#please note this is my only fic tonight i am very tired and teaching myself how to gif! sorry!! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

finniestoncrane · 2 years

Note

Ooo requests are open! Honestly LOVE your blog, it got me inspired to write again!

Could i get the nastiest, most toe curling, mouth watering smut with arkham riddler 👀👌💗

Make it all yours! I dont mind anything ♡ and again amazing blog 10/10 writer and amazing person ♡

Just A Taste

Arkham!Riddler x Female!Reader, word count: 1.6k um thank you so much for giving me some free reign it was nice to do something that was sort of open u-u which speaking of, i went female reader but it's really kind of afab, reader has a vagina and obvious breasts but the language should be gender neutral (apart from one good girl) so works for anyone with a those body parts 💚 also thank you for being so nice to me ;-; you are also an amazing person, 100/10 for being so sweet and cute u-u request info • prompt list • send me a request • kofi minors DNI!! 🔞 cw for nsfw stuff: oral sex giving and receiving, suggestive language, daddy!kink, begging, straight up sex, fingering, i put my whole clit into this honestly i love him so much

In moments of boredom, you liked to go to the workroom and watch Ed tinker with his projects. Getting to see his nimble fingers, strong forearms, working on his passion projects, his tongue poked out in concentration, sweat beading above his little goggles. Nothing turned you on more. And sometimes, he’d let you help. As long as it wasn’t too dangerous, he would get you to pass him tools, test a switch, turn something on for the first time. And you were always reminded how good you were afterwards.

“I have to assume that it’s you sneaking around in here, and not that idiot detective come to ruin my plans?”

“It’s me!” You were giggling like a kid, happy that he had heard you, noticed your presence. As you rounded the corner you could see his legs sticking out from underneath whatever it was he was currently working on, legs sticking out, feet planted on the floor so he could shuffle himself back out as he laid on the creeper. Wheeling himself out, he took you in, smiling at you, before returning under to continue his work.

“Do you need any help, Eddie?”

“Uh…ok, sure.”

You were giddy with excitement. Sometimes, he could be distant, it was difficult to get his attention. And you were desperate for it, desperate for him. So any crumb, even if it meant hanging around in his disgusting work room doing some work for him, was better than nothing.

“What do you want me to do, sir?”

“Uh, ahem, you see that uh…you see the blue button on the front there?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Aha…ok, push it when I say so. You’ll have to put a bit of effort behind it, it’s kind of stiff still.”

“Oh my, I think I can handle something stiff.”

There was silence, but you could see him squirming. It drove Eddie mad when you were flirtatious. He had no idea how to react to it. Over your time together, he’d tried different approaches. Flirting back, telling you off, now he just awkwardly ignored it. But you could tell he enjoyed it, and you were sure if his face wasn’t underneath a pile of machinery and covered in motor oil and dark smudges, you’d be able to see his cheeks blushing a rosy pink.

You searched for the button, noticing that it was a bit high up, right in the centre of the front of whatever this hunk of junk was. To get to it, you stood to the side of Eddie, teasing at your skirt modestly before your brain clicked on. Stepping over him silently, trying not to alert him to your position, you stood, one foot on either side of Ed’s body, legs spread apart and skirt offering a view of your underwear.

“You ready?”

“Absolutely, Eddie.”

“Ok…hit it.”

You pressed hard, but nothing happened.

“Huh…ok, try again.”

And again, nothing. A soft sputtering noise from somewhere within the metal chamber behind the button, but then silence.

“Are you pushing it right?”

“Am I pushing a button right?”

“Ok let me just...”

Eddie wheeled himself out again, trying to see what could possibly be going wrong. You stayed still, inspecting the button, trying to act like you were so focused on what could be going wrong, as if you had any clue, pretending to be completely unaware of how exposed you were above him.

“Uh, if you…maybe try the…uh…i-if…the button further down…if you crouch a little?”

“Oh, sure, no problem, sir!”

You lowered yourself slightly, offering him a better view of you.

From below you, Eddie licked his lips, admiring the way your panties barely covered your entrance, noting the light outline of your lips against the thin fabric. He could feel his arousal growing, the pit in his stomach tightening as he felt his length harden.

“Is that doing anything for you, Eddie?”

“Ah..aha…um…yeah, but uh…maybe, can you see underneath, you might need to come a little lower still…if that’s ok?”

“Absolutely, Eddie.”

He was drooling, having to lean forward slightly to prevent from choking, the closeness making it worse though as he could feel the heat radiating from you, smell the scent of your arousal, could practically taste you on his tongue which he now realised he was holding outside of his mouth in anticipation.

“Ed?” You angled yourself, bending over to stare into his eyes. “You ok?”

His calloused hands took hold at the back of your calves, pushing up and hooking his deft fingers into your underwear, sliding them down and letting them drop against him as you stood out of them, kicking them to the side before returning to the crouched position you held over him. Following the bend of your legs and snaking over your thighs, curving around your hips and pulling at you, he was tugging at your body until you were lowering yourself onto him, leaning back to position your body on his chest. He swatted at your right thigh with his hand.

“No. Face.” He removed his hands from you briefly to remove his goggles and glasses.

Pushing you back up, you slowly lowered your body down, the heat of his breath warm against your splayed entrance, his nose the first thing that came into contact with your tingling skin.

“Not enough, please. Please, sit on me. Ride my face.”

“Jesus, Ed!” You were pleasantly surprised by his sudden crass and desperate desires, but you weren’t able to tease anymore out of him, as his fingers were digging tight into your upper thighs, pulling you till you landed on your knees, one leg either side of his face, completely on him as he pressed his tongue up and into you, hungrily lapping at your slick.

From his mouth, a myriad of whimpers and mewls came forth, moaning against you and vibrating through your core as he worked his jaw around your folds, his tongue flicking around inside and out, the ministrations of his lips and teeth almost impossible to bear against the rough skin of his hands which soothed over your thighs. Each time you lifted yourself to give him time to breath he brought you crashing back down again, unafraid of losing conscious if it meant not having your cunt pressed tight against his wide-open mouth.

As you ran your fingers through his hair, trying to at least hold him back for a few seconds to regain your composure, you could make out some mumbling. Easing off of him, you listened intently to his pleading whines.

“More.”

You stood up on shaking legs, offering a hand out which Edward took and heaved himself up with. Almost blushing at embarrassment at his previous efforts, he lifted his vest up, exposing his soft stomach and surprisingly muscular chest, wiping your juices from his chin and clearing his throat. His tongue drifted out from between his lips, tasting what remained of you, the lingering flavour seeming to spur him on again as he grabbed you and held you against the wall, lips crushing against yours to the point where you could taste yourself on him. It mingled with the faint hint of grease, sweat and oil, the metallic tang of Eddie. You bit his lip, letting your tongue pass over where you had nipped at him, lazily drawing it down his throat and chest.

With his hands free, he lifted your shirt up and off, grasping almost violently at your breasts, his roughened fingertips squeezing at your nipples as he teased them out, rolling them between his knuckles. Moving his palms to your elbows, he brought you back up, standing against him, locked in a kiss that was mostly teeth and groans.

Under your skirt, his fingers were teasing at your folds, covered in your arousal, dipping tentatively in, just enough to have you jutting forward into him, trying to get them further within you. But he held back, bringing them out softly, trailing them up and down your lips as your voice got lost in the moans.

“Tell me-no…tell daddy you want it.”

“I uh…mhm…I want it daddy, please.”

Turning you round swiftly, knocking the breath from your lungs, he draped you over the workbench, helping you shift yourself on to it with his hands on your hips, before he shifted their focus back to your swollen cunt.

His fingers were the tools, but his strong forearms did the work as he thrust the fingers of one hand into you, hooking up slightly to catch at the spot he knew made you quiver, the other hand stroking softly, swiftly at your clit. His eyes never left yours, and you found yourself straining to keep them open as he brought you closer and quicker to orgasm, his touch alone sending you over the edge, mouth silently praising you, lips able to form the words “good girl” only, all his concentration focused on bringing you to your climax.

And when it came, he left his hands on you, working their ministrations to a slowing pace, not leaving until you were clawing at him, pushing him away as you became overstimulated at the sensation. When you finally managed to sit up slightly, you noticed he was still staring at you, deep into your eyes, pupils blown completely, lips snarling wildly, almost feral. Clearly he wasn’t finished yet.

“I have to go clean up, but you better not. Go wait in the bedroom, I’ll be right in.”

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exquisitley-obsessed · 3 years

Text

Fiancés, Firebirds, Foxes and Fawns: 6

Author: @exquisitley-obsessed

Summary: A few weeks after Briallyn’s attempt at uniting with Koschei, Lucien opens the door of Lockhart Manor to find Elain, cold from the rain and holding a note from the High Lady of the Night Court demanding her to assist Lucien in building alliances with the human councils. Forced to work together by their exhausted High Lord and Lady, Elain is able to convince anyone to do anything, while Lucien has the acquaintances to go anywhere he likes. Together, they attempt to unite the fae and mortal lands and unravel the deal made between Koschei and Vassa, while Lucien remains haunted by his own promise to Elain’s father. ELUCIEN, POST-ACOSF

Pairings: Elain x Lucien, Elucien

Warnings: None.

A/N: I’ve added a tag list for those who wish to stay updated with this story! Just message me if you wish to be added <3

MY MASTERLIST

THIS FIC’S MASTERLIST

AO3

Chapter Six: Moonlight Meetings

The contracts were beginning to make sense. Turns out, there weren’t nearly as many for Elain to sort through as she first expected. It seemed that the Band of Exiles had had a pretty stagnant first year whilst staying in the mortal lands, with their biggest success lying in the Declaration of Peace Between Fae and Mortal Realms achieved on the anniversary of the Hybern War.

Elain had gone through each contract and made a note of it in her own diary: the contract between the Spring Court and the human lands to organise trade routes in the future, the agreement of a ceasefire on trespassing fae in favour of imprisonment, etc. There had even been copies of contracts between other humans that had most likely occurred at these weekly meetings: such as the Nolan’s agreeing to 100 shipments of Ashwood Weaponry per month to the Darlingtons, and the reinforcement of internal borders.

Elain had sat with Nuala and a few pots of tea in the library, and by the time she stretched her legs to take a turn around the room, the sun was plummeting towards the horizon. She liked it. She liked the feeling of her hand aching from her meticulous note-taking, she liked that the pages of her new notebook (a gift from Rhysand) had slowly began to fill up, she liked that she now had detailed questions to ask Jurian, Vassa and maybe even Lucien.

If anything, she liked that tonight she would sleep, her eyes tired from reading by the candlelight and her brain fizzing with the numbers of stock, armies and debt.

The library was at the back of the house, with delicate yet large glass windows that looked out onto the Manor’s Garden. So far, Elain had avoided the grounds, mostly because one look of the greenery told her that there was nothing for her to do. Whoever tended to these gardens had a similar mind to hers, it was wild and restless. A garden belonging to a true cottage, her father would say.

“Lord Lucien is home,” Nuala’s velvet voice swam into the air as she spoke without looking up from her book. The shadow wraith’s always had been Elain’s closest friends, and she liked the side she got to see of them, the one she was sure no other had yet had the privilege.

“Oh…good,” Elain said non-committedly, forcing her eyes back to her notes which she’d already preened to perfection. Sighing, Elain looked over her and Nuala’s make-shift joint desk, and without thinking, she reached for a local map.

It was strange, to look over a map of lands which felt both so familiar and so foreign. With her finger, Elain could trace the path from her first childhood home, the Manor down by the lake, up and up to their runt of a cottage so close to the border, and then a little east to their other home. Elain’s hand recoiled from the paper. That home was cursed. That was the home from which she had been stolen from.

“Do you miss it, being human?” Nuala asked. Elain peered at her. She’d always found the term ‘lesser fae’ to be entirely unbefitting. Nuala was perhaps the most gorgeous person she’d ever seen; her skin was a deep grey and her hair a shifting black in which shadows seemed to fall in whisps as it moved. Her eyes were uncannily wide, and her irises were of purest black and filled her entire lids.

“I don’t think so,” Elain answered softly, her finger running back to that first home. The home in which her parents were alive and well. “But I avoided coming here for a long while because of that reason.”

“You wanted to go back?” Elain nodded, a small shift of her head.

“Becoming fae didn’t make sense to me for a long time. I didn’t understand how to be fae, despite the body. When I looked around all I could see were my sister’s, who fit in so well at the Night Court and I just…didn’t.” Elain looked at her friend. “I feel terrible about it. About how I tried to come back to Graysen. It was the first time in my life I’d made a stand and it was for something so, hollow.”

“You’re not a terrible person for feeling as though you don’t belong, and wishing that you did.” Nuala tilted her head, her pin straight hair falling with a trained precision across her bare shoulder.

“No, but I feel terrible because…I still feel that way, to some extent.” Elain sighed, tucking up her legs on the chair and leaning her head back.

“I got into a fight with Jurian today – I slapped him -” Elain peeked a look at Nuala and was pleased to see her mouth slightly ajar and her eyes bright with amusement. “I know. But what he said was true, and I can’t stop thinking about it. He saw me during the war and saw how I was so desperate to be human again, and he thinks I’m here for that reason-” Nuala opened her mouth to protest, “I know, it’s stupid, but…what if I am here for that reason, and I just don’t realise it yet? Because Nuala, if I am, I can’t – I can’t forgive myself for that, I can’t do that to-”

Elain cut herself off by biting her tongue. She’d only spent a day and a night in Lockhart Manor, but Elain was sure she could feel the bond. Often she didn’t, then every couple of months, something would happen, she would feel some emotion that wasn’t hers or have dreams of places she’d never been to, and she’d just know that it was him. But being here, actually being around him, she felt herself turning towards him the way flowers turn to the sun.

“I don’t think it’s strange, if you feel you do not belong in the Night Court, to want to belong somewhere else,” Nuala spoke carefully, slowly, as though every word carried weight, “But just because you feel you do not belong in the Night Court, does not mean your only other option is the human lands.”

“What? I might belong somewhere else in Prythian?” Nuala stretched and leaned back in her own chair.

“Prythian is a large place, and you have an eternity ahead of you. You do not need to rush in finding somewhere you can settle, travel around for a bit, see the world. There is not the same pressure for you to be a wife as you had when you were human, maybe you could try just being Elain for a while?” Nuala yawned after she spoke, a sign that she was well and truly relaxed. Elain just hummed, her mind whirring as she looked back at the map, her finger drifting back to that last home, the one she had been ripped from.

Just then Elain noticed how the sun and well and truly dipped behind the horizon, casting the world in shadow. The night sky looked unbearably dull compared to the thriving chaos of the Night Court’s evenings, but there was something familiar in the mundanity, something that allowed Elain to be the magical thing in the world, not the other way around.

“Vassa and Jurian are preparing to leave,” Nuala said without opening her eyes.

“Ugh, teach me your ways.” Elain joked, and a sly smile pulled at the shadow wraith’s lips.

“No, because then you won’t need me, and I won’t get to come with you to see the world.” Elain paused, and looked at her friend.

“You’d come with me?” It was now Nuala’s turn to peer at her.

“Of course, don’t tell the High Lord but, since being Under the Mountain, I’ve rather missed the world, and I’d very much like to see it.”

“I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like,” Elain shivered. She’d never bene able to truly comprehend what had occurred in those 50 years. The idea of her friend being subject to such atrocities for a time longer than she had been alive, it was unfathomable.

“I remember your mate being there,” Nuala said, tentatively. Every muscle in Elain’s body went rigid. She’d assumed, somewhere along the line, that Lucien must’ve been there with Tamlin when they’d been taken, but Feyre had never confirmed, she’d been surprisingly elusive of the specifics of what had occurred. She couldn’t think about it. Because the instant she considered the torture Lucien must’ve faced, she began to feel herself lose control.

“Speaking of your mate,” Nuala murmured, and Elain didn’t miss the slightly pleased look in her friend’s eye at having gotten a reaction out of her.

Just then a knock came from the door casing Elain to turn in her chair sharply, by the time she turned back, Nuala had already disappeared into the shadows.

“No, but thanks for the offer,” Lucien ground out through his teeth. Waiting on the cartographer had taken all day and it turns out the maps he wanted hadn’t even been done correctly. It had been so much of a waste, that some part of Lucien was grateful he’d managed to send Elain home, he didn’t want her thinking that the extent of his life consisted of pathetically waiting on map-makers who can’t even make the right, damned map.

“Oh come on Luci, it’ll be fun,” Vassa goaded, looking a bit more like herself than she’d been the past few days. Her hair was iridescent, and her gown was of deepest emerald, with golden gemstones that matched the simple, modest tiara upon her head. Lucien snorted.

