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xinxiaogato · 6 months

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— you're dating who!?

summary. no one believes that you’re dating the esteemed duke of the fortress of meropide. that man is only ever seen locking lips with the orifice of a teacup. however, all of that changes when you and your alleged “boyfriend” are invited to a coworker’s dinner party.

love interest. gn!reader x wriothesley.

warnings. unedited, cursing, bullying, attempted homewrecking, mentions of blood, murder, and assault (nothing crazy), slight angst, lack of communication, a bit suggestive (mentions of light bdsm).

word count. 2,187

note. happy late birthday to wriothesley! this shortfic was inspired by a scene from spy x family (iykyk). you are referred to as “reader” by the way!

while loading up your plate with chips and french fontainian onion dip, you could sense the smugness of your colleagues from all the way across the dining room.

“i mean, we all saw this coming, didn’t we?” one of them piped up with a snarky laugh.

another obnoxiously chortled in return. “i won't forget the day reader told us who could have possibly given them those flowers.”

“right!? and i’m lady furina!”

that joke rocked their worlds to the point that one person started choking on their garlic baguette. your eyes flitted over to your friend, pauline, who was shaking with rage beside you and on the verge of strangling someone.

“why i oughta give them a piece of my mind!” caterwauled pauline, but you perched a hand on her shoulder so that she wouldn’t go ballistic—even if it was on your behalf.

“can’t really blame them,” you conceded. “if you told me you were in a relationship with the iudex of fontaine, i would need a minute.”

“are you saying it’s impossible?”

“i’m saying it’s highly unlikely.”

“hmph! a girl can dream.” pauline haughtily raised her nose into the air and crossed her arms with indignation, which tugged your lips into a small smile. you knew she had your best interests in mind. since day dot, your coworkers were constantly unleashing a tirade of vitriol against you. “anyway, where’s your boyfriend? did he get caught up with something?”

“probably,” you ascertained, taking a sip of red wine. you looked for a seat to settle at; you couldn’t let your chips go cold. “he warned me that he might not make it in time for the party. a new batch of inmates was processed for registration today, and allegedly, they’re unruly.”

her eyes widened after connecting the dots. “are they related to the famous case of the missing paintings? they finally caught the culprits!?”

you raised an eyebrow. “you didn’t know? it’s all over the steambird.”

as you and pauline were sitting down, the hostess of the party, anaïs, and her entourage strode over with purpose. one of anaïs’s minions was the first to start yapping, “well, if it isn’t reader, the person dating the wolf!”

“more like the person who cried wolf!” followed anaïs, which made the group howl like hyenas.

rolling your eyes at their sneers, you replied, “where is your husband, anaïs? don’t tell me he’s at the office ‘working overtime’ with his assistant again.”

all of anaïs’s friends practically broke their necks to look at her.

“h-how did you know about that…!?” anaïs spluttered, her cheeks flared red. “that’s… that’s my personal affairs you’re airing to everyone!”

a follower of anaïs cupped a hand to her ear and hissed, “don’t you remember? reader is friends with charlotte, a journalist for the steambird. she’s notorious for her intel gathering so that she can compete with others for the juiciest scoops!”

“hey, hey, does charlotte know anything about monsieur neuvillette’s type?” pauline whispered to which you were about to answer—only for anaïs to grab your glass of wine.

“you think you’re so high and mighty all the time…!” anaïs said in a shrill voice, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. “at least i don’t pretend i’m the bitch of the lord of the fortress of meropide to get attention!”

“i think it would be better for you to channel your energy into divorcing that shitty excuse of a husband,” you corrected her, unfazed by the fact she was threateningly holding the drink above your head. “it’s not your fault that he’s a scumbag, so don’t stick around to see if he’ll change.”

something in anaïs seemed to falter at your words, but it was only for a moment. resentment got the best of her, and in the blink of an eye, red liquid was splashed onto your chest and dripping down your top, making bystanders gasp at the scene before them.

it kind of looked like you just got murdered.

“what is wrong with you!?” pauline furiously yelled after jumping up to shield you, who was still reeling from what happened. “how old are you to be acting like an immature brat!?”

as pauline and one of anaïs’s flunkies began to pull at each other’s hair, a different one pointed a finger into your face while cackling. “ha, serves you right! that outfit must have been dirt cheap anyway, so it couldn’t have been a total loss!”

“oh, you wouldn’t want your shoes ruined, right?” a second cooed, snatching them right off your feet and looking for the nearest window to chuck them out of. “don’t worry, i’ll dry them off for you!”

you got up to take them right back, but anaïs blocked your path, eyes narrowed into slits. “just admit it, reader,” she snarled. “you’re nothing but an attention-seeking whore for the fortress of meropide’s administrator, a goody two-shoes for our boss, and a laughing stock for all of fontaine. you’re nothing!”

“monsieur wriothesley!” a voice resounded from down the hallway, causing everyone in the dining room to freeze. “we’re so honored to have you join us! did lady anaïs invite you?”

before you knew it, a strong arm wrapped around your shoulders from behind to give you a tight squeeze, and a pair of lips kissed the top of your head.

“so sorry i’m late, my love,” a deep voice purred by your ear. “my hands were tied…”

his voice trailed off. wriothesley, whose sudden appearance had dropped every partygoer’s jaw, noticed that your top felt weirdly damp. when he craned his neck to investigate, his heart dropped to the bottom of his stomach.

he immediately questioned if it was your blood or not.

“reader!” your boyfriend shouted, turning you around and holding you by the shoulders. a fear he had only felt as a teenager flooded rapidly into his system, and it was taking everything in him to not explode. “what happened to you? are you hurt!?”

you were still stunned in the aftermath, but you quickly collected yourself and placed your hands atop his. “no, no, i’m fine, wrio. i’m not hurt. it’s just red wine.”

“red… red wine?”

recovering from his initial shock, wriothesley twisted around, his jacket fluttering swiftly in tandem. his eyes took in the sight of an awestruck anaïs holding something behind her back and a petrified person clutching onto a pair of shoes (which explained why your dogs were out).

in a calm tone more terrifying than him speaking out of anger, wriothesley said to the hostess, “i apologize for souring the mood. however…” quickly, he engulfed your body with his jacket and swept you off your feet, hitching the air in your throat as he held you close to his chest. “my partner is not feeling well, so we’ll be taking our leave. we humbly thank you for the invitation.”

“b-but you just got here!” anaïs fretted.

her first mistake was revealing the wine glass she was desperately trying to hide earlier. in wriothesley’s realm, we call this a foul.

“reader was just a little tipsy and spilled a drink on themselves!” she crooned, tilting her head up at the duke and innocently batting her eyelashes. “why don’t you stay and become acquainted with your partner’s coworkers?”

her second foul: coveting a man in a relationship.

“i mean, they can’t be unwell to the point of needing to go home!”

her third: messing with reader. and three fouls meant a disqualification.

