Heaven Is In A Shortcake {iv}
midnight snack, anyone?
(see author's notes far below)
disclaimer: pictures are NOT MINE, but the edited version of it is- mainly for the fic. still, credits to the rightful owners and to canva + weheartit. addtionally, i am not a subic/zambales native so my apologies for any wrong locations, descriptions, or languages.
Six x F!Reader / Courtland Gentry x Fem!Reader
warnings: moderate swear words. slow burn. fluff. comedy. trust issues. culture shock. check word count.
CHAPTER SELECTION is in the✨Masterlist✨
Chapter 3 - previous chapter, check the link in the masterlist
Chapter 4 - this is it
[next chapter link will be posted below for suspense & convenience hehe]
words: 5.2k
(N/N) = nickname
*Kiara = Claire
*Kurt = Court
*cover names / reader doesn't know (except you do know #wreckthe4thwall)
⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜
“Binabasa mo pa rin ‘yan?” You’re still reading that?
You look up from reading Aurora Rising. “Um, what you sayyy?” you intone, “This is my 2nd time.”
Muro is shocked.
“Yeah, 12 hours lang sa’kin ito.” Yeah, this is just 12 hours for me.
Muro is aghast.
“Wala pa kase book 2 at 3 sa NBS. Baka umorder na lang ako online.” you shrug, continuing to read.
There’s still no book 2 and 3 at NBS. Maybe I’ll just order online.
“Hold up, that’s like a thick-ass book. Goblet of Fire kind of thick— or thicker!” Muro exclaims, “Like Mindy’s ass and thighs! And you’re telling me that you can read it in 12 hours?”
“Less than 12 hours if I don’t have anything to do.”
“Halimaw ka.” You’re a monster.
You beam. “Thanks! And you’re a pervert!”
You purchased this book before you bought the baking supplies last week. But you only got to read it on the weekend. You’ve only reached the middle of the story since you had a full shift on Saturday, that’s why Muro thought you hadn't finished reading it.
Today is a slow Friday, unlike last week, though the afternoon was jam-packed. The first customers for this evening are still the latest, they just left and there hasn’t been new ones for 15 minutes now. You wait for another 15 minutes before you take one of the extensive booths and sprawl there while reading. You’re the fan-favorite worker in this cafe, and dare say, the most hard-working; you can do whatever you like unless the boss says otherwise.
“Kyaaaaaaa!” you instinctively let out a giddy, highschool girl scream. Sitting up, you plunge your face in the book and feel the warmth of your skin flowing into the pages. You retract yourself and flip one page back. “Wait, wait— WAIT! Rewind! I wanna read this part again for the first time!”
You stop laughing when you feel eyes on you. There’s Muro, facepalming behind the counter, but someone else is—
“What’cha reading there, (N/N)?” Claire grins as she stands with her dad by the door.
You look between her and Court, who is more baffled than amused at you. Your face heats again, this time due to embarrassment, and you compose yourself. Placing the bookmark in the book, you close it and stand up. “Miss Kiara, Mr. Kurt!” you exclaim, clearing your throat when you hear it become high-pitched. “Welcome once again to our humble cafe.”
“What’s with the miss?” Claire asks, snorting.
“Yeah, just Kurt is fine,” says Court.
You flush. “Sorry.”
You gesture for them to come in, grabbing your book, you’re about to head for the refill station when Claire calls you and asks to borrow the book. You hand it to her before you stride away to get some water and glasses. They take the booth near the counter again.
“Looks interesting,” Claire says, flipping from the back to the front of the book.
“It very is.” you nod as you pour their glasses with water.
She hands the book to you. “Can I borrow it when you finish?”
“I’ve already finished it. This is my 2nd re-read.”
“Really?!”
“Really!”
“How long did you read it for?”
“Twelve hours,” you simper.
Claire’s jaw drops.
You stifle a laugh. “By the way, I have TFIOS and Paper Towns in my locker. Would you like to have them now?”
“Yes, please!” she vigorously nods.
“Okay.. I’ll go prepare the brown rice first— unless you’re not having a rice meal?”
“I’ll be having a rice meal!”
You make eye contact with Court, breaking it immediately when you swivel away. He seems passive, though he usually is, but passive in a way he won’t bark at you for interacting with his daughter.
When you come back from the kitchen, Muro is already printing the receipt of their orders. Court watches as you hand Claire the two books and then scan the screen. You try to ignore his gaze, and you internally scold yourself that there's nothing to it.
"Okinawa milk tea with pearls?" you ask, regarding Claire.
Court raises his hand. "That's mine."
You're astounded.
"Don't look too shocked," he says as though you punched him.
"Hurt, dad?" Claire sneers at him.
"Wounded.."
She giggles and turns to you. "Mine's the chocomalt with cream cheese and nata de coco—" she glances at Muro, "Tama po ba iyon?"
