Miles looked up to greet his kitten, only to stare with a slacked jaw as she approached.

"Buen Dios y todos sus ángeles misericordiosos..." Rio chuckled at her son's reaction.

"De nada, hijo," she said with a smirk. Miles shook himself out of his lovesick stupor, realizing his mom was still very present. The boy stood up to meet his embarrassed girlfriend halfway, kissing her forehead before leading her to the bed.

"Here you go, pretty girl." Panthera took the plate of some leftover subs she had made a day ago, along with some chips and salsa. The girl smiled.

"Thank you, my love." With a kiss on his cheek, Miles watched as his girl snuggled next to him with a content smile. Despite the hell his precious girl had been through these few months, she was still smiling.

She was still here.

She was still here with him.

A small part felt guilty for putting her through half the grief and trauma she's experienced thus far in their relationship. He doesn't know how he'll be able to tell her the truth if she ever finds out that he was the reason behind their classmates' deaths. That his uncle helped to kill the principal for her unfair treatment towards her. That his mom now knows all this and was willing to keep quiet about all this (just as long he came to her for daily checkups after his patrols).

"No puedo decir que lo que estás haciendo sea moralmente correcto, Miles. Pero puedo decir que estás enamorado de esa chica. La has amado durante años. Ella te hace feliz, cariño... y eso es todo lo que quiero para ti. Haz lo que tengas que hacer para protegerla y preservarla, pero por favor no intentes matar a nadie más por celos. Eso es todo lo que te pido, hijo."

Despite his guilt, a larger part of Miles felt content. Panthera was his. He loved her. He loves her. And he would do everything in his power to keep her. No one is going to come and take her away from him.

Not even herself.

Even if she hated him for his morally questionable deeds, they'll have forever for her to learn how to love him again.

"I love you, mi vida," he whispered against her neck, curling around her in a hug. Miles could feel her blush creeping up her neck as her shoulder shook slightly in time with her chuckle.

"Te amo por siempre y para siempre, mi rey," she whispered back. Miles grinned as he nuzzled her further.

They were met to be. And nothing could change that...

...at least, that's what Miles thought.

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

Alright, y'all gonna have to give me some time to drop the next one, I'm tired. Imma add the translations later. Hope you guys enjoyed it!

Dedicated to @444morales and @l0v3morales

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yeehawbvby · 2 years

Text

Falling Away With You | Ch. 7

Sebastian x F!Reader and M. Rasmodius x F!Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: You run into Seb, and he winds up comforting you through a panic attack

Author’s Note: TW // a detailed panic attack, references to self-harm/sui attempt/eating disorders during said panic attack. Enjoy, and take care of yourselves x

Table of Contents + Work Summary

Check it out on ao3!

Prev | Next

I got to Stardew Valley in the beginning of Spring, and now that we’re a decent three-quarters-ish of the way through, my hard work on the farm is finally starting to show.

Sam and I have only texted here and there since the night of our weird little moment, which is bugging me, considering he’s typically a ball of clingy energy. Is he avoiding me when he can on purpose, or am I overthinking?

Lots of yard work, alone, means lots of being trapped inside my own head, which means I’ve been thinking about all that a metric fuckton. If it weren’t for Cannoli, music, and my overactive imagination, I probably would’ve driven myself insane over it.

I’ve decided to take the day off from manual and emotional labor to do something less mindless — planning an actual layout for my farm. With the work I’ve done, I can probably get a decently sized patch of those parsnips growing, amongst other things. As long as I haul ass... it's not like I'll have much time to let them grow.

I’ve found, being newish to nature and all, that being outdoors does wonders for my focus when I’m not doing a ton of physical work. I could just sit out on the porch today—

Or, I could spice things up a bit and go somewhere new. It’s raining again, so as long as I find a nice tree or overhang to sit under, I don’t think my sketchbook will take too much damage… Yep. Field trip time.

