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kitthepurplepotato · 4 months

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Chapter 9 - Surprise!

Summary: Why is there a random, grumpy teen in the house?!

Warnings: Swear words

First Chapter Master List

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Wow.

This is a magical day. A once in a lifetime occurrence.

It’s 9AM and Midoriya Izuku is still asleep.

And to make it even better? He doesn’t look like he wants to wake up yet.

Midoriya Izuku will finally have a good sleep today. Oh my gosh, what a day to be alive!

“Good morning, love.” You leave a tiny kiss on the hero’s forehead and his face scrunches; he hides his face into your neck, clearly unimpressed by the sudden daylight, fussing like a child as he pulls you closer and doesn’t let you go even though you really want to wake up and make breakfast because you are starving. “You won’t let me go?” You ask him with a baby voice and Izuku only shakes his head at that, making cute, whiny voices as he snuggles into you. He’s so fucking adorable. “Don’t wanna have pancakes for breakfast then?”

You can see the moment when Izuku starts to seriously contemplate - he stops in his shenanigans and scrunches his face again, deep in thought.

“Cuddles. Pancakes.” Is all he says, half of his body resting on the top of yours at this point.

“You won’t get any of those if you kill me. Izuku, I don’t mean to fat shame you, I know it’s all muscles, but damn, you are heavy.” You giggle as you slowly crawl out from under him. Izuku clearly did not like that; his face is scrunched again and his hold tightens around you but slowly, he lets you go with a massive, dramatic sigh.

“No kiss?” He mumbles again and you can’t help but make a silly, high pitched sound at that. This should be illegal. He’s just way too cute. Goddamn, how did you get so lucky?!

Okay, he can have one kiss. One.

You leave a tiny kiss on Izuku’s lips; Izuku hums at first, still sleepy and sluggish , then suddenly, he deepens the kiss, his hands all over your body, all the sleepiness gone like it wasn’t even there in the first place. Funnily enough, the sudden surge of energy only lasts a few minutes; after a few deep kisses, Izuku flops back on the bed, eyes already half closed.

“Now you go.” He mumbles, looking like a little burrito with all the covers around him.

“Excuse me?” You giggle with an incredulous look on your face; honestly, this guys has lost his fucking mind.

“Pancakes.”

This fucking prick.

“You are such an asshole today, what the hell?” You reprimand but you can’t stop yourself from laughing; this whole shenanigan is so out of character yet somehow it fits the greenhead so much; the neediness, the willfulness, these are all parts of Izuku’s characteristics - he just decided to suppress them in order to be more tolerable because that’s what has been carved into him. Here’s the thing though; everyone is allowed to a bit selfish sometimes. It’s okay to have days when you need more love, more care, it’s okay to have some days when you need someone to take care of you. You just need to find the right person and the right time for these things. Izuku is getting so much better at showing you what he actually wants and it makes you so fucking proud it’s actually unbelievable.

“You love me.” Izuku mutters with a happy smile on his face as he leaves tiny kisses all over your shoulders with his eyes still closed.

“I do. I’ll make you the second best pancakes. I can’t do better than your mom’s, I’m sorry to be a disappointment.”

Izuku’s next answer is almost incoherent, sentences broken and muttered under his nose.

“I love your pancakes. Mum’s are the best though. And her Katsudon. Your soup? First. Curry? Kacchan’s. Steak? Eijirou’s. Medium rare. Shouto’s soba. Yeah.”

“How hungry are you, Izu-Izu?” You giggle to yourself as your fingers play with his tangled, untamed curls.

“Over 9000.” Izuku admits sheepishly then goes back to sleep like nothing had happened.

Well… the boss wants pancakes so he gets pancakes. It’s extremely hard to wake up when he’s back to being a clingy little koala, all warm and smelling like home but today, Izuku is all yours so you’ll have all the time in the world to cuddle him senseless later.

~•🥦•~

… or not.

“You are not Deku.”

There is a teenager in the living room. Who the fuck is this kid and how did he get in here? You have no idea. He kinda looks pissed. Why? You also have no idea.

Is this the right time to get that mop out? Should you chase this kid out of the apartment with it? This is a high security area though, there is no way he could’ve sneaked past that security system without a clearance. Your home alarm didn’t sound either which means the kid has a code for the door. Did Izuku talk about kids before? Not really. The only kid in Izuku’s life by your knowledge is Eri-Chan who lives with his old teacher… and that kid back from his high school days. The one who has a terrible attitude but loves Izuku so much he even asked for the same shoes Izuku wears, out of respect or fanatism, you have no idea.

… there is a red shoe in the entry room and that’s certainly not Izuku’s size.

Oh.

“I’m not. But I live here.” You answer, less freaked out about the situation now that you know who this kid is. “I’m Izuku’s roommate…?”

“You came out of Deku’s room.” The teenager makes a snarky comment and your whole face becomes a tomato. “You have a limited All Might Shirt on which is too big for you.”

This kid is a pain in the ass but he kinda reminds you of Katsuki so you can’t help but smile.

“Okay, Sherlock. I’m Izuku’s girlfriend, Y/N. And you are?”

“Kouta Izumi. Deku didn’t tell me he has a girlfriend. I’m here to play.”

Yup. That’s the kid Izuku told you about.

“Play?”

“The new PlayStation 6. Deku got a prototype, the console isn’t even out yet. He also got the new GTA 6 that will only come out next year. “

Oh, that silly game everyone is obsessed about. It’s a game about a quirkless world and gangsters and stuff. Izuku did tell you that he got some cool stuff from one of his sponsors but none of you had the time to actually try it out yet.

“Okay. Uhm… just make sure to stay quiet, he haven’t slept for a week.” You sigh, a little bit disappointed by the fact that you won’t have the whole day to yourselves but also quite excited about meeting a new person from Izuku’s life.

“Is he okay?” Kouta mumbles with a red face, clearly embarrassed by the fact that he cares.

“Yeah, he’s okay.” You smile fondly. “We went to see his mother yesterday.”

“How is she?” Kouta looks up. “He never talks about his parents because I don’t have any. They both died in a villain attack. He thinks it’s going to make me sad if he talks to me about her but I’m almost an adult now.”

Wow, he just… threw that bomb in there and now you have no idea how to react. Should you say “I’m sorry”? No, he would hate being pitied. This is tough.

“You go to UA?” You point at the little pin on the boy’s backpack sitting by his side, trying to change the topic. “I love the little candy apple keychain too.”

“Uhm… I got the keychain from… a friend.” Kouta’s whole face is as red as a tomato. You can barely conceal your smile. “And yes. Fucking Deku’s fault.”

“Why’s that?”

“I hated heroes when I was a kid.” Kouta admits. “My parents were heroes and they died for a bunch of strangers and left me alone. I loathed everyone who went to a hero school. But then Deku saved me from the same villain who killed my parents. He was only a first year student back then and he almost died for me.” Is talking about deep stuff like they are talking about the weather a hero thing? Asking for a friend here. “I’m only in the support course, though. It’s safe but really helpful to all those idiots killing themselves on the battlefield.”

“That’s… a weird way of putting it but I kinda get it.” You giggle. You like this guy. He’s funny.

“Don’t get me wrong, I still know how to kick an ass. I actually have a temporary license. I took special classes with Aizawa sensei. If they need help, I’ll help. Are you one of those idiots, too?”

“No, I’m… quirkless.” You admit. Kouta looks at you like you just grew two heads. “What?” You giggle. “You look like I just told you I’m an alien.”

“You kinda are?” Kouta smirks. “What do you do then?”

“I draw and people pay me for it.”

“Sick. You did this?” Kouta points at the half-done drawing sitting on the coffee table. It’s a drawing of pro hero Deku and young All Might fighting a villain together. It was commissioned a few days ago, but Izuku liked it so much you have to make a second one because he wants to keep the original.

“Yeah. One day, I want to do my own manga. I’ll eventually start working on it but right now, I’m just happy to help out Izuku around the house and spend all the time I can with him.” You smile to yourself. “I’ll make breakfast, Izuku’s really hungry. Feel free to play that game, tell us how it is!” You make your way towards the kitchen and for your surprise, Kouta follows you and sits down on the counter.

“What are you making?”

“Pancakes.”

Kouta helps you. Without a single word. He doesn’t really know what to do but he mixes everything together, puts plates and cutlery on the table, pours more milk into mixture when you need it, overall, he is extremely helpful. Once the flat starts to smell like pancakes a half asleep Izuku shambles into the kitchen; his chin lands on your shoulder as his hands snake around your waist, absolutely unaware of the second person in the room.

“Good morning, Sweets.” He mumbles into your skin; he leaves tiny, affectionate pecks and it takes you a few seconds to realize that you should probably say something before this escalates.

“Ewww, get a room!” Well, Kouta does it for you, then. His palms are in front of his eyes to save himself from the “terrible” sight. He’s such a kid, honestly.

Izuku jumps off you with a loud, high pitched yelp, his whole face ruddy as he stares at Kouta.

“Kouta-kun, uhm, hello?!” He mumbles first, then as his brain finally catches up with the situation, his eyes light up. “Oh my god, I haven’t seen you for so long, you grew again! You’ll be taller than me one day.”

Okay. Let’s stop here for a second.

A sleepy affectionate Izuku is already way too much for your fragile heart, but fatherly Izuku?

K.O.

Literal KNOCK OUT.

“Oh my god, stop babying me, you old man.” Kotaro grumbles but Izuku doesn’t stop; he pulls the little gremlin to his chest, suffocates him with all the love and while Kouta insist he hates every single second of it, if you look closely there is a tiny smile on his face the whole time.

“Where is your girlfriend?” Izuku teases and fuck, even that sounds like something a father would say to his teenage son.

“I already told you, she’s older than me! We barely see each other anyway! She’s in the hero course!”

“She made you handmade chocolate for Valentine’s. Heart shaped ones.”

“Out of pity! She always acts like I’m 10 years old! It’s fucking annoying! Last time I cut my finger she gave me a kiss on my forehead like I’m a kid. I really hate her sometimes.”

Okay, that’s so fucking cute.

“Is this the same girl who gave you the candy apple keychain?” You decide to join the conversation.

“You got a keychain with candy apples? You know that’s her favorite food, right? That must mean something!” Izuku adds. The poor boy is clearly about to burst from the embarrassment.

“Yeah, bro. She basically claimed you with that keychain. But if you don’t believe me, why don’t you try and ask her to kiss you on your mouth the next time you cut your finger? I’m just saying. You can just make it sound like it’s a joke in case it goes wrong.” You shrug nonchalantly.

“I would listen to her, she’s a professional meddler. I’m quite sure All Might is officially my stepfather now, thanks to Sweet Pea.”

“I think you should go for it.” You add, taking Izuku’s side.

“I think you should keep your eyes on your pancake because it’s burning.” Kouta adds with a shit eating grin; and indeed, there is smoke coming from the forgotten pan behind you.

“Oh, fuck.” You laugh as you try to salvage the poor, half burned pancake.

“You two will be the most annoying parents the world has ever seen.” Kouta rolls his eyes and you both become a stuttering mess after that.

“Wh… no! We… we’ll be really cool! Super chill!” Izuku mutters and you can’t help but laugh.

“Izu, you literally almost killed yourself just because I was sick. Kouta has a point, we’ll be super nosy and annoying. Not like… I thought about that before or anything. Definitely not.”

“W… Well… by the time we… uhm… we decide to have a kid… I’ll change. I’ll be all cool. I’ll be the best father ever!”

This is so awkward but also, so thrilling. Goddamn, even the thought of having a little kid with him makes your ovaries scream.

“Well, I won’t. A mother has all the rights to be nosy when it comes to her child.” You mutter back and the look Izuku gives you makes it really hard to concentrate on the stupid pancakes; his eyes are dazzling and so full of hope, he smiles at you like he’s a kid who just got what he wanted from Santa. You can hear tiny sniffles in the background so you look towards the boy sitting on the counter; His eyes are red but full of fondness as he stares at you two with pure wonder, a tiny smile decorating his face.

“You two remind me of my mom and dad.” He admits. “They always bickered over the silliest things and they looked at each other the same way you did. So fucking stop that and let’s eat, I’m starving.”

Izuku is about to cry so you decide to speak up before he misunderstands the whole situation and starts to blame himself for making Kouta sad.

“Who said you are getting any?” You look at him with a shit eating grin and the offended face he makes at that is downright hilarious.

“Huh?! I mixed the shit out of that batter, didn’t I?! I put plates on the table! Hell, I even touched a raw egg! I hate raw eggs!” Kouta yells but he can’t hide the grin on his face as he says all of that. “Would you let a kid starve, Y/N? That’s not nice! Deku, you heard that shit?! The audacity!” He yells, shamelessly laughing by now.

“Say another bad word and I’ll wash your mouth with soap!” You retort with fake-anger.

“I’ll lick every fork then! Hah! Top that, old hag!”

“Now that’s just evil.” Izuku looks between you two, completely flustered.

“Yeah, he kinda won this round. He can have one pancake.”

“ONE?!”

Izuku only sighs dramatically at that.

“Maybe I’m okay to not have kids for a few more years.”

“Oi! I’m a fucking delight!”

“This is it. I’m getting the soap.” You make your way towards the bathroom while Izuku moves the big stack of pancakes to the table with his eyes completely dead.

“NOOOOOOOO!” Kouta yells and starts running towards Izuku who almost stumbles thanks to him. “Save me, Deku! Your woman is vile!”

“Sweets, stop bullying my boy!” Izuku snorts, finally a bit more alive. “Also, if I can’t eat in the next five minutes I swear to god I’ll die so can we eat now? Please?”

“Anything for you, my darling.” You leave a tiny kiss on Izuku’s forehead, while you wink at the teen. He only rolls his eyes at that.

“Hey, I think you missed.” Izuku points at his pouty lips.

“Oh, silly me.” You leave a tiny kiss on his lips and make your way back to the kitchen to get some condiments, trying your best to hide the shit eating grin as you see Kouta getting flustered as hell.

“I know what you are doing and I don’t like it!” Kouta mumbles as he puts a bunch of pancakes in his plate.

Okay, maybe Kouta is right and you’ll be the most annoying parents the world have ever seen but hell if you are not excited for it.

Not like that’s something you two want in the near future… uhm. Yeah. Definitely not.

End of the chapter. Uhm. Go away.

… Next Chapter!

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Potato Ramble:

- I know, me and my weird ass ships, I am right?! 😂

- So in this story, Izuku is around 25-26 so it’s like… 9-10 years after the attack on Kouta so he’s around 15-16. Eri is 1-2 years older, I made that one year here for convenience. If Kouta listened to Y/N, I’ll leave that to your imagination except if you guys want an extra with them in the future. 😂 I do wanna make a KiriBaku extra first though because I’m quite sure you guys want to know what the heck is going on in that household.

- I don’t know what else to add I’m dead tired. I hope you liked this chapter though, I wrote it in one sitting lol 😂 honestly, I enjoyed this chapter so much it’s ridiculous.

If you liked this chapter, please don’t forget to leave a lovely comment, like or reblog it! It means a lot! 🥦

TL: @garfieldthomas @porusuniverse @stickygumchewer @sixxze @mily-moo @aei-sedai-moiraine @aymasakusa @katsuari @kenzie-deadly @shiviwrites07 @lukerycyja-reblogs @cloroxisadelectabletreat @coffeent @kisskissshutmydoor @bobcar1 @yazminetrahan @cringefan @ronimacaroni77 @thekookiecorner @dangerousluv1 @emperatris-rinaka @shotos-angelic-whore @angelsdemonsmonsters @norvacaine @rei165 @unofficialmuilover @yao-ai @happydragonfrog

#bnha x reader #mha x reader #midoriya izuku x y/n #midoriya x reader #midoriya izuku x reader #midoriya fluff #midoriya x y/n #midoriya x you #pro hero Deku x reader #pro hero Deku x you

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robininthelabyrinth · 2 years

Note

Someone (Jin Guangyao? Jin Guangshan? Wen Ruohan? Surprise Guest of the Week?) tries to corrupt Nie Mingjue. Instead, he un-corrupts them.

The Incorruptible - ao3

Summary: Three times someone tried to corrupt Nie Mingjue and end up having to rethink their life choices, and one time Nie Mingjue succeeded in corrupting someone else.

1 - Nie

“Hey, baby?”

Nie Mingjue looked up in alarm. “Is something the matter, Second Mother?”

His second mother rolled her eyes. “Soup dumpling, please. As if anything could ever be the matter with me.”

Nie Mingjue relaxed a little, but not much. “You don’t call me baby,” he pointed out, quite reasonably in his mind – why it made his second mother heave a big heavy sigh he didn’t know. “Not unless it’s, I don’t know, ‘grilled baby octopus’ or ‘braised veal’ or ‘stewed duckling’ or…”

“Meatbun.”

“Yes?”

“Shut up. I was trying to be serious.”

“…why?”

His second mother hid her mouth with her sleeve as if it could conceal the gigantic smile on her face or the way her eyes curved to slits. “A very good point, and one I ask myself often,” she remarked. “Anyway, pancake, just very briefly, to confirm: do you have any desire to destroy things?”

Nie Mingjue blinked owlishly at her. “…other than evil?”

She briefly closed her eyes as if she’d developed a headache. “Yes, my little marinated radish. Other than evil. Haven’t you ever, I don’t know, just wanted to – to rend and bite, to tear all in your path into small pieces? To clear the way and have all opponents yield before you, fear you, worship you?”

He thought about it quite seriously, if only because she seemed very earnest about asking. Unfortunately, no amount of thinking would change the answer: “Not really.”

“Not even the slightest inclination…?”

“If I did that, no one would want to spar with me,” Nie Mingjue pointed out, again, very reasonably to his mind. “I already have enough trouble getting them to try their hardest and I’m just sect heir; if they were afraid of me or worshipped me, it’d be impossible. And then I wouldn’t be able to get proper saber training, and I wouldn’t be able to fight evil nearly as well. So it’s really all for the best not to.”

His second mother heaved yet another great big old sigh. “Yeah, that’s about what I thought you’d say, honey-nut.”

“Is it important for some reason?”

“Oh, you know, just the fate of the world.” She ruffled his hair, even though he was definitely too old for that. “Never you mind, my yummy little mouthful. If it doesn’t call you, it doesn’t call you, I guess.”

Nie Mingjue considered that somewhat ambiguous statement, then nodded firmly in agreement.

“It’s everyone’s job to be the best person they can be,” he said loyally. “I’ll be the best version of me I can, just like you’re the best version of you! Right?”

His second mother opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again.

Then closed it again.

Then –

“I suppose I am,” she said, sounding deeply puzzled for some reason. “I’m going to go – think about that.”

Nie Mingjue waved good-bye and went off his own way, for some reason feeling in a remarkably good mood.

2 - Wen

Visiting the Nightless City was always a trial, Nie Mingjue thought to himself with a sigh. If it wasn’t one thing, it would invariably be another – it was difficult enough to be here, where his father’s murderer resided, but they always seemed to take pleasure in making it more difficult than it had to be.

Take this evening, for instance. Discussion conferences were unpleasantly long and full of politics at the best of times, and the Nightless City was very far from that; moreover, the day had been especially annoying, with Sect Leader Yao and Sect Leader Ouyang cornering him to talk obfuscatingly about something or another. All Nie Mingjue wanted was to retire to his room, wash up, and go to bed.

Instead, he found himself waylaid.

“A drink won’t kill you,” Wen Ruohan said, and smirked at him, knowing that it would be the height of rudeness for Nie Mingjue to refuse. “Come, sit.”

Nie Mingjue sat and resigned himself to making small talk for the amount of time necessary to not start a war by storming out of there. Somehow, in the process, they got onto the subject of the discussion conference itself – it was perhaps the only subject, he thought wryly, upon which they agreed.

“…a complete waste of time,” Wen Ruohan said vehemently, and Nie Mingjue nodded along, equally enthusiastic. “Half the achievements they made today they’ll tear down tomorrow, and call it strategy.”

“They’re just doing it to make themselves feel better,” Nie Mingjue said, and shrugged when Wen Ruohan glanced at him thoughtfully. “An illusion of control, however pointless, is better than facing the reality that they have none. If there was a way to give them useful tasks at which they could excel before their peers, something they could actually do, they wouldn’t be so quarrelsome.”

“You make a good point,” Wen Ruohan said, taking a sip of his wine. “It’s something I myself have often thought. Tell me, Nie Mingjue – you must have thought to yourself at one point that you would ban the damn things entirely if you had the power to do so.”

Nie Mingjue ignored the small unasked-for intimacy; it wasn’t worth starting a fight over. “Who hasn’t?” he asked, shrugging again. “Or at least turn it into something that’s purely entertainment, purely social – it would be less aggravating that way, perhaps.”

He doubted it, given his dislike of social events, but one could always hope.

“Indeed, indeed…is there anything else you would do?” Wen Ruohan’s eyes were oddly intent. “If you had all the power in the world, above ten thousand men and beneath only one – what would you do?”

Nie Mingjue blinked – it was a strange question, given how unlikely it was, and anyway, wasn’t that a phrase mostly used for an emperor’s right hand? Or for the empress, for that matter? – but out of politeness he gave it some thought.

“Well,” he said slowly. “I guess I’d probably try to improve the justice system.”

Wen Ruoban blinked and straightened up out of his purposefully intimidating sprawl into something that almost resembled proper posture. “The…what?”

“The justice system. I’m given to understand that for non-cultivators, it’s quite bad in most places? They have no one reliable they can seek aid from. The magistrates are corrupt, the system inadequate, the cost of justice too high…that’s one of the reasons they’re always turning to the cultivation sects for adjudication of things other than evil creatures, which is what we ought to be spending our time on. Right?”

Wen Ruohan was staring at him.

“…what?”

“That’s what you would do if you ruled the world?”

“Well, yes. Why not? What else is there to do?” Nie Mingjue shrugged. “I mean, I don’t actually think having a single leader for the cultivation world is a good idea. It’d just give all the others a single target for their quarreling, which would only make it worse, and introduce scheming and backstabbing and all those other things into it. Anyway, I have my hands full with my own sect already, and personal duty must outweigh the duty to the world, such is the way of things…my point is, it’s not really a practical idea. But you know our Nie sect motto: fight evil, no matter where it is. Injustice may not be a yao, but it’s still evil. So, like I said. Why not?”

Wen Ruohan stared at him mutely.

Seeing an opportunity, Nie Mingjue added, “Also, it’s late, and I should be going. Thank you for your hospitality.”

As he left, he thought he heard Wen Ruohan mutter something, but it sounded an awful lot like, ‘oh no, he’s cute’, so that couldn’t be right.

When he finally made it back to his room, he locked it twice and dragged a cabinet in front of the door.

Wen, he thought to himself with a sigh. He would never understand them.

3 - Jin

Jin Guangshan had a bad habit where Nie Mingjue was involved – he thought that Nie Mingjue needed to be having more fun.

By fun, of course, he meant frequenting prostitutes.

Nie Mingjue had gotten very good at polite refusals and deflections and even outright excuses, but he was starting to get a little desperate. Ever since the Sunshot Campaign had ended, it was as if Jin Guangyao had doubled down on trying to get him to come along with to just about every den of vice he could think of. It’d been bad enough before, after discussion conferences held in Lanling City where Nie Mingjue couldn’t refuse outright and still be polite, having to make excuses instead, but now he’d had the blissful free time during the war where he could just say he was being paranoid about spies and use that excuse to bar all dancers, wine-pourers, singers, female musicians, and whatnot, and he just…didn’t want to have to start up again.

He really, really didn’t want to.

“Sect Leader Jin,” he finally said, and Jin Guangshan finally stopped harping on about the positive aspects of a new brothel that just opened up near the river, very nice, beautiful girls (and boys if that’s your preference!), comfortable and luxurious but not crass, etc. long enough to listen. “I just want you to know, I appreciate it. What you’re doing, I mean.”

Jin Guangshan stared at him.

“You…appreciate…it?” he said slowly.

Nie Mingjue nodded firmly. “You’ve known me for such a long time,” he said. “I was just an adolescent when I became sect leader, and it was quite difficult for me – not just in dealing with what happened to my father, nor even in having to grow up so suddenly to manage my sect and all its business, but in making sure that people took me seriously. I really appreciate everything you’ve been doing to help me on that score.”

“Help…you?”

“Yes. You know, it took me a long while to understand what you were doing? All of this insistence on dragging me out to brothels, trying to shove dancing-girls into my bed, that sort of thing – you know, it’s funny, one of my subordinates misunderstood you entirely? He thought you just wanted to force me to have a weakness, a vice that you could use as a means to get a hold over me.”

Jin Guangshan blinked rapidly for a moment. “But you…disagreed. Because you thought I was doing – something else?”

“Of course. A child can’t go visit brothels, after all! By being so insistent, you demonstrated to the world that you thought I was a full-grown man, and that you were treating me as such. It’s really a testament to your kindness that you would spare the thought for me.”

“My…kindness…”

“But I’m old enough now,” Nie Mingjue continued, giving Jin Guangshan his best earnest gaze. “I’m full-grown, a war hero, I’m respected in my own right. I know it’s hard for men who are accustomed to acting as fathers to stand back, but, really, there’s just no need for you to keep up asking me about it all the time.”

Jin Guangshan’s face was making a very strange expression.

Possibly Nie Mingjue had gone too far in making the comparison to fathers, given that everyone knew how complicate a relationship with fatherhood Jin Guangshan had.

“At any rate, I just wanted you to know: I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf. It was very useful while it lasted, and although the utility has passed and there’s no need for you to invite me any longer, know that I will never forget your kindness and generosity, and being there for me when you had no need to be.”

Nie Mingjue reached out and patted the other man on the shoulder.

“I’ll be going now,” he said. “Have a good evening, all right? Don’t overstress yourself.”

With that, he left, and even managed to make it all the way around the corner before he started grinning uncontrollably at Jin Guangshan’s dumbstruck expression.

+1 - Lan

“That’s enough,” Lan Qiren declared. “I have reached a decision.”

Nie Mingjue looked up, blinking at the suddenness of the announcement.

“Is that so, Teacher Lan?” he asked politely – as politely as any teenager dealing with a strict instructor could be, which was very polite indeed. “What decision is that?”

“I am abandoning my commitment to virtue and righteousness,” Lan Qiren said, his voice completely flat. “In the future, I will be devoting myself to madness, wretchedness, evil and all other forms of ill-conduct.”

“…uh?” Nie Mingjue said, and went to grab Lan Xichen, who was luckily only next door.

When asked, Lan Qiren repeated his statement, tone equally emotionless.

Lan Xichen’s eye twitched.

“I…see,” he said. “Shufu, can I ask what inspired this…decision?”

“It seems the only reasonable result,” Lan Qiren said. “It is not that I wish to do this, you understand. But there comes a point where things become inevitable.”

“Inevitable? Result?” Lan Xichen asked, exchanging clearly bewildered glances with Nie Mingjue. “The inevitable result of…what?”

“The inevitable result of ever having to listen to him play music again.”

“Oh,” Lan Xichen said, and hid a smile. “Shufu, I’m sure he’s not that bad –”

“No, he’s right,” Nie Mingjue said. “Listening to me play will in fact cause the righteous and upstanding to turn to darkness and despair. Sorry, Xichen.”

“Mingjue-xiong…”

“Would you like a sample?”

Lan Xichen glanced between the two of them suspiciously. “All right,” he said. “As long as you promise to genuinely try your best.”

“I’m always trying my best,” Nie Mingjue said grimly, and sat down to try out the guqin once more.

After about half a verse, Lan Qiren reached up to pinch his brow.

Lan Xichen’s face kept changing into strange expressions.

When Nie Mingjue was about halfway through the song he’d spent so long trying to memorize, Lan Xichen coughed loudly and interrupted him.

“You know what, I see shufu’s point,” he said. “Mingjue-xiong, would you like to study…something else? Anything else?”

He glanced at his uncle.

“Before driving anyone else to the brink of insanity, perhaps?”

Nie Mingjue shrugged. He could only do so much!

#mdzs #nie mingjue #second madame nie #wen ruohan #jin guangshan #lan qiren #lan xichen #my fic #my fics #the incorruptible

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letsplayballet · 1 year

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making this its own post bc a) i've done the next scene finally, and b) maybe if it gets notes this time i'll be able to convince myself to write more of this thing that's been living in my head for 5 years now

anyway. persona 5 tv studio/justice rank 1 be upon ye.

~*~

The instant Akechi enters the studio, the unsettled feeling Akira had had in the hallway the day before returns full force.

“Ain’t that the guy from yesterday?” Ryuji mutters- for once quiet enough to not garner attention, though that could easily be because everyone around them is too busy cheering. Akira gives a shallow nod. He’s not even sure if Ryuji notices, or if he was actually asking him in the first place, but he can’t take his eyes off of Akechi for long enough to check. There’s something in the back of his mind screaming danger!, like they’re in a palace and the teen smiling pleasantly on stage is a shadow, about to round a corner and sound the alarm on them.