"Yes, yes! Tama!" Muro gives her a double thumbs-up.
"He says it's healthier than tapioca pearls."
"The peace juice with chia seeds is much healthier," you frown at your co-worker.
"I wanted the chocomalt, (N/N)." says Claire.
"Fine.. as long as this is your first and last milk tea for this week."
"It is and will be."
"You'll order healthier drinks next time."
She salutes with a laugh. "Yes, ma'am!" and loops her arm around Court's as they walk back to their booth.
"Nanay ka, ghorl?" Muro whispers to you, working on the okinawa while you prepare the chocomalt.
You a mother, girl?
"Ano?" What?
He rolls his eyes. "Dude, you're overprotective of her."
I roll my eyes back at him. "Gago, malamang.. she has a heart condition." Idiot, of course..
Muro heaves a brow at you.
"It's not that she can't drink milk tea, but she can't always have them."
"Obviously— pero hindi iyon kung bakit kita tinitignan ng ganito."
But that's not why I'm looking at you like this.
"Then, what?" you snap.
"Seryoso?" he groans. Seriously?
"Ano ba kase 'yon?!" What is it?!
"Wala, bobo ka!" Nothing, you're a moron!
You swing your leg out, kicking him in the shin, and you evade his counterattack with a laugh. You notice Claire jogging from the game shelves after she picks up the Pop-Up Pirate box and UNO Flip. On the outside, she looks so healthy, but on the inside, her physiology has failed her. What a shitty cardiovascular system. Because of it, she looks so thin— she needs to be plump, like most girls her age!
You resist the urge to slap yourself with the blender. Is it bad to worry about a teenage girl whom you hardly know?
The funky, chill beat of Ilaw Sa Daan by IV Of Spades swarms the cafe when you and Muro finish up the drinks. Just then, Mindy pokes out of the kitchen and asks for either of your help. Muro volunteers immediately, disappearing through the swinging doors like a Looney Tune, which leaves you to serve the customers’ drinks.
“One okinawa milk tea with tapioca pearls,” you announce and place the drink near Court, who murmurs a thanks. You then reach over to deposit Claire’s drink further in the table since she’s currently trying to poke a toy sword through the tiny barrel. “And one chocomalt with cream cheese and nata de coco.”
“Thanks, (N/N)— woah!” Claire jumps when the pirate pops out of the barrel.
Your arm moves on its own. Just as the pirate soars to its highest peak, you catch it in your hand. But that’s not the reason why your eyes are wider than UFO saucers right now. It’s because Court made a grab for the miniature pirate as well, except he grabbed your hand instead.
Claire clamps a hand over her open mouth, suppressing a laugh, and looks from you to Court while the two of you stare at each other in astonishment.
The thin shadow from his cap is vanquished by the pendant lights overhead. Instinctively, you scan his face; this is the first time you’ve seen it clear as day. He always has his cap tucked down, and whenever he does look at you, he’s only peering and somehow keeping his face obscured. Despite the evidence of having a hard-lived life etched in his face, the surprise he feels from touching you softens him.
You follow the way his small brows are quirked up. You think of how his sharp nose looks as tough as he is. His eyes remind you of almonds, and you notice one of them is minimally crooked yet his gaze remains somewhat attractive. His neatly trimmed goatee tempts you to trace it as long as your fingers end up on his thin lips—
You recoil with shame tainted cheeks, but you can’t fully step away with your hand still clutched in his. You look at your hand, which appears smaller wrapped in his own, and you feel his callouses against your knuckles.
“Sorry,” he says and releases his grip, averting his gaze.
“It’s fine,” you stammer, gently putting the toy down on the table, you scratch behind your ear. “Looks like I have faster reflexes this week.”
Court looks back at you, and you can see the memory streaking through his eyes. “Yeah.. yeah, you beat me to it.” he replies with a chuckle.
“Slowpoke," you playfully say.
He scoffs. “Whatever you say, Clifford.”
You act as though your face temperature hasn’t gone from low heat to high.
“Clifford?” Claire asks puzzledly.
“The Big Red Dog.” you and Court chorus, exchanging looks.
She blinks in recognition. “Oh, the movie from last year? Haven’t watched it.”
“Yeah, it was also a cartoon from the early 2000s.” you add.
“Based on the books that started in 1963.” Court says in a chirping manner, as though it’s a competition now on who has the most knowledgeable references.
“Hey, (N/N), wanna play?” Claire begins plucking out the toy swords from the barrel.
You glance over to the counter. “Oh, I can’t.. Muro’s in the kitchen, so I’m holding the fort.”
“Why not hold the fort while playing?”
Court opens his mouth and immediately closes it. “Kiara,” he says with a pointed look.