“heavens, no,” wriothesley insisted. “my partner’s health is my main priority, and time is of the essence. besides, the longer i remain, the less time i have to file a detailed report on an assault and battery that took place here.”

it became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

“a…assault…?” even through the makeup caked on anaïs’s face, you could see the color drain from it entirely. “what… what assault…!? no assault happened here, your grace!” when his frown spoke volumes, she cried out, “y-you don’t have any proof!”

“oh, i would suggest otherwise. and i believe there are many eyewitnesses to testify.”

you peered around at the guests who had gathered to view the spectacle, and they were nodding in support of wriothesley’s claim, including pauline. even anaïs’s goons were vehemently bobbing their heads up and down, still in disbelief that the man, the myth, the legend himself had graced them with his presence.

“now if you’ll excuse me…” with you firmly in his grasp, wriothesley approached the woman still clinging to your footwear, who immediately began to quiver. “i would like for you to return my partner’s shoes,” he ordered with a look as cold as ice.

“o-of course!” she stammered, extending the shoes toward him. “it was all in good fun, your grace!”

“oh, those aren’t mine,” he said with a cock of his head at your bare toes. “like i said, those belong to my partner.”

finally picking up what was he putting down, the lady shakily slipped your shoes back on your feet for which you glanced up at wriothesley with furrowed eyebrows. he only reacted with a smile that thawed the rigid expression on his face.

“i-i can’t possibly rot in jail!” anaïs was still making a fuss nearby. “i’m so young and beautiful! can’t you look past this, monsieur wriothesley…!? i’ll do anything!”

“well, it’s not something you’ll go to prison for, ma’am,” he said, not even sparing anaïs a glance as he headed for the front door, “but this misdemeanor will forever stain your official records and reputation… just as you stained my partner’s clothes.” (mic drop.)

and that was that. with a quick kiss on both cheeks from pauline, you exited the dead-quiet house in your boyfriend’s arms.

“wrio…” you murmured as he started walking in the direction of your home. “i’m really sorry for inconveniencing you.”

wriothesley momentarily stopped in his tracks to gaze down at you, his lips pursed before sighing. “no… don’t apologize, my love. i’m sorry for not arriving sooner.”

“but that isn’t your fault,” you pointed out.

a chuckle resonated from deep within his chest. “touché.”

however, his lightheartedness faded out with that chuckle when his hands gripped onto you tighter, as if you were about to dissolve into water at any moment.

“what happened, reader?” he croaked, displaying a side of him reserved for your eyes alone. “how long have they been treating you like this? and for you to not even give them a taste of the boxing skills i taught you for these kinds of situations…”

you clutched his jacket tighter to your body. “you already have so much on your plate. i could not dare to tell you something that may weigh on your conscience.”

“please,” he whispered. “i want you to weigh on my conscience.”

after a moment’s worth of hesitation, you finally gave in, explaining that the fresh bouquet of rainbow roses he sent to your office one morning sent your colleagues into a frenzy that turned your life into a nightmare. as you spoke, wriothesley’s expression became grimmer and grimmer. he couldn’t even fathom how much of a shitshow your company was for permitting the kind of behavior he merely glimpsed this evening.

and he couldn't bear the thought that you had been suffering alone for months.

“they didn’t believe me for a second, even when i had pictures of you and me framed on my desk. ‘oh, those must have been edited’.”

realizing wriothesley's muscles were so taut, you attempted to alleviate the atmosphere. “i guess no one can accept an ordinary office worker dating the administrator of the fortress of meropide. like, picture the tianquan of the liyue qixing with an npc.”

in any other situation, your boyfriend would be laughing, but certainly not this one. “no one can determine our relationship,” wriothesley stated with a clear veracity. “you are the light in my bleak world, reader, and nothing is allowed to take you away from me. if so, i will travel to the ends of teyvat to bring you back.”

he then grinned, showing off his cute canines. “and you bet i'll put my handcuffs to use.”

you slapped a hand to your forehead. “way to ruin the mood. i was just about to kiss you.”

in response, he grinded his knuckles into the top of your head, which made you yodel out in pain. “what was that for!?” you exclaimed.

“for not kissing me, but more importantly: for keeping a secret from me,” he clarified, his pale gray eyes twinkling under the moonlight. “no more of that, okay?”

you warmly smiled up at him and rested your head against his broad shoulder, completely wiped out from the party-turned-fiasco. “okay.”

as the two of you reached your abode, a question popped up in your mind. “were you serious about the handcuff thing?”

he smirked. “yes, and you’ll find out just how serious i am after we take a shower together. you reek of wine.”

a pink blush dusted your cheeks. “what? together!?”

“together. you and me.”

“ahhh! put me down!”

“nope. not a chance.”

#genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin x y/n #genshin impact x y/n #genshin x you #genshin impact x you #wriothesley x reader #fluff #crack #comfort #angst #stella writes — !#you're dating who!?

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corettalivingston · 2 years

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scaredpigeons · 4 months

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Aqua Regia VI: I’m done dancing to alarm bells—I’m done fighting off change.

Previous chapter // Next chapter // First chapter

Neuvillette x Fem!reader

Word count: 7.1k

The ball goes off without a hitch, and tide finally swells in, sweeping you up in its grasp.

Authors note: warning for a bit of anxiety in this. We have haikaveh, beiguang and some minor chilumi if you squint, among other guest appearances. THIS IS IT FOLKS! ALL THE PINING AND WAITING FINALLY COMES TO THIS. The smut will be next but i… still have to write it… lol.

“Is it ready?”

“Are you doubting my capabilities, Monsieur Neuvillette?”

“Ah, no, forgive my impatience, Miss Chiori.”

Neuvillette paced the front reception of Chioriya boutique with swift steps as the young designer wrote on her notepad, looking over her books at the front desk.

“If you keep pacing like that, you’ll burn skids into my cypress flooring.”

He stopped, facing her. “My apologies.”

The Inazuman woman continued her leisurely work, having told him that she would only be a moment longer many, many moments ago.

He perked up when she set down her pen.

“Did yours fit as it should? Nothing to alter?”

“I put it all on the moment it arrived yesterday,” he said, watching as she rose. “It is perfect, as expected.”

“Such flattery.” Chiori clicked her tongue against her teeth, rounding the reception desk to walk towards the back.

He thumbed the metal of his cane as he waited for her to return, a small blip of excitement rushing through him as the designer returned with a very large box, and a large dress bag on a velvet hanger.

“The shoes are in the box with the cloak,” she said, disinterested. “All of it is to your specifications, and water resistant in case of rain, as you asked.”

“Thank you, I’ll have your payment sent swiftly, with a generous tip for the short notice.” He said, taking the box and dress bag from her hands.

“Hmm.” Chiori looked unimpressed, though, that was how she usually looked. “Nearly everyone in the city who is attending the ball wanted to wear my designs, I had to deny several clients just to make time for these.”

“Your graciousness knows no bounds, Miss Chiori.”

She gave him a deadpan look, resting a hand on her hip.

“In all the years I’ve been dressing you, I’ve never once had you so eager to dress someone else, let alone a woman.”

He felt rather embarrassed, but resisted the urge to squirm under her gaze, clearing his throat and holding eye contact with a neutral expression.

Chiori just sighed, rolling her eyes. He took that as his permission to leave, though he didn’t really need it.

