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koqabear · 2 years

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Hey Emo Boy!

☆ Song suggestion: Emo Boy, Ayesha Erotica ☆

Summary:

He worked at the Spencer’s store in the mall— you worked at the Claire’s store right in front. What can you say? Match made in heaven.

bassist!Beomgyu x fem! reader

Genre: opposites attract trope, friends to lovers, fluff, smut

Word count: 9.4K

Warnings: mc dresses like a BIMBO and we love it! mc gets stereotyped a bit, lots of piercings, needles, (bg gets pierced lol) mc has a smiley and nipple piercings, bg has snake bites and a tongue piercing, mentions of alcohol, mentions of food, cursing, Chaeryeong is a real one

Smut warnings: dom!bg, sub!mc, slight possessiveness, teasing, making out, thigh riding, dirty talk, dumbification, praise, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, nipple play, bg loves mc’s boobs, oral, (f receiving) fingering, hair pulling, bulge kink, scratching, unprotected sex, breeding kink(?), creampie (lemme know if I should add anything!)

Notes: im sorry, but Beomgyu’s long hair era has me in such a chokehold that I think I passed out and wrote this. I’d like to think that in the concert their opener was “Destroya” by mcr (assuming that its their song in this universe) And why yes, I do have a list of other songs they would perform, you can totally go ask me this on my blog!

Your friends always said you had an obscure taste in men— you always laughed in their face in response.

But as you stand behind the Claire’s register, ready to clock back onto a never-ending ten-hour shift of piercing little girl’s ears unprofessionally, you can’t help but be reminded of the thought.

There he is again, your brain tells you, an involuntary reaction as you pause your actions to glance out into the empty mall; just in time to watch the cute boy with snake bite piercings that works at the store across from you rush inside.

Honestly, whose idea was it to put a Spencer’s in front of a Claire’s store? It was a mistake waiting to happen— but you indulged in it nonetheless, the convenient placement allowing you to catch a glimpse of one of the workers that captivated you. You’re not sure of his name, and you’re not sure you can bring yourself to talk to him— you’ve never gone into a Spencer's, and plan to keep it that way. Honestly, his whole style couldn’t be more opposite than yours, but there was something about him that made you curious, eager for more.

“Are you staring at that emo boy again?” You jump at the sound of your coworkers voice, startled to find her standing behind you, a knowing look on her face as she shakes her head. “Girl, just go fuck him already.”

“Shut up!” You balk, glancing around the store in a panic to see if there were any customers around— it was empty, considering it was a Thursday evening, “and no, I wasn’t.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Chaeryeong says, checking her acrylics absentmindedly, leaning against the counter with a sigh, “you’ve been staring at him all week. You should totally go talk to him.”

“You think? I don’t know if he’d be into someone like me though,” you look down at your outfit, the complete opposite of what the man in the store across from you sported— while his outfit consisted of dark, edgy outfits, yours were nothing but feminine and cute.

“Why not? You’re hot,” Chaeryeong’s words bring an uncontrollable swell of confidence to you, and you allow yourself to bask in the compliments that she continues to goad onto you.

“He’s lucky you tone down your fits to suit this place, cause if you didn’t,” she whistles, exaggerating her reaction as you slap her shoulder jokingly, “man, we’d be swamped with customers.”

“You really think I should try to talk to him?” You ask, biting your lip nervously at the thought; what if he was an asshole? What if he thought you were some superficial bimbo? Was he one of those creeps that thought they were better than women? What if he was gay?

“Stop overthinking things, I can see the questions from here,” Chaeryeong bats at the air mockingly, laughing at the petulant look you give her. Her teasing is interrupted by the motion sensor bell going off, and the two of you are quick to put on your customer-service personas as you turn to face the new customers with a happy smile.

“Next chance you get, go up and talk to him. Don’t overthink and it’ll go great, I promise,” Chaeryeong whispers to you, leaving you on your own as the mother calls her over to ask a question about the piercings.

Glancing back at the Spencer’s across from you, you can’t help but let out a sigh of desperation— you really hope she’s right.

⤬⤬⤬

You decide to make your move on a Friday night.

It was one of your few days off, and according to Chaeryeong, the cute boy was working tonight.

You had been quick to throw together a cute outfit as you made your way to the mall— to pay a visit to your friend and your crush.

The store was just as you had expected— low lights, fandom merch, and a fuck ton of adult products. You were caught off guard by the sight of it all, the stark contrast of the store and your outfit leaving you to stick out uncomfortably— not that anyone seemed to care, thankfully. You were quick to find yourself browsing through the jewelry, uninterested in everything else as you found a couple of cute earrings and necklaces to buy.

To your disappointment, you had yet to see the cute boy that you had been crushing on; your heart shattered at the thought of you missing your opportunity to talk to him. Yet, just as you were being checked out by another worker, your luck seemed to turn around.

“Hey, you doing anything tomorrow night?” Your head snapped up in the middle of you taking out your card, surprised to find the cashier asking you this question so suddenly. Behind him, you can see the cute emo boy emerge from the employee room.

“Uhm, why do you ask?” You try to prolong the conversation as you watch the cute boy make his way up to the counter, your heart beating faster at the thought of you finally getting to talk to him.

“There’s this band playing at a nearby venue,” the cashier, Yeonjun, his name tag reads, hands you a flyer, your eyes scanning the words as you take in the information printed onto it, “you should definitely go. I’m in it, actually.”

“Yeonjun, you shouldn’t be promoting that while working.” The new voice has you looking up from your flyer quicker than you can process— and to your delight, the cute emo boy stands behind your cashier with a frown on his face.

Yeonjun narrows his eyes, turning around to look at his coworker. Shaking his head, he clasps the boy on the shoulder as he shakes him around, the boy unfazed as he allows him to do so.

“Shut up, I think she’d love to go,” sending you a smile, he winks, and you can only manage to smile shakily in return, “he’s a part of it too; the bassist.”

You hope your sudden interest isn’t obvious, but you can’t help the way you perk up at Yeonjun’s words, staring back down at the flyer in your hands with a newfound eagerness— hey, if the music was bad, the worst that could happen is you getting the ick and moving on.

“I’ll try my best to go,” you say, trying to play it cool as you smile at them; you briefly glance at the cute boy’s name tag— Beomgyu, it reads— and stuff the flyer in your purse, enjoying the way they (mostly Yeonjun— okay, only Yeonjun) seem to beam at your words.

“Cool, we’ll try to spot you in the crowd,” Yeonjun jokes, handing you your bag filled with jewelry as he not-so-subtly scans your outfit, “from the looks of it, it won’t be too hard.”

Man, was it just you or was it hot in this store? You don’t think you could handle all this attention at once, the sight of Beomgyu giving you a once over making you weak in the knees as you feebly thanked them, promptly scurrying out of the store as you tried to ignore the way you didn’t talk to him— baby steps, you reassure yourself.

You’re practically stumbling into Claire’s as if it were a safe space; and if Chaeryeong was there, then it was. You briefly scan the store before you spot her red hair, running up to her excitedly as you shove the crumpled banner in her face.

“Seriously?” Is all she can muster to say, staring at the flyer blankly before she looks back at you, quirking a brow as if to challenge your decisions, “I told you to go fuck him, not support his fleeting dreams.”

“I know…” you pout, deflating at her disapproving look, “but I don’t think it would be that easy! He seems like a cold guy, like you have to get to know him before he lowers his guard…”

“Are you listening to yourself?” She says, checking herself in the mirror as she begins to restock the phone cases, “I worry about you sometimes.”

“Come on, hear me out!” You whine, ignoring the dirty looks the moms in the store give you, clearly displeased with your revealing outfit, (cons to living in such a conservative town, you suppose) “you can’t deny that he’s cute.”

“Yeah, but the most I’d do is hookup like, once,” she says, glancing around the store to make sure no customers were around to hear her, “you’re trying to play the long game.”

“Am not!” You say, ignoring the way your body flushes hotly at the accusation— okay, you’re pretty down bad for him; so what?

“But uhm, Chae…” you don’t bother to finish your sentence, trailing off softly as you find yourself too nervous to ask. But with one glance back at you, she knows exactly what you’re trying to say— she sighs.

“You want me to go with you, don't you?”

Sending her your most convincing smile, you bat your lashes in hopes to convince her, clinging onto her as you let out a small “pleeeease?” She pauses, narrowing her eyes at your behavior before she scoffs, finally giving in as she goes back to restocking items.

“You’re insufferable.”

⤬⤬⤬

To say that you’re surprised by the attendance would be an understatement.

The place is packed— it was hard enough to get tickets to the venue, and your efforts to buy tickets early were not in vain, despite Chaeryeong's teasing. You’re pulling her along eagerly, fingers laced tightly with hers as you squeeze your way towards the front of the stage; you’re able to sneak through a good amount of people, but aren’t able to get that close to the stage, to your disappointment. There’s no place to sit, much to Chaeryeong’s annoyance, but you’d like to blame her onslaught of complaints on the heels that she chose to wear instead.

“What kind of band even are they,” Chaeryeong mutters, scanning the crowd as she takes in the way the two of you accidentally stand out— the mass of black clashing with your sparkling outfits, “did you even listen to their music beforehand?”

“To like, one song, yeah,” you say, unashamed as you ignore the look a person casts at you, clearly listening in to your conversations, “I dunno, I think they’re just a rock band. I think you’ll like them.”

“Probably not, this isn’t really my taste,” she says, throwing a dirty look to the person that pushes roughly past her to try to get closer to the stage, “you’re just lucky I love you.”

But before you can ridicule Chaeryeong for her statement, you finally see the lights dimming down, left in the dark as the announcer finally calls the band onto the stage— Tomorrow by Together.

The crowd goes wild by the announcement, jumping excitedly and jostling you and your friend around as they all try to record the members and get a good angle. You had no idea they were this popular— hell, if you were them, you’d quit everything to pursue music by now. The crowd is chanting their names eagerly, and you’re left in awe as they all take their positions behind each instrument.

There are two guitarists— you’re able to recognize Yeonjun as one of them. You looked up the rest of the members on your way here, and by process of elimination, the other man who was currently picking up his guitar would be Hueningkai.

The cute guy with dimples sends a heart to the crowd before going to where his keyboard is placed; that’s Soobin, if you remember right. Leaving you with Taehyun, who doesn’t bother to wave to the crowd as he picks up his drumsticks eagerly, shifting comfortably on the seat as he waits patiently for the show to start.

And lastly, Beomgyu enters the stage and beelines to the bass— you’re surprised to find that he’s dyed his hair, the highlights getting hit by the stage lights brilliantly as he adjusts his earpiece, waiting patiently for the leader— Soobin, you think it is— to start the performance.

You can barely hear what they’re saying over the excited cheers around you, and you can feel Chaeryeong gripping onto your arm in fear that you’ll be lost in the crowd. Glancing behind her, you send her an excited smile, unable to contain your laugh as you take in her nervous expression.

“You’re insane!”

“What?” You yell back, leaning in as the crowd begins to cheer louder— probably in response to something they said. You glance back at the stage in curiosity, but turn back to check on your friend as she leans back into your ear, repeating the words as she rolls her eyes at your amused reaction.

“Do you want to leave then?”

“And leave you here alone? No way—!” Her words are cut off by the clicks of drumsticks, and the crowd is quick to push each other around as the music begins to fill the venue, successfully taking your attention off your friend as your head snaps back to the stage.

You can still feel the grip of Chaeryeong’s acrylics as you keep your fingers laced tightly with hers, but you quickly find yourself moving with the crowd as you watch the five on stage perform— and to your surprise, you find yourself enjoying the music a lot more than you anticipated.

It’s just as you expected— rock, emo, or punk-rock if you remember right. But you can’t take your eyes off the way they all seem to be so immersed in the music, moving around just as much as the crowd before them. You’re surprised to find that each one of the members has a mic, and as you watch Beomgyu, you find yourself eager to hear his voice.

He’s mesmerizing, a thin sheen of sweat coating him as his bangs stick to his forehead, a hand coming up to quickly adjust his earpiece before he’s back on the bass, fingers moving so swiftly you think you might just be hypnotized. You can feel your heart beating faster as you watch him step closer to his mic, eyes scanning the crowd absentmindedly as he waits for his part; they stop for a moment, and you swear that he spots you in the crowd.

His brows furrow as he begins to sing, and you swear that you might just feel weak in the knees. His voice is deep and raspy as he sings his part, and you can see Chaeryeong laughing at your reaction in the corner of your eye— man, this venue suddenly seemed a lot more stuffy than it was three seconds ago.

And despite Chaeryeong’s conditions that you wouldn’t stay for the whole show, you do just that— your feet ache, and your makeup has been sweated off, but you don’t regret a single thing as you stumble out of the venue, your hearing muffled and your throat sore from cheering.

“That wasn’t so bad,” you smile, glancing at your friend as you take in her distraught state— her hair was frizzy, and her makeup was also sweated off, but unlike you, she didn’t seem too pleased about it.

“For you maybe,” she grumbles, clutching onto you as she grumbles about how sore her feet are under her breath, “At least you had your eye candy to look at.”

“Yeah, well thanks for coming with me Chae,” you say, hugging her tightly despite her protests, “I’ll get that girl from Auntie Anne's number for you as repayment.”

“No, let me do that myself,” she says, pushing herself off you as she tries to hide her fond smile, “but what I really want right now is a drink. And to rest.”

“Back to my place?” You say, already knowing her answer as you finally find your car, flopping on the seats with rough sighs as you finally allow your feet to rest.

“Yes please.”

Chaeryeong allows you to ramble about your thoughts on the band all the way home.

⤬⤬⤬

The next time you see Beomgyu is on your break.

It’s a Tuesday afternoon and the mall is practically empty— considering that school has already started and all the kids are locked up in school. You’re sitting at the corner table of Auntie Anne’s, chewing mindlessly on your pretzel nuggets as you text Chaeryeong and tease her for chickening out on talking to her crush— in the end, she was no better than you. She isn’t working today, which is probably why time is passing so slowly— even your break seems to stretch by slowly.

It isn’t until you hear the sound of a chair scraping along the tiles that you look up from your phone.

Oh god, you’re already getting nervous— because Beomgyu’s a table away from you, staring down at his phone as well with his headphones on. You’re trying hard not to stare, so you resort to panicking and text Chaeryeong about your situation, to which she can only threaten you to talk to him.

Chae <3

Swear to god if you don’t talk to him ill do it for u

And it wont be pretty

What if he doesn’t wanna talk? You text her, anxiously biting at your lip as you watch the message bubble up, her typing as slow as ever as you glance back up at Beomgyu, then back at the clock, calculating just how long you have before you need to leave.

Chae <3

Talk to him about his band duh

Everyone loves talking about themselves

Now shoo

You brightened up at that— of course! Who wouldn’t want to hear about themselves? And with this conversation started, you picked up your cup of pretzels, taking a deep breath before you found the courage to walk up to him.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” You mentally facepalm at how stupid you sound, but you’ll let it slide as Beomgyu looks up at you, taking a second to pause his music before he gives you a blank look, eyebrows raising slightly as he finally seems tor recognizes you.

“Sure, I guess,” is all he says, and you can’t help but feel embarrassed at his response; or rather, his lack of interest. He gives you a curious look, and you know that he’s waiting for you to explain why the hell you decided to interrupt him during his break— you’re nervous, fidgeting in your seat as you smile sweetly at him. (God, he was intimidating up close.)

“I went to your uh, concert last weekend,” you hold back a smile as you watch the way he perks up at that, a lot more interested in what you have to say as he leans forward.

“Really? Didn’t think you’d be into that type of stuff,” he says, scanning your outfit teasingly, looking at your hot pink hello kitty zip up, to the cute jeans that had hearts on the back pockets; but mostly, your face said it all— that you weren’t one to listen to that kind of music at all.

“Well you’d be surprised,” you say, pouting slightly at his words. You’re fidgeting with your necklace, and you pretend to remain oblivious to the way Beomgyu watches your every movement, eyes stuck to the way the cute pendant falls perfectly on your chest when you let it go, “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, or whatever they say.”

Beomgyu lets out a laugh at that, and you can’t hide the way that it catches you off guard. It seems genuine, and his eyes are crinkling cutely as he smiles, shaking his head in amusement at your words. It’s almost contagious, and you can’t help the way you crack a small smile as well.

“You got me there,” he says, glancing back at the clock, prompting you to do so as well— you shudder, seeing that you have five minutes left. “Well what’d you think?”

Narrowing your eyes, you take a second before you respond; you can tell he’s waiting for you to gush over him.

“It was okay, I guess,” you say, shrugging your shoulders as you pop one of your pretzels in your mouth. Your tongue darts out to lick away the sugar left on your lips, and your stomach swirls in excitement as Beomgyu follows your movements, “Yeonjun’s voice was really nice.”

“Really?” Beomgyu taunts you, a knowing smirk growing on his face as he realizes what you’re doing.

“Anything else?”

“Hmmm… oh! The other guitarist was super cute,” you shamelessly say, popping another pretzel in your mouth as you hum in appreciation of its taste, “come to think of it, so was the drummer— oh, so was the guy on the keys.”

“Interesting,” He says mockingly, leaning in as he tilts his head questioningly, tongue prodding at his lip rings as he asks, “what’d you think of the bassist?”