“T’was just a suggestion, dad.” she retorts, drawling.
“I’ll be by the counter if you two need anything.” you chime in and shortly wave, strolling away.
‘Is it just me or is there something off with the way they call each other?’ you shake your head, ‘Nah..’
You recall their first-time at the cafe—
“Man, Six, you're such a downer!"
"Shush. You can try the other condiments some other time, Claire."
Are they hiding something? Or are you just in over your head?
You snap out of your thoughts when you catch the swinging doors in your peripheral vision. Muro is peeking out. He informs you that the food will be ready in less than ten minutes before he slips back in the kitchen. You peer over the counter, watching the father-daughter duo play a game of anxiety and chance, you decide to not interfere until you’re serving their dinner.
Boundaries— you mentally repeat the word like a mantra. Until your brain starts singing along with Disturbia thumping out the speakers.
⚜🍰⚜
“Thank you, come again!” you beam at the father-daughter duo.
Claire smiles. “You didn’t have to open the door for us.”
“It’s my pleasure, sweetie.” you reply, winking.
“Thanks.” Court gives a polite nod as he sidles past you.
“I’ll try to give these back next week!” Claire waves up the paper bag containing Paper Towns and TFIOS.
“Take your time!”
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t spill anything on it.” says Court.
She frowns. “Hey!”
You laugh, partly stepping out of the door. “Safe driving!”
“Good night, (N/N)!”
“Good— huh? HOY!”
Court and Claire flinch at your abrupt bellow. Just as they stop to turn back to you, you’re already hurtling past them.
“BIKE KO ‘YAN, GAGO!” you shout at the guy, who just managed to bypass the lock of your bicycle. Your moped is in repair today, that’s why you opted for a bike— which is a gift from Mr. Nik’s, your landlord. “Tanginamo ka! Bumalik ka rito!”
That’s my bike, gago! — You fucking bitch! Get back here!
The guy is already on your bike, pedaling away like you’re about to shoot a javelin up his ass— because you look like you want to. Unfortunately, but lucky for him, you’re not a professional javelin thrower nor do you have anything similar to throw.
However, you’re fortunate with above average physicality.
“Your ass is mine!” you huff like that White Chick, zooming up to five feet behind the thief. Your eyes have adjusted to his stature and you wonder if he’s a teen.
He glances over his shoulder, eyes bulging out in shock, and you hear him cussing as he faces forward. “Yeah, that’s right— puta talaga!” you shout, steadying your breathing.
The bicycle thief veers left off the curb and darts across the road. You look both ways before you hurtle after him. “Titigil ka o isosobsob ko yang mukha mo sa aspalto?!” you roar like a Filipino mother.
People around the street look at the commotion you’re making, especially when you take out your phone and turn on the flashlight. The street is a bit dark, incoming vehicles may not see you.
“Hoy, wag kayo mag-laro, gabi na.” someone drawls from the street. Hey, stop playing, it’s night already.
You whip to them with a glare. “Tatlumpu't tatlo na ako at ninakaw niya bike ko, bitch!” and you swear once more when the thief swerves in to Tappan Park
I’m 33 and he stole my bike, bitch!
You follow after him, pointing the flashlight to the ground to see any obstacles. The lampposts around the park are a bit dim, you’ll make sure to complain to the groundskeeper later.
Fire begins to infiltrate your lungs, and embers from the growing devastation float down to your legs, combusting your muscles. Your steady breathing feels rough and scorching whenever it blows out of your lips. It’s been a while since you ran with all your might. Sure, you’re exercising an hour per day and working six days a week, but it still hits differently when you abruptly take off.
Blame adrenaline.
“HOY!” you yell as the distance between you and the bike increases.
The thief pedals out of the park, but before he can continue on the road— a flash of shadow appears into the light, grabs the back of his clothes, and hauls him off the bike. He yelps as he’s thrown onto the curb, while his assailant stops the bike from falling and immediately boots the kickstand down.
“Kurt?” you puzzledly say as you rest to a stop near the thief.
Court slowly breathes out, turning around to face you, he pats the top of his head, where his cap still remains. “You all right?” he inquires, eyeing you up and down.
“How.. how did you get here?” you glance over your shoulder, “Where’s Kiara?”
“She’s— hey!” he takes one step and catches the thief by the arm.
“Bitiwan niyo ko!” the thief snarls, thrashing to escape.
You grip his other arm, pulling off his hood and beanie. With a nearby lamppost, you can clearly see the thief is, in fact, a girl. Maybe a year or two younger than Claire.
“Sabi nang bitiwan niyo ko!” she shouts.
You heavily flick her on the forehead, the loud thump echoes across the park, this makes Court wince while the girl is just stunned. “Tumahimik ka ngang bata ka! Bakit ka nagnanakaw ng bike ha?!” you shout, “Kung ganyan turo sa’yo ng mga magulang mo, ipa-DSWD na kaya kita!”