It doesn’t make sense, he can’t help but think as the show goes live. He doesn’t know Akechi, had only heard his name a few times in passing before yesterday, and nothing Akira has heard or seen has given him any reason to be this suspicious of him. For all that he works with the police, he seems nice enough, if a little awkward; kind of in a similar way to Yusuke, actually, with those weird comments on pancakes in their last conversation-

(that uncomfortable tension rises, sharpens, why does it feel like he’s missing something)

-but on the whole he seems… genuine. Startlingly so, actually. Akira has lived and breathed masks for a while now: he’s had several of them himself, and has learned how to recognize them in others, a talent which has only gotten stronger since this whole business with personas and the metaverse. He can nearly see the seams on the hosts as they chat with Akechi, the bubbly entertainer personalities of their jobs overlaying who they actually are, and they’re professionals. Their livelihoods depend on these masks, on their ability to make them seem genuine, and they’re good enough that Akira is sure that, even if other people know the masks are there, no one else can see them the way he can.

Akechi says something, giving a wry little grin, that sets the audience laughing, and Akira can’t see any hint of a mask.

It’s possible he doesn’t have one, of course. But- he’s a celebrity, and in high school, and people in either of those situations don’t tend to last long without some sort of protection between them and the outside world, at least not with decent mental health, and Akira can’t see his mask-

“However, if these Phantom Thieves are real, I believe they should be tried in a court of law.”

Akira’s circling thoughts come screeching to a halt. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Ryuji and Ann both tense.

“That’s quite the statement,” the male host says seriously, his raised eyebrows the only sign of his surprise. “Are they committing crimes? Some people even say that the Thieves are actually helping their victims abandon their evil ways.”

Akira feels Ryuji bristle at Madarame and Kamoshida being called victims, and he presses his own knee against his friend’s thigh. I know, he tries to tell him with the contact, but now’s not the time. Some of it must come through, because Ryuji huffs out a breath and sits back in his chair, tense and glaring but less ready to jump into a fight.

On stage, Akechi frowns. “What the artist Madarame did was truly an unforgivable crime,” he says, just the barest hint of something severe in his voice. “However, the Phantom Thieves are taking the law into their own hands by judging him. It is far from justice.”

There’s a murmur through the crowd, and Akira looks over to find Ann already looking back at him, seeming as conflicted as he feels. It’s one thing to talk these sorts of concerns over with your teammates; to hear them repeated in this sort of a setting…

“More importantly,” Akechi continues, drawing the team’s attention back to him, “we have no idea how they are causing these supposed ‘changes of heart’, but I would highly doubt it’s the result of a friendly conversation. Blackmail would be the least concerning option, and that is a crime, regardless of intention.”

“You have a point,” the male host says. “These people are calling themselves the Phantom Thieves, after all.”

Which isn’t really wrong either, especially for people who can’t conceive of the metaverse. There probably isn’t an explanation even close to the truth that they could give that would be believed, much less not construed as some sort of crime.

“Now then,” the female host says brightly, “lets try asking some students the same age as Akechi-kun about the Phantom Thieves! First, please press your buttons now if you believe the Phantom Thieves exist!”

Ryuji presses his button immediately, and with quite a bit more force than necessary. Akira hesitates, but also presses his own button. A few seconds pass, and the flashing numbers reveal that about a third of the audience has also pressed their buttons, which is a much higher percentage than Mishima’s site shows.

(Akira can’t help but wonder if it’s just the age range of the audience, or the fact that many of the students here have now witnessed two of these incidents, where the rest of the world has really only seen the one.)

“That’s a bit higher than I was expecting,” Akechi says, unknowingly mimicking Akira’s own thoughts. “I’d love to hear some more detailed opinions on the Phantom Thieves’ actions.”

The female host stands, scanning the audience as she walks towards them- and then comes to a stop in front of Akira.

Ryuji, who hasn’t relaxed since the start of the interview, somehow manages to tense even further. Ann takes in a quick, startled breath through her nose. Akira can feel everyone’s eyes on him through his panic, and he tries to school his face into pleased excitement, like being on TV was the best he could have hoped for today and he’s just trying to make the most of his spotlight.

“Why don’t we ask this student here?” the host asks, cheerful. She’s just a little too loud this close to him, and he hopes that his discomfort isn’t as obvious as it feels. “Hypothetically speaking, what are your thoughts on these Phantom Thieves, if they are real?”

There’s an anticipatory note to the silence now, and Akira is reminded again of the feeling of infiltrating a palace, though this time he can’t tell where the danger lurks. He clears his throat.

“If they are real, I think what they’ve done is quite noble.”

“Oh really?” Akechi says, cutting off the host before she can even begin to reply. The attention on him feels like a physical weight now. “How so?”

Akira shrugs, trying to seem unaffected. “Well, you said yourself that what Madarame did was unforgivable. It seems as though he hurt a great many people, but no one has been able to come forward until he confessed to his crimes himself. His reputation protected him for a long time, but he can’t hurt anyone else anymore. I can’t see how that’s anything other than a good thing.”

He’s being reckless, he knows, even without Morgana’s claws digging into his ankle through his bag. But between Akechi’s unsettling demeanor he still can’t figure out, the tension he can feel thrumming through his friends, the considering murmurs he can hear in the crowd, and his own persona in the back of his mind, he can’t quite convince himself that it’s a bad decision. Even if it puts undue attention on him, if he can redirect the focus onto the good the Phantom Thieves have done, maybe this show won’t be the utter disaster it’s starting to feel like.

“I must say I agree with you in that much,” Akechi says, sounding faintly surprised- though whether it’s at Akira’s words or his own agreement with them, it’s hard to tell. “But what of their methods? Do they not concern you?”

“What methods?” Akira challenges. “For all we know, these ‘Thieves’ are nothing more than fictional boogeymen, created to try to scare a terrible man. Can you say with certainty that Madarame hasn’t carried a guilty conscience all these years, and this is just what pushed him over the edge?”

Akechi leans forward, elbow on his knees, and the look he’s leveling at Akira is both considering and… something else. Excited, maybe?

“Not with complete certainty, no,” Akechi allows. “But it seems highly irrational that one would commit crimes of such magnitude for such an extended length of time if one carried any guilt over the matter.”

“I would argue that it seems highly irrational to commit such crimes in the first place, regardless of the perpetrators personal feelings.”

“I suppose it depends on your working definition of ‘rational’, but that could be a whole other argument, and I believe we’ve gotten far enough off topic. I’ll ask again, more clearly: if we are supposing the Phantom Thieves are real, that there is a person or group of people who have somehow convinced a previously unrepentant criminal to willingly turn himself in, does the method of this convincing not worry you at all? During the whole of his interrogation, Madarame has claimed no knowledge of or interaction with these Thieves outside of the calling card posted at his exhibit. If someone close to you- for example, your friend next to you- suddenly had a complete change in personality, what would you think? How much could the Phantom Thieves change him, without anyone knowing for sure how or why?”

Akira pauses for a moment, mind racing, not at all liking where this questioning is going. He tilts his head at Ryuji, considering, until-

He blinks at Akechi up on the stage, twists his face into a confused frown, and (promising he’ll apologize to Ryuji as soon as he gets the chance) asks, “Would the Phantom Thieves make him study for his exams?”

“Dude!” Ryuji says, loud and betrayed. Ann bursts into giggles. The laughter spreads through the audience, and Akira is painfully grateful that no one else seems to notice Ryuji’s white-knuckled grip on his chair, or how incredibly forced and fake Ann’s laughter is.

Akechi, after a second, also starts to laugh. “Alright, maybe that was a bad example,” he says, and he has the same even and easy-going tone he’s had the whole show, but for a split second Akira sees- something. A crack, just the barest hint of something other than a calm and collected teen detective.

Interesting.

“My point, however, remains,” Akechi continues as the host returns to the stage, slip already smoothed over. “Whether the Thieves’ actions are good or not, the fact that they could hold this much sway over a formerly unrepentant criminal could have alarming implications, even if we trust them to only be pursuing people like Madarame. Should they decide this isn’t enough… the existence of the Phantom Thieves would be nothing but a threat to our everyday lives.”

~*~

Ryuji, thankfully, accepts his apology with an easy grin and a “Pay for the ramen next time and we’ll call it even.” They spend the rest of the recording a bit more relaxed, bickering quietly during breaks about what sorts of food qualify as “sorry for throwing you under the bus” material. (Ann argues that ramen is insufficient, but eventually concedes to Akira’s point that it kind of depends on the bus.)

After another hour or so, they’re free to go. Ann rushes out pretty quick, having a shoot on the other side of the city she doesn’t want to be late for, and Ryuji has to run to the batroom, so Akira has tucked himself into a corner to wait and is checking his phone when he hears, “Oh! There you are!”

Akechi approaches him confidently, seeming not to notice the stares and whispers that follow him all the way to Akira’s corner. Or, no; he seems very aware of them, but not like he especially cares, in a casual sort of way that does nothing to ease the alarm going down Akira’s spine.

“Detective,” Akira greets. There’s a bit of a tease in his tone, too familiar for someone he’s spoken to twice, but Akechi barely reacts.

“Oh, please, Akechi is perfectly sufficient. Anyway, I’m glad I caught you; I wanted to thank you in person.”

Akira can feel his eyebrows rise, and this time the confusion isn’t affected at all. “Thank me?”

(He wishes he had the comforting weight of his dagger in his hand. He wonders when that weight became comforting, as opposed to strange and vaguely alarming.)

Akechi smiles, distant and professional. “To paraphrase Hegel, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis.”

One of Akira’s eyebrows drops. The other remains arched slightly above the rim of his glasses, unimpressed. Akechi’s vague smile shifts into a more rueful grin.

“Sorry. What I mean is that our discussion today was quite meaningful. Few people around me are so willing to speak their minds as freely as you did earlier. It frequently makes for dull conversation; it’s been some time since I felt as though I had to work to keep up with someone, especially in the context of a debate.”

“I appreciate the compliment, though I’m not sure it’s entirely deserved,” Akira says slowly. “I’m glad you got something out of it though, and not just the station.”

“Nervous about your television debut?”

“Weren’t you?”

“Not quite,” Akechi says with a laugh. “It’s hard to be nervous about reporters and entertainers when you’ve had to interrogate violent criminals. Regardless, you have nothing to worry about. You handled both yourself and the conversation quite well. If you hadn’t confirmed it just now, I wouldn’t have suspected this was new territory for you. You must be quite a fan of these Phantom Thieves, to defend them so eloquently.”

Morgana shifts suddenly in Akira’s bag, a warning he doesn’t really need. Akechi’s expression remains open and vaguely pleasant, giving no sign that he especially cares about what Akira has to say, but there’s a tension that wasn’t there before, that makes it clear that one wrong step will send him plummeting.

Well. Akechi did say he likes a challenge.

It just so happens, Akira is discovering, that he’s not the only one.

(He’s so gonna get an earful from Morgana for this.)

Akira gives a bit of a grimace. “I don’t know that I’d say ‘fan’, necessarily.”

There’s a beat of silence, and while Akechi’s expression changes very little, there’s definitely a note of surprise. “Oh really? What would you say then?”

“You have a point,” Akira begins slowly, “worrying about their methods. Assuming they’re real, it’s clear whatever they’re doing is effective. Having that much potential power, but no oversight into what they’re doing… well, it’s the same reason a lot of people don’t trust politicians, or police. I imagine the only reason the Phantom Thieves are being viewed positively by anyone is because of the results they’re achieving.”

“In contrast to politicians and police,” Akechi says dryly, with a bitter note that Akira wasn’t expecting. “So you think the ends justify the means?”

“Not at all,” Akira shoots back. “But aren’t these ends worth pursuing? Madarame’s arrest has improved so many lives, and from what I’ve seen online has encouraged people in similar situations to stand up for themselves, no Thieves required. Isn’t exposing injustices worthwhile, Detective?”

Akechi’s face grows serious at the slight. “No one should be above the law, regardless of results.”

“No one should be. But plenty of people already are, aren’t they? Madarame clearly was, until the law couldn’t look the other way anymore.”

“… You’re right,” Akechi says, stony expression softening. “Apologies, for losing my temper a bit there. This is just… something I have very strong feelings about.”

“No worries,” Akira says. “I did needle you. My point is, as glad I am for what these Phantom Thieves may have done, I don’t think we know enough about them to call myself a fan.”

Akechi gives a huff of a laugh. “We do have a bit of a habit of getting off topic, don’t we? Not that I’m complaining; it’s remarkably good stimulation. In fact… would you be willing to exchange contact information? You’ve been such a wonderful debate partner, I think it would do us both good to continue having these sorts of discussions.”

Claws dig into Akira’s back through his bag. And really, Morgana is right. Akira definitely should not give his information to the guy who’s trying to catch him and his friends.

“Absolutely,” Akira says with a grin.

As they exchange numbers and Akira feels the certainty of a confidante click into place within him, he can’t even regret it.

He walks away when Akechi does, though, moving just outside of the studio in the hopes of getting a little privacy so that Morgana can start chewing him out now instead of trying to do it on the train. He finds an empty spot in the hallway where Ryuji (hopefully) won’t miss him, then slides his bag under his arm and opens it.

“Listen,” he starts, “I know it’s risky to get too close to someone like him, but I really think we can-”

“Akira!”

He stops, shocked. Morgana, for all that he likes to hear his own voice, rarely interrupts. Looking down properly at him, Akira realizes that Morgana doesn’t look mad like he’d expected. Instead, he looks… scared.

“What? What’s wrong?”

He can hear Morgana’s tail lashing inside his bag. “I, I know we talked last night about how something seemed off, and I realized, while you were talking to him… I’m the only one of us that said the word ‘pancakes’ yesterday.”

Akira stares blankly at him for a few seconds, before the realization of what, exactly, that implies hits him like a well placed zionga.

“… Fuck.”

#getting to the okumura arc in my royal replay made me want to come back and finish this lol #it was fun trying to make an argument that *actually* would have constituted a debate instead of the 2 sentences you get in game #whether i succeeded in actually making it *interesting* is probably up to personal preference #but! here it is #p5r #p5 #also for my own tags:#quinn (re)plays p5r #it's only tangential but it's related and i do want it there #persona 5 #my fic #????? i guess I'll tag that too. sure why not.

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kuma829 · 2 years

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Wedding Speech＊Strumming Bride Light Translation Chapter Five

Cast: Adonis, Rei, Kaoru, Koga

Author(s): Yuumasu and Akira

Season: Summer

Proofread by: Gelyan

When you get angry, isn’t it customary to shout vulgar words out at sea? Something like, “you son of a bitch!”

Chapter Five

Koga: Yo, Adonis. Looks like you just won some pancake war, eh? Ain’t that just great ♪

Adonis: There was a long line, but it was mostly peaceful—Contrary to the bread battles in Yumenosaki’s canteens.

I was able to successfully secure the pancakes without injury. This one’s for you, Hakaze-senpai.

Kaoru: Oh you got it for me? Wah, I’m so happy! Thank you.

Rei: There’s so much cream on top of it, it’s like some type of snowy mountain. I don’t even know what the main dish is, the pancakes or the cream?

Kaoru: That’s Hawaiian pancakes for you. They’re also really chewy.

It goes along nicely with the coffee Koga-kun got me.

Koga: Yer glass was empty asshat, so I just went ahead and brewed it for ya while I was at it.

Y’kno that coffee shop Adonis suggested once? Where ya ordered coffee with pancakes? I just remembered that.

Kaoru: Aaah, so it’s like that? I remember Rei-kun all called us together that day.

When I thought I heard the squeaking sounds of a tire, it ended up being Anzu-chan who was pulling up with a casket.

Adonis: Hakaze-senpai, is everything going well?

Kaoru: Hm? Yeah, sure?

Adonis: That’s good. I was worried because you said once before that eating pancakes while surrounded by men wasn’t something you “liked” doing.

Kaori: Oh, did I say that? Hah, I remember~

(Well, eating with cute girls is fun, but come to think of it… Eating with friends isn’t too bad either)

(If the old me saw me now, I’d probably say “What? No way, that’s gotta be some sort of lie!?” I’d probably end up falling over in shock ♪)

Kaoru: I appreciate your concern, Adonis-kun.

But it’s just fine, really, it’s delicious.

Adonis: The waiters have come by, I think it’s time to leave the restaurant.

Rei: I suppose the time has come, then—As the eldest, let me treat you to the grand finale.

Kaoru: Grand…Finale?

Rei: Ah, you’re wondering what I’m talking about? Heh, let’s go on a stroll to walk off our bloated tummies ♪

Kaoru: (Karaoke, then restaurant, and finally the sea…)

(I don’t know what everyones trying to accomplish, but this view is nice…)

(The sun, which sets to welcome the night sky, delves under to sink itself into the ocean. Even though I know it will reappear tomorrow, I feel a bit pained)

(It’s beautiful…)

Rei: —The sea is vast, isn’t it Kaoru-kun?

Kaoru: Rei-kun.

Rei: Doesn’t the sea cover 70% of the Earth’s surface? I know this is an old saying, but—

Compared to the size of the sea, the worries of a single person seem so small in comparison, no?

Kaoru: … I don’t know why you’d compare a person's worries with the ocean, since everyone has their own battles, but I suppose you could read it as words of comfort~?

The ocean washes away all that is stuck in your mind… It just has this all encompassing charm, yeah?

Seriously, I never get tired of watching it.

Rei: Hehe… ♪

Kaoru-kun, you should scream to your heart’s content!

Kaoru: Huh~?

Rei: When you get angry, isn’t it customary to shout vulgar words out at sea? Something like, “you son of a bitch!”

Is it embarrassing? Don’t worry, it’s only us here.

C’mon, give the sea with all you’ve got.

Kaoru: No, it’s not that it’s embarrassing…

Rei: Then, you don’t like to shout because it’s tiring? Isn’t that a bit self centred?

Worry not, for I’ve prepared for such a turn of events. Rummage rummage

Aha~ I present to thou, a megaphone… ☆

Kaoru: I was wondering why you had a handbag with you… Did you carry it all day today?

Koga: Yo, Sakuma-senpai! You said you’d teach us “something special,” but what you’re doing comes out of no-fucking-where!

Yer just like me! Making people yell and shit~!

Rei: The method is different, so don’t go on accusing me of it being the same.

Kaoru: What? What are you guys talking about?

Adonis: Sakuma-senpai, do you still want to continue?

Rei: I suppose not… If Kaoru-kun refuses to shout, my plans are done for now.

Adonis: Alright, I get it.

Hakaze-senpai, thank you for hanging out with us today.

Can you tell me, who had the best surprise for you today?

Kaoru: Surprise…? Sorry, I don’t quite get it…

I knew the three of you were planning something, but what? What were you guys trying to do?

Adonis: Hmm… Recently, Hakaze-senpai seemed to be in low spirits, so we all came up with a plan to try and cheer him up with a “surprise.”

Since we couldn’t narrow it down to a single “surprise,” we ended up doing all of our suggestions, and then we’d see who had the best one in the end…

Kaoru: Aah, I was wondering why you guys were being so considerate.

(I was going to ask them to come with me to the reception, as a “surprise”)

(But, now it seems… That I was on the receiving end of being “surprised”)

Adonis: ? Are you laughing?

Kaoru: Fufu, a little~ You guys, I gotta say, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.

I was just a bit confused as to why you guys were dragging me around today~ But I had a blast really.

…

While we’re on the topic of surprises, hey, why don’t I give you guys a “surprise” of my own?

My sister’s gonna have another wedding for just her relatives, and I wanted to perform a song for entertainment.

As a surprise, won’t you all stand by me on the grand stage?

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#adonis otogari #Kaoru Hakaze #Koga Oogami #rei sakuma #sustain memories #undead

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mitchywitchythings · 1 year

Text

Red Is All I Can See

Summary: Life is unfair. That’s what you’ve always known, so you fought back against it. Which leads you to where you are now, on a battlefield with people you’ve only known for a while. Will you be able to save everyone or will it all end in a massacre?

Warnings: Blood, Violence, Language, Gore, Angst, Death, and Timeline is messed up

Trope: Crossover/Alternative Universe(AU)

Paring: Todoroki Shoto X Fem! Reader

Word count: 8,364 Words

Chapter 3 : | Series Masterlist

Bang!

3 more bullets were shot into the beast. It roared in pain for the last time before I dropped the gun and shoved it back to the ponytailed girl. She let out an oof at the harsh impact, almost falling down had she not been caught by the earphone-jacked girl.

“Hey, watch it! She could have gotten hurt, you’re just doing more damage than fixing it!” The violet-haired girl yelled out

“Is that so, well I’d like to see you try killing off all these monsters!” I retorted rudely back at her, seriously I was only trying to help, “Todoroki hang on! I’m coming!”

“I am hanging on!” Quite literally he was dangling upside down from the monster's grip

“Why don’t you just freeze it, you pussy?!” I screamed In frustration, throwing one of my blades at another titan who again was trying to devour my classmate.

My question clearly wasn’t rhetorical yet Todoroki never answered back. It was confusing, to say the least. One minute he was trying to literally freeze me to death or burn me alive and now he can’t even accomplish just freezing a single titan?! Seriously, you’ve gotta be freaking kidding me!

If his conscience couldn’t handle the fact that he would be technically freezing a poor innocent police officer or even a civilian who just so happened to get caught up in this war so he got turned into a titan, then he should have just frozen the titan's whole face or just even its mouth! It’s that simple of a solution! No need for bloodshed if he can’t take the guilt!

And even if the titan would rip the ice off of his mouth/whole face, right after he froze it. He would still have had a diversion! A means of escape! Something must be wrong if he didn’t do it. He isn’t dumb, that’s for sure. In fact, he’s like I don’t know, the top 5 in the class in terms of his IQ, I believe. Didn’t really keep track of that since it wasn’t necessary.

Though his IQ is high, do not ask about his EQ. We all know that he has some sort of trauma and/or issue. Plus he’s also very dense. Finally reaching the damned boy, I cut off the titan's fingers, effectively freeing Todoroki from its nasty clutches. I did it so quickly it didn’t have time to regenerate its eyes and all of the places I shot at(It was in its face).

Grabbing the dual-haired boy who was still convinced that I am the mastermind villain throughout all these events before he could fall. He wrapped one arm over my shoulder holding it tightly to make sure he doesn’t fall off, while I wrapped one arm around his waist.

If this situation wasn’t awkward enough, to begin with from the close proximity alone, but the fact that I had to hold tightly onto him or the consequences would be severe. Ending in a pancake Todoroki with ketchup and not syrup surrounding his corpse. I turned my head to look him in the eyes.

I was shocked. Never had I ever seen Todoroki’s face hold so much confusion and desperation as of now. His turquoise and ash grey eyes bloomed with so many mixed emotions, not only confusion and desperation. But fury, hurt, sadness, frustration, and tears. Yes, his face looked even more confused than he had been at the sports festival.

But the moment I saw tears dripping down his face, I knew that at that point and moment, I knew something was wrong. Terribly wrong, not for me per se but for poor Shoto. I had personally never seen him cry. And boy was I glad I hadn’t because fucking Hell was it so awkward. It was even more awkward and uncomfortable due to our close proximity.

I didn’t know anything about how to comfort the poor boy and I’m certainly not going to use Levi’s method of destressing and calming himself, which is cleaning everything until it was spotless of course. If it wasn’t obvious enough, what else would it have been? Spending time with me and Mikasa as a family though distant?

Nuh-uh! I mean I have noticed that he’s kinder to me and Mikasa but that doesn’t mean shit. He cares about all of his soldiers and that final. I shook my head, so many things are going on around me but I keep on getting lost in my train of thoughts.

That isn’t good, to say the least. Not good at all. Setting Todoroki down with everyone who was busy trying to fight off the titans, well more like distract them since their quirks didn’t do shit to the damned beasts.

“Shoto? May I call you, Shoto?” I asked in worry, turning his head to face me, by the chin.

‘Ah shit, way to go me. I spoke before I could even think. Too late to back out now, best get on his good side then. Even if he doesn’t believe me, I still gotta try or I’ll die trying!’ I mentally cursed at myself for getting in an awkward position.

‘Yeah sure we’re wasting time but we’ve never actually talked before unless it’s for school. Best get it off of the bucket list before we’re all inevitably killed in this stupid war. Plus can’t I just get a single good conversation through this war? Is it that much of a crime? And yes I know my classmates are dying but give me a damn second.’

“It’s Todoroki to you. Respect my name.” He replied coldly, turning his head harshly from my grasp.

“Look we got on the bad foot. I know I may not be trustworthy but give me a chance. I have never done anything wrong to any of you since we’ve been classmates these past few months.” I replied coolly, practically saying to everyone who was fighting for their lives to fuck off for a second and let me have this moment.

“Look I guess we did get off on the bad foot but I’m not going to trust you! So what we’ve been classmates for the past few months! I’m still not letting you off the hook, villain!” He yelled in frustration, squeezing both of my shoulders tightly.

“I think you should reconsider. I’ve heard rumors that before the sports festival you acted like your father. And we all practically know how much he’s like a villain if it wasn’t for the lives he saves. In fact, you don’t seem too good, Shoto. Now I’m not saying this to get on your bad side. I’m just saying that you haven’t seen my side of the story. So don’t judge the book by its cover. Because I don’t go doing that to you or would you, like me too? That can be easily arranged if you wish.” I turned his head again like before, though this time I wiped off the tears from his face with my sleeves, “Keep this in mind Shoto. Villains are made, not born.” My speech left him absolutely speechless, though despite that tears kept flowing down his face.

“I’m so so-sorry…” He let out a hiccup, “I couldn’t do it, I risked not only my life but yours as well… I couldn’t do it, I just couldn’t. It's just…” He looked like he was on the verge of breaking down, making me think he saw something that triggered him so he paused to take a minute to recover, “We’re wasting time! Everyone’s dying around us! Let’s get back to this later!” His heart was frosted over ice once more, so he scoffed and grabbed my hand.

He pulled me towards another damn titan. By now Yaoyorozu had made guns and passed them all around. Now we’re talking! Finally! We were able to fight back against these monsters! It was ironic it seems, we’re supposed to be people who save other people such as civilians and such yet we’re the ones who are in desperate need of help and like fast.

Creati after some point got super tired of making the guns and the bullets for them. She overworked herself and pushed over her limits. Now she’s practically useless and a dead weight. Her girlfriend, Jirou is currently carrying her on her back despite being practically more petite than her.

The boys would have carried her had they not been busy trying to save their own lives before they could save the others. Me, I was barely getting by, it wasn’t because I was weak or anything. I guess I just didn’t have the motivation or determination to push through and give it my all.

If I had, I would have finished all of the titans off in no time. Honestly, they might be humans and supposed allies of us, People of Ymir. But I wouldn’t think twice about leaving them to become titan food. Maybe it was from everything they’ve done to me or maybe it was something else.

The titans just kept on coming and coming. There was nothing we could do. I was beginning to run out of gas and more swords. I only had 2 extra swords left and with the number of titans after us, I don’t think we can pass through. The amount of luck and time was running out. I’d say we’ve been fighting for at least 2 hours by now.

I wasn’t sure at this point since I wasn’t keeping track of the time, though it sure did feel longer than that. The number of our survivors wasn’t that fatal per se . A lot of us were still alive, well considering I’ve seen the scouts complete more dangerous missions with lesser soldiers. Who the Hell am I even kidding with this bullshit?! Like half of the class had been wiped out!

As of currently, there are a total of 12 survivors:

Todoroki Shoto

Midoriya Izuku

Uraraka Ochako

Iida Tenya

Bakugo Katsuki

Kirishima Eijiro

Kaminari Denki

Mina Ashido

Jirou Kyoka

Yaoyorozo Momo

Aizawa Shouta

Mineta was first to die, then Koda. The 3rd death was Tsuyu’s, such a tragic death. Her tongue was bitten off by the titan and while she was focused on the plan, she had not noticed the 10-meter titan creeping from her behind. I had also not noticed that until Sero pointed it out, screaming along the lines of he’ll save her.

The 4th death was Sato’s. Despite his quirk being super strong, he wasn’t strong enough to survive and lift the small building that fell on him. Effectively killing him instantly.

The 5th death was Sero, when Tsuyu had been killed, he went into beast mode—dodging all of the titans by swinging through the air with the help of his tapes. First, his right leg was bitten off and he fell on a nearby roof. I could have helped him had it not been for another titan holding me back.

He was close enough to Tsuyu’s murderer and I could tell he could only see red rage. Again he was too late, 3 more titans approached him and ripped his body apart. His death was similar to Eren’s first death in a sense. They both died in rage trying to protect the ones they love.

6th was Shoji, who died because of being accidentally stepped on by a really big titan. He had no time to process things until a large shadow casted over him. When he looked up there was nothing else he could do to stop the tears, screams, and fright coming from him. Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! He was stepped on 3 times before the beast was sure he was dead.

