#i regret it but i also cannot stop wanting to know the truth!! and i hate this!! i dont want this to be real!! please i hope its not!! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

queers-gambit · 1 year

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When Pride Married Prejudice

[ part two ]

[ series masterlist ]

prompt: in the beginning, your mother delivers disturbing news, but perhaps, not all is as it seems.

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!reader

fandom: House of the Dragon

word count: 9.7k+

warnings: spoilers, cursing, small angst, 150% filler, small background, author breaks the fourth wall once but go with it - i promise it works. author is also given free rein of her imagination and this came out...hmm... ❗️major season one, episode seven spoilers

"What?" You asked with a beg over the sounds of the crashing waves on the cliffside your mother, Princess Rhaenyra, had lead you out to stand on. She had just delivered devastating news with a sympathetic gaze, making you beg her again, "Say it's not true, Mother, please, no, no. Th-This isn't... Mum, how could this happen?"

"I am truly sorry, my sweet girl," Rhaenyra sighed, nodding at you as her hands caressed both your cheeks to sweep stray tears as they fell. Her forehead met yours, making her whisper, "But while I could not stop the entire proposal, I was able to bargain for leeway."

"What does that mean?" You pulled back to look into her lavender eyes. They were full of sadness and regret.

"You will remain at Dragonstone with your family, so I might continue to teach you - and so you do not have to interrupt your other studies. But..." She sighed deeply, blinking a few times to clear her thoughts.

"But?"

"They want you married before you turn ten-and-eight."

"No," you blanched, shaking your head in refusal to free yourself of her comforting hold, "they cannot make me marry him. Mother, please, do not let this happen."

"I could only barter for us a few years yet, my love."

"This is the payment they demand?"

"Better this, my sweet dove, then that of blinding your brother," she countered with a frown. "The Queen was unwilling to barter at first, but the King thought it a rightful proposal."

"And who, might I ask, offered my hand to Aemond Targaryen for payment over a childish squabble - that, yes, did maim the boy, but that's not... It's not like... Oh, Gods, yes, okay, when I say it out loud, I suppose I can understand the reasoning. Then why does this still feel so wrong, Mother?"

She frowned and reached for you, pulling you in closer to hold. You clung to her in fright, allowing yourself a moment of rare vulnerability as you stood alone; the only sounds around you, that, of the temperamental sea. She spoke softly in your ear, "I am truly so very sorry, my sweet girl. I am." Her hand pet the back of your head, but her grip remained strong. "But there is honor in fulfilling one's duty. I wanted very different things for you, but fate is funny at times."

You tightened your hold on her. "Tell me the truth, Mother, what's happened?"

She sighed and laid a long, solemn kiss to the top of your head. "You are of an age now that you will understand." She gave a soft pinch to your chin, "And have always been much too mature for your age."

You chuckled softly, "I often think there's much you don't know about me. I am not the perfect child you've tried to mold me into."

"Oh, I know everything, my girl," she grinned, making you feel heated from embarrassment. "You were truly restless as a child, it was hard to keep you within the castle walls. But might I tell you a secret?"

"Of course."

"Ser Harwin was always looking after you," she chuckled. "He would take extra shifts in the night to patrol the city just to ensure you were safe. But what he reported back always made my heart swell with genuine pride."

"Might I tell you a secret?" She nodded and let one hand hold your upper arm and the other to caress an unruly strand of hair back behind your ear. "I always wondered if one day, you would name me your heir... So, when I could not sleep, I liked to linger around the city. I liked knowing the people, thinking, if I were to ever govern them, I'd better know them best."

"See?" She nodded. "Always far too mature for your age. Yet the matter of succession with us has differed..." You braced yourself. "You are my eldest child, and my only girl," she spoke fondly. "And when my Father named me his heir, going against decades of tradition, I always promised myself that I would not do the same to my daughter unless I had no choice. I would never make her endure what I was forced to. Yet, you were still young when Jace was born, and your Father and I had a conversation. Should the matter come up publicly, you were always to be heir to Dragonstone, and that was the end of the matter. When Luke was born... Things shifted again, but only just. You were still my heir to our home, but now, Jace is to be my heir after I take the Throne, and then Luke is to succeed his father's birthright to Driftmark."

"And now? With Joffrey?"

"Much will be discussed later," she promised. "But I have declared to the King that you are to inherit our home on Dragonstone, and there is no change in that. He approved, but..."

"But what?"

"He also approved of your hand being offered," she swallowed thickly.

"You would tell me in truth what has happened?" You nodded, holding onto her waist to keep yourselves anchored. She nodded, sighing deeply before starting her tale.

And yet, Dear Reader, to fully understand, we need to go back.

Your hand was held tightly in your father's ever since he received news of his beloved sister, Laena Velaryon, passing away due to complications from childbirth. In an effort to avoid being sliced open and bleeding out to death, Laena had risen from her bloody birthing bed, and hobbled outside to beg her dragon, Vhagar, to let her meet her end through dragon fire.

Neither your Mother, nor Father, the Lord Laenor, knew you had snuck into the study and read the scroll sent to them by your Great Uncle Daemon - who gave an honest recount of events.

Now, he and his two twin daughters, your cousins, Rhaena and Baela, were flying from across the Narrow Sea to lay the charred bones of Laena to rest on her ancestral home. And because Laena was a Velaryon before she took the name Targaryen, she was to be launched into the sea by means of an intricately carved coffin.

She'd rest with other Velaryon's at the bottom of the raging waters.

Laenor stood stoically as his Uncle Vaemond spoke in High Valyrian, proceeding over the funeral service as your entire family - both Velaryon and Targaryen - had gathered to pay their respects. Laena's coffin, which was carved to encapsulate her ethereal beauty, was set to a launching-cliff, and ropes were thread around to push and plunge her into the crashing waves beneath.

However, as Vaemond spoke clearly above them all, he was offering dirty, hardened looks to your Mother as she held your younger brothers around the shoulders. For a moment, you thought it looked as if they were shielding their mother, and you, who had inherited the Velaryon-Targaryen trademark features, stood between them and your father; creating a visual divide, unknowingly.

But you didn't think that way.

Your only concern right now was being there for your sweet, honorable Father, as he grieved silently with tears sliding down his cheeks. His hand was tight, and you knew he drew strength from your presence.

Daemon stood across the way, somewhat beside Vaemond, and could observe those around him as he stood with his hands crossed in front of him. Vaemond's words were veiled with threat, head turning to stare directly at your mother, "Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true." King Viserys even recognized the tone; sparing a look to his daughter, who pulled her sons closer. "And ours must never run thin."

And then, oddly, Daemon started to chuckle.

Oh, one could chalk it up to hysteria of a grieving husband, but you knew better. You were a sponge in the courts and listened to everything said; forming your own opinions and often needing to sort through what you'd heard to form something of a mixed-truth.

You knew of the rumors surrounding your Great Uncle and his niece, your Mother, Rhaenyra... And this moment, where he literally giggled to himself, was in an effort to get the attention off of your Mother - and shift those beady eyes who offered her judgement onto himself.

You knew half-truths, mostly content to observe and just listen. It served you well enough - now, a perfect moment to see through Daemon's hysteria. He was offered nothing but silent, dirty glares - most of which came from your grandparents, the Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen; who stood, comforting Daemon's children while still grieving their own lost daughter.

Two young girls who had lost their mother and were watching her about to be laid to rest... And their Father laughs?

While Velaryon blood ran thick with salt, Targaryen blood was hot with fire - and the devastating need to protect one another. In those moments, Daemon felt the burning, pressing need to protect Rhaenyra over comforting his own daughters - something you'd come to grow used to.

The ropes were tightened, and your Father's arm wrapped around your shoulders to pull you in for a hug; something you returned with tight arms. He needed you, and you were there for him.

Salt was thrown over the coffin as it was edged over the cliff and Vaemond gave the final words of service. Just before Laena was plunged over the edge, he spoke, "From the sea we came. To the sea, we shall return."

The day had passed sluggishly and after a meal, you found yourself still with your father - but watching him sadly wade in the waters lapping at the rocky shoreline of the island. Dragons flew above you all, and once or twice, you saw your great emerald beast circling the island; playfully soaring around other (smaller) dragons.

"Daddy?" You called from the shoreline, feeling your nerves spike the longer you stood there. The sun was moving into position to sink and knew the hours grew later. "Daddy? Maybe we should go in now? 'S getting a bit cold - the waters are freezing! Daddy! Come in, please!"

He did not respond, he just stood there; waist-deep in the tide with you watching on the shoreline. Your fingers twisted together in nervousness, feet shifting in the weighty sand.

"Father! Please, come inside with me?" You tried again, but to no avail. He had waded out there after the funeral's dinner, and while everyone gathered on the stone courtyard for drinks and mingling, your father had fancied a walk. For an hour now, he's been standing in the water.

Your head looked up towards where you knew the courtyard was, and caught sight of your grandsire glaring down at your father. He frowned when he caught your eye, then nodded, waving for you to come up. You nodded in return, looking to your father once more.

"Daddy, I have to go in, it's getting late," you tried. "I do not wish to leave you, come with me, please."

"Go on, my sweet darling," Laenor finally croaked - but did not turn.

You sighed with defeat and turned for the archway, hustling up the stone stairs, and just as you reached the top, Ser Qarl was rushing towards you. "Princess," he muttered with a nod, making you smile.

"He will not come in, even for me," you spoke softly, "good luck. Might have to force him out."

"Of course, thank you, Princess," He nodded and darted past you, letting you enter the courtyard finally. There were respectful nods from those who attended the funeral; most offering words of condolences before you caught the eye of the King.

Approaching the two men, you bowed with respect and laid a hand to your Uncle Daemon's arm. "I mean no intrusion, Your Grace, my Prince," you nodded to them both, "and apologize for the interruption I pose, I only mean to extend my condolences to you, Uncle. How sorry I am for your Lady wife, and for this loss you feel."

He nodded, letting his free hand pat over your own. "Thank you, my gentle niece."

"My Prince," you nodded, "Your Grace."

As you took your leave, you heard Viserys offering Daemon to return to King's Landing - to court, or other. You did not hear the rest, finding your mother in the crowd and making a beeline for her through a slew of distant family and members of court offering their words of sorrow.

"Sweet girl," she sighed when she embraced you. "Are you all right? Where is your Father?"

"I could not get him to come in with me," you admitted with shame. "He prefers to stand in the waters, I think it makes him feel close to Laena... Like they're both together again, if only in the tide."

She sighed, petting over your head, "You shoulder too much of your Father's grief, my sweet girl."

"It is never more than I can handle, Mother," you assured. "My skin has grown thick and there is little else to be whispered that can faze me now. My Father needs me, and I am happy to fulfill that duty."

Truth was, once upon a time when you lived in King's Landing, your older cousin, Aegon, started to publicly tease you for being a "Daddy's Girl," and let that come churn-up negative connotations. Rumors grew and festered because of your complexion, where your skin was shades lighter than Laenor's and had bright white hair - while your brothers were pasty-skinned with dark hair.

Aegon liked to tease you for your close relationship and others joined in, thinking it got under your skin. Thinking it was something to laugh about when your Father started to train you beyond what others thought "acceptable". He was your biggest supporter, and helped you push yourself to new limits with horse riding, sword fighting, archery, even just a bit of spear throwing. Laenor and Coryls even once took you on an adventure at sea, where you learned the 'ropes' of sailing and how to fish "properly". You never let the snide comments and vile words taint your view of your "Daddy" because you knew the truth.

Plus, you could just say to Aegon, "You wouldn't know a Father's love even if it slapped you in the face." That shut him up every time.

Rhaenyra smiled at you and gently caressed your cheek, but movement behind your shoulder caught her attention. When you turned to stand at her side with her arm around your waist, you noticed your Uncle Daemon surging past everyone - but stopped when Otto Hightower, Hand of the King, who had a public distaste for the Rogue Prince, stopped him to mutter something. You imagine it was condolences, but you were too far to hear it.

When Daemon managed some comment and then escaped down stone stairs, you mother looked around cautiously. "Mother," you warned through the corner of your mouth. "I would not, now is not the time."

"Hush now, my girl, come with me," she sighed, taking your hand, and leading you towards your brothers. When you reached them, she stooped to speak to them, "Your sister is in charge, do as she says, but I want you all to go to bed."

"But, Mother - "

She cut Jace off, "Go to bed."

With a meaningful look to you, you understood and gave her a reassuring nod with a squeeze to her hand; often thinking your minds were connected by some string - making nonverbal communication essential between you. You often found that was what you searched for in a person, first. How their body spoke, despite the words their mouths form.

"Come on, let's say goodnight," you coaxed your brothers, turning to your grandmother and cousins first. You knelt before them, offering, "My sweet cousins, I cannot say how sorry I truly am for this loss. But should you need it, I am here for whatever you need."

"Thank you, cousin," Rhaena whispered, leaning forward to hug you.

"I'm only a few doors down," you whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. You bid Baela a goodnight as well, letting your brothers step up as you helped your grandmother to her feet. She smiled at you and pet over a lock of hair. "We're going to bed, Grandmother, I will see you in the morning, yes?"

She nodded, sparing a glance to the kids before taking you a few steps from them. She sighed, "How's Laenor?"

You frowned, "He would not come in from the sea, Grandmother. Not even for me..."

"He always had a soft spot for you," she sighed, "surely, if you can't get him in, he'll have to be moved."

You nodded, "I did try."

"You did incredible," she praised, taking both cheeks in hand. "I have heard nothing but songs of how you have been the support your father needs. Thank you for being there."

"It is the least I can do after all he's done for me," you whispered. "I only wish I could take his pain. It is a weight that I fear he is buckling under slowly."

Rhaenys sighed and nodded. "I fear for it, too, my sweet. All right, well," she sighed and leaned in to kiss your forehead. "You get some sleep, some well-deserved rest. You've had a day."

"We all have," you whispered, taking her hands in yours, "and Grandmother? I-I want to tell you that I am sorry for you loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child."

She sighed and nodded, squeezing your hands. "You have always been the sweetest girl - and I am so proud to be your Grandmother. I love you, thank you for your words."

Your eyes shut and let her lean in to kiss your forehead. "I love you, too," you promised, smiling at her when your eyes opened to her softened gaze. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she nodded, letting go of you so you could take your little brothers under your arms.

"Grandfather," you spoke to Corlys as you approached. "I hate to interrupt, but we are off to bed and wish to say goodnight."

He gave you all a smile and gentle hugs, speaking softly, "Goodnight, my dears. I'll see you in the morning." Finding no other family members that you cared enough to speak to, you lead your brothers into the Driftmark castle.

You nodded to those you passed, easily navigating the boys to their rooms and did not leave until they were changed and in bed properly.

"Sister?" Luke whimpered.

"Yes, my sweet?" You paused to turn back to him, single candle in your hand and one on his bedside table.

"I-Is Ser Harwin truly gone?"

You sighed, pausing to sit on his bed and pet some hair off his forehead. "I'm afraid so, sweet boy. But Mother speaks true, the Strongs are not our kin and we are needed here. But that does not mean you cannot mourn him, Luke. He was a gallant knight and truly felt part of our family - though he was not our blood."

He nodded, "Could we say prayers for him?"

"Of course," you agreed. "I'll say one for him tonight, too, all right?"

"Thank you," he whispered, letting you lean in to peck his forehead.

"I love you," you promised, letting a finger push the button of his nose.

"I love you, too," he nodded, snuggling into the blankets. "Good night."

"Good night, sweet boy," You whispered, blowing out his bedside candle and parting ways with your own single candle in a holder. You shut their door and moved for your own room, but just before you could prepare yourself for bed, you heard a strangled roar from your opened windows.

It could've been any dragon, but something felt familiar about this sound.

Something felt wrong and you were quick to change into a pair of trousers, a tunic, and boots; rushing off from your room with the intention of checking on your dear, sweet Kasta. She wasn't by any means the largest around but she showed no sign to stop growing - making her rival a few older dragons already. You worried she was being challenged, and easily snuck from the castle walls.

However, you gasped when you rounded a cliffside and almost ran straight into someone.

"You!"

"Aemond! Gods!" You hissed, glancing around and pushing him towards a small alcove of the cliffs in case of any patrolling guards. "What're you doing out at this hour? You should be in bed!"

"What're you doing out? You should be in bed, too," He retorted quickly.

You narrowed your eyes, "I have reason - "

"Maybe I do, too."