Be quiet, you brat! Why are you stealing a bike?! — If that’s what your parents are teaching you, I’ll take you to the DSWD myself!
“N-Y-O-B!”
“N-O-Y-B ‘yon, tanga!” It’s N-O-Y-B, stupid!
“Edi ikaw na magaling, gurang!” Eh, then you’re smart, oldie!
“HOY, TREINTA Y TRES PA LANG AKO!” HEY, I’M ONLY THIRTY-THREE!
With the little thief slowly pedaling on the bike, you and Court are walking at each of her sides. She finally remained docile after three escape-attempts, one of which she planned to bike faster, but you grab the rear carrier and wallop her upside the head.
“You must be shocked,” you remark, glancing at Court. He’s been quiet during the whole exchange, though you see him grimacing whenever you smack the girl.
He catches your gaze briefly and contemplates on a response as he turns ahead. “Well, if I’m being honest, I’m horrified…”
You feel a sharp pang of anxiety in your chest.
“...I’ll remind myself not to get on your bad side.”
You snort as the anxiety disperses when your heart skips a beat. "It's actually the same on my good side." you say, shrugging. "I tend to give tough love."
Court looks at you in bewilderment, and you regard him quizzically. It's as though you said a taboo and the townspeople will be after you.
"Well, in this case, it's tough compassion." you poke the girl's side.
She yelps, nearly losing balance, and throws you the stink-eye. You return a scowl and continuously tap your fist against your palm. Unimpressed, she scoffs at you, slightly pedaling forward but not far enough for you to give a warning.
"Kids today are shameless," you comment spittingly.
Court snorts as Claire swims up in his eyes. Earlier, he wanted to chase after you and the thief but didn’t want to risk leaving her alone. So she told him she’ll run if he won’t, and that she’ll report to the hospital of his negligence towards her health,
"Totally shameless," he nods with a stifled grin.
The three of you arrive back at the cafe. Muro, Mindy, and Claire are at a bench near the parking lot.
“Are you two okay?” Claire is the first to ask as she stands up.
“Yeah, we’re good.” says Court, glancing at you.
“Here’s your bike lock, (Y/N).” Mindy hands you the cable lock.
“Damn, I didn’t think it was a kid.” Muro sighs, holding up a bolt cutter, he regards the girl. “Sa’n mo nakuha ‘to?”
Where did you get this?
The girl slides down from the bike. “Sa pwet mo.” In your butt.
You stifle a laugh. “That’s new!”
The girl is baffled that you’re amused. You take the cable lock from Mindy and assess its damage. “Looks like I’ll buy another one, plus a wheel lock.” you pause to look at the girl, “Sagutin mo tanong niya o sasakalin kita gamit nito.”
Answer his question or I’ll strangle you with this.
“Kung ipapa-pulis mo ako, gawin mo na!” the girl shouts.
If you’ll take me to the police, just do it!
“Pareho rin itatanong nila.” They’ll ask you the same things.
“Edi ba’t ka pa nagtatanong?” Then why are you asking?
“Kase papakawalan kita depende sa sagot mo.” you proclaim, placing your hands on your waist.
Because I’ll let you go depending on your answer.
The girl bristles. “‘Di ako naniniwala sa’yo.”
I don’t believe you.
You shrug. “Bahala ka. Mas mapapagalitan ka ng magulang mo kung sa pulis nanggaling.”
Your choice. Your parents will be more angry if this comes from the police.
The girl’s eyes widen in realization, casting her gaze down on the sandy ground, she mulls over your words. You then see how small she is, how she seems more than just a bicycle thief— is she not doing this for herself? Or is she just doing this for fun?
You sigh. “Huling pagkakataon.. bakit ba ninakaw mo bike ko?”
Last chance.. why did you steal my bike?
“Kase..” the girl gulps, fear shaking in her eyes as she looks up to you.
“M-Mabait si (N/N)!” Claire suddenly declares, stepping forward, she slowly tries to convey her thoughts and feelings. “Hindi ko pa siya kilala ng matagal.. pero alam ko mabait siya.”
(N/N) is kind! — I haven’t met her that long.. but I know she’s kind.
Your heart has practically melted then and there. Claire is to you as Arlo is to Rosa Diaz, if anyone hurts her, you’ll kill everyone here and yourself. She’s supporting your honor when she doesn’t even know if you’re a bugger-flicker or -wiper. What’s more her Tagalog has improved, she sounds so cute!
“Huwag ka mag-alala. Maiintindihan ka niya.” Court says, nodding at the girl.
Don’t worry. She’ll understand you.
“What’s with you two?!” you couldn’t hold back as you tearfully beam at the father-daughter duo. “You’re making my heart all fuzzy!”