7th was the invisible girl, none of us saw her die of course but we did finally see her body. I'm not even sure when she died; we just found her buried in rubble, similar to Sato’s death. Though we finally saw her true form. Since when she died, her quirk also went away revealing her beautiful self. At least she was covered in the rubble when she died as she was naked.

8th was Tokoyami, and to make matters worse it was somewhat Bakugo’s fault. I’m sure he’s feeling pretty guilty now. Tokoyami, of course, couldn’t use his quirk properly but with Bakugo who was coincidentally beside him, it was definitely hard to use Dark Shadow’s true potential. Not like his quirk was much help since quirks, in general, didn’t work against the titans.

And Tokoyami relied purely on his quirk even after the internship and camp. Dark Shadow’s punches and such kept on going through the monsters, it was completely immune to it. And so another student went down to the monster's belly.

The 9th death was Oijiro, distraught by the death of his girlfriend or maybe even almost girlfriend. He gave up on hope. On everything, accepting his death he let himself be picked up by 4 titans who started tugging on each of his limbs until he was ripped apart into 4 pieces.

The 10th death was Aoyama. To cut things short his stomach went hurting after using his laser beam for an extended period of time even if it did not affect the titans. So he used them as distractions for us. The titans crowded on him so quickly right after his stomach began to hurt like Hell, using his moment of vulnerability to their advantage.

The rest of us were covered in dirt. The fabrics of our costumes had been torn apart as proof of our escape from death, also known as the mighty beasts. Blood was either seeping out or splattered from our clothes, both our own and from our classmates, dead or alive, which didn’t matter at this point. Because what mattered was getting out alive. Surviving…

By now the city was covered in debris. Titans roamed freely and I haven’t seen a single scout passing by, not yet at least. The once beautiful city now roared in a massive blaze of fire that even put Endeavor to shame. Most of the civilians may have already escaped or evacuated to the docks, but we can’t say for sure.

I think the class and my teacher find it weird that they haven’t run into any civilians by now or even other heroes. Maybe their thoughts were filled with hopes that their loved ones are safe. I could tell they were desperate to see their families and friends, but they now have a duty to uphold. If they won’t help in fighting who will?

Maybe everyone is focused on somewhere else…? Or maybe their… Who am I kidding? It is clear to see. Most civilians are dead. Some may have managed to be evacuated or escaped but it cannot make up for the blood that was shed. But I also had a theory, they could have also been turned into titans, which was most likely since the amount of titans roaming the city was quite a large amount.

In the distance, I heard guns going off. Like a battle was occurring. I looked at everyone else, somewhat confused that they either didn’t seem to care or they didn’t hear the guns being shot. Wait, a minute! I have an idea that might just really help.

“We won’t last like this! We need more people!” I screamed at our teacher.

“We don’t have any backup! All communications are lost as well! Looks like they took down the cell towers!” He replied in a frustrated yet tired voice.

“Weren’t we the only ones going on a field trip?! What about class-B?! If we can gather our forces with them! We might just make it out of this!”

The realization hit him, “They’re at the city square! If they're still there we can make it! it's not far from here!’ He then began to instruct the class to go to the city square and combine forces with class-B while he’ll distracts the monsters.

A lot of them didn’t like this plan. They didn’t like the fact that we’ll be using our teacher as a distraction. They think he’ll die if he fights against the titans alone, which is most like the outcome. They had learned that the hard way of almost losing their teacher with the USJ incident

My classmates protested, especially Iida who looks up to Aizawa-sensei immensely, that’d be a huge blow to him if our adviser would return injured or even not return at all. Kirishima is well saying along the lines that it’s not manly of us to leave our teacher behind. Our teacher's heart warmed up at that obviously.

Of course, he didn’t want to leave us all alone to fend for ourselves. He was supposed to look after us. Now it was on his watch that almost half of his students had died. I could tell his conscience felt very guilty about that and devastated. Who wouldn’t be?

I wasn’t close to our teacher though. But I understand his actions and where he was coming from. A shot of deja vu tan through me. His actions remind me of Commander Erwin. It felt so long since his death passed and I’m sure none of us had gotten over it.

But we continued to persevere, fight, and survive. We continued his legacy. So that is why it pains me to watch our teacher sacrifice himself just as our Commander did. It was for the greater good. If our sensei would distract the titans, drawing them all near him.

We’d have a clear shot at survival. We’d probably make it to the city square and regroup with class-B. If not then we’ll figure another solution out. For now, we’ll have to gamble and take the risk.

“Let’s go, everyone! There’s no time to waste! We don’t have another plan! Use your quirks and let’s go! Don't let our teacher’s sacrifice be for nothing!” I screamed at them as though they were soldiers, trying to knock them out of their fears.

“Plus Ultra!” With tears in their eyes, they knew I was right, then we all yelled a battle cry, pushing ourselves over our limits.

We ran and used our quirks, my body felt tired. Everyone else felt like that. We felt heavy and as though we were pushing a boulder. Todoroki who once again was beside me using his ice to move faster. Midoriya and Bakugo ran behind him, I could tell though that Midoriya was taking this the hard way. It wasn’t only him though. Everyone looked defeated with tears and frustration kept building up inside of them.

“Hurry up everyone! We’ll have time to mourn for them all later, but if we don’t hurry up we might end up with the same fate as the-!” I was cut off by a scream that came from where we left our teacher.

“Come on! Bring all you’ve got! I’m over here!” Sensei yelled trying to bring all the titans towards him which unfortunately did work.

We decided to tune out those sounds. Listening to them further would only make us more guilty for leaving him behind. 2 more minutes of running and I’d say we’d reach City Square. If class-B still stands then we’d have a second shot at getting through this.

“We’re almost there, we can’t stop now!” I grabbed the ponytailed girl from Jirou, who was on the verge of collapsing, “Kaminari, carry Jirou, we must push forward if we can to survive!” Even if I was tired I placed the girl on my back.

“I can take it, give her back!” Both tired and exasperated, the said girl screamed her lungs out at me.

Iida but in to scold us, “Argue later, for now, we have to survive! Do not let Aizawa-sensei’s sacrifice go to waste!”

“What’s the plan, bitch face?! Once we reach class-B and regroup what’ll we do?!” Bakugo, who flew beside me using his explosions, asked calmly.

Rolling my eyes at him, “We’ll split into groups probably, first I’ll let you guys evacuate your family then we move onto the civilian's right aft-!” The falling of boulders rapidly from the sky cut me off, “Shit! It’s the beast titan! Fuck! Everyone! Get behind me! We have to continue before it’s too late! Bakugo if ever boulders or debris is blocking our way, blast them to bits!”

“With pleasure!” He smirked, finally getting his hopes of turning the tides around against the titans.

I grabbed Todoroki’s hand, who happened to be the closest one near me and dragged him behind me. While Bakugo got the message I yelled at him, flew in front of me, and began to lead the way to City Square. We were dodging the boulders to the best of our abilities but that wasn’t our only obstacle.

Because there were still the occasional titans we just so happened to pass by. Yes, Aizawa-sensei drew in most of the titans from this area, still, some kept getting in our way. Like right now.

I scream a battle cry into the air, “Agh! Fucking die already!”

I quickly flew ahead of Bakugo and dropped. Yaoyozorou who was on my back, into his arms. Causing him to stumble back and yell out a curse at me. The titan just popped out of nowhere. It was going to be face to face with him and it was about to eat him by surprise had I not acted. Swerving behind the beast with my aerobatics skills, I sliced off the titans' nape. Making its blood splatter on me, freaking disgusting.

Kirishima, who saw this all happening, decided that he wasn’t going to run and do nothing except watch us do all the work. For him, it wasn’t something manly. So he rushed to Bakugo, jumping on top of the debris and boulders, grabbing the girl from Bakugo’s arms. He placed her on his back and continued to push himself forwards.

I flew back next to Todoroki and let Bakugo lead the way. Occasionally he had to blow up some debris and boulders both coming in our way and blocking them. I also had to come in and intervene sometimes because titans kept randomly popping out, I didn’t want any more students to die so I decided to act upon myself quickly.

“We’re almost there!” I screamed, seeing a bunch of different colored hairs in the distance as I finished off yet another titan.

“Then let’s hurry!” Todoroki screamed as he and our classmates passed by me, grabbing my hand and pulling me into him.

“By the way, I’m still not done with you, I still wanna know why you risked my life.” I glared at him the same way he used to glare at me.

“We’ll have time for that later.” He glared back, not backing down.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, “If there even is a later, I’ll protect you and everyone until we part ways to evacuate the civilians. I’ll be going with you though since you trust me so much.” I spoke sarcastically to which he just nodded irritatedly.

Running and pushing ourselves past our limit we finally reached City Square. A chance to victory was in our hands. A bunch of newly graduated cadets was supposedly positioned here. Even if they were cadets they could help me a lot.

“Shit!” I grabbed Todoroki and placed him behind me as a gunshot fired into the air.

It hit Bakugo in the shoulders, making him curse in pain. Midoriya who witnessed everything cried out for his childhood friend, grabbing him quickly and then hiding behind a large piece of debris. Ripping a piece of his hero costume to use as a bandage, he tied it tightly around his shoulders in an attempt to stop the blood.

I and everyone else followed his actions, hiding behind large pieces of fallen debris. Mina let out a scream as a bullet shot into her left abdomen. Kaminari, who was next to her, quickly took off the jacket from his hero costume and ripped off a piece. Doing the same thing as Midoriya he tied the fabric to her abdomen.

With shaky hands he pressed down on the wound, hoping the blood would stop spilling out. Tears began to stream down his face. It was clear enough to see that by the amount of blood coming out from Mina, she wouldn't make it. This was her end.

I could see the life beginning to fade from her eyes. I couldn’t watch. Not when the Kirishima who passed the passed-out girl to Jirou began to sprint to Mina. Not caring that multiple bullets were shot into the air, one of them happened to graze his leg. He didn’t flinch from the pain, instead continuing to push forward, determined as ever. Plus he did use his quirk to make sure he wouldn’t die.

He crouched down to Mina and tried to help Kaminari stop the bleeding. Using the rest of what was left of Kaminari’s jacket to put pressure on her wound. Tears kept coming from both of them and I could even tell Bakugo was also crying based on the sniffles he was trying to hide.

It was sad that we don't have time to mourn the death of our classmates. It was sad we didn’t get to say goodbye. Everything just happened so quickly yet it felt like time moved in slow motion. If you even get what I mean.

Realizing quickly that we couldn’t stay behind the debris for long, I took a little peek from out behind the debris I was using as a shield. A bullet shot at me directly, just narrowly missing me. ‘Shit if I can’t find where they are positioned at, we’ll be sitting ducks!’ I spotted a broken mirror near me and Todoroki. It was a bit of a stretch but completely doable.

I nudged his shoulder, pointing my finger at the broken mirror shard. He extended his feet and used them to pull the mirror to us. It wasn’t as easy as it looked though, he failed a couple of times. It took him multiple tries before he successfully reached the mirror with his foot. Bullets also shot from what seemed out of nowhere. Almost hitting his leg in the process.

He stepped on the mirror and dragged it back to himself, picking it up from under his foot, he quickly handed it to me. Using the mirror, I angled it to look in different directions. I spotted a few class-B students hiding under some debris and some dead bodies scattered around the ground. The bodies belonged to those of class-B, their adviser, random civilians, and the newly recruited cadets.

There were a total of 2 of the newly recruited cadets. If I recall correctly, there should be a total of 5 of them stationed here. Seeing as this is the city square, it’d be stupid to station new recruits there, of course we had our reasons. We believed that the center of their attacks would be at city hall. Their main target being the mayor of this city.

Whispering quietly to myself as I scanned the area through the mirror, “Where are you?”

“Maybe they're in the buildings or cars.” Todoroki proposed

“Probably…” Pausing for a second to think of our next possible moves, “Hey umm… Guys, I got some good news and bad news.” Everyone who was still alive looked at me

Shoto spoke up because everyone was quiet, “Good news first.”

“Well, good news is that this is a titan free zone and there may be 3 of my comrades here to help us. The bad news is we got here too late and the Marley’s have dominated this area and I can’t seem to find them. So we'll need someone to create a distraction, then that’ll draw our enemies out. And with our remaining guns and bullets, we’ll kill them. Got it?” I asked everyone

They more or less seem in and out of it, it was understandable of course as their whole lives had changed so drastically in a matter of moments. I can only imagine the amount of trauma they're going through right now, as well as all of the anxiety of not knowing whether or not your loved ones are safe or at least alive. They seemed to have understood what I explained and asked of them, yet they still continued to be trapped in this sort of trance.

“This is so not manly… How can I be this useless…?” Kirishima began, his knees tucked to his body, rocking back and forth whilst he pulled his hair in frustration, tears already pouring down.

“... Kiri-” Midoriya began to try and soothe the said boy, before another person interjected.

“What about our families, will we never see them again? I didn’t even get to say goodbye or to repay my parents…” Uraraka’s voice cracked as she broke down, following the same as Kirishima, then puking, most likely from overworking her quirk.

“Guys…” Iida tried to intervene and cheer everyone up, but he himself was in the same boat as they were, so he was left like a fool speechless.

Jirou spoke a little bit too loud that the enemies had noticed, effectively shooting a bullet in our way, “She must have really overworked herself!” She pressed down on the gun shot on the ponytailed hair girl, tears already falling down as she kept mumbling to herself that everything is fine.

Everything was not fine. It was all going down hill and if we didn’t do something to turn the situation around. Then we’ll all die.

Iida who sat besides them yet never noticed the blood rushing down from vice-president’s leg began to help the 2 girls in any way he could

I see now that everyone was in despair. All hope was lost. Everyone was tired, confused, depressed, and scared. This was our first moment of break from all of the fighting and exhaustion from before. I was the same as them, yet I can’t find it in myself to care as much as I should have.

Could that have been from all the bullshit they put me through. I couldn’t tell at this point, I practically didn’t feel shit. Everything’s just so numb. I had no motivation to push through the boundaries or as per the heroes, ‘Go Beyond And Plus Ultra.’

I think Todoroki must have gotten the hint that I was also giving up on them because he began to speak to me gently, “Please, we need your help. We can’t do this alone.” He desperately begged

The depth of the graveness of the situation, settled in on him probably. In all seriousness, I was shocked by his actions to say the least. Never did I think that in my life, that Todoroki Shoto, son of Endeavor, son of the number 1 hero, best of class 1-A, begged me to help them.

I thought about my choices for a hot second then made up my mind and stood up a bit, “What else do I have to lose? Just my life of course… However, I did make an oath to save humanity and I intend to see it through. Let’s go, no more wasting time.”

A familiar boyish scream cut me off, “Agh!! (Y/n)! Captain! Mikasa! Armin! Help!”

“Oh God. Anyone but you!” I screamed and against all my wishes, when I peaked out I saw a familiar black hair, “Ayato!” I screamed out in fury before another bullet was shot to his side.

Before Todoroki could pull me back and knock some sense into me, I felt a feeling I haven’t felt in a long time. Electricity ran through my brain and I feel in full control over my body.

“Die!” I screamed out a battle cry, wasting a lot of my gas that was already running low.

With a battle cry, I killed all of the surrounding enemies without hesitation, managing to dodge all of the bullets they were rapidly shorting at me. There was only 1 final enemy left though, the one on top of Ayato. I kicked the soldier off of Ayato and grabbed his gun from him.

He laughed at me and began yelling insult after insult. All I saw was red and rage. I didn’t care who was watching, he deserved to die a painful death. Grabbing his head I threw it to the ground so hard that blood began to fall.

I was sick of it. I towered over him as he whimpered and begged to live, pathetic can’t even hold his honor. I lifted my foot over his head and began to stomp on it with all my might. Everyone’s yells went deaf in my ears.

Stomp!

His cries, whimpers, and pleads fell deaf on my ears as I began to scream out reasons why he deserved this.

“You killed my family!”

“You killed my friends!”

“You killed my soldiers!”

“You dare ask for mercy but did you even give us mercy!”

“You took away my life!”

“You took away our peace!”

“You killed my people!”

“You deserve this!”

“You keep on taking away the lives of others!”

“I was forced to become a soldier because of you!”

“It’s your fault!”

I lost count of how many times I crushed his head with my foot. Blood splattered all over my clothes, but I didn’t care. He deserved it.

“That’s enough!” Before I could even yell and stomp even more, Todoroki grabbed me from behind and began to cool me.

Trying desperately to calm me down, I looked around and I saw what remained of our class. Helping all of the Class-B students who were still alive, some of them tied up. I can only assume they were tied up because they wanted to keep them as prisoners or hostages. But then my eyes landed on Ayato and all the other new recruits, 3 remained left out of the 5.

I wriggled out of Todoroki’s grasp and ran to Ayato, “Please! Anyone but you! Don’t die! Don’t die! Don’t leave me alone!”

I quickly kneeled before him and placed his head gently into my lap as he coughed out some blood and gave me his hand, speaking in between his bloody coughs, “Live for me and take care of everyone…”

That was the last thing he spoke before dying, I felt nothing but complete sadness and rage. A few tears ran down my cheeks but there was nothing more I could do. My best friend was dead. There would be no more stupid jokes or silly stories for us to share during break time or whenever we were free.

“Ayato wasn’t supposed to be placed here. Why is he here?” I questioned

“He heard that we were having a hard time defending. So he came back up.” A new recruit hugged me from behind, tears also streaming down her face.

I grabbed Ayato’s cloak and called over Todoroki, to which I gave him my own bloody cloak and told him to wear it, reluctantly he did. I wore Ayato’s which was also stained in his own blood and ripped out his name tag from his jacket.

“Shoto. If I die, you will lead everyone on, including my soldiers. Make sure you put them first before you. Please, they have families, they have names...” I didn’t care if I wasn’t using his last name

Before he could reply, I walked away and gathered everyone up. The new recruits, my classmates, and what remained of class 1-B. Class 1-B didn’t complain nor questioned my authority, especially Monoma who looked at me seriously like an ally, yet there was still a hint of disbelief and resentment in his eyes as he stared at me. I can only assume my classmates had explained the situation to class 1-B already.

Putting my hands behind my back, I began to speak, “Today as we face the impending and inevitable war! We are all the same. We’ve lost our families, friends, dignity, and what we once called home. Today, we saw many die before us and we were helpless, we couldn’t save our fellow classmates and teachers no matter how hard we tried.”

“And who said you can lead?!” This pissed Monoma off apparently as he screamed furiously, “From what I see here you're just with them!”

“How dare you speak against her! You don’t know what we’ve been through! We save humanity, we’re fighting this war! We’re on your side!” A recruit cried out in anger towards him pulling out her blades.

“And what about it?! What were you doing when we were all being slaughtered?! Nothing?! That’s what, you did absolutely nothing as we were helplessly being killed!” Monoma spat back

“We helped! We sacrificed our lives as well!” Her and the 2 other recruits hissed back at him

“ENOUGH!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, “All of this fighting among ourselves is meaningless, we can’t do anything anymore, what’s done is done! So fucking forget about it! We only have our duties to do! We only have our duties left to uphold! Protect and serve the people! And what are we doing?! Meaninglessly yelling! Now listen up because these might be the last words you hear before you die!”

“Tch.” Both Bakugo and Monoma said in unison

Placing my tight fisted hand above my heart with my other hand behind my back, “Worry not of your fallen friends and family as no soul can say they’ve died in vain, not until the end when this war is finally over.”

“Even still, how can we win against them? Our enemies are gigantic and our quirks don’t work against them.” Uraraka cried out

“Remember this everyone, deep within us if we channel our anger and rage, we are just as barbaric as they are.” Raising my blades to the sky, “Wielding the blade of gloria we’re meant for victory! And it doesn’t matter if your quirks work or not against the titans because with every ounce of our lives we’ll fight back! We’ll reclaim the land and pride that was stolen from us! We will bring justice to all the lives taken.” Dropping my blades at my shoulders then to the cloak on Todoroki’s back, “Only those who fight against the titans are deserving of those wings! The wings of freedom!”

“They are the prey and we are the hunters!” The 3 remaining scout members yelled a battle cry.

The other getting what we were supposed to be doing followed along, “They are the prey and we are the hunters!”

“Our names won’t be remembered if we die so easily and I refuse to be forgotten! We’ll be written off less than worthless!” They began yelling battle cries, “Plead, beg, and cry but none will help you! You no longer live as cattle to the titans! Will you rise and join the battle?! Will you take your freedom back?! Will you fight in this war?!”

“Yes!” They chanted back

“Will you let them steal your freedom!”

“No!”

“Then channel all the rage and anger that’s swelling inside you and fight the boundary until we break through! And never hesitate! They did not hesitate so why should we?”

They screamed at the top of their lungs!

“Waging war with every single passing minute, we will march to victory no matter what the cost! We cannot be their prisoners! So let’s rise up again and fight until it’s over!”

“Hell yeah!”

“Every passing minute they must be slain at any cost and so we’ll offer up! We’ll sacrifice until our hearts have stopped! With our own hands let’s take a stand! We dedicate and sacrifice our hearts for humanity!” Me and the 3 other scouts screamed

“Wait what?” Both class 1-A and B deadpanned

“All that was lost, all the lives that were laid down was not in vain! Everything leads up to this moment!” We screamed out without both classes

“Shinzo wo sasageyo!” We finished with a salute.

“What do you mean by sacrificing our lives for humanity?” Todoroki looked at me seriously.

“This is war. And you will either die with honor or die a coward. Or you’ll survive to see another day. It’s your actions which will decide your outcome.”

Midoriya jumped in, “(L/n) not all of us want to die.”

“Of course, I understand everyone’s feelings but as a soldier, I’ve decided my life to fighting this war since I was 12, along with every single soldier fighting this war, we graduated when we were 15 and most weren't able to see past that age. However for me being an Ackerman meant that I excelled, when I was already 13 I began working in the Scott’s regiment. Which means that I have the most experience in war here. I’ve seen more people die than any of you here. So I suggest that you get over with it and help us evacuate the civilians. If not, run back to your families. I don't care.”

“(L/n), I get you but you can’t just drop all of this on us, just this morning we didn’t expect that all of this would happen but it did.” Speaking in tears Kirishima interjected

“This happened to us as well, but unlike you guys. Nobody was there to save us, so many lives were lost that day. And so many lives continue to be lost with every day this war continues.”

“You bitch! We also have families, do you not consider how we feel?! They could be dead!” Bakugo marched forward pointing his fingers at my chest, he looked like he was close to strangling me, yet unshed tears were clear as day in his eyes.

Giving him a sad smile, “Yes I get you, I watched powerlessly everyone I love die before me. But I don’t want that to happen to other children, so as much as possible. I’ll do my best to save as many people as I can.”

“And what if you die?” Todoroki questioned with clenched fist

“Then I will die with honor as I upheld my oath, protect and save humanity. To sacrifice everything until my heart stops beating. That is my duty and then after that I can finally rest in peace. I believe someone will carry out my death and bring us to victory. If I don’t die however, if others die, then their deaths will be on my shoulders and I’ll carry them to victory, even if I’m the last one standing.” The silence was loud besides from the screams of titans in the distance, “So let me ask everyone again, are you still willing to fight in this war? Last warning, only few and far between know that victory takes sacrifice. Only can they really see… See through offering up the price, our lives. If you think that your dreams come true easily then my friend you're in for a surprise because nothing in this world will come for free.”

“(L/n)-“ Iida began but I cut him off.

Walking towards Midoriya, “Deku, especially you of all people need to hear this. Foolish decision in this world, this illusion. Don’t be caught up in your reckless bravery. Or you’ll become a pawn to freedom, fighting in the chains that will hold you back. But if you move correctly, then checkmate. Victory is out there waiting. Once we win, you are not only freeing just your freeing lives but ours as well.” I gestured to me and the scouts then turned back to face everyone, “I’m counting on Deku to lead class 1-A, Iida-kun make sure to back him up and keep the class in order, do your best to make sure everyone survives this… Kendo as your class 1-B representative I expect you to lead your class, Phantom Thief back her up as well like Iida, and no figuring with 1-A this is a serious matter. I will lead my scouts of course and do my best to keep you all alive. But if I die or am unable to lead my scouts, I’ve decided that Todoroki will lead my scouts. If he refuses to take it though seeing as he has some resentment towards me or if he happens to die, Red Riot… Please take very good care of my scouts and try your best to bring them all home. Todoroki, if you do take up the position or not die of course, please believe in yourself as I do, I know we have our differences, you’ll have to excuse that for now. Let’s all be real friends after all this, okay?” This shocked Todoroki.

He couldn’t believe that you believed in him. Him of all people? Him who has been anything but kind to you? Honestly he just wants to go home and find his family, he’s so worried about his mom, sister, Natsuo, and Hell even his dad! But he knows he can’t go to them because the citizens are at a higher stake, he can only hope his mom and siblings are safe.

In fact as of when all of this started he was praying to all deities out there to save his family. It all felt suffocating, especially when one of those titans that almost killed him reminded him of Touya. Opening an old wound, he was going to freeze the titans mouth from before but he just couldn’t. Those eyes reminded him too much of his oldest brother. And because of that (Y/n) had to come save his ass.

“Are you still with me?” I asked, breaking Todoroki out of his thoughts

“Yes.” The scouts saluted to me

I looked at the class expectantly, “How do you expect us to say yes after all that?” Kaminari spoke out

“My speech isn’t really that great I’ll admit, however let me tell you the speech our commander told us when he was about to send his soldiers to their deaths. I think you’ll find it… Inspiring.”

I closed my eyes as a single tear fell from my face, this may be one of the most traumatic things I witnessed. I began to speak out as I reminisced about that moment. Managing to recall the exact words of Commander Erwin and every single thing that occured.

I replayed his words in my head, “There’s no point standing around, we'll only be showered by more boulders. Ready your horses on the double”

A soldier asked him, “Be honest, are all of us riding to our deaths?”

“Yes we are.” The Commander replied

The same soldier spoke up, “And since we’re dying anyway you’re saying that it’s better if we at least die fighting?” His voice cracked, on the verge of breaking down completely.

“I am.” Despite knowing what he was doing the Commander spoke calmly.

“Captain, isn't there anything else we can do for them?” I asked Levi

“Unless you wanna ride with them to their deaths as well, I suggest you stick with the plan.” Levi spoke calmly as well like the Commander.

“But wait… If we’ll die anyway then who cares what we do? We can just disobey your orders and it wouldn’t mean a thing, wouldn’t it?” The same soldier asked the Commander

“Yes, you’re precisely right. Everything that you thought had meaning. Every hope, dream, or moment of happiness. None of it matters as you lie, bleeding out on the battlefield. None of it changes what a speeding rock does to a body. We all die. But does that mean our lives are meaningless? Does that mean that there was no point in our being born? Would you say that of our slain comrades? What about their lives? Were they meaningless?” The Commander's eyes widened as rage filled him, a newfound motivation, “They were not! Their memory serves as an example to us all!” Walking to the middle of the crowd I began to yell out everything I could recall, “The courageous fallen!” I grabbed Todoroki’s shoulder, “The anguished fallen!” I moved onto Iida, then Midoriya, Bakugo, and everyone else who was still alive, after that I went back in front of everyone and screamed, “Their lives have meaning because we the living refuse to forget them! And as we ride to certain death, we trust our successors to do the same for us!”

“BECAUSE MY SOLDIERS DO NOT BUCKLE OR YIELD WHEN FACED WITH THE CRUELTY OF THIS WORLD! MY SOLDIERS PUSH FORWARD! MY SOLDIERS SCREAM OUT! MY SOLDIERS RAGE!”

Taking a breath to calm myself down, another tear fell from my face.

“After that they all died. But they put their trust in us as their successors that we will continue fighting and their deaths won’t go to vain. If there’s anyone who can bring about change, it’s someone capable of giving up what matters most… People who are capable of abandoning their humanity when forced to rise above monsters. Those who can't abandon anything… Can’t change anything. So I’ll ask one more time… WILL YOU SACRIFICE YOUR HEARTS UNTIL THEY HAVE STOPPED AND FIGHT IN THIS WAR?!”

“… Yes.” One by one they finally agreed to fight in this war after Midoriya finally agreed to.

“If we survive this, I promise that from then on. We have a winning shot! If we make this alliance work, all of their deaths won’t be in vain! And I promise you this! If we survive all this, I’ll do my best to bring you all home!” This time it was the scouts who cheered the loudest at the mention of being able to go home.

Home… That was the trigger for everything, making everyone scream out at the top of their lungs. Gathering a lot of titans attention though they were far away. And so they began to run in our director at full speed.

“Now! Let the onslaught begin!” I screamed along with them, raising my blades in the air.

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zootplayz · 3 months

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The Trouble With Gnomes

When we left it was Gnome Fest. Wait I mean Harvest Fest. At the time my game was broked and I couldn't actually cook a grand meal so it was technically Gnome Fest for me. Eventually, I did fix the game by finding the non-updated mod and returned Harvest Fest back to normal. But due to the Pancakes disaster with the gnomes I did actually create a Gnome Fest holiday. Therefore, BEHOLD, the origins of the gnomey holiday!