“Oh yeah…fun. Well you can have fun for me, but I’m not going.”

“You might as well go for the free whiskey. That’s the only reason I’m interested.” Jurian grinned, throwing a far too casual arm over the queen’s shoulders, who huffed a laugh and shook him off.

“No touching Jurian. This dress is worth more than your head.”

“Ooh – not sure about that love.” Jurian grinned back, and Lucien observed the way the two mental mortals bounced off each other.

“Ugh, I don’t know who I feel worse for, you or the Nolan’s.”

“Oh it’s not just the Nolan’s going,” Jurian grinned, “I have it on good authority that Delilah will be there too.”

“Oh, Delilah,” Vassa hummed, twirling her hair and batting her eyelashes.

“Shut up the both of you,” Lucien rolled his eyes.

“Well if it doesn’t work out with the mate, just know you have a small army of humans who wouldn’t mind a piece of you,” Jurian chortled.

“Men and women,” Vassa smiled at Jurian, “I heard that Lord Smith wouldn’t mind warming himself by the fireling.”

“Yeah, yeah, I trust you got her home safe then,” Lucien pointed at Jurian, hoping his easy smile covered the anxiety that had been growing over the day as he became convinced that something terrible had happened to Elain now that she’d been removed from sight.

“Oh, the Archeron is home safe alright,” Jurian said in a tone Lucien couldn’t quite read.

“Good…well then, you two bests be off,” Lucien turned back to the house. “Don’t stay out too late kids.”

“Alright dad,” Vassa scoffed.

“Oh and Luci,” Jurian was halfway down the garden path, “Don’t make us regret leaving you home alone with your mate!” He winked at him that time and then he and Vassa were two colourful blurs in the summer evening, their laughter making music with the chirping of cicadas.

Something cold ran the length of Lucien’s spine. He would be home, alone, with Elain, for an entire night.

Fuck.

***

“Come in?”

Elain already knew it was Lucien before his head of fiery hair, now unbound, peered at her from around the door.

“Good evening, Lady, um…may I come in?”

Elain looked at him over the papers she’d randomly grabbed and was now pretending to read. Nuala certainly could have given her a little more warning.

Lucien looked so shy, half standing behind the door, and Elain found all her anger at him having sent her home evaporating. He was just as confused as she was about this whole bond thing, it was something they’d have to figure out together.

Elain gave a small nod and Lucien seemed to let loose a long breath before he walked into the room, turning around to shut the door and then turning to face her. Lucien glowed in daylight, out there in the woods it looked at though the sun were always reaching for him, as though it, like so many others, adored him. But there was something so alluring about Lucien by candlelight. The shadows and the orange light that moved over him, he seemed darker somehow, more dangerous. More intoxicating.

Lucien cleared his throat, standing with his hands held behind his back, and Elain adverted her eyes.

“I’ve come to apologise, Lady.”

“Apologise?” Elain repeated numbly. She hadn’t been expecting this, to her knowledge, men didn’t apologise.

“For how I spoke to you, earlier today…” Lucien seemed to shift slightly, “It was entirely unreasonably for me to send you home when you wished the know the way. I got spooked with the trap and, and-”

“It’s fine. Thank you,” Elain smiled at him, setting the papers down and leaning forward in her chair. Lucien looked bemused.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I, uh…it’s not your fault I got upset, not really. I’m just quite on edge recently,” Elain began to fiddle with the threads of her dress.

“Is something wrong?” Pure concern laced Lucien’s voice as he strode a little further into the room.

“No, just…I think it’s just being around you…” Elain trailed off and Lucien’s eyes widened. Never before had she brought up the mating bond. Not with him.

“Oh, yes, it’s...uh, quite annoying isn’t it.” He grinned easily, and Elain felt something inside her relax.

“Not annoying just…things get to me easier.”

“Yes,” Lucien nodded, “When we’re close to each other the mating bond will be more…demanding. You’ll probably be more aware of it, as I am.”

“You…you feel like this, all the time?” Elain blinked at him, and Lucien shifted awkwardly, he did not want her to pity him.

“You get used to it after a while,” He grinned at her again. Elain quickly became lost in thought and Lucien could practically see her mind working, her eyes becoming distant. He took this moment to look her over, just checking for injuries, of course.

She’d changed her dress; the other one no doubt having being stained with grass and mud. It was a pale yellow, one that he found suited her hair greatly. Layers of skirts and a corset bodice, and with her hair pinned up and away from her face she looked every bit of the goddess he thought her of being.

It was then that his eye caught on the dainty necklace around her throat, a single pearl hanging at its end and…

Mother, that was a low neckline.

A low neckline for Elain of course. But still. The dress allowed him to see the beginning curve of her breasts where that single pearl lay, nestled-

Lucien snapped his eyes away and dug his hands into his pockets, digging his nails into his thighs.

He was sure that by now, Elain could read scents, and he really, really, didn’t want to make this more awkward than it was. Mother, he’d just been talking about how he’d become accustomed to controlling himself. But perhaps the beast within hadn’t been tamed, maybe it was just resting.

As though they’d been called by his arousal, the base mate desires sang through his blood. Touch, smell, taste…The last one was strangely powerful today, but maybe it was because the more time he became familiar with her scent, the more he could imagine what she tasted of. Sweet but in the way fruits are sweet, like his own personal nectar-

“Are you alright?” Elain’s soft voice sung into the air and Lucien realised that he was digging so hard into his thigh that tears had sprung up into his eyes.

“Yes, sorry,” He sniffed before huffing a laugh, “I’m just tired is all.”

“Of…” Elain prompted softly, and for a moment their eyes met and something enigmatic passed between them. “I um,” Elain sprang from her chair and began to gesture, unable to meet his eye. “I was about to go to the kitchen and steal a pot of tea and sit if the garden if you wished to, if you wished to-”

“Yes,” Lucien blinked, and Elain nodded furiously before meeting his eye and giving him a shy smile.

“Lead the way,” Elain said softly, and Lucien felt his heart skip a beat, and from the way Elain’s smile grew, he knew she’d heard it too.

***

Since it was well into the night, Elain and Lucien had to make the tea themselves, Lucien trying not to puff his chest too much when Elain gasped at how he heated the kettle with his fingers.

“It’s about as useful as it gets I’m afraid,” he grinned at her as steam started to pour from the spout.

“Well, being a seer seems far more pointless.” God she looked good in the moonlight.

“I wouldn’t say that…” It seemed that that part of Lucien would always protest at Elain being insulted, even if it were her dishing out the affront. “You knew to find Vassa, your visions before the war were invaluable, we most likely would’ve lost without them.”

Elain poured the tea, her brows furrowed in thought. If they were truly mated, if the union had been accepted, Lucien realised that this was a moment where he’d be able to reach for that bond and feel what she was feeling. He could understand, in a millisecond, what was going on behind those honeyed eyes.

Elain moved to the kitchen’s backdoor, which looked out onto the path leading down to the road which led to town, arching through the gardens. To his surprise she settled in the doorway, tucking her skirts so that they spilled out onto the gravel path.

“What is it?” Lucien prodded, as he settled down next to her, making sure that he was leaning against the left doorframe and that no part of his body was touching hers.

“Compared to the likes of Feyre and Nesta,” Elain began in a dreamy voice, “My powers are pointless; you can’t deny it.”

Lucien didn’t know what to say to that. It was all kinds of wrong. As he thought about how to exactly tell Elain she was quite insane for thinking such a way, he looked out on the moonlit gardens. The sky here was duller than the Night Court, but there was something peaceful in these lands, something innocent. A warm breeze caressed his face, and just as he was about to speak, Elain beat him to it.

“I should’ve been there, tonight, Feyre and Nesta would’ve gone.” Lucien’s hand paused as it carried his tea to his lips. Fury jolted through him.

“I don’t know about that,” Lucien proceeded in sipping his tea, trying to cool the flames within.

“If Feyre could handle seeing Tamlin, then I could’ve handled tonight,” Elain said simply, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Lucien considered what she had said, trying to slow his heartbeat as he thought, especially now that he knew she could hear it.

“Are you so desperate to be like your sisters?” Elain cocked her head at the garden.

“Of course…they’re brave and I…I don’t know, how could I not?” Elain appeared as genuinely confused, and something inside Lucien’s chest ached.

“No offence,” he flashed her an easy grin, one that seemed to tell her that everything was going to be okay, “But I don’t think the world would recover from having another Feyre…and especially not another Nesta.”

“You know what I mean…” Elain huffed, bumping into his shoulder slightly as she flashed him a shy smile, one that made him feel like glowing. “They would’ve gone tonight. They would’ve marched into that manor and sat down in the Nolan’s chair and if Gray so much as looked at them wrong they would’ve burned the house to ashes.”

Lucien ignored Elain’s nickname for her ex-fiancé, and took a moment to cool the raging part of him that sought to seek out the boy and erase him from history. Elain was poking fun at her ex-lover, she was wrinkling her nose and shaking her head, it was obvious she wanted nothing to do with him. And yet that nickname stood like an island in the stormy ocean, a reminder that at that moment, some unevolved, bastard, human fae-hunter had a firmer place in her heart than he.

“What the hell is the Nolan’s chair?” Lucien asked after a moment, batting the vitriol from his mind.

“Oh,” Elain’s eyes lit up, “It’s some stupid, big Ashwood throne which they have in this weird trophy room, apparently it’s been passed down through generations of fae-hunters. I couldn’t touch it of course because I hadn’t been initiated into the family and that would be sacrilegious or something.” Lucien tipped his head back and huffed a laugh, and Elain felt something inside her sing to answer. She’d noticed Lucien’s beauty more this past day, but that moment right there, had been the loveliest he’d ever been. His eyes shut, his grin wide. He seemed happy. It was beautiful.

“Oh Gods, let me guess, they have it behind some sort of curtain and they do a grand reveal whenever guests come for tea?” Elain blinked at him with those brown saucers.

“Have you visited?!” Both of them titled back and let out genuine laughs, no one to interrupt them but a warm breeze making the plants rustle.

“You know, it’s funny,” Elain sighed, curling her arms around her knees and looking out on the moon-lit shrubbery, “When you stop loving someone, it’s almost like you see them for the first time.” Lucien shifted awkwardly, trying to ease the itching across his skin. He’d never talked so much about the boy before, and it was making his powers sing.

“And what do you see now?”

“I…I can’t say a bad word against him. I don’t know why. I think even if he were standing in front of me right now I would just politely ask him to leave.”

“I think that says more about your character than his.” How could the Cauldron have thought him worthy of this female? In the face of her abuser, she chose pacifism.

“It’s strange because now I guess I see him how everyone else has always seen him. But when I was human…” Elain’s speech faltered and she flashed her eyes to him, “I’m sorry you probably don’t want to hear about this.” Lucien took a deep breath before setting his cup down.

“Elain I…I want to be your friend, and I want to know everything about you. If that includes your weasel of an ex, so be it.”

“Be nice,” Elain half-told him off with a laugh as she reached out and shoved his shoulder. Lucien saw stars.

“When you were human…” Lucien found his voice after a second, and prompted Elain along. She curled her arm back around her knees and her eyes drifted off to some far off place.

“I…I just wanted to be loved, so badly. I wanted a fairy-tale romance and, I don’t know, someone who would want me, you know that kind of romance you only read about in novels where the guy walks into a room and only sees her.” Elain huffed a laugh and Lucien bit his tongue. “I just assumed that it would never happen, not with us falling into poverty, but then, we weren’t in poverty anymore, and Nesta and I were back looking for husbands. Graysen isn’t…special…I know. But I never wanted special, and for a girl who had grown up believing she’d have nothing, what he gave me seemed like the whole world. Things like sneaking out to meet him without a chaperone, or, or, sneaking away from family dinner’s to hide in the gardens. It…it felt like falling in love…”

“When you having nothing,” Lucien began tentatively, “And someone shows you an inch of kindness…well, that becomes invaluable.” Elain hummed softly in agreement.

“I didn’t want much – I’ve never wanted much - but that’s because it always seemed greedy. I just wanted my own garden, and then Graysen promised me 12 acres of land, and he did seem to care for me. Well…at one point he seemed to care.” Elain shivered, and that age-old anger flashed in his eye. He didn’t know what Graysen had said to Elain when she’d come to the Noland Manor during the war, but by the way the entire Inner Circle seemed one bad day away from cleaving the boy’s balls from his body, he got the idea.

“Now that I can see him clearly, and I can see all the terrible things he did and said, to me and…and about me…” Elain turned to look at Lucien and found him already looking at her, his expression soft, but something made of steel in his eyes, “It’s easy to not love someone when you don’t like them, but I am afraid.”

“Of…” Lucien said gently, his voice as soft as the wind in the leaves.

“How can I…” she was looking at him directly now, “How can I do it again,” she whispered in a voice that reminded him of a petal. “I was so blinded by love; how can I trust myself? You know, sometimes it feels like I’ve felt enough heartbreak to fill several lifetimes.”

Lucien surprised himself by huffing a soft laugh.

“I know how you feel. But that’s the thing about being immortal. They say time heals all wounds, and it does. But most of us, and I suppose particularly humans, don’t get the chance to wait out our pain. But being fae, well, you’re convinced you’ll never get over it until one day you wake up and, you just are.”

Elain had never heard him speak for so long before, and she realised she could’ve sat here and listened to him talk all night. There was an aged wisdom behind his words, like a promise that everything was going to be alright. A small silence settled on the two as they both looked up at the moon, glowing like an eye of the Mother, winking with contentment.

“Graysen is a bastard isn’t he.” Lucien laughed, loud and brashly, and even though it was nearly midnight, Elain was sure he’d momentarily lit up the world.

“No comment,” Lucien held his palms up to face her to show his pacifism.

“Oh come on, you must not like him if you’re sitting here with me rather out there at the Nolan’s sipping, oh, coffee liquors.” Lucien wrinkled his nose.

“Gods, they sound awful.”

“Oh. They are,” Elain moaned with a smile. Then she peered at him again, “You’ve really never been.” Lucien shifted slightly, sitting a little straighter.

“Yes I, uh, I hope that wasn’t an intrusion or-”

“No, no!” Elain rushed, before sighing heavily as she bit her lip in thought. Lucien’s eyes, one metal one fae, roved over her. Oh how he wished to know her thoughts.

Then, Elain was reaching out for him, putting her small hand on his shoulder and looking up at him with those dark, sultry eyes.

“Thank you…for having my back,” she practically whispered. But Lucien wasn’t quite sure he’d heard her given that his entire focus had been zeroed onto that single palm pressed against his shoulder, how he could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin linen of his shirt.

“I…no problem, Lady…It’s no problem at all.” Elain smiled at him softly, but her hand stayed where it was.

Lucien wondered if she felt it too. The electricity that was flowing through his blood. The bond that seemed to glow from between his ribs, buzzing with contentment at their contact. He wondered if she felt the squeeze in her chest – the possibility that this wasn’t just a bond at all.

Suddenly, voices from the hall erupted into life. Brash singing, and a cackling laugh that startled Elain enough for her hand to lift from his shoulder, before she slowly pulled it back in her lap. Lucien was dangerously close to running into the hall and carrying both his friends back out into the garden and dumping them in the flower beds.

He’d had two stolen moments with Elain today, and the secret seemed to lie in their solidarity from the rest of the world. Sighing Lucien leaned back on his hands.

“It seems that Jurian and Vassa have made it home.”

Tag List:

@ladyelain @chloepereyra @exiledelain @bow-dawn

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kairoscelrosis · 3 years

Text

Ocean Eyes - A Leonard “Bones” McCoy x Reader Fic

Series: Star Trek TOS

Pairings: Leonard “Bones” McCoy x Reader, Implied Spirk

Characters: Reader, Leonard “Bones” McCoy, James T Kirk, Spock, Montgomery Scotty, Nyota Uhura

Trigger Warnings: No triggers apply.

Word Count: 5,202 words

Author’s Note:

This is my first fic! It has a small amount of fluff, but its mainly full of a plot revolving around the two mentioned relationships.

You can also find this fic on Wattpad.

Summary:

Y/N is confused about her feelings for Dr. McCoy. When Spock and Kirk come to know, they devise a fantabulous plan to bring both of them together.

I was lying down on my bed in a darkened room. Thoughts wandered, but always stopped on one thing. Rather, on one person. It’s weird. I had always liked him a lot – platonically, of course. This was different. “What the hell?”, I said out loud. But that didn’t help the storm raging in my mind. My alarm beeped. 1530 hours. “Damn.” I huffed, got changed, and left for the Bridge. My eight-hour shift was about to begin.

______________________________________________________________

On the bridge

“Captain.”, I said in a confident, but tired voice. “Lieutenant Y/L/N reporting for Beta Shift.”