“Hmm? The bassist?” You question, huffing in disappointment as you realized you’ve finished all your pretzels. Rubbing your fingertips to rid the sugary dust, you can’t help yourself as you pop a finger into your mouth, licking off the residue as you finally stand, surprised to find that you need to clock back on. Beomgyu watches you, unable to take his eyes off the way your tongue swirls across your thumb, your necklace hanging teasingly as you reach to zip your jacket back up. Eyes snapping back to yours, you send him a small smile, expression earnest as you say,

“Oh, I wouldn't know— I’m not into that type of stuff.”

⤬⤬⤬

You’re eager to tell Chaeryeong about your interaction the first chance you get.

“Ouuu you’re such a tease! You’ve definitely got him interested now,” she squeals, taking your hands in hers as she jumps in excitement. You’re about to go on your break, heart beating with excitement at the thought of getting to see Beomgyu again— your shifts are usually aligned, so who’s to say your breaks couldn’t be as well?

“You think I might see him today?” You voice your thoughts out loud, glancing back at the Spencer’s across from you— it’s dim, and you can barely make out anything in there, but you swore you saw the familiar head of long shaggy hair pass by the entrance.

“You just might,” your friend says, grinning at you as she encourages you to take your break— you linger at the entrance in hopes that you might spot Beomgyu taking his break as well. Making your way back to Auntie Anne’s (it was the only place where you could get your food quick enough) you tried to keep your hopes down, not wanting to look like a lost puppy patiently waiting for its owner.

By the time you had ten minutes left to your break, you had lost hope, your eyes glued to your phone and music blasting in your ears as you texted your friends. Laughing at one of their responses to your crush, you rolled your eyes, reaching to grab another pretzel nugget— only to grab at the air stupidly.

You frown as you look up from your phone, only to be met with the sight of Beomgyu sitting comfortably across from you, your cup of pretzels in his hands— how long had he been sitting there?

“How long have you been there?” You’re quick to echo your own mind, reaching out to take back your pretzels from the boy. He shrugs, glancing at the clock, only to leave you without a proper answer.

“Not that long,” is all he gives you, enjoying the way you genuinely want to know. You’re silent, and you watch as he becomes slightly nervous, eyes avoiding yours as he reaches for his pocket— he wants to tell you something.

“I actually wanted to uhm— give you these,” slowly, he slides something across the table, and it takes you a second to realize what it is, “They’re tickets to our next show. You really seemed to enjoy the other one, so I wanted to invite you to this one— with better seats, too.”

Your mouth is hanging at the two VIP tickets, unable to say anything before his words click in your mind.

“Wait— you saw me? At the last show?” You watch as he flushes at your words, but honestly, you’re the one that should be embarrassed— you were kinda hoping he hadn’t noticed your excited self back at his concert.

“Well, it was hard to not notice you,” his excuse is pointless as he looks back up at you, at the cute flustered expression you sport—it somehow manages to bring about a small wave of confidence as he adds, “it was cute to see you enjoy yourself.”

“Oh,” you know you sound lame, but you can’t help it— not with the way his narrowed eyes stare teasingly at you, head cocked to the side as he waits for you to say something— but you don’t, staring down at your pretzels shyly as you listen to him chuckle; oh, where did your confidence from last time go?

“Wait, I have to ask,” you say, the question you thought of a few days ago popping back into your mind, “how come you work here if your band is so popular? You seem to be doing well.”

“Ah, that,” Beomgyu seems to become shy at your question, rubbing at his nape nervously as his eyes flit down onto the table, “well, we aren’t signed under a label yet… so it’s not really a stable income; this job is more of a side hustle just in case.”

“Ah, I see,” you say, wondering just how much he makes from playing in venues— considering that he has to be working here, (which you aren’t complaining about, honestly) it must not be enough.

“Well, I can’t wait for this next show,” you beam at him, taking the two tickets as you glance at the time, sad to see that your thirty minutes are up. “Come pay me a visit sometime, I work right across from you, you know.”

You’re sure it’s unlikely, but as you walk back to your workplace, the stand of cute Squishmallows greeting you as you go to clock back in, you’re unable to contain your bright grin of excitement as you flash Chaeryeong the two VIP tickets. (much to her dismay.)

⤬⤬⤬

Beomgyu is making his way to your store.

“The emo boy is coming over,” Chaeryeong tells you, not giving you much of a warning before she dips to the back— to give you a moment, she tells you shamelessly— leaving you alone and vulnerable to the sight of the cute boy appearing out of nowhere.

It had been almost a week since you had asked him to visit you— ever since then, the two of you would try to time your breaks together, spending the time talking about music and growing closer; you even got to exchange numbers.

But you hadn’t been expecting him to take your last comment seriously, especially not before the day you would be seeing him perform. But here he is, walking up to your store with other shopping bags in his hands, dressed in his usual dark attire. His eyes met yours, and you swore you saw a small amused twitch in his lips.

“Didn’t think you’d actually step a foot in here,” you say, holding back a smile at the way he clashes against the cute store— is this what you looked like in his environment? The thought was enough to give away your amusement, despite the cold front you tried to display.

“Never judge a book by its cover,” he says, echoing your words as he watches you grin shamelessly, his eyes latching onto a piece of jewelry that caught his eye. “Nice smiley, did you get it done here?”

Scoffing, you can’t stop the laugh that escapes at his ridiculous words.

“As if, I wouldn’t trust this place to do a regular ear-piercing,” you say, looking back at your piercing station in dismay.

Beomgyu says nothing, even when you throw him a questioned look.

“How much for the piercings?”

“What— You can’t be serious,” you say, gawking at him in disbelief as you look at his ears, “you have multiple piercings! You should know better than to get it done here!”

Beomgyu shrugs, looking at himself in the mirror as he looks at the said piercings— brushing his hair back, he reaches up to rub at the only empty spot on his lobes.

“Yeah, but I don’t have my upper lobes done yet.”

“Beomgyu,” you whine, unaware of the way his name rolls off your tongue so nicely. He shivers, eyes darkening as he looks back up at you, much more determined to do it now that you’re acting like this. “I don’t want your ears to get fucked up on my behalf—your fans would hate me…”

“Well, the customer is always right,” he grins, knowing just how much the two of you hated that phrase, “and the customer wants this pretty worker to do his upper lobes— with these hello kitty earrings as well.”

Oh, he’s good, you hate how easily you’re going to give in to him; you don’t think you can put up much of a fight anymore, at least not with the way he’s looking at you and complimenting you.

“Go sit in the chair,” you sigh, seemingly defeated as you follow him to the piercing station. In the corner of your eye, you watch Chaeryeong slowly peek through the door, only to see the scene before her and quickly hide back inside.

“Just know that I’m not the one that usually does piercings,” you add, snickering at the way Beomgyu frowns at your confession. “Yeah, I tried to warn you, but you didn’t listen to me.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be happy to give you more experience,” he says, and you’re thankful that you’re able to hide behind him because holy fuck, you’re probably a mess right now. Hesitantly, you reach out to his hair— it’s in the way, you think to yourself, unsure if he’ll be bothered if you touch it.

“You can move my hair if you need to,” he says, as though he were able to read your every thought. You jump at his sudden comment, clearing your throat as you nod, before realizing that you’re standing behind him, and that he probably can’t see you right now. So you simply mutter an “okay”, hoping that he can’t see how shaky your hands are as you reach out to move his hair.

Softly, you reach out to his shoulder, brushing back his hair as you inspect his pierced ears— you ignore the way your fingertips accidentally brush against his skin, and you especially try to ignore the way he shudders at your actions. You take your time to mark where you’ll put each piercing, and after double-checking with Beomgyu, you finally get ready to pierce his ears.

Reluctantly, you put on gloves, slowly going through all the sanitation steps as you walk Beomgyu through it and tell him how to care for his piercing— you’re sure he doesn’t need to hear this, honestly— yet it’s still your job to say it.

“Take a deep breath in,” it’s accidental, but you’re using your customer service on him, and you’re sure he notices; that is, if the small quirk of his lips is any giveaway. Slowly, you adjust the piercing gun, taking a deep breath in yourself in hopes that you won’t fuck up; it’s irrational, but you can’t help but be afraid. But you pull through, and as your fingers squeeze together, you watch the needle go through his ear.

“There’s one,” you say reassuringly, pulling away to check your work. All he manages is a small wince, which is a nice contrast to the usual wailing and annoyed moms that you get on the daily. Turning to the other side, you find yourself no longer nervous, pulling back his hair without a second thought as you start sanitizing the new side as well. You barely hesitate before you’re passing the needle through his ear, smiling at the way he only flinches at the feeling.

“Good job!” You say automatically, unable to stop yourself as the customer service mode had taken over you completely. But it doesn’t seem to phase Beomgyu, because he doesn’t comment on it even as you take him to the register to pay.

“I look pretty, don’t I?” He asks, tilting his head in the mirror to look at his new hello kitty piercings. It’s a stark difference to the rest of his jewelry, but you can’t help but agree wholeheartedly with him.

“They’re super cute, I’m kinda jealous,” you say, much to Beomgyu’s surprise.

“Well, maybe your friend could pierce them,” he says, glancing behind you, and at the employee area, “if she finally decides to come out.”

Beomgyu is very annoying— it’s a realization that dawns on you as he sports a smug look, clearly pleased with the way he manages to fluster you with just a few words. But even as he bids you goodbye, reminding you to come to his show tomorrow, you can’t deny the way your heart saddens to watch him go so soon.

Oh, you’re down bad.

⤬⤬⤬

The new venue is much nicer than the last one— it catches you off guard by how nice it is. (It really makes you wonder how much money they each contribute to afford such places)

Chaeryeong is trailing behind you reluctantly, her cute heels from last time swapped out for much more comfortable sneakers. Though she complained to you about going to such a rough event again, you could tell that she was much more pleased when the sight of assigned seats greeted her— not that it wasn’t stated on the ticket, you had muttered to her sarcastically.

You could tell that you were getting strange looks from others— after all, you decided not to conform to their style. It wasn’t really you, so why do it? So instead of trying something new, you decided to stick to your cute pink outfits, dressed in a denim skirt that honestly, wasn’t covering much, the same hello kitty jacket you wore when you first talked to Beomgyu being sported once more as you layer it over a thin tank top, your cute Demonia camel-311’s adding an extra bit of height as you make it all the way down to the VIP section— front and center.

You’re practically buzzing in your seat from excitement as you wait for the concert to begin, eagerly chatting with Chaeryeong who could only do so much to calm you down. After what seems like an eternity of waiting, the audience lights finally dim, and you’re left in anticipation for the band to come out.

It still feels like you’re listening to them for the first time again as you watch them perform, your new closeness to the stage allowing them all to spot you easily— they all end up sending Beomgyu knowing looks at some point, unbeknownst to you.

And as you finally make eye contact with Beomgyu, you grin at him excitedly, waving at him as he nods in recognition, a smile breaking across his face as he sees you. And though you finally look away from him, much more distracted by Soobin as he begins to sing, he can’t help but watch you, mesmerized as you seem to be enjoying yourself wholly. (Though he couldn’t say the same for your friend, who mostly seemed to be there for emotional support as she helped steady you.)

You just seemed so happy. And it made Beomgyu’s heart jump excitedly at the thought of it being because of his band. You were even singing along, and Beomgyu couldn’t help but watch you fondly, shamelessly staring at you even when it was his turn to sing and your gaze turned back to him. He met your eyes eagerly, and you almost felt as though the rest of the crowd disappeared as he sang, raspy voice soothing to your ears as you tried to push away the incessant fluttering of your heart.

You stared at him even when it was no longer his part, watching in awe as he played the bass like it was second nature. Meeting his eyes once more, you couldn’t help the way your eyes flit to his ears, the flash of the jewelry bringing your attention to the cute hello kitty studs he wore; you pointed at your ears eagerly, and he seems to realize what you’re referring to as he sweeps his hair back, allowing you to take in the piercings properly; they’re healing surprisingly well.

The concert seems to pass by much quicker than you’d like— and you’re left with nothing but the muffled feeling in your ears and the dwindling adrenaline as you reluctantly make your way back to the entrance. You almost make it out, but you’re stopped last minute as a security guard approaches the two of you, asking you for to confirm your identities to him.

“Beomgyu would like to see you,” he says, pointing at you as he reads your ID. You’re surprised, blinking owlishly as you take in his words, unsure if he’s messing with you as you say,

“… Me?”

“Yes, if you could please follow me,” the security guard waits for you to come after him, but he seems to notice the way you hesitate and turn back to your friend with uncertainty. “She can wait in the VIP lobby if she’d like, but I was told to bring you specifically backstage.”

It seems like something clicks for Chaeryeong as she lets out a small “ahhh,” in understanding, pushing you towards the security guard as you turn to her with wide eyes, surprised at her actions.

“Go ahead! The VIP lounge has drinks,” she encourages you, rolling her eyes with every protest and “are you sure?” that leaves your mouth. “Yes I’m sure! Now go!”

Reluctantly, you leave your friend behind in the VIP lounge, watching her get comfortable at the bar as she asks the bartender for a drink. The backstage area is a lot quieter than you’d thought it would be— it’s practically silent the moment you enter the area, the boys all probably tired and ready to go home after such a performance. But you’re in awe nonetheless, looking from door to door as the security guard finally guides you to the last one— Beomgyu’s dressing room, it seems.

Knocking on it tentatively, you anxiously wait for Beomgyu to open up as the guard stands behind you; you really hope he wasn't messing with you.

“Hmm? Who is it?” You can hear the grogginess in Beomgyu’s voice as the door barely opens, his head slowly peeking out before it's met with the sight of your sheepish smile.

“Ah, you can come in,” he gestures to you, suddenly much more awake as he glances back to the security guard, “you’re good to go, thank you.”

You’re restless as the door is shut behind him, and you’re left alone in the small dressing room as you patiently wait for Beomgyu to tell you why he brought you here.

“___,” you look at him, surprised to find your name slipping from his lips so easily. He’s smiling, suddenly much more energized as he tells you, “we just signed with a record label. We’re set.”

You’re elated, his joy contagious as you take a second to process his words— he laughs, and you can’t help but share his laugh as you run to him, enveloping him into a tight hug that he gladly accepts, the smoky scent of his cologne lingering despite his change of clothes. You don’t know how long you stay like this, but it just feels right as you mutter a “congratulations” into the fabric of his shirt, nuzzling into his neck with a smile stuck on your face.

Pulling away from him, you’re reluctant to leave this small space that the two of you created; you can tell he feels the same, hands lingering at your forearms as he keeps you close, eyes fond as he watches the way your eyes sparkle under the lights of the room.

“Does this mean you’re quitting your job at the mall?” You joke, cracking a smile that Beomgyu sees past— you don’t think you’re ready to watch him leave just yet.

“Yes,” he says, honest words leaving him as he tugs you in closer, unable to look away from your glossy lips as he finds himself leaning in closer, his voice much quieter as he says, “but I’ll still visit now and then.”

It’s not the perfectly romantic and corny line you were expecting, but it’s enough to prompt you to crash your lips with his, the weeks of tension and feelings that had built up between the two of you finally crashing down as you allow yourself to indulge in the feeling of him. He’s quick to kiss you back, the feeling rough and new as his snake bite piercings press against your flesh, a small sigh escaping you as you feel him nip at your lips.

His arms have encased your waist and pulled you in tight, your body pressed flush against his and your hands splayed across his chest as he practically forces you to lean against him, his fingertips itching to explore your body further.

“Fuck, I couldn’t stand seeing you out there in your cute little skirt,” he groans, slotting a thigh between yours as he runs his fingers along the hem of your skirt, “made me scared someone else would try to make a move on you.”

“No, wore this just for you,” you confess, breathless and whiny as you grind on his thigh, the thin fabric of your panties doing nothing to hide just how aroused you were. He laughs at that, the sound airy and mocking as he guides your hips on his thigh, pushing you down on it more as he takes in the sounds that tumble messily from your lips.

Placing your hands on his shoulders to steady yourself, you yelp at the way he angles your hips, clenching his thigh and bouncing it under you as your sensitive clit rubs and bumps against him messily. You’re practically delirious as you reach a hand down to move your panties aside, the stimulation not enough for you as you finally allow your bare cunt to come in contact with him.

“I can’t believe this,” he groans, watching the way a wet spot slowly begins to form over the place you continue to grind against, “my stupid girl, all fucked up over my thigh? Poor baby won’t be able to take my cock, then.”

“No, I can take it,” you protest, your mind reeling from the pleasure that Beomgyu gives you— you can feel your stomach tightening with every clench of his thigh, the muscle pressing against you nicely, “Please, I can take it, please…”

“You really think you can?” He asks, leaning to trail kisses down the column of your neck, “why don’t you come on my thigh, then we’ll see if you really can.”

You’re nodding desperately for his approval, shirt clenched tightly in your fists as you work yourself up to your high, the feeling of his muscles pressing against you bringing you closer much quicker. With a particularly harsh bounce of his thigh, your mouth falls open, Beomgyu’s grip on your hips ruthless as he forces you down on him, guiding you through it as slowly come down from the blissful feeling.

“Good girl, following my orders like that,” he mumbles, enjoying the way your shaking hands grip onto him helplessly. Gently, he guides you to the couch, allowing you to fall on it as he slowly begins to undress you, your grabby hands pulling at his shirt until he’s throwing it over his head.