We are now the Gnomes! Since the girls eliminated the gnome opposition they decided to cart the look of the gnomes to prove their dominance.

Everyone at the family get-together knew who the true gnomes of the day were and respected the girls' new position.

However, there were others not so impressed by the girls' new self-confidence.

Graham, my second-generation Fox heir and founder of the Super Sim challenge clan had to show the Pancakes exactly who was in charge in this world. Of course he went after the main perpetrator, Theresa.

I can't even be mad. Graham's got to be at least 200 years old and this is the first time he's attacked one of my other legacies.

He has every right to look as proud of himself as he does. He is the dominant sim in this world. Though I wonder if he wasn't bought off by the gnomes themselves. Bridget got off relatively easy after the gnome night (after all she was just an innocent bystander - dancing in the carnage doesn't mean anything!) So she was further able to pursue her romantic life.

Darling must have awakened something in her because, in a relatively short time, she wanted to make things with Darling official.

Considering how long she was with that other girl and nothing rolled it must be fate. Of course, I immediately moved Darling into the home so she could start aging and they immediately got extra frisky.

All the townie families in my game have a pet because I needed more pets to work on at the Fox clinic. In Darling's case she had an adorable kitty named Kira.

Who I naturally totally love as I do Darling's new makeover.

With Darling joining the house some major things happened. I could no longer stand the sight of that eyesore of a house I built and got the girls a much better home off the gallery. So if you're looking at the backgrounds of these pics and thinking I don't recognize this place, that's why. Now that I think about it, I was initially going to give this house back to a Disney Princess but considering these sims are the only ones to officially live here I think I'll let their family stay here. It'll make more sense for when I get to Tiana claiming her family hasn't accomplished anything. - ramble over Anyway since Bridget has herself an official significant other now it's time to officially cut Andrea loose.

Listen chica this relationship wasn't going anywhere, Bridge just wasn't feeling it. Go enjoy story progression.

Yeesh, someone does not take rejection well. Good thing you got out of that relationship Bridge. Don't let her insanity get to you.

You have the amazing Darling who has some big news for you now that you're officially all theirs.

Seriously, they rolled to marry Bridget almost immediately after Bridget cooled things off with Andrea.

I do love these two together so much. My favorite couple in my legacies at the moment. I find the unflirty sims are the most romantic and devoted once they find the right person.

So when I got control of Darling and saw that chief of mischief aspiration I had to change it. It just did not fit her personality, I felt, so I chose nerd brain. It just screamed Darling to me.

Though the handiness skill definitely needs some serious work.

That's gotta hurt. Darling is an absolute coffee fiend. If there's none in the pot you better be sure they're brewing some up.

However, a contributing factor could be the silly girlfriend's love of snow.

He's missing something... I know! Pancakes! And her insistence everyone else enjoy it as much as her.

Part 01 Part 03 Read the full article

#bobpancakes #bridget #gen01 #gen1 #legacy #pancakes #sims4 #sims4legacy #thesims #thesims4

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memoryboy · 3 years

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me to my sister yesterday: there have been a lot of cooking streams lately. tubbo did one recently where he made pancakes, and then karl visited quackity and they made... pancakes... and then george did one and he made... uh... hm.

her: i mean, he made crepes, really

#tubbo #quackity #karl jacobs #georgenotfound #mcyt #dream smp #george is like the only dream smp member she watches anything from #so she saw a clip about the crepe thing #seriously though why did everyone make pancakes #is tubbo going to start a new trend of upside down cake now

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beautiful-and-terrible · 3 years

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little things

Rating: Gen

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, SoftBoi!Rodrick, Insecure!Reader

Ship: Rodrick Heffley x Reader

Warnings: Body Image, Eating Disorders / Body Dysmorphia, Insecurity

A/N: this is. SO shmoopy and cheesy lmaoooo but this was an anon request and i live to please :) enjoy!

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You dragged yourself through your front door, kicking off your shoes in the foyer. The house was dark - your parents were probably asleep already.

You had just spent the day with Rodrick at Six Flags, and you were exhausted from spending all day in the hot sun, running around with your boyfriend like children. You smiled to yourself thinking about the events of the day, the thrill of the rollercoasters you went on.

You clutched the teddy bear Rodrick had won you close to your chest as you slowly ascended the stairs, trying not to make too much noise.

You entered your room and tenderly placed the bear on the bed, giving it a little kiss on the head as you did so before starting your night routine. Change into pajamas, brush teeth, wash face. As you were putting on your final face cream, your phone vibrated on the bathroom counter. You knew who it was from the specific rhythm of the vibration - two short bursts, like a heartbeat.

Rodrick had sent pictures of you two from today - a lot of selfies, but also a couple of far away shots that Rodrick had harassed people into taking for you. People rarely were able to say no to Rodrick once he had gotten an idea into his head - even if that idea was wrapping himself around a street lamp like a stripper for a good picture.

You finally, blissfully laid down in bed, letting out a giant groan as you cracked your back. You browsed the photos, feeling your heart-rate pick up as you gazed at Rodrick in the pictures. He looked so cute today - he had been wearing cut off black jeans, black high-top vans, and a loose button down Hawaiian shirt, half-way unbuttoned to show off his tanned chest and the multiple layers of silver necklaces he was wearing. His nails were painted black, but his eyes were free of makeup, simply accented by his naturally long eye-lashes and the smile-lines around his eyes.

After admiring Rodrick, you turned your gaze to yourself in the pictures. You felt your heart sink into your stomach. When you had left the house this morning, you had felt pretty confident in your outfit - just ripped jean shorts and a crop-top with converse. But as you looked closer, you couldn’t stop thinking about how unsatisfied you felt with the way you looked in the pictures.

As you continued to scroll through, the more faults you found in your appearance. Your thighs being squeezed by your shorts, which didn’t feel too tight but apparently were not as flattering as you thought. In one picture, you were sitting down on a bench, your legs over Rodrick’s lap, but you couldn’t stop staring at the roll of your stomach that came over the waistband of your shorts. You felt tears pricking your eyes, but you stubbornly refused to cry. You spent a long time trying to feel confident in yourself - you weren’t going to let that hard work be ruined by a few unflattering photos.

However, you couldn’t stop thinking about the way your body looked in those pictures. You got up to stand in front of your full length mirror, looking at the reflection critically. You were craning your neck to look at your butt when you heard a soft tap-tap-tap at the window. You jumped about 2 feet in the air before you realized it was just Rodrick, grinning from outside the window and placing a wet kiss on the glass, making you laugh. He made a grossed-out expression when he realized the glass was not as clean as he thought it was, wiping his tongue on the back of his hand.

“I swear to God, you’re like a toddler. Didn’t your mom ever tell you not to lick random surfaces?” you asked as you opened the window to let him in. He folded himself gracefully through the window, all long limbs and messy hair. You felt both comforted and electrified in his presence.

“Since when have I ever listened to any authority figure?” Rodrick asked, grinning wolfishly and leaning down to kiss you softly, juxtaposing his rebellious tone. For someone with such a seemingly hard exterior, Rodrick was always very gentle and sweet with you. It was one of the things you loved most about him - he seemed to hate everyone but you. It made you feel special and appreciated.

As he pulled back from the kiss, he frowned, stroking his thumb over your cheek. “Have you been crying? Your eyes are red,” he said, making a pouty face. You shrugged, turning away and shaking your head.

“No, just allergies probably.”

Rodrick scoffed, “Sure, allergies. You’re a bad liar, you know that?”

You refused to look at him, instead going to your record player and flipping through the vinyls you had stacked in a black milk-crate. “I’m not a bad liar,” you said half-heartedly, not really able to come up with any other excuse.

“You totally are, you avoided eye contact and everything. Seriously, what's wrong? Do you not like the bear?” Rodrick asked. You felt his arms wrap around your waist, his chest pressed against your back, his nose tucked into the crook of your neck. You felt yourself smile despite your bad mood.

“No, I love the bear. I named him Sasha Bear-on Cohen. Get it?” you said, turning your head to place a kiss on his cheek.

“Ahh, a-very nice,” Rodrick replied in his best Borat impression. You giggled. He gave you a squeeze, hands warm on your waist, but the sensation made you self-conscious about your body again, and you wiggled away. You couldn’t understand how Rodrick could bear to touch you. You had no idea why he was attracted to you in the first place. It made tears spring to your eyes again, and you sniffled.

“Y/n”, Rodrick said softly, looking genuinely concerned. “I know you. You don’t get sad for no reason - unless you’re on your period, or you start thinking too much about the Mars Curiosity Rover.”

You sighed, but you knew he had a point. It took you a minute to get your thoughts into words before you spoke.

“I just... I know its silly. But those pictures - you look like a Hot Topic wet dream and I look... I don’t know. I just don’t like the way I look. And most of the time I don’t let it bother me - at least, I try - but I hate having my picture taken because whenever I see them, all I can see is the things I hate about myself. So. Yeah.”

You feel the tears making steady rivers down your cheeks, and your voice shakes as you speak. Rodrick listens attentively, sitting on the foot of your bed. He pats the space next to him, and you sit down. His hand rests on your leg - not constraining you or placating you with a hug, just letting you know he’s there.

“Y/n, I don’t know how to tell you this without sounding like a giant cheese-ball, but... holy fuck. You are so beautiful. I - every time I look at you all I can think is goddamn, I can’t believe she’s into a loser like me. And don’t argue, it’s just a fact,” he says quickly as you try to defend him from his own self-deprecation.

“I’m not good with words... I’m more of a man of action, y’know?” he says, raising his eyebrows suggestively. You smack him on the arm, but his silly expression still makes you smile.

“But, I can still tell you - and don’t repeat this to anyone ever because I’ll never live it down - you give me butterflies. Every time. No matter if you’re in pajamas or a ballgown. You make me feel like a stack of pancakes with warm butter and syrup,” he pauses as you laugh, his warm brown eyes gazing into yours. “Just... I don’t even know what I’m saying at this point. You make my bones feel funny. That’s how beautiful you are.”

Rodrick finally wraps his arms around you. You let yourself be folded into the embrace, feeling content and more than a little overwhelmed by his confession.

“Thank you,” you murmur, unable to find any other words at the moment. You want to say all of that back to him, ten-fold. You want to tell him he makes you feel like flashing concert lights and Fourth of July fireworks. But your mouth can’t make the words, so you just wrap your arms around him tighter.

“Do you want me to spend the night?” he asks, pressing a kiss to your temple. You simply nod, already moving up the bed and pulling back the covers as Rodrick goes to turn out the lights.

In the dark of the room, only illuminated by the street-lamp outside your house, Rodrick looks very alien - all long lines and lean angles. It makes your heart-rate kick up again, and you feel a blush form on your cheeks. It’s not as though this is the first time you’ve slept in the same bed, or even been intimate, but this feels... different.

Rodrick tucks himself in next to you on your bed - it’s a queen size, so it fits both of you well enough that you could sleep together not touching if you wanted to. But Rodrick is a big cuddler at heart, even if he would deny it to his grave. He wraps his arms around your waist as you lay your head on his chest, already being lulled to sleep by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

You feel like it’s important to tell him before you both lose the tenderness of the moment, so you finally open your mouth to speak.

“I’m so lucky. I know you think you’re... a loser, or whatever but, Rodrick. You aren’t. You are so beyond cool, and brave, and courageous. Thinking about you makes my head spin. And whenever I see you... I’m home.” You trail off, feeling awkward, but Rodrick simply tightens his arms around you, stroking your back with his fingers.

“If I knew we were getting this sentimental I wouldn’t have brought lube... and maybe a few tissues,” he snickers, and you pinch his nipple, causing him to squeal.

“Jerk.”

“Bitch,” he teases back, and you sigh softly, feeling your body and mind relax. You had almost completely forgotten about the pictures - and at this point, you didn’t really care. The pictures didn’t speak. The only voice telling you that you weren’t beautiful was the one inside your head, and it could definitely be a bitch sometimes.

You could’ve imagined it, but as your brain was finally shutting down, you could’ve sworn you heard Rodrick start to sing, “you are my sunshine... my only sunshine...”

“you make me happy... when skies are gray...”

“you’ll never know, dear, how much i love you...”

“please don’t take my sunshine away...”

#devon bostick #rodrick heffley #rodrick heffley x reader #rodrick heffley fanfiction #rodrick heffley fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #comfort fanfiction #comfort fanfic #hurt fanfiction #hurt fanfic #hurt/comfort fanfic #Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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jxsatlas · 3 years

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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍 ⇢ keith kogane, ch. 3

keith kogane x gn! reader – previous

DISCLAIMER! this story does not originally belong to me, the author is @MaddieWolf37 on Wattpad. i have simply received permission to rewrite and continue her story. go and check out her profile for the original version!

SYNOPSIS! a story in which you are thrown into the middle of an intergalactic space war and have the undesirable weight of being a symbol of peace dropped on your shoulders. but maybe if you look past the constant danger and endless fighting, there's some good to being a paladin of voltron.

MATURE CONTENT! swearing, violence, gore, war, graphic descriptions, mentions of self-harm

You step into the tent, eyes wide at the sight of three unconscious scientists scattered around the ground. Straight ahead, Keith is carefully pulling Shiro off of the metal table and trying to sling Shiro's arm around him.

"Nope! No! I'm saving Shiro," Lance says and takes Shiro's other arm and tosses it around his shoulders.

"Uh... who are you?" Keith asks, furrowing his brows at Lance in confusion.

"The name's Lance?" your brother says, but Keith only blinks at him. Lance feigns a look of hurt and disappointment. How could his self-proclaimed rival not recognise him? "We were in the same class at the Garrison? We were like rivals. You know, Lance and Keith, neck and neck?"

"Really? Are you... an engineer?" Keith asks.

"What? No! I'm a pilot," Lance frowns.

Keith narrows his eyes at Lance for a moment before it clicks. His face relaxes. "Oh... yeah, I remember you. You're a cargo pilot."

"Well, not anymore. I'm fighter class now, thanks to you washing out," Lance sasses.

"Congratulations," Keith says in a low tone, not interested.

You roll your eyes at their interaction and place a hand on your hip. "Are you two just gonna sweet talk each other or are we gonna take Shiro and get out of here?" you ask.

Keith looks up at the sound of your voice, recognising it. He stares at you for a bit, unintentionally. It's been a while since he's seen you, and he could honestly that say he missed you.

You were the only person he truly got along with at the Garrison, so it's reasonable for him to feel that way.

"Well?" you ask, quirking an eyebrow.

Keith blinks, breaking his stare and bringing him back to reality. "Taking Shiro and getting out of here," he says.

You all rush out of the tent as fast as you can with an unconscious person in your arms. As the others make their way to Keith's hoverbike, You take a quick look to see what's going on with the Garrison.

"Oh, that's not good," you say and spin on your heel quickly. You scurry over to the hoverbike. "We should really get moving! The Garrison is coming back and they do not look happy!"

Pidge climbs onto the hoverbike. "Hey, is this gonna fit all of us?"

As Keith sits down at the helm, Hunk climbs onto the back, causing the back to drop downwards. "No," he grumbles.

But he doesn't bother wasting time when all of you are on and ready to go. He revs the engine and the hoverbike roars to life, lifting up into the air a few feet.

And right as the Garrison comes around the tent, Keith does a sharp 180 and heads in the opposite direction. He speeds away with the Garrison pursuing without hesitation.

To fight against the inertia, you grab ahold of Keith who you sit right behind. And you don't plan on letting go anytime soon, scared you'll fall off.

Pidge has his arms hooked under Shiro's. "Why am I holding this guy?" he asks, but he's left unanswered.

Lance looks at the Garrison behind us. They were getting closer by the second. "Can't this thing go any faster?"

"We can toss off some non-essential weight," Keith says bitterly.

"Oh, right!" Lance chirps and looks around to see what could be tossed off the hoverbike. But when he finds nothing and realises Keith was talking about Hunk, he rolls his eyes. "Okay, so that was an insult."

Keith shouts over his shoulder at Hunk. "Big man, lean left!"

Hunk does so and the hoverbike sharply veers left, quickly evading the gaining pursuers. The Garrison tries to match the sudden movement, but two of the vehicles chasing after you crash into each other.

"Aw, man!" Hunk whines. "Mr. Harris just wiped out Professor Montgomery!"

You look over your shoulder behind you and see the two vehicles rolling and flipping. You frown. You hope they're okay.

"Big man! Lean right!" Keith orders and Hunk listens to him again. As the hoverbike tips to the right, jumping over a canyon and to the narrow ledge on the other side, you make the mistake of looking down below.

Your body tingles with adrenaline as you watch the ground disappear for a second too long, not enjoying the sight at all.

"Not cool! Not cool!" You say and squeeze your eyes shut. You don't usually have a fear of heights. But it's one thing when you're piloting an aircraft, and a completely different thing when you're riding on the back of a hoverbike where falling off is a very prominent thing.

"Are you seriously scared of heights?" Lance asks, picking up on the reason why you suddenly got anxious. "You're a freaking pilot!"

"This is different!" you bark back at him.

"Wait! Guys! Is that cliff up ahead?" Hunk asks, pointing ahead. You turn back around and you squeak at the sight of the sudden drop getting closer and closer.

"Oh, no, no, no, no!" Lance shouts.

"Yep," Keith smirks and increases the speed, practically flying towards the cliff.

Everyone, except for Keith and Shiro, who is still very much unconscious, clambers and screams incoherently as Keith heads straight for the cliff and drives right off.

You feel your stomach fly up to your chest as you fall, your butt lifting off the seat. The butterflies make your entire body buzz with fear and you tighten your arms around Keith. If you fall off now, there's no doubt you'll be dead.

And flat as a pancake.

"What are you doing!? You're gonna get us killed!" Lance shouts, his eyes wide with fear. His grip is tight on the hoverbike. He doesn't want to fall off either.

"Just shut up and trust me!" Keith shouts back at him.

"I trust you!" you shout, squeezing your eyes shut once again. You truly do. Even though Keith was reckless and quite the trouble maker back at the Garrison, You know he wouldn't intentionally put you in danger without a way to get you out of it.

You fall for what seems like an eternity before Keith rolls the throttle all the way, maxing out the power of the engines. The hoverbike stops just before it hits the ground. Your butt hits the seat pretty hard and you wince.

That's definitely gonna be a bruised tailbone.

With the Garrison having no way to get down the cliff and chase after you, Keith drives off into the desert.

﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋

Inside of an old cabin in the middle of what seems to be nowhere, the group lays about. Lance sits on the edge of a surprisingly soft sofa with you laying across the majority of it, your head in his lap. He has his arms hanging on the back and his head resting on his shoulder. The two of you snooze away.

Pidge and Hunk are across the room sitting on the floor, talking about tech and engineering. Keith is outside with Shiro.

When you were waiting for Shiro to wake up, you had a chance to catch up with Keith. You hugged him and conversed with him happily. He seemed to enjoy talking to me too again, a faint smile on his face.

Although Lance glared at you from across the room the entire time. The boys have a mutual dislike for each other, so Lance didn't take too kindly to you talking to Keith. But you think Lance feels the said dislike more. Keith doesn't seem to care most of the time, but Lance can and will get on his nerves.

Nevertheless, you genuinely missed Keith. You were pretty good friends with him. In fact, you think you were his only friend at the Garrison.

You stir awake when Keith and Shiro walk back into the cabin rather loudly. You rub the sleep from your eyes and sit up. You stretch your arms out with a yawn, accidentally smacking your brother in the face.

Lance jolts awake with a small yelp.

"Oh, sorry," you say. Lance grumbles under his breath and sits up. He yawns as well.

"What have you been working on?" Shiro asks slowly.

You turn my attention to the other side of the room. Keith holds a large cloth in his hands, having pulled it off of the wall. And on the wall are pictures of caves carvings and odd locations and maps of the desert pinned onto it with tacs and tape. Messy red arrows and circles are marked onto said maps, pointing out places in the desert. But not as much as an area at the center of the map, where a large, overlapping circle was scribbled down.

With curiosity overpowering your sleepiness, you rest your chin in your palm and lean forward with interest. "What's that?" you ask.

"It's... kinda hard to explain?" Keith says with a shrug. "After getting booted from the Garrison, I felt... lost?" he says with a somber expression.

Keith points to the large circle on the map. "But I was drawn to this place. It was like something, some energy, was telling me to search," he says.

"For what?" Shiro asks.

"I'm not sure," Keith answers. "But when I did search, I came across a cave system with all these ancient carvings. Each depicting a slightly different story about a Blue Lion, and some... arrival happening," he explains and points to the photos on the wall before looking at Shiro. "Then you showed up."

Shiro hums, a small, impressed smile tugging at his lips. He turns to you, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge, who are clumped together across the room. "I should thank you all for getting me out of there," he says.

Shiro reaches his robotic arm out to Lance. An awestruck expression takes over my brother's face. On the outside, he appears rather calm. But on the inside, he's most likely freaking out about the fact that his idol is wanting to shake his hand.

"You're Lance, right?" Shiro asks.

Lance nods with a wide smile, firmly grasping Shiro's metal hand and shaking it.

Shiro turns to you. "And... [y/n]?" he guesses your name and you nod.

"Yep! That's me!" you affirm and shake Shiro's hand as well.

"I'm Pidge, and the nervous guy is Hunk," the short ginger says and points to Hunk, who is pulling at his fingers, with his thumb. "Do you know if the rest of your crew made it?"

You glance at Pidge. He seems to be pretty hung up on Shiro's crewmates. You slowly get lost in your thoughts wondering why.

Could he possibly be related to any of them? Or at least a good friend to one?

Pidge gives you a strange look and you realise you're staring. You flash him an embarrassed smile and look away.

"I don't know," Shiro says after taking a moment to dig through his memories. "My brain is still pretty scrambled. But one thing sticks out. I kept hearing the word Voltron, over and over. It's some kind of weapon."

You blink. "That's what Pidge was hearing on the radio!" you point out.

Pidge nods. "Yeah, I picked it up on alien radio chatter when scanning the solar system," he rephrases.

"Maybe those were the aliens that captured Shiro?" Lance suggests.

"Well, we need to find this Voltron before the aliens do," Shiro says with a sharp tone of determination.

"But how are we gonna do that?" Lance asks.

He's got a point. "Yeah, we don't even know what Voltron looks like," you say.

"I got that doodle in my notebook?" Pidge says.

"Sorry, Pidge, but your artist's rendition isn't the best," Lance says. You smack his arm and he smacks yours in return.

Hunks smiles. "I don't think Pidge's drawing skills will be a problem," he says and picks up Pidge's backpack. "Because I was looking through his stuff–"

Pidge snatches his bag from Hunk and holds it away from him. "What were you doing looking through my stuff?" he asks sharply.

Hunk rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "Looking for a snack," he says. "Anyways, I was looking through his diary and–"

"You did what?" Pidge growls. He seems to like his privacy.

"–and I noticed a repeating series of numbers that kinda look like a Fraunhofer line," Hunk quickly finishes talking before Pidge has a chance to interrupt him again.

"A frown-what?" Keith asks and you, him, and Lance give a quizzical look.

"Sorry, we have the brains of pilots," you say.

"That's fine," Hunk shrugs and proceeds to explain what he's talking about. "It's a number describing the emission spectrum of an element. But this element doesn't exist on earth, so I was thinking it could be this Voltron?"

You nod, understanding a little bit more of his engineer mind, but not really. He used too big of words.

"I think I can build something to track it, like a Voltron Geiger counter," Hunk says.

Lance flashes an impressed grin and crosses his arms. "Hunk, you big gassy genius!" he praises.

"It's pretty great," Hunk smiles bashfully at the compliment. He then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a sheet of paper with a sort of graph on it. He holds it up for everyone to see. "It looks like this."

Keith snatches the paper from Hunk and examines it closely. He furrows his brows and turns to one of the photos pinned up on the wall, something connecting in his brain. He holds the graph up next to a photo of rocky outcropping somewhere in the desert.

The line matches the shape of the tall, jagged rocks eerily well. You all share a look, concluding that that's the next place you need to go.

#voltron legendary defender #vld keith #vld fanfic #vld #voltron #voltron keith #keith kogane #keith x reader #reader insert #gender neutral reader #fanfiction #wattpad

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monako-jinn-stories · 3 years

Text

Crosshair X Fem!Reader FanFic

It Started With a Vacation

Thank you @maygalodon for helping me with a part of this chapter!!<3💜 everyone go check her out!! They do amazing art!!

Main Master List

Story Master List

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Thirteen

When you woke up, you were practically laying completely on top of Crosshair. Your face was buried in his right shoulder while his chin rested on the top of your head and your legs were tangled. He was holding you securely to him, and his eyes were squeezed shut.

You felt him dreaming, and you sensed his unease. You looked up and immediately reached up a hand, resting it on his cheek gently. Using the force to calm him, you softly stroked his cheek with your thumb.

Slowly, his face relaxed, and he calmed. His hold on you loosened from a desperate clinging to a secure hug. You let your hand wander up to his hair where you gently ran your fingers through. As you did, you closed your eyes and laid your head back on his chest, letting out a content sigh.

“What are you doing, princess?”

His sudden question only slightly startled you, but you lifted your head and met his gaze. Your hand stopped and your face flushed

“You were having a nightmare,” you said, beginning to pull your hand away. Crosshair stopped you, though, grabbing your hand and returning it to his hair.

“Feels nice,” he mumbled, closing his eyes and leaning into your touch. You wiggled your fingers in his hair again and a tiny but soft smile came to his lips. You smirked to yourself as you reached your other hand up and poked his nose. He scrunched it and opened his eyes to look down at you again. You giggled and poked him again, and this time he smirked at you before biting your finger tip.

“Hey!” You said, pulling it back. “You need to stop biting.”

“How else am I supposed to show that I’m not just all bark and no bite?”

“Believe me, I know. Picking fights with my commander doesn't go unnoticed.”

“Well, he should have listened to me,” Crosshair shrugged.

“Yes, but you didn't have to hurt him,” you countered.

“I know,” he sighed, “it’s just…the regs,” he said, eyes going slightly cold.

“I’m sorry that you went through that, but you can’t take it out on people who haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I think letting you get hurt and almost die is pretty wrong.”

“Crosshair,” you said, pushing yourself up off him and into a sitting position, folding your arms. “It wasn’t his fault.”

“That’s not how I see it.”

“He would never have let anything happen to me if he could prevent it.”

“He could have stopped you from getting shot if he was there.”

“If he was there, he would have jumped in front of me and gotten himself shot, and likely died.”

“It would be better than you dying,” Crosshair said, and your face turned slightly angry.

“You know, if you really cared about me, you’d know how much I love him and how much it would destroy me to lose him. You wouldn’t be wishing it was him shot instead of me,” you said seriously, and Crosshair’s gaze softened again.

“Sorry, Princess cyar’ika,” he mumbled, pulling you back into his arms.

“Hugging me isn’t going to make me less angry,” you mumbled, though you were smiling as your face buried into his chest.

“You sure? I can feel your grin.”

“Shut up.”

“Mmm, ni kar’tayl gar darasuum, mesh’la,” he mumbled.

“I’m afraid I only know one of those words,” you stated, looking up at him.

“Don’t worry, you’ll know the rest one day,” he responded. You held his gaze for a second before taking an exaggerated breath and letting out a deep sigh, causing him to chuckle. You suddenly smelled something very familiar, and confusion flooded your mind. You took a sniff of the air and turned to look towards the bedroom door.

“Do I smell pancakes?” You asked, sniffing the air again.

“Mmmm, I believe you do,” Crosshair confirmed after taking his own sniff.

“Why do I smell pancakes?”

“I have no idea,” Crosshair said while shrugging. You looked at him and something sparkled in his eyes. You furrowed your brows at him before you rolled over, leaving his grasp again and standing up. You wandered out of your bedroom and over to your kitchen to find a stack of pancakes on a plate.

“Crosshair, did you make pancakes?” You asked, turning around and being slightly startled to find him standing close to you. You hadn’t heard him follow, and he was close enough that you could feel the heat from his body.

“Maybe,” he shrugged, acting as if it was nothing.

“When? I mean, did I really sleep through you getting up and back into bed?”

“You’re a heavy sleeper,” he chuckled. “I wanted to make them with you, but you kept shoving my hand away and mumbling about ‘five more minutes,’ which happened to be an hour.”

“Wait, if you made this and got into bed, does that mean that’s how I ended up laying on top of you? You put me there?”

“I was cold,” he shrugged.

“Cold?”

“Cold.”

“So you needed me to lay on top of you?”

“Body heat.”

“Is that all it was?” You asked, and you hoped that he’d give you the answer you wanted. He was silent for a second, keeping eye contact with you before his eyes darted to a plate. He turned and grabbed it, picking up a fork as well and piling a few pancakes on it before handing it to you.

“I didn’t try these before, so they might be terrible,” he admitted. “I just used a recipe I found on your datapad.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” you said, sitting down at your table and ignoring the fact that he avoided your question. Crosshair followed and leaned against it next to where you sat. He folded his arms over his chest and watched intently as you took a bite.