“Yes, Lieutenant.” Kirk replied without looking towards me. “Please report to Mr. Spock for this shift’s agenda. You will be taking over from him for the Beta shift.”

I walked over to Mr. Spock’s science station. “Commander Spock. Lieutenant Y/L/N reporting.” His head bobbed in a small greeting.

Spock and I had known each other since my academy days when he was my professor for most subjects. He was my role model and mentor, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He was also my closest friend on the ship.

After briefing me with the progress he had made on the current star charting assignment and about his inferences on the nearby nebula, Spock walked over to Kirk, and whispered something. Kirk nodded and said, “Please continue with our research assignments. Mr. Sulu, you have the conn. I’ll be in my quarters.”

______________________________________________________________

Spock’s POV

After filling in Y/N, I walked over to the Captain and quietly said, “Captain, I would like to speak with you.” He nodded, gave his usual orders, and both of us left the bridge for his quarters.

Once in the sanctuary of his quarters, the Captain turned to me, and asked, “What is it, Mr. Spock? You seem concerned.”

I replied in the affirmative, and said, “My concern is for Lieutenant Y/L/N, sir. She seems to be ‘out of her elements’, as would be expressed in Terran colloquial.”

The Captain offered a small, though rueful smile at this. “I agree with you Mr. Spock. She is not one of the outspoken ones, but she does seem a bit… subdued. Perhaps we should ask her what the problem is?”

“Perhaps. Though I have another suggestion sir. We are going to take a short shore leave on Star Base 12 in a few hours. Why not relieve Lieutenant Y/L/N early from her Beta shift so that she can recuperate and make the most out of this shore leave?”

“Yes Mr. Spock. An excellent idea. Anyhow, we take shore leaves only once in a blue moon, so why not allow her to rest a bit before going back out into the dark. I believe we will establish orbit around Star Base 12 by 1800 hours. I myself will relieve her at 1830 hours. Thank you for bringing this to my notice Mr. Spock.”

“My pleasure.”

______________________________________________________________

A few hours later…

Y/N’s POV

After several attempts to refuse an early shore leave and in complete denial of any need of this favour, I had finally beamed down onto Star Base 12.

Along with Scotty.

You might wonder why I was accompanied by the Chief Engineer. That was because of my resistance to go down. Kirk had asked Scotty to accompany me so that I did not sneak back onto the ship. I sighed inwardly.

Wanting to make the most of this time, I asked Scotty to come along with me to a street market. I loved the vibe of street markets – the dim lights, the muffled voices, walking around – it was the perfect ambience to relax.

“Hey Scotty! Come on!” I turned and called to Scotty, who was dragging his feet like a bored teenager. “Ach lass! I didn’t know that I’d have to babysit ya today. I wanted to go to the bar.” He moaned.

“Okay, okay, Lieutenant Commander Scott. Lieutenant Y/L/N will not hold you for long. Come, roam around with me for a while, and then we’ll both go to the bar.”

His face lit up like that of a child on Christmas morning. After that, there was a certain bounce in his step, not stalling anymore.

While scanning the stalls, I saw a small, wooden stringed instrument which piqued my interest. Picking it up gingerly, I held it in my hands. It felt right.

“Ah lass! What are ya doing with a ukulele?”

“You know the name of this instrument?” The shopkeeper asked, visibly surprised.

“Yes of course! My gran used to play this really well. She got it as an heirloom from her mother, who got it from her mother.”

I strummed the strings of the ukulele tentatively. A beautiful sound, though not very melodious, emerged.

“Can I buy this? It’s beautiful.”

The shopkeeper smiled, “You have really good taste. I can see you play this beautifully. That will be ten credits. If you want, I can teach this to you as well.” Her offer seemed genuine.

“Thank you so much!”

______________________________________________________________

At the bar

I let an evil grin emerge. Scotty had his head down. I had known his weakness, and now I had the chance to escape.

Well, escape is a strong word, but I had been forced to come down – so it was justified.

I had just drunk a glass of iced tea, not preferring to be hungover the next morning. I had never really liked drinking anyway.

As I was sneaking out of the bar, I saw HIM coming in. My heart immediately jumped into my mouth, beating like crazy. I hid behind the table where an employee was granting entry to the guests. He gave me a weird look but did nothing about me being there.

Once certain that HE was gone, I brushed my clothes, held my head high and started to walk towards the door, when I heard someone call me, and I froze.

“Y/N? Whatcha doin’ here? I thought ya didn’t drink.” The southern drawl rolling smoothly off his tongue.

“H-Hey Doc. Yeah, I don’t drink. I was just giving Scotty some company. I’m going back to my room now.”

“’Kay, great! Have a nice evening.” He sauntered away to where Scotty lay knocked out.

This was getting harder day by day.

______________________________________________________________

The next morning

I was back in my quarters on the Enterprise. Last night had been great, though I won’t admit this to anyone.

After encountering Bones at the bar, I had gone to the shopkeeper who had sold me the ukulele, and I sat there till late at night, learning the basics. I picked up the chords pretty quickly and was onto my first song by midnight. The street shops were open till 2 in the morning, and the shopkeeper seemed keen on teaching me, so I figured why not learn as much as I could.

She told me she had many copies (yes, actual paper copies!) of songs. She called them scores or sheet music. She gave me all the copies of scores she possessed, and I was so grateful!

Rand smuggled me back onto the ship by manning the transporter. She was going down in a while and didn’t mind disobeying Kirk.

The clock flashed 0800 hours as I was snapped out of my thoughts about the previous night. I wanted to utilize the rest of my shore leave efficiently. I got up, showered, and walked to the replicator. When nothing came out even after swiping the card multiple times, I let a sigh out and decided that I’d have to go to the mess.

I swaggered along the deserted decks and corridors of the ship, making no effort to conceal myself. Most people were down on the planet, including the two I wanted to avoid.

Walking into the mess, I ordered popcorn (weird choice, I know) and sat down. Spock, who had entered the mess just after me, slid into the seat opposite me, both of us falling into a comfortable silence. We often had our breakfast together. I was one of the people closest to Spock.

Putting down the Vulcan equivalent of an apple, Spock looked at me and asked, “How are you Y/N? You seemed extremely sombre yesterday. That is unlike you.”

The corner of my mouth lifted slightly at his concern. “I am fine.” I replied. “I guess the work got to me. Yesterday was a nice break.” So much for not telling anyone, I thought, amused. “I don’t think Kirk thought of relieving me early yesterday. Someone else was behind that move.” I gave a teasing grin. Spock’s eyes crinkled in a semblance of a grin.

Once done with our respective meals, I said, “Come to my quarters tonight, Spock. I’ll tell you about my evening and you can tell me about yours. Maybe I’ll even play you something. Bring your lyre as well. I wanna hear you play it.”

Spock bobbed his head, confirming that he’d be there.

______________________________________________________________

That evening

I heard knocking at the door. “Come in.” Spock walked in with his Vulcan lyre in hand. I gave him a smile.

Though my quarters were small, I had made enough space for us to sit comfortably, without invading each other’s space. He sat down on the straight backed, cushioned seat which he preferred, and I pulled my desk chair to sit on.

We talked about the events of last night, me reciting everything other than the event when I ran into the Doc (that incident was kept to myself for the time being). Spock told how he had done some work in the science lab, read a book, and practiced playing the lyre (though he didn’t need any).

“You said that you were going to play for me?” It was more a request than a question. “Yeah.”, I replied. “I bought this old Terran stringed instrument called the ukulele yesterday, and the lady who sold it to me taught me how to read sheet music and also helped me play my first song. It’s “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish from 2016. I’ve heard it before. You wanna hear it?”

Spock lifted his eyebrows in classic Spock fashion, essaying his agreement.

I rarely sang, but when I did, it was only in the privacy of my own quarters. Spock had heard me sing, though not very often.

I started strumming, trying to pick the beat from where I had to start the vocal.

I've been watchin' you for some time Can't stop starin' at those ocean eyes Burning cities and napalm skies Fifteen flares inside those ocean eyes Your ocean eyes.

No fair You really know how to make me cry When you gimme those ocean eyes I'm scared I've never fallen fro…

I faltered. Spock nodded, his eyes intently watching, eyebrow perked. I could see something glint in his eyes but didn’t understand what it was. I resumed the strumming.

I've never fallen from quite this high Fallin' into your ocean eyes Those ocean eyes.

I've been walkin' through a world gone blind Can't stop thinkin' of your diamond mind Careful creature made friends with time He left her lonely with a diamond mind And those ocean eyes.

No fair You really know how to make me cry When you gimme those ocean eyes I'm scared I've never fallen from quite this high Fallin' into your ocean eyes Those ocean eyes.

I had been nervous, not because it was my first time playing this song in front of somebody (because I knew Spock would never disregard the importance of beginning, and subsequently growing as a person), but because this song reminded me of a certain someone. If Spock connected the dots, I don’t know what his reaction would be, and whether he would tell McCoy or Jim.

There was silence for a moment. Spock opened his mouth to say something, but then, his communicator beeped. Flipping it open, he said, “Spock here.”

Kirk’s voice cracked through. “Mr. Spock. I request you to please report to my quarters. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.”

Spock looked at me, that glint still there. I nodded my assent and picked up his lyre from my bed and handed it to him, as he stood from his chair to leave.

I mouthed, “See you later”, and then the door shut.

Lying down on my bed, I decided that it would be best to go to sleep.

But sleep just wouldn’t come.

______________________________________________________________

Spock’s POV

I had had a nice evening with Y/N, though the lyrics of her song still perplexed me. I was reminded of someone by those lyrics, but I can’t seem to determine whom. My brain was “short-circuiting”, as Jim would say, but I was not able to put a finger on who the song pointed to. I had known Y/N long enough to know that this wasn’t just “nothing”, though that’s what she wanted me to believe.

I didn’t know what to make of Jim’s call either. He had planned to stay ashore for at least 12 more hours, but he now was aboard the ship. Though Jim’s words had been authoritative, his tone was friendly and indicated that this had nothing to do with the ship.

I knocked on the door of Jim’s quarters, and heard a small “Come in”. When I walked in, Jim was seated at his desk, his hands intertwined into a tent. “A ‘deep in thought’ position” I thought.

“Jim. Is something troubling you?” Jim looked up and gestured me to sit down. I complied. “No Spock, nothing is troubling me. It’s just, I think I know now why Y/N has been so quiet.”

I gave him a quizzical look.

“Spock, I believe you were with Y/N when I called you?” I nodded. I couldn’t understand where this was going.

“What were you doing?” One of my eyebrows lifted in confusion. Why was Jim asking that?

“Jim, I don’t think you should ask that. I think, on Earth, this is called snooping. Though you are a good friend of Y/N’s, it is my moral responsibility not to tell you anything about what she told or did in confidence.”

Jim’s eyes expressed the same warmth as his smile when I said that. “True gentleman you are, Mr. Spock. Okay, I’ll tell you why I asked that question.” My eyebrows perched higher, indicating my interest.

“I was going to Y/N’s chamber to admonish her for not following her Captain’s orders.”

My expression moved from interested to inquiring.

“I had ordered Y/N to stay on the planet for the entirety of the shore leave. However, when I went to her room at the lodging, she wasn’t there. She had told McCoy that she would be in her room. I knew where she would be – in her quarters, aboard the Enterprise. I walked to her quarters, mock-fuming, and was about to knock, when I heard her start singing.”

I opened my mouth to rebuke Jim for eavesdropping, when he interrupted, “I know Spock, but I had no intention to eavesdrop. I was just drawn to her voice and that song. I love that song.”

“Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish?”

“Yeah, that one. I was surprised that you didn’t hear me standing outside, what with your enhanced hearing.”

I paused for a moment before I spoke, staring past Jim’s shoulder, my eyes resting on his laurels. “I had been thinking about something.”

______________________________________________________________

Jim’s POV

Spock had apparently zoned out. That was a first.

“I think I can guess what you were thinking about.”

Spock’s eyebrows flew up. “Do you?” he enquired.

“Yes Spock, I think I do. And I think you do too, now. You have arrived at a conclusion, and I would like you to share it with me.”

Spock seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then turned to face me. “I think this has something to do with Dr. McCoy.” My smile turned into a grin. Spock was REALLY smart with this stuff for a person who swore by logic. Spock took this as a confirmation that he was correct.

“I assume I am correct. However, I do not fully understand.”, he remarked.

“My dear Spock, I was surprised that you inferred this much.” If Spock’s brows could go higher, they would have. “It is my hypothesis that Y/N likes Dr. McCoy, but she is in denial.” Spock’s face expressed a mixture of distaste and bewilderment. I chuckled.

“I have known Y/N since our academy days. She is slightly younger than me, but she was always a prodigy. Always top of the class. Not just with marks or grades, but with her work ethic as well. She has never been in a relationship; she never felt the need to be in one. Now, she reminds me a lot of someone I know. Maybe that’s why both of them are such good friends.” I looked at Spock. His face radiated a hint of pride.

I continued. “And now, she is faced by this overwhelming feeling, one I doubt she ever felt before. And she is uncertain, how to act on this feeling, or whether to act at all.”

Realization dawned on Spock’s visage. Then, it was replaced by dubiousness and even a hint of distaste. “But why Dr. McCoy?” he asked. I let out a hearty laugh. Everyone knew of the friendly banter between him and McCoy.

“No Jim, I am serious. I care for Y/N deeply, though not in a romantic sense. If the doctor did anything to hurt her, I would disapprove.”

By “disapprove” I knew Spock would go on a killing spree. And the first would be Bones. I grinned inwardly. This was starting to get interesting, and I now had a chance to tease Spock.

“Isn’t disapproval a human emotion?” I tried (and failed) to keep the smirk off my face.

Spock looked at me dead in the eyes. My stomach suddenly became a bottomless pit. With an intense gaze, he whispered, “Yes.”

______________________________________________________________

Bones’ POV

I was on my way to the Transporter Room when Uhura said that she had a message from Joanna. Her messages really made my day. I asked her to transfer the message to the intercom in the Transporter Room.

I walked into the transporter room, which seemed to be deserted. “Never mind”, I thought. I would have preferred to listen to the message alone, so I didn’t mind. I switched on the intercom and confirmed that I had reached the Transporter Room.

Immediately, Joanna’s message started playing.

“Hey Papa!”, her sweet voice chirped. I smiled. “I was a few light years away from Earth, so decided that why not spend my holiday on our home planet. I went to Georgia and checked on our house and the farm. Everything is in place. I am off to India to spend a week or two. I have a month before I join the Farragut as their nurse trainee. I am really excited! Tell me if the Enterprise’s schedule matches with the Farragut’s, so that we can meet soon. Love you and meet you soon!”

“Wow”, I breathed. “What an exciting young lady.” I thanked Uhura, and then typed up my message on my PADD and sent it to her. I still like sending her emails, though they were considered ancient. “Hmm.” I hummed. “Forever the sensualist.”

______________________________________________________________

Later that evening

I was trying to find the bar where Scotty had asked me to join him, when I caught a glimpse of Y/N coming out of a bar. I had heard that she had been accompanied by Scotty onto the surface, so I started walking towards her. I heard some laughter and turned to look in the direction of the commotion. Seeing nothing of significance, I faced again towards my destination, searching for Y/N, but she had disappeared. “Weird”, I mumbled.

I stepped into the foyer and was about to enter the bar when I turned around, wondering where Y/N had gone. And there she was! I called out her name and made small talk. Then we both went our separate ways.

I spotted Scotty and hurried towards his seat. “Got started without me, huh?”, I teased. Scotty, who had had is head down, lifted it and slurred, “Why are yer cheeks red, eh McCoy? Had a swig on the ship, huh?” I knitted my eyebrows together. I hadn’t been drinking. I dismissed it to be the cold.

______________________________________________________________

A few hours later

A blinding light flashed in my eyes. “Who’s it? What’re you doin’?” I caught a glimpse of a blue shirt. It reminded me of someone.

“Y/N?”

“Bones why do you have to drink so much? You always get hungover and start hallucinating. Then I have to take care of you. Dammit, I’m a Starship captain, not a doctor.”

“Ah Jimmy boy. Take me home now, will ya?”

______________________________________________________________

The next morning

I woke up with a splitting headache. When I opened my eyes and looked around that I realized I was not in my quarters. Hell, I wasn’t even on the Enterprise.

“Shit.” I cursed softly.

“Finally, you are up, huh? I really think you could’ve given Sleeping Beauty a run for the money.”

I huffed. I knew that voice well. Maybe too well. And I knew what that meant. “I’m sorry Jim. Just got flown away with the drinking last night. I don’t even remember you picking me up.”

“I think we should stop booking an extra room for you. You always end up crashing in mine during shore leaves.”, Jim remarked sarcastically, getting up from the reading chair and putting down his PADD.

