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hollypastl · 3 years

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the disappearance of [REDACTED] ch.1

miya atsumu/reader

Summary: "MISSING: MIYA Y/N" It reads. Underneath is a picture of yourself. Age, height, weight. Everything important is listed. How embarrassing.

Genre: angst/mystery

Warnings: missing persons, time skip spoilers

Notes: crossposted on ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/28726002/chapters/70432233

chapter one: love is so short. forgetting is so long

He wakes up painfully aware that your weight is missing from his arms. It’s a little unusual. Most mornings, you two end up dragging each other out of bed. He’s not a morning person and you’re more than content to occupy him with your entire body weight. The flutter of your breath on his face and the gentle, but firm way you play with his fingers is soothing. Eventually, responsible thought wins out and one of you will bribe the other with a hot shower or an omelette. Usually.

But not today. His feet land on the floor after a good horizontal stretch and Atsumu yawns. He squints at the clock. 10:24 AM. “Hey, babe? Didja screw with my phone?” He calls, getting up from bed and heading towards the kitchen.

There’s a muffin and a bottle of iced coffee sitting on the kitchen counter, which he hungrily digs into. A part of him is resigned and ready to get caught red handed, scarfing down something which you were saving , but the second the banana flavor hits his tongue he knows it’s intended for him. Your distaste for the flavor is something even ‘Samu hasn’t been able to sway.

His eyes wander around the messy apartment you two share while he lazily munches away on his muffin and throws back the drink. Even through the mess, his gaze lands on a neatly folded slip of paper that’s stuck to the fridge with a Hello Kitty magnet. (And as much as he insisted to everyone ever invited over that it was yours, you both knew it was his. A leftover remnant of his childhood collection of random festival prizes.)

It’s a reach from his seat at the counter to the fridge, but he makes it without standing up or tipping over his chair. The coffee still slips from his grip and shatters on the floor.

“Fuckin’ hell.”

The safety hazard is ignored as he forces himself to reread it slower.

You’ve signed your name at the bottom, but the ink is blurred. It’s just a single drop, and he’s always known you to shed tears at the drop of a hat. He wonders what could’ve restrained you to not have wet stains all over the page.

It’s a joke.

It has to be.

The wedding ring on his finger suddenly feels tighter, like his blood flow is being constricted.

Your phone number is his first call.

He doesn’t know what he expects, but the vibrations of your phone on the table by the front door isn’t it. Whatever. Move on. He calls your parents house, but they haven’t heard from you. And you’re not at work either. In fact, when the boss gets on the phone, he explains he got a text early this morning that you quit out of the blue.

A myriadic list of other people to question is filling up in his head but he can’t quite bring himself to call.

The Jackal’s manager is buzzing him next. It’s rude, but he sends him straight to voicemail. Who cares that he’s late to practice?

He’s much too busy wondering where you’ve disappeared to.

Which is how he ends up nervously twiddling his thumbs in a police precinct.

The officer is rude. Actually, he’s not. He just thinks the guy is being a jackass because he’s not being particularly helpful.

“We’ll be happy to search for signs she was taken against her will, but judging by the note she left and that you found no signs of a break-in, it sounds like she left of her own volition.” And the absolute gut punch of, “Miya-san… Are you sure she didn’t run off with another man?”

He can’t wrap his head around it. The detective recognizing him barely makes him feel better. “Miya… MiyA-SENSHU? We’ll have our best investigators on this, I promise you! Can I get you a cup of coffee? Did you walk here? Someone will drive you home.”

He watches absently as the officer who drove him back pokes around the apartment. Pictures are snapped and locks are inspected. Your hairbrush is bagged as DNA evidence and Atsumu silently notices your sneakers and his favorite hoodie gone from the closet.

It doesn’t seem real. You should be on your lunch break right now, sending him a text or even calling to ask if he wants to go visit his parents next week.

When the man finally leaves, Atsumu’s pocket starts buzzing once again.

His breath catches when it turns out to be your phone and not his. The number isn’t listed and he stops breathing entirely at that. A desperate part of him hopes you’re on the other end of the line as he brings the phone up to his ear.

“Hello?”

“This is Kitano Medical Imaging Center, I have information regarding scans for Miya Y/N.”

“She’s-” He chokes from the lack of air. Isn’t breathing supposed to be something he doesn’t have to think about anymore? “She’s not available at the moment. M’her husband though, I can pass it along.”

They’re silent for a moment. “I’m sorry, but I’m unable to release medical information to anyone but the patient at this time. Thank you and good day, sir.”