You hummed, eyeing him a moment. "What if we agreed to go about our business - never seeing each other, hey?"

He considered it before nodding. "Deal. I didn't see you, you didn't see me."

"Exactly," you chuckled to your 'uncle', though you were 18 months older than him. It was strange, indeed. "Whatever you're doing, just be careful, Aemond."

He nodded, "Yeah. You, too, Y/N."

You both snuck away in opposite directions - where you made for the mouth of the Dragon Pit, and Aemond, in the direction of open sand dunes. You were curious and considered following him, but you were distracted by wanting to check on Kasta more.

After sneaking beneath the Pit, you could not locate your great beast and didn't know if you felt relief or not. So, you spent the better part of an hour searching for the emerald green beast, sighing with relief when she was located at last. Only after you had to scale a fucking cliff, but she was worth it.

"Kasta," you panted in High Valyrian upon approach, the lazy dragon lifting her head from the sandy nest she'd made. "What're you doing, my girl? Hey?" You chuckled lightly, hearing her whine lowly. You sat at her head, giving it a loving stroke. "It is warm in there?" She lipped at your hands, making you wonder, "You okay? I heard something and worried it was you - that you might've been in trouble?"

She growled lightly, lifting her head in interest when the distinct beating of wings was heard - along with a voice shouting in exhilaration. You lifted your head to spy Vhagar circling the island, curiosity peaking; but also assuring you that it was not your dragon that you heard before.

"I thought Vhagar had no rider?" You questioned Kasta, but the dragon lifted her head to stare into your eyes - giving a knowing look. "I see," you whispered.

There was a shuddering quake to the ground, and you knew somewhere nearby, a dragon landed. When your own dragon gave a soft snarl, you felt something on the back of your neck stand on end. She left her head fall back down as you stood.

Unknown to you, your siblings and cousins had searched for you in your rooms before deciding to confront Vhagar's newest rider by themselves. Yet, unknown to them, you were expertly scaling down the cliffside to rush for the Dragon Pit.

Yet, you were still too late.

Aemond had Luke by the throat - all the kids bloodied and bruised to some capacity - and with a large, jagged rock in a raised hand above his head, Aemond was threatening, "You will die screaming in flames just as your father did! Bastards!"

"Aemond! NO!" You raged, rushing to the scene out of pure panic from seeing your younger siblings, cousins, and uncle all bearing marks of a fight.

"My father's still alive!" Luke struggled in Aemond's grip, sobbing.

"So, he doesn't know, does he, Lord Strong?" Aemond snipped at Jace with a sneer, and to your shock, Jace then brandished a dagger.

"NO!" You finally made it to them; first yanking the two girls further back for safety, but it left time for your brothers to attack. "JACE!" You screamed with Baela, trying to keep them back as the boys were so intertwined in a fight, you could not intercede them. And with a dagger in play, you did not risk being an accidental casualty.

Aemond had thrown back Luke and wacked Jace in the head with the rock - knocking both to the floor in whimpering pain.

"All right, that's enough, hey, hey, no more - no fucking more," you stepped in, hands held in peace. "No, you've all made your points - Aemond, please," you begged when your uncle rose the rock above his hand again, smirking in taunt, with the intention of bashing Jace's head in. "Aemond - think for a moment, do not do this," you tried to reach for him, but it was too late. Jace threw a handful of sand to Aemond's face, blinding him a moment, and leaving time for Luke to pick up the forgotten dagger. "NO, LUKE, DON'T!"

But it was far too late.

Luke swung his brother's dagger upward and sliced through Aemond's face - both boys screaming. One in exhilaration and the other in unfiltered pain.

"NO!" You screamed again, reaching Luke first and making him drop the dagger by wrangling his wrist in your hand; your adrenaline pumping so harshly that you didn't realize when the blade sliced through the skin of your palm. You turned quickly, only vaguely hearing the Knight's Guards arriving. "Aemond, Aemond," you begged, taking hold of the moaning and groaning Prince. "Oh, let me see, let me see, c'mon, lad, 's all right, let me have a look," you hushed, huddling over him for privacy and coaxing his hand away. "Gods be good," you hissed, snapping his hand back in place and using your own to add pressure. Both of your hands bloodied within seconds. "Hold pressure, hold the pressure," you told him softly, looking up to see the White Cloaks. "L-Lord Commander, the Prince Aemond needs a Maester at once."

"Let me see," he knelt.

"No, no, it needs pressure for the bleeding," you told him, keeping firm hold on your distant uncle. "Come, help me get him to his feet."

"What happened?" He demanded, doing as you bid.

"I do not know, I arrived too late," You covered, helping Aemond but turning to walk at his back to keep hold over his hand, over the sliced eye he was basically holding in socket.

It was pure chaos from then on, and once you were all gathered in the throne room, the Maester took over.

"Y/N!? Aemond!? Oh, my Gods! What has happened!?" Alicent demanded as she rushed into the room; Viserys limping with his cane in hand not far behind her.

"In a moment, Your Grace," you pleaded, the boy sitting with your hands still holding in injury.

"I need to see the wound, Princess," the Maester frowned.

"All right," you agreed with him, and then looked to your uncle. "Easy, easy, easy, it's gonna gush a little," you whispered, your bloodied hand peeling Aemond's with your own to give sight to the full injury.

You could've thrown up from the sight, but only stepped away as more members of court arrived on scene and the Maester was swooping in.

Turning to Alicent, you explained, "In truth, Your Grace, I do not know much - other than the boy has been maimed. I read it's important to hold pressure to injury before a professional can take over, so, I only helped the Prince do that," you showed your bloodied hands.

"Dear girl," Viserys took your one hand, "you're bleeding on your own, I can see the cut."

"Oh, i-it's just a small cut, Your Grace," you nodded swiftly.

"How did you come by it?" Viserys demanded. His voice then lowered as he bowed his head to tell you privately, "You alone have always told your Grandfather the truth, do not let that change now."

You gulped but held your head up to tell him quietly, his withered hand still holding your wrist, "When I disarmed Lucerys, Your Grace."

"Why were you not in bed?" Alicent asked.

"In truth, I heard a dragon roar, and it sounded so familiar, I worried it was my dragon, Kasta. She's larger than some and still grows, I worried she was being challenged and then feared she was hurt. I was only out of bed, Your Grace, to check on Kasta, I swear it."

Viserys' eyes flashed to gaze heatedly over the others gathered from after the fight - but otherwise, just sighed. He nodded at you, "You're not at fault for worrying. Go on. Clean your hands, dear girl, let someone bind them."

"Thank you, Your Grace," you whispered, nodding with a small smile, "Grandfather."

He smiled briefly in return and patted your shoulder as you turned with dismissal, a handmaiden stepping up to help you wash your hands of blood in a basin and then examine the 'wound'. "It is shallow, Princess," she informed with a nod of her head. "It will heal, but I will bind it to help protect it. Perhaps avoid a sword in this time."

You smiled mutely and nodded, letting her work as the room was stewing in anger and tension as more and more members of the court showed up.

You waited patiently for your mother, letting your anxiety fester to new heights as you began to understand, as the eldest present to the scuffle, you'd be expected to recount events. But you didn't know all of the situation, only what the children had tried to tell you in a jumbled rush on your way there. But they didn't get far as the guards couldn't stand their squabbling, telling them to silence themselves until the King asked for explanation.

As the Maester worked, Viserys was demanding answers of the Lord Commander Westerling, and his Guards; who were not watching the Princes, and therefore, assumed fault for letting everything get to this point. By extension, as second in command with the Queen's Guard, Ser Criston Cole stood under interrogation, as well.

And the King was beyond angry; making you gently flinch when his voice turned hateful towards his guards.

Your hands were wrapped, and you moved along the edge of the crowd to then take a seat on the stone stairs that lead to the throne room to take a moment and think about what you witnessed. You needed time to absorb it all, to just think; to digest.

From beside the light of the hearth, Alicent, watching the Maester work on stitching Aemond's wound closed, asked, "It will heal, will it not, Maester?"

He paused a moment, the room turning towards the Maester and Prince for the answer; and your head lifted to listen. Your brothers stood beside one another without any cleaning to their wounds - simply because they were still on trial for this entire ordeal.

The Maester answered, "The flesh will heal, I'd wager because the Princess Y/N acted quickly to hold pressure." Eyes turned to you as you felt tears of embarrassment and anxiety fill your eyes, bowing your head to avoid their gazes. "But the eye is lost, Your Grace."

Both of Aemond's parents looked genuinely distraught as you finally stood to near your brothers; taking each of them under your arms. They noted the bandages on your hand, but did not get to comment as the Queen was rounding on her eldest son, Aegon, to demand, "Where were you?"

"Me?" Aegon asked, gasping when his mother's hand clapped against his cheek to whip his head to the side. "Ow!" He yelped, "What was that for?"

"That was nothing compared to the abuse your brother suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool!" Alicent hissed, teeth bared; her anger tangible.

The doors above you clanged open, and Corlys charged through them, demanding, "What is the meaning of this!?"

"Baela? Rhaena!" Rhaenys gasped, following her husband down the stairs. "What happened? What happened?" She asked, taking the girls instantly into her arms.

Corlys looked around with a fierce gaze, standing before you lot as you tightened your hold on the boys. Not a moment later, your mother was finally opening the doors - looking spooked by the news she received. "Jace?" She looked around - and when she located you three, she was shouting, "Luke!"

You stepped back to let your mother kneel before the boys; and felt a hand smooth around your shoulders. Looking up, Corlys brought you into his side for a tight hug. Your bandaged hand laid on his stomach, making him take it up and examine it with a tight jaw.

"Show me, show me," your mother rushed to your little brother, pulling Luke's hands from his face and revealing his own injury. "Who did this?"

"They attacked me!" Aemond shouted from his seat.

"He attacked Baela!" Jace shouted back.

"He broke Luke's nose!" Baela shouted, and then, the over-lapping voices were too great and many to make out. Yet, bits and parts met your ears as Uncle Daemon arrived on scene, and chose to lean on the door with crossed arms instead of rush for his injured daughters. You did not speak, Corlys and you stood silently and listened.

"He stole my mother's dragon!"

"Enough," Viserys demanded, but the children still shrilly argued.

"He was going to kill Jace!"

"I didn't do anything!"

"Enough!" Viserys tried again.

"It should be my son telling the tale!" Alicent joined the efforts.

"He called us - "

But Viserys roared over everyone, cutting Jace off, "SILENCE!"

The room echoed with the aftermath of ringing voices; everyone shying into themselves, and making your father's father tighten his hold around your shoulders. Behind you, your brother whispered to your mother, "He called us bastards."

Rhaenyra stood in thought and kept the bloody boys behind her, sharing a small look with you as her eyes skated over your bandage. But nothing could be said as her hands came to wring together as Viserys called, "Aemond..." His cane struck the stone with each step he took, "I will have the truth of what happened... Now."

"What else is there to hear?" Alicent interjected. "Your son has been maimed. Her son is responsible."

"It was a regrettable accident," Rhaenyra swiftly defended - but even she sounded shaken.

"Accident," Alicent repeated, Corlys pulling you back a step to let your mother be seen. "The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to an ambush. He meant to kill my son."

You wanted to correct her that it was Jace's dagger and Luke only picked it up when her son meant to bash in Jace's head - but now wasn't the time, because your mother was snarling in defense, "It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves." You nodded in agreement, and Viserys saw the motion. "Vile insults were levied against them."

"What insults?" Viserys questioned.

It was silent before Rhaenyra responded, "The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly to question."

"What?" The King asked.

"He called us bastards," Jace spoke up, making the room go still. This was the confrontation everyone was waiting on...

"Y/N?" Viserys asked, making you tense up.

"What?" Rhaenyra turned to you. "You were involved?"

"I only arrived at the end," you shook your head. "I do not know what was said or done in full," you begged to the King to understand through your words, and it seemed, your other Grandfather did by how he shifted slightly in front of you. "Though, yes, the word 'bastard' was hurled as insult, Your Grace..."

"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace," your mother swept back in, making you shudder a breath. "This is the highest of treasons..." Her words settled over everyone. "Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders."

Aemond had turned in his seat to glare at your mother, his older sister; making the King look down at him. But it was the Queen who asked the Princess, "Over an insult? My son has lost an eye - possibly his life, should your daughter not of been there!"

Viserys looked again to Aemond, asking, "You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?"

"The insult was training yard bluster," Alicent tried to save. "The lot of boys. It was nothing."

"Aemond..." Viserys prodded. "I asked you a question."

To save her son from answering, Alicent asked, "Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder? The boys' father? Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter."

"Yes. Where is Ser Laenor?" Viserys agreed, eyes looking to your mother.

"I do not know, Your Grace. I... Could not find sleep. I had gone out to walk," You mother answered.

"Entertaining his younger squires, I would venture," the Queen snipped, making some in the court smirk and snicker as the insult registered.

"I beg your pardon, Your Grace," you pushed away from Corlys to face Alicent and the King, but your gaze was set on the redheaded woman, "because I understand you are distraught from your son's injury, but do not mistake that for giving you leave to openly insult my father, or add fuel to such allegations. This is not the training yard, Your Grace, leaving no room for bluster. Mind your manners."

"Come here, girl, and hush yourself," Corlys sighed, pulling you back to his side. He sighed as Viserys chose to ignore your comment, which made the Queen stiffen her spine and avoid your heated gaze.

"Aemond... Look at me," Viserys directed to his son, making the One-Eyed Prince meet his father's angered, hardened eyes. "Your King demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?"

You didn't see the Prince's eyes cut over to his mother, but saw the King straighten his spine to look at his wife - and knew.

It was as if a collective breath was held as the King was then told by his son, "It was Aegon."

"Me?" Aegon repeated quietly, looking truly shell-shocked to be thrown into the mix. You sighed gently.

The King now turned his sights on his eldest son, growling, "And you, boy?" He stalked up to the taller kid. "Where did you hear such calumnies?" But when his son did not answer, nor meet his gaze, the King shouted, "Aegon! Tell me the truth of it!"

With a tremble to his tone, Aegon spoke, "We know, Father." He met his father's gaze, "Everyone knows... Just look at them," his lip curled, "and then look at her. She is true-born, that cannot be disputed."

Your chin lifted as your glare turned deadly, daring anyone to say more as the King was silently surveying the room. But he chose not to pursue this further, and snapped, "This interminable infighting must cease!" His cane punctuated his words. "All of you! We are family!" He only glanced at Aemond, perhaps finding the injury too gnarly to look at longer; turning his gaze to the room again. "Now make your apologies and show good will to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your King demands it!"

But nobody spoke as the King's words did not feel truly fair. Perhaps, the others were going to wait for him to leave to 'handle' this situation, but before he could, Alicent was speaking, "That is insufficient." The King turned to hear her words. "Aemond has been damaged, permanently, my King. 'Good will' cannot make him whole."

"I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye."

"No, because it's been taken!" Alicent refused her husband's words.

"What would you have me do?" Viserys growled.

"There is a debt to be paid," she decided, and the room went still. "I shall have one of her son's eyes in return."

Heads turned to look at your mother and brothers, and you broke away to then stand at your mother's side and kept Lucerys behind you. The crowd muttered with discomfort as the King approached the Queen, "My dear wife..."

"He is your son, Viserys," She begged through her tears. "Your blood."

"Do not," Viserys warned, "allow your temper to guide your judgement."

That was supposed to be that, but chaos still rained. She spoke defiantly, "If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will. Ser Criston... Bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."

"Mother!" Luke gasped, and she kept him back and between you.

"Alicent," Viserys tried.

"He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son," Alicent sneered.

"You will do not such thing," Rhaenyra defended and your hands tightened on your brother.

"Stay your hand," Viserys demanded.

"No, you are sworn to me!" Alicent refused with a shout, making it known she was desperate for action. And eyes turned for Cole, knowing he was nothing better than her leashed dog.

"As your Protector, my Queen," Cole refused - a smart decision.

"Alicent, this matter... Is finished," The King leered fiercely. "Do you understand?" It was quiet as the woman did not respond, everyone watching as Viserys turned from the room; but paused to address, "And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons," he then directed at Alicent, sneering, "should have it removed."

"Thank you, Father," Your mother spoke softly from her place, something making the hair on your neck stand on end. You did not turn as your mother did, lowering herself to speak to her sons - you watched the Queen.

And thankfully, you did.

You watched her stride for Viserys and yank a dagger from his belt and turn. "Mother!" You gasped, stepping in front of her protectively as the Queen charged.