“Drink this. You’ll feel better.” He handed me a glass of lemonade.

“What, you’re gonna use my own hacks against me?”

“Shut up and drink it.”

I accepted the glass and started taking sips from it.

“You know, you said something last night which made me think a lot.”

“Well, that’s new.” I remarked with a smirk.

Jim feigned annoyance, then continued. “You know, when I came to pick you up last night, I was wearing a blue shirt.”

“Mh-hm”

“And when you saw me, you said, ‘Y/N?’. Were you expecting her or something?”

“Hmm. I don’t remember saying that actually. Maybe that was because I saw her last night before going into the bar. She was hiding from somebody, I guess. And I was surprised to even see her at a bar – she doesn’t drink, you know.”

Jim nodded. “Do you know where she went?”

“She said she was going to her room.” I said, matter-of-factly.

“’Kay.”

______________________________________________________________

That evening

Jim had left for the Enterprise – he had some work onboard. I decided that I’d roam around the markets for a while. I never was a fan of shopping, but Christine always asked me to take small memorabilia from each planet I visited for Joanna. She seemed to like it – so I didn’t mind too much.

Hands tucked behind my back, I strolled through the stalls. I came across a shop selling ancient art prints. There were abstract paintings, movie poster recreations and the like. I picked up a print of warm toned abstract art and a recreation of the Titanic poster for Joanna. Suddenly, a small necklace and bracelet caught my eye. It didn’t seem to have any lustre, but it had an aura that I was drawn to. Entranced, I asked what it was.

“It is Vokaya – a rare Vulcan jewel.” The shopkeeper said. He was Vulcan as well. So much for being in a green-hobgoblin-free zone. But really, I was mesmerised by this ornament, and ended up buying it.

Walking back to my room, I huffed. I had never been an impulsive buyer. Thinking about the peculiar feeling that had filled me, I walked down the corridor and entered my room.

And collided with someone standing straight like a rod.

I groaned. I knew who this was.

______________________________________________________________

Y/N’s POV

The next morning

I finally got out of my bed – I had barely gotten any sleep. I kept tossing and turning, thinking about my encounter with Bones last night and Spock’s reaction to me singing that song. He must have figured it out by now.

“Well – how bad can the situation get?” I murmured.

Before I could go into the washroom to get ready for the day, I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

In stormed Jim Kirk – his expression unreadable.

“Captain? What happened? Is everything alright?”

“Jim, please; I’m off duty.” Sitting down on the chair where Spock had sat last night, he said, “Calm down Y/N. Nothing’s wrong. Can’t a friend come to talk to another friend when everyone else is on shore leave?” He flashed that “I am charming” smile. I rolled my eyes.

“Sit down Jim. Let me get dressed. Then we can have breakfast together in the mess.”

Jim shook his head. “I think we should eat in my quarters.”

That was new. Why did Jim want to have breakfast alone? “Okay…” I said, sounding hesitant.

Jim gave me a smile, a genuine one. “Don’t worry, Y/N. Really. It’s nothing.”

Knowing Jim for so many years had made one thing clear:

When he said, “It’s nothing.”, there really WAS something.

______________________________________________________________

Jim’s POV

When I entered Y/N’s quarters, she looked a mess. She had always been an extremely graceful and likeable person – after all, we both were nerds. But today, there was something off. She had eyebags beneath her eyes, and her tired demeanour indicated that she hadn’t gotten much sleep.

But I could not bail out on Spock’s plan. So, it would have to do.

Spock had come up with something which was very unlike Spock – but the man never failed to surprise me. We had done what we had to do with McCoy. It hadn’t been easy, because he would not sleep at night, and kept protesting when he woke up. But we had managed.

He was in his quarters, unaware what was happening. We had brought him aboard forcefully. He won’t sit there for long. We had to hurry.

“Hey, Jim. Let’s go.”

I snapped my head in the direction of the voice.

“After you”

As the door slid open, a small voice came through.

“I am sorry Y/N.”

And then, Y/N slumped unconscious.

______________________________________________________________

A few hours later

Bones POV

Spock and Jim had been acting weird. Like, they have always been slightly off their hooks, but today, there was an air of urgency about them.

That is extremely discomforting with Spock, because usually he is the patient one preventing Jim from running around like a headless chicken.

I was pacing around my quarters. I had been asked to stay inside until called. “Captain’s orders.”, Jim had said.

I huffed. Did he really think I was going to listen to him? It had been a while since they had left, and I decided to get some work done.

Before I could decide what was the agenda for today, my intercom whistled. “McCoy here.”

“Uhura here.” Her voice was strained. “Doctor, please hurry to the Bridge. There is an emergency. Y/N has fainted.” Cursing under my breath, I picked up my medical kit and rushed out of the door.

The doors of the turbolift slid open and I walked out, worried what had happened. I looked around but there was no one. Perplexed, I scanned the bridge for any signs of hastened evacuation. My eyes landed on a head poking from the Captain’s chair.

I walked to the chair and turned it around. Y/N was slumped unconscious in it. I took her pulse, but it was really faint. I took out a hypo and filled it with cordrazine. This was risky material, but it would wake Y/N up for sure. The hypo hissed as it pressed it into her forearm, and she stirred.

______________________________________________________________

Y/N’s POV

My head was throbbing. My eyes fluttered, but they won’t open. “Too bright”, I mumbled. Someone standing next to me said, “Computer, dim the lights.” The voice mumbled something, then stopped. My eyes opened, and then focussed on the person kneeling beside me. “Doctor?” I said, voice cracking.

“Yeah Y/N. What happened? Why did you faint? Why are you sitting in the Captain’s chair? Do you remember anything?”

I looked around, a bewildered look covering my face. I didn’t remember coming to the bridge. “I don’t know Doc… I don’t even remember coming to the bridge…” McCoy got up quickly and started examining me with his tricorder.

“No signs of mental trauma. Are you sure you don’t remember coming here?” I nodded. Looking around, I now noticed that the lighting was pinkish. “Hey Doc… why is the lighting here pink?” I failed to keep the smile off my face.

He chuckled. “I don’t know. When you woke up, I ordered the computer to dim the lights. It did, but the lights also became pink.”

Suddenly, it hit me. “Oh my God. I just remembered. This has something to do with Jim. And Spock. Jim had come to my quarters to invite me for breakfast. When I was about to walk out, somebody said, ‘I am sorry Y/N.’, and then I fainted.”

McCoy’s eyes had grown wide. He seemed angry. “Come on. Let’s find the two devils.”

I tried getting up but stumbled. McCoy held my forearm and held me up. Then he stopped. “Y/N. There’s a piece of paper stuck to your back.” Confused, I asked him to remove it. “It won’t come off.”

“What does it say?”

“Um… It says, ‘I’ve been watching you for some time; Can’t stop staring at those ocean eyes.’”

I froze. I turned around to face McCoy and opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

I couldn’t decipher the expression on his face, but I could see the gears turning in his mind. Would he be angry? Or upset? I half expected him to just shrug and walk away, when surprisingly he held my hand and kissed it.

I tilted my head like a confused squirrel, giving him a look of *almost* disbelief.

He chuckled, “Yeah I get it now. But before we get all sweet, I really wanna hunt down both the red-blooded and the green-blooded devils. They are not going to get away with this.”

I looked into his eyes, for the first time today.

And I felt myself sinking deep into the ocean of his eyes.

______________________________________________________________

Epilogue

Spock’s POV

We had watched the events on the bridge as they took place trough the security cameras. By we, I mean Jim, I and Uhura.

Uhura was laughing so hard that she was on the verge of choking. Jim was bursting with laughter and happiness, his cheeks red. The sight made me want to smile broadly.

“Oh my God Spock, you really are a genius. This was the cleverest shipping of two people ever!”

I tilted my head, asking him what “shipping” meant.

“Never mind. Let’s go now. Otherwise, Bones will hypo the lives out of us. And Y/N adding to the party is not going to be beneficial.”

He gripped my hand and lead the way, running through the corridors of our beloved ship.

And I didn’t mind being by his side one bit.

#leonard mccoy #bones mccoy #spock #jim kirk #james t kirk #tos #star trek #st:tos #nyota uhura #uhura #bones x reader #implied spirk #jim x spock

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ofstoriesandstardust · 3 years

Text

stuck in my head-Luther Hargreeves

a/n: this song is inspired by stuck in my head by blu eyes, which you should all definitely give a listen to. listening to the fixer by Brent Morgan would also be good for this fic. as an anxious college student with a raging fear of failure and perfectionist complex, this semester has been really tough because I’m taking some really hard classes and they’re only about to get harder. I was listening to this song last night and decided to write this, if only to make myself feel better because luther just makes everything better right? anyways I’m sitting on a college!au fic with Luther which will hopefully be out soon and make up for this angst of a piece. also, the moment with the fried rice (it’ll make sense once you read this) is something that I actually did last weekend. my poor room mates should get paid for putting up with me between the continuous complaining about my classes, fanfiction writing, making a mess of our kitchen, and Diet Coke addiction.

also, this gif has nothing to do with this fic but it made me laugh so... you’re welcome. this switches back between the reader and Luther’s point of view which will hopefully be clear.

note: this is very heavily based on my experiences/trauma and my experiences with anxiety attacks. I recognize that this piece is heavily based off of me and that not everyone experiences anxiety in the same way, nor do they handle being overwhelmed by a busy schedule in the manner presented. if you don’t want to read it, that’s okay, but please don’t mean as this is pretty personal to me.

masterlist | prompt list

warnings: an anxiety attack, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, swearing, mentions of high-function anxiety, overworking, Diego’s in this a lot (he’s readers best friend), mentions of food, post season 2 (no Sparrow Academy), Ben is alive

word count: 5,666 (including song lyrics)

The only days that I'm not stressed Are days I work myself to death And I'm too tired to feel anything else

The words on the page in front of you seemed to blur as you grew more and more tired with each passing second. You’d gotten up early this morning to go to work at Griddy’s, picking up the shifts of one of your co-workers who was visiting their parents. You had a 9-5 job as a lawyer, but it didn’t pay as well as it could. Which meant you also agreed to teach a 7-10 night class at the local community college, but the work never seemed to stop. You’d work at least four or five shifts at Griddy’s a week and work for cases often extended outside of the hours you were in the office. Which is how you found yourself falling asleep on top of your work for your case. You could just call it a night and finish it in the morning, but you were so close and if you finished it tonight, you could maybe grab an extra twenty minutes of sleep in the morning and the thought of having a little extra time cuddling with your boyfriend was too sweet too pass up.

You sighed, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. Twenty, maybe thirty more minutes. You could do this. You picked up your pen and began to jot down notes as you flipped through the last few pages. What felt like a short few minutes later, you heard footsteps behind you, but you didn’t turn, not wanting to lose your train of thought. “Babe.” Luther called, coming up behind you, but yet you still didn’t turn. “It’s like 2 am, you said you’d be in bed soon hours ago.” You shrugged, still not turning away from the paper, not wanting to meet Luther’s gaze.

“I forgot how much work I had left to do. Sorry if I kept you waiting bubs.” You said softly, fiddling with the pen in your hand.

“No, it’s not- it just- this can’t be healthy.”

“I’m just busy, Luther, you know this. I do what I have to to make ends meet.” He sighed.

“It’s too late for me to be arguing with you. Just come to bed, okay? The work will still be here in the morning.”

“Just five more minutes, and then I’ll be in.” You said, finally meeting his gaze. He sighed and lifted himself up from where he was leaning against the table.

“I’ll be waiting.” He called as he turned, walking towards the bedroom. You sighed as you finished up the last couple of notes to yourself before your meeting with the client tomorrow morning. You stashed the files in your bag and your feet moved towards the bedroom, ready to collapse in bed. You changed, leaving a trail of clothes behind you as you slid in bed next to Luther. His arms automatically reached for you to pull you close, and you sighed as you settled in. Maybe you were finally tired enough to sleep through the night without the little voices in your head reminding just how not enough you were.

Even then, I'm restless in my sleep My worries bleed into my dreams and I Wake up and do it all again

You moved a lot in your sleep, something Luther discovered the first night he spent with you. You spent forever trying to get comfortable, and eventually just ended up dozing most of the night. Yet the longer you two dated, and the more comfortable you became with each other, the easier it had been for you to fall asleep with him and you rarely moved at all. The only times you were restless was when you were stressed, and Luther had learned that his presence was enough to calm most of those stressors, if only for a little while. It had been months since it had last happened, not since Diego had gotten a concussion in one of his matches and despite the boy’s insistence that he was fine, you still worried he wasn’t. You told of some story of some friend in college who had gotten a concussion and it had been bad, or something. Diego had thought your worry was laughable and assured you that he would be fine and just needed to rest. Still, Luther watched you worry over your best friend in the way you had a fitful sleep that night, and woke up exhausted the next morning.

Which is what tipped Luther off that something was wrong. You often told him about how in college, and in law school, whenever you were particularly overwhelmed or stressed, you’d have some pretty crazy dreams centered around your stressor, which lead to a more fitful sleep and an exhaustion headache in the morning. Luther’s hand reached out for yours, intertwining your fingers. He pulled you closer to him and hoped it was enough to calm you. He sighed as he closed his eyes. He really needs to talk to you about what was going on. Ever since you’d picked up this extra class at the community college, full nights of sleep were rare and if the two of you didn’t live together, he’d probably never see you. Which wasn’t saying a lot, considering he hardly saw you as it was. You’d been burying yourself in your work, picking up extra clients or shifts at Griddy’s and he was starting to wonder if you were just trying to avoid being around him.

You groaned as the alarm on your phone rang all too soon. You felt like shit and you had slept like shit. You couldn’t wait to endure this day with the raging exhaustion headache you were most definitely going to have. You quickly turned the alarm off, blinking at the time. You had ten minutes, maybe twenty, before you really needed to get up, and usually you’d just go back to sleep, but your boyfriend’s hands reached out for your waist as he woke up alongside you. You set the phone down, the timer already set to remind you to actually get out of bed. You scooched closer to your boyfriend and he smiled sleepily at you, tucking some stray hair behind your ear. “Morning.” You said softly.

“How’d you sleep?” He asked, to which you responded with a grumble.

“Like shit. I had the strangest dream last night and I couldn’t tell you what it was about, but Klaus was definitely there.” He chuckled.

“Any chance we’ll get to go to dinner tonight? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.” You shook your head.

“As amazing as that sounds, I have class tonight, and a shift until 2 right afterwards. Rose is still in South Dakota visiting her parents.” Luther sighed. You felt guilty, you knew you hadn’t been a good girlfriend or friend lately (you had missed the last three of Diego’s matches and Vanya’s last concert and Allison’s release party for her newest film with her siblings and the last time Ben made dinner for everyone and the list just continued) but you had to find a way to get these thoughts to stop. You hadn’t found a way to explain it to Luther yet either; how could you ask the family who had suffered so much to understand that you had this growing fear of never being good enough, of being worthless, of being disposable? You couldn’t put that on them, on your loving boyfriend who deserved one hell of a lot better than you were offering him right now. So you sucked it up and you kept it to yourself. You shoved it far down but as time went on, it grew and now you were so consumed by it, you filled your days with work just so you didn’t have to think about all those things. But now it just felt like you were drowning, the thoughts strangling you from the inside out. And now the guilt of being such a shitty friend and girlfriend was eating at you, and you pulled away from Luther.

“Babe? Where’d you go?” Luther’s gaze flitted across your face, reaching for your hand to bring you back to him. You shook your head.

“Nowhere, I just have to get ready.” You pulled out of his grasp, and walked toward the bathroom, clearing your clothes off the floor from last night on your way. You didn’t shut the door in time to miss the way Luther sighed and rolled back over. You squeezed your eyes shut, blinking back the burning of tears. It was only a matter of time before he left too and this time it would be your fault.

Maybe it's the way I was raised Or how I'm wired in my brain but I never seem to be Enough for me

You and Diego had not gotten along at first. You thought Diego was a washed up superhero trying to relive the glory days and Diego thought you were an uptight lawyer who didn’t care about the safety of the people in the city. So needless to say, anytime you were around each other, it usually devolved into a raging disagreement. One night though, your friends had convinced you to go out with them, which included Diego. You had just taken the bar exam a few days prior and you were waiting on your results. The group had wanted to celebrate your success and even Diego had been a good sport the whole night, even though you consistently reminded them that taking it didn’t mean you had passed. The table was sat around after dinner, and your friend McKenna had just gotten done telling a story of the time she had gotten grounded in high school for throwing a massive party while her parents were gone on a business trip. “Alright (Y/N), what’s craziest thing you’ve ever done that got you in trouble?” Your friend Lucas asked and you shrugged.