The girl deeply breathes in and out. “Ninakaw ko po bike niyo kase kailangan ko pera— pero para sa pamilya!”
I stole your bike because I need the money— but for my family!
She begins to explain that her youngest sibling is going to start school, and she’s deciding to drop-out to help earn some money, being the oldest and all. Her mother is a single-parent, living in a shed at the hotel she’s working on with three children; the girl makes no mention of her father, and you know better than to probe.
After her explanation, she also confessed to her crimes. Stealing bicycles, purses, and even shoes that she would find along the Boardwalk. You then tell her to wait there and sprint back to the cafe.
When you return, you hand her a paper bag; inside is a packaged whole strawberry shortcake with a pen and paper. “Tara, samahan kita umuwi. Malapit lang hotel dito, ikaw mag-bike tapos angkas ako.” you declare, tying your hair up into a ponytail.
C’mon, I’ll go with you. The hotel’s close here, you’ll bike and I’ll sit behind.
“Ano?” the girl stammers confusedly.
“Syempre, gusto ko malaman kung totoo nga ba sinasabi mo, pero ‘di ako magpapakita sa mama mo. At saka ‘di kita papauwiin mag-isa ng ganitong oras, babae ka pa rin.”
Of course, I wanna know if you’re telling the truth, but I won’t let your mother see you. And I won’t let you go home by yourself at a time like this, you’re still a girl.
The girl, in fact everyone there, stares at you like you’ve grown multiple heads. You roll your eyes at them and resist the urge to throw something at Muro. “Basta sabihin mo sa mama mo, sakto palabas yung customers namin no’ng pumasok ka at sinabi mo may nagnanakaw ng bike sa parking lot. Kaya kita binigyan ng cake saka application form, kase kung ‘di dahil sa’yo mawawalan ako ng bike.” you shortly pull up the paper from the bag, it’s a form for part-time applicants at the cafe.
Just tell your mom that you went into the cafe just as customers were going out and you told us someone’s bike is being stolen from the parking lot. That’s why I gave you a cake and an application form, because if it weren’t for you I’d lose my bike.
The girl is close to tearing up. “Bakit mo ginagawa ito?” Why are you doing this?
You smirk. “Kailangan namin ng utos-utusan, medyo dumadami customers namin tuwing umaga’t hapon.” We need someone to order around, customers have been increasing during the day.
“Pero—” But—
“Ay naku! Kukunin mo ba ‘yang binibigay ko o ibibigay kita sa pulis?” Oh, my! Are you gonna take my offer or am I going to take you to the police?
As soon as the girl reluctantly accepts your offer, you force her to ride the bike before plopping on the rear carrier.
“Bakit ano yung nasa harap?” Why am I in front?
“Mamaya kase may kutsilyo ka pang tinatago.” Because you may be hiding a knife.
You look at Muro and Mindy. “I’ll be quick,” and then turn to the father-daughter duo. “See you next week?”
Claire nods. “See you!”
“Be careful,” Mindy murmurs, trying not to eye the girl in suspicion.
“Don’t you want a ride?” Court suggests.
You’re surprised. “Really?”
“Yeah, it’ll be faster.”
“Oh, a car is a lot faster than a bicycle.”
“Yes, so—” Court cuts himself off when you look at him expectantly, but there’s something else in your grin— “You’re being sarcastic.”
You laugh. “Sorry. But we’ll be fine, you two should get home.”
You force Lilia— the girl— to get a move on and soon, you two are riding off into the night, looking like the universe’s most unlikely pair of adventurers.
The hotel she claimed that her family is staying in is just four blocks away from the cafe. But just as Lilia rounds onto the last black, she abruptly presses on the brakes.
You yelp. “Ay, susmaryosep!” and slap the teen on the back, “I almost fell over!— Wait, sa’n ka pupunta?”
Wait, where are you going?
“Nanay ko ‘yon,” she slips off the bike and nods over to the direction of the hotel.
You glance and there is, in fact, a woman in her late 30s— maybe, it’s hard to discern age from this distance. But what’s discernible is the anxiety in her steps as she paces back and forth the sidewalk. “Sige, puntahan mo na. At pag-isipan mo yung na-offer ko,” you wag a finger at her and shortly look away, “Though I have to ask Liz about it first.”
Alright, go to her. And think about my offer
She hears you muttering. “Ano ‘yon?” What’s that?
“Wala— hurry and go! Shoo!” Nothing— bilisan mo at umalis ka na!
Lilia makes a face at you, swivels to walk away, and stops to turn back. “Ate (N/N)—”
“Aalis ka o ibabato ko yung bike na ‘to sa’yo?” You gonna leave or am I gonna throw this bike at you?