“It’s good!” You said after swallowing, smiling up at him.

“Really? You’re not just saying that?”

“Really! Here, try some,” you said, holding the fork out for him. He took it from you and ate the bite.

“Hmm, I guess you were right,” he said, handing the fork back to you.

“Are you going to eat some?” You said, motioning to the other plate and fork.

“I was going to grab breakfast in the mess hall,” he replied.

“No! You’re having real food! Even if I have to feed you myself,” you said, using the force to put some pancakes on the empty plate and give it to him.

“I think I’d like to see you try and feed me,” he said while smirking. You gave him a questioning look before taking the fork and putting a piece on. You raised it up to his mouth and looked at him as you waited for him to open his mouth. He merely smirked and shook his head.

“Come on, you said you wanted to see me feed you, so open up!”

Crosshair just shook his head again, keeping his lips together. You huffed and reached up with your free hand, thinking that you would just pry his mouth open yourself. Before you could grab him though, he moved away and chuckled.

“Oh, for the love of the Maker,” you said, narrowing your eyes at him.

“Going to have to try harder than that princess,” he said. You stood up and went over to him, and he moved again.

“Stop running from me!” You said as you chased him around.

“I’m not going to make this easy for you,” he said as he dodged your grasp again.

As he ran around your couch, an idea came to mind. You quickly climbed on top of it and jumped, tackling him to the ground. You quickly used his brief surprise to pry open his mouth and stick the fork inside. You pulled it out and closed his lips, waiting for him to finish the process of eating. When he finally seemed to comprehend the situation, he smirked and swallowed before flipping you over. You let out a shriek of surprise before your face went red as he hovered over you. Your mind instantly went back to the day on the Marauder where he had been on top of you before, but he had his armor on then. Now, you were both just in his undersuits, and there wasn’t much separating the two of you. The heat of his body spread over you, and you hesitantly met his eyes.

“You look a little red there, princess,” he whispered, leaning slightly closer.

“Just…surprised…” you barely got out.

“Hmm,” he hummed, inching closer again before stopping and analyzing your reaction. You were still red, and your eyes were slightly wide. Your lips separated the slightest bit, and he smirked to himself before standing up.

You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding and sat up, looking up at him.

“Need help getting up?” He asked, sticking out his hand. You grabbed it and he pulled you up, back into his arms. You were close again, close enough to feel each other’s breath.

“You look like you want to say something,” you mumbled as you stared at one another.

“There’s a million things I want to say, princess. But I don’t think I could find the words for any of them.”

“Can you try?” You asked softly. He held your gaze for a second longer before he averted his eyes to the pancakes.

“Let’s finish breakfast, I’ll have to be leaving soon,” he said, and he let go of you to walk back over to the table. He sat in the chair across from the one you had been sitting in and began eating. When you didn’t move, he looked back over to you.

“Princess?” He asked, and that brought you back out of your mind.

“How many times do I need to tell you to stop calling me that?” You asked as you walked back over and sat down.

“I’m never going to stop,” he replied while chuckling.

You finished your breakfast quietly, and washed the dishes afterwards while Crosshair put his armor back on. You glanced at the chrono as he approached.

“I should be getting back to the Marauder,” he said while meeting your gaze.

“Well, I enjoyed my time with you. And thank you for helping me last night. I really appreciate it,” you replied as you walked with him to your door.

“Anytime, princess,” he said and you rolled your eyes. He turned and looked at you, and a sudden wave of tension came over the two of you.

You slowly reached up a hand to hold his cheek as you stepped towards him. His hands instinctively went down to hold your waist, to keep you close. Your eyes flicked to his lips where his tongue ran out, wetting them slightly. You met his gaze again before you closed the distance, and the feeling of your lips pressing together sent shivers down your spine. They connected as if they were two matching puzzle pieces, made exactly for one another.

“Y/n?” Crosshair asked, pulling you from the thought.

“Sorry, must have zoned out,” you mumbled, cheeks going red.

“Am I boring you now?” He joked.

“No! No of course not! I just…my mind went somewhere else,” you said, biting back your embarrassment.

“Hmmm, well, I’ll see you around, cyar’ika,” he said, before turning and moving to open your door.

“Wait!” You said, grabbing his arm and spinning him to face you.

“Yes?” He asked, quirking a brow at you. You bit your lips and moved forwards slightly before stopping and stepping back, letting his arm go.

“Tell the others I said hi,” you said quietly. He looked at you, as if deciding whether or not this had been your intention, to ask him to do this or if you had backed out of something.

“Anything else?” He asked, wanting to pry your true intentions from you.

“N-no,” you said, looking down and letting your shoulders fall slightly. Then you felt his fingers gently lift up your chin, making you look into his eyes. A few silent moments passed between you two, the tension growing with every second.

“Don’t miss me too much,” he finally said, stroking his thumb down your cheek once before stepping back and opening the door, walking out. He gave you a quick glance over his shoulder before he stuck a toothpick in his mouth and walked down the hall.

You stood in your doorway, mind trying to wrap around everything that just happened, and that had been happening since last night. You shook your head, closing your door and walking to your bathroom to get ready for the day.

When Crosshair returned to his brothers, he went to the cockpit and they all spun in their chairs to look at him.

“So, how was your night with y/n?” Hunter asked, raising his brows and giving his brother a smirk.

“Fine,” Crosshair said, sitting down in his seat.

“Fine? Just fine?”

“Yes, just fine.”

“Well, did you do anything? Like, you know, confess your feelings, or maybe kiss?” Hunter pushed.

“No. I just comforted her,” Crosshair responded.

“Comforted her? How?” Tech asked, joining in on the interrogation.

“Why do you care?” Crosshair asked, narrowing his eyes at his brothers.

“We’re just trying to keep updated on your personal life, that’s all,” Hunter shrugged.

“Well, it’s my personal life, so kriff out of it.”

“Did you cuddle her?” Wrecker asked.

“None of your business.”

“He cuddled her! I know he did!” Wrecker laughed, and Crosshair's cheeks threatened to go red.

“You look slightly flustered, Crosshair. Are you okay?” Tech jokingly asked.

“Kriff you,” he muttered before adding loudly, “kriff all of you.” He got up and left the cockpit then, heading to his bunk to sit down and clean his rifle.

It was a few days later, and you were getting ready to head out on a diplomatic trip when there was a knock on your door.

“Sans, you’re early,” you said as you opened it and let him in. “ And weren’t we going to meet in the hangar?”

“About that, mesh’la,” he said, an apologetic look on his face. “We can’t come with you today.”

“What? Who’s going to be my guard?” You asked.

“What about that Clone Force 99? They like you, don’t they?” He suggested.

“Yeah, but they don’t really do bodyguard stuff,” you countered.

“Might as well ask,” he said while shrugging his shoulders.

“Why can’t you come?” You questioned, folding your arms over your chest.

“We have to train the new shinies that joined us last night. Y/n, you should have seen it!” He laughed, “this one, he was so funny! We got there, and he had the smallest bit of alcohol and was so drunk from it! He was like, instantly wasted!”

“Really? What’s his name?”

“That’s the funny thing, he didn’t have one before. We all ended up naming him Lightweight because of how much of a lightweight he is.”

“Oh my gods,” you said while rolling your eyes

“It was amazing, y/n.”

“Sounds amazing,” you laughed.

“Well, I have to be going. Hex and Steele were giving the shinies the morning after drill. I have to go make sure they’re still alive,” he chuckled.

“Why do you always torture the new ones?” You asked playfully.

“Hey! It’s not our fault they got wasted!” He said defensively.

“Yes it is!” You countered. “It’s always your fault!”

“Shh, mesh’la. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, giving you a smirk.

“Oh, shut it,” you said, pushing him towards the door.

“Until we meet again,” he said, taking your hand and kissing it before walking out of your room. You roll your eyes and smile at his back as he walked away. Your commander would always be close to your heart, and you couldn’t imagine life without him. You suddenly remembered what had happened between him and Crosshair, and you still didn’t know how to feel about it. Yes, Crosshair shouldn’t have threatened him and got into a fight, but what did that mean? Does Crosshair have a reason that he did that? Was it more than him just being worried for a friend?

You decided you could worry about that later, needing to contact the Batch soon so you could see if they were free to help you. You went over to your bedroom and found your comm, setting the channel to their ship’s.

“Y/n? To what do we owe the pleasure of your comm?” Tech asked you.

“Hey, Tech! Are you guys busy right now?” You asked.

“No, we are not. We are actually on Coruscant for some simple repairs before we head home to Kamino,” he responded.

“Perfect! I have something I want to ask you guys, would I be able to come see you?”

“Of course, we are in the hangar at the barracks,” he replied.

“Great! I’ll be there in a little bit!” You said before ending the connection. You ran out of your door and to the elevator, excited to see the Batch again, even if it had only been a few days since you saw them. A few days since Crosshair spent the night.

Once in the hangar, you quickly jumped on a speeder and flew over to the barracks. When you saw Tech standing outside the ship with his datapad, you jumped off and ran over to him.

“Tech!” You said, waving as you approached.

“Hello, y/n. You look quite lovely today,” he greeted you.

“Thank you! You don’t look half bad yourself,” you tease.

“What is the question you were wanting to ask us?”

“Let’s go inside and get the others first,” you said, and he nodded, turning to lead you up the ramp. Hunter and Wrecker were right inside, and they immediately got up when they saw you.

“Y/n!” Wrecker said enthusiastically, wrapping you up in his arms tightly. “I missed you!”

You giggled as he lifted you up, your own arms barely reaching around him.

“Missed you too, Wrecker,” you said as he set you down.

“Nice to see you, y/n,” Hunter said while smiling at you.

“And of course, you as well,” you responded. “Where’s Crosshair?”

“Oh, he’s just sitting alone somewhere. Being his normal broody self,” Hunter said while rolling his eyes.

“Well, I don’t think he’ll be much thrilled about my question,” you said, earning confused glances from them.

“What’s the question?” Hunter asked.

“Uh, I think Crosshair should be here as well. It’s for all of you, really,” you explained.

“Alright. Wrecker? Can you get Cross?”

“Yeah, hold on,” Wrecker said before turning around and bringing his hands to cup his mouth. “CROSSHAIR! C’MERE,!” He yelled loudly, and it almost hurt your ears.

“That’s…not what I meant,” Hunter sighed, and you just giggled.

“At least it will get his attention,” you said.

“Can’t disagree with that,” Hunter said before you all waited.

Crosshair was just minding his own business, sitting alone when he heard Wrecker yell for him.

“Crosshair! C’mere!”

“For what?” Crosshair yelled back.

“It’s important!”

“That doesn’t tell me what it is!”

“Someone is here to talk to us!” Hunter shouts.”Get down here!”

Crosshair huffed before he slipped from his seat, leaving the cockpit to join his brothers and the mystery person.

“If you would have just told me that in the beginning, I would have already been here,” Crosshair said as he joined his brothers before his gaze settled on you. You were smiling and standing next to Tech who was showing you something on his datapad. You looked up and Crosshair smirked.

“Miss me that much already, princess?” He asked.

“Yeah,” you said while rolling your eyes. “That, and I have a question for you guys.”

“You can ask us anything,” Wrecker said. You looked down, suddenly becoming slightly nervous.

“Okay, so, I normally have Sans, Hex, and Steele do this, but they’re busy with some shinies,” you started to explain, “and I know you don’t really like doing this kind of stuff, but I have to travel to a Separatist planet, and I need protection as I won’t be able to carry a weapon myself.”

“So, you need us to be a bodyguard for you?” Tech asked.

“Yeah…”

“Well, you’re right that we don’t really like this-“

“We’ll do it,” Crosshair said, interrupting Tech.

“Really? That would be so great!” You said, going from nervous to excited. Crosshair smiled slightly at you before Hunter grabbed his arm.

“Crosshair, can I talk to you for a second?” Hunter said, eyeing his brother. Crosshair’s brows furrowed before he followed him out of the room, leaving you with Tech and Wrecker.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Hunter said, turning to look at his brother.

“What do you mean? She asked for help, we’re going to help her.”

“Last time I checked, you weren’t the one who called the shots around here,” Hunter stated.

“Last time I checked, we were a team, and we make decisions together,” Crosshair countered.

“Exactly, so you just up and saying ‘we’ll do it’ is not making decisions together. When it comes to y/n, you’ve been deciding everything by yourself. We’ve been putting up with it, but it needs to end. Now.”

“So you’re just going to let her go to a Separatist planet alone? Without any protection?” Crosshair asked, jabbing his toothpick into Hunter’s chest.

“No, but you can’t just say we’re going to help without discussing it with us first. What if we would have gotten a mission from Kamino the other night while you were busy cuddling with her? You wouldn’t have known, and you just told her we would help, so then you’d have to tell her we couldn’t go.”

“Wait, did we get a mission?”

“No, but it doesn’t matter. She could have found someone else to go either way,” Hunter said.

“But she asked us.”

“Because her normal clones are busy. If they wouldn’t have been busy, she never would have come to us, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

“So are we doing it or not?” Crosshair questioned, eyeing Hunter. Hunter sighed, letting his shoulders drop.

“Fine, we’ll do it. But Tech gets to stay closest to her.”

“What? Why?” Crosshair asked, suddenly becoming irritated.

“As punishment for you not making group decisions,” Hunter said before he walked back to where the others were. Crosshair grumbled as he followed Hunter back. He saw Tech showing you something again, and the two of you were standing close. He had to remind himself that Tech wasn’t your type, that he had nothing to be jealous of. Of course, he wanted to be close to you, where Tech was.

I’m not jealous, Crosshair thought to himself. That would be absurd. Crosshair doesn’t get jealous.

“Everything okay?” You asked as you looked up again.

“Yeah, just had to have a little chat,” Hunter said.

“So you are able to go?”

“Yes, we can go with you,” Hunter said.

“Thank you! I promise I’ll try and make it not super boring!” You said eagerly.

“With you, I doubt it could be boring,” Wrecker said while ruffling your hair.

“Let me go get my stuff and then we can leave,” you said, trying to fix your hair.

“We’ll take you to the temple,” Tech said while shutting the door to the boarding ramp. “This way, it will go faster.”

“Okay! Thanks!” You responded before following them into the cockpit. You stood between Hunter and Crosshair before Wrecker came up behind you and pushed you onto Crosshair.

“What the kriff, Wrecker?” Crosshair sneered as you tried to scramble off of him.

“What? She needs a seat, and your lap was open,” Wrecker said.

“You didn’t have to push her,” Crosshair shot back. “You okay, princess?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you responded while standing.

“Do you want to sit?” He asked, lifting a brow.

“S-sure,” you said, face going slightly red as he offered his lap. But, instead of letting you sit on him, he stood up and motioned to the empty seat. You sat down and looked up at him curiously.

“Where are you going to sit?” You questioned.

“I’m going to the bunks. I’m going to need some rest so I don’t fall asleep while on guard,” he said before turning and walking out.

Tech quickly flew you over to the temple, and you ran inside to grab your things. While you were inside, Crosshair came back out of the bunks and into the cockpit.

“Tech, I need to use your datapad,” Crosshair said while approaching his brother.

“Why would you need to use my datapad?” Tech questioned.

“Research.”

“Research?”

“Yes, I need to research something,” Crosshair explained, starting to get annoyed.

“And what is it that you will be researching?” Tech questioned.

“Don’t worry about it-look, I just need to use it,” he said while holding his hand out. Tech raised a brow at him and then crossed his arms.

“I’m not giving it to you until you tell me what you’ll be using it for.”

Crosshair sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before glaring at his brother.

“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “I’m researching signs of flirting.”

“Signs of flirting?” Tech said, laughing before he looked at his brother. When Crosshair’s gaze remained serious, Tech stopped laughing.

“Oh, you weren’t joking?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

“Maker, here,” he said, handing Crosshair the datapad. “Just don’t end up on any adult sites, I don’t need my datapad being corrupted by viruses.”

“I’ll try to keep it clean,” Crosshair responded as he left the room. Back in the bunks, Crosshair began searching the holonet for various signs of flirting. He started with the subtle ones, and then the more discreet. The obvious ones didn’t seem obvious to Crosshair, as he thought these were pretty normal things to do, such as prolonged eye contact while in conversation. Or maybe prolonged eye contact wasn’t talking about in conversation, maybe it was referring to staring?

Crosshair groaned as he tossed his head back, effectively smacking it against the wall.

“Kriff,” he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head.

“You okay?” He heard a voice call. You popped your head in the room and looked at him, as you had just gotten back to the ship.

“M’fine. Just hit my head,” he replied, rubbing it a bit more.

“Better be careful, or you’ll be the one in the medbay with a concussion,” you joked.

“At least I won’t be almost dead,” he said, his tone serious and contradicting your playful one.

“Hey, I was just trying to joke around,” you said, giving him a look.

“I don’t want to joke about your near-death experience.”

“Aww, does someone care about me?” You teased, batting your lashes at him from across the room.

Wait, batting eyelashes. Was that a sign of flirting? Crosshair took a second to try and rack his brain to remember the signs he had just read.

“I don’t care about too many people, you should feel honored,” he stated, folding his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, I’m so honored,” you replied sarcastically before giggling.

Laughing at jokes, that has to be one.

“Where should I set my stuff down?” You asked, holding up your bag.

“You can put it over here,” he said, lazily pointing to the side near his bunk. He watched as you walked over, studying your movements. You didn’t seem to hesitate, which would have been a sign of nervousness, usually associated with being around someone you show interest in. He frowned slightly, but then he realized, you were a general and a queen, of course you wouldn’t be nervous.

“I’m going to go join the others, you want to come with?” You asked him after you set your stuff down.

“Not right now, I’m busy,” he said, lifting the datapad.

“What are you doing?” You asked curiously.

“Research,” he said.

“Research? Isn’t that Tech’s thing?”

“Different sniping skills,” he lied, the words spilling before he could even process them.

“Well, you’re already the best sniper in the galaxy, so I don’t think you really need to research them,” you laughed. “I guess I’ll see you when you’re done, then,” you said before walking out.

Crosshair let out a deep breath, looking back at the datapad. He stared blankly at it before sighing, giving up on it. It was useless, the holonet was only making things more complicated. He grumbled as he got up, following your trail back into the cockpit. He silently handed Tech his datapad and leaned against the wall as you were in his seat.

“Done with your sniping research already?” You asked, looking back at him. Tech perked up, raising a brow before smirking.

“Yes, are you done with your research on sniping already, Crosshair?” He asked. Crosshair shot his brother a warning look before responding.

“Yes, there wasn’t much to learn, so I decided I’d better not waste my time,” he said, sticking a toothpick in his mouth.

“Oh, do you want your seat back?” You asked, getting ready to stand up.

“No, cyar’ika, it’s fine,” he said, motioning for you to stay there.

“Really, it’s not a problem, Cross.”

Maker, I love when she calls me Cross.

“I can stand, I don’t mind,” you said.

“No, princess, sit.” He insisted. You folded your arms and eyed him, and he returned the look. You smiled then shook your head, turning back to face out the viewport.

“Where will we be heading?” Tech asked, hands hovering over the navicomputer.

“Scipio,” you responded.

“Scipio? Are you meeting with Senator Rush Clovis?”

“Yup, good ole Rush Clovis,” you said while rolling your eyes.

Crosshair didn’t see your reaction, so when he heard you say that he got a slight sour taste in his mouth. Did you like this Rush Clovis guy? He sounded like a prick.

“I highly doubt you will need protection with him, he’s not reportedly a dangerous person,” Tech stated.

“Yes, but he’s still on a Separatist planet. They know Dohbar is aligned with the Republic, so there is going to be a risk when I visit.”

“Anybody can be dangerous, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Crosshair pointed out.

“I agree. If something would happen to y/n, I’d be pretty upset,” Wrecker added.

“We are going to the outer rim as well, it’s pretty dangerous, even just in space,” Hunter said.

“I was not suggesting that she didn’t need protection, only that Rush Clovis isn’t a big threat,” Tech defended.

“You said ‘I highly doubt you will need protection,’” Hunter quoted.

“With him. With Rush Clovis,” Tech clarified.

“That’s still suggesting that she doesn’t need protection,” Crosshair stated.

“Humph, well, that was not my intention,” Tech said while turning to face back out the viewport.

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” you said, standing and putting a hand on his shoulder. “I know what you meant.” Tech smiled up at you, and you let your hand drag off his arm as you went back to the seat. You eyed it before sitting down, motioning to it in one last offer to Crosshair. He merely shook his head, and you shrugged your shoulders before sitting.

The trip was long, and you found yourself fighting the urge to fall asleep as you sat there. It was quiet, and you could barely focus on the small conversation you and Hunter were having.

“Y/n?” He said, gently placing a hand on your arm.

“M’awake, m’awake,” you said, sitting up and meeting his gaze, but your exhausted yawn betrayed your lie.

“You can go take a nap in one of the bunks if you need,” he chuckled. “I don’t think it would be good for you to fall asleep during your diplomatic thing.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” you said with another yawn.

“Ah, unfortunately, you won’t be able to do that,” Tech said. “We are approaching Scipio now.”

“Wonderful,” you said, rolling your eyes before watching as you came out of hyperspace. The planet below didn’t look particularly interesting. You’d been here many times before, so you didn’t pay much attention to anything as you flew down.

“Just land over there,” you said, pointing to a landing platform. Tech nodded before gently landing the ship. Guards approached alongside Rush Clovis, and you exited the ship with the Batch following behind.

“Queen Monako,” Rush said, “how lovely to see you again.”

“Senator Clovis,” you said, giving him a faint smile.

“These aren’t your normal troops,” he commented, and you saw his curious gaze.

“My men were busy today, so I asked Clone Force 99 to join me,” you said.

“Clone Force 99? I haven’t heard of them.”

“They’re a special unit. Each has a different enhanced ability to assist them in battle,” you explained.

“Interesting,” Rush said, though his tone and expression contradicted his statement. “Well, shall we go inside?” He offered his hand to you and you sensed Crosshair take a slight step forwards, getting closer to you before Tech pulled him back.

“What are you doing?” Crosshair whispered into his comm.

“I’m supposed to be close to her, not you, remember?” Tech replied.

Crosshair merely turned his head slightly to his brother, giving him a look behind his helmet. Tech moved up to be next to you as you all made your way inside, minus Hunter who stayed with the ship.

“So, how have you been?” Rush asked as you walked down the halls.

“Oh, you know, just about as good as you can be in the middle of a war,” you said sarcastically, causing him to chuckle.

“You were always a snarky one,” he said, throwing a smirk over his shoulder.

“Please, if you think I’m snarky, I’ll have a surprise for you with Crosshair,” you countered.

“Crosshair?”

“Yeah,” you said, pausing and motioning to the clone. He turned his head to look at Rush, and shot daggers at him from behind his helmet.

“Oh, so they have names,” Rush responded.

“Of course they have names, they’re people.”

“Yes, as you like to remind me,” Rush said before turning forwards again. You felt Tech tense beside you, and saw his hand brush against his blaster. You grabbed his hand, squeezing it slightly and gave him a soft and apologetic look. He reciprocated the touch before letting go, and you finally reached the meeting room.

Rush Clovis motioned for you to go in, and slipped in behind you, separating you from the clones. Crosshair internally yelled at Tech for not rushing between you and the Senator, but didn’t actually say anything. Wrecker waited outside the door while Crosshair waited on the inside, Tech standing at the wall behind you as you sat on a couch.

“This is certainly different from your other clones,” Rush said, eyeing the two soldiers in the room. “Are you sure they can’t wait outside?”

“I’d rather let them do what they feel most comfortable with,” you said while shrugging. You turned to look at Tech who made no attempt to leave his spot. Crosshair leaned his rifle against the wall and removed his helmet as Rush looked at him, sticking a toothpick in his mouth.

“He doesn’t look much like a clone,” Rush stated.

“We’re not here to discuss them. We’re here for relations between Dohbar and Scipio.”

“Right,” he said, turning back to you. He reached for a datapad and brought up a file with discussion points.

As you talked, you would notice him giving you certain looks, but you chose to ignore them. He usually did this, and you never showed acknowledgement to them. Padmé had spoken before of Rush’s flirtatiousness, and you had agreed with her that he could be forward sometimes.

After a while, the conversation went off the topic of politics and became more casual. Like you always did with anyone this happened with, you allowed it as a break from work.

“I must say, though you have always been beautiful, you look extra bright today,” he said, and you gave a small smile in response.

“I don’t know why that would be, but thank you,” you responded.

“Perhaps you were excited to see me after a while apart from each other?” He playfully suggested, leaning a bit closer to you.

“Hmm, whatever you want to believe,” you said, looking away briefly to grab a glass of water. He took your distraction as a chance to eye you up, and Crosshair noticed this from across the room. His body went rigid where he stood, and he narrowed his eyes.

“I must say, you really need to stay the night here sometime,” Rush said. “The sunsets are beautiful, and I’m sure we could find somewhere for you to stay here.”

“I don’t usually stay for diplomatic trips. I like to get things done and then leave,” you said.

“Well, maybe I could make staying worthwhile,” he said, resting a hand on your leg. He was leaning a bit closer again, and Crosshair caught the hungry look in his eyes. When you made no move to remove his hand or back away, Crosshair stormed forwards.

“I need to speak with you,” he said shortly, grabbing your arm and pulling you out of the room.

“Crosshair, what are you doing?” You said when the doors shut behind you.

“I don’t like the way he was looking at you,” he said as he pulled you along.

“The way he was looking at me?” You asked, stopping in the hall. Crosshair stopped with you and turned to meet your gaze.

“He was looking at you like he wanted you, and he was touching you,” Crosshair stated. “He was flirting with you.”

“Flirting with me?”

“Yes, he was being overly friendly. He was getting too close and too touchy.”

“Crosshair, are you jealous?” You blurted out.

“No,” he scoffed, putting a new toothpick in his mouth and folding his arms. You raised a brow at him, not believing his words.

“I’m not jealous,” he emphasized.

“So why do you care if he’s flirting with me?” You questioned.

“Because, he’s a Separatist, and we’re here to protect you. I’m here to protect you, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

“So there was nothing more? No other reason you didn’t want him touching me?” You asked, mirroring him by folding your arms.

“Why are you so convinced there’s more to this?” He retorted, eyes narrowing.

“Because, usually people don’t act jealous unless there’s more to it than they’re letting on.”

Crosshair sighed harshly, clenching his teeth down on his toothpick and bringing his fingers up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Here you were, presenting him an opportunity to confess his feelings, in the least desirable of situations.

“You’re making this more difficult than it needs to be,” he muttered, loud enough for you to hear.

“I’m making this difficult? You’re the one who won’t tell me what’s going on! You keep giving me answers that are obviously not true!”

“My answers have been true, princess. Am I wrong in saying he’s a Separatist? That I’m here to protect you?”

“No, but you’re saying you’re not jealous when you clearly are,” you shot back. “Crosshair, how many times do we have to do this? How many times do I have to ask you to just be honest with me?”

“It’s not that easy, cyar’ika!” He said, pinching the bridge of his nose again and turning away from you. He took a few deep breaths before he spoke again, but his words were tense. “It’s not easy to find the words to explain things you don’t even understand.”

“Just say what you want to say, Crosshair,” you said. “You don’t have to explain it, just tell me.”

“I can’t!” He said, getting slightly frustrated. “I’ve tried, y/n. I keep trying, but I can’t!”

“Then just, I don’t know…show me?” You pleaded. He turned back and looked at you, meeting your gaze, and his eyes were blank like normal. It felt like you were staring at each other for ages, but it was only a second or two before the distance between you was closed. His hands gripped your waist as he bent down, crashing his lips onto yours. You let out a gasp before closing your eyes and reciprocating the action. His lips were rough and chapped compared to your soft ones. Your hands flew up to his hair and neck, holding him close.

And then it was over, and before you even opened your eyes, he was gone. You looked around for him, calling his name but he didn’t come back.

“Y/n, is everything alright? Where is Crosshair?” Tech asked as he came out of the room.

“I…don’t know,” you said. “He was just here and then he…walked away.”

“Why would he walk away from you? Were you arguing?”

“No-well, not exactly. We did, but then…” your voice trailed off, and suddenly you became worried that you pushed him too far, pried too much from him at once.

“But what?” Tech pushed.

“Nothing, I’ll…tell you later. I have to get back in there,” you said, walking past him and back into the room. Before Tech went in, he looked to Wrecker who was still standing by the door.

“What happened?” He asked him. Wrecker gave no response.

“Wrecker, what happened?”

Still no response. Tech walked over, eyes narrowing and he grabbed his brother's shoulder.

“Huh? What?” Wrecker said, suddenly jerking in his position. “I didn’t fall asleep!”

“Wrecker! We are guarding her! Please, try and stay awake!” Tech said, slightly annoyed.

“Sorry! It’s just boring and quiet out here,” he said, removing his helmet to scratch the back of his head. Tech just rolled his eyes and went back inside the room, standing behind you again.