He chews on his bottom lip at that. The hell did that mean? What name had they given? Kitano? Osaka General was closer.

And what about these scans you had gotten done?

Knocking at his door busts him out of his head. What was it now? He considers ignoring it but, “C’mon, open up ‘Tsum-tsum!” Bokuto isn’t one to be easily discouraged.

But the shattered glass still lying on his kitchen floor steals his attention and mutes the shouting, if only slightly. Bokuto will have questions that Atsumu doesn’t care to or just doesn’t have the answers to. Instead, he lets his teammate tire himself out while he sits at the kitchen counter, staring blankly at the hazard he has yet to clean up.

He shows up to training half an hour early the next morning, getting a headstart on lat pull-downs before anyone else has even arrived. The team trickles in slowly and it would be a lie to say he didn’t notice the little glances they keep giving him. Everyone is on edge and the scowl marring his face probably doesn’t help the mood.

“Whaddya’ mean it’s written all over m’face?” He frowned, shouldering his bag.

“Atsumu.” Even though your back was to him, he could tell you were rolling your eyes as you locked up the gym. “You’re chronically easy to read.”

“Am not!”

You rested a hand on your hip, narrowing your eyes. “C’mon, I think it’s cute how you wear your heart on your sleeve,” The door clicked shut and you swung around, keys and lanyard in hand. “If you want, I’ll let you in on the secret of how I mastered my poker face.” You offered, elbowing him.

“Hah! Yeah, right! Last week ya cried when Kita-senpai said ya weren’t good at cleanin’ water bottles.”

It was true, you had burst into tears. “Please. Fake crying is a much more advanced skill. I’m talkin’ about a good ‘ole blank and neutral expression—”

“Wait, ya mean ya did that on purpose?” He threw an incredulous look your way.

You rolled your eyes once more. He was so naive. “Senpai did end up washing the whole crate for me, didn’t he?”

Atsumu stared at you, jaw slack.

“Atsumu?” You waved a hand in front of your face.

“Atsumu, you good?”

“Huh?”

“I asked why you went AWOL yesterday.” Meian’s brow furrowed and Atsumu forced out an answer he had decided hours ago.

“Just a family issue, sorry I didn’t get the chance to call, man.”

He could almost hear your voice now, congratulating him on keeping cool. He feels sick. Like a kid who’s eaten too much for their lil’ stomach to handle and is about to vomit all over the floor. That exact thing had happened to ‘Samu once. It was someone’s birthday in their middle school class —he couldn’t remember who— and the idiot had eaten five pieces of cake while nobody was looking.

It wouldn’t have been a problem on it’s own. The glutton wouldn’t dare waste food by throwing it up. The problem came when he washed it all down with spiked punch.

The class had gotten in so much trouble for that.

Nobody had seen it happen and the culprit wouldn’t come forward. The entire class was forced to endure cleaning duty for a month and they were banned from participating in the sports festival. He had been so pissed.

Now it’s just a bad memory in the bad of his mind. Thoughts absentmindedly trailing back to you, (like they always seem to) he wonders where you had been during that incident. You hadn’t been friends with him yet. He didn’t even know your first name at that point. But you had been in his class. He distinctly remembers arbitrarily voting you for class rep because you were pretty.

And, now that he really thinks about it, he remembers seeing your arm slowly rise.

“It was me. I did it. It was a really bad joke and I’m sorry.”

He’d been sitting a couple rows behind you, so he couldn’t see the look on your face, but he knew it must’ve been painted with shame.

Nobody believed you. Without missing a beat, the assistant principal had kindly told you it was noble to try and take the fall. Your friend had tugged on the edge of your skirt, beckoning for you to sit down. Just like that, it was over. He’s surprised he can recall it. The whole thing, start to finish, must’ve been less than fifteen seconds. He doubts anyone else remembers but you.

He considers your words from back then. How you had said it was just a bad joke.

His immature ass, having stomach pains from laughing so hard, would beg to differ. Your jokes never fall flat.

He finishes his set and moves to the leg press.

Desperately, he needs to believe the past twenty four hours have been a joke. That you just left to visit a friend, or needed some space. But the items on the list keep adding up.

His eyes start tearing up and he wipes the sweat from his forehead.