"Alicent!" Viserys screamed.

"Stay with the King!" Westerling demanded of Cole as he followed Alicent. "HOLD YOUR APPROACH!"

"My girl!" Rhaenyra pushed you out of the way in time to step forward and take hold of either of Alicent's wrists. It was chaos as they engaged; everyone trying to space out and move from the way as the King's Guards were tangled amongst each other.

Luke screamed shrilly in fear as your mother took on Alicent. You wanted to turn for the boys and huddle them close, but Corlys was back at your side, and together, you both stood as pillars in front of them while Princess and Queen struggled against one another.

"Stay your hand, Cole!" Westerling demanded of the disobedient knight; making Daemon push off his post to intercept the man.

"You've gone too far!" Your mother struggled with Alicent.

"I?" The Queen repeated breathlessly. "What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law! While you flout all to do as you please!"

"Alicent! Let her go!" Viserys demanded.

"Mother!" You worried, wondering if you should step in. Would you be reprimanded for cutting down the Queen? You eyed the sword at your Grandsire's hip - leaving it open for you to take.

Yet, you dare not.

"Where is duty? Where is sacrifice?" Alicent spoke tearfully still. "It's trampled under your pretty foot, again!"

"Release the blade, Alicent!" Otto, the Queen's father, called from the end of the hall.

"And now you take my son's eye," she told your mother, "and to even that, you feel entitled."

"Exhausting, wasn't it?" Your mother countered. "Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness." She whispered, "But now they see you as you are."

Alicent shouted in anger; the women pushing away from each other and blade sliced through flesh. Corlys and you both caught your mother when she was flung back, but the sounds of trickling blood pattering onto the floor drew your attention.

"Mum," you worried when her wrist was sliced open to let blood drip freely down her hand, through her fingers; pooling to the stone floor beneath you. "Gods," you whispered, looking up in shock, muttering for those who did not see, "you cut her."

"Darling," your mother hushed, but you were grabbing at her wrist to try to hold pressure - like you were trained to do.

It was silent besides that as everyone waited for the next move to be made. Nobody did until Prince Aemond stepped into the circle; earning the attention of those lingering.

"Do not mourn me, Mother," the Prince spoke softly, looking at Alicent. "It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye... But I gained a dragon."

Vhagar had a new rider.

"This proceeding is at an end," Viserys decided, giving everyone a stern look. Cole wrangled free and Daemon stalked forward to crowd you closer to your mother; Luke coming up to hold your waist as you were holding the wound as tight as possible.

Aemond moved to hug his mother in comfort, something you were doing in your own way. Jace took the rear, and stood with Daemon and Corlys, giving Alicent a first look at the family that would bring ruin to her own. But your mother, too, got a good look at the family who would bring your own doom.

"Could we please see to this?" You asked, nodding at the blood that seeped, again, from between your fingers.

"Yes," Rhaenyra agreed. "Perhaps in our rooms."

"Let's go," you pleaded, offering the Hightower Queen one more glare before turning with your mother to keep the pressure on her wound.

"I sought an audience early this morning," your mother explained softly, "before the King and Queen were to depart for King's Landing. And I know it is feeling unfair, my girl, and I do not want to see you go, but the tension can not fester beyond this. Vengeance is a powerful weapon, and I would not see my family harmed for something as petty as this. My hope is that with Viserys around, they will warm up to you, and you will be safe."

"So, after you sent Jace, Luke, and I away this morning, you and Father discussed, what? Selling me off?"

"I know it hurts," she relented, but you sighed.

"No, no, I am only being jealous."

"Of what, sweet girl?"

"Perhaps of not having a cock of my own, so that I might have some say in these matters. Or maybe I am merely jealous of the idea of leaving you while the boys stay. Yet, at least, I will have some time with you yet before I am to marry - not many Ladies can say they have that luxury."

She took a sobering breath, "I knew you'd understand. But for all it can be worth, I am sorry."

You nodded, sighing, "For our family's honor, and for Luke's full vision, I will marry Prince Aemond when the time comes..."

"My girl," she breathed with relief, bringing you in for a bone-crushing hug. After a moment, she pulled back to sniffle; and just over your heads, three of the royal dragons took flight - with Vhagar swooping low to the waters before following the King's ship.

You both paused to stare after them.

"Do you trust them, Mother?"

Rhaenyra sighed, "I trust my father, but the Hightower claws are dug deep." You both breathed for a moment. "You will be a single spot of Targaryen Black in a sea of Hightower Green, my love. Our House words must not be forgotten..."

Your chin lifted, knowing in heart, you would always be a Targaryen Dragon more than a Velaryon Sea Horse - telling her gently, "Fire and Blood..."

"When the time comes," Rhaenyra sighed, "I can only pray I leave you with dragon scales instead of skin - so that their green flames do not burn you, my sweet girl."

You smirked gently at her, "Mother, fire - whether Green or not, cannot kill a dragon. Though I know I've salt in my veins, too, it is the blood of Old Valyria, and fire will be my ally."

Rhaenyra sighed and turned to pull you in closer with a kiss to your head. "I know it is sudden news, but we still have years with each other. Much will change, but I will never leave you feeling unprepared." Movement, again, caught her eye over your shoulder; making her sniffle and sober up. "Go on, go now. Find your brothers for me, please."

You agreed, and after a kiss to her cheek, left her be; passing your silent Great Uncle Daemon along the way with only a head nod of acknowledgement.

Time on Dragonstone was never the same. Days after laying your Aunt Laena to rest, you lost your own father, Lord Laenor, to a petty quarrel he had with his lover, Qarl. The lad was never found, apparently somewhere lost to the Stepstones, but the anger never dissipated. Your mother had welcomed the Knight into the family, and he turned blade on your father?

In Laenor's father's hall?

The devastating blow was hardest on you, who could not grieve far enough. You internalized a lot of it, but your brother's tried to help you shoulder it all - yet this was a path you walked alone. Seemingly only days after that, on your ancestral home, your mother then married her Uncle Daemon, and your cousins Baela and Rhaena were now your step-sisters.

They lived with you all on Dragonstone and your mother took your education very seriously. Professors came into port to be guests of the castle, dedicating hours upon hours a day to tutor you in a broad arrangement of subjects.

History, philosophy, reading, philanthropy, writing, specialized tutors to broaden your Valyrian, a whole class on just diction - forcing you to learn new words; first-aid training, and even drawing.

Your step-father also took up your training after your beloved father had passed. Daemon recommended you work your anger and grief out through the training yard, and you took that advice to heart. He posed as a challenger in damn-near everything, and by the Gods, you tried not to feel competitive, but it sharpened your wit and instincts. Daemon knew what he was doing, and yet, never showed an ounce of 'loving warmth', only stoic respect.

Your mother taught you what she could about being both Lady and wife - taking meals privately with you to go into more expressive details. Questions you had, she answered; and as you grew older, you wondered deeper - and she often answered with red, flushed cheeks. Yet your mother kept her promise and would not let you go off to King's Landing unprepared.

You read books. Wrote letters, kept journals. Learned from experience, learned from reading; did what you could to understand as much as possible, never quenching your thirst for knowledge.

Perhaps, subconsciously, you wondered if this would create more distance between now and your marriage - but your 18th nameday was creeping up, and you were out of options.

Three months before, your summons arrived.

Your mother tried to deliver the news softly, but tears broke her waterline; and you understood that she meant to say goodbye. Apparently, by Queen Alicent's hand-written letter, you were to marry the Prince before the week's end, and it was already midweek.

Aemond did not wish for a big wedding, but your family insisted on something. Viserys had called upon the royal dressers, and all festivities would be covered. All you had to do was show up, and yet, it felt like that was the hardest chore. Your mother had sniffled as she pet your hair off your shoulders, nodding, "It's time, my girl."

Daemon opted not to attend the wedding and after a bit of persuasion, your mother and brothers decided to stay on Dragonstone with him. You were to travel alone because you were to hit the ground running, and you were beyond nervous.

Your mother helped pack your things - sending servants and maids away to let you two have moments of privacy. She gave you last second advice, promising that when you need it, she was always there for you. Dragonstone wasn't far by dragonback and there were always ravens to send - but she warned you about the Hightowers more than likely intercepting letters.

She advised you to write in code.

Promised she loved you.

Swore to you that marriage wasn't always all so bad; and before you knew it, you were standing with Kasta's packed saddle - facing your family for the final time.

"Well," you breathed, nodding at them all, "I wish to say that I will miss you all, and thank you for the incredible years."

"Good luck, sister," Jace nodded.

The night before, the boys had snuck into your room for the last time and let you hold them; tears of sadness weeping into their dark brown locks. You smiled at him, "Thank you, brother. I will send a raven when I am settled, and... Well, you know."

"When you're married," Luke teased, giggling lightly.

"Hush," you mother chided gently, but smiled at the boy, glancing at you. "Go hug your sister goodbye, love."

Luke frowned deeply and rushed for your waist - though, no longer being a small child, he was still a young lad; and you could wrap your arms around him tightly. You kissed the top of his head and sighed, "I'll miss you with my heart, Luke. I promise to write you, you can practice writing me back if you want."

"But, sister," he worried, pulling back only so to hush, "what if the nightmares come back?"

You smiled at him, "I left you a present on your bed. I hope that helps you through the nights. Let it be a comfort." It was a red and black stuffed dragon toy, something you prayed would comfort him in your absence.

He nodded, tears falling down his cheeks. "Do not go," he begged gently, holding your skirts.

"I'd stay if I could, but this is for the best," you assured, never having the heart to tell him that your marriage arrangement was made some years ago, and now, as you were a woman, it was time to 'pay up' to save him from being blinded. He didn't need to know the truth.

Jace pulled Luke back but instantly stepped up in his place, instead. He sighed into your neck; much taller than the last time you remembered, and letting yourself loose a few tears. "Do not let them change you, sister. Please, be safe," Jace rushed in your ear, tightening his hug.

"I will," you cried, giving him a squeeze. "Be there for Mother... She'll need you now."

"I won't disappoint you," he promised, pulling away.

"Be good," you chuckled at him, patting his shoulder as he moved back. Baela and Rhaena stepped up to hug you goodbye, having grown fond of their older 'sister' during the time you had together. You kissed their foreheads, bid them well, and again, promised you were only a raven away.

Daemon was next, and he did offer a hug (shockingly). You squeezed into his embrace, and when you pulled back, he wished, "Good luck in the city, niece. Remember the leech will feed, even when fat. My brother's blinded by..." He sighed. "Nevermind. It's not your responsibility. Just do not let him forget his family loves him."

"I'll be sure to be there for him, Uncle."

He nodded, "Then - good luck. Marriage is mostly political, so, play your part with caution in mind."

"Your advice has always been appreciated," you nodded. "And thank you - for all the lessons you gave these past years."

"What a student I had," he smirked, giving you a final nod as you moved on to your mother.

She took a long, shuddering breath. "You'll write, won't you?" Her hands reached, as they always did, to pet over the silver locks that spilled down your shoulders.

"Of course," you promised softly. "You will not be rid of me so easily."

"I should hope not," she chuckled, but held her tears at bay.

"Say it now, Mum, and I will stay," you promised in a whisper. "You need me, and I will stay - "

"No," she sighed, moving to hold your cheeks. "You are no longer responsible for me. I would not let you go if I thought it was feeding you to the wolves... Though I wish for you to stay, there is a duty to be performed, my sweet girl."

You nodded, letting a few tears fall down your cheeks. "I'll just miss you terribly. Who will I go to for advice?"

"You'll understand who to trust, but keep in mind that you might write in a journal. Let it act as if it's me, and write, my girl. Hide it away, burn it even, but do not let yourself feel so isolated."

"A Black Dragon in an Emerald Mine," you snickered softly, making her grin. "I will not disappoint you, Mother."

"You never do," she promised. "Be careful, and do not trust anyone. You're in the snake's garden now, and their bite is fierce."

You nodded, hands over hers to hold your cheeks. "I wish you'd be there."

"I do, too," she promised. "But you are my strongest girl, you will endure this with grace."

You nodded, leaning in to hug her one last time. She sniffled into your neck, but after a moment, you had to giggle, "Mum, you've got to let me go. Mumma, c'mon, now."

She groaned and released you, "All right, fine. Go on. I love you - so much. Do not forget that."

You climbed onto Kasta's mighty back; needing something of a rope ladder to get on her properly. With another wave, your family called their love and luck; hearing Kasta roar in departure before surging forward, spreading her wings, and then leaping off the cliffside. You held on tightly as she cut through the air, your family all watching as Kasta roared once more but otherwise, did not turn back.

You cried during the whole flight; truly afraid of what you were to encounter when you landed. Alicent and the Hightowers knew of your arrival, and you wondered why she insisted on such a swift wedding.

Last you knew, your fiancé had both concurred the largest dragon in the world but also lost his left eye.

Perhaps there was a rush so you could not back out. But you had honor, and if your hand in marriage is what it took to heal the rift between your families, to soothe the wound Lucerys inflicted, then so be it. There was honor in completing one's duty.

You prayed, through tears, it was enough.

[ part two ]

[ series masterlist ]

#aemond targaryen #prince aemond #aemond the kinslayer #aemond one eye #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x fem!reader #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond hotd #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd imagine #hotd x reader

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b4b3tte · 6 months

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MAY THE BEST MAN WIN PART 2

꒰ ⊹ ˚ Summary — Erron black decides to test the waters by flirting with you in front of Kano, but with him having some slight possessive nature,, he cannot let that happen any further without going down with a challenge

Description on this part — Basically Another flirty remarks made towards you, but you,Erron,Kano are set on a mission but Kano is dead set on making sure Erron isn’t making moves on you. ( Also getting closer to Erron!)

Pairing — Erron!Black x GN!Reader X Kano!Mk11

My note — RAHH I’m so surprised people actually liked this!! I am so glad!! 2 people asked for a request so sorry if I couldn’t reply and edit this on the inbox but here it is, hopefully it meets up towards your expectations!! And to make it clear you can be female,Male,Nonbinary to read this I wanna make my works inclusive as possible, I’ve gotten a lot of nsfw requests so if you want to read my guidelines for it please let me know

Another night at the black dragon fighting club, Kano, never one to back down, leaned in closer to you, his voice dripping with mischief. "Y'know, luv, I'd hate to see that charming smile of yours go to waste. Why don't you give the dangerous life a break and join me for a night on the town?"

Erron Black, on the other hand, wasn't about to let Kano have the last word. He leaned in with an even smoother tone, trying to maintain his suave demeanor. "Or, darling, you can take a walk on the wild side with me. I promise you won't regret it."

Your eyes darted between the two men, both vying for your attention. It was clear that they were willing to pull out all the stops to win you over.

With a roll of your eyes and a corner smirk that matched Kano's characteristic sarcasm, you decided to play along. "Well, gentlemen, it seems I'm in quite the predicament. I'm afraid I can't choose just yet."

Kano let out a triumphant laugh, while Erron raised an eyebrow, intrigued by your response. It seemed that your playful banter only fueled their determination to win your favor.

Kano, refusing to back down, chimed in with a sly grin. "Smart choice, luv. Keeps us on our toes, it does."

Erron nodded in agreement. "Ain't that the truth. We'll just have to keep impressing you."

You replied with a smart “ have fun trying to fulfill that “ You proceeded to walk away leaving them only hearing the sound of your shoes/Heels clicking the floor

As the banter continued, it took on a playful and even absurd tone. Kano and Erron found themselves exchanging increasingly outrageous and amusing suggestions to win your attention, all while keeping their charismatic personas intact.

You couldn't help but be entertained by the entire spectacle. It was clear that this competition was far from over, and you were content to sit back and enjoy the attention. Despite the chaos and rivalry surrounding you, you found yourself in a rather unique and amusing position, with Kano and Erron Black both trying to capture your interest.

One day you, Erron, Kano, Sektor, and many robot replicas and trained men, you were all sent to capture Johnny, Sonya, or at least Cassie to gain something beneficial, you and Erron went alone first along the military base and caught a moment alone between you two

As the mission continued, you guys found yourselves stationed in a quiet corner of the underground facility, momentarily away from the action. The air was heavy with tension, but the two of you took a moment to breathe from the previous shooting of protection and exchanged a few quiet words.

Erron Black, his charming facade momentarily down, turned to you. "You know, darlin', we’ve never gotten a chance to talk like this in the middle of a mission."