“Oh god—" he holds back a groan as he takes off your bra, suddenly finding it much harder to contain himself at the cute sight, his hands immediately finding their place on your breasts as he gulps.

“Baby, I had no idea you pierced these,” he says, pretty fingers playing with the piercings on your nipples as you whine at the stimulation. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? They’re so pretty…”

Beomgyu is mesmerized as you lay before him, a needy and panting mess as you let him play with your tits crudely, allowing him to pinch and roll the pierced nipples until they’re hardened. Slowly, he leans down to wrap his mouth around one of them, tongue darting out to lick at them as you gasp, back arching as you realize—

“Fuck, is your tongue pierced?” You gasp, watching the way Beomgyu sits up with a mischievous grin on his face.

“Looks like we’re all full of surprises here,” he says, trailing kisses down your body before he finally stops at your navel, glancing back up as he says, “I’ve always heard it feels better when you get eaten out by someone with a piercing— wanna test it out?”

You’re ready to say every curse word in existence as Beomgyu dives down without a second thought, warm mouth wrapping around you and the feeling of his tongue— paired by his piercing— sends you into an overstimulated mess, still having yet to recover as you thread your hands into his hair, weakly attempting to pull him away from you before he’s pinning your hips down, his tongue insistent as he flicks it across your clit ruthlessly.

“Beomgyu…” you whine out, body too sensitive to stay still, yet still begging for more as you thread your fingers tighter into his scalp, tugging harshly— the sting brings out a crude groan from him.

Slowly, you feel his fingers prodding at your entrance, an airy chuckle leaving him as he takes in the way you’re dripping wet for him. Pulling away, he watches as two of his fingers slide in easily, opening up inside you as he slowly begins to stretch them out inside you, biting at his lip at the way you clench around him.

Leaning back down, he lays his tongue flat on your clit, enjoying the way you shake under him as he sets a brutally slow pace for you.

“Enjoying yourself?” He taunts, unable to stop himself as his free hand reaches up to play with your nipples, still amazed at the cute piercings that had been hiding from him all along. You’re nodding along, though he’s not entirely sure you processed what he just asked from the way you’re so lost in the pleasure— which Beomgyu is more than happy to deliver more of. His tongue flicking across your clit paired with the quickened pace of his fingers is what sets you off, the stimulation too much for you the moment Beomgyu begins to tug at your nipple piercings teasingly.

“Beomgyu please,” you plead, using your fingers that were threaded in his hair to pull him up, your lips briefly meeting his as you take in the taste of yourself— his tongue darts into your mouth as you allow him to coat your tongue with your own release, the teasing bites that he leaves you with as he pulls away making you whine stupidly.

“So fucking pretty,” he mutters under his breath, staring down at your fucked out form as he finally releases himself from his restraints, his cock painfully hard and leaking as he kneels over you, “Wanna make you all mine. Keep you to myself.”

His words are an alluring promise as he slowly pushes into you, leaving kisses and bites all along your collarbones as you do the same to him. You sigh as he bottoms out, hips meeting yours as he takes your hand to place it on your abdomen.

“Do you feel that?” He asks, pressing his hand on top of yours as he slowly pulls out, a broken moan leaving you as you realize that fuck, you can. With every slow thrust you can feel every vein, his hand that remains on top of yours adding onto the pleasure as you feel him through your stomach as well.

“God, you make it so hard for me to hold myself back,” he groans, closing his eyes as you clench tightly around him, the warm feeling of your walls wrapping around him pushes him to his limits, the sounds that leave your lips only adding on to the mess.

“Don’t,” you breathe out, eyes dazed as they meet Beomgyu’s, “Don’t hold back— please.”

With one final look in your eyes, Beomgyu shakes his head, leaning down to plant a kiss to your lips before he’s taking your leg, bringing it up to press against your chest as it allows him to fuck you in a deeper angle. His pace is ruthless as he gives in to your request, the combination of his length and the stretch of his cock leaving your mind empty in a matter of seconds.

“Fuck, be quiet baby,” he grits out, slapping a hand over your mouth in panic as you let out a particularly loud moan, the reminder of his other bandmates being nearby bringing about a rush of adrenaline— he didn’t want anyone else to hear the sounds you made.

Your muffled whimpers and whines still managed to leak through Beomgyu’s hand, your body getting pressed down into the couch with the force that Beomgyu fucks you with. Your hands scrambled to find someplace to steady yourself on, quickly finding purchase on Beomgyu’s shoulders, your nails raking down his back accidentally as his cock pressed against a sensitive spot— you were only egged on by the surprised moan he let out by that.

“God, you feel so…” he hisses as your nails dig into his skin, the stinging feeling making him pry your hands away from him as he pins them down, your fingers lacing with his immediately as he uses this to fuck into you harder. His lips crash against yours the moment you begin to get too loud again, and you accept the distraction gratefully as you relish in the feeling of his piercings against your skin.

This new angle allowed for his hips to crash against your clit, the rough hits making you closer to your end as you clenched tightly around him, the feeling enough of a warning for Beomgyu as he continued to fuck you ruthlessly. Your nails dig into his hands as he begins to hit your sensitive spot repeatedly, your high crashing down on you unexpectedly as you clamp down on Beomgyu’s cock.

He helps you ride through it, slowing his pace into nothing but a grind as he presses his hips against yours, placing relentless kisses on your lips as soft praise leaves him, the words not quite reaching you as you come down from your high.

“Gyu,” you whimper, and Beomgyu thinks he might just come then and there, “keep going.”

“More?” He asks, incredulous at your request, “fuck, you still want more?”

Nodding, you squeeze his hands as you innocently say, “want you to finish inside me.”

God, you have no idea what you do to him. Your words hit him like a freight train as he feels his cock twitch inside you, shaking his head in disbelief at your request— how could you say something like that so sweetly? It’s like you were doing it on purpose.

“Fuck, I’m gonna fill you up until you can only think of me,” he says, his words drawing out a whimper from you as he begins to move once more, no longer hesitant as he watches the way your face contorts from the pleasure and over stimulation. Your words are all he can think of as he watches you try your best to be quiet, biting at your lips and failing as he presses his cock deep inside you, every drag and thrust he delivers making your eyes roll back in bliss.

You might even be drooling at this point— but you don’t really care, at least not with the way Beomgyu is fucking you so nicely. You can feel his pace stutter as he lets out soft moans, hands untangling from yours as he sits up, placing his hands on your hips and angling them up as he uses you to his liking, the new angle making you slap your hands over your mouth— you’re sure something humiliating would have left your mouth if you hadn’t done so.

His fingertips dig into the soft flesh of your hips as his brows furrow, concentrated on chasing pleasure as his eyes flit back to you— to your watery eyes, your hands clasped over your mouth panic despite the sounds that leak through, and your breasts that bounce back and forth with each thrust.

He can tell that a new orgasm is beginning to build in you, and he’s determined to make the coil snap as he reaches a hand down to rub at your clit, leaning over to whisper nothing but the filthiest things imaginable, a grin overtaking his face as he feels the way you’re quick to catch up to him, your trembling figure telling him all he needs to know.

“Come on darling, don’t you want me to fill you up? You’d look so pretty with my cum dripping between your thighs, I’ll make sure everyone will know you’re mine. Go ahead, come on my cock.” He’s rambling at this point, but it’s enough to set you off as you cum on him once more, the pathetic whine of his name enough to set him off as he follows close behind you, his thrusts sloppy and rough before he stills, filling you to the brim as your hands find themselves running down his back once more, the sting of pain mixing into his pleasure as his head drops onto your neck, the heavy feeling of his breaths against your neck the only thing that grounds you from your high.

He’s careful as he maneuvers the two of you to lay down, having yet to pull out of you as the slow trickle of his cum escaping from you makes you shiver. Wrapping his arms tightly around you, he pulls you in for another slow kiss, unable to stop the smile that spreads across his lips, the two of you turning into a giddy mess in each other’s arms.

“I was waiting for the day I could kiss you like this,” he mumbles against your lips, the confession making you push against his chest in embarrassment, allowing him to pull you back in with a laugh. The two of you stay like that for a moment longer, and you actually think you could fall asleep like this—

“Oh my god, Chaeryeong!”

At the call of your friend’s name, Beomgyu groans, throwing an arm over his eyes as he asks, “she’s still here?”

“Yes!” You can tell that Beomgyu doesn’t understand why you’re panicking, but you feel absolutely terrible that you made her wait outside in the lobby while you— you…

“Gyu, I gotta go,” you whine, trying to pry yourself from his grip as you look around his dressing room, spotting a rag and a spray bottle filled with water that you could use to clean yourself up. “I have the day off tomorrow, just come over then.”

“Can I? You promise?” Is all he says, unable to let you go as you try to rush to clean up. Turning back to him, you adjust your shirt, laughing at the way he seems to be eager for your response.

“Promise,” you say, leaning down to give him a final goodbye kiss; it’s enticing when he tries to lure you in with more, but you know better as you collect your things, bidding him a final goodbye as you exit his room, allowing yourself to be escorted by security guards as you do the walk of shame. (Shame was actually not enough to describe what you felt— what you felt was much deeper, the realization that everyone probably heard you leaving you unable to look up from the floor.)

Yet even as you’re reuniting with Chaeryeong with a sheepish smile, you can’t help but feel the way your heart flutters at the feeling of your phone being flooded with messages.

Gyu:

Send me ur address pls

Would it be weird if I just come over rn

Say no so I can come over

You shook your head as you read through the messages, not noticing the way Chaeryeong peeked over teasingly.

“See, I told you— you were playing the long game.”

Yet this time, you couldn’t really deny her— because maybe you really were all along.

⤬⤬⤬

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moonshine999 · 1 month

Text

Team Green promotional stills

side note : this “analysis” is only limited to the promotional stills and I’ll probably do the trailer/posters a bit later. Also that this is just speculation and most of it is probably bs because I just woke up from a nap and decided to start typing.

this might be one of two things

a) Larys talking to b&c in the dungeon..possibly informing them of their punishment OR watching their punishment unfold

b) Him talking to Aegon about fleeing King’s Landing or actually fleeing King’s Landing

now this also may be where Larys says the “survived dragon-fire” line if it is the second scenario

I would really like to think of this as a scene where Aemond expresses more emotion to Criston about what happened at Storm’s end.

If you notice then Criston seems to be in his night clothes while Aemond is still in his “fighting” or training clothes (if that makes sense).

possibly to indicate how at ease Criston would be trying to make him feel while talking about this but Aemond just keeping his guard up.

it also does look like Aemond is trying to avert his gaze while Criston talks

Also if the above is true (which is highly unlikely actually), then it would serve as a great parallel to Alicent & Aegon with the candles of the sept vs the candles Criston has lit in …possibly his chambers?

Im not very sure about this particular shot at all so even though I’d like to, going into detail on the above point seems useless

SERVING CUNT

okay so all possible times we may see Aegon at the coucil basically come down to a) the first episode as an introduction and b) after b&c

If it is his introduction, then he is probably zoned out here - thinking of something else and playing around with his dagger until (according to the leaks) he is snapped out of it by either a council member or a guard informing that Helaena needs him

But if it's after b&c then he may be zoned out because he refuses to listen to other council members dictate what he should "rationally" do at this time. His mind would be struck with grief and a want for revenge and maybe the placement of the knife near his face like that is no ordinary mistake.

He is probably plotting something here on his own (could be the reason he could ask Larys for help) and it would be such a good parallel, if he's sort of snapped out of it again by the thought of Helaena

phia saban is turning your kids GAY

so we know this is the funeral dress…the two main questions are whether it’s after the funeral or before the funeral and who she’s looking at

my personal bet is before the funeral. This is because she still looks a bit composed as she not seen her son’s body / refused to see it since that night probably because she realises she can’t handle it

(don’t exactly know if the above bit is phrased properly at all but hope the point gets across)

also in details of the shot itself…her veil isn’t tied on yet and her hair is undone/not braided yet..signalling that she is still getting dressed.

As for who she is looking at…the safest bet is either Alicent or Aegon (considering the situation these two are the people who would understand her emotions best)

If it is Alicent.. then it’s most likely her providing comfort to her daughter and sharing feelings/thoughts of what it means to be a mother

And if it is Aegon (which I do think is more likely and that is not just the helaegon manic shipper in me)… then it would probably be him trying to justify not being there (in the room when it happened) and probably promising that he will get revenge for such a heinous act (or something along those lines)

another note : I did not do Alicent’s promo shot because I think that shot could be anything and I personally did not notice any details that could specify the situation or what she may be doing

#team green #aegon ii targaryen #helaena targaryen #alicent hightower #helaegon #helaena x aegon ii #aemond targaryen #house of the dragon #criston cole #hotd speculation #analysis #also I haven’t watched the trailer carefully so if I have missed some link ups in between the shots and the trailer then please excuse that

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crying-wolves · 9 months

Note

hi!! why stress when you can be in a fictional world??

so i kept seeing my ex this week 🫣 after not seeing them for a year 🥴 and im over her but it’s like first gay love you know? that shit fucks you up!!!

i kept thinking about abby and how i wish i could text her 😭😭 like babe come pick me up PLEASE

so yeah maybe something around that?? i think we all need some abby comfort

You usually weren’t known for making mistakes.

Seriously, as overconfident and precise as it sounds, you were always the smart one. Level-headed in a way that pissed your friends off when all they wanted to do was go a little feral. Experiment. Let whatever happens, happen.

Yeah, you didn’t buy into that whole “let the universe make your choices for you” moonshine. Didn’t appeal to you in the slightest.

So why, oh, why are you spending your Friday night standing outside of a crumbling sports bar, rubbing at those tears that threaten to fall from your eyes onto the ground below you?

You guess the universe pushes and pushes until it finally has its way with you in the end.

Your fingers had dialed practically everyone of your four roommates in the past 10 minutes that you’ve been standing out in the balmy summer air, but, of fucking course, each call went straight to voice mail every single time.

Figures! The one time you decide to do something out of your comfort zone and everything starts spinning off its axis immediately.

The idea of calling an Uber flits across the back of your mind, but you really don’t want to spend anymore money tonight, having already handed your card over to the bartender enough times that you were thoroughly buzzed and feeling that if you checked your bank account right now, all of those vodka sodas would come racing back up your throat. Hard pass.

It isn’t until you scroll through your contacts for the fifth consecutive time and land right back at the top, however, that you stop to consider what may be the most obvious answer of the night: Abby Anderson. Fuckin’ duh.

Abby “Permanent Designated Driver” Anderson. The girl who has decidedly quit drinking altogether after deciding that she really wants to take her whole softball career seriously. Abby Anderson who is always, always wide awake into the deep recesses of the night, cramming for her 8am or putting in a few last minute hours at the gym.

Abby Anderson, sweet, sweet, Abby, somehow bestowed with the patience of a saint and the subtlety of a freight train, who will definitely pick you up, but won’t hesitate to ask what you’re doing at this ratty old place at 2:30 in the morning.

It’s probably a lot better than practically dragging your way home, so, why not?

You dial the number and she picks up within 3 rings, a little out of breath. You guess she took on the weight room, tonight.

“Yeah?”

Your body stiffens. Fuck! How well do you actually know Abby? You’ve barhopped with her and some other friends in the past, but most of those nights were spent casually sipping at a bottle of soda while you listen to everyone else converse and socialize. When was the last time you actually spoke to her?

“Is this one of those county cop calls that keeps going around campus, cause I’m not signing your fuckin’ petition—“

“No, no!” You blurt out, a little surprised at yourself. “It’s just— I mean, it’s just…me?”

Abby says your name inquisitively through the phone, sounding as startled as you are. “Hey…is everything alright?”

You scan your surroundings as if they’ll give you the answer that you’re looking for, and shrug like she can see you. Could be worse, you guess?

“Are you busyyy tonight?” You slur a little, and she seems concerned at the sound.

“No, I’m, uh, free? Are you in—“

“Could you, maybeee, give me a ride home?”

You think you can hear a ‘pause sound’ moving through her head, or maybe you’re just a bit more drunk than you thought.

“Yeah! Yeah, totally, just…are you off-campus, or—?”

“Mmhmm! I’llsendyouthelocation, byeee!”

You click the end call button and stare st the black screen. Since when did you get so frazzled over talking to her? She sounds the same as she usually does, right? Choosing not to think about it too much, the location is sent her way and, judging by the distance, she should be there in 20 minutes.

She’s there in 15. You hear her before you can actually make out the vehicle in the distance. It’s late. The roads are empty. You didn’t give her much context, so, you don’t exactly blame her for hurrying.

But her car pulls up in front of you like a heavy metal chariot, and you get a little anxious about stepping into the passenger’s seat in your sheer black dress and platform heels.

Neither of you say anything for the first minute and you’re rather grateful. Your insides feel like poorly melted snow, and you’re not sure if it’s the way that Abby’s gripping the steering wheel or the fact that she keeps glancing over at you through the side window. You see your legs shift against the leather seats, but your mind is elsewhere.

“Did you, uh, get to the bar alone?” She begins, tapping her thick fingers against the wheel, sounding like she’s trying to broach something, but you don’t know what it is yet.

You squint down at your phone screen to check the time again. Right. The evening started way earlier than you remembered.

“Nope. Came here on a blind date.”

Abby tries not to react like that shocks her, but she doesn’t quite make the mark.