“I’ll see you at the ball, sir. I hope you enjoy yourself, and—“

He paused, turning to meet her eyes once more.

“Happy birthday, Monsieur Neuvillette.”

———————————-

You were late.

Charlotte had run ahead of you, having helped you put your elaborate outfit together, makeup and all, and with her short red dress and tiny heeled boots she said it would be much easier for her to run ahead and make sure everything was going smoothly without you.

Your new apartment was closer to the Palais than your old one, and you were eternally grateful for that as you rode the lift with a tapping foot.

You’d all decided to hold the ball in the Palais Mermonia’s largest conference hall, the host of many of Lady Furinas parties in the past.

You rushed to the doors, nodding politely to the usher outside who recognized you as one of the organizers and let you through to get out of the rain. You hoped desperately that it was a natural rainfall, and not the telltale sign that Neuvillette was under any kind of duress.

That little epiphany had taken longer than you’d care to admit— his emotions being linked to the rain— but now that you knew, it was like a helpful little tool at your disposal.

Your cloak dragged along the floor of the entrance, and you picked up your intricate dress to shuffle along faster to the conference hall.

You breathed a sigh of relief when you met the melusines standing at the doors, they greeted you with smiles and rushed you through, telling you that everything was going wonderfully.

You opened the doors, and the glittering assemblage greeted you once more, now ten times more opulent with all the equally beautiful guests filling the space.

The elite of the elite were here, government officials, fontainian high society, well known adventurers and local legends, dignitaries from other nations— you could spot the infamous kamisato siblings by the drink station, wearing striking and intricate Kimonos that were surely designed by Chiori.

The magic twins were doing a mini performance, Lyney in a burgundy tux and Lynette in a matching teal getup, only she was wearing a pretty skirt and stockings. You waved at them through the group that had formed, and Lyney gave you a little wink without losing his stride.

“There you are!” Charlotte moved her way through the crowd to greet you, gesturing around to the ball in all its grandure. “This is incredible! Everything is going wonderful so far!”

It was incredible. You looked around at the regal decorations, the soft, warm lighting of the chandeliers, the silk hanging in deep arches lining the ceiling, the subtle hydro motifs in little places if you looked hard enough.

It screamed royalty, it screamed wealth without seeming too ostentatious. It was truly the most opulent and beautiful party you’d ever been to, let alone helped organize.

“Thank you, I wasn’t terribly worried though, I figured Lady Furina had things well under control.” You smiled.

You could hear her voice, loud and clear above the gentle strings playing, and turned to look by the sweets table, to see your former archon entertaining some people with a story, quite animated, but not as much as she’d been in the past.

When working with her while planning the ball, you’d grown to realize that she’d become much more grounded since she stepped down, still dramatic in her own right, but more realistically so. More human.

“Here,” Charlotte pulled you from your thoughts, gesturing with her hands. “Let me take your cloak, you should go and find Neuvillette.”

“Oh,” you said. “Thank you.”

You pulled the large hood down, freeing your hair from its protective cocoon. It had taken you and Charlotte nearly an hour to place all the tiny little multi-colored pearls in an intricate pattern all throughout the style, and you’d be damned if you were going to let the rain ruin it.

You pulled the lush cloak from your shoulders, suddenly feeling a little self conscious out in the open.

You’d never owned a gown this beautiful, never worn something so stunning in your life.

Lucious crushed blue velvet, though light and airy, hugged your torso and flared out into the most stunning ball gown you’d ever seen. A sheer panel decorated with lace created the high neckline, and with it being sleeveless, the stunning white gloves that came to your upper arms were a lovely addition.

What was most jarring however was the very open and low back of the dress, perfectly balanced with the gigantic bow poised right above your bottom. It was truly a masterpiece, and you cannot believe that Neuvillette had something so beautiful made just for you.

You couldn’t deny your feelings any longer. You were completely infatuated with him, stricken with a fluttering heart whenever you thought of him, doomed to confront these feelings— and sooner, rather than later.

It seemed they were reciprocated, but you could never be too sure. Insecurity and anxiety still ate at you. Neuvillette was still a bit of an enigma, never forward or clear on if his advances were truly courtship, or if he just did friendship more intensely than most, due to his inexperience with all kinds of relationships in general.

You smoothed your hands over your dress, feeling yourself start to sweat a little in your satin gloves. You looked around, craning your neck to see if you could spot him, and oh— there he was.

He was standing at the back of the hall, by the table of honor, set specifically for the man of the hour and those closest to him, mainly yourself, Wriothesley, the traveler, Lady Furina and a good number of melusine.

Neuvillette reached up to fuss with Wriothesley’s tie, which was perpetually loose in his day to day outfits, and it seemed it was no different for this occasion.

Wriothesley was wearing a striking outfit, which was really just a more elevated version of his regular look, complete with a fur lined cape and quite an intense pair of boots, but if you were honest, the look worked for him.

He flushed and laughed Neuvillette off, pushing his hands away to fix his own tie, smoothing down his slicked back hair, which was a nice addition to the look. Was that a touch of eyeliner?

Your gaze finally roamed onto Neuvillette himself. He looked… well he looked even more handsome than he usually did, and that was certainly saying something.

You felt your chest tighten as you drank in his visage from head to toe.

His normal dress wear was certainly high fashion, but this look was something out of a runway show.

An opulent suit, perfectly altered and in his colors, but what stood out was the single shoulder capelet, attached with an intricate gold clasp, and the stunning blue fabric rippled like water as it flowed down his arm and back, trailing elegantly on the floor behind him. His hair had been slicked back as well, a single curl present at his forehead that seemed to deny its place pulled back to be braided into the rest of his hair.

The braid was long, tied with his signature bow at the bottom and decorated with lots of the same multi-colored pearls that dotted your own hairstyle, and you blushed at the thought.

Now that you looked, you realized that his outfit and yours had nearly identical color schemes, down to the black bow sitting at the small of your back, the same color and fabric as the one holding his braid.

The final touch was the circlet he had on, a delicate gold piece that only added to his air of regality. As you trailed your gaze over his face, his subtle eye makeup, his eyes met yours.

Your breath caught in your chest.

His eyes devoured you, so intense you felt like you were drowning.

He moved then, walking towards you with a determination you’d not seen in him, and you froze for a moment before your feet pulled you to him, enraptured by his beauty and wanting to see more, wanting to see it closer.

As he took his final step, you held your breath as you realized he was so close that your dress pushed up against him, your chest nearly bumping into him as you stuttered out your exhale.

His pupils dilated, the thin slits nearly consuming his eyes as they flickered across your face.

“You look…” you paused, looking for the words.

“Beautiful,” He said, breathless. “Absolutely beautiful.”

You grinned. “I don’t know if beautiful is the word I would have used, but I’m glad you like the way you look tonight too, Neuvillette.”

The faintest hint of pink fluttered across his cheeks, but he maintained his composure, lifting one of your gloved hands into his, bringing it to his lips for a chaste kiss on your knuckles that made your heart skip a beat. His eyes remained on yours the entire time.