Fortunately, Lilia obliges. And you’d rather not break your precious bike over a smartass kid. Her mother instantly sprints to her after she spots Lilia. Invisible arrows shoot into your heart and spine when the mother tightly embraces her child. The urge to call, or even just send a short message to your mom, tingles in your fingers. But you keep the longing there, steadying it just at your fingertips, like that one Greek Titan sentenced to bear the heavens.
Lilia doesn’t mention that you’re there, as instructed by you, but she glances over to you from time to time. Her mother is too focused on her to pay her sneaking looks any heed. You wait until they’re stepping in the hotel before you turn the bike around and pedal back to the cafe.
The ride is slow— on purpose. You’re pedaling leisurely to bask in the cool evening air and whiff at the sea fragrance that gets stronger as you near the Boardwalk. It’s always chilly here at night, the naturally-occurring nocturnal heatwaves rarely win against the ocean flurries.
Out of the blue, you wonder if Claire has tread through the Boardwalk. You try not to cement any thoughts of suggesting it to the teen as she may ask you to come with her and Court again. Not that that’s a bad way to spend time with friendly strangers, but Court seems adamant in maintaining distance. Still, he wants Claire to socialize— as long as no one gets too close.
You think about the reasons for his behavior. What happened before they moved here in the Philippines? The country doesn’t have the best medical care, so why are they here? And what’s with the stealthy looks he would have whenever he’s looking over his shoulder or at the security cameras?
And why the hell did he leave his daughter with strangers to help you?— she probably forced him, you realize. Muro and Mindy are still strangers, just like you are.
You decide how this is stressing you out and attempt to clear your mind. Imaginary fingers clutch your nape, you shudder and take a gander. This feels familiar— like that time at the mall. And again, no one is following you. There’s only a car parked at the far end of the block, but no one seems to be inside. It looks familiar, but there are a lot of cars like that here. You shrug and round the block, the cafe is in your sights.
Unbeknownst to you, there are people inside that car. The very same pair that has been plaguing your mind.
Court urges the car forward, slowly but surely as he keeps the lights off. By the time they’re peeking out of the corner, you’re hauling the bicycle through the cafe’s front doors and probably arguing with Muro about it.
“She’s inside,” says Claire.
Court hums in agreement, checking the rearview mirror, he flicks on the lights and swivels the car around. He hears Claire giggling to herself and glimpses sideways at her. “What?” he asks, concerned rather than curious.
“Oh, nothing..” she breathes out cheerfully.
“Sure—” he pauses, “ Oh..”
She nods with a toothy grin. “Yeah, that’s right.”
He shakes his head. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”
“What? I’m only thinking about how you’re worried for someone other than me,” Claire turns to him, inclining her head rightward. “So, is it truly not that?”
“It’s,” he’s about to reply with the truth, but the lie flies out of his mouth first. “Not.”
She gasps dramatically. “How come?! When it was you who began following them without saying anything!”
Court feels his ears burning. Now, that’s true. When Lilia begins to pedal away with you, his instincts told him to be in pursuit. He and Claire bid goodbye to Mindy and Muro before trying not to drive away too hastily, they took a different path that still leads to where you’re going. None of you know whether the girl, who just robbed you, is telling the truth— until you all witnessed her mother hugging her.
The suspicion has evaporated, but Court would be lying if he says he’s done worrying about you. That’s why he followed you, slowly and discreetly, keeping him and Claire in the shadows. You felt their eyes on you, but you didn’t know where they were.
Just like last week at the mall.
Court saw you when he was exiting the hardware store. Immediately, he thought you were following them, so he decided to do the same to you. But the way you try to lose him diminishes his doubts, only an amateur stalker would fall for it. Even so, at the last second, you caught a glimpse of him. Luckily, it wasn’t enough for you to recognize him completely— judging from your reaction when you meet him at the bookstore.
He recalls the conversation he had with you when Claire bought cotton candies. He isn’t just worried about Claire, he’s also worried about you being too close for comfort. There are forces in this world that might be watching them, but are not as merciful as the Lord. It’s already risky planning to go out every Friday night or going to the mall once every two weeks. But Court has decided that, despite their circumstance, he would try to give Claire a long (and slightly normal) life if possible.
Even if that means interacting with anyone and becoming suspicious of every little thing they do. Hence, pulling them close at a safe distance and then pushing them far, far away.
“You’re real paranoid, you know?” Claire quips.
Court sighs heftily. “.. I concur.”
“You should get out more. Join the PTA.”
“School hasn’t started here… And you’ll be homeschooling, anyway.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re my teacher.”
“Hey, I know a ton of shit in school.”
“You saying it like that makes it so hard to believe.”