#atsumu x reader #haikyuu #Miya Atsumu #i need a beta so bad

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experimentaldragonfire-fics · 4 years

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experimentaldragonfire’s SU Fic Rec List

Stuck at home? Running out of stuff to read? I figured I’d put together a semi-comprehensive series of fanfic recommendations so that all the hours I’ve spent on AO3 over the years can be considered at least vaguely useful. A lot of these are quite old, so if you’ve only read more recent fics, you might find something that you haven’t seen here!

Please feel free to add your own links and recommendations--I personally would love more reading material! This list will focus on SU fics, but I’ll probably make more for other fandoms going forward if anyone’s interested. Bear in mind that, as I’ve mentioned, since many (most) of these were written a while ago, they might not represent exactly how the plot of the show progressed (though they now provide a pretty interesting look at the older fanfic tropes/theories!)

Also, upfront: most of these, when ships do appear, are Lapidot or PearlRose--clearly, I’m very narrowly-focused on what I read. And if one of your fics is on here and you want to be tagged, let me know and I will do so!

Steven Universe Fic Recs

General (None or canonical/background/multiple ships):

histories by avulle (T, F/F, Gen)

“Pearl (pearl) is born in what would have been the year 100,492 BCE. (She is not older than the entire human race—but only just.)”

An introspective look at the Crystal Gems through the years, written in a style that’s practically poetic and absolutely gorgeous.

Inferior Blue by hTeDruknenPotaT (M, Gen)

"Your name is Lapis Lazuli. Lapis is a fun thing to name your child when your last name is Lazuli, and when your name is Lapis Lazuli, blue seem like a nice color to dye your hair. It's fortunate that blue is your favorite color, that you manage not to despise it after all the blue you've been surrounded by all your life."

Lapis Lazuli meets a strange young boy who helps to heal the scars of her past.

The first time I read this fic, I stayed up until 5AM and cried into my pillow through the final chapters. And it continued to make me cry every time I reread it. Massive angst warning, but if you can handle fics that are beautiful but tragic, this is for you.

capacity by broken_halleluiah (G, F/F)

After a routine council meeting, Pink Diamond insists on repairing a broken piece of equipment. The result is far more than she bargained for.

A fic speculating on the nature of Pearls in Homeworld society, written well before we got to see any of that in canon. As such, it isn’t entirely in-line with later canon, but is still entirely worth reading.

Breaking Down by PTlikesTea (M, multi)

Rose's world view is shattered by a black market pearl and the realization that everything she knows about them is wrong.

An extensively long series of shorter mostly-self-contained stories exploring a version of Homeworld society where Pearls are considered as little more than disposable property. Major warnings for Pretty Much Everything--definitely keep an eye on the tags--but this is an iconic series of works, started in 2015 and predating many of the later revelations about canon Homeworld.

A Gem and Her Pearl (Rose) by Potential Violet (G, gen)

Blue Diamond forces Rose Quartz to get a pearl, changing Rose's life, the pearl's life and the course of Gem history. All relationships begin somewhere, this is the beginning of Rose and Pearl's.

Another take on Rose and Pearl’s meeting, and the status of Pearls in Homeworld society (there’s a bit of a theme here with these recommendations). Again, predates most canon revelations regarding the topics, and predates all of the canon information about the Diamonds.

Pearl, Interrupted by AceyEnn (E, multi)

In August, Steven Quartz Universe was born.

In August, Rose Quartz died in childbirth.

In December, Pearl decides she can't handle any of it.

Or: Pearl Tries To Kill Herself And Ends Up In A Therapy Group Run By Her Best Friend's Mom (Well, One Of Her Moms).

Human AU focusing on Pearl dealing with Rose's death--or rather, not dealing with Rose’s death. Major content warnings for suicide attempts, self-harm, etc (please read the tags), but overall a very well-written story. Still updating, despite being first posted in 2016!

Lapidot:

in which Peridot is Not At All Surprised by the sudden appearance of a new waiter by gaySpaceRock_exe (G, F/F)

Peridot meets the new waiter at her regular restaurant and immediately falls head-first in love.

Cute and fluffy, what more do you need in a fic?

Homesick by DrPaine (G, F/F)

An encounter at the Galaxy Warp.

Short oneshot predating the Peridemption/Barn Arc, can be read as friendship rather than romantic.

Observation by DrPaine (G, F/F)

Peridot is a technician, meant to catch every detail. Not something she’s very fond of, but making yourself aware of your surroundings can be helpful, when you’re slipping into troublesome thoughts.

Incomplete but very much an introspective look at Peri’s character as perceived back in 2015-ish. Not as much focused on romance as on concepts of identity and anxiety.