“I know you jest, just as I know you are aware I was describing how you look this evening.” He smiled. “Positively radiant. I am glad the gown was to your liking.”

You flushed, looking down at your dress, your gloved hand resting in his— even still.

“You really didn’t have to get this for me.”

“Nonsense,” he said. “You expressed concern at what you were to wear to this event, and after all the effort you were exuding at my expense, I wished to take that worry off your shoulders.”

“Even so…” your eyes couldn’t meet his no matter how hard you tried. You were so flustered, so swept up in this rushing tide of a moment.

“You are more than deserving,” Neuvillette bent down further, trying to catch your gaze. “Of this and more.”

You finally broke, meeting his eyes once more. His gaze was so intense, so consuming. You were nearly certain that he felt the same way you did, but you wanted to be sure before you made a fool of yourself tonight.

”Neuvillette,” you said, eyes flickering between his. “I need to ask you—“

The ringing of metal against delicate glass broke you both from each other, the entire hall of beautifully dressed guests turning to see Lady Furina perched atop a table, tapping a fork against her champagne glass.

Her gown was beautiful, less extravengent than ones you’d seen in the papers after her own birthday celebrations, but more elegant and poise. It suited her.

“Treasured guests, friends and colleagues.” She started, gathering the people's attention in its entirety as her voice projected throughout the hall. “If we could gather around, I’d like to give a toast before we start the first dances!”

The music was halted, people moving from their little groups to merge around the table, gazing up at the former archon.

Neuvillette guided you along, standing off to Furina’s right to watch with a delicate smile as she waited for the people to settle.

Across the little stage she had created for herself, you saw the traveler fussing with the suit jacket of a tall red haired man who was grinning down at her without a care in the world. You think you recognize him as the Harbinger Tartaglia, but the traveler knew all kinds of interesting characters, so you couldn't be too sure.

She looked lovely tonight as well, trading her otherworldly daily outfit for a pretty pale blue gown with flowing bishop sleeves, a white pearl necklace and bracelet. You thought it looked very easy to move around in, and surmised that she probably did that on purpose, in case of an unexpected emergency.

Lumine had been a huge help during the planning and organization of this event, tackling the odd jobs and running around with practiced ease, smiling and dragging her companions around while doing it.

You saw the representatives from Mondstadt, Kaeya Alberich and Lisa Minci. They were already holding mostly empty wine glasses, dressed sharply and eyeing the crowds with gazes far too calculating for people who were surely a couple drinks into their evening. They were trusted folk though, if the travelers word was anything to go by, so you supposed they were keeping an eye out for any signs of impending disaster, just like the rest of you planned to.

Tonight had to go perfectly. With Neuvillettes' apprehension to have this gathering in the first place, if tonight ended in disaster it would surely put an end to the idea of any other celebrations in his honor for the future.

The traveler assured you that the people invited would not only never dream of causing issues, but would actively help to keep things running smoothly, thanks to her letters requesting so.

Furina started her toast, a fanciful and long worded piece that she’d spent weeks practicing, and you eyed the crowds again as you stood beside Neuvillette. Everything was fine. Everything was going well.

“To conclude,” Lady Furina smiled. “I cannot think of a better person to look after my most beloved nation, take care of its people, and uphold the principles of justice so integral to its well being. Honored guests, please give a warm round of applause to the man of the hour, Monsieur Neuvillette!”

The hall erupted into polite but eager applause. She gestured to him, beckoning him over to the table. As opposed to standing up with her, he offered a gloved hand to help her down, murmuring a thank you to her as he stood in front of all the people who had come to celebrate him. Furina took his spot beside you, a little giddy with excitement at the fact that she’d convinced him to give a speech.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight,” his voice boomed throughout the hall, just like it did during trials— commanding the attention of all who heard it. “As much as I was resistant to the idea of a celebration so grand, I will admit that this opportunity to have so many representatives from other nations gathered in one place is extremely important to the betterment of our connections as the people of Teyvat.”

A tiny voice rang out from somewhere in the crowd that sounded an awful lot like Seigewinne. “You just want the opportunity to keep working when you’re supposed to be celebrating!”

Polite laughter rang through the crowd, and even Neuvillette cracked a bit of a smile.

“I will neither confirm nor deny such an accusation.” He said, clearing his throat. “Regardless, I am grateful. I wish for you all to enjoy the festivities, and have a pleasant evening. Please remember to drink responsibly.”

The hall filled with applause once more. Furina giggled and stood to the front, capturing the people's attention once again with ease.

“Alright everyone! Please mingle a moment longer while the orchestra finishes setting up, and the first dances will begin shortly!”

The crowd dispersed, and Neuvillette shuffled his way back to you despite people trying to capture his attention.

“Would you do me a favor?” He asked.

“Of course.”

He smiled. “The foreign dignitaries are going to want to come and greet me, and I would appreciate it if you stood by my side while exchanging pleasantries.”

“Oh? Is someone nervous all of a sudden?” you grinned, feeling your chest flutter.

“Ah,” his expression read that he knew you were teasing, but the little cringe was enough to tell you’d guessed at least somewhat correctly. “Not exactly, but as my assistant it will be vital for you to form positive relationships with these people as well.”

You nodded, and he exhaled his relief just as a tall silver haired man strode over with all the confidence and aloofness of Neuvillette on his best days. A very pretty blonde man trailed beside him wearing an elaborate and expensive looking getup with a beautifully coloured feather in his hair. The pair seemed odd, but looked every bit like the elite couples that surrounded them.

“Monsieur Neuvillette, it’s an Honor.” the gray haired man spoke, reaching out a green gloved hand adorned with gold rings. Neuvillette obliged, shaking his hand with a nod. “My name is Alhaitham, I am currently the acting grand sage of Sumeru’s Akademiya. I’m here on behalf of Lord Kusanali to congratulate you on your new position as ruler of Fontaine.” The man's voice seemed a little disinterested, but he was otherwise very polite.

“Alhaitham, thank you for attending.” Neuvillette said. “I’ve heard about what you did for your archon and nation, and I must commend you for your integrity and courage.”

The acting grand sages eyes rolled ever so slightly, and you couldn't help but be reminded of the poise and grace that Neuvillette had when he blessed you with such an action.

“Please, sir. I simply did not want to deal with the aftermath of what they were planning. In all honesty, I was hoping to be responsible for much less in the fallout, but here I am— regardless.”

The blond man smacked his arm, tutting at him disapprovingly. “Stop that!” He turns to Neuvillette with an apologetic look.

“I’m so sorry Monsieur,” the blond says. “What Alhaitham means to say is thank you, and we are both very grateful to be here.”

Alhaitham rolls his eyes once more, shoving the blond man forward a bit towards Neuvillette, “this is my plus-one for the evening, Kaveh.”

Neuvillette takes his hand, shaking it gently. “The light of Kshawrewar, I’ve seen photographs of your work at Port Ormos and the Palace of Alcazarzaray, and read many of your papers on the value of creativity in architecture. It is a delight to finally meet you.”

Kaveh’s face becomes incredibly red, and you feel for him, knowing how intense it can be when Neuvillette is face to face, complimenting you without reservation.