You nodded, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. "That's true. it feels like we're constantly on the move, sometimes I wish I weren’t so involved in everything "

Erron's voice softened as he looked at you as he has never had a personal conversation before with someone he works with . "I know it's a dangerous world, but there's something about you, something that keeps me coming back for more."

You met his gaze, there was a moment were you both looked in each others eyes then lips, the connection between you deepening in that quiet moment. "It's not easy to navigate this whole process, but having someone like you during the process..makes it a little less…daunting."

Erron just slightly moved closer to you, you add your pinky finger on top of his hand making eye contact with him, Just as he was about to say more, Kano's voice erupted through the radio, dripping with jealousy and irritation. "Oi, lovebirds, we've got a situation here! Stop playin' around and get back to work, This ain't the time for touchy-feely nonsense."

Erron, unfazed, shot back, "Seems like someone's feathers are ruffled. Can't handle a little human connection, Kano?"

Kano's response was a low, menacing growl. "I'm watchin' you, Erron. Don't get too comfortable."

Erron Black let out a quiet chuckle, and the two of you returned to the mission at hand. Kano's tone didn't go unnoticed, and it was clear he wasn't pleased with the intimacy he had just witnessed.

As you moved forward, Kano's attitude became increasingly disruptive even at the slight normal conversations almost every one has . He couldn't hide the jealousy that coursed through him, and his comments through the radio were laced with irritation and impatience.

Another smart remark flashed the both of you, when you and Erron accidentally bumped into each other from you walking to fast and not looking where you were walking at, and your guys hand glided on top of each other sorta like this ( click on the link on the word “ This “ )

Kano's voice crackled again. "You two best be focused on the mission instead of holdin' hands. We're here to capture Johnny, not exchange sweet nothings."

Erron Black shot back, his own irritation evident. "You're just jealous, Kano. Afraid you're losin' your grip on your precious Y/n."

Kanos extreme annoyance just exploded “ you shouldn’t even be picking at what should be mine “

Erron leaned in, his voice a low murmur, "Seems our mate Kano is struggling with the concept of sharing."

You chuckled, the irony not lost on you. "I never thought I'd be the center of a love triangle in the middle of a mission."

Erron's grin widened. "Well, darlin', life is full of surprises. But you can bet Kano won't make this easy."

Kano rolled his eyes again as usual “ god damnit black, quit your gobsmackin with y/n We're not on a damn date. Focus on the mission!"

Erron shot back, his voice filled with mischief, "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Kano. Maybe you should try being a bit more charming like me."

The tension between the two men was palpable, and it seemed that the love triangle had reached a boiling point. You couldn't help but feel the weight of their rivalry and the complexities of your relationships.

The love triangle between Kano, Erron Black, and you continued to play out, each interruption and intimate moment adding to the complexities of your relationships. The question remained: who would ultimately capture your heart in the end?

Thanks for reading!! I really appreciate it!! Have any other requests? Put it in my inbox and I’ll start writing it!! Have an amazing day or night Besitos!!💋💋

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dreamtinblackandwhite · 2 months

Text

The Blood in the Truth - Part Two

Part One

Series summary: Y/N is the niece of Alfred Pennyworth and childhood friend to Bruce Wayne. Feeling disappointed with her career, she goes out of her way to investigate the cases nobody else wants to.

Chapter summary: Bruce Wayne struggles to combat his feelings for his best friend and the personality of his secret persona while putting a plan in motion to keep Y/N safe after discovering the secret life she was leading. Y/N discovers a need for Batman she hadn't expected, but she was used to using those needs to distract herself from Bruce.

Note: My brain was moving faster than I could write with this one and I have so many more ideas for the next few parts! Stay tuned! All of your support on both parts One & Two would be greatly appreciated!

Warnings: fight descriptions, swearing, little bit of fluff, little bit of angst, little bit of filler

Word count: 7163

Alfred looked at Bruce. “I don’t care what you have to do,” he stepped towards him. “You keep my niece safe, understood?” Bruce gave one nod in agreement. He knew in his bones that he would never rest until he ensured Y/N would be safe.

Y/N spent the next two weeks huddled away in her small apartment while her injuries healed. She wasn’t in any particular mood to hear her uncles’ opinions about her current condition or why she put herself in the position of getting the injuries. She only needed to go into the office for development once a week anyway and it was always easier to write her articles from the comfort of her couch.

She continued to venture to the Iceberg Lounge on Friday nights, collecting as much information as she could when she was there and adding it to her notes. She wasn’t any closer to finding who was behind the drug, but she’d figured out it was a black powder that was inhaled. It caused hallucinations, body temperature changes, dry mouth, but a sense of calmness and security that was highly addictive.

Bruce had visited her building a few times, never getting the courage to actually knock on the door when he’d come. He ended up having more conversations with Y/N’s elderly neighbor than with Y/N herself. He was careful with the information he’d give the man and only allowed for brief details of the situation and the relationship they shared. “Another evening visit, that’s ten days in a row; she’s really gone and fuzzed your brain up, hasn’t she?” The wrinkled man asked knowingly as he began to bend down for the newspaper on his doormat.

Bruce quickly scooped the paper up and handed it off to him. “Is it that obvious?” He replied with a small laugh. The man leaned one of his shoulders against the doorframe, smiling in a way that made Bruce feel more like a grandson than a stranger.

“I won’t pretend to have a hog-posh of life lessons to teach you, son,” his voice was calm and warm. “And, I won’t pretend I know everything of what is happening here. But, I have lived a life; I have lived a very long and happy life. I have also lived a life with regret, and I have learned that you cannot live a life without it. Before you knock on that door, you need to decide where your regret will sleep. Will you regret never knocking? Will you regret knocking and trying to convince her to stop doing the job she loves? Or, will you regret knocking and just being there for her the way she always has been for you?”

Bruce looked down as he listened to these words and tried again to decide what he’d do. The man didn’t realize Bruce had two lives, two choices, two regrets. If a choice didn’t work as Bruce, he could make a different one as Batman. But, that would be putting Y/N into Batman’s life – would that be a regret he needed to live with? Alfred seemed to think it was a risk worth taking, Batman could take care of the drugs faster than the police, and leave no evidence for Y/N to follow.

“When she moved in, she talked about you, you know?” The man continued, seeing the look of troubled uncertainty on Bruce’s face; Bruce looked up now, intrigued. “She came over to get my recipe for French Onion Soup, said it was her best friends favorite and she wanted to make it for him since he’d been crabby all week.” Bruce smiled crookedly again, looking back at his feet. He remembered the time he spoke of, shortly after Y/N moved back to Gotham and just before he’d developed his Batman persona. He didn’t see her come with it, but she’d put it in the fridge and he ate it every meal for more than a week. He didn’t know it was her that made it until Dory asked him to get the recipe from Y/N since he liked it so much.

“Thank you,” Bruce said, glancing at Y/N’s door. The man nodded and started to retreat back into his own apartment, closing the door slow enough to catch the sounds of Bruce’s knuckles rhythmically knock against Y/N’s door.

Y/N opened the door, pausing when she saw Bruce standing in wait. “Bruce?” She asked, biting her lip nervously. Bruce felt a strange sense of relief seeing her, it was a painful reminder of why he would always need to practice distance with their friendship.

“Hi,” he smiled at her, “would you maybe want to get a drink?” He motioned down the hallway anxiously. Y/N cocked her head at him, she worried what conversation may be waiting for her if she agreed to this. “I won’t give you any grief or guilt about the lounge or the case you’re working,” he reassured. “I just miss my friend and I don’t want this to come between us.” He’d decided where his regret would lay its head to rest the moment she looked into his tired eyes with her perfect ones. He figured he could handle her hating the Batman easier than he could handle her hating Bruce; he didn’t want to live in a world where he wouldn’t get to see her face around the manor for the brief moments he allowed himself.

“Would you settle for cheap wine from the clearance section at the grocery store?” She asked, a small smile playing at her lips. An airy chuckle escaped Bruce’s lungs as he nodded and smiled back at her. She turned her body to beckon him into the small apartment, closing the door behind him. “Red or white?” Y/N asked while Bruce took his shoes and coat off.

“Whatever you already have open,” he said nodding towards the glass that sat next to her laptop on the coffee table.

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up and quickly turned away, worried she looked like an idiot. “Red it is, then,” she mused as she poured him a glass. Bruce scanned over the notes that were sprawled out on her coffee table – all about the drug case. Y/N started to pack it all away after handing him his glass.

Bruce cleared his throat, “I probably can only stay for one. It’s getting late.” He looked out the large balcony windows of her apartment and noted just how close the sun was from being swallowed by the horizon.

“Makes sense,” Y/N agreed as the pair settled comfortably onto the small couch so they would face each other.

“Looks like those stitches are healing nicely,” Bruce said, nodding towards her forehead. “Anything else hurting too much still?”

Y/N shook her head as she took a sip of her wine, “no, nothing too terrible. You should see the other guy though, he won’t even look at me in the club now.”

Bruce laughed, “that doesn’t surprise me.” Y/N shot him a playful glare. “What? I know how scary you get when you’re mad; remember when Johnny Bickle beat you in debate club in Middle School? You superglued his hands to his textbooks.”

“Hey!” Y/N whined, “his dad was a judge! It was 100% rigged!”

“And that justifies gluing the poor kid’s hands to his textbooks?” Bruce chortled, “you were suspended for two weeks!”

Y/N buried her face in her hands as she laughed at the memory. “Oh my gosh, I was diabolical back then,” she grumbled as she peaked through her fingers to see Bruce’s smiling face. She took this moment, while he was still laughing to memorize the sound. It’d been so long since they were able to have a 1:1 conversation that had any sort of laughter to it that she’d nearly forgotten what the sound did to her heartrate.

“You still are,” Bruce confirmed, taking a sip from his glass. They fell into a comfortable silence, still grinning at each other.

“I hope Alfred didn’t give you too much grief for me skipping Wednesday dinners these past two weeks,” Y/N apologized, frowning slightly.

Bruce shook his head, brushing her off with a hand wave. “I won’t lie, he was hurt you didn’t come over. You’re lucky, I don’t think he’s told your dad yet.” Y/N laughed and nodded as she ran a hand anxiously through her hair; Bruce found himself mesmerized by the way the lamp light would catch the different shades and tones as she moved. “He’s just worried about you, Y/N. I am too,” he finished after forcing himself to look into his glass instead of at her hair.

“You said you wouldn’t give me grief or guilt,” Y/N pointed out, Bruce chuckled softly.

“It is just facts,” he corrected. “You don’t understand how terrifying it was seeing you like that…” He was nearly whispering now as he recalled the tight feeling in his chest. “I can’t lose you too, Y/N.”

Y/N leaned forward and set a careful hand on his forearm, “you aren’t going to lose me, Bruce.” He looked back at her, slightly shocked at how close her face had gotten from this exchange. They examined each other’s eyes for a moment, both speaking thousands of unsaid words and wishing the other one would hear them.

Bruce cleared his throat and leaned back against the armrest, breaking their contact. “As long as you promise to be safe,” he finally croaked. Y/N blushed heavily and quickly downed the rest of her wine with a nod.

“I swear I am being safe,” she reassured. Bruce finished the rest of his wine in a quick swig before setting it on the coffee table. He stared at her as she nervously looked back, trying to convince himself to stay for another drink. But the sounds of the city distracted him, or at least they distracted Batman. He could hear soft gun shots, police sirens, drunken laughter; from the safety of Y/N’s apartment he had no idea what was happening as the nightlife of Gotham woke up.

“I should…” his voice trailed off as he started to stand up. Y/N followed, looking down to hide her frown. Without looking at each other, they both reached to grab the empty glass on the table. It was very much a movie moment, their finger tips bumping into each other. “Sorry,” Bruce whispered, moving his hand away quickly; he could feel a pressure in his chest as his heart seemed to reach for her.

“No worries,” she forced a smile at him before grabbing the glass and going to the kitchen while Bruce put his shoes and coat back on. “Drive safe, don’t let any drop heads get to you,” she teased, trying to lighten the tension that laid across the room.

Bruce scoffed slightly, hiding his knowing smirk; little did Y/N know just how many drop heads Bruce would interact with tonight. “Of course,” he agreed, turning towards her now. He swallowed his courage, he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to let himself see her like this again. He quickly opened his arms to her and cocked his head with a cheeky smile. Y/N laughed softly before walking into his open embrace.

She leaned her head against his chest, enjoying the thump of his heart in her ear while snaking her arms around his torso. He protectively wrapped his arms around her shoulders, leaning his head down slightly to rest his nose and lips on her hair. He squeezed his eyes shut as her perfume and shampoo invaded his senses, he memorized the scent months ago but welcomed the refresher happily.

Bruce broke away first, telling himself if he didn’t he would never be able to. Y/N felt the coldness wash through her body from the loss of his heat but forced a smile at him as she reached forward to unlock the door. “Tell Alfred that I will come to dinner on Wednesday with French Onion Soup if he promises to not make a huge deal about the lounge,” she requested.

Bruce nodded as he stepped out of the apartment into the dimly lit hallway, “I will see what I can do. Have a good night, Y/N.”

“Have a good night, Bruce,” Y/N echoed before slowly closing the door and leaning back against it with a sigh. She tried to focus on other things for the rest of the night; her work articles, editing her photos, studying the drug case. No matter what she did, her mind always found its way back to Bruce. Bruce’s smile, Bruce’s laugh, Bruce’s arms, the way he cared… it was all so frustratingly perfect to her even after her years of practice with ignoring it.

Bruce was in a similar position; so much so that he moved his plans for introducing Y/N and Batman into action before he even considered the outcomes. He sat in his normal perch on the building across from Y/N’s apartment and tried to think of a way to get her out so Batman could make his introductions. He was considering pulling the fire alarm, or maybe causing a blackout, when Y/N walked out onto her balcony to get some air.

Batman saw his opportunity, she was almost making it too easy. He used his grapple to get from his building to hers before scaling the bricks and landing silently behind her on the balcony. “Y/N Pennyworth,” he again forced his voice lower and deeper. Y/N turned quickly, instinctively punching her right hand towards the face of the unexpected visitor.

Batman was quick to react and blocked her punch with his forearm; Y/N countered with a swift left hook to his jaw. He grunted from the blow before quickly twisting her right arm behind her back, stopping when he was dangerously close to dislocating it all while turning her and pulling her firmly against his chest. He wrapped his free arm securely around her waist so she couldn’t move her torso more than a centimeter.

“Jesus Christ,” she grumbled, if she fought anymore she’d end up with an injured arm. He smirked ever so slightly, it’d been awhile since the pair had fought each other. “How the hell did you find me?” She spat, looking over her shoulder at him now. Thanks to their height difference, he was looking down on her in this position, but she was close enough now to trace her eyes over his sharp jawline and the deep blue eyes the bore into her.

“You are a photo journalist at The Gotham Times, but you work at the Iceberg Lounge under the name Lucy – why?” He continued, ignoring her question. “If you play nice, I will let you go,” he lowered his voice into a whisper as he leaned just slightly closer to her ear. He felt a strange confidence with her like this; it was the mask – it was always the mask. Batman was able to do and say more than Bruce was; he enjoyed that now as he soaked up the feeling of Y/N’s body against his, this embrace was very different than the one they shared not more than an hour ago.

There was a strange tension that struck between the pair, especially as he held her still. Y/N felt her cheeks warm up as his breath hit her neck. For most of her life, she’d only ever fought with Bruce. She didn’t need to bring out these skills very often; even with the men at the lounge, they were always easily subdued with just a few punches if necessary. But now, here she was in a compromising position with a mysterious stranger and she felt that same rush of desire she’d feel when fighting with Bruce.

Maybe her parents were right; she did flirt with danger. With Bruce, it was always flirting with the danger of ruining their friendship. Now, it was flirting with the danger of a literal masked vigilante. She would need to give therapy a try.

Y/N tried again to move but he was holding her so tightly that even her small wiggle hurt. “Do you always sneak up on the people you save?” She grumbled, before swiping her foot back, catching his leg to force him to let go and stumble backwards as he stopped himself from falling. She turned around to look at him, putting her fists up in case he wasn’t done fighting.

Batman smirked at her as he lifted his hands up into the air to indicate his surrender. He should have seen that coming, she always relied on her legs in a fight. “I asked you a question. I assume it’s not for money,” he motioned to the apartment behind her; it was small but technically luxury for the city. “What is it then? Sex?” He didn’t enjoy talking to her like this but he was trying to lead the conversation in the direction he needed.