After devouring a few scrambled eggs, courtesy of Marnie’s chickens, I brew some coffee. During my time at Joja, I began to hate it. Could only associate the beverage with disgustingly bright lighting and cranky colleagues and fake smiles. But now that I have a new life, I’m determined to get over the mild phobia I’d developed. I haven’t keeled over at the smell yet, so there’s a start!

I opt to put my coffee in a metal spinner, mixing in some vanilla flavored creamer before tightening the lid. I’ll just leave it by the fireplace while I go get changed, that way it keeps its warmth better. Yoba help me if Cannoli knocks it over.

My hair is looking a little messy, so I throw half of it up into a bun, letting the rest fall down my shoulders. Repositioning the bun closer to my nape, I put my favorite cap on. This bad boy is corduroy, black, and has a tiny pink uwu face knitted onto the front, with an even tinier pink set of horns coming out above it. Not sharp enough to do damage if I were to headbutt someone, but definitely sharp enough that it might freak Evelyn and George out a little.

I evilly snicker to myself at the thought. Granny Evelyn’s a sweetheart, but George can go eat a dick or two for all I care.

I want to keep things cozy, so I pair the hat with some big gray joggers, a cropped black tank top, and my black boots. It’s warm enough that I don’t need anything to cover my arms, but I toss on a windbreaker anyway, so I can protect my sketchbook from the rain.

I snuggle Cannoli on the ground for a few minutes, once again feeling bad about leaving him behind. I bought this funky lil’ cat door that Robin designed yesterday, and installed it myself earlier this morning, so that Cannoli can come and go as he pleases if he gets bored. I still worry he’s going to get lonely, or worse, into some trouble with other animals. He never leaves the farm when I let him roam outside, and he was a stray after all, so I trust him — but my motherly protective instincts are going nuts .

I give Cannoli one last forehead kiss, grab my things along with a fanny pack for some pencils and my wallet, and head out towards the town.

__________________

Every tree I’ve encountered so far has been too thin and/or drippy to sit under. Most overhangs I’ve encountered have been attached to someone’s house, so I can’t just loiter under one of those… Y’know, I vaguely recall Willy’s shop on the docks having some cover. That roof is such a mess, with its shingles scattered all over the place, but maybe it’ll come in handy now. I might as well check it out.

I make it to the docks in one piece, and it turns out, I was right! There’s a bench a little bit away. I’m sure if I asked, Willy wouldn’t mind me pulling it over to shelter. I might have to finagle his display table a bit too, which I hope isn’t too much of a bother for him. I doubt it will be. Willy looks a little scary, but he’s the sweetest scruffy old man I’ve ever met. He even calls me his “skipper,” how adorable is that shit?

I head inside, and after chatting with him for a little bit over our respective coffees, I mention the bench thing to Willy. He gladly accepts, and insists on helping me move it, too.

“Don’t want you splintering yourself on that old thing. How will you become a vicious angler like me if you’re injured?!”

Yoba bless this man.

I get comfy, and begin to line out the general shape of my land, when I suddenly see a black blob out of the corner of my eye. I look up, and see that it’s on the opposite side of the docks from me. Is that a person? What other sick fuck around here would be just chilling in the rain? I observe them for a moment. Wearing all black, appears to have black hair, too… hmm…

“Sebastian?” I shout from where I’m seated.

The figure turns towards me, and I can make out a face. Oooh fuck yes, it is Seb! My heart does a little dance at the realization. Why am I so excited to see him again? If Sam is a golden retriever, I must be a fuckin’ chihuahua.

I wave, as does he. I don’t expect him to move, but he begins to descend back towards the beach. I probably disturbed him, he said something once about enjoying the ocean best when he’s alone . I frown to myself.

I try not to think about it too much and get back to work. Maybe I could put a pathway around the land, some sort of brick or stone, so that I don’t risk stepping all over the crops when I’m in a hurry… I sketch it out roughly, to get an idea of what that could look like. Yeah, let’s do that, that would be sick!