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A/N: wow, that's a long one HAHAHA I guess it's just my way of making up for not updating last Wed or Thurs as I've (promised) noted ꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡ y'all wanna know why? It's because of a smut Six x Reader that suddenly corrupted my mind! And because the update was late and I might not be able to post weekly, I'll be posting this smut for some fresh content for y'all hehehehe
The portal to another dimension Chapter 5 is not yet now open!
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Adventure.txt
I walked up the concrete stairs--two steps!--and then I was out of breath. Anyone would be out of breath if they were carrying as many books as I was. I couldn’t help it though; I was studying to pass the IQ test! Those who did not pass were never chosen. I was going to be chosen though--they laugh at me now but they won’t be when I’m the Dragon Master!!!!!!!
Today’s field of study was flight. I had to make sure I could answer every riddle the Dragon King would ask me about flight. Chihuahuas are good dogs even if they are hideous. Their light weight made them perfect for long-distance flying companions, but it was a little known fact that dragons preferred them. Preferred them to eat, that is!!! In truth, cats made much better companions; they never fall off.
“Meow! Ready for the test yet?” my feline companion Griswald asked--she talks.
“Yes Crookshanks,” I called her affectionately, even though she hated the Harry Potter series.
“Ay! Me name’s GRISWALD ye twat!” she yowled.
I set my books down on the table and held my hands out for cuddles. Griswald side-eyed me, but quickly gave in. Not even a grumpy cat could resist cuddles. She purred in delight as I scratched the backs of her ears. Lava is a great way to wipe shit off yer ass. That’s how dragons do it anyways, with their fireproof scales. I aspire to that level of hardass. And if I was--when I was--chosen to be the Dragon Master, I finally will reach that aspiration.
WWWWEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! It was the alarm to take the IQ test!!! It sure woke everyone up 100%. I quickly scampered out of the library, ditching my books. Griswald grabbed onto my clothes tightly and held on as we sprinted to the exam building. It was in the center of town, just past the fruit venders… and I stopped because I smelled some delicious apple pie.
“Don’t get distracted!” Griswald yowled in my ear, digging her claws into my shoulder just a pinch.
“OW! Jeez, okay.”
The building was the ugliest in town. It was tall and grey and had just one window all the way up on the fourth floor. That was how flying dragons got in and out. Everyone else had to enter through the big white front door, and answer a riddle before the guard would let them in. To dragons, riddles were just like memes. Dragons loved memes; in fact, they created a guild called The Meme Loving Fucks. Most of the riddles at the door were just memes these days. I approached the front door and knocked three times--as was customary-- and the guard opened a little peephole.
“Here come dat boi,” a tiny green dragon gurgled through an alligator-like mouth.
“Oh shit…” I whispered.
“WHADDUP!!!” screeched Griswald, winking at me.
The dragon was most impressed, thinking we had planned that out beforehand. I, however, was still very confused--why did Griswald shout “whaddup” into me ear????? I didn’t dare ask though, and instead slipped past the chortling swamp dragon.
“So, you dare enter my building and place of knowledge, eh? To take the IQ test, I presume??” said the swamp dragon.
“Yes,” I said to the guard, “which way should I go?”
“The opposite of Left Shark,” the dragon guard said.
“Ah, I see,” I said, though I did not, in fact, see. I was blind. The lights inside were so bright, I could only make out the corners of the rooms.
“Uhhh… go that way,” Griswald whispered, pointing to the right.
“Face God and walk backwards into hell!” the guard said in traditional parting. I bowed, kissing my kneecaps in the traditional way, and gallivanted off into the distance.
“Just follow the memes,” Griswald advised as the lights dimmed to visible luminance.
The hallway was one long mural painted with a large green ogre, and on the floor the word cofveve was inscribed golden cursive letters. We got to the other end, and the hall forked off into five different directions.
“Which way should we go first?” I asked Griswald.
“YOU MEAN YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE WHICH HALLWAY HAS A MEME?” she screamed into my ear.
“Uh….” I stammered, not knowing a thing.
“Obviously, we go right, towards The Colors of the Sky mural on the wall,” she grumbled. I looked towards the rightmost tunnel, which had Do You Love The Colors of The Sky? written above the entrance. The walk was long, but beautiful, and I felt like I was flying through the changing sky. Soon, it got dark in the tunnel, and I wanted to lay down and sleep under the beautiful stars.
Grisland gently kneaded her paws in me to keep me awake. The kneading was soothing and made me want to sleep even more; I laid down gently on the floor and promptly began to snore.
Griswald used a very powerful spell to wake me up, screaming, “WAKE ME UP INSIDE!” to jar me from my slumber.
“SANTIAGO” I shouted upon waking, as was customary.
“What good manners,” Griswald praised me. She licked my hair into my face so I was more emo than before.
Finally, the hallway was colored dawn, and I felt more awake and refreshed than ever. The hallway opened into a big, huge circle with a ladder going up and a trap door in the middle of the room. Unfortunately, the trap door was covered in some very alluring Comic Sans. It didn’t matter what was written in the most holy of fonts; I was compelled to enter.