Y/N scoffed at his assumption, but that is what most people assumed about the girls who worked at the Iceberg Lounge. “Working at the lounge offers an interesting perspective,” she explained, relaxing her muscles. “It helps when you’re doing a little investigating.”

“What are you investigating then?” Batman pushed, she was close to saying what he needed her to. Y/N stared at him for a moment before she decided it wasn’t so crazy for him to have gotten so much information on her; to do what he did you’d have to be good at finding secrets out.

“There’s a new drug that I think is being distributed to target people,” Y/N finally admitted, “there have been at least 26 deaths connected to it. Each one homeless, a Doe, found in abandon buildings or by the sea wall. They all had blood coming from their eyes, nose, ears and mouth; 3rd degree burns in their mouths; but for all of them the final cause of death was asphyxiation from their throats closing.”

“That doesn’t sound like something working at the lounge would offer much insight on,” Batman mused, stepping slightly closer to her in an attempt to make her feel relaxed. Y/N felt a strange sense of calmness around him the made her feel safe, made her trust him – maybe it was muscle memory of when he had saved her at the pier.

“I’ve gotten some from the off-duty cops that come through, but the majority of the information comes from the underground club,” Y/N explains. Batman straightens up, this new information intriguing him. “There’s a group of high-profile dealers that are there nearly every night, I heard them talking about some deal this past weekend. They seem tense about it, more so than normal.”

“And you think it’s connected to this new drug?” Batman confirmed, Y/N nodded in response. “I will take over from here; do not go to the lounge anymore, it’s too dangerous.”

Y/N scoffed, “just because you parade around in a fancy armored suit doesn’t mean you get to give orders to people.” Batman closed his eyes, hiding his eye roll from her. “I have been watching this for months, you just found out about it tonight.”

A frustrated groan escaped from Batman’s lips. “You don’t have any concrete evidence; just because they have similar symptoms and cause of death doesn’t mean it’s being targeted. Hundreds of the homeless population of Gotham are on different types of drugs; you are making assumptions.”

“Investigative journalists make assumptions every day,” Y/N defended with her own frustrated groan.

“You are just a photo journalist!” Bruce winced at his words as soon as they left his mouth; he couldn’t believe he was talking to her like this but there was no going back now. This was why he decided to leave his regrets with the Batman. Batman could hurt her, Bruce would never. “Leave the investigating to the real journalists.” He tried not to look at her face now, afraid to see what his words did to her. Coward, he thought before forcing himself to look into her eyes. Her soft features contorted from the harshness of his words, pain painted every inch of her expression.

“Real journalists?” Y/N scoffed, feeling tears sting at her eyes. “I think you should leave, Bat-boy,” she hissed before abruptly pushing past him and back into her apartment with a door slam. Bruce didn’t waste time on the balcony, he left as soon as she did and went directly to the tower that housed the Bat Symbol. Lt. James Gordon would see the light and come, just as he always did when Batman needed something.

Within fifteen minutes, Batman heard the metal scraping of the elevator behind him. He didn’t turn to see who it was, he only tossed a side eye over his shoulder to confirm it was Gordon before looking back out at the city. “What can I do you for?” Gordon asks awkwardly as he tentatively approaches the caped man. Even after a year of this partnership they’d developed, he still had no idea how to talk to the man.

“I need information on a new drug,” Batman informed with a coarse voice. Gordon pulled out his small notebook before nodding at him to continue. Batman explained the drug, and the slew of Doe victims that it seemed to be connected to, turning to look at Gordon now as he did.

“Hmm…” Gordon mused with pursed lips. “I haven’t heard of any sort of drug like this, man.”

Bruce felt both anxiety and discouragement ripple through him. If Gordon didn’t know about this already, that meant one of two things: either Y/N really was wrong and the string of deaths weren’t connected at all; or she is right and there is powerful hand digging deep enough to affect the police department. Either way, he still needed to find a way to disconnect her from the case after he got more information. “Just,” he grumbled finally. “Look into it.” After a final nod from Gordon, Batman was off to finally start his grid hours later than he should have.

It was another three days before they saw each other again. Y/N had been so angry after her interaction with Batman that she nearly forgot about her promise to see her uncle for dinner. She gathered her supplies for French onion soup and made her way to the manor by taxi this time.

As she entered through the kitchen, she felt slightly anxious. There was no guarantee that Bruce would have gotten through to Alfred on if he would give her much grief tonight for the lounge and she wasn’t in the mood for another lecture. “Alfie?” She called out as she started to unpack the groceries.

Bruce quickly walked from his room to the top of the staircase to shoot a glare down at Alfred, who grumbled with annoyance as he swatted a hand at the boy. Bruce wouldn’t join dinner tonight; if he was going to keep his courage to be harsh towards her as Batman, he couldn’t allow himself any extra time with Y/N as Bruce.

Alfred walked into the kitchen with a stone look on his face. Y/N sighed seeing him, “if you’re just going to be crabby about everything, I can leave.”

“No,” Alfred quickly countered. What Y/N didn’t know was that Bruce and Alfred had spent all day combing through the case files Gordon had gotten his hands on; she was right. There were obvious inconsistencies, falsified information, and general empty holes in every report. It was enough evidence to distract Alfred from his anger for the time beign. “I won’t berate you on it any longer, I know that it won’t change your mind on things. However, if you end up having any other injuries, I will tell your parents.” Y/N nodded, agreeing mostly only so he wouldn’t talk about it anymore.

They quickly relaxed into their normal conversations as Y/N cooked, Alfred got her a glass of wine to sip while she did. “Where’s Bruce? I’m making his favorite.”

Alfred hid his frown; although Bruce would never admit his feelings to Alfred, he knew. He’d seen the love they share for each other first hand and it pained him that both were so stubborn. “He’ll eat later, he’s working on some things right now.” Y/N nodded, knowing better than to push the subject.

The pair at in the living room, having the news on as background noise as their conversation continued. Bruce finally allowed himself to leave his room, it was like seeing her face was an addiction and he needed a fix. He stared at her as he walked down the stairs until her eyes flicked to him, he quickly looked away without a word or resemblance of a smile.

He wasn’t even planning on stopping until he heard the news report of the Batman’s recent “heroics”. It was Y/N’s scoff as she turned her attention towards it and angrily turned the TV off that had froze him in place. “What is it?” Alfred asked, noting her annoyed expression.

“Gotham just puts too much faith in Batman,” Y/N grumbled in response. “He’s not all that they praise him to be.”

“You know him?” Alfred asked cautiously as he shared a knowing look with Bruce. This would be the test to see if Y/N had any inkling of who the man under the mask was.

“No,” Y/N sighed as she gathered the dirty dishes in front of her for a distraction. “He found out that I work at the lounge. Let’s just say he wasn’t pleased, for some reason…” Her voice trailed off as she started to stand up. Bruce quickly darted towards the kitchen, not wanting her to know he was listening all along. He was scooping himself a bowl of the soup when she walked in. “Finally left your cave then?”

Bruce bit back the smirk that played on his lips, she didn’t know he actually had a cave. He barely glanced at her, just picked up a spoon, grunted a hello, and left the room as quickly as he came in; leaving Y/N behind him with a confused frown on her face.

That Friday, Y/N was getting ready for a date she was dreading. Detective Sam Benson had taken her out a few times over the past month and now had invited her as his plus one to the Gotham City Police Fundraiser. She also had a shift at the Iceberg Lounge afterwards that she wasn’t particularly looking forward to following her conversation with the Batman that had left her insecure about her work.

She had chosen a tight nude dress that had a lace overlay of red and pink florals. It was a deep v-neckline that showed her breasts off perfectly; it clung to her hips and thighs before tapering into a subtle skirted-ruffle at her knee which ended halfway down her shin. She wore her hair in soft waves but kept her face framing pieces slicked back behind her ears. Y/N gave herself one last nod of approval after strapping into her nude heels before tossing a long black coat on and tying off the front of it, affectively hiding her body and dress.

Bruce had decided, against Alfred’s wishes, that he needed to try and get information from Y/N on the case. He had to know what other evidence she already had if he wanted to get this drug off the streets before Y/N put herself in further danger. He showed up at her building as her elderly neighbor was walking up the stairs with two arms full of grocery bags. “Ah, I wondered if I would see you around here again,” he mused as Bruce swiftly took the bags from him so he could rely on his cane to get up the stairs.

Bruce chuckled softly but didn’t say anything in response; he walked slowly with the man as they ascended to the 3rd floor. “How do I know if I made the right choice?” He finally asked quietly as the man fumbled for his keys.

“You won’t,” the man replied, as he pulled the bundle of keys from his pocket. “You won’t until you do. It’s a gamble, it’s always a gamble.” Bruce grimaced at him slightly before freezing as he heard Y/N’s door open.

“Bruce?” She asked, confused as she locked the door behind her. “Chester, is this man bothering you?” She teased with a wink, Bruce looked down – he didn’t realize that he never asked this man his name.

“Not at all!” Chester grinned at her, taking the bags one by one from Bruce and setting it just inside his doorway. “Are you kids off for a fun date night, then?”

“No,” both Bruce and Y/N said simultaneously. Bruce looked at her with a chuckle while she blushed with wide eyes.

“I was coming to see if you wanted to hang out, but…” his voice trailed off, noting the way she’d done her hair and makeup.

“I’m going to the fundraising event for the police department,” Y/N finished for him, sticking her bottom lip with her teeth gently; she would much rather spend her night with Bruce than Sam. As if on cue, her phone pinged in her hand: I am here. Come down, doll.

“And that is my ride,” she sighed, looking back to the men in front of her. “Next time, Bruce?” He nodded at her in agreement. “Don’t wait up, Chester,” she winked before quickly turning to leave towards the stairs.

Bruce looked back at Chester. “Pretty sure I chose wrong,” he grumbled.

Chester chuckled and shook his head, “you won’t know until you know.” He winked before waving goodbye and heading into his own apartment.

Bruce told himself he was doing this to make sure Y/N was safe, because he knew there was something shady happening in the police department, because he promised Alfred he’d keep her safe. But, as he put his nicest suit on and fixed his hair, he could feel himself hoping for more. Maybe he’d turn on his long-dormant Bruce Wayne charm and ask Y/N for a dance… he shook the thought from his head – this is to protect her.

Sam had abandoned Y/N within twenty minutes at the fundraiser, apologizing and saying he needed to greet some people and it wouldn’t be appropriate to introduce her yet. She didn’t take offense to it, she just stood near the edge of the room and sipped the warm champagne that was being trayed around as she people watched. She was used to being on the sidelines at these things after attending so many with Bruce when he took the company over.

She looked at the bar, wishing she hadn’t left her purse with her coat when she checked it with valet so she could have bought her own drink rather than what was free. She couldn’t take her eyes off the back that faced her from the bar, was that? Surely it wasn’t… she scoffed softly to herself.

Y/N walked towards the bar, weaving through the random clusters of people blocking her way. “What are the chances that Bruce Wayne’s first public appearance in months happens to be at the event I told him about not more than an hour ago?” She teased as she sipped her champagne.

Bruce turned to look at her, a sideways smile spreading over his face. He took a moment to draw his eyes over her up close now; the way her dress hugged her, the way her lips appealed to him with that lipstick color, the way her eye color exploded with her careful makeup. He felt his heart thumping in his chest, he’d need to avoid her for weeks after this. He clenched his fists at his side to stop himself for touching her.

“Well, my social calendar is managed by your over-protective uncle… so when I came back earlier than he expected and told him you’d be here…” Bruce lied, forcing a charming smile on his face.

Y/N laughed softly and took another sip of her drink. “I imagine he didn’t give you much of a choice,” she replied. Bruce shrugged in response, swimming in the sound of her honey-like laughter.

“Mr. Wayne,” the bartender said as he set two drinks down in front of them.

“Oh!” Y/N gasped slightly as a blush fluttered on her cheeks. “You’re with someone?”

Bruce nervously chuckled before taking the champagne out of her hand and replacing it with one of the drinks he ordered, a gin and tonic. “No,” he corrected, “but you hate champagne.” Y/N chewed the inside of her cheek at the action and offered him a thankful smile before the pair moved to get out of the way of the bar. “No camera tonight? Did your boss finally see that your talent stems beyond the gossip of Gotham?” Bruce complimented, trying to make up for the words he’d said to her with the mask on. “If you need a quote, I’m happy to break my silence for you.”

“No, but you can’t take that back now. I expect your first quote to the media to come directly to me,” Y/N eyed him with a smirk, he laughed softly and nodded as he gulped his scotch. “I am not here as a reporter tonight, I am actually here with someone.” She tried to keep the smile on her face but found it difficult to be excited about Sam.

Bruce didn’t miss the faulter on the corner of her lips, but he glanced around the room. Who would be stupid enough to leave Y/N standing alone in the corner of the room when she looked like this? His mind ran through the names of each eligible and non-eligible bachelor in Gotham, creating a mental hate list of each one he thought Y/N may go for. “And here he comes,” Y/N’s sigh had the smallest tinge of disappointment.

“Doll! I’ve been looking for you!” Sam exclaimed as he walked over to them, barely glancing at Bruce. “There are some people I want you to me—” confusion covered his face when he looked to Bruce; he quickly clung to Y/N’s hand possessively. “Wayne.”

“Uhm, Bruce, this is Sam Benson,” Y/N introduced awkwardly.

“Detective Sam Benson,” Sam corrected shooting a smile at Y/N who simply nodded an apology in response.

“And Sam, this is Bruce Wayne,” she finished. The two men begrudgingly shook hands, Y/N knew it was only for her benefit. Bruce didn’t offer more than a grunt of a hello. This was who she was dating? “Bruce and I grew up together until my family moved out of Gotham.”

“I see,” Sam hummed, looking back at Y/N. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Wayne. Y/N, I want you to meet some of my buddies from college and their wives…” His voice trailed off as he tugged Y/N forward, she glanced over her shoulder at Bruce and mouthed an apology as she stumbled slightly to follow.

Bruce kept his distance, he didn’t want to intrude on the night Y/N was having and, unfortunately, he did have to play the Bruce Wayne roll since he decided to come out; he chatted with city and state officials, he signed a few autographs, took a few photos, and donated a significantly sized check to the department. But through it all, he made sure that Y/N would always be in his field of vision.

It was just after 10pm when he watched her leave the large ballroom. After he was able to excuse himself from the conversation he had been trapped in, he found her waiting for a taxi by the curb. “Did something happen?” He asked as he walked up behind her, worried that maybe Sam had done something that he missed.

“What?” She asked, turning towards the sound. “Oh- Bruce,” he loved how she sighed his name when she was relieved it was only him. “No, nothing happened, I just need to get home. I’m running late.”

“Running late?” Bruce laughed softly, “it’s barely past 10pm, what could you be late for?” Y/N stuttered slightly, a flustered blush blooming on her cheeks. She didn’t know if she should tell him the truth or not, even though he knew about the lounge she knew he didn’t like it. Bruce took a deep breath as he realized what got her so flustered. “You’re working the lounge tonight?”

“Shh, Bruce,” she hushed, stepping closer and looking at the people around them who could have heard. A taxi pulled up near them and Bruce, reminding himself to let the regret stay with Batman, stepped forward and opened the back door for her.

“Just, be safe?” He urged, she smiled at him and nodded as she stepped towards the vehicle. She placed a gentle kiss to his cheek before she was gone.

Batman made it to the cave, got into his suit, and was idling in the shadows next to the Iceberg Lounge all before Y/N arrived for work. He glanced nervously at the stack of case files on the passenger seat next to him, showing them to Y/N as Bruce was risk enough – this was a gamble. He had no idea how she’d react to seeing him, much less if she’d cooperate and help him with the case.

A taxi pulled up, Batman watched to confirm that it was Y/N before getting out of his Batmobile as she walked unknowingly towards him. “Y/N” he greeted in a low voice as he stepped far enough forward for his masked face to be contoured by the neon signs from the street ahead of them.

Y/N didn’t give it a second thought when she heard his familiar voice. She sent a round of rotating upper-kicks towards his face, forcing him to back away as he blocked them with his forearms. He quickly lunged at her, attempting to get a hold of her again but she shrunk to the ground, expecting it this time. Just as he was expecting her to swipe at his feet to make him lose balance, which he dodged.

She knew her fists would do nothing to his thick-suited chest, so she stuck to her legs. She laid a series of blows to his chest and abdomen, successfully winding him and getting a pained grunt before she set her right fist towards his jaw. He skillfully caught her wrist with his hand before she made contact and pulled her towards him, spinning them around so she was pinned under him with her back pressed against the wet hood of his Batmobile.