Of Stage Lights and Stage Fright by AcrylicPaint (M, F/F)

All Lapis wanted was to participate in the local production, but there was a minor element she hadn't taken into consideration when she agreed to take the leading role, and that was; dealing with the cute techie's constant staring.

That, and the fact she was beginning to stare too.

Human theatre AU, and an excellent completed multichapter fic. I remember that when I first read this, I was in high school and part of the musical, so it was a very topical read--and now it’s the height of nostalgia.

No Regrets by Raptor_Red (E, F/F)

No Regrets, or, the story of how Peridot tried to romance the blue-haired tattoo artist from the parlor across the street

A personal favorite! The writing in this fic is just so nice to read, and though I’m not usually a fan of tattoo artist AUs, this one really managed to make the whole concept make sense within the story. I can’t count how many times I’ve read this fic. Please read this.

12 O’Clock at Your Local King Soopers by InsomniacArrest (T, F/F)

Lapis works late night shifts, Peridot is somebody's overworked assistant, they both need more sleep and better people skills: the grocery store story.

Is it a Lapidot fic rec list if I don’t include 12KS? Probably the most iconic fic for this pairing, with good reason. Also, consider this a recommendation for literally everything IA has ever written--there are too many good fics to name them all individually, otherwise they’d comprise half of this entire list.

Of Meteors and Minimal Speech by Waypaststrange (moonbeatblues)(F/F)

In which things at the barn settle down, nobody speaks much, and strange lights appear in the sky.

Vaguely fluffy oneshot, very cute!!

Awkward Office Encounters by SilverEyedRukia (T, F/F)

Due to a broken down air conditioner on a scorching hot day the computers' overheated systems need fixing. Luckily for everyone a blonde technician is up for the job, but unbeknowst to them the IT nerd turns out to be someone they didn't expect her to be, especially not Lapis who kind of asked her out on a date already.

Human workplace AU, starts off relatively comedic but gets into Emotional Territory towards the end.

Camp Pining Hearts by kamanzi (M, F/F)

Peridot and Jasper return to summer camp after their freshmen year of college--this time, as counselors. Peridot is disappointed to learn that nothing is quite the same, especially her relationship with her best friend. Whose fault is this? She blames Jasper's girlfriend.

“‘Let’s go back next year and be counselors,’ she said. ‘It’ll be fun,’ she said.”

Human summer camp counselors AU that’s definitely long enough to use up some stuck-at-home-self-isolating time.

A Week by teamchaosprez (E, F/F)

Who knew that a single night of drunken sex could push Peridot and Lapis from being roommates with a mutual crush to regularly fucking and maybe - just maybe - eventually becoming girlfriends and standing up to the homophobia surrounding both of their family lives.

A human college AU focusing a lot on working through interpersonal relationships and coming to terms with emotions

Set Me Free by cym70 (T, F/F)

Being roommates gives Lapis and Peridot a lot of time to get to know each other and, despite their rocky history, they might just be able to make something entirely new.

A friends-to-lovers fic, post-Barn Mates. Very sweet!

Waltz of the Nian by QuickYoke (T, F/F)

Lapis doesn't understand fusion at heart, but she does know she's an unideal partner for it.

Lapis' relationship with fusion, and also Peridot. A fic that basically encapsulates the ideal of profound prose that makes you feel things, even if you don’t precisely know how or why.

Pushing by Like Hearts by mautadite (T, F/F)

“Sounds like you’re really counting on that road trip magic.”

(Peridot and Lapis do Midway City, and Empire City, and Plateau Ville, and all the places in between.)

Canonverse road trip, because every rec list needs a “the characters go on a long journey together and find themselves, and each other” fic. And because this fic made me feel so many emotions.

A thousand years (F/F)

I have died a thousand years, waiting for you.

Childhood friends-to-adult-lovers human AU, one of the fic tropes that always just punches me in the face with feelings.

#fic rec list #su fic recs #lapidot fic recs

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doublerainebow · 5 years

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Books, Pastries, and Wagers

Ienzo/Zexion x OC

OC: Athalia

The companion piece to my previous fic that no one, except me, asked for lol.

~ Masterlist ~

It was pouring rain when Zexion arrived in Traverse Town. The first district was void of any people, and the lights from the lamps and surroundings shops and homes were dimly lit, save for one.

A bakery.

Though the Schemer was there on a mission, he couldn’t help but be drawn to the bakery like a moth to a flame.

Through the open door that was precariously left open to welcome people in, Zexion observed a teenage girl gracefully weave her way between tables as she brought various pastries and drinks to customers who sat at the tables.