I hear quiet footsteps advancing towards me. The person coming smells like smoke, and pine-scented deodorant or body spray. I smile before even looking — and I decide not to look, not wanting my focus to waver. I just continue sketching, as Seb sits down next to me.

I feel his breath on my now-bare shoulder, and quite frankly, it activates something feral in me. I wanna kiss this stupid freak so fucking badly. I won’t, obviously, but like, imagine? Either way, why is he so close?

I look at him, and he’s so much closer to me than I even thought oh my god , peering down at my drawing. For someone who’s supposedly just as anxious as I am around people, he sure does enjoy my presence.

“Is that your farm?”

“Mhm,” I hum as coolly as I can.

“Looks good.” So do you, heh. “Didn’t know you could draw.”

“One of my many mysteries, I guess.”

He gives me a funny look. I wiggle my eyebrows in response, earning a laugh out of him.

“Why’d you come out here in the rain?” I ask.

“For some reason, staring off into the gray horizon, listening to the waves as the raindrops add an ambient filter to the world… it makes me feel...” He pauses. I stop drawing and look at him, so he knows I’m still listening. “I dunno. Like it's worthwhile to keep pushing on, I guess.”

God, that’s deep. I don't really know how to react. My first instinct tells me to comfort him, but does he want that? All he was doing was answering my question.

“Damn, dude,” is all I can think of saying, so I do. Very smooth.

He chuckles, “Sorry, that was kinda bleak, wasn’t it?”

“A little.”

He sighs. “Do you remember that time you came to my house to buy shit from my mom,” he asks, “but instead, we ended up sitting in the kitchen for like an hour, just talking about how weird and shitty life is?”

I nod. I was still fairly new when that happened. Barely knew either Robin or Seb yet.

It was sometime in the afternoon, maybe 1- or 2pm. He’d come up from his room, which is apparently in the basement, looking like he’d just woken up. He had a groggy look to him, but his hair was wet and he smelled so fucking good — like one of those Man Flavored™ body washes that I’ve used before… might’ve been some kinda Old Spice? — indicating that he’d just showered.

Seb had emerged right when I was about to leave, given Robin was away at an aerobics class. He was headed to the kitchen for food and invited me to join him, and I mean, why wouldn’t I? He’s irresistible and I was hungry.

He made himself some coffee, and plated up a bunch of toast with a spread of cream cheese, tomatoes, and raw salmon atop it. Interesting combo, especially since I’m not one to eat animals very often, but it banged .

While we ate — and afterward — we just sorta ranted to one another. We already knew about what school and shit were like for one another because of our drunken rambles a few nights prior. But this time, it got more in-depth.

Seb talked about his freelance work, making web pages and game codes and whatever else is really needed by his clients. How he could easily make six figures if he’d gone to school for the same profession and joined the corporate world. He knows the ins and outs of nearly every coding language on the market, and some niche ones, too.

He’s experienced enough to have been well-established in any corner of the industry by now, had he gone that route.

But Seb knew it would’ve been a terrible idea to ground himself to a company. He knows his social limits, and that there’s no way he’d get by in an office surrounded by people day in and day out. People make him anxious, and he works better without ‘em looming over him all the time.

That stuff led into talking about how absolutely miserable working for Joja was. I’d gotten a psychology degree on scholarship (to which he called me a “fucking nerd,” affectionately), but couldn’t afford to get a higher education after graduating. My brain felt fried so I couldn’t bring myself to seek out more scholarships or anything for experience either. So, I applied everywhere I could for a job instead.

Joja was one of those throwaways applications. I didn’t want to work there, but it was hiring. I said “fuck it,” half-assed my application and cover letter, more applying just to say I did than to win a position. Unfortunately, it was the only place out of dozens that gave me a chance, so I took it.

I told Seb how they had cameras in every cubicle, how we were given designated resting time. The latter half sounds good on paper, but it was no more than a few minutes for every few hours of work.