“Oh, I—“ he stutters. “Thank you sir, I’m d-deeply honored.”

“Would you consider taking some time to collaborate with some of our engineers here in Fontaine? There is much that needs to be rebuilt after the great flood, and your artistic flair will fit in most wonderfully with our brightest creatives.”

“Oh—“ Kaveh looks like he might pass out. “I would love to!”

“Wonderful.” Neuvillette turns and introduces you to the two of them, who give you polite nods in return.

“She will get in contact with you in the coming weeks to arrange a proposal. As my assistant, most of the dialogue for such projects falls into her field of work, but I will be keeping a close eye on whatever may become of your collaborations, rest assured.” Neuvillette said, placing a hand on the small of your back.

You tried to ignore the heat from his gloved palm resting against your skin, your bare skin, but you involuntarily shivered, making Neuvillette flinch a bit and pull his hand away, much to your simultaneous relief and displeasure.

The acting grand sage, Alhaitham, seemed to look between you a bit strangely, as if making calculations in his head, but the moment he noticed your eyes on him, he steadied his expression once more.

“I’m sure Kaveh will be most enthused and honored by such an invitation. I’ll ensure he responds in a timely manner.” Alhaitham spoke for the architect, who still seemed a bit awestruck and speechless.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Alhaitham took the blond by the arm, nodding politely as he guided the wide eyed Kaveh off, murmuring to him in hushed tones.

“They seem like an odd pair.” Neuvillette mumbled to himself.

“I think they compliment each other quite nicely.” You smiled, watching them walk off. Neuvillette looked at you a little oddly, but you only glanced at him before the dispersing crowd caught your eye.

The conductor of the orchestra had taken their position, waiting patiently as the noise died down.

“To begin, a requested song, to honor the Iudex.” Neuvillette seemed a bit taken aback as the conductor spoke, but the crowd pushed back to open the dance floor as the first notes of the song rang out.

Your eyes immediately found Wriothesley, recognizing the song as his favorite, the one he played the evening that Neuvillette pulled him away from you so abruptly. The night that you got caught in the rain with Neuvillette, hunkering down in his house to wait out the storm. The evening that changed everything.

The Duke, much to his credit, just winked at you, gesturing with a little nod of his head as if to say well? Get on that dance floor!

You gaped at him, confused before turning to find Neuvillette bent slightly, elegantly at the waist, holding out a single gloved hand as he looked up at you with hopeful eyes.

“May I have the honor of this first dance?” He asked.

Your face felt hot, all these eyes on you, but you wanted this, so you took his hand.

“I’d like that, yes.” You said softly.

He guided you to the center of the dance floor, placing a gentle hand on the small of your back. You rested one hand on his shoulder and the other sat diligently in his palm, and he pulled you just a little bit closer, feeling your chest brush up against him.

Everything around you seemed to blur as he held your gaze, guiding you into the steps of a very simple waltz. You’d not really danced before, only when fooling around with friends, pretending.

Neuvillette made it easy, his secure hold on you made you feel safe, like even if you slipped, he would keep you steady.

His eyes pulled yours in with a magnitude unlike anything you’d ever experienced before. His gaze was so intense, it threatened to take your breath away.

“Neuvillette, sir.” You breathed.

He smiled fondly at you, continuing his expert guidance of you to the song Wriothesley had picked for this moment.

“I think we're beyond the honorifics and titles by now, yes?”

His smile seemed almost teasing, a lightness to his expression you’d rarely ever seen before.

“That's…” you flushed, looking away from him just for a moment. “That’s precisely what we need to talk about.”

He chuckled, spinning you around as other couples began to join you on the floor, gliding and twirling around with each other as the music swayed and swelled.

“We need to speak about your use of titles? “ he said, eyes glittering with mirth. “I suppose when in the office, or in the opera house, they’ll still be appropriate.”

“No—“ you stammered, nearly tripping over his shoe, but he kept you steady, stepping into the movement like it never happened, his hand firm on the skin of your lower back. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

He looked so beautiful in this moment, the gold on him shimmered in the warm lighting, his eyes twinkling with so much emotion, so much power. He was every bit the regal leader he showed to the outside world, but inside, he was so much more.

“Perhaps.” He said, teasingly. He leaned a bit closer to your ear. “Perhaps I wish to just savor this moment for a while longer. Would you allow me that privilege?”

“I…” you felt a little confused, a little dumbstruck. “Of course.” You wanted to enjoy this moment as well, but your heart yearned to know the truth.

Did he truly feel the same way as you? Is that what this was?

But you still couldn’t understand why he was avoiding the conversation you were clearly trying to have.

Could it be because he knew your feelings and… didn’t return them like you thought? Was he trying to get through the night without hurting you? Is that what he meant? That he wished to savor this evening without your pesky feelings getting in the way?

Your thoughts began to spiral, but he kept you steady as the song neared its conclusion. You were glad he had pulled you closer so he couldn't see the worry work itself over your face. All signs pointed that your feelings were reciprocated, but what if you were just deluding yourself?

No, I can’t keep thinking this way. I’ll ruin the whole evening at this rate.

The song flourished into its ending and Neuvillette gave you one last delicate spin before he pulled back and gave the customary bow.

You curtsied, hoping to hide the anxiety that was eating at you.

The second song of the evening began, and the clicking of heels caught your attention, turning you around.

the most beautiful and elegant woman you’d ever seen was striding up to you, a tall and muscular dark haired woman in tow.

The woman in front had luscious pale white hair, her ruby eyes sparkling with intelligence as she looked between you and Neuvillette. She was dressed to the nines; elegant jewels covering her throat and wrists, stunning and intricate hair ornaments, the most gorgeous golden gown, skin tight and showing off her immaculate body. You suddenly felt very self conscious, squirming where you stood as she and her companion drew closer.

She came to a stop in front of you, nodding at Neuvillette.

“May I steal your lovely little assistant for this next dance?” Her voice even sounded rich, like she was someone incredibly important, incredibly powerful.

Neuvillette tensed a bit, his hand still holding yours, bit he breathed, guiding you towards the golden woman. “By all means, enjoy yourselves.”

“Good.” She took your hand, nodding to her companion. “Beidou, please entertain the Iudex, talk of trade or whatever strikes your fancy.”

She pulled you along, guiding you into a new section of the dancefloor and immediately took up the position of the guiding role, pulling you this way and that, though very elegantly, and with practiced ease.

“It’s lovely to finally meet the infamous little assistant.” She said, her ruby eyes glittering.

You felt like you had a frog in your throat. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’m not sure who you are, miss.”

“Ah,” she smiled. “You can call me Ningguang. I run some… business in Liyue, and I'm hoping to better my connections with our neighbors by the sea, so to speak.”

Ningguang… where had you heard that name before?

“Ah, then I suppose I’m your gal,” you smiled, feeling a little more at ease. A little. “Most trade negotiations come through me before they reach the Iudex.”

“As I expected. I just wished to meet the person I would be sending my offers to, I would like to know who I’m in business with, you understand.”