“You went—! Oh! Right! ‘course! Makes sense…”

Silence, again. The kind that’s unbearable in situations like these. You roll down the window for some fresh air, but it makes the both of you sweat even more.

“Did it…go well?”

You purse your lips together and shake your head. “Nope. She was kind of a dick.”

Abby lets out a breathy chuckle at your answer and you decide to keep going.

“She wasn’t really that into me. Kept chatting up the waitress and interrupting me whenever I spoke. Said she had to leave early to pick up her little brother from his friend’s house, but she said she was an only child when I asked earlier, so…”

“Damn…that’s—that’s rough…”

“Yeah…”

What is with the both of you and pained silences? Seems to be something in the air tonight.

Abby clears her throat while you’re silently moping at the memories, and when you get to a red light, she turns to take you in.

“If it makes you feel any better, the last date I went on snuck out of the back door before dessert.”

You gasp, dramatically, and she rolls her eyes in the same manner.

“No fuckin’ way! You’re tellin’ meee that someone would actually pass up a chance to go on a date with you?” The utter disbelief that you stare up at her with makes her cheeks go pink, and she can’t help but feel a little satisfied with herself. She smiles, a little bitterly.

“Not as much of a catch as you think I am, babe.”

You can’t help but giggle. “Oh, I hardly believe that, Ms. Anderson.”

If there’s one thing you can thank the alcohol for, besides getting you in Abby’s car in the first place, it’s the extra push it gives you to go for the things you actually want.

“You know, Abigail, if you’re into it, we could, maybe, do a repeat performance of our shitty dates with each other, and make them…not shitty? How’s that sound?”

You feel the smile before you see it on her face. It’s like she can bring the warmth of the sun into any space she occupies.

“Well…” she starts “As long as you promise to at least tell me before you sneak out the back, then, we got ourselves a deal.”

You’re giddy with all that light she brings. And, you think, briefly, that sure, maybe you don’t usually make these kinds of mistakes, but at least this one scored you a date with THE Abby Anderson.

So, maybe, possibly, the universe could very well be onto something.

#Bestie tell me why this is 1.3k words after I told myself it would be something short and sweet 🫣 I hope u like it <3 #my first wlw relationship BROKE me so don’t beat urself up over still seeing them!!!#take care of urself I love u💜#abby anderson x reader #abby anderson #abby anderson fanfic #lovey replies!#abby anderson fluff

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mommyclaws · 3 months

Note

look as a lesbian I don’t get why it’s so awful to just want lesbian spaces?? We as queer people all have different experiences and we can have smaller spaces while still embracing the whole community.

Lesbians go through different experiences than bi non-men do. That DOES NOT mean “we suffer more” or whatever because I hate the whole oppression olympics shit. We are not attracted to men neither sexually nor romantically, and that’s what makes us oppressed in this heteronormative world. We go through harassment, corrective rape, violence, and conversion “therapy” because we are homosexual. If my dad ever found out I was exclusively attracted to women I would get kicked out. Why is it suddenly so awful and “gatekeepy” to ask us to have our own spaces? We still have sapphic spaces! We even have bi spaces and pan spaces! Heck, I see gay non-women are allowed to have their own spaces!

It’s harmful to be treated as a monolith. I’m not attracted to men, and saying im an “exclusionist” for this is lesbophobic. I’m not evil for being exclusively attracted to non-men. I’m not evil for saying we should have our own spaces while we’d still have sapphic spaces!

Words have meanings, and the lesbian label is important to me, for all of its history and all of my struggles. I’m tired of us all being seen as “big mean lesbians who hate men” so so much. It reeks of misogyny to me.

I am heavily disappointed, and I ask everyone to please understand why bi lesbians are harmful.

I'm disappointed you've missed the point of my post. I was talking about the history of different lesbians and sapphics being excluded and hated in our community through generations. The conversation wasn't about bi lesbians specifically, it was about the butches, transfemmes, Pan/Bi, Aro/Ace, nonbinary, and countless other identities that were or ARE still considered not "valid" members of our community at point or another. I was pointing out how this "Bi Lesbian exclusion" is just a repeat of past mistakes and in the retrospective it is rooted in radfem/terf ideology that claims sapphics have to present and feel a certain way to be accepted. I didn’t say anywhere that being attracted to non-men is evil, I didn’t call anyone a “big mean lesbian”. You’re putting words into my mouth. That entire post was about defending sapphic’s right to attraction and expression.

Lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, non cis women and etc can all be oppressed, harassed, hate crimed, rejected by friends/family and other terrible things for their non heteronormative attraction.

Some people are failing to realize these exclusively “one identity spaces" they feel are being threatened don't actually exist in real life. Sure someone can have like, a "nonbinaries only" discord server or a meet up with friends who are all the the same identity. But a majority of queer spaces in real life? They don't have those rules because theres no way to separate queer identities neatly like that- There isn't a need to. You're going to find bisexuals and pansexuals and nonbinaries and trans people and all sorts of other identities at the same lesbian bar, the same sapphic support group, the same circle of friends.

So what exactly are these "spaces" that every other identity has and lesbians supposedly don't? Maybe ask why bisexuals, pansexuals, etc also being in a sapphic space feels so threatening to some in the first place? They have a right to be there as well. We are a community.

A label can be used and defined as whatever the owner of the label is comfortable with! "Lesbian" has always been an umbrella term. It can be a singular identity or it can describe any sapphic experience or it can do lots of things, labels have always been flexible in this way. Someone using the label differently than another person isn't harmful. It's expression.

#Not my intention to come off as argumentative! Just a discussion of different views.#I don’t mind discussing different perspectives and defending what I think in return #disclaimer: plz do not harass the asker if you disagree.#lgbt discourse #?? <- for anyone who doesn’t want to see this ig #asks #sa tw #homophobia tw #long post

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bwabys-scenarios · 8 months

Text

Fixer Upper

Part 17

Perv!Kurapika x Fem!Reader

part 16

part 18

!!REBLOGS APPRECIATED!!

warning: Kurapika is really mean to reader in this chapter :(

taglist: @fabitheraven @tsukilover11 @ashdownunderscorebeloved @lemonslut @homeinmydreams @superweeniehutjrsblog @bugmomwrites @heartsforseo @lixiawinter @altaircc @itszenava @fiightforlovee @mimi-sanisanidiot @monainanuttshell @wow-im-gay @whorermoviestar @lightshowerrr @mama-m1na @aceywaceyboobybear @nenggie @wicked-binch

If you’d like to be ADDED to the taglist, please comment a red heart ❤️, make sure you’re able to be tagged/mentioned, and have your age in your bio(IF YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE TAGLIST, YOU DON’T NEED TO ASK TO BE ADDED AGAIN!!)

(Name) attempted to snuggle into Kurapika’s chest, only to be met with the absence of warmth where he should have been. Her eyes fluttered open to see his side of the bed empty.

“Pika?”

His satchel was gone, and after a quick around the apartment, she realized he was also gone.

She was worried, after last night he shouldn’t be out alone. (Name) attempted to call him, waiting a moment before a wave of nausea overtook her.

“The number you’ve dialed has been disconnected. Please try again after the beep.”

She stared down at her phone, hand trembling. ‘No… no there has to be some sort of explanation. He wouldn’t…’

(Name) took a deep breath, setting her phone on the counter before taking out the ingredients for breakfast.

“(Name)!”

She jumped, turning to see Leorio, Gon, and Killua walking in. “God I’m starving. Really should have taken you up on th-“

(Name) rushed forward, eyes wide. “Leorio, let me borrow your phone.”

Leorio blinked, handing over his phone without hesitation. “What’s wrong, sunshine? Phone broken?”

She didn’t answer, Killua stepping forward. He watched as she scrolled until Kurapika’s contact showed up, clicking the call button.

Ring…

‘Hello, this is Kurapika Kurta, the Blacklist Hunter. I am unable to get to the phone right now, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.’

(Name)’s hand trembled, Leorio having to place both of his hands on her shoulders to keep her from falling.

“(Name)! What’s the matter?”

She handed back his phone, unable to look him in the eye.

“I think… I think Kurapika blocked me.”

———————

(Name) sat at the kitchen table, picking at her food as her friends attempted to comfort her.

“I’m sure it’s some kind of mistake, (Name)! Kurapika cares about you a lot. You’re his favorite!” Gon said, patting her back.

“Yeah, he kind of adores you. I don’t think you should worry.” Leorio said in agreement. (Name) held her tummy, staring at the ground.

“I… I want to believe that, I really do…”

‘But there’s too many things adding up that say otherwise…’

Leorio scooted closer, wrapping an arm around her. “Come on, princess, don’t frown. I swear, it’s probably some kind of accident. You know Kurapika, he can be a bit ditzy sometimes.”

(Name) sighed, bringing a hand up to rub at her temple. “Yeah…”

She gave them a tired smile. “Alright boys, what’s on the agenda for today?”

After a quick debriefing on the current situation, the girl got dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. “How’s this?”

“Well.”

(Name) raised an eyebrow at the white haired boy. “Well what?”

“I mean… all I’m saying is that I wouldn’t wear that top with that color of pants…”

(Name) looked down, then sighed. “Aight, I’ll be right back.”

She changed into a knee length skirt and cardigan, throwing on a pair of leg warmers with her Mary Janes. “How about this?”

“It’s… better.”

(Name) snickered. “You know, you could be a little fashion designer, Killua. You’ve got a real good eye for it.”

He blinked. He had been teasing her beforehand, but her comment caught him off guard. “Oh.”

(Name) handed him a box of apple juice. “Here, carry Gon’s too, he always spills his.”

The three found themselves following behind her, even though they were the ones that knew where they were going.

“(Name), do you know where we’re going?”

She paused, glancing back at her friends. “Oh, um…”

She answered by moving to the back and standing behind them. “Lead the way!”

———————

(Name) sipped on her favorite milkshake, Leorio occasionally feeding her pieces of his cake. “Hmm… what are we doing again?”

Killua smiled, his eyes darting to the left. “Hunting them, of course.”

The girl hummed. “Hmm… hunting? You know I forget that as hunters we… hunt. I know it’s in the name and everything, b-“

She glanced between Gon and Leorio, the two looking increasingly nervous. “Gon? Leorio? What wrong?”

“I forget you don’t know how dangerous our targets are. Those two have A Class Bounties.”

“What does that even mean? A class bounties, that means nothing to me.”

“They’re worth a lot of money and have killed hundreds of people.”

“Oh. Well that is quite unfortunate.”

Leorio snickered next to her. “(Name)… what do you know about the Phantom Troupe?”

“… not a lot if I’m being honest, besides them being the ones that…”

She went quiet, twiddling her thumbs.

“The ones that killed Kurapika’s clan.”

The entire table went silent at Killua’s words. (Name) glanced out the window. “So which ones are our targets?”

Killua glanced to a man and woman sitting at one of the tables. The woman had pink hair in a ponytail, and the man had black hair in a ponytail.

“Siblings?” (Name) asked. Killua pinched her cheek.

“Having the same hairstyle doesn’t make people siblings, (Name).”

Leorio pinched her other cheek. “Hey, don’t stare at them, you’ll make it obvious we’re watching them.”

“Guys, I don’t think (Name) can respond with you pulling both of her cheeks.”

They blinked, letting her go. “Ahh…” she rubbed her cheeks, frowning at her friends. “That hurt, you know…”

She poked her tongue out at the two before continuing to sip on her milkshake.

“The moods completely changed.”

(Name) felt a shiver run up her spine, glancing between her friends to see the same frazzled expression on each of their faces.

“There’s so much tension, it’s scary.”

“What, did they spot us?”

“No, they haven’t spotted us yet, so just stay calm.”

(Name) tuned them out, bending down to rummage through her bag. “Hmm… I have a good remedy for this.”

She pulled out a pair of hello kitty sunglasses, shoving them over her eyes. “Now they can’t see where I’m looking!”

The three could only sigh. “I think those will only draw attention to you, sunshine.”

——————

“They’re on the move, so what are we gonna do? And remember, if we fight these guys we’re gonna lose.” Killua said, setting his cup on the table.

“Well, we’re not just going to sit here and let them walk away are we?” Leorio asked, gesturing towards the two. Killua raised an eyebrow at this, the tall man quickly putting his hands down.

“Right, we’ve come this far, we’re not going to come back now.” Gon agreed.

“Okay, you three are going to have to listen and do exactly as I say.”

(Name) listened as he explained his plan, stopping him midway through. “… and where do I come in?”

He clamped his mouth shut, not answering her question.

“Killua?”

“…”

The white haired boy sighed. “Listen, maybe it’s best if… if you didn’t come with us.”

(Name) set her bag back down, pulling her sunglasses off. “Why? I don’t understand.”

“(Name)…”

Gon placed a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t know how to do Zetsu, it’s not s-“

(Name) huffed. “Oh come on. I thought you would all stop underestimating me after the Hunter Exam. Haven’t I proven myself enough?”

“(Name), it’s not like that. You can’t-“

“I can! Just… just explain Zetsu to me.”

The two glanced at each other before beginning a short explanation.

“Oh, you mean this?”

(Name)’s face changed to a more neutral expression, staring into the wall.

Her two younger friends blinked. “She’s… she’s doing it!”

She laughed. “It’s basically like masking, but adding some nen into the mix!”

“Masking?”

“It’s pretending to not be… me.”

Leorio stared at her, eyes narrowing before going wide. “Wait… masking? Do you mean…”

“I’m autistic.”

The whole room went quiet, all three of them going silent. “Autistic?”

She nodded. “Oh, did I not tell you? I forget some people don’t just… know. Usually they can pick me out like sharks with a drop of blood in the water.”

“I mean, I thought you were a bit odd…”

“I don’t know how to respond to that.”

“Oh shit is that offensive? Sorry, sunshine. You’re just… not…”

“Normal?”

“Oh god.”

(Name) snickered, smacking his back. “Aww, I’m just teasing. I understand you don’t mean anything by it.”

He sighed in relief. “Autism or no autism, I’d still tap th-“

“Okay that’s enough speaking for now, sweetheart.”

Gon piped up shyly. “I’m also autistic.”

Killua and Leorio gasped. “WHAT?”

(Name) laughed. “I knew there was something about you!”

She ruffled his hair. “One of us! One of us!”

Killua, who didn’t know what autism was, groaned. “Ok, ok, she’s got autism or whatever. We’re going to lose them, come on you’re with me.”

He grabbed (Name)’s wrist before they left.

——————

Killua helped (Name) up onto the top of a building, calling Gon to report on their situation. The girl crouched down, putting her sunglasses back on.

They followed the two quietly, (Name) noticing Killua getting more and more anxious by the second.

They waited stood near the window in an abandoned building, occasionally peeking out to look at the two Phantom Troupe members.

They were standing in the middle of the abandoned part of town, staring out into nothing.

“What do you think, Killua?” Gon asked over the phone, (Name) leaning in so she could hear the conversation,

“They’re either waiting for someone, or they’re trying to draw us out.”

“Do you think they’ve discovered we’re following them?”

“There’s a 50/50 chance, but even if they are on to us, they still don’t know where we are. They’re trying to wait us out, acting as though nothings wrong, hoping that we’ll give away our position.”

“So now what?”

“For now let’s just sit tight, who knows, maybe they are just waiting for somebody.”

RING!

Killua gasped, his hand reaching out to grab (Name)’s wrist. “Gon, I’m going to hang up, so listen carefully. If any of us sees anything suspicious, we don’t even question it, we just get out of here. In fact, the the next time you hear your phone ring don’t answer it, just run!”

(Name) readied her dagger, back pressed against the wall as they stared at the Phantom Troupe members.

The man turned his head slightly, his eye landing on the window they had been looking out of.

Killua grabbed (Name)’s arm and attempted to make a run for it, but a man blocked the entryway.

He pushed her onto the ground and began bouncing off the walls attempting to create enough momentum to be able to attack the man.

He launched himself forward, his leg being caught. Killua held onto the floor and spun out of his grasp.

“Hey Phinks.”

Killua turned his head to see the man from before, arm wrapped around (Name)’s neck. “I certainly didn’t expect see you here. I thought you were helping Chrollo take care of that other thing.”

(Name) choked out a gasp. “Killua, run!”

Killua’s eyes went wide when he squeezed her tighter, causing her to claw at his arm in vain.

“So, kiddo, I have a couple of questions I’d like to ask you.”

(Name) passed out from the lack of oxygen, the man keeping a good hold on her. “Ah, you better answer succinctly, or this little lady will die.”

——————

(Name) woke up to the sound of something slamming against rock. She blinked her eyes awake, yawning. “Mmm… gotta pee…”

She felt someone’s hand cover her mouth. (Name) attempted to struggle, but when her eyes met the ones looking down at her, she stilled.

It was killua, and he looked terrified. Her head was lying in his lap, and her memory was slowly coming back.

“She’s awake. Need to question her too.”

(Name) blinked when she was pulled to her feet, Killua having to be held back from doing anything.

Her brain was still fuzzy from sleep, but they didn’t seem to care.

“What do you know about chain user?”

She blinked at the shorter man, eyebrows furrowing. “Wait… I know you…”

The room went quiet as she gasped, reaching to rummage through her bag. When she did this, the man in front of her grabbed her arm and wrenched it behind her back. “Don’t move, or kill you.”

“H-hey!”

She wiggled against him, the man holding a sharpened claw against her neck. “I said don’t move.”