We were expected to do unpaid overtime on a regular basis and we only got bonuses if we kissed enough ass. That entailed snitching on others’ mistakes, buying coffee for the higher-ups, working through our miniscule break times. All things I couldn’t be bothered to do, but they’re apparently a pretty common thing in office environments around here.

Seb had voiced that the conditions I was working in were exactly why he took being a basement hermit over some rich corporate hot-shot any day. And I can’t blame him, obviously. It sucked being stuck like that, and I’m happy he didn’t subject himself to that lifestyle.

Apparently, that’s something the poor dude doesn’t hear often.

Most people encourage him to suck it up and get out in the world anyway. As if he couldn’t possibly know what’s best for himself. As if he’s still just some shy, angsty kid who needs a push, rather than a whole adult man with the ability to make his own decisions about his own life.

“I dunno what possessed me to tell you so much about, like, my work and whatnot,” Seb continues, bringing my mind back to the present. “It was one of the first times I’d opened up about that so much. To like, anyone. That’s the type of stuff I usually think about when I come here to watch the sea,” he smiles.

Seb isn’t looking in my direction, but I can’t keep myself from looking in his. Normally he appears kinda somber, regardless of what he’s doing. Resting bitch face, and all that jazz. But today, with his hair all wet and wavy from the rain, the rosiness on his cheeks from the chilly seaside breeze, and the dreamy gloss over his eyes as he watches the horizon, he looks… serene? Hopeful, maybe. Beautiful, definitely. Like a painting.

“I… typically think the ocean is best enjoyed alone. But there’s something comforting about being here with you.” He gazes down at me, but the dreaminess doesn’t leave his eyes. “Makes me feel happy that I pushed through to get where I am now.”

I do my best to maintain eye contact — something I’m terrible with, but most people like and appreciate it, so I try anyway — and I feel a blush creep up the longer I hold it. Especially as I process his words. I’m making him feel that cozy? Can’t help but feel all giddy over what he said as I smile like a big dummy.

“I’m glad,” I mutter. I’m not used to being essentially told that I’m special or whatever, so I’m dumbfounded. “I hope you keep pushing. You deserve to be happy and successful.”

“I appreciate that.” A few moments pass, and he pops the same line I used on him in my drunken stupor a few weeks ago: “Y’know, you’re really cool.”

The way he said that sounded… an awful lot like an imitation. I glance his way to see if he’s serious or just being a shithead, and he’s narrowing his smug lil’ eyes at me. Definitely being a shithead.

“Make fun of me all you want, but I meant it, nerd,” I finally respond. “I’m an affectionate drunk.”

Seb laughs, and a few more minutes of quiet pass. Just the sound of graphite on paper, our breathing every here and there, and raindrops piercing the docks. He’s still watching me draw, and I might look like I’m doing fine, but the proximity is making my heart go berserk. I could pass out.

He breaks the silence. “Forgot to ask why you’re in the rain. I was surprised to see you out here.”

“I just like it. No deep reasoning behind it.” I squint at him, then giggle as he mirrors my look. “I prefer the cold and dark, over most weather. I’ve got some… sensory issues. So my eyes are really sensitive to sunlight, and sweating underneath it makes me want to frickin’ crawl out of my body.” As I finish the sentence, I look back up at him, and he nods. “The coziness and lack of people is nice too, though.”

“ Fuck, guess I’ll leave.” He slowly stands, the corner of his mouth tilted upward.

“Don’t you dare,” I laugh. I grab his hand (making my own heart go nuts, but that’s unimportant) and tug him back onto the bench. This time, he sits closer than the last, the sides of our hips touching.

More quiet washes over us. I bravely steal a glance, only to find him looking at me too. I’m suddenly reminded of my weird little moment with Sam, not too far from here, and frown at the thought.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“What’s up with Sam?”

“Is this about that night you guys hung out here?”

I let out a sigh and nod. He nods, too.

“So like, that happened and then he started ignoring me completely. Do you know what’s going on?” I ask.