Batman stared down into Y/N’s eyes, waiting for her to give up the fight. He’d be lying if he hadn’t imagined this situation a few times through the lonely months down in his cave. It had a different beginning, and a very different ending that what today would be having. But still, the idea of Y/N pinned to the hood of this car had crossed his mind on occasion.

Y/N finally huffed out in defeat as she glared up at him. “Does everything need to be a struggle with you?” His hushed voice was gruff; Y/N felt goosebumps flutter across her skin at the sound combined with the feeling of his hot breath against her cold cheeks. She wiggled under his body again, trying to gain some sort of composure.

“Get off of me, asshole,” she hissed. Batman slowly stood up, letting her go as he did. She didn’t fight after he released her, deciding to just sit on the hood of the vehicle and glare at him with her arms crossed. “Following me again?”

“I have something for you,” Batman sighed, walking around the vehicle and grabbing the stack of files from the passenger seat. He nearly chickened out right there, he was pulling her in closer to the case by giving her this – the opposite effect he was trying to have. He handed them to her, watching a soft ‘v’ form between her eyebrows as she flicked through some of the files.

“Are these all…?” She trailed off, looking at the masked man as she stood up straight now.

He nodded, “this year alone, we’re looking at about 70 deaths. Someone on the inside is hiding it so that nobody else sees the pattern too.” Y/N bit her lip nervously, flipping open the first file and reading the top page of it.

“This is missing multiple steps of required documentation,” she noted in a frustrated tone.

“That’s what I said too,” Batman laughed softly. “Do you recognize any of the cops on file?”

Y/N quickly fingered through the stack again. “A few of them,” she confirmed, “Andy Sadder – he comes to the lounge sometimes, he may even be here tonight. I could see if I could get close to hi—”

“No,” Bruce interrupted, groaning at his own sudden urgency. “I told you, it’s too dangerous.”

“Then why even show me these?” Y/N scoffed, “do you have a different plan on how you will get in there for first hand information?” He stared back at her for a long moment, trying to stop the calculated plan from forming in his mind. This was frustrating; feeling the urge to help and investigate this as Batman but also needing to separate Y/N from it as Bruce.

“Fine,” he finally agreed, “but you’re not going in alone.”

“I think it’ll look suspicious if a 6-foot man dressed in a black leather suit and cape is following me around while I try to get off-duty cops drunk enough to spill their secrets…” Y/N joked slightly, feeling more at ease after hearing him agree with her.

Batman dipped his torso into his vehicle and grabbed a small box that held a spare contact lens and earpiece for if his gets damaged. He handed it off to Y/N, she looked at it confused. “I will be right there with you, seeing and hearing everything that happens,” he explained. He knew Alfred would not be happy about this but it was the only way Bruce would be able to confirm her safety at all times. He had to try.

“Why can’t you just let it go?” Y/N asked with an eyeroll as she begrudgingly added the set to her ear and eye.

“I don’t know,” Bruce mumbled, watching the screens from in his vehicle change point of view to her new lens before cutting out to static. He stepped closer to her and tipped her chin up with his gloved fingertips. Y/N, seeing his eyes clearer now, felt a heat rush through her chest. Their bodies were close enough that she could see the slight stubble on his cheeks and jaw and watched his tongue dart out to wet his chapped lips. “Blink,” he ordered in a whisper. She gulped and pushed the confused thoughts out of her head before rapidly blinking until she felt the contact slip back into place.

She forced herself to step backwards as she cleared her throat before turning and walking through the employee door into the lounge. “I’m right here,” the voice in her ear brought goosebumps across her skin and the heat went from her chest and found its way between her thighs.

Fuck, she thought, I can't want him...

taglist: @jinxed-jk

message me to be added to the taglist!

#battinson #robert pattinson #robert pattinson x reader #battinson fanfiction #battinson x reader #bruce wayne #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne x y/n #robert pattinson au #robert pattinson x yn #batman x reader #the batman 2022 #the batman #batman #blood in the truth

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sadiewayne · 5 months

Text

i cannot stop thinking about dick coming out so imagine

blüdhaven - and theres some truth serum shit in the water BUT its not just making people not lie but its actively forcing them to tell the truth

and because people are just saying every truth constantly theres a lot of fighting and violence (its blüdhaven, a lot of bad people live there and a lot of bad things happen)

so dick is trying to find the source and he manages to track down the person, and they fight and he wins

but during the fight he gets injected with like, pure truth shit, which doesn't stop his fighting ability bc it takes a few minutes for it to kick in but by the time he finishes the fight it's starting so he ties the person up and leaves so he doesn't just reveal his identity

he goes back to titans tower and is fighting the serum (training means he can fight that kind of thing) but it's stupidly strong and trying to fight it is painful

wally happens to be there and he finds dick on the floor in his room so he goes over and is like "dude what happened" and dick tells him and is like "i can't say it, i can't, i can't ruin our friendship"

wally goes "dick, you are my best friend, my brother, you can't say anything that would change that" and dick just breaks then and there and says

"you were the first person i ever truly loved and part of me regrets not telling you when we were younger"

and he starts sobbing and saying "i'm so sorry i didn't want to ruin us" and wally just sits down, pulls dick into his lap (like dick is lying into wallys arms) and is like "you didn't need to tell me, you're my brother and i love you" and they just sit there as dick sobs and wally holds him

but that will never happen bc dc are cowards and can't let the bi king have his moment also it is like 2am leave me be

(also yes i know dick won't have any issue saying this stuff but let me torture him please)

#dick grayson #nightwing #wally west #flash #the flash #kid flash #birdflash #dc are cowards #let dick be bi #bi dick grayson #sadies dick grayson

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unfortunately-obsessed · 2 months

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I'll love you like a dog (you'll betray me like a man)

A/N: Not proofread. Rushed this before the gym tbh. Hope y'all guys enjoy. AO3 link

"Why do you need to punish yourself this much?"

Most houses and apartments on Earth-42 rest in darkness, so you glance down the street, eyes straining at the neon of rooftops. It's pouring. Miguel didn't had the chance to put up a fight when you are being this cruel.

The pressure is unbearable, his shoulders tense. You watched him send Gwen back her universe despite the probability of her having to confront homelessness there. You watched Miguel try to hurt a kid, and now you're watching as he sets teams to hunt Miles.

"I need to fix this," he tells you, staring and fists clenched. His voice's flat. It's the same answer everytime. You're used to it.

And you know why, of course. It's the reason why every Spider-Man must suffer.

It's the tenderness of grief. Tender like a bruise.

Miguel suffers and weeps. It's sickening to watch how much pain can make you aggressive.

You're more than aware you're a bad person. Never a hero, never sure why you were accepted among them.

(The truth about the multiverse is that they don't know it enough. The canon theory could be right. It could be wrong. They will never know in their lifetime.

It's cruel and merciless and they will never understand it fully.

You're never fast enough to save a person. You are fast enough to watch them die.

Grief comes in waves. Miguel will never see his daughter grow up.)

"Years dedicated to this job," you lament, voice clear through rain, "It all comes down to letting people die."

In another life, we bump on each other at the grocery store. There, we are meant to a happy ending.

Never this one. Here, Miguel looks at you with dread despite all else.

He stiffens further. And you're on his side, he knows it, because you will always be, loyalty outweighting what you know is wrong.

"I don't need your approval," he says. Miguel looks at you strange, eyes fiery red as if glowing with contained rage.

You inch closer to him. Miguel keeps dooming himself. It always going to end up like this.

"I'm just saying," you start, and there's something horrible inside you, "there's no coming back after this."

It's the awareness that you will let Miguel ruin you. Besides that, you would dissect him to know what's happening in his brain, gut him like a fish.

Grief comes in waves. It outweights reason, born from love. Gabriella's laughter is so loud in his head, right now. Not one day passed that he didn't want to take the his heart out of the chest.

You enable the worst in each other. It's true, you had watched him bite off the neck of a person, blood dripping from his fangs. He had watched you punch someone until your own knuckles scratched open.

"I know," Miguel snarls. Life brimming with sorrow. "But you will be on my side."

Jeff Davis has been dead since the beginning. This can go only one way.

Yet, what were Miles supposed to do? Stay still and watch his father die?

And what were you supposed to do? You'd chose Miguel over anybody else. You were never a good person.

Miguel is, though. Despite everything else, he is trying to do what he finds right. Despite the bitterness, the grief.

Somewhere else, I try harder to stop you. Here, I don't try at all. Here, I will meet you halfway.

It rains. It had been raining. The truth is that you are better a weapon than a person. Never letting go of violence like a mother's hand.

"Always," you say.

"And you understand why," he croaks out, solemnly. Taking a shuddering breath.

You purse your lips. "I do."

Loving Miguel had made you worse. "You will regret this," he waves, leaning closer.

You cannot save. You can only try. In another universe, we grew up together. The grief doesn't end but so does the love.

"Maybe." You smile to him, it's not a happy sight. He doesn't falter. "But you can do anything and I won't leave you."

Miguel is making the wrong decision. It's okay, good people also make bad things.

You stand in front of Miguel, and he loves you too. That's why he allows you to be here. "Just don't go where I can't follow."

Everything's sacrificial– you'll make Miguel's massacre holy until there's nothing else to sacrifice.

A/N: If you like what I do, please consider supporting me and buying a coffee!

#miguel o'hara x reader #miguel o’hara x reader #miguel o'hara #miguel o’hara #atsv #arwrites #me!spiderman2o99

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chang-bunnie-bini-bop · 3 months

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hiraeth • seo changbin [part three]

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✰ pairing - roommate!changbin x fem!reader

✰ warnings - some swearing, reader is harassed non-consensually but it's all okay in the end :c

✰ word count - 2.9k

✰ notes - lol i don't know how to feel about this one it's literally crap. also the picture yes they are fucking hot

✰ tags - @hyunjinslittlestar @dunno-wut-to-do @caticorn61

✰ sypnosis: after setting some boundaries with changbin, somehow you coincidentally find out his secret.

hiraeth - the longing for a home that you cannot return to, or never was.

masterlist | requests open!

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You knew it was probably wrong to follow your roommate through college, but when you find out he’s been hiding things from you, what choice did you have?

Changbin turned the corner, talking to Jisung and completely unaware of your current situation.

He was stopped by Chan, and the three headed off somewhere.

You decided that it was enough, and you wandered off towards your classroom.

The confusions only increased as Changbin disappeared off for random parts of the day, whether it was early morning, during the day, or late at night.

Worried would be an understatement. You didn’t know whether he was okay or not, and the apartment felt emptier than ever.

Does he not want to be around me?

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

“Go outside. Don’t just sit around in here.” The mom barged into the room, scaring the living hell out of the poor girl, who was clearly deathly scared of loud noises.

“What? What are you hiding to make such a big reaction to me coming in? Keep the door open. And you better study something. Or else.” The older woman threatened, walking out the door and leaving the girl to bask in her thoughts.

“I SAID, GET OUT!” The mother screeched at the girl, who got up from the desk and ran to the front door.

She wandered the streets for a little while, not wanting to talk to people, much less make friends.

Going home for another half an hour wasn’t an option.

The girl knew that someday she would regret not making friends.

People always told her that it was difficult at first.

To her, it seemed impossible. She would end up alone. All alone.

She bit back tears as she remembered her old friends, and how they had ditched her once she had finally opened up to them.

They had blocked her, and she felt more alone than ever.

No one. No one to open up to, to explain the bitter truth of her problems. Nobody to trust, to believe in.

Maybe, she was destined to be this way.

Alone.

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

You stopped by the grocery store on the way back to the dorms from the library.

Wandering around through the isles, you selected many necessities, including food and medicine.

You stopped in front of a specific item; Changbin’s favorite cookie snack.

You immediately grabbed multiple packets, witt how much he was working, he clearly needed his energy, which was also sugar.

You almost giggled at the thought of him having a sugar rush last time, running around the apartment with you chasing him down.

It was almost…fun.

You knew that Seo Changbin was a major health freak, and that he would never have too much sugar, but there were sometimes where he really needed it.

Grabbing a few more of Changbin’s favorite snacks and making your way to the checkout counter, pulling out your wallet to pay for the items.

“Need me to pay for them, pretty?”

Your heart nearly stopped. You froze in your position, turning slightly in fear.

A group of three men, all smoking and clearly drunk, laughed at your state of fright.

“U-Um…sir…i’m a minor.” You informed him, glancing at the cashier for help.

However, he just smirked at you instead.

“How old ‘re you?” The drunk guy slurred, stumbling towards you, prompting you to take a couple steps back.

“I’m 17.” You whimpered. “That’s plenty.” The guy grunted, limping towards you.

You immediately turned and ran without a second thought, hiding behind a column of wall that was inaccessible to the public.

You didn’t care about how much trouble you would get into later.

Terrified, you pull your phone out of your hoodie pocket.

Immediately calling Changbin, you gasp as you hear a container getting knocked over in the next isle.

Praying that he would pick up, you sank to the floor to hide more effectively.

Your call was immediately sent to voice mail.

You called Jisung and Chan; neither of them responded either.

Finally, you called Mina, who picked up immediately.

Frantically, you explained the situation to her, and she told you to hang on; she was one her way.

Five minutes passed, and a hand grabbed your shoulder. Alarmed, you almost scream before breaking into sobs as your friend cradled you.

Safe. You were safe.

You both walked out of the grocery store after paying for your things.

The creepy guys didn’t even dare to come near you now that you weren’t alone.

“Thank you. Oh my goodness, you saved me.” You gasped, gripping your friend’s shoulders.

“Oh come on. It’s what friends do. Also those guys were super creepy. What happened to your super buff roommate? Changbin? Why didn’t he come?” Mina asked, continuing to hold you closer to give you a sense of security.

“H-He didn’t pick up. Even when he knows I never call except when it’s an emergency.” You grunt. You were gonna give him a piece of your mind once you reach the dorm.

If he even was there.

“Ooof. Girl, get your man in order.” Mina giggled at the wild blush coating your face.

“He is not my man!” You scoff, slapping her shoulder while continuing to walk towards the familiar college building.

“I mean, he’a pretty cute. And he’s your type.” Mina teased, wiggling her eyebrows at you and cackling as you shriek in disbelief.

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

You entered your dorm after punching in the key code, walking straight to the kitchen and grabbing a glass of water.

What you didn’t expect, however, was for a certain black-haired man to be sitting on the couch.

You immediately walk in front of him, ready to go off on him for not answering your calls.

Normally, this would be a pretty crappy thing to get upset over, considering it was just one phone call.

But Changbin knew that you never called unless it was an emergency, and you had established that pretty early on in your friendship.

“What excuse do you have for yourself?! I even called you during free period! Why didn’t you pick up?” You shouted.

“Y-Y/N i’m seriously sorry, I had something going on at the time, so I switched off my phone. What happened?” Changbin replied, looking up at you with the saddest expression you had ever seen on him.

Clearly he was feeling remorse for his actions. You decided to go easy on him.

“This guy at the grocery store tried to harass me, I called Mina though, so i’m okay.”

Changbin gasped quietly, tears pooling in the corner of his eyes in guilt.

“Y/N…i’m so sorry. Please forgive me…” He quietly asked, grabbing your hands and placing them on his head in an attempt to ask for forgiveness.

“It’s okay, Binnie. Just…don’t ignore them again, kay?” You tried to calm him down, and he yanked you down onto the couch next to him and snuggled up to you.

Your chest warmed up at the affectionate act, and you played with his bangs while he slept. Wow, clearly he was exhausted.

You realize that he was wearing pretty heavy makeup, something he didn’t do normally.

He looked very pretty, though. You dragged him to your room, removing all of his makeup and fixing his hair.

You change into your pajamas in your closet, doing your skincare before you both went to bed, in his room, or course.

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

“Girl! I got tickets for us both to go to the 3RACHA concert!” Mina squealed, jumping up and down in utter excitement.

“What’s 3RACHA?” You ask, not really insterested.

“They’re this new band! They’re anonymous, though. You only know them by their stage names. CB97, J.one, and SPEARB.” Mina rambled to you, handing you a ticket.

“I guess I’ll have to research them.” You reply, staring at the silhouettes in the picture and getting the fleeting impression of familiarity. Like you’ve seen them before.

Later that night, you researched the group and listened to some of their music.

They only had one album, so you made sure to listen to all the songs.