“Listen to him, (Name)! He’s not playing around!”

She settled down, panting slightly from the pressure of the situation. “Okay, okay. I’m still.”

“Good.”

He tore her backpack from her hands, dumping the contents onto the ground. She stayed where she was, embarrassed to have her butt perched in the air and her face pressed against some rocky surface.

“Knew it, little thief.”

He held up his wallet, pocketing it before pressing down against her lower back. “Thief? I didn’t steal anything!”

“Really? Then why my wallet in your bag?”

“You dropped it, and I picked it up! I was planning on returning it to you in case I saw you again.”

The man scoffed, twisting her arm harder until she cried out in pain. “Tell the truth, girl, before I really break it.”

“I am telling the truth!”

The man glanced to the woman with short brown hair standing nearby. “Paku.”

Pakunoda nodded, walking over before grabbing (Name)’s face. (Name) squeaked as her cheeks were squished between the woman’s fingers.

“Did you steal from Feitan?”

“No!”

She hummed, tilting (Name)’s face with her hand before letting go. “She’s telling the truth. Fei, you should be more careful.”

The man grumbled, letting her go. (Name) glared at him as she rubbed her arm.

“Answer question.”

“Huh?”

She could feel the man’s frustration coming off of him in waves. “Do you know chain user?”

She whispered. “Chains, as in… bdsm? OUCH!”

(Name) was shoved back onto her tummy, arm wrenched behind her back. “Think you’re funny?”

“I mean, somet- AH!”

He twisted her arm, causing her to wiggle around again. “Stay. Still.” he hissed against her ear.

“Do you know chain user?”

“No, I don’t.”

She held her back from saying something snarky, the pain in her arm becoming almost unbearable. “If she’s lying, she’s good at it.” Paku said, leaning against the wall.

Feitan finally let her go, the girl collapsing next to Killua. He didn’t move, only sparing her a worried glance before turning his attention back to Gon.

He had been arm wresting with Nobunaga for a while now, his hand red from being slammed against the makeshift stone table.

“Again.”

(Name) stood, standing next to Killua. She wasn’t as good at hiding her emotion as the young boy was, eyebrows furrowing.

“Hey, he’s had enough. Stop i-“

When she walked forward to try and stop the man, she felt a thread wrap around her neck.

“Don’t move, or your head will be sliced clean off.”

A woman with pink hair stood behind her, hands spread out slightly to hover around her sides. (Name) stayed still, lip trembling. She tuned back into Gon and the long haired man’s conversation.

“I don’t know anything, and even if I did, I’d never tell you!”

“Kid! You too cocky!”

“Gon!”

Gon was pinned to the makeshift table by Feitan. Killua began to step forward, but was stopped by Hisoka placing a card to his neck.

(Name) was kept still by Machi, the girl growling lowly. She seethed quietly as they spoke to each other. Feitan let him go, Machi allowing to her join Gon and Killua.

She pulled them towards her, eyes scanning the room as the two spoke with each other.

“Alright, we’ll let them go since they’re not related to the chain user.”

“Yeah, no point in keeping them around.”

“Wait, we can’t be sure, someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes. We shouldn’t release them until we figure out who they get their orders from.”

“But even if they are working for someone, it’s not the chain user. Actually, I’m sure that guy works alone anyways.”

(Name) noticed the dark haired man staring at her, quirking an eyebrow in his direction. He looked away when she made eye contact.

“Our objective is to find the chain user, so let’s not concern ourselves with anyone else.” The blonde haired man in purple said.

“Hear that? Good for you. You get to go home to mommy now.” Feitan cooed.

“No, they aren’t going anywhere. Hey kid, why don’t you join us?”

Nobunaga smiled at the boy, who clenched his fists by (Name)’s side. “No way!”

“We could be partners.”

“You gotta be kidding me, I’d rather die than be your partner!”

(Name) pulled him back a little, patting his cheek. “Gon, don’t test him.”

She felt herself being pulled back by strings again. “Speaking of people joining…”

The pink haired girl from before pulled (Name) in by the waist. She squeaked, earning a squeeze from the girl.

“I want to nominate this one.”

The entire room went quiet, Gon and Killua staring wide eyed at their older friend.

“Wow, I never thought I’d see the day where Machi was interested in someone.” Phinks said, kneeling down to get a better look at (Name)’s face. She tolerated the tall man roughly grabbing her cheeks to turn her face in several different directions before he hummed. “She is cute, is this your type?”

Machi huffed. “That’s irrelevant. I have a hunch about this girl.”

“Hunch?”

Machi nodded. “She’s not that strong now, but I have this feeling that she’ll become strong enough to be a great ally to us.”

“Your hunch usually right.” Feitan said, leaning against a wall.

“I’ll be taking her. Do what you want with the kids.”

——————

(Name) walked stiffly through town, Machi keeping a firm hand on the small of her back. The pink haired woman was getting some minor shopping done, and when she stopped by an ice cream shop, she ordered herself a waffle cone and looked to (Name).

“Go ahead. Place your order.”

‘What is this, some kind of date?’

(Name) glanced at the woman before turning to the employee and placing her order. She licked her ice cream as they continued walking.

“You didn’t give me an answer. Do you want to join us?”

“No, I don’t.”

Machi hummed, working on her own serving of ice cream. “You should rethink your answer. Working with us means you would become stronger, be able to do what you want and take what you want.”

“And at what cost?”

Machi paused, glancing to the girl next to her. “Hmm?”

“If getting what I want means I have to kill others, then it isn’t worth it to me. I’d rather live the rest of my life with nothing than kill others for financial gain.”

Machi scoffed. “I bet you’ve never been without basic necessities. You wouldn’t last a day with nothing.”

(Name) pouted, but Machi wasn’t exactly wrong. Even when she had nothing, she still had her friends to rely on. Leorio took her in, feeding and taking care of her even when she was at her lowest.

“… maybe you’re right, but as long as I have my friends, I’ll truly never have nothing.”

Machi was about to continue to persuade her, but all of a sudden a chill ran up her spine, the vision of red eyes coming and going so quickly it nearly made her head spin.

For some reason, keeping a hand on (Name) felt dangerous, as if keeping her captive would only spell her doom.

Machi pulled her hand away, causing the girl to blink. “Huh?”

Machi stepped away slowly. “Go.”

(Name) tilted her head, face scrunching up in confusion.

“Go! Before I change my mind!”

(Name) didn’t need to be told again. She dropped her half finished ice cream cone and sprinted away, the pink haired woman watching her go.

‘That girl… she’s tied to someone dangerous. Maybe she isn’t a good fit for the Troupe after all…’

——————

(Name) was met by Leorio outside her apartment, the man nearly bursting into tears. “(Name), holy shit!”

She groaned when the man pulled her into a bear hug, squeezing her so tight she felt her back crack. “Can’t… breathe!”

He released her, now pressing a kiss to her forward as he cupped her cheeks. “I was so worried, Killua and Gon told me everything.”

“Speaking of… Killua and Gon…”

She took a minute to breathe, the man supporting her so she didn’t fall over. (Name) coughed, Leorio noticing her expression and quickly snatching her bag to rummage through it.

“Here!”

He held up her inhaler, letting her take a puff before pulling it back. She took a second to breath before pulling her inhaler back to take another puff.

“Deep breaths, (Name).”

She nodded, calming down finally. “Take me to the boys.”

He carried her up the stairs to her apartment, texting the boys on the way. Sometimes (Name) forgot how strong her silly, lovable friend was. He was carrying her with one arm, using the other to open up her apartment door.

“(Name)!”

Both of the boys rushed out to greet her, jumping into Leorio’s arms. “Hey!”

He grumbled, allowing them to pull her towards them. Gon was tearing up, Killua shaking the girl. “How did you escape? What the hell happened?”

“Well… escaped isn’t the right way to put it.”

After an explanation and a lot of hugs, (Name) collapsed onto the couch. “Leorio, love, can you order takeout? I’ve got a bad case of noodle legs.”

“On it, sunshine.”

The two boys joined her on the couch, Killua poking at her cheek. She ignored this, soon passing out.

——————

(Name) woke up to the sound of the TV turning on. Killua and Gon sat in front of her couch, still in their pajamas as they munched on bowls of cereal.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes before shuffling to the kitchen. A box of takeout from her favorite restaurant sat on the counter, her name written in Leorio’s handwriting on the front.

‘I love him.’

She glanced out the window, seeing the sun rising in the sky. ‘Morning already? I really passed out.’

She ate her takeout, not caring that her two friends stared at her with raised eyebrows. She plopped down onto the couch and watched them play video games while she ate.

“Ah, Killua, we need to get dressed soon if we’ll be ready in time.”

The white haired boy nodded, stretching. “Yeah, and I still need a shower. Are you taking one first, (Name)?”

She raised an eyebrow. “A shower? I can take one later. I don’t have any plans.”

Killua and Gon glanced at each other then back to her. “… (Name)…”

“What?”

“Didn’t you… didn’t you get a text from Kurapika saying to meet him in the park?”

From her expression, they assumed that was a no.

“…”

(Name) looked down at her box of takeout, slowly closing it and standing up.

“Hey, (Name), I’m sure it’s some kind of mistake! Maybe he assumed we’d tell you, so he didn’t bother asking!” Gon said, following her as she brought her plate to the kitchen. Killua was close behind, giving his older friend a worried look.

“… maybe.”

Her answer was a lot less hopeful than her previous ones had been. The two glanced at each other again.

“Hey, why don’t you get ready and leave with Leorio later? We’ll meet up with Kurapika and test the waters. Then we’ll meet with you and Leorio at his hotel!”

Gon held her hand with both of his, giving her that kind smile that she just couldn’t say no to. “Alright, alright. That’s a good plan, Gon.”

(Name) stared at herself in the bathroom mirror after her shower, looking over her makeup. ‘… a little bit of makeup will be fine. It’s a special occasion after all, I’m seeing my friend again properly.’

Her face heated up when she thought about their night spent together with him in her arms. Did he regret it? Was that why he’d blocked her?

Her heart felt heavy, but she pushed her feelings aside. ‘He’ll need my support, so I can’t think about trivial things like that.’

(Name) looked over her reflection, smiling. She looked nice, better than she had in a while.

She wore a soft blue sundress, paired with a white cardigan that hid the nasty bruise Feitan left on her arm. (Name)’s makeup was light, complimenting her natural features.

“Sunshine you look…”

Leorio stared at the girl as she excited the bathroom, cheeks turning pink. “You look amazing.”

(Name) blushed and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, thanks. Let’s get going.”

Leorio escorted her by the arm to the hotel, opening the door for her. She laughed, leaning her head against his arm. “Thank you, Leorio. You’re really sweet.”

“Nah, I’m not sweet for everyone. I’m just sweet on you.”

He playfully booped her nose, the girl breaking out into giggles. “Careful, you’ll smudge my makeup!”

“(Name)!?”

The two turned to see Kurapika standing near by, Gin and Killua at his side.

He looked both excited and nervous to see (Name) there, eyes scanning her form.

It was quiet for a moment, the only sound Kurapika was able to hear was his thumping heartbeat.

Before he could process what was happening, (Name) wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. “I missed you, Pika.”

He didn’t respond, didn’t even hug her back, but didn’t push her away either. When she pulled away, he could only think of one thing.

‘She’s gorgeous.’

“It’s been a while since we were all together!” Gon said, smiling at the pair.

——————

(Name) gave Kurapika a peck on the cheek before she left the group to make some snacks in Leorio’s kitchen. He watched her go, eyes soft as she hummed to herself.

“She missed you a lot, Kurapika.” Gon said, giving Kurapika a shy smile.

“I… missed her too.”

(Name) walked back in, handing out cups of tea to everyone. Kurapika caught himself staring at her, looking away, but not quick enough.

“Pika? Need something?”

He shook his head, feeling his heart soar when she pulled him close again. “You sure? I’m here if you need me. I always will be.”

He allowed his hands to reach up and grasp the fabric of her soft cardigan. “…”

He didn’t say anything, just taking in her warmth as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. “It’s been a tough few days, huh?”

“Yes. Yes it has.”

The group smiled at this, internally cheering their friends on. ‘They’re finally reunited! Now Kurapika can watch over her again!’ Gon thought, beaming at the two.

“I’ll make some snacks, okay? You four just relax.”

She leaned down to press a few kisses to Kurapika’s cheek, the blonde leaning into her touch. “I’ll be quick.”

It was happening again, he was losing his will to leave. His eyes stayed glued to her form until she was out of sight, a familiar ache settling in his heart when he could no longer see her.

(Name) hummed as she chopped up some fruit, preparing a bowl of mixed fruit along with some crackers, cheese, and deli meat. ‘I bet Gon won’t even make a little cracker sandwich, he’ll just shove it all in his mouth.’

She giggled at this thought, but her small moment of joy didn’t last long. (Name) felt a shiver run up her spine, the girl running out of the kitchen.

“The corpses were fake. The ones we thought were dead weren’t! Of course, a conjurer could have pulled that off easily! Damn it, why didn’t I realize this sooner?”

(Name) flinched at his tone, inching forward. “Pika…”

She placed a hand on his shoulder, only for it to be harshly slapped away. (Name) gasped, pulling her hand back and holding it against her chest.

“The situation has changed. Now what? We’re here to help.”

“Right!”

“Yeah…”

Leorio glanced at (Name), taking note of her hurt expression. She tried not to take it personally, but she felt the atmosphere surrounding her Pika change. Instead of the warm, protective aura that made her feel safe, all she felt was a cold, violent rage.

——————

(Name) sat across from Leorio, shrugging her cardigan off.

“Yeesh, that’s a nasty bruise, (Name). If you told me before hand I would have gotten you some ice.”

She sighed, poking her lip out. “It’s not that bad, it barley even hurts.”

Leorio stood up. “How’d it go?”

“I couldn’t get a straight answer. I asked the community for any updates regarding the auction today, but no luck.”

(Name) turned her head slowly, giving Kurapika a sweet smile as he continued speaking. He didn’t return her smile.

“You have it all wrong, Leorio. I’m not counting on the mafia, far from it.”

(Name) stood up, attempting to give Kurapika a comforting touch, but he dodged her.

Unfortunately, as he did, he spotted the hand shaped bruise on her arm.

“…”

He felt his eyes turn scarlet, glad that he had his contacts in. “(Name)…”

He stepped foward, grabbing hold of her arm. “Who did this to you?”

For some reason, (Name) felt… frightened. The intensity of his tone had her unable to speak.

“She was captured by the Phantom Troupe when Gon and Killua were. She was hurt then.” Leorio answered for her, staring at Kurapika’s hand that gripped (Name)’s arm.

He felt his heart thump against his chest, bile rising in his throat. “…”

“(Name), I need you to listen to me carefully.”

He pulled her closer, staring into her eyes. “You need to leave, and never speak to me again. Do you understand? The path I walk is dangerous a-“

“No!”

He faltered, eyes widening.

“No..?”

She huffed, pulling her arm away. “I don’t care if it’s dangerous, Pika, I won’t leave you. You’re important to me, and I want to help you as much as I can!”

His heart sank. Within moments, his world can crashing down around him. ‘No… no I can’t let her…’

His hands began to shake, breath coming out in uneven pants as he imagined her attempting to fight against one of the Troupe members. The only outcome he could think of would be her death.

And he couldn’t let that happen.

‘I didn’t want it to come to this. Anything but this.’

He took one last look at the woman in front of him, steeling himself.

“Do you honestly think you could do anything that would be of use to me?”

(Name) blinked, the tall man behind her not knowing if he had heard his blonde friend correctly.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh don’t play dumb, (Name). Everyone here knows how weak you are, how much of a burden you’ve become to us. Tell me, what exactly do you bring to the table besides being the equivalent of a little house wife?”

She stepped back slightly, looking confused. “Pika… pika why are you saying these things to me?”

“Why?” he laughed bitterly, staring at her with those cold, unforgiving gray eyes. “Because I’m tired of pretending you don’t make me sick to my fucking stomach, (Name).”

Tears began beading at the corners of her eyes. “You don’t mean that!”

“I don’t? You’re even more of a moron than I thought you were. Can’t you put two and two together, (Name)?”

“Kurapika.” Leorio warned, stepping forward. The blonde shot him a look before turning his attention back to (Name).

“I’ve always had a soft spot for pitiable creatures like you, (Name). When I saw you struggling to do the simplest tasks during the Hunter exam, I couldn’t help taking pity on you. And look, you did something right for once! You sure did keep me warm during the fourth phase. Looks like you are useful for something, even if all that is, is being a warm body.”

Leorio was about to charge forward, but (Name) stopped him. “Pika, you don’t-“

“Again with the ‘Pika’. God you’re annoying. It’s been so fucking hard pretending to be okay with that stupid nickname of yours. If I hear it one more time I’m going to puke.”

He stepped forward, grabbing her chin and tilting her face up to look at him. “You know, I thought maybe after getting your license, you’d become stronger, become something other than the pathetic loser you’ve been since the first phase.”

He let her go, walking past her. “Look like I was wrong, though. I feel stupid for thinking you could have been of some kind of use to me.”

One more time, (Name) attempted to stop him. “Pika, please-“

“Don’t you ever call me that again. The next time you do…”

He trailed off, his eyes growing wide at the sight of her face. His tactic had worked, maybe a bit too well, she looked absolutely broken, her makeup running down her face along with her tears.