“The guy’s crushing on you. Hard,” Seb bluntly announces, lighting a cigarette. I’m taken aback for a sec before Seb keeps talking. “He’s nervous around you, that might be all there is to it.” He pauses to take a puff and continues, “But, he made it seem like you were enjoying yourself too. So I dunno, what was that about, (y/n)?” He nudges me lightly, as if he’s trying to tease me, but I notice some contempt in his tone.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well,” Seb repositions himself, rolling his shoulders and scooting away a little. “He told me you let him snuggle up. But you’ve let me get pretty close too I guess,” he gestures at the miniscule amount of space between us, “so that one was easy to brush off,” he half-cheekily side-eyes me. “ But ,” Seb exhales, “he also said to me that he wanted to kiss you, and you weren’t backing out. He did.”

“Jeez, he didn’t make a move!” I defend. “I wasn’t gonna, like… yank myself away and make things weird for possibly no reason at all, ya know? It isn’t fair that he put it entirely on me.” I sigh. “I’m glad he didn’t kiss me. I wouldn’t have wanted that.”

I look at Seb, feeling a weird pang in my belly. It’s hard to read his expression as he shrugs, just staring into the gray skies ahead.

More silence. For the first time since meeting Sebastian, it’s uncomfortable.

I’m sure Sam’s nerves got the best of him while recounting his side of that event , or maybe his perspective really did make it seem like I would just let him kiss me had he decided to. But I don’t like to think of the chance that he just depicted me like I was eager to take whatever he was gonna give me.

Is that what these guys think of me?

“For fuck’s sake…” I mumble to myself. Seb hums questioningly. “I just wanted to be friends with him,” I barely even whisper.

Breathe, (y/n).

I lift up my sketchbook and rest it against my forehead, leaning my elbows into my knees.

In the past, I’ve gotten taken advantage of easily because I cared too much, too quickly. Too blindly . I have a track record with not being great at making or keeping friends. It always just led to betrayal in some shape or form, with me being blamed for being the one who’s “attracting toxicity,” or whatever the fuck.

It sucks to have nobody there for you, even more when you don’t know what you’re doing wrong. And nobody tells you if you're doing anything wrong. If there even is anything wrong.

I really hope that’s not the case with Sam. It doesn’t seem like a very Sam thing to do — befriending someone just to fuck ‘em over, or fuck ‘em, or whatever.

But what do I know?

I gave up on trying to find friends for the longest time, partially because of a lack of access to people I'd mesh alright with, but mostly because I’m terrified to go through all that garbage once more.

I came here for a fresh start, but maybe humans will be just as shitty wherever I end up.

Maybe I'm just shitty.

I can feel my chest tighten more and more, my heart pounding faster and faster, as I’m flooded with recollections of the abuse I’ve endured from those “friends,” from exes, from my parents, my bosses, myself …

I’m trying to just fucking breathe and exist in the moment and accept that bad things happen and it’ll be okay. I’m trying to ground myself. There’s a whole other person next to me watching me break down and I want to be calm to save us both the embarrassment.

To save him from seeing how worthless and pathetic I am.

But I should’ve known that as soon as I started spiraling into thoughts of my past, it would be useless to try and stop myself.

I can think back as fondly as I want about my youth, but it doesn’t erase the several attempts to end it all.

The years I spent starving myself, just to feel like I had some control over my body and life.

The nights I passed out alone in my college dorm, while my roommates were out drinking and partying with their friends.

The early mornings that were my nights spent sobbing as I cradled myself in bed, sometimes digging my nails so hard into my sides that I bled onto the sheets.

The hours every few days that were spent sobbing and cradling myself on the shower floor, blood racing down my arms and legs and stomach instead.

The days I couldn’t stay awake after spending hours upon hours in pure mental anguish, because existing was so fucking exhausting.

What if I’m just some stupid game to be played in Sam’s eyes? In everyone’s eyes?

What if Sebastian is the exact same way?