The concert was tomorrow, and you could see why Mina was so excited.

They were seriously talented, but you couldn’t shake the feeling as if you had heard their voices somewhere.

You decided to ask Changbin about it, he was majoring in music, so maybe he would know about them.

“CHANGBIN-AH!” You called, pulling up the album image and staring at the black silhouettes again.

True to your word, your roommate walked into the room, staring at his phone.

“Do you know these guys?” You ask, gesturing to the image on your computer screen.

For some reason, Changbin visibly panicked, stuttering and stumbling over his sentences and fiddling with his hands.

“N-No. I don’t think I’ve seen t-them before…” He trailed off.

“Oh, okay! I’ll ask Hannie. Maybe he’d know.”

“NO! I mean n-no. He’s probably super busy. he has an exam, you know?” Binnie giggled nervously at the end.

“Oh…well i’ll ask him later, then.” You shut your laptop.

“Their music actually sounds super good! I like all the songs produced by SPEARB, though. They’re exactly my style. You should listen!” You ramble.

“Really?!” He started, immediately changing the topic when you gave him a confused expression. “Um, so what’s for dinner?”

Needless to say, you knew Changbin was hiding something. Maybe he knew who they were and promised not to tell or something.

That would make sense. Maybe.

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

You stared at yourself in the mirror. The dress suited you, but you still felt awkward in it.

It had been years since you had worn a dress, and you regretted it.

“Y/N! I’m heading out, oka-woah…” Binnie stood at the doorway of your bedroom, staring at you in awe.

He set his phone down and walked closer to you.

“This is the first time you’ve worn a dress?” He smoothed out a crease near your waist.

“Mhm…I was just about to change, though. I feel awkward.” You blurt, turning towards the closet.

A single hand on your waist stopped you.

Slowly, you turned around and looked Binnie in his eyes.

“It suits you. Please wear it.” He whispered softly, turning you around and fastening the zipper on the back.

He grabbed a hairbrush from you drawer. turned so that both of you were facing the mirror.

“You look so pretty, yeah? How come you don’t wear dresses more often?” He breathed out, brushing your hair neatly and tying it into a cute updo.

“My mom…how do you know how to tie hair?” You grinned as he flushed pink.

“Y/N…don’t tease me. You know I have a sister!” He whined, albeit still giggling.

“Well, I guess we both have somewhere to go, huh?” You smile, genuinely, for the first time in a long time.

“Mhm…stay safe, okay? No touching, not when you look this pretty.” Binnie winked, and you could feel blood rushing up to your cheeks.

Then you understood what he was implying. “AGH! I’m not going to the bar, idiot! I’m a minor, remember?!” You slap him playfully, squeezing his bicep once and poking his side aggressively.

He squawked loudly at the ticklish sensation, batting your hand away. Both of you ended up laughing your hearts out.

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

Needless to say, somehow both of you were heading in the same direction, and Changbin offered to drop you off.

You gave him the directions, and you noticed how he started to get more panicky the closer you got to the the concert.

His face paled drastically when you both arrived at the stadium, and his eyes widened.

“You don’t…by chance have a concert here, do you?” He whispered, sinking in his seat when you nodded your head.

“Binnie? Are you okay?” You ask.

“Yup. Completely fine. You know what? I gotta go. See ya!” He dropped you off and drove away, leaving you majorly confused.

You entered the stadium and found Mina in no time.

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

Changbin drove around a few times before parking at the same spot again, entering through the back door and meeting up with Chan and Jisung.

Heading backstage, he explained the situation to the other two, panicking and gasping out.

“Hey, hey. Changbin. It’s okay. I know she’ll know by today, but what is she gonna do? Either way she’ll figure out because of the internet, at least she’ll know in person , yeah?” Chan tried to calm the younger man down.

“Hey, we’re in this together, okay? I didn’t tell her either, and i’m her bestie. I’m probably more screwed than you are! Now, let’s not let these nerves affect our performance, okay?” Jisung rubbed a hand along Binnie’s back, soothing the boy as he drank a glass of water.

“Aaaagh. Of course she shows up at the one concert we reveal our faces.” Changbin groaned, turning in his chair to let the makeup artist continue his work.

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

”Oh my god. I bet they’re really fucking hot.” Mina rambled, clearly ecstatic at the aspect of finally getting to see the artists’ faces.

“Eh, it wouldn’t matter. They’re talented, and that’s all that matters.” You shrugged, turning towards the stage when the lights dimmed.

You heard CB97’s voice echo throughout the huge stadium.

“Lovely evening we have here today, yeah?” He walked out, removing his face mask.

You audibly gasp. Chan. What the hell?

“Woah. He’s smoking hot.” Mina giggled.

“He’s my roommate’s best friend, what the fuck?” You breathe out, shock overtaking your entire body.

Suddenly, all the pieces started fitting together. Wait. That means…

Jisung ran onto stage, the entire corwd erupting into excited cheer and chaos, and your jaw dropped.

Finally, the two coaxed a very giggly Changbin from the stage lift, and you and Mina both froze.

They started talking, but everything sounded like a blur. This is what he’d been hiding.

“Girlie, isn’t that your…roommate?” Mina gasped, and you nodded your head frantically.

Changbin’s eyes landed on you, directly in the middle of the crowd.

He flushed pink and waved at you, grinning cutely and winking softly.

‘What the fuck?’ You mouthed at him, bursting into disbelief filled laughter.

He giggled and pursing his lips.

They started performing, and though all three of them shined on stage, your eyes stayed on one person.

He looked so…happy. He was so different from your shy roommate.

He was so confident, flexing his muscles and biceps and causing your mind to turn to mush.

Mina was right. They were really fucking hot.

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

After the concert, you walked backstage, accompanied by Chan, who had secretly come to pick you up while Changbin and Jisung tapped freestyle on stage for the crowd’s entertainment.

The stage curtain closed, and Changbin and Jisung ran into the backstage room, both running and squealing in adrenaline rush, before engulfing you in a huge hug.

“Sooo?” Jisung started. “How was it? Youre the roommate of the super hot and famous Seo Changbin.” Changbin giggled at the end, slapping Hanji playfully.

“Oh, stop it.” He turned to you, pursing his lips again and grinning softly.

“How was it? Did I do okay?” He asked, clasping your hands in his, excitement flashing through his eyes.

You were lost for words. “Wow-Changbin! This is absolutely insane! You did so well.” You ended off with squishing his cheek.

“So pretty, so amazing. Your rapping is actually next-level.” You blurted, grabbing his face with both hands as he blushed a deep red.

“Really?” He whispered, and you leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek before you could stop yourself.

His eyes sparkled in happiness. You made sure to memorize every detail, to keep in your mind.

You both stayed in each other’s arms for a while, Chan and Jisung’s knowing smirks passing over both of your heads.

Once the other two had left to attend to Mina, Changbin immediately picked you up by the waist and spun you around, eliciting happy giggles from both of you.

“You need to wear dresses more, seriously so pretty…” He murmured, resting his head against your collarbone.

“I’ll get more, I don’t know which ones look good on me, though…” You sounded uncertain, sentence trailing off before Binnie interrupted.

“I’ll come with you. Seriously need to spoil you every once in a while.”

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masterlist | requests open!

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#binibop writes <3 #skz fluff #skz #stray kids #changbin x reader #stray kids scenarios #changbin #seo changbin #changbin fluff #changbin angst #changbin x fem!reader #stray kids fluff

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over-particular · 1 year

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minimalist self-care habits

One of the biggest misconceptions about taking care of yourself is the systematic and erroneous association of self-care with extreme consumerism. This idea conveys the image of self-care as something reserved to those who can afford it. The truth is, and many already know this, there are countless ways to be good to yourself without spending more than necessary.

☐ Get enough sleep. A child would need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. The average is between 7 and 9 hours for an adult. I can never say it enough, but sleep is an important part of our lives. Value it highly. It's an elementary need: not getting enough sleep puts us at risk of developing numerous chronic diseases: such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. You are also more likely to suffer a stroke.

☐ Turn the volume down. Since I'm riding the wave of how we 21st century people are neglecting our health, I also want to stress the importance of auditory health. If, like me, you love to spend hours with headphones on, consider turning down the volume. I know it's much more enjoyable to experience it fully, but having gone through the terrible experience of tinnitus, I bitterly regret it. There is a simple way to track your auditory health: please check your smartphone's headphone safety features.

☐ Don't neglect your medical appointments. I have always been very anxious about it. Not to the point of pulling my hair out, but I used to postpone my appointment so much that I sometimes forgot why I even wanted to go. There are countless of reasons why we may not like to go to the doctor, but the truth is that health issues simply cannot wait. It is equally important to go see your doctor even if you think you are in perfect condition.

☐ Be physically active. Always keep in mind that your body, like your mind, needs to be stimulated. Besides allowing you to manage your weight more effectively, sport improve your brain health, reduces health risks and strengthens both your muscles and your bones.

☐ Watch your language. It's more personal, but it introduces a sense of discipline into your mind. The turns of phrase, the informal language, the way we speak, the choice of words, the syntax… Speaking is the perfect expression of the mind. This does not mean abolishing the use of crude words, but rather regaining control, becoming master of your language again. Your words should never exceed your thoughts. In my opinion, a rich language reflects the attention the speaker pays to it. When was the last time you learned a new word?

☐ Clean your space. The cleanliness of your living space has a big impact on your productivity. A messy space can lead to a messy mind. Home is, for many of us, the place we feel most comfortable: keeping your living space clean and organized naturally improves the quality of your life, your sleep and your health. Clean regularly, let the sun shine in and air out daily.

☐ Avoid ads. Easier said than done. But try not to have your mind parasitized by the multitude of advertisements we are flooded with. I don't watch television. I do have access to a music platform so I don't have to deal with the constant stream of ads on YouTube.

☐ Go for a walk. Pretending to discover your city or town anew can do wonders for a mind in need of a little distraction. Check out some of the free events that may be happening near you. Visit a park you've never been to before.

☐ Give yourself a reason to wait. Try to establish a ritual of patience. In other words… You stop binge watching every new show you start and you take your time to appreciate it.

☐ Stimulate your mind. The internet has given us more ways than ever to keep our minds busy. For those who know me a little, I am a big fan of reading. And if physical books can indeed be expensive, you can find some really good ones for free in .pdf format. In fact, some kind souls have even gone so far as to share entire drives of them on Tumblr... Going further in my reflection, I think that the scourge of our century is the intellectual lethargy: everything is at our fingertips, why bother reading a whole book when I have access to a detailed summary of only a few pages? Beyond the spiritual enrichment, it is also a proof of patience to seize a book and give it three hours of your time. I sincerely believe that as human beings, we owe it to ourselves to keep our senses and our minds alert. Reading is a great way to exercise our brain as it helps stimulate our cognitive abilities. It allows us to develop our capacity for memorization, reflection, analysis and imagination. Try coloring for adults (yes, it's a thing: ■ ■). There are also many games for adults online with the aim of stimulating memory and improving concentration (■, ■.). Try solving online puzzles, fake criminal investigations, math problems? Learn how to code (with Codecademy for example, which offers many courses for free). Take language courses. Many general knowledge quizzes are also available to anyone who is interested (■) . The web is a real goldmine in terms of resources and many are available for free.

☐ Finally, this list would be meaningless without me asking you to learn to relax. Give yourself a day off if you need to. It is essential to take it easy, to get your nose out of your planning, to look up from your screen and breathe in some fresh air through the window. I advise all those who try to relax to start a digital detox: we must learn to relax independently, without a screen and regain control over the objects of our stimulation.

My lists are intended to be personal. If you find them useful, that's great. Feel free to rewrite them! Don't hesitate to ask questions or send me your comments and ideas for next articles.

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noroi1000 · 1 year

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Hi there! 👋 may I request a one-shot where Gojo and Getou has a Yandere s/o? Who they don’t know is a Yandere until she decides to massacre all of the people who clapped over Riko’s death in front of them after seeing how upset they made them. And they, though are at first shocked that their seemingly innocent s/o would do such a thing, somehow manage to love her even more for it and the three of them decide leave jujutsu high together.

The little angel is also a demon

Part two

Paring: Gojo & Geto x Yandere reader

sw: Murders

You wanted to scream when you saw Satoru covered in blood carrying a body wrapped in white cloth.

You've known Riko as long as they've known her. It was their mission to escort her. However, you joined them because you didn't want the two to scare the poor girl.

You didn't want them both to get mad either.

And you can never choose between them. You can't say one is better than the other. You love them just the same.

You're the one stopping them from doing something they'd regret.

There's no fight when you're around. There's no arguing when you're around.

They have told you more than once that seeing you smile makes them unable to do anything wrong.

Especially when it comes to something that in a negative way can also manifest itself to you.

And something that is bad for you cannot exist.

They told you so many times.

You can't listen to someone insulting them. You can't watch them lose to anyone (although that almost never happens).

You wanted to whip the necks of all your superiors who ever had something they didn't like about them.

According to your lovely boyfriends, you had an innocent smile. You were like a little angel to them who changed their lives. Like a light that chases away all their negative thoughts.

They didn't expect your negative thoughts to be even more violent than theirs.

Satoru laughed at how jealous you are, even if you have two boyfriends with you. Two at a time. You are one, so small to them, but you keep them both close to you.

It might have been surprising. There were two versions. Or they're holding an innocent girl who's so sweet and cuddly to them. Or this sweet girl is holding them.

Many people have thought of the former. That they are more jealous, that they control you with their love.

The truth is that you control them by giving them your affection, and you get the same from them in return.

They are overprotective and also sometimes possessive.

You can't go anywhere without them.

However, the rules are simple.

You are also possessive. And also they can't go anywhere without you.

They pamper you. They care with their love.

In return they get the same.

It was all slowly changing you.

To them, you were still innocent and sweet. So tiny in their hands. You succumbed to them in almost everything. You were just for the two of them, and they could do what they wanted because you wanted it too.

Their little angel.

Demon for others.

A demon for those who have come among you.

You show contempt for anyone who did something they didn't like.

Over time, to the point that you thought what would happen if you got rid of the intrusive man who was bothering them.

But you were afraid that they would hate you.

Your biggest fear is that they will leave you. That they will stop loving you. And that you will no longer have them next to you. You won't have anyone to be an angel for again.

You knew you were a real demon.

Someone possessive who thinks about killing someone who annoys your boyfriends…

Especially when you know something is going on with them.

When you saw Satoru covered in blood, you immediately wanted to murder whoever did this to him.

His immaculate white shirt was red and torn. His pants that fit him so well. His face stained red. Whole neck. Blood in his snow white hair.

It ruined his image. You wanted to cry looking at him. You knew it must have hurt him a lot.

Would you like to take care of him now? Make him relaxed. Make him pay for all his hard work.

So is Suguru.

You saw that he was also injured. He's covered in blood. You wanted to do something for both of them right away. For them to feel good.

Your hands were shaking.

Out of anger. With the desire to do something else, and not just stand by.

Satoru looked at you.

Then Suguru looked at you as well.

Suguru held out his hand to you.

You ran over to him, hugging him. Ignoring the smell of blood wafting from his clothes.

"It's fine. Easy…" he murmured, stroking your hair.

Tears flowed from your eyes.

With your cheek pressed against the dark haired boy's chest, you looked at the other boy.

"Satoru…" You nodded, not even trying to hide your red eyes.

"I'm okay…Don't worry, baby." He said looking at you and then at the floor.

"Satoru, take Riko… And (y/n)." Suguru spoke up, massaging your arm before lightly pushing you towards his friend.

"Suguru, are you going to… Kill them all?" he asked with a serious, half sad face.

You looked at the smiling people around you who were clapping.

"It shouldn't matter if they're alive or not… They clap because she's not alive."

Satoru nodded his head at you so that the long haired man would notice that you were next to them.

You noticed it.

Satoru didn't want you to see or hear about it.

It doesn't matter that you thought about murder yourself.

Just this one time you could get carried away.

These people rejoiced at their defeat. You couldn't allow it any longer.

"Sugu, let's go already. I have to take care of you. I can barely keep myself from doing something..." You said looking at him with sweet eyes.

"… you heard her, Suguru. Don't let her cry anymore. You know I hate it."

You wanted to kill everyone around you. Now.

Grabbing your hand, Suguru started walking towards the exit. Just like Satoru.

By the time they got back to school, you stayed outside. You walked slowly along the paths and thought what to do to not think about it anymore.