“But… but I love you. I don’t want to leave you.”

He turned back away, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her tears away.

“Maybe one day someone will love you back.”

Kurapika left then, Leorio chasing after him. (Name) was left to her own devices, only able to stare at the floor in shock.

Her Pika, the person that gave her a new reason to live, had just shattered her heart. As she attempted to pick up the pieces, she tripped, scraping her knee. “Ow!”

She glanced up to see Kurapika walking away. He didn’t turn, didn’t acknowledge her yelp of pain in anyway.

“I’ll always be there to catch you.”

‘Liar…’

(Name) sat in the hotel lobby, placing a bandaid over her knee. She thought back to the look on Kurapika’s face.

She’d never seen him look at her like that before, with eyes so cold, so angry that she could barely recognize the man she loved behind them.

Leorio ran back in, eyes scanning the room until he saw her. “(Name)! Are you… no of course you’re not okay.”

He pulled her close, almost more worried that she wasn’t sobbing into his chest than he would have been if she did.

“I can’t believe him! That behavior is unacceptable, I won’t be friends with someone who-“

“Leorio.”

He stopped, looking down to see (Name) giving him a big smile. “I’m alright. I’m sure he’s just taking out his anger on me. People say the worst things when they’re angry, you know?”

Leorio hesitated. “I get that, but-“

She shook her head. “But nothing. You should get back to him. He needs your help, Leorio.”

“…”

He took a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll do it, but only because you asked me to, okay?”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Leorio glanced back several times as he left, almost as if he was scared that once she was out of his eyesight, she’d disappear.

(Name) watched him go, only relaxing when she couldn’t see him anymore.

‘…’

—————

(Name) walked down the street, a pink umbrella in her hands. She hummed to herself, trying to keep her mind off of the incident that happened only an hour before.

‘He’s just having a bad day. Things like this happen. It’s normal.’

That’s what she kept telling herself, but every time she attempted to rationalize the way he spoke to her, she felt a part of her ache.

(Name) paused when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. “Leorio?”

“(Name), quick, head towards the hotel! You have to stop Kurapika before he does something stup-“

Leorio didn’t have to finish his sentence, (Name) began sprinting towards the hotel, dropping her umbrella in the process.

‘I need to maintain Zetsu. If he’s trailing the spiders like I’m assuming he is, they’d be able to sense my presence without it!’

As she ran, she felt her head spin. She didn’t want to think of Kurapika getting himself hurt, the thought of him dying nearly bringing her to her knees.

(Name) felt a hand cover her mouth as she was dragged into an alley. She struggled for a moment before she met the eyes of her beloved.

“Mmph!”

He held a finger to his lips, glancing out before pulling his hand away. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Coming to prevent you from doing something stupid.”

The blonde cursed. ‘Leorio must of called her.’

“Well the only stupid one here is you. Leave before you cause me any more headaches.”

She shook her head, grabbing his sleeve. He attempted to swat her away, but she grabbed his other hand. “I’m not leaving you, not until you’ve calmed down!”

He growled, glancing back out to see the spiders were on the move. Almost instinctually, he pulled her closer to him, pushing her behind his back to shield her from anything. ‘She can use Zetsu, that’s good… I can’t let her out of my sight, she’d be a liability to me and herself.’

He sighed before scooping her up into his arms, almost sighing in contentment at the feeling of her weight against him. It felt nice to hold her again, but he couldn’t indulge in that feeling for long. “Don’t speak, don’t even whisper after this. I won’t hesitate to drop you.”

It was a bluff, and he was hoping she wouldn’t notice.

She couldn’t help but nuzzle into his chest, sighing softly. (Name) could remember a time when he’d hold her whenever she wanted, always kind and gentle.

But the harsh grip her had on her was far from gentle, almost causing her pain. She tried to ignore it, but would whimper every time he squeezed her thighs as he peered out to watch the Phantom Troupe.

They chased after the group, (Name) spotting Gon running next to them. She was going to wave, but Kurapika suddenly dove into the alleyway when the Phantom Troupe turned to look at them.

He pressed himself against her, shielding her body from sight. His hand was over her mouth, eyes glued to the entryway of the alley.

She watched as chains manifested on his hands, quickly grabbing his hands and pushing them down. They were cold, much colder than the last time she held them.

Gon leaped out of his hiding spot, (Name) barely holding herself back from following behind him. Out of nowhere, Killua appeared next to them. He took one look at (Name) before walking out to join Gon’s side.

Kurapika kept a good grip on her, pulling her so close she struggled to breath. She felt his warm breath against her neck, his lips brushing against her shoulder as he attempted to calm himself.

——————

A short, balding woman met up with the two. Kurapika set (Name) down on her feet, gritting his teeth.

“Now that they’re on high alert, we have to keep our distance, otherwise they’re bound to notice us. Make sure you conceal your presence.”

“Damn it!” Kurapika growled.

“We just have to be patient!”

“I’m aware of that!”

“I don’t think you are! Your reckless pursuit exposed them to needless danger. Do you even know why they allowed themselves to be captured? If you get captured here, then no one will be able to stop the troupe.”

He glanced at (Name), eyes narrowing. “If I didn’t have to protect you, then maybe I could have gone after them.”

She frowned, once again reaching out for him. “Don’t touch me. You make me sick.”

Melody seemed confused by this statement. ‘But… his heart…’

“P-… Kurapika, I’m not trying to be a burden, I just want t-“

He cut her off with a scoff. “You’re not trying hard enough, it seems.”

Melody glanced between the two. The girls heart thumped against her chest, a confused and heartbroken song. It combined into a duet with Kurapika’s, that played a song of anger, determination, and overwhelming love.

(Name) stayed quiet as the two spoke, letting the rain soak into her clothes. She stared at the ground, eyes blurry with tears. She was almost grateful for the rain, it hid her tears well.

Though, Melody could tell just from her heartbeat alone that she felt great sadness. She couldn’t help but reach a hand out to comfort the girl. Kurapika noticed this, his fingernails digging into his palm.

Leorio finally caught up with them, parking beside them and getting out.

“We have to come up with a plan to get them back.” Kurapika said. (Name) began to speak up, but the blonde stopped her. “You need to go. You’ll only slow us down.”

She frowned at him. “I want to save Killua and Gon! I’m coming with you!”

He grabbed her wrist, squeezing it. “No… no (Name), you cant. I won’t let you.”

The girl pulled, Kurapika only increasing the pressure on her wrist when she did. She gasped, Melody covering her ears at the sharp CRACK!

Kurapika’s eyes went wide, immediately loosening his grip on her wrist. The girl wrenched her wrist away from the rage filled blonde, wincing at the pain blooming beneath her skin.

“I can, and I will. Why won’t you let me help you? You had no isssue with Gon and Killua-“

“That’s because they aren’t fucking weak like you!”

She flinched, using her arm to shield herself out of fear of him hurting her. Leorio was quick to rush forward and create a barrier between the two, shielding (Name) from Kurapika’s anger.

The blonde felt his stomach sink. ‘They… they think I’m going to hurt her.’

“Oh my god… your wrist, (Name)… it’s fractured.”

Melody covered her ears, whimpering at the mournful sound Kurapika’s heart was making. (Name) eyes prickled with tears. “H-hurts!”

“I know, I know sunshine. Just breathe. Shit, we need to get her to a hospital.”

“We don’t have time for that right now.” Kurapika steeled himself, casting his feelings aside.

“What the fuck do you mean? I-“

“He’s right. We have to save Gon and Killua first.”

(Name) held her arm to her chest, crying out in pain at the slightest of movements. Kurapika visibly flinched at this, having to use all of his willpower to remain calm and collected.

“If you can’t keep quiet, then we’ll leave you behind.” Kurapika said, smoothing out his disguise.

“You heartless bastard. How could you say that to her after everything she’s done for you?” Leorio said, eyes brimming with angry tears.

“Leorio, it’s okay. Just concentrate on the plan, I’ll be fine.”

They got into the car, speeding towards the hotel. Kurapika tried his best not to steal glances at the girl sitting next to him.

His instinct was telling him to do anything he could to help her, to ease her pain, but he couldn’t do that. Kurapika didn’t want to waste his nen when he knew he’d be needing it later.

It was hard to ignore her sniffling, even when she tried her best to hide it. “Can you shut up already?!” Kurapika snapped. His nerves were shot, the sound of his dearest friend in pain only worsening is state.

Her lip trembled as she attempted to keep quiet. Kurapika stared out the window so he wouldn’t see her hurt expression.

———————

(Name) sat in the backseat of their car as Kurapika and Leorio left for the hotel. Melody fidgeted with her coat, glancing back at the sullen girl while she thought of what to say.

“… dreadful weather, huh?”

The girl gave a small nod, wincing at the pain in her wrist. Melody’s heart ached for the poor girl. She was obviously in love with Kurapika, but the blonde had been unnecessarily cruel the entire night, and by the way the other two reacted, Melody assumed it was unusual for him to act in such a way.

And when it was quiet, all Melody could hear from the angry man was a melody of unbridled rage, with a undertone of a fierce and protective love. Kurapika definitely cared for this girl, so his actions confused the older woman greatly.

“My name is Melody. What is yours?”

The girl looked up, swiping at her tears with her uninjured hand. “I’m (Name).”

Melody smiled. “That’s a pretty name, perfectly fitting for a gorgeous woman such as yourself.”

This drew a giggle from the girl. “Ah, that’s better. Even your laugh is pretty. I know it’s hard, but try to dry up those tears, okay?”

(Name) nodded, sniffling a bit before wiping the rest of her tears away.

They would be back by 7:01, meaning they had around five minutes until Kurapika and Leorio would return with the leader of the Phantom Troupe in tow.

She busied herself with grabbing some painkillers from Leorio’s briefcase, glad she packed a juice pouch in her bag.

By the time she finished taking her medicine, the door on the other side of her opened, a man being shoved in the other side.

He was tall, with black hair and a handsome face. He glanced her way, seemingly taking every feature of hers in before looking back to his captor.

Kurapika was deadly silent, slamming the car door as Leorio sped off. (Name) glanced between the man next to her, to Kurapika, and to Leorio.

“… did it go well?” she asked, leaning forward a bit to look at Kurapika.

He didn’t answer her, didn’t even look at her. (Name) slumped back into her seat, a pout on her lips. The man watched her intently, eyes moving from her face, to her body, then to the bruised wrist she kept close to her chest.

“It’s okay. A number of the enemies were injured. They won’t move until reinforcements arrive.”

Kurapika’s eyebrow twitched when he noticed the man staring at (Name).

“What are you looking at?”

Chrollo turned to face forward. “Nothing. I didn’t expect the chain user to be a woman.”

“Did I say I was? You shouldn’t let appearances fool you.”

He pulled his wig off, sighing. “Anyway, you should mind what you say. Since it may be the last thing out of your mouth.”

“You won’t kill me. You left your precious friends behind.” He said softly, sending a charged look (Name)’s way. The girl shrunk under his gaze, Kurapika’s blood pressure rising.

“I’m not so composed that I will ignore your taunts!”

“Kurapika! That’s enough.” Leorio said, more for (Name)’s sake than anything. She looked rather uncomfortable, forced to sit next to the leader of the Phantom Troupe, who kept leering at her.

“The girl’s fortune didn’t mention this. Therefore, this event isn’t significant enough to matter.”

“YOU BASTARD!”

“Kurapika!”

(Name) leaned over Chrollo, putting a hand on the blondes arm to try and calm him.

“If you kill him, I’ll kick your ass!” Leorio yelled from the drivers seat.

Kurapika seethed, slowly leaning back into his seat, seemingly placated by (Name)’s touch.

Chrollo took note of this. “Do you need further explanation? I consider this situation the same as an afternoon coffee break. A peaceful outing.”

(Name) gasped when chrollo slammed into her. Kurapika had decked him right in the face, the girl crying out at his weight pressing into her hurt wrist.

“Calm down, Kurapika! We’re on equal footing, now. Nothing has changed.”

“Equal footing? You are sorely mistaken. First of all, you’ve made the wrong assumption. I have no value as a hostage.”

Chrollo leaned off of (Name), giving her a small smile that she couldn’t judge the sincerity of.

“If you insist on babbling-“

“He’s not lying. Everything he says is true.” Melody said, interrupting the blonde.

“There you go. This is reality. You people are the ones on the ropes.”

(Name) couldn’t hear or process anything, the throbbing pain of her wrist making her ears ring. She could see them speaking, see Chrollo say something that made Kurapika’s eyes go red with rage. (Name) felt Chrollo crash into her, this time with more force.

The side of her face made contact with the window, blood spurting out of her nose as she heard Leorio scream for Kurapika to stop.

And that’s when she blacked out.

——————

“Kurapika, what the fuck is wrong with you? Did you think of anyone else but yourself when you fucking launched Chrollo into (Name)? For Christ’s sake she’s bleeding! She could have a concussion!”

“I know! I know…”

Leorio placed (Name) on her back, using his suit jacket as a pillow. Kurapika was knelt at her side, wiping the blood from her nose and trying to calm his racing heart. ‘(Name)… I’m so sorry.’

As Leorio left to grab his brief case, Kurapika knelt down to press a kiss to her lips. For a moment, all he felt was pure bliss, unable to stop himself from indulging in her warmth.

He pulled back, ashamed of himself. Kurapika couldn’t understand why he kissed her, why he wanted to do it again and again. His cheeks turned red, the pretty shade of scarlet that only (Name) ever got to see returning to his eyes as he gazed down at her.

“It’s not gentlemanly to kiss a woman when she’s unconscious.” Chrollo said, leaning back in his seat.

“Shut up, I don’t want to be lectured by a murderer.”

Kurapika glared at him before returning his gaze to the woman below him. He licked his lips, wincing at the metallic taste of blood on his tongue.

‘You deserve so much more than this, (Name). A happy life, where the man you love would never even think of hurting you, accidentally or not.’

He brushed the hair out of her face, moving to cup her cheek. ‘I’ll have to hurt you, over and over again. It’s for the best, I promise. Just forget about me, and find someone who will treat you like the angel you are.’

Leorio arrived, using his sparse medical tools in his briefcase to check over the girl. “God, sunshine, all beat up…”

He sent a glare in Kurapika’s direction, the blonde shrinking under his gaze. “… will she be okay?”

Leorio sighed. “I think so, but her wrist may be completely broken now. Before, it seemed like a fracture, but…”

Kurapika glanced down at her wrist, his eyes going wide at the sight. It was bent at an unnatural angle, his stomach heaving at the sight of her bone jutting against her skin.

“Oh god…”

Leorio did the best he could, wiping the sweat from her forehead. “After this, she’ll need to go to a hospital. You may have just fractured her wrist, but Chrollo landing on her did a lot of damage.”

“Fuck. FUCK!”

He hit the wall of the airship, Leorio sighing in exasperation at his friends temper.

If Kurapika had kept his rage under control, none of this would have happened. He was dangerous, the woman laying in front of him visual proof.

“Leorio… please listen to what I have to say.”

The man raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. “Go on.”

——————

(Name) blinked her eyes awake, groaning at the harsh light against her eyes.

“(Name)!”

“Oof!”

(Name) grunted when something collided with her, gasping out in pain when she was squeezed tightly. “Ow!”

“Gon!”

SMACK!

She groaned, opening her eyes again to see Killua, Gon, and Leorio surrounding her bed. Despite her pain, (Name) felt tears of joy well up in her eyes. “Gon! Killua!”

She attempted to pull them closer to her, put her left arm felt… heavy.

“Easy! You broke your arm, (Name).” Leorio said. “Gon, you can hug her, but you have to remember to be gentle.”

“Yes, Leorio!”

The two hugged her, Leorio joining in soon after. They all laughed, (Name) pressing kisses into their cheeks and foreheads. “I’m so glad you’re all safe. Where’s Kurapika?”

Leorio stiffened, his eyes looking everywhere but her. “He’s… recovering at a hotel near here.”

“Recovering? Oh god, he wasn’t hurt, was he?”

“No, he’s okay, his nen just took a lot out of him.”

(Name) straightened up, attempting to leave her hospital bed. “Okay, let’s go to him then.”

“Woah, slow down sunshine!”

He pushed her back down, eyes wide. (Name) struggled against him, a frown on her face. “I want to see him!”

Leorio glanced at the other two, thinking back to Kurapika’s words.

“Leorio… please listen to what I have to say.”

The man raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. “Go on.”

Kurapika sighed, staring down at the girl. “You may think I’m cruel, but I’m acting this way for her benefit. You’ve seen what happened today, what my anger can do, how dangerous being connected to me can be.”

Leorio nodded. He’d thought about the same thing. (Name) wasn’t like them. She didn’t have overwhelming strength like him, or unique powers like Gon or Killua. Leorio didn’t want her to be in a situation like this again.

“I… I’m going to cut contact with her after this. It’s the only way I can see her continuing to live her life safely.”

Leorio held onto (Name)’s uninjured hand, frowning. “It’s going to hurt her. She really loves you, and not just in a friendly way. She’s in-”

“Please, don’t say anything else.”

He glanced up to see Kurapika holding onto his shirt, tears beading in his eyes. “I… I think she’s a dear friend, and to keep her safe, I can’t be near her.”