How do I know he isn’t going to just do the same thing everyone else has?

How do I know I won’t relapse, or worse, try to off myself again down the line?

What if moving here didn’t change a single fucking thing?

Existing is still exhausting, I’ve just pushed it aside more as the years went on.

I can only push it for so long.

I just want it to stop.

I don’t want to keep going through this shit.

I just want to di —

I’m brought back to reality by two lean, strong arms enveloping me. One hand is rubbing my spine, and the other is caressing the back of my head. I sniffle a giant string of snot — nice one, (y/n). I hadn’t even realized that I started crying.

I sort of just sit there, phasing in and out of conscious thought for a while. Could be minutes, could be hours. I’ve got no idea.

All I know is that Sebastian is kneeling in front of me, our chests pressed together as we breathe deeply. Accidentally in unison. Two metronomes working in harmony. He's embracing me as if I would float away without his arms to anchor me in place. Softly whispering the sweetest and most soothing things into my ear: "I'm here, I always will be." "You're safe. Everything will be okay." "You're doing so great, (y/n)." "Focus on your breathing." Etcetera.

This is the first time someone’s been here for me, physically or metaphorically, at a time like this. And this is the safest I’ve ever felt in my entire life.

“I’m sorry,” I whimper out when I can muster it.

He shakes his head and hugs me tighter. “Is this still ok, or do you need space?” he whispers.

I try to speak, but no more than a whimper comes out. I just hug him back as hard as I can, unable to control the guttural sobs that pour out after.

__________________

Never in a million years did I think my first time seeing Seb’s room would be after having a pretty severe anxiety attack right in front of him. Never in 2 million did I think I’d even have an anxiety attack in front of him, ever.

I feel like such a loser.

During my situation , I tensed up my muscles enough that I couldn’t really move afterward, so Sebastian piggybacked me all the way to his house up in the mountains. I told him not to, that I’d be fine, and I could’ve just walked home when I felt better — but he didn’t want me to be alone. He scolded me for being stubborn, and with how sensitive I was feeling, it worked. Made me cry a little more too. But he made sure to apologize for that, which I thought was really adorable.

I’m thankful he did this. Even if it is extremely embarrassing. Only Yoba knows how much further I would’ve plummeted if I were solitary.

When we got here, Seb put me down to wrap me up in a blanket, and scooped me back up bridal style, claiming he didn’t trust my “anxious jelly legs.” He wanted to put me in his bed, but I adamantly tried to argue against it, not wanting to get it all wet from the rain on my clothes.

“Just put me on one of those stools. I’ll be okay and I can snoop on your Solarian OCs until I’m good to walk again, and I’ll be out of your way in no time!”

“(Y/n), I’m not letting you sit on one of those pieces of junk in the condition you’re in.”

“Ughhhhhhh.”

“And also you don’t need to snoop, because you and I are going to play that together sometime, okay?” While he was saying that, he tried easing me onto his mattress, as if threatening a good time would distract me. That sly bitch! I clung on for dear life.

“Sick, cool, looking forward to it, but I’m still not letting your bed get all gross you bastard! Let me go!”

He stopped, sat up straight, and looked into my soul with his, at the time, dead fish eyes. “Let you go?”

“Uh—”

“Ok!” Still maintaining eye contact as he cut me off, and smiling hellishly, he did as I asked!

Right over his bed.

I started to get cold, even in the blanket — this basement is fucking freezing — therefore, I’m in his clothes now. I wasn’t about to fight him on this one too, and risk him changing me. I wouldn’t doubt that it’s something he’d do, for my sake, and I’d just wind up feeling even more pathetic. He chose to sacrifice one of his several signature black hoodies, and a pair of black pajama pants, that have little blue, green and purple Junimos on them.

…And so here I am, sipping the perfectly brewed jasmine tea Sebastian made me. Snacking on the perfectly baked cookies Robin made for us, after hearing about what had happened to me. In his bedroom — and his bed . While wearing his clothes.

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