“I honestly don’t think I was grounded once while I was in high school.” You said honestly. Diego nudged you.

“C’mon, we’re all sharing.”

“I’m being serious, I didn’t go anywhere, I did not have friends, I was such a loser in high school.” You said, laughing. “No? Fine. Uhm, well, I was grounded in middle school because I got a B in a class instead of an A. I lost my phone for three weeks, my friends for four, and my mom insisted I needed to work harder.” you said. It was the only point in time you could remember being grounded, not any of that stuff from when you were little. The table went silent and the look Diego was giving was making your stomach twist. “What?”

“Middle school?” Eudora repeated. You nodded.

“Oh, I’m well aware of how stupid that is. But it instilled in me to work hard and my good grades got me where I wanted to go so...” Diego awkwardly cleared his throat and changed the subject, for which you were grateful. You often forgot that most people weren’t aware of your... interesting relationship with your mother, and that normal people weren’t raised by narcissists trying to live vicariously through their daughters. The dinner ended shortly thereafter, and you were headed to your car when Diego grabbed your arm.

“Hey, what you said in there... just if you ever want to talk about anything...” He said, looking sheepish as he shrugged.

“Thanks Diego, but I think my therapist already hears enough.” You said chuckling.

“I just... I know what it’s like to grow up with a parent you’ll never be enough for. So, if you just ever want to talk or grab drinks or anything... I'm here.” You’d later learn this was Diego’s best attempt at trying to extend the olive branch and be friends but you couldn’t deny how good it felt to not feel so isolated.

“Well, I actually really appreciate that Diego. I might have to take up on that sometime.” You said, smiling at him. He nodded.

“Call me when you get your results, yeah? Want to make sure we can celebrate when you inevitably pass.”

“Yeah okay Diego.” You said as you laughed.

Your therapist would eventually diagnose you with high-functioning anxiety, something you’d suspected since high school but had never been able to get a diagnosis for. Still, learning that had not been fun. You remember going home and crying and you didn’t call Diego for three days because it felt like your world was caving in on you. Seeing a therapist had been a big step for you, meaning you had to actually start working on yourself to be better and let go of all your trauma. You were living in a new city, all on your own, and while your college friends supported you, you were so far away from them that it felt like you were on your own. Sure, you had your friends at the police academy you had met while doing an internship with the ADA’s office, and Diego was undeniably one of the closest friends you had in the city or outside of it. Yet it felt like you were fighting the world on your own, not wanting to bog down any of these brilliant people around you, with your stupid problems from your messy childhood. As time went on, people came and went through your life and you had somehow wound up becoming friends with all of Diego’s siblings. From some reason, Luther saw something in you and the two of you ended up in a pretty serious relationship. Still, the feeling of inferiority never went away. You were surrounded by literal superheroes for God’s sake, who had somehow beat the odds and ended up coming out on the other side alive. How could you ever compare to legends and greats who, for some reason you were yet to be able to explain, taken occupation in your life?

Is it normal The way I can't help second guessing Is it normal Wishing I could put my thoughts to bed And be in the moment For just a moment Cause it feels like I'm always somewhere else instead Is it normal How I get stuck in my head

It was your birthday. It was a warm day, so you were gathered at the park with the Hargreeves and friends of yours from work. One of your room mates from college had even flown out to celebrate, and she had immediately bonded with Klaus. Watching them together had probably been the most entertaining part of your day but you hadn’t spent long at the celebration before the thoughts had set in. Right now, the group was distracted watching Diego and Luther bicker over... cake? Maybe, you weren’t entirely sure. You kept zoning out, thinking of all the things you needed to do after the party, like the dishes, and grading those assignments from last week, and and and. You kept willing yourself to be present and in the moment, but you kept getting distracted by how overwhelmed by life you felt. You startled as you felt someone touch your arm, and you turned to face Ben, who look a bit worried. “Hey are you okay?” He asked quietly as Klaus had now gotten involved in the bickering, siding with Diego.

“Just trying to tune out the children, you know how it is.” You joked. He nodded uncertainly, not quite believing you.

“Well, we’re having cake once I can pull the children apart from each other.” He said, and slipped away to indeed pull Diego and Klaus away from Luther and direct the group’s attention to the cake. As Luther made his way back over to your side, you shut your eyes and took a deep breath. Pull it together.

I bite my lip and twist my hair Scroll through my phone or sit and stare at nothing Trying to chase my train of thought

You sat in front of the sink, water running over your hands as you looked at the city in front of you. You were currently trying to plan out your day. Fuck, you had that meeting this evening that you forgot about. Okay, so grading those papers would have to wait until after, but you were supposed to be working at Griddy’s 9-2 tonight, which would mean you wouldn’t get home until almost 3, which would mean you were definitely not sleeping tonight. But maybe if you got to the office early- “(Y/N)!” Luther exclaimed and you startled.

“Are you okay?” Vanya asked, meeting your eyes. You turned back to the dish you were washing from dinner last night as Vanya, Diego, Allison, and Luther stood in the kitchen discussing their plans for the day.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just distracted.” You said as you pushed the sleeves of your blue sweater back up.

“We’ve just been trying to get your attention for like five minutes now.” Allison commented.

“Oh, sorry, I tend to zone out when I’m doing the dishes.” You shut off the water, wiping your hands on a nearby towel. “What’s up?” You asked as you wandered to front door, grabbing your jacket and shoes.

“We just wanted to know if you wanted to go with us to the movies tonight, but based on the way you’re trying to rush out here, I’m assuming not.” Allison said as the siblings watched you grab your stuff for the day. You sighed.

“Yeah, I’d love to, but I just don’t think I have the time.” You, coming up to Luther’s side. You stood on your tip toes to kiss Luther on the cheek. “Love you. Have a good day.” You called as you shut the door.

You didn’t hear Luther mumble out a “told you so”.

You were on your phone, scrolling through Instagram. You’d come to the Academy to see Klaus and Ben but they were nowhere to be found and wound up listening to Five’ tangent about... something but you weren’t entirely sure what. You friend had sent you a cute post on Instagram and you’d taken the notification as a welcome escape from Five’s rant, but now you couldn’t stop scrolling. The scrolling was welcome distraction from Five at first but now it was just to keep you distracted from thinking about all the more productive things you could be doing while you waited for Ben and Klaus. Why had you agreed to hang out with them again? Suddenly, a flash of blue appeared next to you and you jumped, dropping your phone, seeing Five peering over your shoulder. “Sorry, was just wondering what was so important.”

“Not everyone wants to be subject to your rants Five.” Allison commented as she walked into the kitchen.

“I haven’t even been talking for the last...” Five turned to look at the clock. “Twenty minutes.” You felt your cheeks go warm.

“Sorry.” You mumbled. “Just thinking. What were you saying?” Five waved you off, leaving the kitchen. Allison laughed at what you were hoping was a sheepish look on your face.

“What were you even thinking about?” Allison laughed as she put the groceries away. You sighed, leaning back in your chair.

“All the things I could be doing instead of waiting for Klaus and Ben.”

“They didn’t tell you? They went to lunch with Diego and Vanya.” You groaned.

“I’m going home.”

“Well, you don’t have to. We can go grab lunch, even bring Luther along.” You shook your head. “I’ve got so much shit to do so this is actually welcome.” You stood up. “Later Allison.” You called as you headed towards the door. You didn’t see the way Allison sighed and sat down, wondering what happened to her friend.

Tell everybody that I'm doing okay Make it look good and hope that one of these days It won't be a lie

It’s a rare Sunday afternoon with nothing to do. The semester had just ended, meaning the class you were teaching was finally over. Cases had been low and Rose had convinced you to let her have your shift, so you were free to enjoy your Sunday in peace. The Hargreeves were in your kitchen as you cooked dinner. The chatter was loud along with music and laughter but you were so lost in your own thoughts that you were oblivious to the conversation around you. “Why is my fried rice not cooking?” You whined, trying to figure out why the rice had been on the stove for almost twenty minutes now and was still completely frozen.

“Uhh, maybe because you have the wrong burner on?” Diego questioned, leaning on the counter next to you.

“What are you talking abo- oh!” You exclaimed realizing that Diego was right, you did have the wrong burner on. “Whoops.” You quickly fixed it, laughing in embarrassment.

“You’ve done that twice this week, (Y/N/N)” Luther called from across the kitchen, mouth full of food. You continued to laugh at yourself, embarrassed for your mistake.

“Are you okay?” Diego asked, coming up closer to you, as the kitchen laughed along.

“Yeah, I’m fine Diego, why?” You stated back, cheeks still burning as you stirred the now sizzling and definitely not frozen rice.

“It’s just that-”

“Man (Y/N), and you’re over here yelling at Klaus for almost burning down the kitchen.” Allison commented.

“Yeah, are you sure you don’t need me to cook the rice?” Ben asked, moving to get up from his place.

“No! No, I’m just stupid, okay?” You exclaimed, pointing the spoon at Ben. You went back to stirring the rice, and yelped as a frozen chunk split apart with the force of the spoon, resulting in some of it flying and landing on Five’s foot. “And a mess apparently.” You stated, dropping down to pick up the chunk of rice off the floor. You missed the look Luther and Diego exchanged as you popped back up, walking over to the trashcan to throw it away. The rice finally cooked and you poured it into the bowl along with the chicken you had made. You pulled out a fork, ready to finally eat when your phone rang. “What now?” You moaned, grabbing it out of your pocket. It was a friend from college and you answered, quickly remembering you had forgotten you were supposed to FaceTime him today. The two of you exchanged greetings and he was in the middle of telling you about his dog’s latest escapade when Klaus so kindly interrupted.

“Jeez, who told (Y/N) it was okay to just ignore her friends to talk on the phone right in front of us?” You sighed as Diego reached over, smacking Klaus upside the head. “What?” Klaus whined as you hopped off the counter.

“I can call you back later, (Y/N/N), if that works better for you.” Your friend said through the phone.

“No, we’ve been playing phone tag all week, this is fine. I need to ask you questions about grad school anyways.” You said as you put a bite of food in your mouth. A couple days before the semester ended, a professor at the community college had approached you, asking you if you had any interest in the grad school program at the University of Texas. You probably wouldn’t go or even apply but it was fun to entertain the dream from your undergrad of becoming a professor for a little while. You maneuvered through Luther and Vanya to head to the bedroom for a little bit more peace to talk to him.

“Hey, you’re eating!” He exclaimed. “You hardly have time to breathe, let alone eat these days.”

“Okay Mr. 13,000 projects, fuck off.” You said, as you entered your bedroom. He laughed. Even with the door shut, you didn’t miss Klaus’ next comment.

“So has anyone considered that maybe she just doesn’t like us anymore?”

It would take a few more weeks but the world would come collapsing down around you. Everything you had been internalizing for the last few months came pouring out in the worst way possible. You and Diego had gotten into a nasty fight, which had led to an even nastier fight between you and Luther and you were going on day 3 of radio silence from the Hargreeves. You had done it to yourself, you were well aware of it, but it didn’t hurt any less knowing that this was the end. In the midst of all this, you had gotten fired from your job at law firm, which was a whole issue in and of itself because your new boss was an absolute ass and hated you. The grad school route had also turned out to be a bust, leaving you with very little. You finally had enough and caved, calling your Dad the night before. He’d been very short with you, telling you that you were an adult and “needed to suck it up buttercup”. He’d been tough on you ever since you moved out here, always thinking you should’ve taken the law school offer literally anywhere else. But apparently, your sister had filled your Mom in, which is how you wound up getting a pleasant little phone call this morning, with your mother oh-so-kindly reminding you of just how not enough you were. After all, if you were enough, why would Luther leave?

You had held it together until you couldn’t anymore which is how you ended up sitting at your kitchen table crying at 6 in the morning because you had dropped your spoon. What were you supposed to do? Did you move out? Did you move out of town entirely? What about work? You had fucked everything up all because you were too scared to burden the people around you, which just drove them away in the end. That’s what your fight with Diego had been about, about how much you worked, and it quickly devolved into Diego accusing you of not trusting him and walking out. The fight with Luther had been the same, but worse, and he hadn't come back. You’d thought about reaching out to Ben or Allison but the fact that no one had reached out to you told you that they were done. This thought caused you to sob even harder until you felt the air escaping you. Oh God, you couldn’t do this right now. Not an anxiety attack. You hadn’t had one in almost a year, and even before then it was rare. But when they did appear, they were bad. You’d spend whole chunks of minutes choking for air and when you were finally able to bring yourself down, you’d spend the rest of the day in an exhausted stupor, the attack draining you of everything you had. Luther has been there for the last one and his presence had been so welcome, because for the first time you hadn’t had to endure one of these alone. The thought made you choke harder as you clutched at your chest trying to regain control of your breathing. You were so desperately trying to remember your coping mechanisms through the fuzziness that you missed the sound of the front door opening and the heavy footsteps that followed. “(Y/N/N)?” Okay, now you were losing it. You must be hearing things with the lack of oxygen going to your brain. You could only imagine hallucination-Luther struggling to figure out where to put his hands and what to say. The thought just caused you to sob harder because you missed him so much it hurt. “(Y/N), okay, okay, you’re going to be okay.” His voice was starting to become clearer, albeit frantic, and you were wondering if this wasn’t actually a hallucination but he was actually here. “Okay, I need you to take try and take a deep breath for me. Can you do that?” You tried to do as he said, tired to suck in air, but ended up just coughing halfway through. “Okay, sweetheart that's okay. Can I touch you?” You nodded frantically, clawing at your chest again as if that might get air through. Luther quickly grabbed that hand, pulling it away from your throat. He rubbed soft circles on the back of your hand and put the other on your knee. “Okay, I need you to take one good breath for me, okay?” You nodded and breathed in, only stuttering halfway through. “Okay, that’s good. Now can you tell me 1 thing you can taste?”

“Uh- uh, I can ta- taste my cereal.” You forced out. Luther continued rubbing small circles on your hand.

“Good, good. 2 things you can hear?”

“Yo- you and the di-dishwasher.”

“Okay, you’re doing so great babe. How about three things you can feel?” As your breathing started to return to normal, you remembered why Luther had left in the first place and the panic was starting to resume.

“Luth- Luther, I’m so so-”

“Hey, hey, we don’t need to talk about that right now. 3 things you can feel.” Luther said softly, but firmly.

“You, and- and, the chair, and my sweat- sweatshirt.” You said softly, sniffling. Luther quickly reached up to wipe some tears away with the hand that was on your knee, never once letting go of you. “Luther, seriously, I’m sorry.” You whispered, finally opening your eyes to look at him. He shook his head.

“We’re not talking about that right now. 4 things you can you smell?”

“Your cologne, the flowers, uhm-”

“That’s okay, take your time love.”

“Your cologne, the flowers, the coffee pot, and that stupid candle Klaus left over here.” You responded, laughing slightly at the end. Luther laughed along with you.

“Great, just one more. 5 things you can see?”

“You, the table, my feet, the couch, and the trashcan.” You stated, feeling back in control of your breathing.

“Great, you did great.” You and Luther continued to sit in silence, his eyes never once leaving you. You desperately avoided his eye contact, willing yourself not to cry at what was going to come next. He was probably just here to get his stuff and got bogged down in making sure you didn’t pass out. You reached up to wipe more tears away with the sleeve of your sweatshirt. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Luther asked, concerning filling his tone. You shrugged pathetically.

“We’re over, I get it. I just wish there was something I could do to convince you to stay.” You whispered as you felt a new wave of tears rise. You stared down at your hands, playing with Luther’s fingers between yours, trying to memorize the feeling. It’d probably be the last time you’d get to do this after all.

“Wha- (Y/N), we aren’t- what makes you think we’re over?”

“You left.”

“And I shouldn't have.” Luther said firmly. You gave a humorless laugh you looked over at the wall, feeling the tears burn your throat once again.

“No, I understand why you did.”

“Wha-”

“I mean, why stay with the girl who is so impossibly hard to be with? Why stay with the girl who’s a constant failure? Why stay with the girl who doesn’t want to burden her boyfriend so she gets three jobs just so she doesn’t have to hear her own thoughts? I’m not good enough Luther, I get that. I’ll never be good enough, I know that. And I-”

“Stop.” Luther said firmly. “Look at me.” He pleaded and you hesitated but he wouldn’t continue until you finally met his eyes. “You are not impossibly hard to be with. Dating you has been the most rewarding part of my life because no matter, life doesn’t feel so hard as long as I have you. You’re not a constant failure. You’ve been so good with my family, no matter the shit they threw at you, never once letting them down. You are not a burden. Diego has been out of his mind worried about you for months because he knew something wasn’t right and you weren’t sharing. I’ve been wanting nothing more than for you to let me in. You’ve always said that this is a partnership. The two of us are in this together. And you are more than enough. I only left because I thought you didn’t want me anymore. But I should’ve stayed and I’m sorry that I didn’t. I’m not going anywhere as long as you want me here. But you need to start letting me in.” You started crying again, collapsing into Luther’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please don’t leave again.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” He responded. “Are you going to finally tell me what’s been going on?”