‘No matter how much I want to be…’

Leorio sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I understand. I don’t like your methods, but…”

He cupped (Name)’s cheek, staring down at her with soft eyes. “I don’t want her to suffer like this ever again.”

Kurapika tried to ignore the unpleasant feeling blossoming in his chest at the sight of Leorio’s eyes. Those weren’t the eyes of a worried friend, they were the eyes of a worried man in love.

“… I’m still angry at you, Kurapika. You hurt her, and there will never be an excuse for that.”

The blonde lowered his head. “…”

“… but if I didn’t help you, she would cry. You’re the most precious person to her, after all.”

He almost sounded bitter, thumb rubbing against her cheek lovingly. Kurapika stood up.

“It’s time. Pakunoda should be here shortly.”

(Name) looked at Leorio expectantly, holding onto his sleeve with her free hand. “Please, Leorio.”

Leorio’s lip trembled. “Sunshine…”

“He doesn’t want to see you, (Name).” Killua spoke up, surprising (Name) and Gon.

“Huh? Why not?” Gon asked, glancing between the three.

Killua’s eyes narrowed when (Name) placed a hand over her cast at Kurapika name.

“He… he’s just not feeling well, (Name). He’s been asleep since-“

“Please.”

(Name) looked up at Leorio, tears streaming down her face. “P-please take me to my Pika! Please!”

And god, with her begging him like that, pawing at his shirt with her uninjured hand, Leorio couldn’t say no to her.

—————

(Name) sat down next to Kurapika’s bed, humming softly as her fingers ran through his hair. Even in his sleep, her touch seemed to calm him.

“How long has he been out for?”

“Around twelve hours.”

(Name) nodded, a single tear falling to land on his cheek. “Pika… I hate seeing you like this. I wish I could see you smile at me again.”

Leorio felt his heart break in two for the girl, Gon by her side. “It’s going to be okay, (Name)! I’m sure he’ll wake up soon!”

Killua blinked, pulling back Gon to whisper to him. “Gon, use Gyo.”

The boy did as he was told, gasping. “(Name) is…”

She was using nen, a faint aura surrounding her and Kurapika. They could feel Kurapika’s aura grow stronger slowly, a far cry from the weak one they’d sensed just moments before.

“Her nen ability… is she an enhancer?” Gon asked. It was obvious that she was healing him, the nen surrounding the blonde having a gentle and sweet feeling to it.

“Maybe… it seems she’s unaware that she’s using nen right now…” Killua felt his frown deepen.

‘I don’t understand why she’s still helping him, why she still loves him after everything he’s put her through…’

Leorio had trusted Killua enough to tell him some details, but Killua being the smart boy he was, pieced together the rest.

“Kurapika… he’s being harsh towards her to push her away, it seems.”

Killua scoffed. “While I think being near him is dangerous, hurting her is unforgivable.”

“I agree… but…”

Killua’s body stiffened when he finally put the final piece in place.

‘Kurapika is the one that broke her arm.’

(Name) stayed by Kurapika’s side for nearly two days, only leaving to use the bathroom. She slept with him in bed, Leorio sighing as he covered her and the blonde up after checking on them in the middle of the night.

—————

When Kurapika awoke, (Name) couldn’t help but cry out in joy. “Kurapika, you’re-“

“What the fuck are you doing here!?”

(Name) flinched at his harsh tone, eyes gone wide. “I wanted to make sure you were okay, I-“

“Leorio, I told you I didn’t want to see her! Why the fuck is she here!?”

“Kurapika, calm down, it’s-“

(Name) wrapped her arms around him. “Kurapika, please! I don’t understand, why do you keep saying these things? Y… you’ve never treated me like this before! What did I do to make you hate me so much?”

She cried into his shirt, blubbering out apologies. Kurapika didn’t have to pretend to act sick this time, he felt like he was going to throw up. ‘She’s… she’s apologizing to me…’

“Don’t touch me.”

He pushed her away, having to hide his eyes with his hair. “You disgust me. Being near you makes me sick to my stomach. Can’t you just leave me be? You’re like some kind of stalker.”

(Name) shook her head, holding onto his hand. “You don’t mean that, Kurapika. We’re friends, and I know-“

“(Name).”

She blinked, his cold, brown eyes staring into hers.

“My mission will always come before you. Always. If, for some reason, your death could benefit me in some way, I’d let you die without hesitation.”

(Name) stared at him for a second, in shock.

“Kurapika, you’ve said too much!”

Leorio slapped him, pulling (Name) away. The blonde took the hit, not even lifting a hand to cradle his now red cheek.

He stared at his hands, tears dropping onto his clenched fists. ‘Hopefully… hopefully that was enough.’

(Name) was completely quiet, allowing Leorio to lead her outside. “What a fucking dick. (Name), are you…”

His breath hitched in his throat at her expression. It was painfully familiar, the same look she had when sitting on the edge of the platform during the third phase.

“He…”

She stared at the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“He really meant that.”

Leorio pulled her into his arms, holding onto her tightly. He wanted her to sob, to be angry, she deserved that, but the only indication of (Name) still being alive was the tears that stained his suit and her beating heart.

“… I want to go home.”

——————

BACK IN THE PRESENT TIME

Kurapika glanced down at (Name) smiling softly as she leaned against his shoulder in her sleep. The smile slipped from his features when he remembered the image of her face falling when he yelled at her.

‘(Name)…’

He pulled his suit jacket over her form, looking out the window as the train continued on its journey to York New.

‘The last time we were in York New, I broke your heart.’ he thought, hand caressing her cheek. His gaze moved from the window and back to her, eyes softening when she nuzzled against him.

“Pika…”

His breath hitched. (Name) hasn’t used that name for him once since he’d returned to her life. He knew that was his own fault, but it didn’t change the fact that he missed it.

“Right here, angel.”

He pulled her a little closer, allowing himself to enjoy her comforting presence. She was still asleep, mumbling random things as she cuddled into him. ‘Is she… dreaming of me?’

His cheeks turned a light pink.

Kurapika was almost grateful for the long train ride. He’d get to spend that much more time with her, that much more time holding her, being in her presence.

And that’s all he could wish for.

139 notes · View notes

janetbrown711 · 1 year

Text

Best Worst Mistake

Tang comes back from a college trip to discover his partner adopted a kid in his absence and also needs him to care for the kid the next day.

Only problem is that Tang has no idea what to do with him.

Psst-- this fic was inspired by @ChopshopT 's fan art on Twitter, so go give that some love <3

If you like this you may enjoy my Dadsy of Two au!

Ao3 Link

“Oh my great sage– you did not–”

“I-i didn’t mean to-! H-he just kinda– you know– showed up!”

“You don’t accidentally adopt a kid Pigsy!”

“It was late at night! Practically closing hours! I had to make sure no creep ran off with ‘im.”

“Okay, but keeping him?! This is– this is crazy! You said you never wanted kids!”

“I know, I know– not exactly like it was an option before– but–” Pigsy sighed.

“Look… I know it’s sudden– I know we’ve talked about it– but… you know I can’t turn him into the police– it’ll ruin us both,” Pigsy looked his shaggy haired partner in the eyes.

Tang sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, lifting his glasses as he did.

“How old is he?” He asked.

Pigsy sighed. “I don’t know– I just know that he was practically starving when I found him– not to mention naked and caked in dirt.”

If it weren’t for the sleeping child in the booth, Tang would’ve exclaimed, “he was naked???? Why didn’t you call the authorities???? What about his parents??? Did you even look around???” but he refrained.

“Does he have a name? Parents? Anything???” Tang asked instead.

Pigsy shook his head. “I stayed open a whole two hours more seeing if any’d walk by, but it’s been a week now, and I’ve had to basically close the restaurant to make sure he doesn’t get into anything– which you already know we can’t really afford– but I did– and nobody walked by.”

“A guy leaves for one week for a campus excursion to Shaolin Temple, and everything changes,” Tang laughed in an attempt to release his nerves.

“Y-yeah, I know this ain’t exactly ideal– I just–” Pigsy looked at the kid. “I didn’t know what to do without you here,” The chef confessed, and Tang kissed his cheek, but Pigsy turned and held his hands.

“So… whatever you thinks right– we’ll do it. Anything– leaving him on a doorstep, turning him into the police– anything. It’s your call,” Pigsy looked the scholar straight in the eyes.

“Woah– I-i don’t know– I-i just– I mean I know what’s legal and this– uh– isn’t– but–” Tang looked again at the kid snoozing away, and for the first time Tang noticed he was using Pigsy’s chef’s shirt as a blanket and stars above if it wasn’t the cutest fucking thing Tang had ever seen ever–

“Does he… like you?” Tang asked.

“Well– I uh– I think so..? I dunno, he doesn’t talk much, though he draws things sometimes– and he’s actually kinda good for a kid his age– and he listens to me when I explain things and he seems to really like living in our place– though I guess he’ll need a bed of his own with you back– I just– I don’t know,” Pigsy blushed and looked away. “I’m asking you though because I know you said you didn’t want kids ever either, so…”

Right.

“I…” Tang pulled on his scarf. “I kinda lied– I’m sorry– I know I shouldn’t have, but when you were talking about your dad and stuff and how you thought you’d make a bad father I was just like ‘oh yeah totally I get that, no kids, I’d never want any either, haha’ and you know– being gay doesn’t help, and if that wasn’t enough, being a human/demon couple means adoption would be off the table even if we weren’t gay and so i just kinda accepted it because I knew it just wouldn’t be possible– but as a kid I thought it’d be nice to have kids because I do like them– but also as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten like– really bad with them, and I like– don’t know how to interact with them or do with them but i mean–” Tang took a deep breath.

“I’m okay if you’re okay.”

“Wow– that’s… a lot to process, but… if you’re sure..?” Pigsy still looked at him for confirmation.

Tang nodded. “I am.”

A smile slowly grew on the chef’s face. “O-okay then! W-we– we have a kid then!”

“We have a kid then,” Tang laughed. Upon realizing how crazy he sounded, he started to ramble.

“We have a kid, Pigsy-! Oh stars above, what do you even do with those little things??? you feed them, teach them– Maybe I can pick up some books from the library– what about vaccines? We have no way of knowing his records– we don’t even know his birthday!” He shook Pigsy’s shoulders.

“Hm…” Pigsy tapped his chin, then shrugged. “Maybe we can just say it was a week ago when I found him– and he looks about two, don’t he?”

“I know nothing about kids, Pigsy– and neither do you but–” Tang sighed. “If we don’t want him nabbed overseas, this is probably what's best– and who knows, maybe he can find his real parents one day.”

“Yeah, that– uh– makes sense,” Pigsy nodded with slight hesitation.

“So… where’s he gonna sleep?” Tang then asked.

Pigsy thought for a moment. “Well I don’t think we can afford a bed for him yet– or even a mattress- and he is kind of accustomed to our bed so..?”

“...You like cuddling with him, don’t you?”

“Our heating sucks! I couldn’t leave ‘im on the couch– that’s not safe– and yeah, maybe missed cuddlin’ with you– it was a whole week Tang! A week!” Pigsy defended his honor.

Tang burst into laughter. “You looooove me.”

“Shut up,” Pigsy’s face was a deep shade of red as he playfully pushed his partner away.

“Aw, it’s okay Piggy, I missed you too,” Tang kissed his forehead.

“Yeah, yeah,” Pigsy waved him off, his face still red as he went and scooped up the kid, who wasn’t disturbed the slightest by the transfer.

He looked so little and scrawny in Pigsy’s arms– fragile too.

How on earth a kid that small could just wander around Megapolis all covered in dirt and mud– it didn’t make even the slightest bit of sense to Tang. He especially wondered how anyone would let him– whoever this kid’s parents were, he wasn’t sure the kid should ever meet them, even if the opportunity arises.

As he looked at him more, the more Tang realized Pigsy was a total natural– swaying ever so slightly and supporting all the right things to keep him comfortable and upright. Tang watched for a moment, just kind of smiling like an idiot before Pigsy realized he was staring and his face flushed.

“W-what?” He asked, shifting the kid.

“Oh, nothing,” Tang waved him off, grabbing his suitcase while being unable to stop smiling. “Does the kid have a name?”

Pigsy shrugged. “When I gave him crayons, he wrote ‘MK’ so–? I dunno, we’ll have to figure that out later.”

“I don’t know– I kinda like MK– I think it suits him,” Tang looked at the kid.

“I kinda think so too– it’s just that that’s not long enough to legally count, so… I’ll work something out– I know a guy in fake IDs, we’ll see,” Pigsy shrugged. “Could you get the alarm?”

Tang obliged, doing the closing duties for Pigsy when MK suddenly started to stir in Pigsy’s arms.

“Hey there sleepyhead,” Pigsy chuckled softly. “How’re you?”

The kid blinked and rubbed his eyes, before noticing Tang and gasping, quickly burying his head into Pigsy’s chest.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. That’s just Tang, remember? I talked about him a lot. He’s my partner, he’s gonna be living with us,” Pigsy rubbed the kids back.

Slowly but surely the kid turned his head back towards Tang, looking at him with big, dark brown eyes.

“Um… Hi, MK,” Tang waved awkwardly.

After a moment of intense study, the kid let one of his hands release Pigsy’s shirt and he waved to Tang with a smile.

Tang let out a surprised laugh and waved right back again.

“Looks like he likes you already,” Pigsy chuckled. “Usually he doesn’t even look at strangers.”

“Well that’s a relief,” Tang said. “Let’s get going to bed though– I’m exhausted from all the train rides.”

“Alright, let’s go,” Pigsy agreed, and after Tang turned off all the lights, the three of them headed up the stairs and into their apartment above the restaurant in all its one-bedroom glory.

Once upstairs, Tang got changed into his usual robe and silk pajamas, and Pigsy into his usual tank top and pajama bottoms– though Tang nearly lost it when he saw how Pigsy dressed MK for bed– literally just one of his old tank tops and wearing his socks– which were easily about three times too big.

“One of these days we’re gonna need actual money,” Tang joked as Pigsy put MK down on the bed. “He probably should have some real pajamas.”

“What? You don’t think it’s cute?” Pigsy half-joked.

“I never said that,” Tang rolled his eyes, taking off his glasses and setting them on his nightstand.

Just as he was going to turn his lamp off, MK started making noises, and pulling on Tang’s sleeve urgently.

“Yes, MK?” Tang asked.

“Oh– he– umm– is thinking you’ll sing to him,” Pigsy explained.

Tang gasped. “You sing to him?”

Pigsy blushed even deeper than before. “I– um– just a little– lullabies and all that when he wakes.”

“That’s the cutest thing I have ever heard,” Tang fawned at the blurry blob that was Pigsy. He then looked at MK– who was a little bit clearer. “I’m– uh– sorry, I can’t sing like Pigsy can. Go ask him.” He didn’t know if that was enough and so patted the kids head lightly twice before wanting to die of embarrassment.

The kid didn’t seem to care, as he just turned to look at Pigsy, who looked at Tang, his face still red as ever.

“You can’t laugh at me Tang.”

Tang let out an offended gasp. “Why would I ever laugh at you?”

“Because it feels stupid– I–” Pigsy sighed. “Just– pretend to sleep.”

“Alright, if it helps,” Tang teased him a little before turning the light off and laying down to ‘sleep’.

He was turned away on his side when Pigsy began humming a little tune for MK– the Eastern Cradle Song, if Tang remembered. It was incredibly soothing, and the kid was knocked out like a light in a matter of moments.

It reminded him how much he missed Pigsy’s singing– he hadn’t sang since– forever.

When it was finished, Pigsy layed down, cuddling with MK on the outside, so Tang rolled over and wrapped his arms around Pigsy.

“You sing like an angel,” He mumbled, pressing a tired kiss against his shoulders.

Pigsy laughed a little and cozied to his partner’s embrace, and the new family of three fell asleep.

.o0o.

Pigsy’s alarm had a terrible, terrible habit of going off when Tang didn’t want it to. Every morning, Pigsy blindly fumbled for the button, disturbing his most peaceful of slumber, until his precious, precious warmth was stolen from Tang.

“Pigggyyyyyy,” Tang pleaded with his lover when he could already shift to get up, even though he only hit the alarm five seconds ago.

“Tang, I gotta open shop– you know this. I know this,” Pigsy kissed his head.

“But it's so coooold without youuuuu,” Tang begged some more. If Tang was bothering to open his eyes (and also wasn’t blind as a bat without his glasses), he bet he’d be seeing Pigsy rolling his eyes.

“Pigsy sighed and hugged Tang, which the scholar mistook as a sign he had won and snuggled right back to him.

However this was not the case, as Pigsy kissed his head again and said, “Look, it’s gonna be my first time opening in a week– we need the money and you gotta study for finals so– can you watch the kid for me?”

Kid? What kid?

Tang opened his eyes, blinking at the sunlight before recognizing the blob on the other side of Pigsy and instantly recalling the previous day’s ventures.

“I-i– yeah, I guess that can be done,” Tang forced himself to sit up and stretch before he put on his glasses so he could finally see how relieved and thankful Pigsy looked.

“Great– so I’ll make a quick breakfast for you two, and then I’ll head on down to open,” Pigsy ruffled MK’s hair before getting up and getting dressed.

“Wait– you’re gonna head down? You’re–” Tang gasped dramatically– “You’re banishing me to this apartment?!”