You nodded. “Of course, that’s completely understandable.”

”You're such a sweet little thing.” She smiled at you, and you still couldn't shake the feeling you knew her from somewhere. A woman with this aura of importance surely couldn't just be a merchant from liyue.

You let your eyes roam past her shoulder, catching glimpses of her companion speaking with Neuvillette, laughing loudly at something he said and smacking the man on the shoulder in her amusement.

He looked shocked, but was unmoving, a polite smile on his face.

“So,” Ningguang said. “How long have you two been in love?”

You did trip this time, but she caught you, the sharps of her hand jewelry digging into your skin ever so slightly.

“I beg your pardon?” You squeaked.

She laughed, it was a rich and lucious melody you’d never heard in a laugh before.

“Oh please, anyone with eyes can see the way he postures over you like a dog guarding a bone,” her gaze turned mischievous, then. “Or a dragon hoarding its treasure.”

She must’ve felt the way you tensed, the slight quirk of your brow as she said it, because her eyes thinned with amusement, though you weren’t sure if it was on your behalf or at your expense.

You continued the dance in relative silence, and when the song ended, and she pulled you by your hand back towards Neuvillette and her companion, Beidou.

She gave a dramatic bow at the waist, bringing your hand to her lips. “Thank you for indulging me, little one.” She pressed a kiss onto the white satin of your glove, her red lipstick only leaving the faintest of marks. “The information you gave me was most insightful.”

You blushed intensely, not having the words to respond, so you just nodded, giving a light curtsy.

“Congratulations, Monsieur, and Happy Birthday.” she said to Neuvillette.

He bowed, very respectful. “Thank you, Lady Ningguang.”

She dragged her companion away towards the drink table, and it suddenly hit you.

“That was…” holy celestia.

“Lady Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, yes.” Neuvillette sighed.

“And you let me dance with her without a warning?!” You whisper-yelled.

Neuvillette seemed to shake some unwanted emotions off, steadying himself with a heavy grip on his ornamental cane. “Lady Ningguang is not one to be denied such simple requests, and besides,” he looked down at you. “I thought you knew.”

“Pardon me for not expecting to be asked to dance by the leader of a nation.” You grumbled slightly.

Neuvillette laughed, short and quick before he covered it with a cough— clearing his throat.

“And what is so amusing?” You looked up at him expectantly, a little taken aback at how open and soft his expression was.

“She’s only the second leader of a nation to ask you for a dance, my dear. I had the privilege of being the first.”

Your stomach did somersaults at his words, the tone of his voice, his eyes fluttering all across your exposed skin. You felt hot, so very hot.

“What information did you give her?” Neuvillette asked, though it lacked an accusatory tone.

“I didn’t really say anything to her,” you mumbled. “Though I think she suspects you to be a dragon.”

He scoffed a little, voice low and teasing. “And I wonder what kind of woman would ever come to that conclusion, hmm?”

Your stomach decided it was some sort of acrobat, and your thighs quivered.

“Excuse me a moment, I’m going to get a drink.” You managed to squeak out. “Would you like one?”

“Water, if you would.”

—————————————————————————————

He had only had a moment of reprieve from the people wishing to speak with him when a firm hand landed on his shoulder.

“I hate to break it to you, but you’re a fuckin’ moron.”

His eyes ached in their sockets from the tremendous side-eye he was giving to the Duke of Meropide.

Wriothesley had wrapped his arm around Neuvillettes shoulders, jostling the fine Snezhnayan melt he was savoring in his goblet right before he was interrupted.

“I understand we’ve opened our relationship to discussions outside of work topics, Wriothesley, but I don't think that kind of language is appropriate, regardless of our status as friends.”

“What, like you’ve never said the word ‘fuck’ before?” Wriothesley teased.

Neuvillette scoffed, taking a sip of his water and hoping Wriothesley didn’t see the pink threatening to color the tips of his ears.

“Well, either way.” The Duke sighed, though his signature teasing grin was still ever present. “Are you dumb or just blind?”

Neuvillette sighed, his eyes fluttering shut. “What could possibly warrant such childish insults, Wriothesley?”

“You're telling me you haven’t noticed the way she’s been eyeing you all night? And you still haven’t confessed?”

Neuvillette gaped at the Duke before his eyes flitted around the room, catching you watching them for a brief second before your eyes slipped away, back to focusing on the conversation you were having with Miss Navia.

“She’s been looking at you like you hung the stars in the sky for her since the moment she walked in here,” Wriothesley said. “And if I may be so bold, you’ve been eyeing her like you want to swallow her whole since that very same moment.”

“Preposterous.” Neuvillette scoffed. “Such salacious accusations.”

“I’m just saying, man.” Neuvillette winced a bit as Wriothesley squeezed his shoulder. “Knowing her, she’s agonizing over whether her feelings are reciprocated, or if she’s just fooling herself into thinking that you’re looking at her the way you are.”

“You—“ Neuvillette stopped, registering the Duke's words. “Surely you're not serious?”

“Deadly serious,” Wriothesley said. “She thinks she shouldn’t have the feelings she does, and she’ll keep telling herself that all the gifts and the touches and the looks are just her brain playing tricks on her, making it something it's not.”

“But…” Neuvillette didn’t have the words. Did you truly doubt him? Has he not been expressing his attempts to court you well enough?

“Don’t try to over analyze it, don’t try to ask why.” Wriothesley looked a little stern then. “Her childhood left her with a lot of anxiety, a lot of self doubt. She won't ever think she’s worthy unless you tell her upfront that she is.”

“She’s more than worthy… I thought I—“

“I know, I know.” Wriothesley sighed. “She needs it spelled out nice and clear for her though. You need to tell her how you feel.”

“And you’re certain she feels the same way?” Neuvillette was hesitating though he was almost certain by now. His subtle attempts at courtship were accepted, reciprocated, even though he wasn’t sure you realized that's what you were doing.

You flushed when he complimented you, shivered when his touch would graze you, you cared for him, cared about him. Surely you felt the same as he?

“She hasn’t been this way about a person ever, Neuvillette, you’ve gotta know that.” Wriothesley said, patting him on the back. “It’s only ever been you. In all the years I've known her, it's never happened. Until now.”

The Duke left him to ruminate over the weight of his words. Time seemed to slow for him, and he wasn’t sure if he had the courage to do what needed to be done.

Sure, the subtle flirting, something he didn't realize he knew how to do until Sedene pointed it out— that was alright, he enjoyed watching you get flustered, enjoyed that delicious smell that followed you when your cheeks grew heated.

He danced with you, because everything in his body screamed for your touch, and that was an appropriate excuse to hold you close.

But to actually confess his feelings? Something he didn't think he would have to do?

But really— what did he think was going to happen? That he would continue prancing around, pretending to be fine with just giving you gifts and receiving your dutiful attention in the office, then going home alone to wallow in his suffering?

No, he wanted you, he’d come to that conclusion a long time ago, but he just couldn’t bring himself to admit it.