You can't forgive someone for laughing at the failure of your loved ones.

You knew what you had to do to forget about it.

Same day. Not more than an hour after that incident, you went there again.

You didn't like blood. You preferred to be an angel to them, untouched by being brutal and deadly.

But at that moment you were too deadly.

An hour later, all you could see was scarlet puddles on the floor, showing the reflection of the ceiling.

The foul metallic smell made the room feel hotter. The air is heavier. It was nauseating

You knew what you did for them.

You knew they wouldn't be proud of it.

You knew it would make them hate you.

You could only regret it now. Because you can't turn back time.

You do not regret that the smiles disappeared from the faces of these people.

Your only regret is that you won't see Satoru's and Suguru's smiles so easily after all this.

It is possible that they will never look at you differently again.

You may have lost them at this point.

By securing your future as a murderer, you deprived yourself of their love.

You started crying as you ran out of there. To get somewhere else in the shortest possible time.

Because you knew how it would end for you.

Everyone knew that an angel could also be a demon.

They haven't seen you all day.

They were worried. they called. To see that your phone is in your empty room.

They've been looking for you everywhere.

They were furious and terrified.

They blamed themselves for scaring you.

They were unaware of what really happened.

Until their superiors gave them an important mission.

„Yesterday, after an escort mission, the dead bodies of everyone who belonged to the cult were found dead. Remnants of (y/n) (l/n)'s cursed energy .Considered a murderer, classified as a curse user, (y/n) (l/n) is sentenced to immediate execution. Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru will find the wanted woman and make a judgment immediately."

They didn't know if they were supposed to laugh at what they were told.

You couldn't kill that many people, could you?

Their little angel wasn't as holy as they thought.

But no one said they wouldn't love the little demon just as much.

Ruthless and innocent. Deadly and sweet. So cute for them. You hated everyone they hated.

And in that moment you took revenge for them. Cutting off the faces of everyone who rejoiced at their failure in the mission and Riko's death.

Even if you are going to die now, no one has said when that will happen.

You will die, but for how long no one knows. In a hundred years, maybe more.

Nobody can make them do something they don't want to do. Nobody will order them.

They can't make their hearts filled with love for you slow down when you're gone.

Especially not now when their hearts began to beat even faster when they realized that you are able to do anything for them.

So they will do even more for you.

You will all break the rules.

To be even happier than you have been before.

It didn't take them forever to find you.

They both knew what places you would go or wouldn't go.

Besides, they knew you wouldn't go very far.

Even if you went crazy, they still knew you because you couldn't change completely in such a short time.

Even if your attitude has changed and you have become a different person, you will always be their angel to them.

Two madmen had their angel.

Now their little angel has two madmen for himself.

An angel starting to grow horns.

But to them, even a demon is cute and will get love. As much love as possible.

As they walked the familiar path leading to your house, where you were when you wanted to be together so that no one would disturb you at school, they only thought that it was cute.

You worry about them so much that you can do more than get pissed off.

You did everything for them.

They thought it was cute.

It shows how much you believe in their love.

You become ruthless.

Your love becomes ruthless.

It finally shows how hard you try not to let anyone spoil this nice life for you.

They can't spoil your nice life at the behest of someone you hate.

They can make it even more fun. Bring you even greater happiness.

Their little crazy angel.

Crazy people can live even happier.

You are the person holding them.

They will tighten your grip on them even more so you won't let go. May you spend all the minutes of your life together.

The next 100 years will be 52,560,000 minutes.

When they saw you lying on the bed, hugging a pillow, they both felt like their hearts ached.

Because they hated the sight of your tears.

You knew what awaited you after all this.

And you hoped they would come to you.

"…I know you came here to kill me. And at least I'm glad you're here." You said, keeping your mouth and nose in the pillow, inhaling the pleasant scent.

Satoru suddenly grabbed your chin, pulling you to look at him.

"Sweetheart…" He murmured with soft eyes.

"I'm sorry…" You groaned closing your eyes.

Suddenly you felt a tug on your clothes.

You looked down. Suguru ripped the gold button off your jacket.

You saw Suguru rip off a button from his jacket, and then he ripped it off Satoru's jacket while the white haired man gently held you.

You saw the boy drop three buttons on the floor and come over to put his hands on your shoulders from behind.

You looked at the smiling Satoru in front of you.

"Baby… Where would you like to go with us and never come back here?"

#jjk #jjk gojo #gojo x you #gojo sensei #jujustu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen #jjk x you #gojo satoru #getou suguru x you #gojo #Geto #geto suguru x reader #suguru geto #geto x y/n #geto x reader #geto x you #gojo x reader x geto #yandere #yandere reader

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welldonekhushi · 10 months

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Under My Spell | Part 8

Part 6 Part 7 Part 9

Part 8 of Under My Spell!

Note: Never knew I disappeared and left the series like this.. maybe because of, lack of motivation? Idea? Well, now it's back again with another part, woo!

Warnings: A few elements of horror, you've been warned

It seems that you were getting close to the plot, in order to find the root cause of the horror El Charro Negro created around others, and to stop the threat once and for all. The evidence was the only forest which caught your attention after your encounter with the cloaked man, and pleaded Valeria and Rudy to agree with following you. The woman was completely sided with your decision, but Rodolfo was still in denial.

Maybe it could be about his unknown relation with the cloaked man, or feeling the forest being a deadly presence but you wanted to make him believe. For someone, who lived with constant disbelief and tricks, you wanted to help Rudy in guiding a way to the truth. All this time, he too had been chasing the El Charro Negro and had been fed up with all this, just wanting to protect the ones who he adored. They all were betrayed, and haunted to death by Alejandro, being possessed by it. Let it be you, Valeria or Rudy himself, and you were finally determined to stop him once and for all.

But, it was that inside feeling again, as if it was trying to hint that something was wrong. What if the things you see aren't actually true? What if everything was a disbelief and one was trying to make you believe in it? Are you doing this in the correct way?

No. You weren't going to back off this time. If the El Charro Negro really exists, then we'd stop it together. Gripping the necklace tight, you put hope in yourselves and look back at the two. "Valeria. Rudy. I know this seems like a really risky mission. I don't want to do this and make you more concerned. But, I'm here to help you all too. For what I know, the devil is mostly behind me, and I don't know why. Whatever the reason could be, I cannot do this until I have both of your support."

Valeria and Rudy looked at each other, furrowing their eyebrows. "The man talked about this forest? Heh, I think he must be lying.. I don't think this is a good idea, Y/N." He said. "You know it's absolutely dangerous.. I know what lies in this forest and it'll bring more trouble."

"It always wasn't a good idea when we almost landed ourselves into trouble, Rudy. But because we had each other we didn't give up. We'd stay together, and fight. Let it be the El Charro Negro, any other identity."

"Y/N, but I CARE for your safety. I didn't bring you with me just to do all this! You were supposed to stay back, and let us do all the work. You know you're making me regret it again!" Rudy scolded Y/N, and all she could do was to sigh in disappointment, and look at him.

"Rudy, I know you're protecting me but.. I want you to think about something. Were you there before when I saw that demon's presence inside your house? Or maybe around the village? I don't know where you were all that time but I can assure you this isn't just about me. This is also about the people who live there." You replied, protesting at his view. "He's controlling us all. To get what he wants. And I want to stop it."

Rudy closed his eyes in irritation and showed you his back, making you fail to understand his intentions. Valeria looked at the man concernedly, and after a few seconds, he turned back angrily at you. "Fine. If you want to continue your journey, you can. But I'll not be a part of it."

"Rodolfo! You said we'll stop the El Charro Negro together.. t-this isn't fair.." You shook your head.

"I'm sorry, Y/N. I tried protecting you from all the danger but it seems you just want to find a way to step into it again. Have fun when the demon consumes you. I'm not going to be a part of it." Rudy stormed away from the forest.

"Rudy! Rodolfo, come back! You're being a coward, jeez!" You groaned, but at the same time, you felt so bad for disagreeing with Rudy to come back. It was making you feel maybe you were doing it all wrong. Your stubborn nature of knowing everything was always what Rudy never liked when he was protecting you all the time. But, you couldn't be silent anymore. You wanted answers.

"Y/N.. I think we should listen to Rudy.. he's not wrong.."

You tried to contemplate your decision, by taking a deep breath, pursing your lips and trying to think to yourself, before facing the other woman. "Valeria. Do you think whatever that cloaked man told us about this place was fake? Heck, if he's trying to help us, we need to believe him. What if we do find a way to stop this chaos from happening in the first place?" You grabbed her hand. "Please, Val.. you're not going to leave me behind. Besides, we've both been victims to El Charro Negro's wrath. And we cannot back off when many people like us would sooner fall into this monster's trap. Tell me, Valeria.. don't you want to be free from any control? Or fear of getting attacked?"

Valeria was absolutely silenced. She had no words to refute your statement, but she did agree on the fact how she almost became a prey in the presence of the El Charro Negro. She wanted this all to stop, and realised now they cannot back off anymore. Clenching your hand tighter, she nods. "I'll not leave you behind, miel. Together, we'll find a clue to this issue."

You smiled. "That's the spirit! Besides, our amulets are here to protect us from the demon." You then furrow your eyebrows and cast your head down. ".. I'm sorry, Rudy.. but I will put an end to this."

You and Valeria then proceed to walk further in the forest, not realising from the far distance, a shadowy figure was spectating you two all this time, like as if it was some sort of horse with it's glowing green eyes, blaring it's nose and walking away.

As you went deeper, the sounds of the forest began to grow eerie and creepier, with the chatters of crickets and small animals from the shadows beginning to fill your ears. You held Valeria's hand tighter, hoping she doesn't get lost in the journey. Gulping, and trying to hold your composure, you gathered the courage to ignore those scary feelings within yourself. Besides, what's more traumatic to be almost hunted two times by a literal demon?

"This place is growing darker, Y/N.. I don't think we can last longer.." Valeria pursed her lips in worry.

"Don't worry. I brought my flashlight." You went into your pocket to grab the item and switched it on to flash the source of light over the dark areas. One hand kept Valeria held, and the other had the flashlight gripped. Two essential things that you couldn't afford to lose in your journey.

"The cloaked man said there must be some source where this all started." You said. "And if we get there, we would be able to s—" Your speech was startled a bit when you heard a crunch. You turned your flashlight to the direction where the sound came but you found nothing. Your eyes squinted in confusion, but soon it grew more when you heard the crunch again, and way louder than the last time.

Valeria's eyes widened and she looked everywhere, trying to find where the sound must be coming from. You soon could hear the bushes rumbling and soon this curiosity converted into fear. "We need to run, Y/N. Right now."

You flash your light towards the rumbling bush, trying to find out who could be in there. Carefully looking at the plant, the tension already rising in the atmosphere. Your hands trembled a bit while holding the flashlight closer to the bush, until you met with a jumpscare when a person just emerged out of the bush, all bloodied and eaten up by some beast, and fell down on the ground, looking lifeless. Valeria shuddered and panicked, her hand covering her mouth and trying not to cry out in horror. Your eyes peeled towards the dead individual who burst out from the bush, with now your ears tingling to another unbeknownst sound behind you.

You turned a bit around, and spectated it with your peripheral vision, the sounds of growling could be heard from the distance. And you could only see a couple of green, glowing dots within the shadows, appearing closer to the flashlight, revealing them to be a pack of wolves, glaring at them hungrily. Valeria's lips trembled and your eyes widened in horror, as you kept yourselves still in one position.

They slowly step their feet towards the two, and you both also back off gently before they could grow anymore closer. The rage in their eyes, and them glaring their sharp teeth at you. You were waiting for the right time to escape from the place, whispering to Valeria.

"Val.. whenever I say.. run. Don't let go of my hand."

Valeria nodded and gulped, the two kept on backing off from the wolves and when you felt it was now the time to retreat, you finally gave the signal, turning off the light, and flashing it at the eyes of the wolves to keep them partly distracted, you cried. "Run!"

Valeria and you then began to run away from the wolves, as they also started to chase you from behind. You kept sure that they weren't any closer, and told to keep their feet running. They were quite a lot faster than your agility but you knew what to do. Closing your eyes, you call out for your amulet as it glows, stopping in between and facing the wolves.

The wolves also stopped their feet once they looked towards amulet. Feeling it'll not be much effective, the wolf without wasting any time, it tried pouncing at the two but you raised your hand and pushed it back with your abilities. The wolf was thrown back in full force, crashing next to the tree and whimpering. The other wolves also did their part but you defended yourselves by using the amulet's force to push them away with your abilities, and it was working. Realising Valeria too had an amulet, and she can also have access to the powers.

"Valeria! Use your amulet!" You cried out loud, and the woman looks down at her amulet, willing to help you too. She also stood beside you, calling the amulet and imagining of using the wind to keep the wolves back. It did, and the dust was enough to shield their eyes. Being too distracted in the windstorm, Valeria found a way to retreat as much as possible, giving the sign and running away with you.

Finding a safer spot after running a bit farther, you two breathe for air, and panted after a long chase. You fell down on your knees and held onto your chest, having a slight panic attack.

"Y/N." Valeria helped you to regain your breaths and calm yourself down after that horrifying moment. "Relax.." She kept a hand on your chest, and other on your back enough to help you relax under her touch and breathed a bit slower. You opened your eyes, and looked at Valeria, with sweat on your forehead.

".. are you okay?" You asked.

"I'm alright. Are you?" Valeria replied, still rubbing your back. "You look terrified.."

"I'm okay.. thank you.." You nodded, giving her a weak smile before getting up on your legs, setting your clothes and wiping the sweat off your face.

"I don't think we can go back like this.." Valeria looks around the forest. "We've come too far. And it seems we might have lost track after our chase with those wolves. We don't even have a map, because no one ever dared to step foot in this place, knowing the infinite dangers that lie within this area."

".. so.. no one went beyond here?"

"How would they? They were more likely afraid of hoping the demon wouldn't take their souls."

You were lost in a few thoughts after what Valeria said, knowing about the mysteries that no one knows about this forest. While you reminisce about them all, you didn't notice your amulet glowing bright.

Valeria noticed and tried to call you out. "Y/N, your amulet!"

You came back to reality and paid attention to the necklace that grew bright green in the dark. Probably it's purpose was to automatically give you a signal about the El Charro Negro's presence, but this time.. it gave you a feeling that.. you were close. Close to know the truth. It even positioned itself in the direction, as if the magic in it was now acting as a map for your guide. You both were surprised, about this sudden act by the amulet, bringing a ray of hope.

"The amulet.. i-it feels like it's living, and it knows what's beyond this veil!" You said.

"You serious..? Are you sure the amulet would take us where we want to?" Valeria asked.

"This amulet has protected us in our hard times.. so also, it'll help us reach our destination as well." You smiled, while the amulet pulled itself again, telling you to walk forward.

"We need to get going." You gave the nod, and Valeria agreed, while following the amulet. The journey was peaceful, and you cannot sense any trouble anymore. The destination seemed a bit closer, and you could feel your hopes rising. That moment finally arrived.. the darkness was slowly disappearing, and when the surroundings were growing more clearer, it all started to look a bit more familiar. Like you saw this place before.

Your eyes furrowed when it all started to piece in your mind. The flashbacks hit, hearing the strums of guitar ringing in your head. You stopped and widened your eyes in shock, much to Valeria's concern.

"Miel? Are you alright?"

".. this place.. i-it's like I know it before."

"You do?" She furrows her eyebrows, but you don't say anything and keep your feet running forward.

"Y/N, hey! Slow down!" Valeria called onto you but now everything was slowly coming to a reveal when you run a bit further and stop at the exact location where.. Alejandro was killed. By the hands of Rudy. To save your life.

And in that same location, you saw a large cave.. where the amulet directly pointed at as well. It was signalling the two to go inside it, but in surprise, the sounds of growling could be heard once more, that you back off in defense. The same wolves, that were tackling you before, erupted from the bushes, and tried covering your escape paths. You two were bound by the beasts, and being ready to attack, until the wolves whimpered and flopped their ears, bowing down gently as they back off and slowly found an opportunity to run away. It confused you and Valeria on the fact that what could have pushed them back in fear?

Only if you turn around to see who it actually was..

#cod #call of duty #cod mw #call of duty modern warfare #call of duty fanfic #cod mw22 #call of duty modern warfare 2022 #call of duty modern warfare 2 #alejandro vargas #alejandro vargas x reader #alejandro vargas x you #rodolfo parra #valeria garza #call of duty x reader #under my spell

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