The Nobody’s nonexistent heart skipped a beat ever so slightly upon recognizing who the girl was.

From then on, Zexion often found himself stopping by the bakery to watch the girl dart to and fro between servicing customers and baking, though the Nobody never once took a step inside the bakery. Instead, Zexion felt content to watch from the outside.

Every so often, Athalia would notice the hooded Zexion outside and offer him a sweet smile as to beckon him inside before continuing with whatever task she was doing.

It was on an unusually quiet night when Zexion decided to step inside the bakery, though it wasn’t by his own choice.

An eerie hush had settled over Traverse Town when Zexion arrived. The lights within the first district were dimmer than usual, even the lights in the bakery didn’t shine as brightly, though it was clear why.

Heartless had invaded the normally peaceful district.

A spec of worry wriggled in the Nobody’s nonexistent heart as he noticed Neoshadows rummaging around within the bakery and the terrified cries of a girl inside.

Zexion immediately made his way to the bakery, and right when he stepped into the building, he saw one of the Neoshadows lunging towards a cowering Athalia.

With a surprising speed to rival those of Larxene or Xigbar, Zexion summoned his lexicon and shot a ball of energy towards the Neoshadow before it could even land an attack on the girl. Then, with a snapping close of his lexicon, the Schemer shot multiple homing fira to the surrounding Heartless that were left, leaving only him and Athalia within the bakery.

A slight whimper left Athalia’s lips as she slowly opened her eyes, noticing that the bakery had become brighter. “Oh! Th-they’re gone.” She let out a shaky sigh as she stood up. The young baker wiped down her apron before turning to the hooded figure. “W-were you the one who rescued me?” she asked.

Zexion nodded in affirmation before turning to leave.

“W-wait!” she called out to him, running past the overturned tables and chairs to chase after him. “Please stay. I always see you outside, but you never come in. And I have to thank you somehow for saving me.”

The Nobody stayed silent, though, after some deliberation, turned towards her again.

“Thank you! Please, take a seat!” Athalia ushered as she began to turn one of the tables and chairs right-side up again. “Is there anything you would like? As thanks for saving me, it’s on the house,” she said as she offered the hooded figure a menu.

Without even looking at the menu, Zexion made his order. “I’ll have Mrs. Madeleine’s Special.”

After that fateful incident, the Cloaked Schemer made it a point to visit the bakery at least once a week. Today was no exception as he stepped foot in the bakery and immediately headed towards a table in the darkest corner. There on the table lay his usual pastry order and two cups of tea.

A shadow of a smile crossed Zexion’s visage as he sat down and pulled out a book to keep himself occupied until Athalia came by.

“Hey there,” the young baker greeted as she took a seat across the Nobody, noting yet another book in his possession. “You know, every time I see you here, you always have a new book with you.”

Zexion nodded. “Though I’m an academic of the sciences, I must admit that I have a certain fondness for literature, especially that of fiction.”

Athalia smiled as she took a sip from her cup. “I can see that. You do seem to be of the bookish sort, especially with that large lexicon I see you study from time to time.”

“Oh? Then I suppose you’re the altruistic type,” Zexion commented cheekily.

Athalia giggled. “I suppose you can say that.” The girl took another sip, a light hum leaving her lips as she did so before she spoke again. “You know, I’ve been thinking about this, but I don’t actually know your name, or how you look like, even though you’ve been coming here quite often lately.”

Zexion raised a brow, though it wasn’t like she could see him do so with the hood he perpetually kept on. “I didn’t realize that it was in your job description to know everyone,” the Nobody quipped dryly.

The teenager pouted. “Well, it may not be in my actual job description, but I like to make it a point to know everyone who comes in here.” Athalia looked away shyly as she muttered the next part, “And, it would be nice to know your name at least.”

The Schemer smirked slightly, an almost pleased feeling coursing through him at that thought of the young baker wanting to know his name. “I suppose it is a bit unfair since I know your name,” Athalia looked up at the Nobody hopefully, “but why don’t we make this a bit more interesting.”

Athalia let out a groan. “Why must you make things difficult?”

Zexion laughed. “Not difficult, interesting. Anyways, if you can find a novel that I have yet to read, I’ll be more than happy with telling you my name, and only my name. Do we have an agreement?”

“Though that doesn’t sound fair at the very least,” the young baker sighed, “I’ll accept,” Athalia consented as she shook the Schemer’s hand.

“How many weeks has it been?” Athalia groaned as Zexion returned yet another book.