“Is everything alright?” Rush said as you sat back down.

“Yeah, he just…needed to talk,” you replied, mind still stuck on what had just happened. “Let’s just get back to business.” Rush looked at you for a second before nodding and grabbing the datapad again. You kept focused on the politics, and soon enough, you were finished. You walked back out to the ship with Rush, Tech and Wrecker following behind.

“Well, it was lovely to see you again, as it always is, Queen Monako,” Rush said, turning to face you. “Are you sure you can’t convince them to let you stay? I’m sure I can make it worthwhile,” he said, bringing a hand up to gently hold your cheek. He chose the wrong moment to do so, as Crosshair was walking back out of the ship. His eyes landed on the sight and he began to jump forwards, but Hunter was right behind him and he quickly stopped his brother.

“Rush, I’m sorry, but I do not believe you could,” you said, stepping back and pushing his hand from you. “I am not interested in any ‘activities’ you may have to offer me.”

His face went sour as he looked at you. You were looking at him in slight disgust and annoyance.

“Well, I guess I should let you get back to your temple, then,” he said, eyeing you down.

“Next time, keep things professional,” you said before walking up the boarding ramp to where Crosshair and Hunter stood in the entrance. They both moved aside, letting you in. Crosshair took the opportunity to walk off and approach Rush.

“Can I help you, clone?” Rush said, giving Crosshair an uninterested look.

“Touch her again, and it’ll be the last thing you do,” Crosshair threatened as he jabbed his toothpick at the Senator. Rush scoffed, folding his arms as he looked at him.

“And why should I listen to someone like you? You’re not even considered a real person.”

“I’d watch it if I were you,” Crosshair warned, hand moving towards his rifle.

“Are you threatening a Republic senator? Because, if so, I can have you decommissioned,” Rush countered.

“I can kill you before you do that,” Crosshair shot back.

“That would only be more reason to get rid of a useless clone like you. They can easily replace you with someone better.” Crosshair's hands went to pull his rifle off his back, but Hunter had unknowingly followed him and grabbed him before he could.

“Get back on the ship!” He told him, pointing furiously towards the boarding ramp.

“Did you not hear what he was saying?” Crosshair responded, trying to push past his brother.

“Get on the ship, we will talk about it there,” Hunter said, pushing his brother towards it. Crosshair huffed, turning around and storming up the ramp.

“You clones need to learn restraint,” Rush commented, and Hunter turned to eye him.

“And you need to learn respect,” Hunter said before following Crosshair up the ramp. Once inside, he closed it and Tech began flying back to Coruscant.

“Is everything okay?” You asked as Hunter joined you in the cockpit. “Crosshair came on and seemed pretty angry.”

“That Senator was making snide remarks about clones. Cross wasn’t in the mood to listen to it.”

“Oh,” was all you said.

“You should go talk to him. You have a way of calming him down,” Hunter suggested.

“I-well…I don’t know if he’d really want to talk to me,” you said, biting your lip.

“Why not? Did something happen?”

You looked down, not wanting to meet anyone’s gaze.

“Is this about what happened in the hall?” Tech questioned.

“Yeah…”

“What happened?”

Your hand went up to subconsciously touch your lips as you remembered the feeling of his pressing against yours.

“I…don’t know if I should say,” you replied after a moment. “I don’t know if Crosshair would want me to.”

The boys looked at one another confusedly before back at you.

“Well, do you think you could try and work past it to talk to him?”

“I can try,” you said, standing up and heading to the bunks.

“Cross?” You said gently when you entered the room. He was sitting on a bunk, scrubbing at his rifle. He tensed up and paused his motions, silently looking up at you.

“What was he saying to you,” you asked, not bothering with subtly.

“Nothing that isn’t true,” he replied, looking back down at his rifle.

“Crosshair,” you said, moving to sit next to him. His posture stiffened and he turned his head to look at you again.

“Don’t listen to any negative things anyone says about you or any clones, okay?”

“Why shouldn’t I? It’s not like they’re wrong.”

“Tell me what he said, what you think is so true,” you said, giving him a stern look. He sighed and set his rifle down, leaning against the frame of his bunk to turn towards you.

“He said he could get me decommissioned, that I could easily be replaced by someone better than me.”

“And you think that’s true? You think he can easily get you decommissioned and replaced? And that someone could be better than you?”

“Yes, I do. He’s a Senator, the Senate will listen to him. And the Kaminoans can easily create someone to be better than me.”

“He may be a Senator but I’m on the Jedi council and I’m a queen. They’ll listen to me more. I may be an over emotional and attached Jedi, but they’ll listen.”

“They could still easily replace me. All they have to do is use the same genetic information and manipulate the desired genes to make someone better than me. Once they do that, they won’t have a use for me.”

“Cross,” you said, looking at him sympathetically now, “no one can be better than you, because you’re you. It’s not just your abilities that make you, it’s your personality. The way you act, joke around, just your presence is what I like about you. No one could ever replace you in my eyes.”

He silently looked at you, absorbing your words before he quietly responded.

“You like me?”

“Of course I do, Cross. Why wouldn’t I? We are friends, right?”

“Friends,” he muttered, the word sounding almost disgusting to him. You noticed his reaction, and you pursed your lips.

“Are we going to talk about earlier?” You asked after a few quiet moments.

“Why? Do you regret it? Was it too far?” He asked, meeting your eyes again.

“No! I was worried you did. I mean, you sort of just ran away after. I thought I had pushed you too much,” you replied.

“Sorry, I just…wasn’t sure how you were going to react. I didn’t really want to stay and find out in case it wasn’t good.”

“Well, in case you were wondering, I would have reacted well,” you said. “I mean, I did kiss you back.”

“Right,” Crosshair said, fingers subconsciously touching his lips. “Y/n, I need to say what I’ve been trying to say since, kriff, I don’t even know how long now. But you not knowing isn’t making things any better, it’s only adding to the dread.” He looked at you to make sure you were listening, and you nodded towards him to continue.

“Y/n, I realized, after Tech pointed it out, that I-“

“Y/n! You have to come see what Hunter found on the holonet!” Wrecker said, bursting into the room while laughing. “Oh, sorry. Were you talking?” He said, noticing your startled expression and Crosshair's vicious glare.

“Yes, we were,” you replied, looking back at Crosshair. His expression softened when he looked at you, and he let out a small sigh.

“I’ll just… go back there,” Wrecker said, leaving you alone again. You watched him leave and then looked back at Crosshair expectantly.

“You should go see what he wanted to show you,” Crosshair said, sitting up and grabbing his rifle.

“Cross, you didn’t finish,” you countered.

“It’s fine. I can tell you later.”

You furrowed your brows at him, and he glanced at you.

“I promise I will, princess cyar’ika,” he said. You sighed and nodded, standing up and walking towards the cockpit. He let go of his rifle, leaning back and hitting his head against the wall again.

“Kriff,” he said, rubbing it. “I’m such a di’kut!”

Crosshair stayed in the bunks for the rest of the trip back, silently cursing himself for not finishing what he was telling you. He was also seething with anger towards Wrecker for interrupting when he had been so close to saying what he needed to. He only joined the group again when you landed on Coruscant, heading out to eat in the mess hall with them.

Crosshair offered to walk you to your quarters again while the others went to the ship. You were silent as you went, enjoying each other’s presence. You paused when you reached your room, turning to look at him.

“Are you coming in tonight?” You asked, not bothering to hide the hopeful look in your eyes. He chuckled at you, shaking his head.

“Not tonight, cyar’ika.” He chuckled again as you pouted before you spoke.

“It’s later, are you going to finish what you were saying earlier?”

“Not tonight, but I promise I’ll tell you soon. I’ll tell you when it’s best,” he said. “Don’t look so disappointed, princesses aren’t supposed to pout,” he teased.

“I’m going to find a nickname that you hate, and I’m not going to stop using it when I do,” you threatened.

“I’d like to see you try,” he smirked before stepping forward. His hand reached up and caressed your cheek, and your lips parted slightly as you looked at him. He leaned forwards, but merely brushed his lips against yours slightly before moving to your ear.

“Goodnight, princess cyar’ika,” he whispered before stepping back, giving you a wink and smirk, turning and walking back down the hall. You stared after him, cheeks red as you processed what happened.

Did he just tease me? You thought to yourself. You shook yourself out of your daze, opening your door and heading into your room, spending the rest of the night thinking about what had happened today.

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latte-fairytaekwoon · 3 years

Text

𝐃𝐚𝐝! 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐳: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬

❥𝓚𝓲𝓶 𝓗𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓳𝓸𝓸𝓷𝓰

"What even are you doing Mingi?"

Hongjoong questioned when the taller boy randomly picked up his son from the carrier and proceeded to take him inside the recording booth.

"I'm bored and we got writer's block. So I'm trying to have a little fun."

Lifting the boy up so his tiny mouth could reach the microphone, Mingi looked back at Hongjoong.

"Try recording his little babbles and let's make it into your alarm ringtone since obviously his cries are the only way to get you to wake up." He teased the leader.

Hongjoong was about to retaliate, but ultimately opted not to. Obliging instead to the request, he put on his headphones and pressed the live button. Mingi gently bounced the baby in his arms, making him emit tiny giggles and squeals.

"Ok that is pretty adorable." Hongjoong smiled fondly.

Mingi began making faces at the boy and raised his voice in a higher pitch.

"Can you say a few words? Like Uncle Mingi is the best? Or I love Uncle Mingi more than his Dada?"

The boy looked at Mingi in puzzlement.

"Yeah. You love me more than Dada." He repeated, puffing his cheeks out and pointing to Hongjoong who was just rolling his eyes by now.

The baby looked over at Hongjoong before blurting out the softest "Da..Da."

Hongjoong fell out of his chair and scrambled to get up to run inside the booth. Taking the baby away from Mingi, he held his face close.

"Can you say that again? Just one more time. I need to get that recorded right now."

❥𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓢𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓱𝔀𝓪

Seonghwa let out a series of noises as he carefully fed his daughter in front of him.

"Babe, you're doing that again." You told him as you continued whisking the pancake mix.

"Doing what?" He hardly payed attention to your question though as he continued to play around with the spoon in his hand, making it swirl around in the air while mimicking airplane sounds.

"Acting more like a baby than our actual baby." You snorted.

"No one's more babier than our little baby. She just likes playing around during eating time."

Seonghwa held the spoon close to her mouth, allowing her to take it into her mouth, some of it spilling on her chin as she munched it down at an alarmingly fast pace.

"Ok hold on there. Eat a little more slowly babygirl. Geez for a tiny thing, you sure have a big appetite."

When he pulled away the spoon, she started whining, upset at having her meal taken away from her. Her tiny eyebrows furrowed and her puree covered lips pouted in discontent.

"Oh look. She turned into an angry bird." You chuckled at her frowning face.

"It's not her fault she loves food."

When he held up the spoon again, her eyes widened and she began squirming around.

"You want more? Want more Num Num?" Seonghwa used the term that always seemed to get a reaction from her.

"Num num!" She squealed out of nowhere.

Seonghwa dropped the puree filled spoon on the table, not caring that he made a mess as he began freaking out over her first words.

"OH MY GOD Y/N! DID YOU HEAR HER?! SHE SAID HER FIRST WORDS! NUM NUM!"

Right away, she repeated after him when she heard the word again, making him lose it even more.

"Seonghwa.......num num isn't an actual word though....it's more like an onomatopoeia.."

But he was not listening to you.

❥𝓙𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓨𝓾𝓷𝓱𝓸

You held your daughter on your lap as the boys in front of you continued to practice their choreography ardently, her tiny figure loving it whenever you began bouncing her on your knee.

"Mingi!" Wooyoung screeched for the thousandth time.

"What?!" Mingi exclaimed, tired of being called out every 16 seconds.

"You're doing it wrong...again!" San joined in.

The other guys began groaning, some of them just dropping to the floor as they knew it would turn into another argument on who's right and who's wrong. Yunho looked over at you, shooting you an apologetic look as he had promised just one more run through and then you could both leave, but clearly that wasn't happening. You just smiled and grabbing your daughter's tiny hands, you waved them around, mimicking a show of support.

"Ok ok guys stop. Fighting will get us nowhere, so let's just go through it one more time so we can go home. Deal?" Hongjoong stepped in to put everyone in their place.

"Don't mess this up anymore Mingi. I got a scheduled cuddle session with Shiber that I can't be late for." San glared at him.

"I won't! Geez!" Mingi scoffed dramatically.

"Guys? Should we huddle up and shout 'hwaiting'?" Jongho suggested.

All of them immediately got together and placed one hand in the center.

"8 makes 1 team! Hwaiting!" They all shouted loudly.

Before they could press play on the music again, a tiny and excited 'hwaiting' made them all turn their heads towards you and the baby.

"Y/N......was that you or..?" Yunho looked at you with hopeful eyes.

You immediately shook your head and pointed at the tiny baby in your hands, who repeated what she said, a little jumbled, but still coherent.

Not just Yunho, but all of them started hollering and going insane over the baby's first words. Yunho rushed over and tried to get her to say more things.

"Ok now can you try and say daddy for me?"

❥𝓚𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓨𝓮𝓸𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓰

Yeosang poked a piece of chicken off the drumstick. Looking over at his son, he began to hold it towards his face, luckily you got there just in time to stop him.

"Yeosang!" You scolded him.

At your sharp tone, his fork slipped off his grip.

"I did nothing!" He held his hands up.

"Were you seriously about to feed our 1 year old chicken?" You exclaimed in disbelief.

"But honey! Look at him! He's hungry. What kind of father lets his child starve?" He pouted at you.

"Well here's an idea: why not get up and make him a bottle?" You suggested.

Yeosang looked at the baby and then back at you.

"Why not just pull your nipple out of your shirt and give him your milk?"

Seeing your widening eyes and wandering hands that were reaching for the nearest thing to throw at him, Yeosang immediately got up and went to the cabinets to start making a bottle.

"Geez! It was only a joke. No need to take it seriously. Besides...."

He snorted to himself before glancing back at you.

"It was pretty funny. Hehet."

You were going to say something back to him, but when your son repeated his father's 'hehet', you both stopped and stared at him before staring back at each other, silently asking each other if they heard right.

"Hehet." The boy answered your question when he said it again.

Yeosang came over, a smug smile on his face as he shook the baby bottle before lifting his son up in his arms. He kissed the top of his head and chuckled.

"Hehet. I knew you'd inherit my sense of humor."

❥𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲 𝓢𝓪𝓷

San waved the plushie in front of the boy's face.

"Shiiiiberrr." He spoke out once again, but the boy stayed unfazed.

"Ok ok, I get it. I'll go slower this time."

Clearing his throat, he shook the plush rather violently.

"Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibbbbbbbbbeerrrr."

You cringed at San, inwardly regretting telling him about the fact that supposedly your son should have started talking by now, or at least babbling some words.

"San just give up. Maybe he's not ready yet."

But he wasn't going to be persuaded.

"No! I will get him to talk. Trust me on this, our son will soon say mommy or daddy or Shiber. Whichever comes first."

As San continued his attempts to get his son to mutter even a single word, your furry feline friend decided it would be a good idea to watch and proceeded to perch herself on the dresser right in front of your baby and San. Your son caught glimpse of his favorite bedtime buddy and began squealing, arms outstretched wanting to cuddle her.

"I'll give you the plushie once you say his name. Shiber." San offered.

You rolled your eyes.

"He doesn't want Shiber, he wants Byeol." You pointed out.

Having had his back turned, San whipped his head and saw Byeol staring him down.

"What? Byeol! Out I say! I'm still mad at you for getting your litter all over my clothes. Stop distracting my baby and get out!"

When the cat hissed at him when he tried to pick her up, San retreated.

"Byeol!" He warned her.

"B.....Bo....Byeol!" Your son finally spoke up.

You were so overjoyed at his words you immediately crouched in front of him, making sure to bring the cat with you.

"Yes! Yes! This is Byeol! Can you say her name again?"

The cat purred softly as the baby petted her ears before repeating her name, this time more clearly. San stood there looking shocked. Huffing softly, he crossed his arms.

"This doesn't mean you're off the hook Byeol."

❥𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓲

Shifting the camera around, Mingi held it up towards you as you were currently playing around with your daughter who was in her little bouncer.

"And here we have the most beautiful creature to bless this earth."

You were about to let out an 'aww' at Mingi's words until he spoke up again.

"Honey could you please move aside so we can see the baby more clearly?"

Glaring at your husband, you picked up one of the tiny plushies surrounding your daughter and threw it at him, causing the baby to start laughing at her dad.

"Agression caught on camera!" He exclaimed as he faked being severely hurt by your actions.

You ignored him and turned your attention back to your daughter.

"Don't pay any attention to daddy. He's mean and bad." You cooed softly at her.

Mingi gasped dramatically, holding a hand over his mouth.

"Me? Bad?" He asked.

You nodded your head, not even bothering to look at him as you repeated yourself.

"Yes. Very very bad daddy." You tickled your daughter's feet.

"Bewy bad."

Both of you were surprised that your daughter said not 1, but 2 words, and it was even more surprising because it wasn't even time for her to start babbling just yet. Mingi sat down next to you, focusing the camera on her tiny face.

"Did you guys hear that?! She actually said 'bewy bad!" Mingi began squealing from excitement.

Not taking her eyes off Mingi, the baby began repeating herself.

"Bad.......bad...bad."

Mingi chuckled.

"Ok sweetheart, I get it. You can say bad, but maybe now try saying 'Dada'. Similar right?" He urged her to continue.

The baby simply picked up another toy and threw it at the camera.

"Bad!" She piped out.

Mingi now turned the camera to you.

"Look what you've done! Now she'll forever refer to me as 'bad'!" He huffed out.

"Ok but where's the lie though?" You teased him.

❥𝓙𝓾𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰

After the initial shock died down of hearing your daughter's first words, Wooyoung and you began screaming.

"She said her first words!" You cheered.

"I know! Wait! Was it a one time thing or...?"

Pressing his face in her view, Wooyoung intently stared at his baby.

"Repeat what you said. Mama." He told her.

Although it took her a while the second time, ultimately she said the word again, making you both applaud at her efforts. You were on the verge of crying at hearing your daughter call out for you for the very first time.

"Ok ok. Now.....say 'dada.' You know? As in your favorite parent? Dada." Wooyoung giggled at her.

"Mama." The girl said again.

"Yes yes, we get it. You can say mama, but now I want you to say dada ok?"

Wooyoung kept repeating the word over and over again, but each time the baby would instead say the one word she had learned so far. It was honestly hilarious watching Wooyoung get frustrated as his daughter refused to budge and instead continued to annoy him by saying mama instead of dada.

"Ok.....one last time. Da...da." Wooyoung went slower this time.

The baby took a tiny breath and Wooyoung actually got his hopes up but ultimately being let down.

"Mama." The baby squeaked.

Wooyoung began yelling in anger.

"Ya! The whole reason I wanted a girl was so that you could be daddy's little princess, not mommy's little pet! You're supposed to love me more! I'm the fun parent, your mom is supposed to be the one grounding you and forbidden you from doing fun things, how could you betray me like this?!"

Wooyoung wheezed violently after he got his rant out. The 10 month old just blinked at him, not understanding what caused him to be so agitated, but responded the only way she could.

"Mama."

❥𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲 𝓙𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓱𝓸

Jongho looked over at you every once in a while, chuckling at your seemingly futile attempts to get your son to say his first words, particularly, you wanted him to say "mommy" or "mama."

"Mommy." You repeated once again.

But the baby seemed more interested in his dad, watching him peel some apples and put them in a bowl. Normally he'd be splitting them in half, but since you were going to be baking an apple pie, you just needed them peeled at the moment.

"Baby. Please pay attention." You waved the rattle in his face to get him to look at you.

"Honey don't force him. There's still time. Besides you can't really trust everything google tells you." Jongho tried to comfort you.

But you weren't about to give up. You were hell bent on getting your son to call for you.

"Mama. Mama."

You pouted when the boy adamantly ignored you and just continued cooing softly at his father's movements.

"What? Do you prefer daddy over me?" You asked him, not really expecting him to answer.

"Da........deeee."

Jongho dropped the apple he was holding, eyes shooting up as he heard the baby's babble.

"Did....did he just say daddy?" He looked at you, but your son confirmed it once again for him.

"Daddeeee."

Jongho got up and went over to stand in front of your son, smiling proudly at him.

"Yes my little buddy. I'm your daddy and you just made me so happy."

He picked him up and kissed his cheek before stealing him away from you to spend more time with him.

"Ummm....we were having mother- son bonding time?" You told him.

"Well it's obvious he prefers my company."

Gifs not mine, credit goes to their respective owners.

#ateez #ateez reactions #ateez scenarios #ateez imagines #ateez fluff #ateez dad au #dad!au #dad!ateez #ateez hongjoong #ateez seonghwa #ateez yunho #ateez yeosang #ateez san #ateez mingi #ateez wooyoung #ateez jongho

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bitcher-of-blaviken · 3 years

Text

The Death of a Bard

Rating: T Warnings: None WC: 1,783 Tags: Modern AU, family shenanigans, Geralt is a good dad, fluff, nobody is dead i swear

Geralt sniffed and subtly wiped a tear from his eye as Yennefer stood beside him, a hand on his shoulder. Eskel stood on Geralt’s other side, a box of tissues clasped in his large hands. In front of them, Jaskier laid in the long makeshift coffin, his hands clasped over his stomach with flowers tucked under them. They were just wildflowers that Ciri found out in the backyard where they were all standing, but it’s how Jaskier would have wanted his funeral to be like. Off the cuff, nothing grand, a cheap cardboard box instead of a grand and beautiful coffin of mahogany and a plush velvet interior. Geralt knew that this was what the humble musician would have always truly wanted.

Lambert stood on the other side of the box. “Dearly beloved and hated, we are here to celebrate the death of Jaskier—“

“It’s to celebrate the life, Lambert,” Geralt interrupted. He cleared his throat and sniffled again. “He had a good life. He deserves to be celebrated.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever,” Lambert retorted with a scoff. He fumbled with the wrinkled paper in his hands. He was dressed in his nicest outfit, which was his work uniform for the post office. It was sufficient. “We are here to celebrate the life of Jaskier, who died from a fatal gunshot wound in the stomach. He bled out slowly and painfully, murdered in cold blood.”

“Who would do such a horrible thing?” Eskel lamented, his voice watery. “He was so young. He had so many more years ahead of him, so much more music to make, so much— I’m running out of words.” He choked out a sob and took a tissue out from his box to blow his nose into it, comically loud.

“Nobody move,” Ciri called out, walking out with an oversized fedora on. It was nearly falling over her eyes as she stomped out, her chest puffed out despite the large trenchcoat she wore trailing half behind her on the ground. “We have reason to believe the murderer is among this group. Nobody gets in or out.”

Gasps came from all of them.

“Oh come on lady, all of us loved the guy. Some more than others,” Lambert said with a pointed look at Geralt, who flushed. “None of us would kill him. We don’t even have guns.”

“Is that so?” Ciri asked, showing them all a plastic ziploc bag. Inside was a tiny, bright pink water gun. “I’m Detective Cirilla. We found this on the crime scene.”

More gasps from all of them, though there was barely suppressed snickers from Lambert.

“You think this is funny, do you?” Ciri asked as she strode over to Lambert. “There is a man dead in front of us and you think to laugh? Sounds like something the murderer would do.”

“No I’m laughing because it’s a fuckin’ pink water gun,” Lambert interjected with a grin.

“Language,” Yennefer chided.

“No, it is the murder weapon and you better start giving an alibi or you’re going to jail for some interrogation,” Ciri insisted with a shake of the ziploc bag. The harmless water gun rattled around inside of it.

Lambert cleared his throat and put his hands up at the equally hard stares from everyone else at the funeral. “Fine,” he relented. “I was in the kitchen, getting dinner ready.”

“What were you cooking?” Ciri asked, her tone and glare so serious that Geralt even saw Yennefer have to bring a hand up to suppress a smile.

“Pancakes,” Lambert replied equally as seriously. He even crossed his arms and leaned down to meet Ciri’s glare, their noses nearly touching.

“Hm. A likely story,” Ciri relented with a huff. She marched over to Eskel and pointed a tiny finger up at him. Geralt had to hand it to him, he still managed to look convincingly frightened even with an eight year-old in a too big hat and far too big trenchcoat pouting up at him. “And what about you? What were you doing at the time of the murder?”

“I was just— reading with Kitty curled up on my lap. I wasn’t able to move, much less murder someone. I’ve never seen that gun in my life,” Eskel defended, his hands up. “I swear detective, I would have never!”

“I see, and you?” Ciri asked as she whirled around to point at Geralt.

“You think I would have murdered him?” Geralt asked, his tone coming out more flat than it probably should have. He wasn’t good at the theatrics like Eskel and Lambert were. “We just married last week, we were supposed to go on our honeymoon. You were there detective.” It was true, Ciri had married him and Jaskier last week.

“I see,” Ciri said, rubbing her chin as she thought. “But what about his will?”

“What about it?” Geralt asked.

“I have it here,” Lambert said as he cleared his throat. He pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it.

“Well? Don’t tarry on man, read it!” Ciri demanded. Geralt bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. At least she was learning a wide range of vocabulary.

“Yeah yeah, it says ‘If I die, I leave all of my earthly possessions to my newly wedded husband Geralt, including…” Lambert gave a loud gasp.

“What does it say? Including what?!” Ciri asked.

“It says ‘Including my super duper big family inheritance that I have stored away in the coast of Belize’. He was loaded!” Lambert exclaimed.

“Let me see that,” Ciri said as she snatched the paper out of Lambert’s hands. She hummed as she looked over the paper, which really just had the will written out in crayon with multiple words misspelled, including Geralt’s name, but nobody commented on that. She gasped and waved the paper. “This will is forged! I knew it!”

Everyone else gasped as well.

“Forged?” Yennefer asked.

“Yes! His signature was faked,” Ciri decided as she showed the paper to Yennefer.

A loud snore from the “coffin” interrupted them, and Geralt kicked the cardboard box. Jaskier gave a yelp from the jostling.

“Corpses don’t snore,” Geralt chided.

“Sorry, sorry, I was just comfy, and you all were droning on, it faded into background noise,” Jaskier mumbled. He yawned and rubbed his eyes as he settled back in the cardboard box. He reached up with one hand, gesturing in a small circle. “Continue.”

“Thank you sir,” Ciri said with a nod. “Sorry about your death.”

“Thank you for your condolences detective,” Jaskier said. “I shall now go back to being dead now. Blargh.”

Geralt huffed a laugh as Jaskier put his hands back on his stomach and clasped them over the flowers again.

“Now! Who would gain from such a forgering, if not Geralt!” Ciri declared as she rounded back on Geralt. “You murdered your new husband in cold blood, to take his secret fortune for yourself!”

“I wouldn’t,” Geralt protested with another sniffle. “I— loved him. A lot. I was really looking forward to the honeymoon. We even had our entire trip planned.” He produced the two strips of green construction paper from his jacket pocket, with the words “Honeymoon tickets” written on them in crayon with a lot of little red hearts around the words.

“I see,” Ciri said, taking the tickets from him to inspect them carefully. “But then why forge the will?”

“I was framed,” Geralt sighed. “Someone must have wanted me to be out of the way. Someone who would have gotten the fortune instead.”

“Someone like..his long lost sister?!” Ciri asked as she pointed an accusatory finger at Yennefer.

“How did you know detective?” Yennefer gasped, a hand on her chest.

“In the victim’s bedroom, I found the actual will stuffed under the mattress!” Ciri said as she whipped out another piece of paper. Everyone gasped again. “But this one says the exact same thing as the forged one! Everything is to be left to Geralt, including his super duper huge family fortune! So why would Geralt have forged a will if he was going to get Jaskier’s family fortune anyways?” She waved the paper at Yennefer. “So I looked around, and found a chain of letters between you two! He wanted to reconnect with his lost sister, and told you about the fortune he inherited from your parents that he was going to share with Geralt!”

“It should have stayed in the family!” Yennefer cried.

“Exactly! And if the forged will was deemed trash and I hadn’t found the true will, then it would have gone to you!” Ciri said with a proud grin. She mirrored Yennefer’s pose, her hands on her hips as she puffed her chest out. “Case closed!”

“Argh, I was so close to getting away with it,” Yennefer said as she offered her hands for Ciri to clasp the toy handcuffs on her.

“Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and— um.” Ciri paused, trying to remember.

“Certain nuclear weapons,” Lambert reminded her with a snicker.

“Yeah!” Ciri said with a grin. “Just like my Uncle Lambert always says!” She bounced and grabbed one of Yennefer’s hands. “The judge has already decided your sentence. It’s a thousand years in jail! We’re locking you away for a long time.”

“That seems fair for a murder,” Yennefer relented as she let Ciri tug her back into the house.

Geralt smiled as he watched them disappear inside, and he turned to help Jaskier stand up out of the box. Jaskier winced and rubbed his backside.