The door fell out under my feet and Griswald screamed in utter bliss as we plummeted down into the darkness. Once again, I felt the supreme desire to sleep, but I stayed awake because I didn’t want to hear any more of Griswork’s “singing.” The dark hole slowly began to take on the shape and color of a distantly familiar meme. Suddenly, I was sitting on a cloud, coming up over the horizon. Griswald’s fur bristled up so much she looked like a Tribble.
“Ba?! Ha ba ba?!! Ha bagada!!” a dog barked from a red airplane.
“I hate this meme,” Grisland yowled quietly. I, however, loved it.
“Ba! Ba! Ba!” the dog and I barked in total harmony. We began to sing and it resonated against the viscous cloud I perched upon, vibrating ever-so-slightly until it faded along with the other dog. At first, it looked like the void we were falling through was turning black again. But instead, flowers appeared in the distance and the air grew more and more liquid until I was sure we were underwater.
“GET BACK TO WORK ME BOYYYYYYYYYYOOOOO!!!!” a voice yelled louder than sound itself.
“Which meme is this?” I asked the cat.
“This meme represents the overlord bourgeois demanding endless work from the lowly proletariat,” she answered solemnly. I watched as the yellow square shaped “boyo” excitedly scampered into a kitchen area.
“I love you Krabby Patty,” he whispered to some juicy meat pressed between swollen buns. The Krabby Patty grew to the size of a small luxury vehicle and embraced the boyo.
“We should go,” Griswald said, tears in her voice. “Us mortals were not meant to see such beauty.” I agreed, but I was no longer in control of where we would go; a force I could not understand would take us to and fro.
Suddenly, an ax came through the flowery wall! An evil cackle was heard and I looked around and we were in a forest! I could no longer find that horrible ax anywhere around me. I looked down at my leg, feeling something odd, and saw that it was oozing blood!
“SHIA SURPRISE!” Griswald warned me, looking behind me in horror. I wrestled the burly man for the ax in his hand, and then I discovered myself decapitating my would-be assassin.
With a thud, we hit the bottom of the long void we’d been falling through, music playing in the distance as the dead body slowly faded.
Mmm whatcha sayyy, the music somberly screeched. I felt tears fill my eyes. I was ready for the next test.
“ARE YOU READY FOR A ROUND OF GUESS-THE-NEXT-LYRICS?????” boomed a very, VERY large dragon who descended upon us.
“HELL YEAH!” I shouted in equal glee.
“Then prepare your mortal heart for the biggest musical sounds in history…”
I stilled my beating heart and prepared myself for what came next.
The dragon opened its mouth and bellowed, “I AM GAY, GAY, GAY!” and then looked at me for the next lyrics.
I closed my eyes and felt time slow before me as I belted the next lyrics: “I LIKE LONG BIG COCKS, I AM SUPER SUPER GAY, I LIKE LONG BIG COCKS!!!!”
The dragon, with tears of lava pouring from their eyes, nodded in passionate agreement and said, “Let’s try a more aged song.”
I smiled, ready to accept my next challenge.
In a screechy voice, the dragon sang, “We’re no strangers to looooooooove…”
I instantly knew what I had to do next; I had to sing. “You know the rules! And so Do I!!”
The rest of the lyrics played over some loud speakers and confetti began to fly. It was the Dragon Conglomerate Anthem; every citizen knew it by heart. It played now on every speaker in the world to announce that I had passed the IQ test.
“Congration, you done it,” the dragon cried, handing me a diploma. It was, of course, written in Comic Sans. Its soft pink paper absorbed my tears and the glitter delicately coated every layer of my body. The anthem faded into a smooth Vaporwave version of the song--the Victory Version of the Dragon Conglomerate Anthem. Dragons everywhere came out of the shadows and began to dance and pulse to the pounding rhythm. My skin began to turn to scales as I joined dragonkind. The transformation was almost complete; I just had one more thing to do before I gained my wings.
“Go,” the dragon said, “and seek the Bone Hurting Juice potion to gain your wings.”
I didn’t want to; I was afraid; I was petrified.
“What if I give you a better meme?” I offered them.
“Then you would be a wingless dragon, for I cannot grant you the wings you must have.”
I understood. I evaporated into the black abyss in search of my potion. The first place I thought to search was Candy Mountain.
“You’ve got to come to Candy Mountain with us, Chaaaaarlieee,” a pretty pink unicorn sighed.
“Dear god, keep an eye on your kidney,” Griswaln warned. I took an eyeball out of my head, placing the spare on my kidney; if any of those fuckers tried to steal my kidney, I would be the first to know about it.
The pretty licorice letters began to sing and dance for me.
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