He went through the motions of the rest of the evening with a fine glaze over his eyes, not really interested, but pretending to enjoy himself lest his guests become offended. He danced with Lady Furina, had snacks and desserts with the traveler and that harbinger, Tartaglia, who only made subtle comments asking for a sort of rematch, though Neuvillette wouldn’t really classify what happened between them as a battle. It was more of a silencing of a wild animal, putting a stop to something causing too much commotion for his liking. Regardless, he was civil, but he couldn’t help but look for you in his peripherals, and every time he would look, you’d be looking too, shyly avoiding his gaze at the last second.

By the seven, he wanted you. He’d curse himself thrice over for ever letting you think you were unworthy of feeling his affections. Of caring for him in return.

The ball started to die down, and he found himself starting to get restless, his instincts were itching and pulling at his skin, making him want to act instead of just standing there. Finally he broke, finding you in the thinning crowd and resting a hand on the small of your back, reveling in the heat from your bare skin against his glove.

“Would you be interested in accompanying me on my walk home? Perhaps stay a bit for some tea?” he asked, softly as to not let others hear.

“You’re wanting to go home already?” You turned to him, smirking. “Ah… I suppose you’ve lasted long enough.”

“Do you think if we snuck out now, we could avoid Furina spotting us?” he asked, revealing that he’d already grabbed your cloak and his coat from the check.

You giggled behind a satin glove, looking around a bit before you spotted the former archon across the room.

You subtly flagged down the traveler, leaning in to whisper in her ear. The blonde nodded, making a beeline for Furina, guiding her away from the eye line of the door and out of sight.

“Lumine is going to cover for us.” You whispered, grabbing his arm. “Let’s go, quick!’

You both made a hasty escape out of the conference hall, walking to the entrance of the Palais before you realized it was still raining.

Neuvillette graciously slipped your cloak around your shoulders, and you shuddered as his fingertips brushed your bare skin, making him shudder as well, suppressing the urge to purr in delight.

He pulled your hood up around your hair, making sure the bow in front was secure before pulling on his coat.

“Are you ready?” He asked, gesturing to the downpour.

You smiled, “You know I love the rain.”

He grabbed your hand, smiling as you squealed as you both ran out into the storm. You otherwise would have been soaked to the bone, shivering from the cold, but he’d requested both of the outfits to be made entirely waterproof, so the droplets merely rolled right off the both of you.

It didn't stop the wind from pulling at your hood, making you giggle as you tried to keep it down over your hair.

His hair was soaked, and as he guided you along the darkened streets, only the lamps illuminating your path, you spoke out to him.

“Are you sure this isn’t one of your rain storms?”

“I assure you it’s most natural.” He said, raising his voice above the sound of the water hitting the pavement. “I technically could stop it, if you’d like.”

“No,” you giggled, looking up at him as you walked swiftly alongside him, still hand in hand. “I was just making sure you’re happy.”

He stopped, taking in your words. You turned to look at him, pulling your hand free from his grip.

“You are happy, yes?” You asked.

“I’ve never been happier, I think.” He said, just soft enough you could barely hear it over the rain.

“Neuvillette—“ you said as he grabbed your hand, trying to pull you along once more.

“Come, let’s get to the house,” he said, “I need to tell you something.”

“Neuvillette,” you stopped him, pulling free once more.

He turned around to face you, feeling a little taken aback at how serious you looked. You were so beautiful, standing in the rain like this, eyes filled with determination.

“Neuvillette, I—“

he interrupted you, “come, let's get to the house, we can speak ther—“

”I think I'm in love with you!” You shouted over the rain.

He gaped at you, eyes wide with shock for a moment. He never…. He never expected you to say it, not now at least.

“I’m in love with you.” You reiterated.

You looked fearful, but yet so brave. Beautiful, enticing. You were everything.

His chest pulled, and he found himself walking toward you at a near impossible speed, and before he knew exactly what he was doing, his hands were cupping your face and he was pulling you against him to press his mouth to yours.

You made the cutest squeaking sound, but melted into his touch nearly immediately. The kiss grew deeper, and he found himself pulling you closer, touching you further. The hood of your cloak fell down, letting your hair join his in the exposure of the rain, the water dripping down your faces as he pulled and took and kissed you. The fire burning deep within him roared, the waters churning violently against their confinement.

He wanted to devour you whole in this moment, and he picked you up, pulling his arms under your bottom to hold you even closer, kiss even deeper.

You moaned out as his teeth knicked at your lips, he hadn’t even realized they’d grown sharper in the moments he’d been consuming you. He was losing his grip on his form, you were unraveling him at the seams.

“I am also in love with you, if you hadn’t already surmised.” He mumbled against your lips as he pulled back.

“Take me to your house, Neuvillette.” You breathed against him. “I want that tea you promised me.”

He grinned. “You’ll get your tea, and so much more, my darling.”

——————-

#genshin impact neuvillette #neuvillette x reader #neuvillette x female reader #neuvillette fluff #neuvillette #neuvilette genshin #genshin #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader

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mynameismckenziemae · 3 months

Text

In Case You Didn’t Know Part 1

(next part here)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x You

Summary: Jake and Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Mason (you) have been best friends since diapers. You’ve been there for each other every step of the way; middle school bullies, broken hearts, baseball games, grad school and the Navy. Jake’s shaken to the core when a mission goes south and he takes his medical leave at home, knowing you’re the only thing that’ll make him feel okay again.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI-this chapter doesn’t contain smut but future ones will, discussions of death and cancer, swearing, etc.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake always thought the whole ‘life flashes before your eyes when you’re about to die’ saying was bullshit.

But as his jet plummets toward the ground and smoke fills the cockpit, he realizes it’s true; with one exception.

Every memory features you.

The engine failure alarms serve as the background music to each one that flies by. On the first day of kindergarten when you took his hand to lead him inside because he was too scared to go in alone. Being each other’s first kiss the night before Becca Wilson’s birthday party since seven minutes in heaven was rumored to happen. The relieved smile when you found out you were allowed to play on the boy’s high school baseball team since there weren’t enough girls for softball. How you blushed at his whistle when you walked down the stairs in your prom dress. The way you melted when he handed you the black lab puppy you wanted so badly after grad school but couldn’t afford. Finally, the heart-wrenching sobs as he held you when cancer stole your mom 6 months ago. He never wanted to hear it again.

Will you cry like that if he dies?

“No,” he mutters, picturing your tears, your devastation.

Is it better or worse that you don’t know he’s in love with you?

“Hangman, I need you to eject,” your voice whispers.

His brow furrows. You’ve never called him by his callsign.

“Charlie?” He mumbles, unconsciousness fighting to pull him under.

“HANGMAN! EJECT!” Rooster screams, pleading over the radio.

He snaps out of it and adrenaline pumps through his veins when he sees the ground rapidly approaching.

Everything goes black when he pulls the ejection handle.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“…recovery is at least 12 weeks. We’ll get you transferred to NHCP-“

“No. I’m going home,” Jake interrupts the doctor. He hates everything medical; between the needles, blood, fluorescent lighting, antiseptic smells, he feels like he could crawl out of his skin.