“Ah, that was cold,” he said.

“I told you,” Lambert snickered. “Not so funny when it’s your turn to be dead, now is it?”

“I think I liked it better when Ciri was marrying us to each other,” Eskel muttered. “Are you sure she should be watching those crime shows?”

“Can’t really stop her,” Geralt said with a shrug. “It teaches her big words, and at least that way we don’t have to try to explain to her what incest is and why it’s bad.”

“I was having the time of my life,” Lambert teased with a snicker. “I rocked that wedding dress.”

“Geralt wore it better,” Jaskier fired back with a grin.

“Dead people don’t get opinions,” Lambert said as he led the way to the house again. “Come on, let’s get inside before the detective eats all of the carrots.”

Jaskier slipped his hand into Geralt’s and kissed his cheek. “I absolutely would leave you my super duper big family fortune that I stashed on the coast of Belize if I had it,” he cooed.

“I know,” Geralt chuckled.

“Do you think she even knows where Belize is?”

“Probably not.”

#the witcher #geraskier #lambert #eskel #cirilla fiona elen riannon #ciri #yennefer #yennefer of vengerberg #geralt of rivia #jaskier #julian alfred pankratz #who had a weird imagination as a kid raise your hand #my writing #trying to get the hang of posting my writing more on tumblr

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little-dragon-stories · 3 years

Text

When life forms a full circle

What happen when Kim Namjoon, single father of twins, meet his university crush as the teacher of his precious little ones?

W.C. 12 372

Pairing Kim Namjoon and female reader

Warning: none! This fic is just cuteness overload (maybe a bit of anxiety but nothing much.

This fic is a collab between me and my dear princess @aspaceformyself @aspaceformyselffics09, without her, it wouldn’t have been that good! Thanks a lot my princess! I love you <3<3<3<3<3

Dear Mr. Kim,

Here it is! Already the first day of school of your precious little ones!

Let me introduce myself! My name is Y/N and I will have the privilege to be a homeroom teacher for your kids, for their first year at the Blooming dale Kindergarten school. I am so excited to meet your children and team up with you for their first steps as a ‘big kid’ :)

In this email, you will find everything you need to know to get ready for the big day. From the school material to the class behavior code, take the time to read it all with your little ones.

To start this year on a festive note, I along with a couple of other teachers are organising a small event to help the kids get to know each other and also warm up to us teachers. I would thus like to invite you with your children on their first day of class. On the site, many games will be organised along with snacks for everyone.

Please, join us on monday, (date)

I can’t wait to meet them and start this year together.

Y/N Y/L/N

++++++++++++++++

Namjoon blinked at the message once, twice and thrice.

It was 3 am in the morning and judging by his red eyes and unkempt hair, it’s easy to deduce that Mr. Kim Namjoon barely got any sleep since god knows how many days. He pushed himself up from his chair, waddled down the hallway into the kitchen, fetched himself a bottle of water and plopped in front of his laptop once again. The past few days at work had been crazy for him. And today was much crazier. After a rollercoaster ride of juggling between his work and his kids, he finally got a moment of peace for himself. And just as he thought of finishing up more of his work, his eyes began to droop and found himself passed out on his desk only to be awakened by a notification waiting for him in his email.

“Ugh,” Namjoon groaned to himself and hurriedly typed out a reply. This is when he saw it again, the message that you sent him 2 weeks ago. He was so drowned out in everything that he almost forgot his precious 5 year olds are starting kindergarten tomorrow. It seems as if it was only yesterday, that he was changing their diapers and bringing them to sleep, comfortably wrapped against his chest in the big rocking chair. And here he was, reading emails from the school where his babies would be starting classes tomorrow. Time flies so fast. The mere thought of his kids taking their first steps in this world, made Namjoon’s chest flush with emotions to the point his eyes felt watery.

“Dammit Namjoon,” He thought to himself, “This is not the time to get all teary and emotional about your kids, it’s 3 am in the middle of the night!” But nonetheless, he was proud and more than anything he was happy. Overwhelmed, he did the first thing that came to his mind and grabbed his cell phone resting on the desk.

“You better tell me you’re dying, it’s 3 am!” Jin’s voice slurred through the other end, not impressed. But on the other hand he answered before it even rang twice, which means, he guessed Namjoon would be calling him at his wits end and he was ready to answer. Namjoon smiled sheepishly to himself. It was such a Jin kinda gesture.

“Wait, don't say anything, you’re overwhelmed because tomorrow it’s the twins first day of school ?” Jin asked before Namjoon could get any words out.

“How did you know, hyung?”

“Namjoon - ah you’re forgetting we enrolled our children together.”

“Right” Namjoon snorted.

“So, on a scale of 1- 10 how anxious are we?”

“Am I that obvious hyung?”

“Kim Namjoon, I live 10 minutes away from you and I can hear your thoughts overflowing all the way here.”

“Right.”

“So?” Jin asked, “Gonna spill or do I have to make you spill?”

“That won’t be necessary hyung”, Namjoon laughed, “I’m gonna spill.”

Namjoon sucked in a deep breath before he dived in.

“The thing is, I know how they’re excited to start school. I know they are ready and will be doing just fine. But, at the same time, I don’t want them to be hurt or sad and I’m afraid I won’t be around them to be able to comfort them. What if they are mocked? What if they hurt themselves? I won’t be there to help and worse I won’t know about it… I know their teacher will certainly be there for them, but she’s not me, you know. She’ll have so many kids to take care of… Hyung… Just the thought of them being away from me and hurt makes me so sad and scared. I see their excitement and I want to be excited too but I’m just scared. They are so small. They are my precious babies… Also, Namu needs time before he’s comfortable around new people, it’s not so easy for him to adapt to new situations”

Jin was quiet for a while and Namjoon worried the line disconnected before he spoke again.

“Namjoon - ah trust me when I say this. I feel you. I’m shit scared my little DaMi might get hurt too. But you know what,” Jin added in a tone softer than before, “I think they are ready. We should trust them and ourselves.”

“Is this your gut talking to you?”

“I don’t know, could be,” Jin chuckled, then sighed, “it’s okay to be scared Namjoon - ah. Nothing wrong with that.”

“Are you scared too, hyung?”

“Yah! Who do you think I am?” Jin’s voice boomed through the phone, “I’m Kim SeokJin, I’m never scared of anything.”

“Then why are you up so late hyung?”

“You know...Uhhh, I’m prepping! I’m prepping Dami’s lunch box for tomorrow!”

“Hyung, the school is arranging lunch, it’s a school party, the first day celebration.”

“Then I’m preparing her clothes for tomorrow!”

Namjoon laughed, “Whatever you say, hyung”.

“Okay, Namjoon, I need to go. I have so much to do before the morning arrives. But before that, how are you feeling now?”

“Hyung, before that hold on, who signed the email? Who’s Dami’s teacher?”

“I don’t remember, wait, I’ll check”. Scrolling his phone, he found the information.

‘Her name is Y/n”

‘NO WAY! Dami will be in the same class as the twins. How cool is that?”

“That’s so nice! They will all be able to count on each other. I’m so grateful, Dami won’t feel alone in the big class”

“Oooh, I thought you were not scared of anything…”

“I… I’m not”

“Yeah, sure.” Namjoon giggled, “ See you tomorrow, hyung. And for the record, I feel much better. I hope you do too.”

“I was always cool with it, you know. See you tomorrow Joon-ah. Give them a kiss from uncle Jin when they wake up. We’ll meet there”.

“Will do. Hyung… Last question… do you think their teacher will love them as much as we do?”

“She cannot love them as much as we do Namjoon, no one can. As a parent, the love we have for our little ones cannot be compared. But I’m sure that if she decided to be a teacher, it’s because she loves kids in general and therefore, we have no choice but to trust the fact that they will be treated with much care. But you know, our kids are lovable, they will be the teacher’s favorite!”

“Damn, you’re right! Thanks Hyung. I feel much better now”.

“Anytime Joon, preferably during business hours” Jin teased.

“As you were sleeping”

“Yeah, yeah! See you Joon-ah”.

_____________

Morning came way too fast for Namjoon’s liking. He barely had closed his eyes after he spoke with Jin, his fellow ‘Single dad club’ friend as they like calling themselves before he was awakened by two noisy kids racing up to his bed and jumping on him.

“Appa! Namu will have a pancake!” Little Namu straddled Namjoon’s chest while his twin sister Nam Young followed behind equally enthusiastic, “And Nam Young will have a sandwich and omelette!”

Namjoon groaned in his sleep, shaken awake by the sudden intrusion. Slowly squinting his eyes open he glanced at the clock next to him. 6:25 am it read. Lazily scooping both his kids in his arms, Namjoon sat up.

“Morning little monsters,” Namjoon greeted them fondly, kissing their faces and holding them close to his chest.

“Dad! Leave us alone!” The twins giggled, “We’re not babies anymore! Don’t hold us like babies!”

“Noooo!” Namjoon whined holding them closer than before, “You’ll always be my babies! Don’t even try to make me say otherwise! Even on your wedding day, you’ll be my babies. You better get used to it right now”.

“Please appa, don’t call us like that at school”

Sniffing the air, a sweet smell tickled Namjoon’s nose. And before he could wonder where the smell came from, another pair of tiny footsteps echoed in the room and then another little girl jumped Namjoon.

“Uncle Namjoon!” She squealed, throwing her arms around him. Namjoon struggled to hold her tight in addition to his kids already in his arms.

“DaMi!” Namjoon’s face stretched into a smile, “When did you get here princess ?? Where’s your appa?”

“Kitchen!!!” The children sang all at once, “He’s making us yummy food! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

“You guys need to get down though”

“Appa nooooo, hold us!” Nam Young pouted followed by Namu and DaMi joining in on her.

“Fine, aye aye captain,” Namjoon sighed. Seriously, he’s way too whipped for the kids to say no. Scooping the kids in his arms with the three of them hanging on to him, Namjoon rose from the bed and made his way through the hallway, into the kitchen.

When he entered, he was greeted by the sight of Jin behind the oven skilfully taking care of a frightening amount of poelons and cauldrons at the same time. How he never burned anything always remains a mystery for Namjoon.

“What a nice surprise!” Namjoon exclaimed, “When did you guys get here by the way?”

“Don’t mention it! I was not lying when I told you I was prepping their lunches last night. Besides, it kept me away from overthinking,” Jin’s half admitting his anxiety was somehow touching for Namjoon who came beside his friend and put a hand on his shoulder. Both were ‘losing’ their babies this morning and the thought of it made their heart twist.

“We got here at 6 am!” Dami exclaimed from where she was perched on Namjoon’s shoulder.

“Aaaaw, did my little Dami wake up that early?” Namjoon cooed at her, then turned to Jin,“Well, it’s a wonderful surprise. Thanks a lot hyung.”

“How many times have I told you that we would be the perfect couple, Kim Namjoon? I was not lying! You would have these breakfasts each morning” Jin teased his friend.

“I might consider the offer,” Joon joked back.

The children jumped down from Namjoon’s embrace and began to set the table in a chaotic but efficient manner. As efficient as the kids can get. In no time, the cutlery was set, and all gathered together before a delicious breakfast prepared by Jin.

No sooner did they finish their breakfast, the kids raced past Namjoon and Jin to gather their belongings as the adults cleared the table and cleaned up everything. Soon, everything was in order and Namjoon and Jin found themselves all packed, in their respective cars ready to drive to school all prepared to welcome their kids to take their first steps as the big kids.

Concentrated on the road, Namjoon didn’t pay attention to the kids for a couple of minutes. Lowering the music, he realised that the atmosphere suddenly changed in the car. He turned his attention to what was happening in the back seat while still driving.

“... you’ll see Namu, we’ll have fun. Plus, we’re in the same class as DaMi. We’ll be together…”

“I want to stay home with appa… he’ll be alone if we both go to school. I’ll miss appa too”

Namu tears went down on his round cheeks as Joon could see and it broke his heart into tiny pieces.

“What’s going on son?”

“I don’t want to go to school appa. I want to stay home with you. I don’t want to go…”

“Aaaaw… Namu, you forgot that for today I will stay with you guys. We’ll meet your teacher and the other kids together. I can’t wait to see your class. Meet your teacher. Play with the other kids. We’ll have fun, you’ll see. Plus, tomorrow, you’ll have only half a day to let you have the time to adapt. In no time, you’ll get used to it”

“I don’t want to meet them… I don’t want to meet Miss Y/n and the other kids. I want to stay home with you”.

“Namu is just a big baby,” Nam Young playfully teased her twin brother while wiping his tears at the same time.

“Nam Young, don’t tease him. He has the right to feel anxious. It’s normal to be when we are facing a new situation”

“I’m just teasing him appa, I wanted to make him smile”.

“You didn’t make me smile, you made me cry” Namu pouted

“I’m sorry Namu,” Nam Young said as she wrapped her brother in a hug, “… please don’t cry”.

“Aaaaaw…” Namjoon’s heart was threatening to explode with warmth in his chest. His kids were so different. Their personality was always the opposite. While Namu was more reserved, anxious and introverted, NamYoung was a child that goes to meet everyone and adapt easily to every situation. This morning was not different. If he was being honest, Namjoon was more scared for his son’s adaptation than for his daughter’s. But looking at the duo now, he feels a little assured that Nam Young will be there for her brother if needed. She may not know how to help him yet, but she tries and it makes Namjoon proud.

“We’ve arrived kids… Jin is already parked. Let’s go”.

Namu hesitated to untie his belt. It’s his sister that did it for him and as soon as Namjoon opened the car door, the little one jumped in his father’s arms. It’s with Namu sitting on his forearm with his little arms wrapped around his neck and his face buried into his neck, and Nam Young proudly walking by his side (but still needed to hold his hand) that Namjoon joined Jin. The latter helped his friend to carry their belongings and the quinquet walked their way into the school.

As they walked towards the building, Namu’s grip tightened against his father’s neck.

“It’s gonna be okay Namu,” Namjoon reassured his son with a small pat on his back, “ Appa is not going anywhere. I’ll stay with you today, remember?”

Namu nodded but didn’t seem to be convinced. The closer they went to the school, the more tense he felt his son against his chest. And by the time they reached the gymnasium, where the event was taking place, Namu burst into full blown tears.

“I want to go home!” He insisted between tears, “Bring me home appa! Please.”

Watching his son melt down into tears broke Namjoon’s heart. The group stopped before they could enter the venue and Jin led them to a quiet corner where they hoped to help Namu feel at ease. In the middle of the crisis, Namjoon heard your light footsteps coming their way.

“Oooh, what do we have here?” A soft and cheerful voice asked, “I was waiting for you guys, to complete my class” you said.

Too engulfed by his son and too anxious to notice anything, Namjoon merely looked above his shoulder and turned his attention back to his son when his cries intensified. At the side, he noticed Jin approach you, but didn’t heard the conversation you had together. It’s only when his daughter said “see you later Namu, come and join us when you feel better” did he realise that something was going on.

“Would you come with me, Mr Kim?” he felt your hand on his forearm, trying to catch his attention. “I think it will be less stressful for Namu to be in a quieter place for now. Come on”

“Nam Young…” Namjoon enquired, now turning towards the source of the voice. It was a young woman probably in her mid twenties. She had a bright and an understanding expression on her face as she spoke to Namjoon.

“Your daughter is okay, she left to meet the other kids with Mr Kim,” you said, “she even said bye to you and her brother. Come with me, please”.

Namjoon nodded and the duo followed you in a daze. You entered a light and colorful classroom filled with small tables and tiny chairs. There was a rocking chair in the middle of the class, 15 cushions on the floor. Books everywhere.

“Namu… can you look at me please?” you asked the little kid. He lifted his eyes and with a tiny sob, he looked at his teacher.

“Annyeong Namu. I’m Y/n. I’m so glad that you are here, I needed help this morning because I didn’t have the time to prepare everything” you winked at Namjoon. “I will be your teacher this year and this is our classroom”

No answer from the little boy. Sensing that Namjoon wanted to interfere, you made a sign to signify that you were in control. You needed to bond with the little boy, you know you will have him sooner or later.

“Namu, I worked all week to prepare this class for you guys. But I am not sure if it will be perfect. Would you like to help me with something?”

You had to think fast. You wanted to occupy the little boy so he would forget he was sad. Very often, the tactic worked in the past.

“No, I want to stay with Appa,” He sniffed.

Namu didn’t agree, but at least he answered you so that was a good beginning.

“But your appa will help me also, we will use him, of course” You winked knowingly at Namjoon.

Looking around the class, Namu looked suspiciously at his teacher.

“I think it’s pretty enough as it is,” he told you with a skeptical face.

With a tinkle of a laugh, you turned to face Namu snuggled up in Namjoon’s arms. This was probably when Namjoon realised there was something nostalgic about the woman in front of him. Something he couldn’t quite place or point a finger at. But, at the same time, he couldn’t quite shrug the feeling of the warmth, the familiarity that your laughter made him feel.

“Aaaaw, thanks a lot Namu!” You cheerfully smiled, “You think that our classroom is pretty! I worked so hard to prepare it all, you have no idea how it looked like, before I came in. But I didn’t lie to you though, I need your fathers’ arms. Can you get down and let him help me with the boxes you see there?”

You pointed a finger at some boxes piled up in a corner of the class. “See this? I would like your appa to give me the box that is in the middle. They’re too heavy for me. Why don’t you come with me, shall we discover what’s inside together”?

Curious, the little boy looked at his father for his authorization. Namjoon gave him a reassuring smile and told his son “Shall we help miss Y/n Namu? Come on,” and he walked with his son still in his arms towards the boxes. When he arrived, he gently put him down, the little arm of Namu lightly sliding along Namjoon’s neck. Curious, the little one looked at his father taking the first box, putting it on the floor and going that way until you said “Yes, this one. Please bring that box on the table”.

Namjoon smiled at your answer. There was not a single box that was heavy enough for you not to be able to carry them. He found that you were clever as he could see the strategy you used there.

“Here you go Miss Y/n! The box was so heavy, no wonder why you needed me with it” he smiled.

“Thanks Mr. Kim. Namu, wanna come and discover what’s inside with me?”

Curious, he ran towards the table, the excitement slowly replacing his anxiety.

“One, two, three… Tadam!!!” you exclaimed as you placed your hands on top of the box and opened it together with the little boy. Namu's smile grew big.

“Woah! This is figurines! I didn’t know I could play at school! I thought I was only here to be serious all the time!”

This time, you laughed for real, a big belly laughter that made Namjoon doubt again for a moment. Somewhere inside his head, he feels like he knows this sound, this person. But at the sametime he’s not so sure if he does. There’s a part of him that wants to ask and put an end to his curiosity but at the sametime, there’s another part of him that doesn’t want to make a fool of himself if he got it wrong. Then again, it wouldn’t be such a surprise if you turned out to be someone he knew. The world is small after all. Scratching his head, he observed you while you talked to his son. He wished his mind was working at full capacity right now but unfortunately, it was not the case at all. The anxiety caused by the big event today paired with the lack of sleep of the last weeks barely left him a working neurone. One thing was certain though, this woman in front of him loves kids and has the twist with them. You seemed to be a loving and caring person, empathetic enough to take time to create a bond with an anxious little one. Namu will be at ease in no time with you, he already seems to be. It was a relief.

“You thought we would never play?” You huffed, clearly surprised, “What’s this idea? Namu, you know what? With me, we will always play. We will use games to learn. And when we are tired of learning, we’ll play just for fun! But, but, but, you will learn so many things! You won’t even realise and you will learn. We’ll also have more serious moments of course. Tell me, do you have those figurines at home?”

“I have some, but we couldn’t buy all of them, they were not available anymore”.

“Ooooh!” you blinked at Namjoon “I have my ways to collect toys. Wanna place the figurines on the shelf you see over there? I don’t know the best way to put them. Should I sit them? Should I group them? See? I really need your help!” you said, turning to Namu.

“YES! Let me do it!” Namu lifted the box and dragged it in front of the shelfs, not realising the box was actually really light. “Shall I use the top or middle or lower shelf?”

“This is why I need you Namu, I don’t know what will please the kids. Do as you want, we’ll bring more boxes, I have more figurines”

“Yeah” the boy exclaimed happily, his eyes shining like glitter.

Turning to Namjoon, you murmured lower enough so Namu won’t hear you.

“Here we go Mr. Kim. I thought it was a good idea for him to be in his little bubble before he meets the other kids. At least, now, he will be more comfortable with his environment, it’s less overwhelming for him. I know, I was the exact same at his age” you told him. He softly gazed at his child trying to arrange the figurines as he pleased by the shelves. “When he’s ready, we’ll go to the gym where the other kids are. Want me to go check on Nam Young while you watch over him?”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not, wait”.

A short minute later, you came in and sat by Namjoon’s side as he was watching over his son with proud eyes.

“She and DaMi are already entertaining the crowd!” you smiled at Namjoon “Mr Kim is with them both, he said to take your time with Namu. So, no worry. We have a little time before I need to go there”.

“Thank you, Miss Y/n,” Namjoon sighed, relief clearly flooding through his mind and his body. His shoulders finally slouched and he let his body relax in the chair he sat in.

“Tough morning?” You asked, judging by the demeanor of the man in front of you.

Namjoon nodded, then smiled at you, “It was. It was the first time I’m going to part with my kids for a relatively long time. I’m excited for them and proud of them. But at the same time, seeing Namu so anxious broke my heart. He’s a sensitive kid, quiet and reserved. But bright and kind at the same time.”

“I can understand Mr. Kim,” You reassured him, “Maybe not understand all the nuances of being a parent but my students are like my little babies too. Please, don’t tell them I called them babies” you laughed.

“Oh lord,” Namjoon mixed in with the laughter, “I called them that this morning and they didn’t like it.”

“I can tell,” You giggled, “Anyway Mr. Kim, rest assured, your little ones are safe with me. I will always care for them and make sure they’re surrounded by a healthy and loving atmosphere while they’re at school.”

There wasn’t anything more Namjoon could ask for. It seemed that you knew how to create a bond with kids too, judging by how Namu was now playing with the figurines as he placed them. He was certainly more at ease. And as it looked like you were about to get up and go towards Namu, Namjoon finally couldn’t help but ask what was on his mind the whole time.

“Miss Y/N,” he called out to you, as he scratched his head for the nth time that day, “I apologise if this may sound weird or come across as rather creepy. But, have we met somewhere before??”

“Finally!!” You exclaimed to which Namjoon appeared startled, “ Of course we met before! I was waiting for you to recognise me!”

“...”

“It’s me Y/N from Seoul University”, You continued, “ We met from time to time during our university days”.

Namjoon still looked confused.

“Wait, remember HyunNa? She was a common friend of ours. Sometimes we met with a bunch of other people. I always loved talking with you, I have to say. You were so brilliant and kind compared to her other friends. Maybe you left a better impression than I did” you said but you didn’t seem mad at all. In fact you were smiling brightly.

“Oh wait!” It finally dawned on Namjoon, “You’re that Y/N?!”

“Yes! Have I changed that much?” You giggled, “You finally recognised me!”

“Sorry,” Namjoon laughed, “I do remember you but damn, you changed a lot! We met often at the parties. Although neither of us are the kind to party.”

“I think this is why we found ourselves together sitting outside sipping at our drinks and reflecting on the whole wide world, while the other danced and got wasted! ”

“And those midnight ice cream trips with our friends!”

“Yep! Ice cream was the best! That was my kind of activity”

“Gosh, those days seem so far away. Anyway, I didn't think I would meet you like this after years. It’s a pleasant surprise though.”

“I’m glad too, to be honest. Plus, I’m gonna be the one who takes care of your twins. What a faith!” You said, smiling fondly at Namu.

“They were good times,” Namjoon said, a soft smile adoring his lips.

“It certainly was,” You said, nostalgically, “I wonder how the others are doing right now.”

Once Namu felt at ease with his surroundings and after a while of catching up, Namjoon and you decided that it’s time to regroup with the others at the gymnasium. By the time the three of you entered the gym where the main festivities were held, the school party with the other kids had already started. Once you made your way towards the other teachers, Namjoon joined in with Jin and the other parents.

“A moment of attention please,” the physical education teacher said. It was Junkook, your colleague. “It’s time for everybody to meet with your group. Would you please group in front of your teachers please, parents follow your kids. We’ll take your presence and we’ll have a short time to get to know each other before the games start. Let’s go meet your teachers guys”.

Jungkook came to you as soon as his speech was done. You had missed the welcome speech and he wanted to tell you how it went.

“Is the little one okay, noona?” He asked, concerned.

“Yes, he was just a little shy,” You said and then added, “You took good care of my class while I was away, thanks Kookie.”

“I did, of course. And they can’t wait to meet you, they didn’t believe me when I told them I was miss Y/N,” He pouted.

“Aaaaaw! You said that? Thank you so much! You’re the best!”

“My pleasure. Luckily, you have a bunch of single fathers in your class,” Jungkook smirked, “for the single lady you are, you’ll have plenty of choices. If needed, I may help you all year long with this group, they are all pretty cute and I may get lucky with one of the dad’s myself,” He shrugged.

“Jesus Kook! Calm your hormones” you laughed. “I’ll talk to you later” you smiled at him. Ever Since he joined your school, he was the most popular among kids. Funny, dynamic and respected by everybody. You even found in him a little brother that you never had.

“Okay guys, I’m sure you all met Jungkook? He will be the gymnastic teacher this year. You can call him Kookie.”

Kids squealed and applauded, already under his charm.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you before but here I am now. And I’m so glad to meet you. Now, before you arrive, I have memorised all your names and I would like to put a face on your names. Who do we have here?”

In addition to Kim Namu, Nam Young and Kim Dami, Namjoon and Jin’s kids respectively, there were Min Jae Hyun and Min Hyun Seok, two bright kids of a young couple, Min Yoongi and Jung Hoseok. Then there was Park A-Reum, daughter of a really charming man Park Jimin, whose beauty turned the heads of everyone in the gymnasium from the teachers to the staff and the helpers. There was Kim Sang Jung, whose energy was more chaotic than an atom bomb. He came with his equally chaotic uncle, Kim Taehyung. There was also a cute but extremely turbulent little girl named Kwak Bo Young whose parents didn’t bother to come for her first day of school, she came in class with her angelic cousin named Lee Min Ji. Both of them were not accompanied and they soon found themselves under Jimin and Taehyung‘s protective wings. These were the kids mainly under your small class.

“Woah! What a wonderful group I have this year! I’m sure we’ll have so much fun together!” you told them. “Before we start the games, your gym teacher, Kookie and I have arranged some snacks, so be sure to try them and enjoy yourselves. Parents too, can eat as much as you want”

Namjoon along with Jin looked around the gymnasium, taking in the whole atmosphere. Their kids have long ago ran towards the snacks leaving the two behind.

“This place is not bad,” Namjoon mused to himself, “I was pretty anxious yesterday. But somehow after this morning and right now, I feel at ease.”

“I know what you mean,” Jin added, as he signed Namjoon to look in front of them, “I don’t think we have to worry about the kids anymore.”

Sure enough to Namjoon’s amusement and happiness, both their kids seemed to have made friends with the others in their group. It was probably then, that he caught your attention and briefly sent you a smile along with a small wave.

“Ah I see,” Jin mused, smiling to himself.

“See what?” Namjoon asked.

“You know, the teacher,” He shrugged, “I saw that.”

“Saw what hyung??” Namjoon asked, still oblivious.

“I noticed a certain someone who seems all smiley and bubbly around the teacher,” Jin remarked, an amused expression masking his face.

“What do you mean, hyung? Bubbly? I just waved to her,” Namjoon said, exasperated. And when Jin didn’t budge, he added, “Okay, fine, I knew her from college. We weren't exactly close, but hung out with the same group of friends”.

“And?”

“And what?”

“And?”

“Okay fine! I probably had a tiny bit of a crush on her back then!”

At this Jin’s smile grew wider and wider.

“No no no, I know what you’re thinking and don’t you go there Hyung!” Namjoon exclaimed, “It was long ago and now’s a totally different situation.”

Jin continued to smile and looked like he wasn’t convinced but didn’t say anything more. Namjoon just continued being exasperated by his friend.

At the same time, on the other side of the Gymnasium, Jungkook approached you.

“So… what about you and Mr Kim?” He asked you as soon as you were both out of reach of the children.

“There are 3 Mr Kim in my class. You’ll have to be more precise”

“The one with the hot thighs” He smirked.

“What about Namjoon- ah?” You asked, not even realising what you just said.

“DAAAAH!” he laughed, pointing at you. “You know exactly who I’m talking about, how’s that”

“Oooh…. Well… Why do you even ask about him, there is nothing about him” you shyly answered.

“3 years now, I’ve known you for 3 years and I have never seen you blush when a parent waved at you”.

“I didn’t blush” you said, feeling your cheeks with the back of your hand. “We knew each other back then. There is nothing about him or anything. Leave me alone Kookie” you pouted.