“My mom always told me I’d never be good enough. I got diagnosed with high-functioning anxiety when I moved here, which probably had a lot to do with that. You guys came into my life and saw how well you guys managed and I just- I knew I’d never compare. And I didn’t want to bother any of you, so I just didn’t say anything, but then I got in over my head, and now we’re here.” You mumbled out.

“My family is one shit-show after another. We’re barely holding it together. And that’s okay. We’ve been through a lot, but so have you. You’re the strongest woman I know, which is saying something because Vanya’s my sister, but it’s okay to not be strong sometimes, okay?” You sniffled and nodded. He pulled you into his chest. “We’re gonna get through this, no matter what.”

#luther hargreeves #luther hargreeeves imagines #luther hargreeves fic #luther hargreeves imagine

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gryffindorcls · 4 years

Text

Meant To Be: Chapter 6 (AU)

IT’S DAY SIX OF LOVESQUARE FLUFF WEEK 2020!!!

(LOL. NO, IT MOST DEFINITELY IS NOT, BUT I MUST MAKE EACH POST LOOK THE SAME. WE CAN ALL JUST PRETEND THAT THIS ISN’T TWO WEEKS LATE. *nervous laughter*) Thank you @lovesquarefluffweek for organizing this event!

Welcome back! Today’s prompt is “AU”.

I PROMISE YOU ARE STILL READING THE SAME FIC. IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE IN THE END. I based the entire fic on this chapter. Also, this chapter is much longer than the other ones for...reasons.

I also collabed with @flashflashitsash! She made some STUNNING art for this chapter. You can find it here.

Enjoy!

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BEGINNING

<— Previous Next —->

AO3

FanFiction

Chapter 6: AU

“Rise and shine, Your Highness,” a loud grating voice called out, “It’s time to start your day!”

Adrien groaned, flipped onto his stomach, and smashed his pillow over his head. “Why do you sound so cheerful today, Plagg? You’re never happy this early in the morning.”

The older man drew the curtains with a flourish. “And why would I not be jumping for joy on a day where I get to attend a party and have access to a buffet?”

“So you’re telling me that you and the rest of the palace staff have the night off? I don’t know. The ball really seems like an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ kind of event.”

“No one has the night off, young prince. Not even you. Still, as Master of the Household, I am afforded certain opportunities.”

“Ahhh, so even though you don’t technically have the night off, somehow you’ve been given the chance to enjoy the party along with all the guests. I hope my father is aware of your plans.”

“Enjoy is a strong word. As per the king’s orders, someone has to keep you in line tonight; however, it’s not a crime to enjoy some expensive cheese while I’m at it.”

Adrien sat up. “I thought it was Nathalie’s job to keep me in line.”

“The Grand Duchess will have other matters to attend to tonight, so His Majesty enlisted me to keep a watchful eye on his son,” Plagg grumbled.

“I’m guessing those other matters include wooing my father?”

“And comments like that are precisely why he’s asked me to keep an eye on you. He wants me to make sure that you are the perfect gentleman at the ball.”

“I am aware of how my father wants me to conduct myself tonight. Pray tell, since when have I not followed his rules?”

“Ever since you met that girl in the market a few months ago.”

He felt a swell of emotion rise in his chest. “What can I say? Falling in love with my lady changed me.”

“And your clandestine meeting created more work for the rest of us. How I long for the days where you would stay on the palace grounds and attend to your duties,” the servant said with a heavy sigh.

“You say that as if you don’t enjoy breaking the rules, as well. What happened to the man who helped me escape last week?”

“Today, that man is old, tired, and hungry.”

“You never cease to amaze me, Plagg. How can you be both chaotic and lazy at the same time? Teach me your ways.”

“Oh, trust me, you don’t need any lessons in rule-breaking. You’re doing fine all on your own.”

“Only because I learned from the best.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Your Highness.”

Adrien did his best to hold back a smile. “While that may be true, your old cloak gets me everywhere I need to go.”

“For the love of all that is good in this world, please refrain from disappearing tonight.” Plagg pinched the bridge of his nose. “I would like to enjoy my evening at the ball without actually worrying about you.”

“I only disappear when it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Necessary to see your lady friend?”

“Precisely! And she’s coming tonight, so I have no need to leave the palace. You will be able to enjoy your disgusting cheese in peace.”

The door flew open and thudded against the wall. “Good morning, Your Highness! Isn’t it a wonderful day.”

“Not while you’re around,” Plagg mumbled under his breath.

Adrien glared at the older man. “Would you stop that? Even though he’s being strangely formal with his greeting this morning, Nino is like a brother to me.”

“Trust me, young sire, my aching bones are fully aware of that fact. I know that he’s your partner in crime.”

Nino shot Adrien a worried look. “He knows? What did you tell him?”

“Where do you think I got the cloak?” Adrien shrugged.

“You’re telling me that you got the idea for Chat Noir from him?”

Plagg scoffed. “Excuse me, but long ago and far away, I was Chat Noir. This fledgling over here is my successor.”

Nino smiled, tipped his hat, and bowed. “Good show, sir. May I just say that the cat ears on the cloak are a nice touch.”

“My darling Tikki came up with that idea. She even sewed them on for me. It helped us through the dark times we experienced under the former king’s rule.”

“Are you telling us that life is better with King Gabriel seated on the throne? Goodness, you have some low standards, old man,” Nino chuckled.

“You know I could have you beheaded for talking that way about the king.” Adrien threw his legs over the side of the bed.

“You could, but then you’d lose the greatest Captain of the Guard this kingdom has ever seen.”

“I’m sure we could find some eager, young recruit who would be up to the task.”

“But he wouldn’t be your best friend.”

Adrien stood up. “You’ve got me there.”

“All jokes aside, are you ready for tonight?” Nino asked with a grin.

“Surely you jest?” Plagg laughed, “He won’t stop talking about his ‘foolproof’ plan. That’s why he’s so tired this morning. He was up all night making sure everything was...oh, how did he put it? Purr-fect.”

“Wow,” Nino shook his head, “You’re really taking on that Chat Noir persona with gusto, aren’t you?”

He shook his head. “That’s just it, my friend. I think Chat Noir is who I’ve always been. When I put on the mask and cloak, I feel like I can finally be myself. I’m no longer Prince Adrien. I’m just...well, I’m just Adrien.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that you are a prince.”

“Yes, but for a moment, I’m free to live my life as if I’m not. People treat me differently. They see past the jewels and title.”

“It’s not like anyone would know that you’re the prince anyway. You haven’t been paraded around in public since your mother died, and that was years ago. No one would recognize you.”

“Still, one can never be too careful.”

“With your dad around, I can’t argue with that.”

“Yes, especially with how unreasonable he’s been as of late.”

“He’s always unreasonable, but I agree. I can’t believe he reacted like that when you told him about the girl you met.”

“Well, I did meet her when I snuck out, and I know that he isn’t pleased about that. Unfortunately, I also know that he’s doing everything in his power to keep me from the love of my life. He wants me to marry a princess, but why can’t he see that my lady is royalty in my eyes. She would make an excellent queen one day.”

“Is that why he turned this event into a masquerade at the last minute?”

“Yes, and even though everyone will be wearing masks tonight, I will recognize my lady. Our love will help us find each other,” Adrien declared confidently.

“That and the dress you secretly commissioned Tikki to make for your lady friend,” Plagg noted.

Nino released a heavy sigh. “That was you? You’re the reason I haven’t seen Alya in a week? She and Tikki have been working on that gown day and night. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because the fewer people who knew the better.” Adrien hung his head. “You’ve been an amazing friend. You kept my escapades as Chat Noir a secret, and I didn’t want my crazy plan to outsmart my father to further jeopardize your position as Captain of the Guard.”

“You know I’d do anything for you. I consider you a part of my family.”

“I know, but contrary to popular belief, I’d like to actually keep you around.”

“I guess that’s good to hear. Thank you, brother.”

“Speaking of the wonderful Alya, I hope that she’s excited for tonight.”

“Honestly, she was surprised that she even got an invitation. Alya told me that while she was living in King André and Queen Audrey’s kingdom, they would have fabulous parties in which they never invited the ‘common folk’.”

“Alya is anything but common.”

Nino clapped his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I think I’m going to ask for her hand in marriage tonight.”

“Truly?” Adrien embraced his friend. “Congratulations. You are a lucky man.”

Plagg cleared his throat. “May I remind you that breakfast starts in fifteen minutes? I doubt you want your father in a foul mood today.”

“My father never eats breakfast with me. He’ll never know if I’m late.”

“He’s already in the dining hall counting down the minutes until your arrival.”

“WHAT?”

Adrien ran to his closet and threw open the door. He tossed on a pair of tight black pants, a billowing white shirt, and a green vest with gold embroidery.

“Do I look presentable?” he asked while pulling on his black riding boots.

“How you are able to look like that minutes after waking up I’ll never know,” Nino chuckled.

“I will take that as a ‘yes’.”

Plagg pulled out a pocket watch. “Now, you have three minutes to get downstairs.”

After taking a glance at himself in the mirror on his wall, Adrien ran out of his bedroom and bounded down the stairs. He took a moment to slow his breathing and adjust his vest before quietly walking into the dining hall and taking a seat.

“You’re late,” King Gabriel said without looking up from the papers in his hands.

“I’m sorry, father.” Adrien carefully placed his napkin in his lap. “It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t. You’ve been late for a lot of things recently. Is there anything you wish to tell me? You’re still not sneaking out to see that girl, are you?”

“No, sir.”

“I see. Well, I hope that you are prepared for this evening’s festivities.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Tonight’s event is very important for the future of our kingdom.”

“I am aware.”

“Also, I hope you are ready to announce who your future bride will be by the end of the night.”

Adrien choked on air. “Excuse me?”

King Gabriel put down the papers. “This ball is meant for you to choose a wife. I’ve invited plenty of royal families from neighboring kingdoms. Surely you’ll have no problem choosing someone suitable to rule by your side.”

“But father, we’ve never discussed anything like this. I thought tonight was merely a pre-coronation celebration.”

“It is, and at your coronation next week, you will have your future queen by your side.”

“Is this really necessary?”

“Yes, Adrien.” The king leaned forward. “Come this time next week, you will have been declared the crown prince of this kingdom. Our citizens need to know that the royal line of succession remains intact. Having a fiancée will ensure the people that you will have an heir one day.”

“But why only one night to choose?” Adrien did his best to stay composed. “This is not one of our traditions. Mother was not by your side at your coronation.”

“We live in a different world now. Things are not as they were when I was your age.”

“That’s because grandfather was still king.”

“You will not speak of that man in my presence!”

“And why not?”

Gabriel paused and took a deep breath before returning his attention to his son. “Why the sudden hesitation to marry? You seemed all too eager when you told me about the commoner you met in the market.”

Anger continued to boil in Adrien’s gut. “Is that what all of this is about? I know that’s why you turned this into a masquerade, but would you really rather see me miserable than to love someone beneath our status?”

“I would rather see you in a strong political alliance than throw away your greatest bargaining chip for a frivolous romance with some girl.”

“So, my heart is a bargaining chip?”

“No, your hand in marriage is.”

“I love her, father.”

“You don’t even know her name.”

“It never came up, and I plan on learning it tonight.”

“Love and politics do not go hand in hand.”

“Then why were you allowed to love my mother? Or was all of that a lie?”

Both he and his father locked eyes as a tense silence fell between them. After several uncomfortable minutes, a quiet cough caused Adrien to break his stare.

Nathalie sauntered across the room and took her place next to the king. “Pardon my intrusion, sire.”

His father’s lips curled into a disconcerting smile. “Ahh, good morning, Grand Duchess. I trust the preparations for tonight are nearly complete.”

“Indeed they are, Your Majesty; however, I came here to remind Adrien that he has his final suit fitting in ten minutes.”

“Just as well.” Gabriel redirected his attention to his son. “It would be impolite for you to be late for your appointment with the seamstress. It is not proper to make life unreasonably difficult for our staff.”

“You’re one to talk,” Adrien mumbled under his breath.

The king slammed his hand against the table. “I beg your pardon?”

Not wanting to apologize for his insubordination, Adrien turned his head and looked at the entranceway to the dining hall. Plagg stood silently in the threshold with Nino by his side. Seeing his support system reminded him of all that he had experienced as Chat Noir over the past several months.

He’d found freedom.

He’d found love.

He’d found a life.

And now his father was threatening to take all of it away. Adrien knew that he had to do everything in his power to find the right girl at the ball, and at that moment, he realized that his lady needed to be able to find him, as well.

A wave of confidence washed away the anger. “I don’t want to wear the white suit tonight. I want to wear black.”

“What did I say about making things difficult for the servants?” Gabriel seethed.

“I have a black suit.”

“Black is for funerals, Adrien. This is meant to be a joyous occasion.”

“Is it? I had no idea.”

“Excuse me?”

“May I interject, Your Majesty,” Plagg said, stepping into the room.

Gabriel looked at the servant. “Yes, please come in. Anything to help my son see reason.”

“Actually, I was going to suggest a compromise.”

“Oh, how very diplomatic, Plagg. My son could learn a thing or two from you.”

“Thank you, my lord. I noticed that tensions were running high, and I know that several royal families are staying here at the palace. I thought it might be important for our guests to see us looking calm and collected. Also, getting ourselves worked up now will do us no favors for our moods come this evening.”

“As per usual, you’re absolutely right. We shouldn’t let our emotions get the best of us. Let’s hear your suggestion.”

“What if the prince wore his blue suit? He looked rather becoming in it at your birthday dinner last month.”

“If I recall things correctly, that suit had a tear on the sleeve.”

“Yes, Your Highness, but our seamstress could mend it in a matter of minutes.”

Gabriel tapped his chin. “Very well. Have one of the maids fetch my son’s blue suit and bring it to Tikki.”

“I shall bring it to her myself.” Plagg bowed and exited the room.

The king turned towards Adrien. “As for you, I expect your best behavior tonight. There will be serious consequences if I find that you are rude to our guests.”

Every muscle in his body felt tense. “I would never be rude to our guests. They have done nothing wrong. However, don’t expect me to fall in love with anyone new tonight.”

“Let’s just see what happens at the ball.”

“Yes, let’s.”

“You may take your leave now, Adrien. You don’t want to keep Tikki waiting.” Gabriel dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

“I will see you at the ball, father.” Adrien stood, bowed, and exited the room.

When he turned the corner and began walking down the long corridor towards Tikki’s chambers, Nino grabbed him by the arm, stopping him in his tracks.

“What was that?” his friend hissed through gritted teeth, “I’ve never seen you talk to your father that way? I’m all for thwarting his evil plans behind his back, but do you really think that was wise? This isn’t like you.”

Adrien pulled his arm out of Nino’s grip and continued walking towards his destination. “I’m tired of not being heard.”

“You will have plenty of time to be heard when you are king.”

“Yes, but forcing me to choose a bride tonight is his way of making sure that he’s able to maintain some control even when I am the king. He’s setting up political alliances, and if my father gets his way, I’ll always be his puppet. This morning proved to me that I’m merely a pawn in whatever sick game he’s been playing behind the scenes, and I’ll have no more of it.”

“Are you insinuating that your father is actually up to something nefarious? I was kidding about the whole ‘evil plan’ thing before.”

“Honestly, I’ve had my suspicions for a while, but this confirms it for me. He obviously doesn’t care about my happiness, so I don’t care what his plans are. He had my mother; therefore, I am well within my rights to marry for love. I will find my lady tonight, and if she’ll have me, I will ask her to be my bride.”

“Then it’s a good thing that dress is almost complete,” Plagg chuckled as Adrien entered Tikki’s room.

Relief washed over him. “It is?”

“Indeed, Your Highness,” Tikki replied cheerfully, “I just have to finish sewing on the beading. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, please.”

“Come with me.”

The seamstress motioned for Adrien to follow, and he happily obliged. She led him into a large storage space filled with dozens of dress forms, but a floor-length ball gown made of shiny red satin immediately caught his eye. Intricate beading glittered in the closet’s dim light and covered the dress’s bodice with swirling patterns. The sleeves draped delicately off the mannequin’s shoulders and met in the middle to create a sweetheart neckline.

“Tikki.” Adrien ran his fingers along the smooth fabric on the skirt. “You and Alya did an amazing job. My lady will love the dress.”