“Lt. Seresin, you’re going to need a lot of assistance. Help showering, stairs are out of the question, you can’t drive, daily physical therapy-“

“I know. I’ll have help at home and I know a great physical therapist,” Jake says in a tone that leaves no room for discussion.

The doctor hesitates before resigning with a sigh. “Alright. I’ll get the write the orders and finish your discharge paperwork so we can get you out of here.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

A loud crash from your front porch has you sitting straight up in bed with a racing heart.

The hair on your dog’s (named Cash, after the Man in Black himself) back stands straight up as he growls low in his throat.

You slip out of bed and pick up the baseball bat you keep by your bed before creeping down the hall behind your dog.

“Charlie? It’s me,” Jake groans through the door. Cash relaxes when he hears Jake’s familiar voice and his tail starts to wag excitedly.

You drop the bat and throw it open. “What are you doing here at 5 in the morning?!” You laugh, but it dies when you see him on the ground. “Oh my God, Jake! What happened?! Are you okay?!” You gasp, crouching to help him onto his back. Cash stays back, sensing something isn’t right.

“I lost my balance on the step trying to juggle my suitcase and these fucking crutches,” he grits out, trying to right himself.

“Leave the crutches. I’ll hand them to you once I get you up. On three, okay? 1,2,3,” you say, hoisting him to his feet. Well, foot.

But before you can hand him the crutches, he wraps you in a tight hug with a choked sob.

“Oh Jake,” you whisper, tears prickling in your own eyes. You’ve only seen him cry a handful of times, and never like this.

You rub soothing circles on his back, only releasing him when he finally relaxes. “Let’s get you inside and off that leg.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“You look like awful,” you observe as you get him settled on your couch.

“Thanks,” he grimaces when you elevate his foot.

“What am I working with here?” You nod to his cast.

“Fractured the 2 bones in my lower leg. Nothing else is broken, I’m sore everywhere and my shoulders are pretty bruised too, but I was lucky.”

“You had to eject,” you conclude when he pulls his collar to show you the dark purpling.

“Yeah, in a heavily wooded area, hence the scratches on my face. I suppose it was a good thing though, slowed me down a little before I hit the ground.”

You bite your lip to stop the many questions on the tip of your tongue. He looks so exhausted, in pain, and not ready to talk about it yet.

“I’ll make us something to eat and I’m going back to sleep for a bit. You look like you could some too.”

He nods in agreement. “I haven’t slept in days…I just wanted to get home.”

“Well, now you are and can rest. I’ll be back in a few.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“Here, take these,” you hand him some over-the-counter pain meds and a glass of orange juice once he has some food in his stomach.

“Thanks, I’m sorry to drop in like this. I don’t-I didn’t think things through, I just needed to get out of that hospital-“

“It’s okay,” you interrupt, unable to watch him getting more and more anxious. “Really, Jake. You know I’m always here for you. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Charlie. So much,” he says, voice cracking. But he clears his throat and changes the subject. “This couch is amazing, but do you really need 50 pillows?”

You swallow the lump in your throat and roll your eyes. “Yes, I really do,” you say, smacking him gently with one of the said pillows before handing him the remote. “Wanna find something to watch while I throw these in the dishwasher?”

“Sure, thanks again.”

“Welcome,” you reply, ruffling his hair like you always have. It used to drive him crazy but now he relishes those touches.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“Yessssss, Joe Dirt! I haven’t seen this in ages,” you say, throwing a blanket over him as you come back to the living room.

“We watched it last time I was home,” Jake says, giving you a look.

“Yeah, that was 5 months ago though,” you reply. Recalling why he was here.

Your mom had died early on a Tuesday morning. It was as peaceful as it could be when cancer ravishes someone so quickly. Cash was curled around your legs as you held one of her hands in yours, while Jake’s mom, Ruth held the other. Jake’s sister, Emma, played with the short hair that started to grow back when she stopped the chemo like she always did when she was little. Jake’s dad, Tom had a hand on her leg while he hummed ‘I’ll Fly Away’.

Jake’s family left once the funeral home took her body away after much convincing and reassuring that you were fine, and finally you could fall back into bed. That’s where you stayed for the next 18 hours until Jake found you, so empty and unlike yourself. He was on his way home when he found out Lisa had taken a turn for the worst, but she went downhill quicker than anyone expected. Your first tears fell as he climbed into bed and held you when the sobs wracked your body.

You’re not sure what strings he pulled but he stayed with you for 3 weeks. He helped you bathe and dry your hair the day of the funeral, making you smile when he said he couldn’t do make up. He held your hand at the service, and talked to everyone who approached to give their sympathies so you didn’t have to. He cleaned up her room, packed her clothes into totes, and arranged for the hospital bed to be taken away so you didn’t have to look at it.

“You could go years without watching it and be able to recite it by heart with how many times we’ve seen this movie,” Jake sighs dramatically.

“It’s my favorite. Can you blame me? Look at that mullet.”

“That’s what does it for ya? Maybe I’ll have to grow one,” Jake jokes, lifting his head as you sit down and resting back down on your thighs. Cash jumps up on the other side, resting his head between Jake’s and your stomach.

“Don’t tease me, you’ll turn me on with that visual,” you laugh. “Can you do the white-trash facial hair too? That combination? Phew! Panty dropping!”

He looks up from your lap and laughs for the first time since the accident.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

The tension leaves his body as your fingers run through his hair, and he’s asleep within minutes.

Your chest tightens as you look him over; the dark circles under his eyes, a cut under his chin has stitches that will need to come out soon, the purple bruising by his shoulders when you shift his collar, and his leg swelling above the cast.

Yet he’s as beautiful as ever. He’s always been attractive-cute as a boy, hot as a teenager but downright mouth-watering as a man. You started to develop feelings in high school and hoped when you went your separate ways after that those feelings would fizzle out, but they didn’t. They were always simmering on the back burner with the absence, rising to the top with every reconciliation and boiling over when he took care of you 6 months ago.

You aren’t sure how Jake feels. He’s always been a flirt but sometimes you catch the heat in his eyes and the way he reaches for you before catching himself. As much as you long to find out, you aren’t willing to risk ruining your friendship.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake’s choking, panicked gasps wake you a few hours later.

“Jake, sweetheart, it’s okay. You’re okay,” you murmur, pressing a kiss to his clammy forehead before you think better of it.

His eyes fly open and his panicked gaze meets yours. Cash comes over and nudges Jake's hand with his nose, whining until Jake puts his hand on his head.

“Take some deep breaths with me. In…one, two, three. Hold…one, two, three. Out…one, two, three. Good Jake, again.”

You repeat it until his breathing regulates.

“Charlie, we need to talk. I need you…r help.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

A/N: I think this is the first thing I’ve written without smut. Don’t worry, it’s coming. Sorry this was a little short, but it felt like a good stopping point.

Fun fact: Joe Dirt is the movie my husband and I watched the first time we hung out (back in 2009 🥴)

Every interaction is appreciated but I really like hearing what you think ☺️ Especially since this is the first time I’ve written something not based around smut haha.

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#jake hangman seresin x reader #jake hangman seresin x you #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #in case you didn't know #top gun maverick #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw

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