“She’s shy, how charming” Kookie said as he laid a hand on your shoulder “I think that your red cheeks speak for themselves. Oooh, wait” and he left as fast as he arrived, little A-Reum coming his way with her appa and little Min Ji.

Looking at Kook squatting down to be at the same level as A - Reum, you smiled to yourself as you watched Kook put a bandaid on the finger of the little boy.

Soon, the games began and you didn’t have much time to think about Kim Namjoon anymore, the kids taking all your attention. They were all charming but certainly will keep you busy this year. They involved themselves in the activities with every inch of enthusiasm and energy that was hidden in their little bodies. It was a fun filled day both for you, the parents and their children. And just like that, time flew and in the blink of an eye, the day came to an end. The kids, and even Namu who was so hesitant, were disappointed to go home, but you assured them that they will be back tomorrow and it’s going to be filled with fun like today was. With hopes of looking forward to the next day, and the year ahead, the kids and their parents bid you a good bye.

****************************

“Are you sure about it hyung?”

“Oh course I’m sure,” Jin insisted on the other end of the phone, “I promised Dami I’ll bring the twins with us. She wanted it, you don’t want to disappoint my daughter, do you?”

Namjoon chuckled.

“I certainly don’t want to make my little princess sad,” He sighed, “Okay then… Are you sure you can handle the three?”

“YAH Kim Namjoon! Who do you think I am?” Jin remarked faking a playful offence, “The day is already planned and you approved all the activities we prepared. Just take that day for yourself and relax. I don’t know how long it’s been since you had a day without responsibilities. Take that time my friend, and enjoy it. You need to recharge your batteries and the kids are really happy about it all. It’s a win win situation.” Jin reassured his friend. “No worry, I know where to reach you in case anything happens”

“Yes, please. I will keep my phone with me. Call me if anything happens. Anything, okay?”

“Yes Namjoon heard you loud and clear, now stop worrying and have fun. Trust your hyung on this one, I got your back.”

Namjoon felt reassured and was even grateful for Jin’s idea. This is when he heard him laugh and say.

“Maybe you can even call the cute teacher and have some good quality time together with her,” He smirked, “I told you many times, she blushed looking at you thrice that day”

“Hyung!” Namjoon exclaimed, “She did not! And that’s all in your imagination!”

“It’s not.”

“It is.”

“Nope. No sir.”

“Yes it is.”

“Fine hyung, whatever lets you sleep at night,” Namjoon signed exasperated knowing his friend won’t relent to him.

Jin didn’t say anything but his laughter was enough to tell Namjoon that he was clearly enjoying this teasing. Ever since he learned of Namjoon’s little university crush on the teacher of their kids, Jin made it a point to tease him relentlessly over it every chance he has got. Now, Namjoon just learned to let Jin have his moment.

Soon after this, Jin along with Dami, dropped by to collect both the twins. Namjoon bounced around the house double checking everything just to see if the kids had everything they needed. Honestly, everything was already prepared but at the last moment, he felt hesitant. Thankfully, Jin reassured him. He now loaded all their belongings into Jin’s car with his help, hugged his little ones one last time, breathing in their smell, and made sure they’re properly seated in the car.

“Uncle Jooooooon” Dami happily called him “Can I have my kiss goodbye too?”

“Sure thing, my little princess” He opened the car door he had just closed and hugged her little frame, careful not to crash anyone with his weight. “Have a good day Dami.”

“You too uncle.”

And then with a final goodbye from both Jin and the kids, the car zoomed off into the distance.

It’s been quite a while since Namjoon got time for himself. Whether it was to just walk around aimlessly or watch a movie by himself or anything of that sort. In addition to the time, the weather also seemed to work in his favour. It was a clear day, with the blue of the sky peering over the millions that walked the planet. There were hardly any clouds but it also wasn’t very sunny or hot. Just the perfect weather for a stroll along the bed of the Han river.

Namjoon sighed, leaning into the touch of the breeze that passed him by. It’s been five long years since there was any moment of peace. Ever since the day his twins were born, everyday was a jumble of rollercoaster rides for him. Not that they were bad. He certainly did have days where he was stressed, where he thought he was going to snap from the pressure of it all. But most of all, the rollercoaster ride was still welcome. His kids mean everything to him and without them, he probably couldn’t have gotten to where he is now. The hours he spent caring for them all alone, watching them grow and bloom into beautiful human beings were certainly worth all the fatigue that had accumulated over time. After all, he will always have time to rest later.

And as he sat there lost in his thoughts, he soon noticed a familiar figure sitting by a tree and reading a book. Upon closer inspection, Namjoon realises that it was you, his longtime friend and a teacher for his kids. You didn’t notice him, you were too engrossed in your book, your brows furrowed from the seriousness of what was in the story, your mouth upturned into a pout. It brought a little smile on Namjoon’s face, because it was something he was used to seeing back when you both were in university. From the little bits he knows of you from here and there, and of the times you hung around, books were a constant. Never in his life, he thought he would meet you again or feel this familiarity once again.

As he continued to notice you and take in your presence, a soft breeze blew by you, whipping your hair onto your face. It didn’t seem like it bothered you though as you continued reading despite it. And when it happened for a second time, it was when you finally tucked your hair behind your ear and looked up to meet Namjoon’s gaze.

“Namjoon - ah” you murmured, more for yourself. You were not quite sure if he was really in front of you, still engulfed in the emotional part of the story you just read. It was when you heard his deep velveteen voice that you knew it was not your imagination.

“What a nice surprise” he softly giggled before he walked towards you “It’s nice to see you haven't changed at all after all these years. It’s nice to see you like that, like before”.

This was when he noticed what Jin was teasing him with for weeks now, the pink on your cheeks that he’s quite sure you never had in your university years. More so, around him.

“Oooh! You mean, reading all alone in my little corner?” You chuckled, “Yep! This is still how I spend my off days. My friends wanted to go for a bicycle ride but after being surrounded by people all week, I needed some quiet time”.

“Haha, I know what you mean, I’ll leave you then” Namjoon shyly said.

“No! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m actually happy to see you, come sit with me” you pat the place close to you.

“You sure?”

“Yep! Of course”

With a blinding smile, he walked towards you and sat close by.

“By the way, where are my babies?” you asked him with a concerned smile.

“Oooh, out with Jin hyung and Dami. It’s the first time I’m on my own. They will even sleep there, if I don’t change my mind and join them or kidnap them. Because they were so happy about their day, it would be a kidnapping” he laughed. “They have planned to sleep in a homemade tent on the terrace of Jin hyung’s building, I mean…. Quite an event, right?”

“Aaaaw! This is so cute!” You exclaimed, “Don’t you dare bother them” you teased.

“Yeah, we’ll see if I can stand it tonight,” Namjoon sighed as he gazed towards the sky.

“And how is Mr. Namjoon spending his day so far?” You asked playfully, wiggling your eyebrows.

“To be honest, they just left and I was just wandering around. I feel useless,” he chuckled, “I don’t know what to do.”

“Aaaaw! Single dad, not being used to being by himself” You cooed, “I’m glad that you have this day though. It’s good for you”

“You don’t have kids right?”

“Nope, it’s still impossible for a single woman to procreate by herself” you laughed, “Unless it happens by a miracle.”

Namjoon snorted at that. Strangely happy for a reason he can’t fathom. But then he also wondered,

“How do you spend your free time? Then again, how come you’re single?” he asked, almost surprised.

Looking up at him through your eyelashes, you wondered what he meant for a moment.

“This is a question I ask myself too, Namjoon -ah,” you broke into a laughter, “Where is my prince charming, I wonder!”

“Aaaaw!” he smiled at your cuteness.

“Well, to answer your question, I spent my free time with whatever I want to do. I don’t ask myself how to spend my time, I just do what I want. Then again, it’s easy for me since I have no children yet. This is what you should do today. What do you, Kim Namjoon, want to do today?”

“What if I say, I want to go have ice cream with an old friend like the old times??” Namjoon asked, “Will she agree to it?”

“This is a very good idea. You go ahead, call her” you playfully winked at him but at the same time, you were already closing your book with the same page holder you used back then, Namjoon noticed.

“I mean you, pabo!” Namjoon whined, “I don’t think I have many people I know around here or consider anyone else to be an old friend.”

“I know!” You exclaimed happily, “But wanted to tease. Oopsie.”

“Let’s get going then shall we??” He said, smiling as he stood up and reached a hand to help you. His hand was big and his grip soft but strong. You felt happy that the connection with him didn’t seem to be lost after so many times apart.

“You won’t have that horrible flavor again, right?” Namjoon asked you with a pout.

“You remember what I used to eat?” you asked him, surprised.

“How can I forget, it’s kind of noticeable”

You laughed, delighted that he remembers, for some reason.

“Let’s see if my tastes have evolved enough to meet yours” you answered. Ice cream flavor was always a subject of playful bickering between the two of you. Never on the same page when it comes to choosing it.

As you walked along a little path along the river with Namjoon on your left, you looked up at him to meet his soft smile. When did he become so handsome? He was always a beautiful person inside and out but somehow along the way, as he aged, he became even more beautiful. How come you never noticed it back then? And how was this something you noticed after all these years?

“Appa doesn’t have a lover” you remembered Namu telling you and Kookie, last week “he said his priority was me and Nam Young but I would like to have a mother” the little boy had pouted cutely.

“You have a really good appa, Namu” Kookie had answered “he’ll meet the good person for him and for you guys one day. But the fact that he’s taking his time to do so is really good”.

The class had started and you had to leave the subject like that but it kept running in your thoughts today.

“Namjoon- ah”

“Hmmmm” he said as he looked down on you, his dimples shyly flashing on his cheeks as he smiled.

“It will be the only thing I’ll say about your kids because today, I’m not their teacher, I’m your old friend. But I found it amazing how a single parent could be able to raise such beautiful human beings. Namu and Nam Young are so lovely and brilliant. They learned to care for one another but they also care for the entire class, including me. It’s easy to say that they received a lot of loving attention and that they were in a stimulating environment. I love them so much. If you ever doubted, I want to tell you that you did a good job at parenting them. I… I’m impressed”

“Oooooh” he blushed “Thanks Y/n, I mean, it was not always easy but they were my number one priority all the time and I certainly cared a lot for them.”

“You prioritise your kids over your own needs, I mean, it’s remarkable. I found it really amazing”.

“Thanks Y/n… for me it was the only thing to do”.

“It would have been the same for me, too, you know” You said as you gazed into his eyes, then shrugged, “But it’s not that obvious for everyone else I guess. I met a lot of egoistic parents in my young career, unfortunately”

Namjon’s eyes were captivating. Again, something else that you never noticed before. Maybe there were times you did notice that. Some moments in passing when you both were in university. Or some nights when you were drunk and stared a little too longer into his eyes. But you never gave it much thought back then. In fact you can count the number of times you felt something but shrugged it off immediately, thinking it wasn’t a big deal or blaming it on the alcohol. But why tho? Was it because you were already seeing someone? Was it because it felt wrong? Was it the guilt? In hindsight, It was probably the guilt that made you focus on something else. But now, as you stared into his eyes, you can feel the familiar warmth stir in your chest. A kind of warmth you’ve never felt for anyone in years after you last broke up with your ex.

“Anyway,” You abruptly turned your head to face forward. Somewhere at the corner of your head, you can feel the blush creep up your cheeks and for some reason you felt embarrassed that Namjoon might notice that, ”I think I’ll have chocolate ice cream today. I don’t feel like ‘fighting’ with you.”

Namjoon busted a laugh at that, he has a really pretty smile, “You know what,” He said, “Have whatever you like, I’m not going to judge you on that today. I just like teasing you.”

“Aaaah, Kim Namjoon! You’re such a meanie!” you pouted, then chuckled, “It’s good, I.. It’s good”.

What’s happening to you? What’s this good feeling of meeting up with an old friend and connecting just perfectly again. At the same time, what’s this bubbly, sparkling sensation tickling inside? What was that? Why so suddenly?

“Look at that,” Namjoon pointed as he came to an abrupt halt. You were so lost in the chaos of your emotions and bubbling feelings that you didn’t notice when Namjoon stopped, didn’t hear him talk to you or point at something. With your mind in a haze, you walked right into him. The tall and broad shoulders, perfect him. It was so sudden, that the collision surprised you and in an effort to steady yourself, you tried to find the right footing. But that only led you to further losing your balance and before you could blink, you found yourself falling face first onto the ground. You tightly closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the impact.

But before, you could even realise what was happening, a strong arm quickly snaked around your waist and lifted you up from falling. You don’t know how he managed to do that but you found yourself facing Namjoon, securely held in between his arms, his hands away from you in a respectful manner. As you looked up at him, your eyes met his. His perfectly shaped, deep coffee brown eyes that stared right into your soul. They were so tender and soft, that you could feel yourself sucked right into his gaze. In this moment, you didn’t mind the ‘respectful’ manners and with the excuse of holding yourself still, you placed your hands flat on his chest. His heart was beating way faster than the calm that was emanating from his firm stillness on the outside.

“Namjoon- ah” you smiled at yourself, feeling a sting of warmth in your heart, “Why is your heart beating so fast? Were you so scared that I might have fallen down?”

At this very moment, you couldn’t imagine that he could have been feeling the same warmth at your contact. It was so sudden for you, so inexplicable. Namjoon didn’t answer, he just stared at you. He too was so lost in the moment that he didn’t realise the kind of hold he had over you, nor did he realise the position you were in. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine that he would get such a close look at your face. And when you spoke, things suddenly fell in place. His eyes went wide as the realisation kicked in. His face turned a deep shade of red as he finally let you go.

“I...I’m sorry,” He smiled sheepishly, “I didn’t think.”

“What are you sorry for?” This confused you further. But decided not to dwell on it too much, “You saved me from face planting myself on the floor, thank you,” You laughed.

If saying that Namjoon was starstruck was an understatement, saying that he was spellbound would be too underrated. You have an enthralling laugh. Namjoon remembered the first time he heard it back in the university, he thought it had a distinct sound to it. Like the distant chime of a bell, like birds chirping in spring. And even now if you ask him, he would say it still had the same ring to it. Had the same effect on him. If he was being completely honest with himself, he would admit right here and right now that this sound you make when you burst into laughter, he would like to hear it every single day for the rest of his life. It just made him feel light and bubbly, calmed him down.

“You know what Y/n?” he asked as he collected himself

“What?”

“I want to make a bet with you”.

“A bet? What kind of bet?” you looked at him, not sure what he was about to propose.

“See the tree over there? The one close to the ice cream stand? The last one that arrives there has to pay for the ice cream. What do you think”

You smirked, as your expression changed in the blink of an eye and rolled up your sleeves. How did Namjoon forget how competitive you can get when bets were involved.

“Bring it on Mr. Kim!” You exclaimed as you jumped to prepare yourself. “You’re so gonna have to pay for me!”

For the nth time that day, he was reminded of how much you didn’t change over the years. How much the same old things excited you or brought a spark in your eyes.

“No way I’m paying! I’m so gonna beat you in the race!” Namjoon challenged you right away.

“Sureeeee,” You chuckled, “Says the same guy who lost all the time back at uni and paid for everyone.”

“You remember??” Namjoon asked, taken by surprise.

“How can I forget? I had a couple of free treats, thanks to you” you laughed “I mean, who will say no to free ice cream, han? You better get ready Namjoon- ah! I’m on fire today. I might be smaller than you, but I’m way faster. Ready?” you asked, still warming up your muscles as if you were preparing for an olympic competition.

“Aaaaw” Namjoon cooed “you didn’t change at all. Okay, on your marks…”

This is when things became serious for you. You position yourself in order not to miss the departure, not a single bit aware of Namjoon’s tender expression. The more he looked at you, at your cuteness over the simplest things, the more he felt endeared at you. You probably may not have been aware, but Namjoon let you start ahead of him and he ran right after you. Always making sure he kept a step behind.

When your hand finally touched the tree bark, you turned around and did your little happy dance exclaiming that you won. Just for that Namjoon thought he was in fact, the real winner here.

“I can’t believe that you won” he exclaimed but it sounded so fake, you became skeptical. Panting from the effort, you managed to say.

“Namjoon- ah! You cheated! I can see you let me win! Why?” you frown, pouting. “You’re not even breathless, how is that possible?”

“Aaaaw! Have I let you win?” he asked, dangerously close to you. “I don’t think I did! Anyway, ice cream is on me today… again”.

You studied his face for a moment. He didn’t seem a tiny bit deceived that he just lost a bet. He even had a warm smile on his face, his dimples on full display. You pouted even more.

“Namjoon-ah, you let me win. I know you did”.

“Of course not. I ran like my life depended on it”.

“Yeah! Yeah! Sure, I believe that,” You stared back at him, your eyebrows knitting on your forehead, your eyes in a squint.

Your breathing was much calmer now, and you were able to speak normally. Namjoon felt himself too entranced by you, if he continued to look at you like that, he didn't know what he could do. Instead of kissing you like his guts were claiming, he leaned towards you and poke your forehead.

“Ouch” your fingers traced the spot Namjoon just poked. It was so sudden, that it took you by surprise. But at the same time you couldn’t help being fond of it.

“Namjoon-ah! You meanie!” You pouted “You let me win and now, you’re hurting me! I don’t follow you this morning” you laughed, “Why are you like this??”

“I believe that you should not ask that, little miss. This might be information I want to keep top secret”.

“Oh Oh! look at you,” You playfully teased, “All cool and mysterious, keeping information to yourself,”

“I heard that mysterious people are very attractive,” Namjoon remarked as he puffed out his chest, “Does Ms. Y/N think that mysterious people are attractive?”

You smiled at him, looking straight into his eyes. He was so handsome, a mix of confidence and doubt. He was himself the incarnation of Adonis. The greek god of desire and beauty.

“Hum… let me think about it… Nah, I am personally not attracted to mysterious people. You know what seduces me?” without realising it, you got lost in your own thoughts and you had no filter anymore “Intelligence is seductive. Kindness is seductive. When someone is really caring and tender, this is really attractive, at least to me. If the person has dimples, broad shoulders, a beautiful smile and thighs… omg, if he has muscular thighs I’m a lost case”

Namjoon, who’s brain usually malfunctions when you’re around, has now completely stopped functioning. He just stopped in his tracks staring at you, his eyes wide. Trying to process the words that just left your mouth. It can’t be true is it? It’s too good to be true is it? But he just heard them. Straight from you.

You stopped walking on the spot, realising what you just had said. Your eyes went wide and it seemed to Namjoon that the blood had left your face before that beautiful pink colored your cheeks once more.

“I mean… I…” You stuttered, which was unusual for you. A hint for Namjoon that your brain too, was malfunctioning. “I mean, dimples are universally attractive, right? We… Aren’t we all attracted to dimples? I mean… Oh well, I think I’ll just shut up now” you blushed. You were red from the top of your head to your toes.

“I’m pretty sure it’s just you, who found it attractive,” Namjoon teased you. He couldn’t help himself, he needed to make you laugh again. His heart was beating loudly inside his own chest and he could very well feel the blush creep up his own cheeks. But that’s a story for another time. For now he just wants to see you smile at the very least. But instead of a smile, you got shy and it melted his heart.

“Namjoon-ah… I was just…”

“Say no more, Y/N, I just love teasing you”

“Yeah, it’s better if I just stop talking” you sheepishly smiled at him “The good thing is, you will pay for my ice cream today so I’m gonna take the bigger portion I ever had”

“You can buy the entire shop and I still won’t mind paying for that” Namjoon grinned.

Your heart was beating so fast and you felt so light. You never felt like this before near anybody else other than Namjoon, even back in uni. Was he flirting with you? Were you flirting with him? What was happening? How’s this even possible? Not even half an hour ago, you were alone, reading against a tree. Now you are with the most handsome and interesting man that you ever met and both of you seem to be fond of each other, at least you hope you were not imagining this.

You were probably standing there staring at him, the familiar blush dusted on your cheeks that your mind didn’t get enough time to process it when Namjoon took your hand in his, like it’s no big deal. Like it’s something of a usual occurrence to him, to you. And when you finally came to your senses, you couldn’t help but feel his hand. His soft but tough skin, his long fingers and the way they intertwined and laced around your own. The warmth of his grip, the tingling sensation that every point of contact sent through your skin. You were no longer sure of what’s reality or what’s an illusion.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect for Namjoon. This morning, he wouldn't have imagined it would turn out so beautifully. Walking hand in hand with the person he held a crush for over the longest period of time. If anyone would ever tell his university self that he would be walking with you while holding hands, he would have probably laughed at that person. But life does have weird ways of coming in a full circle. And here he was. The anxiety of being away from his kids was long gone. He did think of them, of course. But he was in such a peaceful and happy place, he didn’t have time to be overwhelmed.

You walked around for a while like that. Stopping for your ice cream once and then making a few more stops as you both tried some street food here and there. And between all this, the walking, the eating, the picking out food stalls, you both couldn’t stop talking to each other, couldn’t stop the bickering. It was a while since any of you had so much fun. Been a while since you both felt so light and bubbly. Particularly with another human being, an adult specifically. Nothing about today was planned beforehand but the day was nevertheless full of remarkable moments. Small moments that you never want to forget.

****************************

“So this is it then,” Namjoon’s words jolted you out of your thoughts. Surely enough, you could see your apartment come into view from a distance. The day surely flew by. And probably for the first time, you were disappointed by the thought of having to return home yet. Beside you, Namjoon didn’t seem to let your hand go either. His grip on your hand was as tight as it was when he first held it.

A little sad that you will soon have to go separate ways with Namjoon, you looked at him. His features were half hidden by the darkness that already fell on the city. Sensing your gaze on him, he looked back at you with a tender smile on his face.

“What are you thinking of Namjoon?” You asked, an equally tender smile on your face.

“Thinking?” Namjoon asked, “Nothing really. Why?”

“You had such a soft smile on your face,” You shrugged, “So wondered what got you smiling like that.”

“Ah, that’s because I had a good day today. I’m happy I got to spend all this time with you.”

You probably weren’t expecting this answer from him, so it was a bit surprising and also made your heart flutter thinking about how you were the cause of that smile. He, too, made you happy today. Very happy.

Guided by the desire to stay with Namjoon a little bit longer, you let your hand secure in his and with the other one, you gently laid your fingers on his forearm as you continued walking. It was not something that you planned to do, you just felt the need to hold onto him. He didn’t react to this but his already wide smile grew wider, if it’s something that’s even possible.

“We’ve arrived” you stopped in front of your apartment building “I live here”.

Namjoon didn’t say anything but stared at your doorstep, lost in a daze. It seems that it still didn’t fully dawn upon him that it’s already the end of your day together. And when he didn’t say anything else for a while longer you just gave him a small nudge waking him up from his reverie.

“This is so funny,” He remarked, “I walk in front of your home almost every single day when I go to work, yet I never imagined you lived here. Life is full of surprises”.

“Oh yeah?” You giggled.

You both just look at each other, a little awkward, a little shy, unsure of what you had to say. Of what both of you wanted to say. You both knew that the time you spent together today was a million times different than how you spent it before. You can’t really pinpoint what changed or what pushed for this change. But whatever it was, it was good. It was more than just good. It was perfect.

“So….”

“So…”

“You live here…” Namjoon bashfully said and mentally slapped himself almost instantly. Wasn’t it obvious? You had just said you live there. Jin will laugh at him until the next century when he gets to know this.

As he was scolding himself internally, he didn’t notice you tiptoe in front of him. It’s your hands taking a hold on his chest that made him realise that something was happening.

“Oh” was the only thing he thought of saying when he felt your warm lips against his cheek. Less than a second after, he could see your beautiful smile. You seemed to be way more at ease than he was. On an honest note, you weren’t sure what prompted you to do that. But looking at him, it only felt right to peck his cheek in a kiss.

“You’re so cute when you’re mad at yourself Namjoon-ah! You’re the cutest!” you tittered, your eyes bright. Namjoon swore, if he stared any longer he would be able to trace galaxies in them.

And as for you, saying Namjoon was cute was an understatement. You knew he was just as nervous as you. Nervous, happy, excited, overwhelmed and so many other things. It’s like waves crashing on top of each other. Restless, yet everything seemed like it was falling into place.

Under the pale moonlight, you gazed at Namjoon’s face. In contrast to the softness he radiates, his face was full of sharp angles and beautiful lines. He was looking at you with something akin to tenderness in his eyes, his coffee brown eyes, fixated on yours, his brown hair falling over his face. You were tempted to reach out and brush it away. But you couldn’t do anything but standstill and continue to gaze back into his eyes. And deep inside you, a fire burned and crackled.

When you felt him closing the distance between you, you instinctively closed your eyes and clutched at his shirt with your trembling hands. He was so close, you could feel his warmth enveloping you like a comfortable blanket. And with each passing moment, the fire inside you burned brighter. Stomach tangling, ribs crackling, butterflies scattering everywhere.

And just as Namjoon’s gaze dropped down to your mouth, he snaked an arm around your waist and pulled you in, your lips tarried at his, baiting each other with the warmth of your breath. And just as his lips gently leaned on yours, a sound to your side broke the charm.

“Hum hum” the old man living in your block cleared his throat. Still not completely coming to your senses, both Namjoon and you sprang apart, half shy, half embarrassed. You then moved on your left, giving the space that the intruder needed to pass by and enter the building.

This is when you noticed Namjoon’s finger, grazing his red and luscious lips at the exact place where he felt you. He seemed as shy and shocked as you were.

“I… This is like an old dream coming true” Namjoon admitted, flustered.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know if I can say it”

“...” you stared at him.

“It’s nothing bad, you know?” he moved from a foot to another, seemingly shy and nervous.

“Then, why don’t you tell me” you had no idea what he was gonna say. All you could think about was the sudden sensation of cold you felt when you had to move back from him. It seems like you belonged in his arms and you wished you could just snuggle up against him as soon as possible.

And the next words that slipped past his lips was probably something you never imagined yourself or ever pictured happening.

“I used to have a huge crush on you while we were at uni,” He said, softly giggling, “I can’t believe I’m admitting that to you years later.”

Surprised, it was not something you expected him to have said, you stared at him blank, your eyes wide open. But then again, there was also no denying the sparks that flew between you back then. All this while, you thought it was only you. But, now you know, he was feeling something similar too. In a way, it was sort of comforting to know that.

When you noticed that his features changed, you realised he might have confused your reaction to rejection. Indeed, when he started to talk, he seemed to have regretted the confession. You didn’t want him to feel that way so you moved towards him and engulfed yourself in his arms.

“Woah Namjoon-ah! I didn’t know at all…” You said, at a loss for words. Equal parts embarrassed, equal parts happy. But at the same time you couldn’t help squeeze his frame between your arms. And in your grip, Namjoon stood still, probably too shocked or surprised for his own good. His heart at that point was slippery and hot and loud. So, so loud.

You both stood still like that for a few moments. It was too surreal, it was like falling off a cliff at a high velocity, unaware of your surroundings, yet still somehow suspended within the moment. And after what felt like ages, you turned your head to face him. When you looked at his gentle features peering at you, you knew what you felt in your heart. You were sure. But wanting to confirm if Namjoon was feeling the same, you ask -

“What about now Namjoon? How do you feel about me now?” you asked, your voice barely a whisper.

Namjoon thought it was too good to be true, that the moment was too magical, too perfect. He must have been dreaming and yet here he was. With you in his arms, worried about what he might think, he thought that life offered him the most beautiful gift in a long time. He smiled right back at you as he looked straight into your eyes before he tighter his arms around you. One hand at the nape of your neck, he brought you closer to his chest and kept you there for a long moment, both savoring the sensation.

“Now? Let’s see… It’s beyond just a crush. I feel like… we belong? Isn't it strange?”

“No Namjoon, it’s not strange. I feel the same” you told him, your nose against his shirt, breathing in his familiar scent.

And with that Namjoon giggled in your hold.

“How do you feel about a date next weekend then?” He asked as his fingers delicately carded through your hair.

“Let me see” you said, thinking “I found it’s a very long time to wait! I already cannot wait to be with you… What to do?” you teased “If we talk on the phone meanwhile, maybe I can wait until next week-end” you smiled at him.

“Aaaaw! Of course we can talk,” Namjoon laughed, “I recognise you there. You didn’t change a bit!”

“But it’s how you like me, right?”

“Right!” He smiled and took your hands in his “I also can’t wait to be with you again”

The journey was coming to an end, sadly. You moved back from his arms, tiptoed to kiss his cheek one last time and lingered against him a bit longer than necessary.

“Stay safe Namjoon”

“Yes, you too”

“Sure Namjoon,” you giggled, “I’ll try not to get robbed on the way to my doorstep.”

Namjoon busted a laugh at that.

“Anyway, see you soon.”

“See you soon.”

When you entered your apartment, you couldn’t believe what just happened. Sliding against the door, you sat down on the floor and held your knees against your heart in an attempt to keep it in your chest.

Not even 15 minutes later, still in the same position, you received a text message.

“Kind of think that next weekend is way too far… you were right missy <3”

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