“To be quite honest, I stopped counting after the seventh try,” the Nobody admitted.

The young baker let out a long sigh, though she steeled herself afterward. “Then I’ll have to keep trying!”

Zexion shook his head, a light chuckle erupting from him. “Your tenacity is quite admirable, Athalia. Many of my coworkers would’ve stopped trying after the second try.”

“To be fair, I’m your friend, not your coworker,” Athalia said with a smile.

The Nobody smiled despite himself. “I suppose you’re right.”

“I must say, Athalia, I’m quite impressed,” the Nobody admitted as he sat down.

Athalia excitedly leaned forward in her seat at the implication. “Did I do it this time?”

Zexion nodded. “Yes. Actually, I’ve heard of the book before, but upon reading the synopsis of it, I dismissed it as a book of little merit with its prattle of happiness and positivity. Though I must say, it really is true when they say to ‘never judge a book by its cover.’”

“I’m glad.” Athalia sighed in relief. “Initially, I was hesitant to even recommend it to you, but I figured it was worth a shot.”

“It definitely was worth the second chance. I suppose I do owe you a reward though.”

Zexion slid the book he had borrowed back to Athalia, though under it was another book.

Athalia examined the other book curiously. It looked to be newer than the other books she would usually see him read.

“I found this novel recently as I don’t usually read that kind of genre, but after reading it, I felt that you would enjoy it, probably more so, as much as I did.”

“Now you have me excited,” Athalia said giddily as she proceeded to open it. “Ah, there’s some writing in it.”

The Schemer nodded. “My apologies, I have a tendency to write down notes and comments within the margins.”

“It’s no big deal, it seems like something you would do anyway,” the young baker giggled. “‘Zexion,’” she read.

Though it was only uttered under the girl’s breath, a small shiver ran through the Nobody’s body.

“Zexion,” she said again, “is that your name?” she asked.

“I’m not sure what else it would be.”

Athalia looked up at the Schemer, a pout on her face. “You’re so difficult sometimes.”

Zexion only gave the young baker a slight shrug as the two stood up. “As I said, interesting, not difficult. And as I say that, let’s have another wager.”

“More wagers? I know it was only the one, but that took me weeks,” Athalia whined.

The Nobody chuckled lightly. “I promise this one is only slightly more manageable than the last one, and the prize much more lucrative.” Zexion pointed at the book he lent to the young baker. “Next time I come back, if you finish that book by then,

I’ll allow you to see my face. If not, then that’ll be the end of that. Do we have a deal?” Zexion asked as he held his hand out.

Determination crossed Athalia’s features as she shook his hand. “Deal.”

Zexion never returned after that.

Ienzo glanced over at Athalia as she read that book again. The book a different him gave to her.

Currently, the two were lounging together in one of the common areas of the castle as Athalia announced to the young scientist that he absolutely had to take a break from his research. Ienzo surmised that it was the work of Aeleus as he had been the one to escort the young baker to the room with Ansem’s computer.

“I always see you with that book,” Ienzo commented innocently as he continued to read his own book, taking a bite of one of the pastries the young woman brought with her.

“Yeah. I can’t help but reread this book sometimes.” A tender smile reached her face as she affectionately fingered the page she was on. “Someone dear to me let me borrow it.”

Ienzo turned to the next page. “Borrow, you say? How long have you been borrowing it?”

Athalia let out an inquisitive hum. “A little over a year or two.”

“That’s a long time to borrow a book.”

“I suppose, yes.” Athalia closed the book gently. “I mean, I did intend to give it back the first time I finished, but he never came back,” she trailed off, thumbing the spine of the book.

Ienzo stayed silent, lingering on the page he was on. He debated whether or not it would be wise to reveal precisely who Zexion was to Athalia. The steel-blue haired man glanced again at the young baker, before taking a deep breath. “Well, since you did finish the book, I should probably show you what Zexion looks like. It’s only fair that you get your reward since those were the terms of the wager after all.”

Athalia whipped her head towards the scientist, a bewildered look on her face. “H-how did you know his name? And how did you know about the bet?”

Ienzo just smiled patiently as he waited for Athalia to connect the dots.

“That was you?” Athalia gasped in shock as realization dawned upon her, tears welling up in her eyes.

Ienzo nodded. “However, it’s a bit of a long story.”

Athalia scooted closer to the young scientist. “Well, it’s a good thing you’re taking a break then.”

#ienzo x oc #zexion x oc #ienzo #zexion #oc athalia

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