The older woman smiled. ‘I’m happy you like it, Your Highness.”

“I love it.”

“Did you tell your lady friend what to say to my apprentice when she goes to retrieve it from the shop?”

“Yes, I spoke with her last night. She knows to tell Alya that the dress is from Chat Noir. I also gave her the pink rose and told her to use it as payment.”

“And I will make sure that her invitation is with the dress when she comes to pick it up.”

“Excellent.”

“Everything's in order. You have nothing to worry about, Your Highness. Now, shoo! I must finish this dress and have it sent into town!”

“Thank you, Tikki!”Adrien laughed, backed out of the storage closet, and bumped into Nino.

“Hey!” Nino exclaimed, rubbing his arm.

“Sorry. I was too busy trying to memorize how that dress looked.”

“I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Thank you.”

“So, was it all you hoped it would be?”

“It’s a stunning gown, and I’ll have no trouble recognizing my lady...as long as she’s the one wearing it. What if this doesn’t work? What if something goes wrong? Now that my father wants me to choose a bride tonight, there’s so much more at stake.”

Nino put his hands on Adrien’s shoulders. “Breathe, my friend. That dress is only meant to be one way for you to recognize your lady. Surely there are other things that you can use to confirm her identity.”

“You’re right.” Adrien nodded. “I would know my lady anywhere. I have a whole list of things that I can use to make sure that I’m dancing with the right girl tonight.”

“Well, it’s time for your fencing lesson. You can tell me all about your list on the way there.”

Adrien felt some of his nervousness melt away. “Excellent! First, let me tell you about her eyes.”

“Something tells me that it’s going to be a long day,” Nino groaned.

“Oh, just wait until I tell you about the song I heard in a dream! When I sang it for her, she kissed me!”

“How many more things are on your list, Adrien?”

“I’m just getting started, Nino, and I’ve got all day until the ball begins!”

Over the next few hours, Adrien went to his fencing lesson, talked with his best friend, gave the musicians the sheet music for the song he’d sung for his lady, attended to an array of princely duties, and got ready for the ball. Once he was dressed in his navy blue suit, he fastened his mask to his face with a ribbon and placed a silver crown on his head. He then made his way to the ballroom.

Once inside, Adrien kept his eyes glued on the door. He was vaguely aware of the crowds of people and lively music that swirled around him, but the only thing he could hear was the sound of his heart pounding against his eardrums. His anxiousness grew with each passing thump.

“Are you okay, brother?” Nino asked, tapping him on the shoulder, “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

He wiped his hands against his pants. “No, I’m not okay. She’s not here yet. I fear something may have happened to her.”

“Well, Alya took the dress to Tikki’s shop a few hours ago, and your lady friend is probably still getting ready.”

“What if my lady forgot what to say to Alya? What if Alya doesn’t believe that my lady is the one who was meant to wear the dress? What if…”

Nino cut him off, “I’m sure everything will work out. If something happened with the dress, you have plenty of other ways to make sure that you pick the right girl. Remember?”

Adrien nodded. “Yes, my lady is much more than the dress she’ll put on tonight. I will be able to recognize her.”

“Exactly! You have the song that you heard in the dream.”

“And there’s the color of her eyes and her love of pink.”

“By the end of tonight, you will know your lady’s name, and she will be your future bride.”

“Only if she says yes.”

“If she’s anything like she is in the stories you’ve told me, you don’t have anything to worry about. It sounds like she’s pretty enamored with you, as well,” Nino laughed.

“I hope so.” Adrien took a deep breath. “Otherwise this is going to be an awkward night.”

The doors at the top of the stairs swung open, and Adrien’s knees went weak when he saw a guest who was wearing his commissioned dress appear on the balcony. Time stood still as the raven-haired woman floated down the stairs and across the room. He thought he was going to pass out when she finally stopped in front of him.

The woman curtsied. “Good evening, Your Highness.”

His gaze remained transfixed on the woman. “Good evening, my…”

Everything inside of Adrien stopped when their eyes met. Behind the red and gold mask that covered the top half of her face, he was met with two shining, brown irises, not the bright ocean blue he’d been expecting,

“Are you alright?” she asked with worry lacing her voice, “Do you feel unwell?”

He shook his head and fought back tears that had begun to pool in his eyes. “My most sincere apologies, miss. I mistook you for someone else.”

“Well, I’m afraid you and I have never met. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Princess Kagami Tsurugi.”

“Ahhhh, yes. I remember my father mentioning that you and your mother were coming to stay with us. I apologize for not coming to see you when you arrived. Are you enjoying your visit to our kingdom?”

“I am! I even met someone who is supposed to be working here tonight. I fear that I may have promised to spend the evening with him, and I didn’t really plan on dancing with you. I hope you’re not upset. I know my mother is. She likes it when I follow the rules and spending the night with a commoner definitely goes against her rules.”

“I completely understand. My father isn’t too happy with me right now either.” Adrien took both of Kagami’s hands in his own and chuckled. “Trust me when I say that I’m not offended, princess. As long as we’re both being honest, I wasn’t really planning on dancing with you either. I’m still waiting for someone to arrive.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, a girl.”

“Is she also a commoner?”

“Yes.”

“And that is why your father is angry.”

“He doesn’t want me to marry beneath my status.”

“Then we live very similar lives.”

“It appears that way.” Adrien paused before continuing. “Also, I don’t know how or why, but you’re wearing her dress.”

“I am? Is that why you thought I was someone else?” Kagami cocked her head to the side. “Did you think I was her?”

“I did. May I inquire as to how you obtained the gown?”

“The Grand Duchess brought it to my room this afternoon.”

“Nathalie?”

“I believe that was her name, yes.”

Adrien turned to Nino. “Now do you see what I mean about my father? He has to be up to something.”

“Is it bad for me to say that I’m not surprised?” Nino asked, shaking his head.

“Not at all. I’ve come to expect this kind of nonsense from him over the past few months.”

“Well, brother, tonight is not the night to be thinking about your father. Right now, we need to focus on finding your lady.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kagami looked between both boys.

Adrien sighed. “I’m not sure. Right now my lady is without a dress and an invitation. There’s no way for her to get into the palace, and I have no idea where she is right now.”

Nino rubbed his chin. “We could always check her house.”

“I can’t just leave.” Adrien pointed to the balcony overlooking the dancefloor. “My father is quite literally watching my every move, and I don’t want Plagg to get in trouble. Remember, he’s supposed to be ‘watching’ me.”

“Then, let’s just wait for Alya. I’m sure she could help us come up with something.”

“Are you two talking about me behind my back?” Alya laughed, entering the conversation.

“Perfect timing, as always, my love,” Nino leaned over and kissed Alya on the cheek.

“Yeah, yeah. Enough sweet talk. I have to tell you two about the night I had.” She turned to look at Kagami. “Or should I say three of you?”

Adrien scratched the back of his head. “We’re having an interesting night, as well.”

“Considering that’s the red dress that made me age ten years in two hours, I’m guessing that you know part of what I’m about to tell you.”

“We don’t know much. Princess Kagami just told us that Nathalie brought the dress to her room this afternoon.”

“Wait,” Alya turned to the woman in the dress, “you’re Kagami? My best friend told me all about you.”

“Oh, you must be Alya.” Kagami clasped her hands in front of her. “She told me all about you, as well. I was hoping to meet you here tonight.”

“She told me that she introduced you to Luka.”

“Yes, I did get the chance to meet him.”

“I also heard that you two kissed by the fountain last night.”

Kagami smirked. “A princess never kisses and tells.”

Alya chuckled. “I can see why she likes you. I’m sure she’d be happy to know that you’re the one who accidentally received her dress.”

“Hold on.” Adrien held up his hand. “Are you telling me that your best friend is the person who was supposed to get this dress? You know my lady?”

“Your lady? There’s only one person who calls her that. Wait...you’re Chat Noir?” Alya pointed an accusatory finger in his direction. “You’re the masked gentleman who’s visited my best friend almost every single night for the past three months?”

“Guilty as charged.”

“So, that means that you’re the one who commissioned the dress?”

“Yes, and I’m desperate to know what happened.”

Alya nodded. “Of course. Umm...let’s see, Tikki sent me into town with the dress once it was completed. I waited for about an hour, and the Grand Duchess told me that the dress was from Chat Noir, and she gave me a pink rose as payment. Tikki told me that the person who did those two things was the rightful owner of the dress, so I gave it to her.”

“And what about my lady?”

“You keep calling her ‘your lady’. Do you not know her name?”

“If we’re being fair, she doesn’t know mine, and I plan on asking her what it is once I find her. Right now you’re the only one who can help us.”

“Point taken. Well, when she came into the shop, she also said the right words and tried to give me the rose, and that’s when I knew that there had been a terrible mistake. I was about to give her my dress and invitation when Tikki arrived and saved the day. All the dresses in the shop had been cleared out, so I don’t know where Tikki found the one that she gave her.”

Adrien breathed a sigh of relief. “So, she did get a dress?”

“Yes,” Alya replied with a reassuring smile, “And Tikki gave her an invitation.”

“Do you know where she is now?”

The doors once again swung open, revealing another raven-haired woman; however, unlike Kagami, this guest wore a pale pink ball gown with a skirt that billowed behind her. Her arms hugged the form-fitting bodice of her dress as she scanned the room from behind a matching mask. When her eyes locked with Adrien’s, she offered him a tiny wave and beamed. He returned the gesture, and she gracefully descended the stairs. All the air left his lungs when she began to walk towards him.

“It’s her,” he whispered.

Alya placed a hand on his shoulder. “It is, and it’s time for the three of us to leave you two alone.”

“I’ll go ask Luka to play the song we gave him earlier today.” Nino then turned to Kagami. “Come, Your Highness. I will show you where the musicians are.”

“That would be greatly appreciated,” Kagami said with a smile, “Good luck, Prince Adrien.”

“Mmmhmm,” he said absentmindedly, “Thanks."

Even as the trio walked away, his eyes remained glued to the woman who was slowly making her way across the room. He desperately wanted to run through the crowd, sweep her off her feet, and hold her close, but he knew that his father was still watching; therefore, he made the difficult decision to hold his position.

She quickened her pace the last few feet, crashed into him, and pulled him into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy to see you, Chaton. You’ll never believe the night I’ve had.”

Adrien wrapped his arms around her and felt fully at peace for the first time that night. “Good evening, my lady. Words cannot describe how overjoyed I am that you are finally here.”

“I apologize for not wearing the dress you got me, but there was a little mix-up at the shop.”

“I heard, and I don’t care. All that matters is that you are here and that you are safe.”

“But how did you know that it was me?”

“I could see your beautiful blue eyes from across the room.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and considering the number of times I’ve gotten lost in your eyes, I would recognize them anywhere.”

“Stop! You’re going to make me blush. How do you always manage to say the most wonderful things?”

“My words come straight from the heart when I’m with you.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you bring out the best in me.”

Her cheeks grew red as she pulled away from the embrace and tapped him on the nose. “Alright, kitty-cat, am I supposed to listen to your sweet talk all night, or are we going to dance?”

He took one of her hands, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. “I am ready to do whatever the lady wishes.”

Adrien’s gesture sent her into a fit of giggles that came to an abrupt halt. “Is that a crown?”

“This is it,” his mind reassured him, “Now’s your chance to tell her who you really are.”

“Yes,” he stated with as much confidence as he could muster.

“Oh.” She visibly swallowed. “Is it part of your masquerade costume or are you wearing it for another reason?”

“I wear it every day. My father would be very upset if I took it off. He’s been watching me all night, so he would know if I did.”

“Your father?”

Adrien pointed to the lofted space where his father and several other dignitaries sat with stone-faced expressions. When she turned her head to look, Adrien watched her hands clench the fabric on her skirt.

“My lady?” he asked tentatively, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m f-fine,” she squeaked, “Is your father the one sitting on the throne?”

“Yes.”

She spun around and faced him. “You’re Prince Adrien?”

His heart sank at the sight of tears shining in her eyes. “I am.”

“Your Highness,” she said quickly, curtsying low, “I am not worthy to stand in your presence. I apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait!” He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, “Are you leaving because my title makes you nervous, or are you leaving because you don’t want to be with me anymore?”

“I want to be with you more than anything. My heart aches when you leave me each night.”

“Then stay. Please.”

“I’m not royalty.”

“You could be.”

“I’m just a baker’s daughter. I’m not special.”

Adrien leaned in. “Yes, you are. You’re purr-fect.”

She laughed and wiped a stray tear with the back of her hand. “You really are my Chaton, aren’t you?”

“I am. This is why I didn’t tell you that I was the prince. I wanted you to get to know me without all of the distractions that come with the crown. Can you forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

“You’re not angry?”

“No,” she shook her head, “I understand. Your instincts were right. I probably would have run away from you if I had known the truth.”

He took her hands. “Are you going to run away now?”

“Now why would I go and do something like that? You still haven’t given me that dance you promised.”

“Is that so?”

The song being played by the musicians faded away, and the lilting sound of a familiar melody began to resonate throughout the ballroom. Adrien took his lady’s hands and gave them a gentle squeeze.

“Is that what I think it is?” Her voice was laced with disbelief.

Adrien nodded. “It is.”

“I thought you said that you heard that song in a dream.”

“I did, and it plays in my head every time I think of you. It was driving me insane, and I finally had to write it down after a few days. I gave the sheet music to Luka, and Nino just asked him to play it.”

“Does this mean that I finally get to dance with you?”

“Yes, my lady.”

He pulled her close and placed one of his hands on her waist. She rested her free hand on his shoulder, and they began to glide across the floor. For a moment, everything else in the room melted away, and the only thing left was the incredible woman in his arms.

All too soon, the song ended and the rest of the world came crashing back into focus. He became painfully aware of his father’s overbearing glare, and his brain desperately searched for a way to be alone with his lady.

“It’s getting kind of warm in here,” Adrien mumbled, tugging at his collar.

“Perhaps we could go outside?” she shrugged.

“That’s a wonderful idea. I can show you the palace gardens.” He held out his arm for her to take.

She smiled and linked her arm with his, and he quickly escorted her out of the ballroom, down the hall, and through a set of doors that led to the gardens. They walked in a comfortable silence until they reached a quiet corner that was hidden by a willow tree in full bloom. Within the tiny space, there was a white gazebo and dozens of rose bushes.

“They’re all pink.” She reached out and touched the petals of a rose in full bloom.

Adrien felt a pang of sadness shoot through his heart. “This was my mother’s favorite spot. She planted all of the bushes here. When I was younger, we’d sit inside the gazebo, and she’d read me all kinds of stories.”

“That’s a beautiful memory. Thank you for showing me this place.”

“She would have loved you. Probably almost as much as I do.”

He heard her breath catch. “What did you say?”

“I think I may have just told you that I love you,” he chuckled.

“You’ve never said that to me before.”

“I mean it, my lady. I love you with all that I am.”

“But you’re the prince, and I’m just a commoner.”

“That doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

“What does that mean for us then?”

“It means that I want us to be together.”

“Your father wouldn’t approve.”

“I don’t care what my father thinks. He’s not going to be king forever.”

“Okay.” She walked into the gazebo and sat down on a bench. “Let’s say we do begin courting. Then what would happen? It’s not like we could have a normal relationship.”

Adrien took a seat next to her. “My lady, our relationship thus far has been anything but normal.”

“True, but still! How would this even work?”

“Well, by the end of the ball, I am expected to choose a bride. If you’ll have me, when we go back inside, I will declare you as my future wife. Then you will stand by my side at my coronation next week, and in a year’s time we’ll be wed.”

“You want me to marry you?”

“More than anything in this world. You’re already a princess in my eyes, why not make it official?”

“A princess?”

“Yes, the wife of the crown prince becomes a princess. Then, when I become king, you would become my queen.”

“Queen?”

“My lady, you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. Even in the face of great hardship, you manage to stay positive and selfless. You have the kindest heart and the quickest mind. This kingdom would be lucky to have you as it’s queen. You make my life better and brighter, and I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you.”

She smiled and choked back a sob. “I love you, too.”

“Are those happy tears?” Using his thumb, Adrien wiped the wetness off of one of her cheeks.

“Yes.” She nodded into his hand. “They’re very happy tears. I love you, too.”

He laughed, took her hands, and got down on one knee. “In that case, my beautiful lady, will you marry me?”

“Yes.” She pulled him to his feet and threw her arms around him. “A thousand times, yes!”

Adrien picked her up and spun her around, causing her to giggle. When he placed her back onto the ground, he kept her in his arms and rested his forehead against hers.

Without letting go, he pulled away. “There’s just one thing that you need to do before I can go back inside and tell my father that I made my decision.”

“Oh,” she said, looking up, “and what might that be?”

“I need you to tell your name.”