“Tang– he’s just– This is a contained space. The public ain’t. And we need money, and besides, whenever you ‘study’ down there, all you do is give me googly eyes,” Pigsy pointed out, buttoning his chef’s shirt.

“Bah, you love my googly eyes,” Tang stated.

“Kid needs to be watched either way, Tang,” Pigsy snarked.

Tang looked at the kid, who to his surprise was looking right at him.

Tang gave a small wave and the kid waved back.

“Does he even talk?” Tang asked.

“Not much– yet,” Pigsy said, locating his socks and shoes and getting on the bed to put them on, to which MK got up and wrapped his arms around Pigsy’s neck, which made the demon laugh.

“He is a clinger though– hence why I don’t think it’s best to have him downstairs,” Pigsy patted MK’s arm with an affectionate smile.

“‘I don’t want kids’ my ass,” Tang thought with a tsk.

“Alright, alright, I hear you,” Tang said aloud before he cracked his back and started getting dressed while Pigsy went to make the three of them breakfast, MK still attached.

Once dressed and his hair thoroughly brushed and combed, Tang emerged from the bedroom to the wondrous sight of Pigsy’s rice noodles. If there was one thing Tang missed on his little excursion, it was his beloved Piggy’s cooking– not to mention free food.

Of course, Tang wasn’t “allowed” free food during business hours, but Tang “somehow” managed most days– and maybe he’d stop by for lunch or dinner because if there was one other thing Tang missed, it was his teasing.

Tang picked up his chopsticks and the moment noodles hit his tongue, he practically melted into goo.

“Pigsy, your food is soooooooo good,” He exalted.

“Wow, you really think so? Maybe I should be a chef,” Pigsy grinned, but Tang was too in heaven to give any kind of retort.

“Alright, well it’s roughly–” Pigsy looked at the clock and jumped, “ – 8:15, so I gotta get going.”

The chef then tried to get MK off of him, but once the small child realized what he was doing, he seemed to gain a death grip that Pigsy attempted and failed to loosen until Tang got involved and practically peeled him off of Pigsy’s back.

Naturally, this made MK start crying.

“Hey, hey, hey– I’ll be back I promise, I just gotta work and make money so we can get you real clothes more than the two outfits I found in a donation bin, alright?” Pigsy tried to assure MK in Tang’s arms, but from a distance so the kid didn’t try to latch on again. It didn’t really work, and Pigsy chewed his lip frantically as he tried to think.

Eventually he came up with an idea and hung his head a little.

“What? What’s the matter?” Tang asked, attempting to bounce MK but failing pretty miserably.

“Pretend you’re not listening,” Pigsy ordered, and Tang realized he was going to sing again.

“Do my sleepy words mean nothing to you?” Tang sighed dramatically before Pigsy gave him a look and so Tang obeyed, looking away (because his hands were full– what exactly Pigsy expected, Tang didn’t know but he was fine with it so whatever).

He then started singing the Song of the Sunshine, which he’d clearly sung with MK before because of just how strong and positive his reaction was. Most importantly, it got him to stop crying, and after a brief hug and a passing of tissue, the tears stopped entirely.

Pigsy was about to head out, though right as he touched the doorknob, he snapped and turned back to Tang.

“I have a library book on the coffee table about kids his age you can read when he’s napping and/or you finish studying– oh by the way, he naps around one and usually sleeps for an hour but after that he’s hungry but lunch is before nap time at noon, so just give him some of the peach snacks I have in the cupboard– he really likes those– and if there’s an emergency you can just call– oh and also I’ll make lunch and dinner downstairs too, so don’t forget,” Pigsy listed off.

“Wow, you’re really treating us,” Tang smiled smugly.

“Consider it wages for babysitting or whatever,” Pigsy pushed him jokingly, before looking at MK who was looking at him with big puppy dog eyes.

With a sigh, Pigsy hugged both Tang and MK, giving the former a kiss on the cheek, and MK a ruffling of his hair.

“I’ll see you soon, alright?” He looked at MK. MK looked up at Tang, then at Pigsy, then at Tang again before nodding.

“Alright. See you soon,” Pigsy patted the kids back before he really had to go, and so scrambled down the stairs.

And then it was just the two of them.

Tang’s first move was setting the kid down– since his pathetic nerdy noodle arms were not meant for carrying a (maybe???) two-year-old for long lengths. When he did the kid looked up at him vacantly, making Tang wonder if there was even a thought behind those eyes.

“So…” Tang looked around the apartment, bouncing on his heels and snapping while he tried to think of something to do. The kid certainly wasn’t any help, as he just continued to stare.

“Guess we should get you dressed then, no?” Tang decided, going into their bedroom and finding the two outfits Pigsy mentioned. MK was the one clearly calling the shots there though, selecting the blue shirt and overalls with a monkey on the pocket. Tang was glad it didn’t turn into a whole thing like he knew kids could do. Though there was a bit where it seemed like MK was going to bite his hand off when Tang tried to take his bandana, so he steered very clear of that.

After that though another big question mark hung in the air. Objectively, Tang knew he had to study, but also it didn’t seem like there was much to do with the kid in the meantime.

“Well… um… soooo… do you… like..?” Tang looked around for something– anything a kid would like, but their TV was basically useless, the books were a billion years more advanced than MK could possibly hope to understand, the boxes were too small, and they didn’t have toys– not by a long shot.

MK did seem to have a thought though, as he walked out of the bedroom and towards a countertop where a stack of legal papers were and–

Oh! Pigsy had a box of crayons.

“You want to color?” Tang asked. MK nodded and reached up enthusiastically. Tang grabbed a solid stack of the legal documents, grabbed the crayons and set them on the coffee table so the kid could actually draw on a hard surface.

To his surprise, the kid got to work straight away, and while Tang had literally no point of comparison, he seemed to be pretty good for a kid his age– whatever that was.

Tang left briefly to grab his laptop and books he needed, and when he returned the kid ran up and showed him his work. From what Tang could tell it looked like some trees, though they could’ve been giraffes, the sun in the corner, and right in the middle was a big brown swirl and a waterfall? Unless that was supposed to be the sky, and that swirl was a snake?

“Nice, MK,” Tang would’ve given a thumbs up but his arms were full. He carried his things past the toddler, who kept trying to show him the art.

“Yes, yes, MK it’s very nice, I love the trees– er– sky? –er– the sun especially,” Tang wasn’t sure what the right answer was, especially as MK had a little frown with each attempt, though seemed satisfied at the “sun” compliment and went back to his crayons.

…Tang didn’t understand kids.

But it was fine, this was fine. He had… time. Forced time, but this was just day one– he was crazy– was he seriously thinking a toddler was judging him??? Maybe Tang ought to see a therapist.

Tang took a deep breath to force himself to relax before he cracked open his book and laptop and started “studying” for his economics final.

Pigsy had always believed in Tang and his ability to be smart and know things, but really, Tang was a fraud who was just trying to delay the inevitable that when he finally got his PHD he wouldn’t find a job and would remain a financial burden to Pigsy– and now MK– till the end of his days, and he’d just be a burden like his parents always believed.

With a grumble, he started reading.

“The price, or market, system is the predominant allocation mechanism in most industrial societies today because–”

A piece of paper was slapped atop Tang’s book, making him jump.

“You– um– draw fast, don’t you MK?” Tang immediately set the paper aside, but MK huffed and put it back over his book.

“Look, how’s about you draw five drawings while I study and then you can show me then, hm?” Tang proposed, but the boy just stared vacantly.

“Right. You don’t know numbers,” Tang rubbed his forehead, before looking at the drawing.

This one was slightly more decipherable than the previous, as there was a bunch of pink scribbles roughly in the shape of Pigsy, and— what appeared to be a monkey on his shoulders? It was hard to tell, since it was red and also very crude. There was also another figure, bright yellow but it was hard to tell if that was supposed to be a sunbeam or tree or heck– even Tang. Again there was a waterfall (?) and some maybe-rocks maybe-hedgehogs???

“Is this supposed to be Pigsy?” Tang asked, pointing to the pink scribes. MK nodded.

“Aw, that’s sweet; I’m sure he’ll love it,” Tang smiled and set it down, though that made MK upset, as he picked it up and put it over his book again.

Tang groaned. “Kid, you’re really cute and all, but I need to study otherwise I will be failing everyone I know. Please just– go back to drawing?” Tang pleaded but the kid didn’t budge.

“Look– I–” Tang rolled his head back. “I don’t know what this drawing’s of. I’m sorry.”

MK took his paper back before going to the table and drawing more.

Tang sighed a breath of relief before going back to his textbook.

“–it is generally the most efficient. Yet not all exchanges take place in a market system. Many medical services–”

Tang was going to gouge his eyes out if he had to read any more of that money mumbo jumbo and so put it back in his back and swapped it out for his Taosim and Buddhism: Face to Face textbook and tried reading that for all of five seconds, before MK slapped the paper down.

The only thing that changed really was that the yellow figure was very clearly not Tang anymore and seemed to have some kind of flowers around him? Her? Them? and also adding a mountain in the background. The creature on Pigsy’s shoulder also had added detail– most importantly what looked like a bandana.

“And is that supposed to be you?” Tang pointed to the red– um… monkey? Spider? Cat?

MK nodded and smiled, jumping on the couch and pointing to the mountains and the yellow figure.

“Yes, yes, you’ve certainly improved your background work here,” Tang remarked. “But who is this person? Is that your mother or father?”

MK shook his head.

Somehow the figure not being one of his parents made it stranger– especially because MK deemed them so important he added more detail.

“Well they’re very lovely either way,” Tang patted his head and MK gave him a big toothy grin– which surprised the scholar.

“Yes, yes– well then, I’ll give this back to you so you can give it to Pigsy at lunch–” He said, handing him back the drawing– “and then I will get back to studying.”

MK was about to get off the couch when he suddenly gasped and pointed urgently to a picture in his textbook.

Tang stared at it and blinked. “That’s the Queen Mother of the West– she’s the wife to the jade emperor.”

At that MK nodded and started trying to turn pages in the book, which Tang tried to stop, but soon realized all that would do was rip the 5541.52 yuan book and so let him have his way. The kid flipped through page after page, until another picture showed up and he pointed to it eagerly.

“Oh, that’s the Bodhisattva Guanyin– she’s a figure of mercy and forgiveness and second beginnings,” Tang explained. Again MK flipped until another photo showed up and Tang realized he was curious about who all the people were.

“That’s Prince Nezha– he killed a dragon when he was young, and because of that his own father disowned him and he died–” Tang told and MK gasped.

“I-it’s okay though! He came back and got his revenge, though remains permanently twelve– I think,” Tang tried to recall before MK flipped pages again, and this time tapped it repeatedly to show his overwhelming excitement.

“Ahhh, I see you’ve taken an interest in Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, hm?” Tang chuckled and MK nodded excitedly.

“I see you have good taste, because he’s probably the most interesting figure in this whole book,” Tang joked. “He’s from a story called Journey to the West where he helps guide a monk to deliver scriptures to the Buddha and goes through personal trials until he reaches enlightenment– though not before causing some serious havoc in heaven.”

MK laughed– he laughed– and Tang felt his heart melt a little before MK started trying to get his head under his arm. Tang was confused, until he realized he wanted to sit in his lap to see the pictures better, and so Tang let him.

“See this one?” Tang pointed to a picture on the top left. “That depicts when he fought off the entire heavenly army after he was kicked out for stealing their wine, pills, and peaches.”

“And this one here–” he pointed below– “that’s when he got trapped under the Mountain of Phases after Buddha successfully tricked him.”

MK tilted his head curiously, tracing it with his finger before looking back up at Tang.

“Yes, yes, a little harsh, but he goes through worse punishments later, as before he was ready to go on the journey with the monk Tang Sanzang, he was given a circlet that would hurt him if he disobeyed,” Tang expanded, turning the page to reveal such an image, which made MK gasp and whimper.

“Yeah, it looks like it hurts a lot, doesn't it?” Tang said, examining the picture closer. It was weird– he hadn’t ever thought about the thing that closely before, but looking back, it was pretty torturous.

“It’s okay though– Monkey King always got back on his feet and got enlightenment like he always wanted, isn’t that nice?” Tang asked, and MK slowly nodded, though his lower lip trembled a bit.

“Aww, it’s okay MK,” Tang patted his shoulder, which MK took as an invitation to hug the scholar, which while it surprised him, he wasn’t against it.

“Here– how’s about I teach you about some of the happier parts of Sun Wukong’s life, hm? Like when he fought the permanent twelve-year-old Prince Nezha? Or when he had a cool shapeshifter duel with Er Lang Shen and his dog? Or– oh! What about when he fought off the Monstrous King of Havoc and freed all of the other monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain from being eaten or enslaved?” Tang proposed, which instantly put MK in better spirits.

And so Tang started telling him tales, and MK slowly got off and started drawing the scenes Tang described, which was pretty impressive since sometimes Tang could actually see what was going on, which was nice. Plus, it was fun to see him so engaged in his stories.

It was… strange, watching this boy who had been nothing but a confusing vessel become so passionate and alive and giggly as Tang talked. Sometimes Tang actually thought he’d respond with words, but his laughs and nods were good enough for him.

Tang talked and MK colored for hours and hours and hours on end, until the landline rang to life, and Tang left MK to draw Er Lang Shen and his dog while he answered.

“Zhu residence, this is Tang.”

“TANG! Have you looked at the time??? The kid’s s’posed to be havin’ lunch by now!” Pigsy scolded on the other side.

“Oh wow– has it really been that long?” Tang laughed, seeing the clock said 12:15.

“Uh– yeah! Geez– does the kid’s schedule not even matter to you?” Pigsy griped.

“O-of course! It’s just– we were getting so caught up in drawing and The Monkey King– it really is something–”

“I thought you were supposed to be studying,” Pigsy pointed out.

“Yeaaahhh, well a little break never hurt anyone,” Tang totally glossed over the fact he never really started in the first place. There was a bit of pause before Pigsy spoke again.

“So uh– you and the kid been bonding?” Pigsy asked, his tone far less harsh now.

“I– um–” Tang looked over his shoulder at MK, who gave him a big flashy grin. “We have.”

“That’s– That’s really good, Tang, I’m glad,” His partner praised. “I thought’d take the kid weeks to warm up to you based on how he is with other strangers– this is good though.”

“And you left me up here with him alone anyways?” Tang pointed out jovially.

“I am literally just two stories down, Tang.”

“Yeah, yeah– let me do the teasing sometimes.”

Pigsy laughed on the other side. “Alright, alright– just get you and MK down here or else I’ll still charge you for your lo mein,”

“Alright, alright, I’ll get him there,” Tang rolled his eyes. “Love you, Piggy.”

“Love you too, Tangy. But seriously– get your ass down here.”

“I will. Bye.”

“Bye.”

And with that, Pigsy hung up.

“Alright MK, are you ready to see Pigsy again?” Tang hung up the phone too.

“Dadsy!” MK cheered, drawing in hand that he quickly showed Tang.

“Woah– Dad-sy?” Tang fawned over that so much did didn’t notice MK holding out the picture for him to take.

“Mhm!” MK nodded, shoving the picture in Tang’s face since he clearly wasn’t looking down enough.

The drawing wasn’t the one from earlier– no, this one was probably the clearest of any. On the right was clearly Pigsy, looking much better than his scribbled counterpart, and also very clearly holding MK, who was drawn with proper yellow and brown, with red saved for the bandana. And to the left was–

Him.

He could tell too, because the stick figure was wearing his robe and had huge messy circles around the eyes to be glasses, plus he was wearing a biiiiiiiiig old scarf. He was smiling, Pigsy was smiling, and MK was smiling too. There was also a rainbow, and a bowl of what Tang hoped were noodles and not worms, as well as MK written in the corner in big shaky letters.

“Oh MK– is this us?” Tang took it from his hands and felt himself start to tear up a little.

MK nodded excitedly.

“Dadsy an’ Tang!” He bounced on heels and flapped his hands.

Okay now Tang was definitely crying, and he quickly knelt and gave MK a hug.

“You know, I don’t meet a lot of kids, but you’re easily the coolest one out there, MK,” Tang complimented, giving him a good squeeze.

MK laughed and hugged him too.

“Now c’mon– I bet you’re starving, and I know I could certainly go for some noodles right about now,” Tang booped his nose before standing, at which MK did grabby hands upward. Tang chuckled and handed him back his drawing before picking him up.

“Alright, let’s go give your Dadsy a visit,” Tang was loving the nickname already and was more than certain Pigsy would just about die of cuteness when he heard it too– especially with how happy it made MK to hear it repeated back.

It was strange how much Tang felt he’d changed in a day, but hey, maybe that was just how parenting was–

God– it felt weird, to say it, but Tang was a parent now– Pigsy too. Of course, Tang still had a PhD to obtain, and Pigsy a restaurant to run, but together they were a team and with MK, they might even be a family.

Wow that was a lot to think.

But still, it brought as much of a smile to his face as it did anxiety, and if that wasn’t parenting, Tang didn’t know what was.

#lego monkie kid #lmk #freenoodles #tang lmk #pigsy lmk #mk lmk #domestic freenoodles #fluff #dadsy #dad tang #MK is an absolute precious baby #I legit think the only reason we didn't see tang at first was bc homeboy was gone #and because of that he missed the deadline to be considered a dad sorry bro #you're demoted to father figure but not father #fjdaskl;fjdsa #i'm rambling now #just read it

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