“My goodness, I never told you what it was, did I?”

“No, you didn’t. You didn’t want to tell me what it was during our first meeting, and I didn’t want to upset you by asking again.”

“You should have said something! I feel so silly now.”

“Don’t, my lady. We had an interesting start to our relationship. We both chose not to disclose our names, so it makes sense why you would choose to keep something like that to yourself.”

“I just got so used to hearing you call me ‘your lady’, that I forgot to tell you.”

She let go of his hands, took a step back, untied the ribbon holding her mask in place, and smiled. “My name is Marinette.”

Joy flooded his body and his mind began to spin. Her name sounded like the sweetest symphony. Adrien felt himself falling in love with her all over again. Everything made sense. His lady was Marinette, and all was right with the world.

Then, everything faded to black.

***

Adrien’s eyes flicked open. His heart was racing and he gasped for air. His mind scrambled to hold onto the memory of the dream that was slowly fading away.

“My lady is Marinette,” he whispered.

Plagg groaned. “Kid, why are you awake? It is three o’clock in the morning, and I thought I told you not to wake me up.”

“Ladybug is Marinette.”

“Finally.”

“Marinette is Ladybug.”

“Yes, we’ve already established that.”

“I’m not in love with two people.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to be up for the rest of the night talking about this.”

“How can I sleep at a time like this?”

“Just close your eyes or something,” Plagg grumbled, “You can finish having your existential crisis in the morning.”

He turned away from his Kwami and let his mind race. “She was right next to me the entire time.”

Adrien grabbed his phone, tapped the screen, and pulled up a new browser. He only had eighteen hours to figure out how to tell Ladybug that he knew who she was. And right now, all he could do was hope that she wanted to know his identity, as well.

And he could also buy flowers. Lots and lots of flowers.

#marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #lovesquarefluffweek2020 #AU #fantasy au #miraculous ladybug #fluff #tooth rotting fluff #this chapter is actually the launching pad for something bigger #fanfiction #ao3 #my fic #collab #fandom family #meant to be #chapter 6

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afangirlwashere · 6 years

Text

The girl that saved him at the raiders’ camp (Louis x reader multiple choices fanfic)

(gif is not mine ofc credit to the creator)

This does not work for the tumblr app!!! If you make a decision it will not send you to it! If you’re on your phone please read this in an internet app or save it for later and come back to it when you’re on a computer!

A/N: Please read this note first!!! So… My stupid ass thought it would be a good idea to do this. This all started with a guilty pleasure writing that was supposed to be only seen by me (that’s why some dialogue might seem a little off). But then I thought “Well.. I’m gonna post this after I finish it just for some starved Louis fans.” (i love Violet too pls don’t eat me alive, no tea here) BUT THEN! Ya girl got an idea to make this an INTERACTIVE FIC. And let me tell you… This was a NIGHTMARE to make work. But I managed! Hopefully… If anything is off or doesn’t work please message me and I’ll see what I can do. I hope I caught all the mistakes.. Uff.. Every choice you make along the way has either a minor change in the outcome or a BIG change in the outcome. It might be just details (for the minor changes) but if you pay attention and remember your decisions you’ll notice! I did this instead of studying… So please reblog it, comment or like it if you did like it! You’ll make me feel like my bad grade from the upcoming test is worth it… kill me If I’ll ever do this again I’ll definitely make it a bit easier for myself.. As always my requests are open! The list of characters I write for is on my blog! Have fun with this! I’ll go die in a hole because this was stressful and tiring and it took the whole day god I fucking hope this will work the way it’s supposed to because I’m gonna cry myself to sleep tonight if it wont

Warning: spoilers for The final season episode 1&2!!! angsty and fluffy (depends on your decisions)

„I mean… It was pretty cool.“ Louis shrugs.

„Pretty cool?“ AJ stares at him „She was amazing! So badass! Like when she threw the dagger? And the way she whoosh and whaash and bang bang! Right in their heads!“ for the first time in a looong time, he looked excited.

After Clementine died in the saving expedition a lot of people were afraid AJ could go crazy and shoot all of them.

They took his gun away and tried to be as kind to him as possible.

Clem did a lot for the group. She got rid of their biggest problem which were the raiders.

Another problem will come again for sure this is not their last encounter with enemies.

They knew that.

But it was nice to feel like they’re safe.

For now.

Louis was the one who took care of AJ. Clem wanted it that way.

She saw how much AJ looked up to him. He was kind of a big brother figure that he never really had.

AJ did the things Louis did and said the things he did. Louis even started teaching him the piano.

It was a nice distraction for the little kid now that the person who’s been in his life the whole time is gone forever.

Louis was just talking to (Y/N).

The girl that saved him at the raiders’ camp.

She was a friend of James – the guy that saved Clementine and AJ when they ran into Lilly for the first time in the forest.

When Louis first saw her she had that same hideous walker mask on.

Her personality overflew and Louis couldn’t help but like her even with that disgusting mask on.

He could see her (Y/E/C) big eyes that shined with excitement, adrenalin, and life. She reminded him of himself.

She made the same jokes as he did – they basically had the same sense of humor.

After she took the mask off it was a whole another level of excitement.

He promised himself that If I get out of this, I am making all the moves!

Her plan if anyone catches them sneaking around… Let’s just say Louis would have been much happier if she went for the real thing then just putting her hand on his mouth and pretending to be kissing him.

Before AJ came in they were talking about (Y/N)’s training and skills and that she could maybe start training the others with things like throwing knives or some of the sweet sweet moves she had in the hand on hand combat.

“Looks like you have a fan.” Louis smirks at AJ who watches them both with adoration.

It’s no secret he adored Louis since day one, (Y/N)’s skills and the fact that she’s very similar with her personality to Louis.

“Hey little dude,” Louis kneels down to AJ, “could you give us a minute?” he winks at him hoping the kido will get his hint.

Seems like it worked since he smiled a little too wickedly and scattered away.

(Y/N) watched him with a little smile across her lips. She genuinely liked the little fella.

Plus she shared a room with him.

There are more rooms but no beds in them since the kids used all the unneeded ones to make weapons or barricades.

And they agreed that it would be good if someone was with AJ in his room.

(Y/N) was a little scared that he could flip out and not let her sleep in the bed because That’s Clem’s bed! but surprisingly nothing like that happened.

She had a few midnight talks with him.

Seemed like Clementine didn’t teach him a whole lot about how people work in general. Didn’t tell him about how it used to be.

All the religions, different languages, other ways all that fun stuff.

Maybe she didn’t remember a lot of it herself.

They were probably around the same age when the apocalypse started but (Y/N) had a lot of time to spend with all the adults who loved to talk about how it all used to be…

All of them liked to feel a little nostalgic. They told her how things used to work and kept her memory on the world before this fresh.

Which meant she could transfer her knowledge to AJ.

“So… I was thinking…” Louis looks around seeming nervous.

[CALL HIM BY A NICKNAME] [LET HIM SPEAK]

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sephythespooky · 7 years

Text

Library Cards (a sans/reader fic) Part 6

(first/previous/next)

Talking with Toriel the next day, you expressed how surprised you were to see the skeletons in your house and how comfortable you were with Honey. She chuckled, “I am not surprised, my child. Out of all of them, Honey, Sans, Red, and Syrup are the most alike.”

“Syrup?” you question, and she nods.

“You have not met them, yet, but Syrup and Razzberry are another set of caretakers. Their charge, Sugar, is actually doing very well here. Perhaps I should invite them over tonight to give you a proper introduction?” Toriel always had get togethers on Sunday afternoon, and you smiled at the idea. You agreed, and the kindly goat monster assured you she would do so.

You came to Toriel’s in one of your better casual outfits, a long sleeve tunic with ‘original’ written on it in golden script and some denim pattern leggings. When the door opened, Toriel beamed, “Ah, my child, wonderful. The brothers are already here. Come in, come in.”

You take her invitation and step forward. Your own skeletons are busy today, though doing what you don’t know. Sans almost never misses Toriel’s butterscotch cinnamon pie, and Papyrus hates not being near Frisk when he can. They’re best friends, with similar energy levels and both eager to play pretend.

Walking in, you notice that only Alphys and Frisk are here out of the usual group, and the two unfamiliar skeletons stand out like sore thumbs. They remind you of Honey and Blue, but oh so much rougher. Frisk sees you and gets up, tugging you toward the skeletons. A shy, brown haired girl peeks at you from around the couch. This must be Sugar.

Frisk puts you in front of the pair, who are looking at you as if you were some fascinating puzzle, then pulls Sugar out of their hiding spot. Sugar blushes and offers her hand, “H-hi. I’m Sugar. Um, it’s nice to meet you.”

“HUMAN! WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO THIS TALL ANNOYANCE?” screeched the smaller skeleton, hopping up to stand on the sofa. “WE HAVE NOT ASSESSED HER DANGER LEVEL YET!”

Sugar sighed and you shook their hand anyway, then turned with them toward the skeletons, “Razzy, please. She’s our librarian and Miss Toriel already approved her to be around all of us.”

“MISS TORIEL IS TOO NICE! I MUST DO SO MYSELF.” Razzberry huffed and put his hands on his hips. His false armor was black and didn’t cover the gap between his ribs and pelvis, leaving the spine uncovered. The purple eyelights in his skull looked you over suspiciously, leaving your eyes to linger on the three line scar on his left socket.

“HMPH, SHE HAS NO EXPERIENCE IN BATTLE. WHAT A WEAKLING.” He flopped back on the sofa, crossing his arms to show off his purple gloves as he moved his matching boots in frustration, “ARE ALL HUMANS SO STUPID AS TO NOT TRAIN IN COMBAT?”

“maybe just the ones who are like Sugar, m’lord.” Offered the brother, clearly Syrup.

“WELL, THAT DOES MAKE SENSE. YOU SAID SOMETHING SENSIBLE FOR ONCE, MUTT.”

Syrup just nodded and gave you a wink and a smile. He didn’t mind the insult and seemed very relaxed.

Sugar smiled, taking your hand while Frisk clapped excitedly. Toriel called, “Dinner is ready, my dears!”

The group all went to the table, and as you passed her, Alphys murmured, “Um, _____, please be careful. These two a-are from a rough place.”

“I’ve already dealt with Red and Edge, Alphys. I think I can handle a grump berry and a fluff lord.” You giggle softly, and she smiles at you.

“y-you’re so brave. N-no wonder Sans and P-Papyrus love you.” She shuffles away quickly before you can call her on that cryptic note.

You end up sitting between Frisk and Sugar, with Alphys next to Toriel on Frisk’s other side and Razzberry and Syrup going to the other end of the table.

Sugar asks softly, “Miss ____? Why did you become a librarian?”

“PROBABLY BECAUSE SHE’S NO GOOD AT ANYTHING USEFUL.” You glare at Razz for a minute, then answer.

“Actually, it’s because I thought that helping children read was my calling in life.” You see Syrup look up from the (honestly fantastic) chicken and rice to raise an eyebrow at you. You notice he has a gold tooth just like Red does. Same place, too. “Reading honestly saved my life as a child, and I wanted to help other kids who were in bad places find that escape. Books let me go somewhere when I felt trapped in my life. They gave me friends when I was alone, and gave me the power to fight against evil even when I was so helpless in my real life.”

Frisk pulls on your sleeve and signs worriedly. Toriel translates, “Are you alright, my dear?”

“I am now, yeah. It’s always hard to talk about why I do what I do, but the reward is so worth it.”

“AND WHAT DO YOU GET, HUMAN?” Razzy seems taken aback, almost unsure of himself.

“I get to see how happy every child who comes into my library is, I get to help them find something that will make their life just a bit easier. Helping others brings a joy I was never able to find before.” You beam at him, and see a soft purple blush cover his face.

Syrup speaks up, very gently testing the waters, “since you enjoy reading so much, is there a book you’d recommend for starters?”

That was your favorite question. “Sure! My favorite for older readers is Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones, and for the younger set, you can’t go wrong with Dr. Seuss’ work.”

“cool. I’ll keep those in mind.” He went back to eating and you did as well, very happy to help.

Razzy was still purple and Sugar asked, “Is something wrong, m’lord?”

“D-DON’T COPY THE MUTT, CHILD,” came the reply but it was softer than his previous voice. “I AM FINE, THOUGH.”

Frisk, Razzy, and Sugar are playing some sort of racing game on the tv now, and Alphys is helping Toriel with the dishes. You offered to join them, but they both insisted on you getting to know Syrup and Razzy more instead.

Razzy was too caught up in the game to talk, and Syrup seemed happy to just watch, so you sat on the couch with him and did the same. It was a companionable silence, so you didn’t even jump when his quiet voice asked, “So just how rough did you have it, angel?”

“It wasn’t physical violence, just emotional and mental, but it still messed me up,” you reply just as softly. You didn’t feel forced, but something told you that you needed to answer him or he’d be thinking about it all night.

“yeah, I can understand that. Glad you told me, though. ‘s a thing with me, tryin’ to figure out how best to handle people.” He sighed and leaned back, the fluffy fur of his hood dropping behind him. It hit you that he’d had his arm on the couch behind you this whole time and you hadn’t even reacted, and now he pulls you closer so you’re up against his chest. “Angel, just know me’n m’lord know where you’ve been. He’s loud and rough, but we’re coming from a dark place, too. You’ve got my shoulder to cry on, y’know….stuff like that.”

You look up at him, and see his eyes lidded, expression soft and natural. Your heart feels like it’s being cut free of tangling strings. “Thank you, Syrup. I really appreciate that.”

You stay where you are as the other three play games, even when Toriel and Alphys return. After a while, Razzy gets frustrated and growls, “YOU HUMANS ARE GANGING UP ON ME! I SHOULD BE WINNING!”

Frisk giggles and signs something, which Razzy scoffs at, “NO, YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN ME, HUMAN FRISK, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. I MUST SIMPLY BE TIRED.” He gets up and comes to sit on the couch, then frowns. You smile at him as he stares at you and his brother. “MUTT, WHY ARE YOU SITTING WITH THE HUMAN THIS WAY?”

“felt like I should. That okay, m’lord?” Syrup raised a browbone, looking right at Razzy.

The little skelebones huffed and tapped his foot. “I SUPPOSE IT IS NATURAL TO WANT TO SHOW AFFECTION TO A BEING SO MUCH WEAKER THAN US. ALRIGHT. BUT NOW IT IS MY TURN.” He scrambled up to the couch and wriggled in under your arm. He was the same height as Blue, and you beamed at him as he snuggled in close.

“good idea, m’lord.” Syrup mused, a small smirk on his face.

Razzy sighed, hugging around your waist, “HUMAN, YOU ARE WARM AND SOFT. THIS IS NOT ADVISABLE FOR FIGHTING. HOW DID YOU SURVIVE TO ADULTHOOD BEING THIS WAY?”

“I honestly don’t know, Razzy. Luck, I suppose.” You use one hand to stroke his arm bones with your thumb. This makes him blush again as did your saying his name.

“WELL IT IS GOOD YOU HAVE US TO PROTECT YOU NOW. YOU ARE VALUABLE IN TEACHING MY HUMAN THIS READING THING.”

You think he’s just finding an excuse to like you, and you’re alright with that. Avoidance is normal.

Toriel says softly, “Alphys, do you think she might be something special? No one has yet gotten these two so affectionate besides Sugar.”

The little scientist smiled, “I-I think it’s her s-s-soul frequency. It’s pretty c-c-close to most skeletal frequencies, so it’s n-normal they’d feel comfortable with her.”

This made the goat woman sigh happily, “Good. I had worried there would be difficulties in getting the rougher sets acclimated to peace, but if there is an anchor such as her, it will be much simpler.”

“You d-d-do know they’ve all been checking on her?” Alphys murmured. “Sans told me as much. I set up a magic tracker in the library last visit and sh-she’s got so many signals all around. L-like every one of the guardian types has been popping in and out frequently.”

There was a hardness underneath as Toriel answered, “Then they had best behave themselves within my school, Alphys. I won’t stand for any harm coming to this child.”

“I-I know. Sans said he’d be keeping the others in line.” Alphys giggled slightly, “I th-think he might be jealous o-of how well she gets on with them.”

“Perhaps,” Toriel found this information encouraging. She trusted Sans implicitly. “but look at her now.”

She and Alphys both smiled softly as they saw you cheer for the kids as they played. Razzy and Syrup were watching you, and all three of your souls were thrumming in soft comfort.

“I believe she is just as comforted by them as they are by her.” Toriel’s motherly instincts hummed happily. “Our boys are doing well.”

“Y-yes.” Alphys cooed softly, “I j-just hope they don’t s-s-start fighting over her. E-even though that’d make a great anime.”

#undertale fic #undertale

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